The 2008 Convention and AGM in Fort Myers, Florida was lots of fun for the 130-plus members and guests in mid-April. Though a bit cooler there at first than many had expected, it warmed nicely in time for the sunset dinner cruise and the friendly outdoor patio cocktail party before the banquet. All of the Southwest Florida Chapter organizing committee and helpers from Clipped Wings did a great job of getting everyone registered and on their way to tours and the hospitality suite. Our thanks to Vicki White, Betty Smith, Kathy McMichael, Tom Vourlos, and Chapter President Dale Davis for their work and tireless determination to make everything go so well.

Members attending the Annual General Meeting voted to again elect the same team of officers to help keep your Seniors Club going. We thank everyone for their kind support and confidence, and pledge to do our best to keep the TWA family spirit alive and thriving.

It was announced that plans for the 2009 Convention-AGM are already made, and it will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Diego on April 15-17. The hosting committee of the San Diego Chapter did a great deal of work to locate a suitable spot.

As you may know, that city is a prime area for conventions, with its beautiful waterfront, old­town section, and superb weather, so their job was not simple. Many quality hotels are really high priced, or already booked up long in advance for desirable dates. Mark these important days on your 2009 calendar!

On another subject, quite a few of our members have joined the Airline Retirees Pass Bureau (ARPB) since it was announced in the Skyliner last year. It gives added ways to travel on airlines not associated with American’s pass policies for most retirees and also allows benefits for ex-TWAers who did not receive any pass privileges at all. The office of the ARPB has moved recently, their new address is: 1450 Lincoln Road-Suite 909, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. Also be sure to check their website Click Here for updates of newly added or deleted airline information.

Bill Cottrell...