IF YOU HAVE NOT SIGNED UP WITH THE NEW ATTORNEYS, YOU MUST CONTACT THEM.  HERE IS THE INFO:
CONTACT INFO FOR OUR ATTORNEYS:

IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY DONE SO, YOU MUST CONTACT OUR NEW ATTORNEYS:

Holland & Knight
100 Norlh Tampa Street. Suite 4100  Tampa, FL 33602 | T 813 227.8500 
 F 813.?29.0134
Holland & Knight LLF 
 www.hklaw.com
Joseph H. Varner, lll
(813) 227'6703
joevarner@hklaw.com

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September 29,2011

Special Master Tom Thomas
417 House Office Building
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 323 99- I 300
Re ; Senate Bill 46 - Victims of Florida Reform School far Boys v. The Florida
Department of Juvenile Justice
DOAH Case No. 1l-4100CD

Dear Special Master Thomas:

This firm has been retained to serve as co-counsel for the claimants in the above referenced Claim against the State of Florida's Department of Juvenile Justice (the "Claim"), We currently represent more than 300 individuals (the "Victims") with respect to the Claim presented in Senate Biil 46 (the "Bill"), all of whom were Incarcerated by the State of Florida at the Florida Reform Schools for Boys during the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's and suffered atrocious abuse at the hands of this State's employees.

This letter responds to your communication dated September 9,2011. You, as Special Master, stated that the Victims' Claim is "not ripe for consideration" based upon an  Failure to exhaust "all available administrative and judicial remedies," as required by Rule 5.6(c) of the Florida House Of Representative ("House Rule 5.6(c)". You further demanded that the Victims show that the Bill is ripe for Consideration, or it will be placed in abeyance.

By way of brief background, a small number of the Victims, all of whom this firm now Represents, previously brought suit on behalf of themselves, and those similarly situated, against multiple state Agencies seeking to recover damages for the atrocities that each was subjected to while incarcerated at the Florida Reforrn Sshools for Boys. Not surprisingly, the case was disrnissed based upon the fact that the claims asserted Were barred by the applicable statute of limitations. See "Order Dismissing Plaintiffs' Amended Ccmplaint with Prejudice as to All Defendants," attached as "Exhibit A." It is undisputed that the same barrier to justice stands in the Way of each and every one of the more than 300 Yictims, if they were each to file suit in the appropriate Florida Circuit Court.

Because all of the Victims' claims against the State are clearly barred by the statute of Limitations, we respectfully disagree with ycur position regarding the Victims' failure to exhaust all available Administrative and judicial remedies. As indicated in your letter and pursuant to House Rule 5.6 (c), in the absence of a written settlement agreement a claim bill will be held in abeyance until the exhaustion of administrative and judicial Remedies. This exhaustion ,requirement, however, appears in a variety of administrative and judicial settings and is Often subject to what is known as a "futility exception." Many jurisdictions-including Florida courts will not require a Party to undertake the futile gesture of pursuing relief that is clearly unavailable. See e.g" Lost Tree Yill. Corp. V. City Of Vero Beach,838 So. 2d'561,571 (Fla.4th DCA 2002) (acknowledging the futility exception to the ripeness
Requirement in the context of judicial review of a taking claim); S Florida Blood Bank, Inc. V. Futch,764 So' 2d 724,
726 6tu. +ttr DCA 2000) (citing to McGraw v. Prudential Ins. Co af Am", 137 F.3d 1253, 1264 {10th Cir. 1988) for the
Proposition that the furility exception is limited to situations in which resort to an administrative remedy would be "clearly useless"); McKee v. City of Tallahassee,664 So. 2d 131,334 (Fla. Lst DCA 1995) (rejecting a futility argument Because a party had not submitted a meaningful application for a variance); Tinnerman v. Palm Beach County,641 So' 2d 523, 526 (Fla. 4th DCA 1994) (holding that tutility could be established by submitting one meaningful Application to a zoning board, after which futher attempts could be deemed futile); Lambert v. Blackwell,l34 F.3d 506, 518 (3rd Cir. 1997) (observing that futility can exist where exhaustion of judicial remedies is impossible because of a Procedural bar "such as a statute of limitations"); Henry v. Horn,218 F. Supp, 2d 671,682,692-693 (E.D. Pa. 2002) (reviewing a habeas petition requiring a petitioner to exhaust all available remedies in state court and. Holding that The futility exception applied in this case because the applicable statute of limitations barred the petitioner's state Court remedy).

Based upon the outcome of the lawsuit described above, and the legal authority Referenced in this letter, any future attempt by any of the Victims to obtain judicial or Administrative relief in this matter would be utterly futile. Furthermore although this firm and the Victims greatly respect the procedures established by the House of Representatives in accordance with article III, Section 4 of Florida's Constitution, to file more than 300 individual actions against the State solely to have them dismissed would be a drastically inefficient use of the State's funds and would needlessly consume the precious and limited resources of our judiciary. In addition, to require that these claims be prosecuted would undermine the bar's ethical responsibility to abstain from filing frivolous actions, knowing that they are barred by the statute of limitations.

We firmly believe that the wasted flrnds expended by the State to dispose of any additional cases should be put to a much better use compensating the Victims who suffered untold pain and suffering during (and since) their incarceration by the State. In light of the Victims' distaste for such a wasteful and unnecessary course of action, we respectfully request that you reconsider your determination that the Clairn is not ripe or, in the alternative, recommend a waiver of House Rule 5.6{c) based upon the principles of futility, common sense, efficiency, and practicality.

If you still deem it necessary for the Victims to take the above-described course of action in order to ripen their claims for consideration by the House of Representatives, please so notify us in writing by October 7, 2011. In addition, if we are incorrect in our understanding regarding your opinion as to the reason the Victims have failed to exhaust all available administrative and judicial remedies, please inform us and clarify your reasoning for this failure by the same date, so that the Victims may proceed accordingly. We look fcrward to your response.

Sincerely,
Holland & Knight LLP
Joseph H. Varner, 111

Enclosure
cc: Thomas D. Masterssn, Esquire
Gregory J. Hoag, Esquire
Mark Buell, Esquire
James D. Beach, Esquire
Bradford D. Kirnbro, Esquire

There are TWO Important items below, with the most recent one first.  PLEASE read them both!

Info on 2012 Claims Bill (Submitted by B. Middleton)
Subject: FSB Senate Bill (Second Edition for 2012)

This morning I received a copy of the "New" Claims Bill from Greg Hoag, one of our attorneys with Masterson Law Group. The second addition of the Claims Bill was submitted by Senator Mike Fasano for consideration with the Florida Legislature during the next session in Tallahassee. I believe every effort should be made to contact our Florida Representatives and request they support this Bill. Additionally, all WHB's and family members should make a concerted effort to write or call Senators Fasano's office and express their sincere gratitude for his efforts with supporting us. Senator Fasano is one of the "Good Guys" in Tallahassee and is fully behind us and truly believes we are due compensation for the abuse we suffered at Marianna and Okeechobee.
Bryant E. Middleton

To View the 2012 Claims Bill in PDF Form, click HERE, or in WORD or OPEN OFFICE, NOTEPAD, ETC  click HERE The entire text is also in the right hand column of this page.

Webmaster's note:  Men, this is the time to contact Legislature and ask them to support the bill.  Senator Fasano's info follows:

Senator Fasano

#406 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Fl 32399-1100
850-487-5062

or

8217 Massachusetts Ave
New Port Richey, Fl 34653-3111
727-848-5885

The following is from Greg Masterson
 
Gentlemen:
I am writing to provide an update on the status of the claims bill and our efforts.  As many of you already know, our lobbyists recently elected to bow out and decided that they can no longer pursue the claims bill.  They strongly believed in the FSB bill, but indicated that the current state of our economy and state’s budgetary problems were major factors in their decision, which we also believe are very real concerns.  We have been told that there were NO personal injury claims bills that passed this last legislative session, despite a number of them that were filed.  Like ours, many were unfortunately never even considered.  Without the lobbyists involved, we realized that we as your legal team faced an uphill battle if we decided to continue pursuing the claims bill since we have no experience lobbying in Tallahassee.  We have previously tried to hire other lobbyists without any success, so it was decided that we would contact the Holland & Knight (H&K) firm in Tampa, which is the firm that pursued the Rosewood claims bill.  H&K is a very large, highly regarded firm, and, since they were successful with getting the Rosewood claims bill passed, we know that they have experience with these types of claims bills.  We are very happy to report that H&K has decided to get involved with the FSB claims bill.  Our firm as well as the others will still stay involved with the bill, but H&K will serve as lead counsel.  The claims bill was recently re-filed again by Senator Fasano.  We are in the process of providing all client names & contact information to H&K.  We will have a mass mailing to all clients in the near future to advise them of this news & have everyone sign new fee contracts to include the H&K firm. 

Be advised that we still likely face a very difficult road ahead in terms of having the bill considered and passed, and it could very well take several years. However, we are very encouraged by H&K’s involvement, and look forward to working with their firm in pursuit of the bill.  We still have very strong feelings about the abuse and tragedy that went on at FSB, and remain vigilant in our pursuit of justice.

We will be in touch soon.
Kind regards,
Greg

 RE CLAIMS BILL! 


POSTED MARCH 9, 2011

The Claims Bill for Relief for Victims of Florida School for Boys was introduced into the Florida Senate on March 8th, according to the State of Florida's Government Website.  You can view the entire text of the bill HERE

If you are wondering what you can do to help get the Bill passed, here is a letter received from a White House Brother that encourages EACH AND EVERY WHB to help.

quote
Right now (March) we need to flood the Internet and media services with information about FSB. Our Claims Bill will be presented before the Florida Legislature this month and the more information they are bombarded with, the better our chance of approval.  If there were ever a time that we need to unite as a "Brotherhood" or WHB's it's now. Regardless of social standing, each WHB must step up and do his part. Every brother, spouse, family member needs to be on the phone and Internet making calls to newspapers and TV stations or making comments in letters to the Editor sections of their local newspaper about our cause. We must keep the attention focused on Marianna and Okeechobee and the only way to do that is call and write letters. Each and every WHB should write his state Senator and asked "What is your position on supporting the WHB's Claims Bill?".  You might even want to make it easier for them to review by sending them a copy of the Claims Bill. Click HERE to obtain a copy (Note to Bryant:  I'll add a link when I add the final draft to the site... its already on there, but links are so convenient, i think.). We are providing information on how to find your Senator below.  Please write, email or call and ask for their support. Ask everyone you know to do the same!  We need to fight for each and every WHB and future child in the Florida DJJ system.  -----Bryant Middleton 
unquote

Here are the names and addresses for Senators representing Florida:
   Nelson, Bill - (D - FL)  Class I 716 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-5274
To email and for other information on Bill Nelson, click HERE

    Rubio, Marco - (R - FL)  Class III B40A DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510 (202) 224-3041
To email and for other information on Marco Rubio, click HERE

If you (or your family or friends) wish to contact Senators outside the state of Florida,  you can click HERE to obtain their contact info.

For information from the State Of Florida Government Website regarding the Claims Bill, click HERE.   There is even a box at the top right hand corner you can click to "Track This Bill". 


Here is a Summary of the Claims Bill:
SB 44 - Relief/Victims Florida Reform School for Boys/DJJ CLAIMS/GENERAL BILL by Fasano Relief/Victims Florida Reform School for Boys/DJJ: Provides relief for victims who were abused while confined to the Florida Reform School for Boys located in Marianna and Okeechobee. Compensates them for injuries and damages sustained as a result of the abuses perpetrated by the personnel of the reform schools. Provides a limitation on the payment of fees and costs, etc. Effective Date: upon becoming a law\

2 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS - JAN. 2011
FOR ALL WHITE HOUSE BOYS - WHETHER YOU WERE ABUSED AT FLORIDA  SCHOOL FOR BOYS (F.S.B.) IN MARIANNA, a.k.a. DOZIER or F.I.S. (Florida Industrial School) or whether you were at OKEECHOBEE *PLEASE *IMMEDIATELY*
 READ THE FOLLOWING 2 ANNOUNCEMENTS 

ANNOUNCEMENT 1: (added on 1-18-2011)

White House Boys Documentary Film "Teaser".  
Below is the link to our 3 minute teaser on the White House Boys project. This is the first step in telling this very important story.  Please feel free also to comment at the site.

  Below is the link to our 3 minute teaser on the White House Boys project. This is the first step in telling this very important story.  Please feel free also to comment at the site.

This teaser is used for financing and to get the word out that we are going to tell this story -- a story the State of Florida would prefer not be told.

Send the link to everyone you know -  Here is the link to view the YouTube story:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cfdcGTWI_A  Mass market the link and put your comments in the COMMENTS BOX. 

Paul Hensler
Producer
Hensler Film LLC

Or you can click on the link below or cut and paste it into the white internet explorer address bar.
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cfdcGTWI_A


ANNOUNCEMENT 2:
Attorney, Greg Hoag,  made an announcement regarding information they need for the Claims Bill.  His letter follows immediately below.   If you have any questions, you can also contact Jerry Cooper at 239-542-3831

Quote

Gentlemen:

We have recently met with our lobbyists in Tallahassee, and are hoping to present the claims bill at a legislative committee hearing early this year.   In presenting our case to the legislature, we need your assistance.

Please see the list of questions below.  If you answer “YES” to ALL questions, please contact our office immediately for further discussion.

#1 – Have you ever received any counseling or treatment from either a psychologist, psychiatrist or licensed mental health counselor?

#2 – Did you discuss the abuse you experienced at FSB during the counseling or treatment?

#3 – Does the doctor or counselor believe the abuse caused mental health issues?

We thank you in advance, and look forward to hearing from you. 

Kind regards,
Greg

Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.
Masterson Law Group, P.A.
699 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

727-896-3641 -- 727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com

Unquote

1-9-11
URGENT LEGAL NEWS!  PLEASE READ!
FOR ALL WHITE HOUSE BOYS -
IF YOU WERE ABUSED AT FLORIDA  SCHOOL FOR BOYS IN MARIANNA, a.k.a. DOZIER or OKEECHOBEE *PLEASE READ THIS IMMEDIATELY* The letter from the attorney follows.  If you have any questions, you can also contact Jerry Cooper at 239-542-3831

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

10-12-10
Here is great info -- please read!

CLAIMS BILL FOR VICTIMS OF THE FLORIDA SCHOOL FOR BOYS

Location:Home >Session >Bills

October 08, 2010

Florida Senate - 2011 (NP) SB 44

By Senator Fasano

11-00028A-11 201144__

1 A bill to be entitled 2 An act for the relief of the victims who were abused 3 while confined to the Florida Reform School for Boys 4 located in Marianna and Okeechobee; providing an 5 appropriation to compensate them for injuries and 6 damages sustained as result of the abuses perpetrated 7 by the personnel of the reform schools; providing a 8 limitation on the payment of fees and costs; providing 9 an effective date. 10 11 WHEREAS, during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, certain minors 12 were sent to the Florida School for Boys located in Marianna and 13 Okeechobee, Florida, and 14 WHEREAS, some of the boys who were sent to those reform 15 schools were severely physically and psychologically abused by 16 the personnel operating the reform schools in Marianna and 17 Okeechobee, and 18 WHEREAS, some of the boys who were physically, 19 psychologically, and sexually abused had been sent to the reform 20 school for “crimes” such as being truant from elementary school, 21 for running away from abusive homes, for running away from 22 foster homes, for being “incorrigible” in an orphanage, for 23 jumping a fence at a city swimming pool, or for smoking, and 24 WHEREAS, many of the boys were not given a trial prior to 25 being sent by the state to the reform schools, and 26 WHEREAS, more than 300 former students of the reform 27 schools have come forward alleging abuses during the 1940s, 28 1950s, and 1960s, and 29 WHEREAS, many beatings were inflicted in a building known 30 as the “White House” at the reform school in Marianna, and 31 WHEREAS, the boys were forced to lie face down on a blood- 32 and urine-stained cot, were told to bite a pillow covered with 33 blood, vomit, and bodily fluids, and 34 WHEREAS, the boys were struck repeatedly (as many as 100 35 strikes) on their buttocks and legs with a leather razor strap 36 with a wooden handle, and 37 WHEREAS, such strikes were given with a full swing from 38 overhead, and 39 WHEREAS, such strikes were given with such force that the 40 strap frequently cut into the boys’ skin, causing bleeding and 41 bruising, and 42 WHEREAS, such strikes frequently caused portions of 43 clothing to become embedded into the skin, requiring pieces of 44 their cotton underwear be extracted from the boys’ flesh, and 45 WHEREAS, school employees imposing the whippings would turn 46 on a large industrial fan to muffle the screams of the boys 47 being beaten, and 48 WHEREAS, the personnel of the reform schools who 49 perpetrated such beatings would make monetary bets on which of 50 them could draw blood first from the boys, and 51 WHEREAS, some victims needed medical treatment following 52 the beatings, and were left with permanent scars, and 53 WHEREAS, some of the boys who were severely beaten were as 54 young as 10 years of age, and 55 WHEREAS, after being beaten, some boys were placed in 56 solitary confinement for as long as 30 days in an approximately 57 8-by-8-foot cell having no lights or windows, containing only a 58 bunk with a mattress and no sheets, and a bucket to be used as a 59 toilet, which was known as the “hole,” and 60 WHEREAS, the boys were segregated at the reform schools 61 into white and black areas, and 62 WHEREAS, both races were subjected to beatings, and 63 WHEREAS, some of the beatings were given as punishment for 64 “violations,” such as eating an extra pancake at breakfast, 65 eating blueberries while running an errand, wearing buttons with 66 the wrong insignia on the jacket, lying about using a curse 67 word, having a “bad attitude,” or smiling at the wrong time, and 68 WHEREAS, on one occasion, a boy was tied between two trees 69 while he was repeatedly kicked in the groin, and 70 WHEREAS, some of the boys were simply pulled out of their 71 beds in the middle of the night for beatings or for sexual 72 assaults, and 73 WHEREAS, some of the boys were raped and otherwise 74 physically and sexually assaulted, including being forced to 75 perform oral sex by the reform school personnel and by 76 supervisors and cottage “fathers,” and 77 WHEREAS, beatings in the Okeechobee facility included 78 strikes with leather straps that had quarters or dimes embedded 79 in the leather to provide extra weight, and assaults using 80 “probing rods” that were made of wood and used for punishment by 81 sodomizing the boys, and 82 WHEREAS, boys were asked sexually inappropriate questions 83 by a school psychologist purportedly hired to counsel the boys, 84 and 85 WHEREAS, boys were sexually assaulted by a “school 86 psychologist,” and 87 WHEREAS, boys were sexually abused by school guards in an 88 underground room called the “rape room,” and 89 WHEREAS, the boys were threatened with their lives by the 90 reform school personnel and told not to tell others of these 91 abuses, and 92 WHEREAS, one of the reform school administrators who is 93 alleged to have beaten many of the children admitted under oath 94 that boys were punished by taking them to the “White House,” 95 that the boy being punished was told to lie face down on a cot 96 in an otherwise empty room, that at times they would have two or 97 three boys from the kitchen hold down the boy being punished, 98 that he hit the boys with a thick leather razor strap with a 99 handle 8 to 10 times per infraction, that he at times witnessed 100 bruises on their buttocks afterward, that the director of the 101 school was always present during the “spankings,” that he 102 witnessed the director and another employee at times giving the 103 “spankings,” that boys could be given such punishment for 104 infractions such as smoking, talking about running away, or 105 having an “attitude problem,” and 106 WHEREAS, the national guidelines for training school and 107 juvenile agencies in the 1960s provided that corporal punishment 108 should not be tolerated in any form, including slapping, 109 spanking, paddling, belting, or any kind of abuse, and 110 WHEREAS, Arthur G. Dozier, a former school superintendent, 111 acknowledged the whippings in 1964 when Mr. Dozier stated to the 112 press that although he did not like the whippings, he would not 113 like to see the Legislature take away the right by completely 114 forbidding whipping, and 115 WHEREAS, the school in Marianna is currently named the 116 Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys, and 117 WHEREAS, the reform schools were severely underfunded 118 causing overcrowding, and, according to the national guidelines 119 of the time, Marianna housed more than five times the number of 120 children recommended for a state training school, and 121 WHEREAS, the underfunding also resulted in inadequate 122 supervision, and, according to the national guidelines of the 123 time, Marianna employed an insufficient number of caseworkers, 124 and 125 WHEREAS, according to the national guidelines of the time, 126 the Marianna school was understaffed in teachers, and 127 WHEREAS, according to the national guidelines of the time, 128 the Marianna school was understaffed in recreation workers, and 129 WHEREAS, according to the national guidelines of the time, 130 the Marianna school was understaffed in psychologists, and 131 WHEREAS, juvenile court judges who toured the school in 132 1969 stated that conditions were dismal, without adequate 133 facilities, without adequate staffing, and sexual perversion was 134 common, and 135 WHERREAS, one judge stated he felt like a rat for sending 136 boys to that place, that by sending boys to the training center 137 they were doing damage as far as sexual problems were concerned, 138 and that eventually he would like to see the place phased out, 139 and 140 WHEREAS, Governor Claude Kirk toured the school in 1968 and 141 stated “If one of your kids were kept in such circumstances, 142 you’d be up there with rifles,” and 143 WHEREAS, Dr. Eugene Byrd, a psychologist and former staff 144 employee, testified in 1958 before the United States Senate that 145 the conditions and beatings of the boys that he witnessed 146 amounted to “brutality,” and 147 WHEREAS, a pattern of abuse at the reform schools has 148 existed for more than 100 years: in 1903, investigators found 149 children in shackles; in 1911, a report of a special joint 150 committee on the reform school stated that the inmates were at 151 times unnecessarily and brutally punished, the instrument of 152 punishment being a leather strap fastened to a wooden handle; 153 and in 1914, at least 10 children died in a fire in the main 154 building of the Marianna reform school, where it was reported 155 that all fire-escape doors were locked, and 156 WHEREAS, similar abuses occurred at the reform schools 157 located in Marianna and Okeechobee and were considered standard, 158 accepted practice and procedure for administering discipline at 159 the schools, and 160 WHEREAS, these children suffered severe physical and 161 psychological damages that have endured throughout their adult 162 lives, causing damages, including, but not limited to: severe 163 depression; post-traumatic stress disorder; persistent insomnia, 164 including an inability to sleep in the dark for many years; 165 substance abuse; phantom pain; and relationship and economic 166 hardships, including, but not limited to, an inability to 167 maintain personal relationships, causing multiple failed and 168 broken marriages and families, violence, prison time, suicide, 169 lack of trust, and an inability to maintain employment, NOW, 170 THEREFORE, 171 172 Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 173 174 Section 1. The sum of $...... is appropriated from the 175 General Revenue Fund to the Department of Juvenile Justice for 176 the relief of the victims who were abused while confined to the 177 Florida Reform School for Boys in Marianna and Okeechobee and 178 who sustained injuries and damages as a result of such abuses 179 perpetrated by the personnel of the reform schools. 180 Section 2. The Chief Financial Officer is directed to draw 181 a warrant in favor of the victims who were abused while confined 182 to the Florida Reform School for Boys in Marianna and Okeechobee 183 in the sum of $...... upon funds in the State Treasury, and the 184 Chief Financial Officer is directed to pay the same out of such 185 funds in the State Treasury. 186 Section 3. The Legislature is not deemed by this act to 187 have waived any defense of sovereign immunity or to have 188 increased the limits of liability on behalf of the state or any 189 person or entity subject to the provisions of s. 768.28, Florida 190 Statutes, or any other law. 191 Section 4. The amount awarded under this act is intended to 192 provide the sole compensation for all present and future claims 193 arising out of the factual situation described in this act which 194 resulted in injuries to the victims who were abused while 195 confined to the Florida Reform School for Boys in Marianna and 196 Okeechobee. The total amount paid for attorney’s fees, lobbying 197 fees, costs, and other similar expenses relating to this claim 198 may not exceed 25 percent of the amount awarded under this act. 199 Section 5. This act shall take effect upon becoming a law.

5-12-10
Hey guys, just got an email from the Attorneys.  If you didn't receive it via any of the email chains, give them a call or check their website by following the directions below to get filled in on what's new!

MASTERSON LAW GROUP PROVIDES A WAY FOR WHITE HOUSE BOYS' INVOLVED IN THE CLAIM TO CHECK FOR UPDATES ON-LINE.  Read On...
 
Folks,

At long last, the attorneys at Masterson Law Group have finally given us the internet access to updates on the White House Boys Claim, as they had promised  us late last year. In order to find the latest news concerning the lawsuit, please contact the Masterson Law Group to obtain a username and password. Tell them you are one of their White House Boys' Clients when you request the password. Here is their contact info:  
11-00028A-11 201144__Folks, At long last, the attorneys at Masterson Law Group have finally given us the internet access to updates on the White House Boys Claim, as they had promised  us late last year. In order to find the latest news concerning the lawsuit, please contact the Masterson Law Group to obtain a username and password. Tell them you are one of their White House Boys' Clients when you request the password. Here is their contact info:

Masterson Law Group, P.A.
699 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
(727) 896-3641

Thomas D. Masterson
TMasterson@Mastersonlaw.com

Gregory J. Hoag
mailto:ghoag@mastersonlaw.com+

Once you have obtained your username and password, then click on the following link:

http://www.masterson-law.com/clientarea/

Put in the username and password you were given, and you can view the latest updates on the case.

Sorry this has taken so long, but the law firm's webmaster worked diligently for us, until completion, in order to fulfil the promise they made us late last year -- to grant us internet access to the latest infomation regarding the case.

UPDATES FROM MASTERSON GROUP

(These are the most recent.  We will be adding older updates as time allows)

March 11, 2010
Attached is a copy of FDLE’s investigative report.  We will be discussing this with our lobbyists & the legislators.  Please feel free to pass along to other clients, and post on your respective websites.  Click HERE to view the complete FDLE report.

March 10, 2010
Gentlemen:   Attached is the Order of Dismissal.  This will be added to our firm website’s case status update page, which is current.  Again, please pass this along to other clients, and feel free to post on your respective websites.   
Thank you,    
Greg

Click HERE to read the letter.

IMPORTANT:  You need Adobe to open this file.  If you don't already have it on your computer, you can download it HERE for free. (Be sure to uncheck the box that gives you Free McAfee scanner unless you are sure you want that program as well).  The Adobe Reader program enables you to open any files that are in a ".pdf" format. 

NEWS ABOUT CLAIMS BILL - POSTED 1-25-12
I spoke to Gregory Hoag yesterday and was told that Senator Fasano is attempting to have the claims bill heard during the session that is now going on. There is still 6-7 weeks left on this session, and we can only hope that he will be jubilant in doing so. Jerry Cooper President "The Official White House Boys Organization"

1-25-12 SEE ALSO A SERIES OF EMAILS TO/FROM GREG HOAG AT MASTERSON LAW, JERRY COOPER AND ALSO THE NEW LAW FIRM HOLLAND AND KNIGHT WITH INFO PERTAINING TO THE CLAIMS BILL (Note: The emails are in the order of most recent first, and oldest email last)

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: Claims Bill
Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:00:09 -0500
From: Gregory Hoag <ghoag@mastersonlaw.com>

Men:  Please see below. I would urge you & the others to contact Senator Fasano at 850-487-5062 and fasano.mike.web@flsenate.gov.  Everyone needs to first THANK HIM for his support & sponsorship of bill, and then encourage that he try to move the Senate Special Master off his position of having the bill abate, so it can be considered this session. 

Please spread the word & keep up the fight!

Thanks!

Greg
Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.
Masterson Law Group, P.A.

-----Original Message-----
From: brad.kimbro@hklaw.com [mailto:brad.kimbro@hklaw.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 12:09 PM
To: ghoag@mastersonlaw.com; joe.varner@hklaw.com; Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com; bob.martinez@hklaw.com
Cc: tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com; Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: Claims Bill

Greg - Senate Bill (SB) 46 is before the Special Master on Claims Bills.  Based on the letters we've received from the Special Master, it might be helpful to have folks call Senator Fasano's office.  Their calls should be to support the Senator's efforts but also encourage him to move the Special Master off the current position ultimately allowing the measure to be considered.

Any follow up from Ben Montgomery?

Bradford D. Kimbro | Holland & Knight
Executive Partner - Tampa Bay


-----Original Message-----
From: Gregory Hoag [mailto:ghoag@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 2:28 PM
To: Kimbro, Bradford D; Varner, Joseph H; Eikenberg, Eric J; Martinez, Bob
Cc: tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com; Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: FW: Claims Bill

Gentlemen:

Please see below, and let me know if there is any news to report to clients on claims bill status.
Thanks,

Greg
Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.
Masterson Law Group, P.A.

-----Original Message-----
From: jerry [mailto:samohi@comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 12:50 PM
To: Gregory Hoag; Tom Masterson
Subject: Claims Bill

Greg, Can you give me something to post on web on what is going on at this time on Bill?? I am being swamped with guy"s calls!!!

----------------------------------------------------

NEWS FROM THE ATTORNEYS - POSTED 1-13-12

Men:  The attached is recent email correspondence regarding the claims bill, and the 2nd attachment in particular explains our position in great detail.  I would encourage you to contact your local media outlets, and explain the state’s irrational position (as mentioned in the letter & in my earlier email message).  We need to expose their position in hopes of putting pressure on the legislators to consider the bill during this session.  I appreciate your help.  Keep the faith! Regards, Greg  Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.
Masterson Law Group, P.A.
699 First Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-896-3641(phone)     727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com  
From: Gregory Hoag 

These emails are between Greg Hoag of Masterson Law and Eric Eikenberg of Holland & Knight:


Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence

Eric – Thanks for offering to reach out to Sen. Fasano.  So it’s easier to forward on, the relevant info is below & attached. 

http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/spl/documents/dozier_findltr_12-1-11.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfZ0spp66WU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTf6_75GlLo

Thanks,
Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.
Masterson Law Group, P.A.

Subject: Re: FL Senate Correspondence
I think that we should proceed. If Eric knows Senator Fasano on a personal basis, it would probably be best to have a familiar face make contact.

From Eric to Greg: Re: FL Senate Correspondence
I'll defer. Happy to reach out to Fasano.

From: Gregory Hoag 
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 06:00 PM
To: Varner, Joseph and Eric

RE: FL Senate Correspondence
 
Should we place a call to his office & then follow w/ the email of letters/links to Fasano?  I’ll be happy to send, unless someone else planned to initiate the contact.  Just let me know. 
Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.Masterson Law Group, P.A.

From Joe Varner, HK Law
To: Greg Hoag, Tom Masterson, etc.

Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence
 
I agree.
Joseph H. Varner, III | Holland & Knight
Partner | Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
100 North Tampa Street, Suite 4100 | Tampa FL 33602
Phone 813.227.6703 | Fax 813.229.0134

Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 5:51 PM
To: Gregory Hoag; 'Tom Masterson'; Varner, Joseph H (TPA - X36703); Martinez, Bob (TPA - X36308); Eikenberg, Eric J (TAL - X35623); Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence Agreed.  Unless someone has a concern, I say we go ahead and send this info to Fasano as suggested. Bradford D Kimbro | Holland & Knight
Executive Partner - Tampa Bay
100 North Tampa Street, Suite 4100 | Tampa FL 33602
Phone 813.227.6660 | Fax 813.229.0134
brad.kimbro@hklaw.com | www.hklaw.com ________________________________________________Add to address book | View professional biography From: Gregory Hoag [mailto:ghoag@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2011 10:39 AM
To: 'Tom Masterson'; Kimbro, Bradford D (TPA - X36660); Varner, Joseph H (TPA - X36703); Martinez, Bob (TPA - X36308); Eikenberg, Eric J (TAL - X35623); Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence You’re right.  That’s why I said I think we’re free to contact Fasano & others.  We might want to consider sending the SP Times article to Fasano along with the video clips below.  Pretty good coverage.  Take a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfZ0spp66WU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTf6_75GlLo  Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.Masterson Law Group, P.A.699 First Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-896-3641727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com    From: Tom Masterson [mailto:tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2011 10:22 AM
To: 'Gregory Hoag'; brad.kimbro@hklaw.com; joe.varner@hklaw.com; bob.martinez@hklaw.com; Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com; Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence Gentlemen: The final paragraph of the Order of Abeyance says that the abeyance may be waived by the Senate. We need to find out how to accomplish that. In addition, the initial letter from the Special Master says that ex parte communication with the Special Master is prohibited. I do not see anything about communication with the senators. Did I miss something? Tom From: Gregory Hoag [mailto:ghoag@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2011 10:05 AM
To: brad.kimbro@hklaw.com; joe.varner@hklaw.com; bob.martinez@hklaw.com; Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com; tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com; Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence Attached is the correspondence with Senate Special Master re: SB 46.  Of note, the last paragraph of the 1st attached letter says “ex-parte communication with the senate special master is prohibited.”We should be permitted to contact Sen. Fasano and other Senate members directly, but let us know what the research reveals & how you want to going about contacting Fasano.    Thanks,   Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.Masterson Law Group, P.A.699 First Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-896-3641727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com  

****IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THE IRS, WE INFORM YOU THAT ANY TAX ADVICE CONTAINED IN THIS COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ANY ATTACHMENTS) IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN BY HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF (I) AVOIDING TAX-RELATED PENALTIES UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, OR (II) PROMOTING, MARKETING, OR RECOMMENDING TO ANOTHER PARTY ANY TAX-RELATED MATTER HEREIN.****

NOTE: This e-mail is from a law firm, Holland & Knight LLP (“H&K”), and is intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you believe you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately, delete the e-mail from your computer and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. If you are not an existing client of H&K, do not construe anything in this e-mail to make you a client unless it contains a specific statement to that effect and do not disclose anything to H&K in reply that you expect it to hold in confidence. If you properly received this e-mail as a client, co-counsel or retained expert of H&K, you should maintain its contents in confidence in order to preserve the attorney-client or work product privilege that may be available to protect confidentiality.

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YouTube - Videos from this email Reply Reply to all Forward

Charles Fudge
11:12 AM (1 hour ago)
to jerry, babbscooper

please bear with me.. I'm cooking, putting songs on ipod, working with the pastor since he didn't know Junior, and had 20 people visit me unexpectedly last night.  Everything will calm down and I'll get to it. 

On Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 7:27 AM, babbscooper@comcast.net <babbscooper@comcast.net> wrote:
POST PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     -------Original Message------- From: jerryDate: 1/11/2012 7:42:02 PMTo: Alan Sexton;  apueljr@cox.net;  babbs;  Ben Elder;  Bill Haynes;  DickColon@aol.com;  Diane;  donald smith;  Earl Somnitz;  jdenykke@yahoo.com;  Larry Houston;  Mike Sapp;  RICHARD NOBLE;  RichardD1016@aol.com;  THE OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE BOYS;  Willie Robertsjr;  WOODS528@aol.com;  Charles Fudge;  fordsedan56@netzero.net;  joe middlebrooks;  Martha Somnitz;  Tanya Arja;  Tom L. HarmonSubject: Fwd: FW: FL Senate Correspondence

-------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: FL Senate Correspondence
Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:58:24 -0500
From: Gregory Hoag <ghoag@mastersonlaw.com>
To: <RANGER5988@aol.com>, "Roger Kiser Sr" <trampolineone@hotmail.com>, "Roger Kiser" <trampolineone@yahoo.com>, <rrstraley@hotmail.com>, "jerry" <samohi@comcast.net>, <DickColon@aol.com>

Men:  The attached is recent correspondence regarding the claims bill, and the 2nd attachment in particular explains our position in great detail.  I would encourage you to contact your local media outlets, and explain the state’s irrational position (as mentioned in the letter & in my earlier email message).  We need to expose their position in hopes of putting pressure on the legislators to consider the bill during this session.  I appreciate your help.  Keep the faith! Regards, Greg  Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.Masterson Law Group, P.A.699 First Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-896-3641727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com   From: Gregory Hoag [mailto:ghoag@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 10:24 AM
To: 'tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com'; 'Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com'; 'joe.varner@hklaw.com'; 'brad.kimbro@hklaw.com'; 'bob.martinez@hklaw.com'; 'Mark Buell'
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence Eric – Thanks for offering to reach out to Sen. Fasano.  So it’s easier to forward on, the relevant info is below & attached.   http://www.justice.gov/crt/about/spl/documents/dozier_findltr_12-1-11.pdf http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfZ0spp66WU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTf6_75GlLo Thanks, Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.Masterson Law Group, P.A.699 First Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-896-3641727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com   From: tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com [mailto:tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 8:48 PM
To: Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com; Greg Hoag; joe.varner@hklaw.com; brad.kimbro@hklaw.com; bob.martinez@hklaw.com; Mark Buell
Subject: Re: FL Senate Correspondence I think that we should proceed. If Eric knows Senator Fasano on a personal basis, it would probably be best to have a familiar face make contact. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

From: <Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com> Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:18:27 +0000To: <ghoag@mastersonlaw.com>; <joe.varner@hklaw.com>; <brad.kimbro@hklaw.com>; <tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com>; <bob.martinez@hklaw.com>; <Subject">Buell@belawtampa.com>Subject: Re: FL Senate Correspondence I'll defer. Happy to reach out to fasano.
--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld

 From: Gregory Hoag [mailto:ghoag@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 06:00 PM
To: Varner, Joseph H (TPA - X36703); Kimbro, Bradford D (TPA - X36660); tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com <tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com>; Martinez, Bob (TPA - X36308); Eikenberg, Eric J (TAL - X35623); Buell@belawtampa.com <Buell@belawtampa.com>
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence
 Should we place a call to his office & then follow w/ the email of letters/links to Fasano?  I’ll be happy to send, unless someone else planned to initiate the contact.  Just let me know.  Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.Masterson Law Group, P.A.699 First Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-896-3641727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com   From: joe.varner@hklaw.com [mailto:joe.varner@hklaw.com]
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 5:52 PM
To: brad.kimbro@hklaw.com; ghoag@mastersonlaw.com; tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com; bob.martinez@hklaw.com; Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com; Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence I agree. Joseph H. Varner, III | Holland & Knight
Partner | Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
100 North Tampa Street, Suite 4100 | Tampa FL 33602
Phone 813.227.6703 | Fax 813.229.0134
joe.varner@hklaw.com | www.hklaw.com ________________________________________________
Add to address book | View professional biography  From: Kimbro, Bradford D (TPA - X36660)
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 5:51 PM
To: Gregory Hoag; 'Tom Masterson'; Varner, Joseph H (TPA - X36703); Martinez, Bob (TPA - X36308); Eikenberg, Eric J (TAL - X35623); Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence Agreed.  Unless someone has a concern, I say we go ahead and send this info to Fasano as suggested. Bradford D Kimbro | Holland & Knight
Executive Partner - Tampa Bay
100 North Tampa Street, Suite 4100 | Tampa FL 33602
Phone 813.227.6660 | Fax 813.229.0134
brad.kimbro@hklaw.com | www.hklaw.com ________________________________________________Add to address book | View professional biography From: Gregory Hoag [mailto:ghoag@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2011 10:39 AM
To: 'Tom Masterson'; Kimbro, Bradford D (TPA - X36660); Varner, Joseph H (TPA - X36703); Martinez, Bob (TPA - X36308); Eikenberg, Eric J (TAL - X35623); Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence You’re right.  That’s why I said I think we’re free to contact Fasano & others.  We might want to consider sending the SP Times article to Fasano along with the video clips below.  Pretty good coverage.  Take a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lfZ0spp66WU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTf6_75GlLo  Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.Masterson Law Group, P.A.699 First Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-896-3641727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com    From: Tom Masterson [mailto:tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2011 10:22 AM
To: 'Gregory Hoag'; brad.kimbro@hklaw.com; joe.varner@hklaw.com; bob.martinez@hklaw.com; Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com; Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence Gentlemen: The final paragraph of the Order of Abeyance says that the abeyance may be waived by the Senate. We need to find out how to accomplish that. In addition, the initial letter from the Special Master says that ex parte communication with the Special Master is prohibited. I do not see anything about communication with the senators. Did I miss something? Tom From: Gregory Hoag [mailto:ghoag@mastersonlaw.com]
Sent: Friday, December 09, 2011 10:05 AM
To: brad.kimbro@hklaw.com; joe.varner@hklaw.com; bob.martinez@hklaw.com; Eric.Eikenberg@hklaw.com; tmasterson@mastersonlaw.com; Buell@belawtampa.com
Subject: RE: FL Senate Correspondence Attached is the correspondence with Senate Special Master re: SB 46.  Of note, the last paragraph of the 1st attached letter says “ex-parte communication with the senate special master is prohibited.”We should be permitted to contact Sen. Fasano and other Senate members directly, but let us know what the research reveals & how you want to going about contacting Fasano.    Thanks,   Gregory J. Hoag, Esq.Masterson Law Group, P.A.699 First Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701727-896-3641727-895-3559 (fax)ghoag@mastersonlaw.com  

****IRS CIRCULAR 230 DISCLOSURE: TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THE IRS, WE INFORM YOU THAT ANY TAX ADVICE CONTAINED IN THIS COMMUNICATION (INCLUDING ANY ATTACHMENTS) IS NOT INTENDED OR WRITTEN BY HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP TO BE USED, AND CANNOT BE USED, FOR THE PURPOSE OF (I) AVOIDING TAX-RELATED PENALTIES UNDER THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE, OR (II) PROMOTING, MARKETING, OR RECOMMENDING TO ANOTHER PARTY ANY TAX-RELATED MATTER HEREIN.****

NOTE: This e-mail is from a law firm, Holland & Knight LLP (“H&K”), and is intended solely for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If you believe you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately, delete the e-mail from your computer and do not copy or disclose it to anyone else. If you are not an existing client of H&K, do not construe anything in this e-mail to make you a client unless it contains a specific statement to that effect and do not disclose anything to H&K in reply that you expect it to hold in confidence. If you properly received this e-mail as a client, co-counsel or retained expert of H&K, you should maintain its contents in confidence in order to preserve the attorney-client or work product privilege that may be available to protect confidentiality.

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AN IMPORTANT LETTER FROM DICK COLON, PRESIDENT


The Official White House Boys Organization
P. O. Box 152 · 1616-102 West Cape Coral Parkway
Cape Coral, FL 33914
www.theofficialwhitehouseboys.org


In this house, the State of Florida beat and scarred our bodies, wounded our souls, and dampened our spirits. But now… united…we rise up…and join together to ensure that this history is never, ever repeated!  

1 January 2012

To All White House Boys and their Families :

First I want to thank all of you who had the confidence to vote me back in as your President for a second term .

But, as you all know, my primary interest is in what is best for the entire group.... In 4 -5 years we were able to do what no one else could do in 105 years -- we closed them down. That will always be the most rewarding achievement I have ever participated in in my life -- to my grave with me it will go!

Having said that, after speaking with several members, I have made a decision to ask Jerry Cooper to step up and help me as Assistant President for various reasons. One is my health, and I'm 2000 miles away from everybody. More important than that is the fact that our effort has started moving at such a fast, even a bit complex pace, that I feel now what we need is someone on the front lines all of the time I have discussed this with the board and they were all 100%.

My reasons for this choice are many As our legal liaison, he is on top of everything everyday and has a great repoire with both law firms and he also has been asked to do (2) interviews, with others in the works. He lives in Florida, where access for him is much more accommodating than for me at 2000 miles away.

Since Jerry is retired, he like Roger Kiser, Robert Straley, and so many others, have devoted much of their time daily for our struggles. He, like some others, is constantly researching information, converses with other members daily, communicates with others -- especially our counsels.

Jerry, like many others, has been at every single reunion, picnic, award ceremony, and all of our donations to both Beacon house and the Eckerd Youth Camp -- as have many of you.

He has done numerous interviews just recently, and to the best of my knowledge, is well liked by all of us WHB's and their families. As your elected president, I feel we need someone with Jerry's knowledge, flexibility and, most of all his loyalty to the WHB's, in Florida, in a position to move forward in our best interest. I am giving Jerry full rein to act on my behalf and will be in constant contact with him. We have finally got the recognition We have so greatly fought for and deserve by keeping ourselves in the face of the public, which is extremely important at this critical time.

I want to thank every one for their faith and trust in me and the cirontinued help and cooperation in the future as we look forward to seeing each other at the next reunion. Though I don't think we'll all be whistling Dixie that soon.

Thank you, Cordially

President

Dick Colon