FPL welcomes two millionth customer Florida Power & Light added its two pany faces in meeting generation de­ welcoming the new family were FPL the nation,” McDonald said. “ In 1976 millionth customer when the Charles H. mands,” said FPL President Marshall Director M.P. Anthony, and Guerry we added 87,625 new customers. We Roberts family in Palm Beach County McDonald. “We had to start planning Stribling, President of Wellington. expect to connect nearly 100,000 new was connected for service on Novem­ and building to serve the Roberts fam­ McDonald noted that with the addi­ accounts by the end of this year.” ber 29. ily, and others like them, more than a tion of the Roberts’ to the Company’s In welcoming the Roberts,’ FPL’s two millionth customer came decade ago— long before they even lines, FPL becomes one of only four McDonald presented the family with a just 12 years after the Company knew they were coming to Florida” investor-owned electric utilities in the microwave oven — a gift from FPL reached theone-million-customer mark Chuck and Brenda Roberts, and nation having two million or more cus­ stockholders—to symbolize increasing in 1966. It took 41 years to gain the first their four-year-old daughter, Traci, tomers. FPL serves approximately 4.5 utility and customer efforts in energy million customers following FPL’s in­ moved from Kentucky to Wellington, a million people, or about half the state’s conservation. He also presented them corporation in 1925. community south of West Palm Beach. population. with a share of FPL common stock, “This milestone for FPL reflects Roberts is the merchandise manager “ Behind Pacific Gas and Electric symbolizing the close relationship and Florida’s continued rapid growth, and of a department store. Company in California, FPL is the sec­ interdependence of customers and underscores the challenge our Com­ Among those joining McDonald in ond fastest-growing electric utility in stockholders. □

How times have changed 1,000,000 2,000,000 customers customers 1966 1978 Nov.

3,716mw System Generating Capabilities 10,886mw 3,098m w System Peak 8,606m w 2.05 cents Cost Per Kilowatt Hour 4.1 cents 7,315kwh Average Annual Customer Usage 11,700kw h On November 29, 1978, FPL recorded its two millionth cus­ FPL’s one millionth customer was the Benjamin Drose family of 5,270kw h N ational A nnual Usage (1977) 8,400kw h Miami. Recorded in February 1966, the family was presented a 4,200 New Customers Per Month 8,300 tomer. The honor fell upon the Charles Roberts family of Wel­ color television by then FPL Executive Vice-President R.C. 5,373 Total Employees 9,700 lington, a community south of West Palm Beach. To commemo­ Fullerton (far right), and a key to the city by Metro Commis­ rate the event, FPL President Marshall McDonald (second from sioner Earl Starnes (next to Fullerton). Benjamin, his wife, Kay, right) presented the family with a microwave oven and one and their two sons Craig and Alex, still live in the home they share of FPL common stock. With McDonald was director M. P. bought new in 1966. “Ham" Anthony. SUNSHINE SERVICE Federal court orders Westinghouse to honor utility uranium contracts m m

In what has been called the largest furnish energy, not just uranium. Volume 39 Number 12 December, 1978 civil suit among private companies in “We don’t have a contract which the history of the U.S., a Federal Court says we will receive so many pounds of ruled last month that Westinghouse uranium for so many dollars like the Suggestion winners Electric Corp. was not excused from other utilities,” Davis said. honoring seven nuclear fuel contracts it FPL’s unique energy contract states Turning frustration into cash sought to cancel. that Westinghouse will supply energy FPL is one of the firms affected. to the nuclear-fueled units at Turkey Walton Service Center Assistant In September, 1975, Westinghouse Point and will be paid 1.7 mills for each T& D Supervisor, Donald W. McCand- sought to cancel performance on con­ kilowatt-hour of electricity generated less was frustrated because the boom tracts with 11 utilities in the U.S. and by this energy. The contract further on a 'pole cat couldn’t accommodate all three in Sweden due to radical states that Westinghouse will supply the wires of triangular construction at changes in prices in the uranium mar­ this energy for the first ten years of the same time his crew was trying to ket. The customers, including FPL, filed operation of the two units. Expiration replace a damaged pole. suit immediately demanding Westing­ for Turkey Point No. 3 would be 1982, Sanford Plant Machinist, John Riv­ house fully honor its contracts. and 1983 for No. 4. ers was tired of throwing away chemi­ Utilities fight cancellation Under the terms of the contract, cal pump check valves because small The customers, including FPL, filed Westinghouse supplied the uranium, scratches rendered them useless. suit immediately demanding Westing­ arranged for its enrichment, processed And Sarasota Meterman, Delbert D. W. McCandless house fully honor its contracts. the uranium into fuel cells and put them Walter didn’t like waiting two weeks The utilities currently affected by the into units at Turkey Point. Since the firm after each meter reading to find out if judges court’s decision are: FPL, Long stopped supplying uranium, FPL has something was wrong with the battery Island Lighting Co., Virginia Electric had to purchase uranium and send it to carry-over on magnetic tape recorders Power Co., Tennessee Valley Author­ the government for enrichment. The attached to meters. ity, Wisconsin Electric Power Co., uranium is then taken to Westinghouse What did they do about it? Northeast Utilities and South Carolina which processes it into fuel cells and They turned their frustrations into Electric and Gas. delivers it to Turkey Point. cash by submitting innovative ideas to Virginia District Court Judge Robert Lawyer’s seek compliance the FPL Employees’ Suggestion Plan. Merhige spent eight months hearing Davis said Westinghouse should McCandless, Rivers and Walter be­ evidence as to whether or not Westing­ have to comply fully with the original came the top three winners in the latest house was obligated to perform, and agreement. He added that the firm semi-annual meeting of the Sugges­ John E. Rivers another five months deliberating. should reimburse FPL for additional tion Committee. Out of 431 suggestions Hearing scheduled for May expenses incurred by supplying received between January and June of In October, Merhige ruled in favor of uranium for the units since Westing­ 1978,103 received $25 Basic Qualify­ the utilities on the issues of Westing- house discontinued its agreement. ing Awards. Of those, eight received house’s liabilities on the contracts. On It is expected Westinghouse will major awards totaling $100 or more. December 13th he scheduled the trial make an out-of-court settlement pro­ The top winner was McCandless on damages to begin May 15,1979. posal to FPL and the six other utilities who pocketed $325. Instead of seeking a cash award, before the second phase of the trial is McCandless’ crew attempted to FPL is arguing that its unique contract slated to begin. change a pole damaged as a result of a for energy should be honored by West­ In addition to the seven utilities car accident. The crew thought they’d inghouse as written. still involved in this case, four utilities try transferring the triangular wire con­ “Our contract can’t be treated the have already settled out of court. Six struction between the old and new pole same as the others,” says Alvin Davis, cases, involving the three U.S. com­ using the same hole. But the idea didn’t attorney for FPL. “ It is the only contract panies and three Swedish firms, re­ work because there was no way to hold Delbert Walter of its kind.” It requires Westinghouse main unresolved. Continued on page 4 “You Ask..."

Why does it take so long to get Why is Distribution Engineering through to Customer Service in our using “high priced” Engineers to District Offices? I was recently left write the Distribution Engineering ‘Why doesn’t FPL respond?’ holding the line “forever” following Reference Manual? a recording on three separate at­ General Office As an organization which serves millions of Floridians, the news media often tempts to Coral Gables Customer places FPL in the limelight. You have been misinformed about Service on a problem with a bill. I can Unfortunately, because we are a natural monopoly, we are vulnerable to criti­ the content of the Distribution En­ imagine what an outside customer cism, frequently receiving more than our fair share. Partly because our business would feel. After getting through, I gineering Reference Manual. It is not a procedure manual, it is a technical re­ is so complex, coverage often is distorted and error prone. This has led some have also been disconnected. Are employees to ask, “Why doesn't the Company respond to such coverage? Why ference manual. I am attaching an out­ we that shorthanded? don’t we correct newswriters?” line of the manual that will clarify its General Office The truth is, the Company does respond. Our representatives visit, telephone intent. Jose M Bestard, Director or write editors. But there is the rub. Newspapers, television and radio stations Your concern about this important Divisions Planning and Administration have no legal obligation to retract stories or use our replies. (SomeTVand radio responsibility of District Office Cus­ stations provide the opportunity to respond to editorials.) Even when an FPL tomer Service is one that is equally response or correction is used by the media, it does not command time or space shared by us. To help identify those A two-way power line carrier equal to the original item. areas requiring special attention, we communication system consisting The problem in correcting errors by the media was vividly demonstrated have recently completed a telephone of several major elements will be following a recent commentary by a Miami radio newsman. His commentary (see response survey. The results of this used for remotely controlling the accompanying story on this page) complained about FPL rates and profits. The survey is now being analyzed by a electric appliances in a Joint Load facts in the editorial were wrong. The Company quickly refuted the charges but, to telephone task force which will recom­ Management Project. Question: Why can’t the same this date, the station has not offered corrections, or attempted to present the facts. mend new methods to improve re­ two-way communication system be Does the Company work to see that media coverage is fair and accurate? Sure sponse time. adapted to reading electric meters? it does. But it’s sometimes tough being “heard.’’ It's even tougher, apparently, for Regarding your disconnection, there General Office some media to admit they make mistakes. are several reasons that may have ac­ counted for this. These reasons range It is true that the two-way power line from equipment malfunction to errone­ carrier system, which we are using in ous use of answering equipment by the Boca Raton Load Management telephone representatives. Since this The commentary said . . . project, can be used for remote reading affects the level of telephone customer of meters. We will, in fact, test this fea­ “It only hurts when I laugh.” ThatS Now, we are hearing our bills will service, the cause for disconnections ture during the period of the project, how I feel about the undercurrent of probably be significantly higher, be­ will also be studied by the task force. although the readings will not be used news these days about utility rates in cause a couple of the nuclear units F. R. Neal. Manager for billing purposes. We will get read­ our state. Remember when we all may be shut down for repairs. This, Customer Service-Divisions Commercial Operations ings through the computer every thirty raised cain and turned electricity off we are being told, will necessitate minutes on the total house load as well for a day last year? Remember why? FPL charging us more by way of fuel Since FPL has made a commit­ as the usage of the airconditioner and charges, to make up for increased ment to coal generation, I imagine water heater. We did it because FPL had been operating costs. No mention from people with coal experience will FPL has considered the methods granted a usurous rate Increase by the Company, of course, about the now be necessary. Will these people and advantages of remote meter read­ our Public Service Commission, and fantastic profits being realized from be hired from outside the Company ing for several years and have kept the increase came right on the heels the recent rate increase ...We had or will training programs be in­ abreast of the new developments in of the most profitable years In FPL's darned well better keep the Public itiated? General Office that area. Several manufacturers are history. In case you hadn’t noticed it, Service Commission elected, so we very active in the area now and equip­ FPL is making noises like iVs going have at least a modicum of recourse We are in the process of evaluating ment is becoming more reliable and Into our pockets again. Not at all in­ and control. Our message of last the experience level of FPL personnel less costly, but is not yet to the point that cidentally, most folks’ electric bills year is being ignored. And that's my in the area of the fossil fuel “coal.” we have considered using it system- have nearly doubled since last year. opinion.” Some key personnel may have to be obtained outside of the Company but it w ^ e - J. G. Spencer, Jr. Senior Vice-President is planned for a majority of the involved . . . Company’s reply personnel to be existing employees that will receive specialized training as Your recent commentary said the the “fantastic profits” being realized necessary. j c. Walden Strictly for Retirees rate increase granted last year by the from the rate increase of last year. Not Project General Manager PSC “came right on the heels of the so. We publicly issue a full financial re­ Effective with the pension check you will most profitable years in ... FPLs his­ port each quarter. All the numbers are How and/or where can I purchase be receiving on or before January 1, 1979. tory.” That's just flat-out wrong. In fact, readily available, and we have re­ Power Caps vitamins? I have not re­ FPL is changing its issuing agent from the the 12-month period before rate relief peatedly said our financial condition ceived mine in 8 months. Morgan Guaranty Trust Company to Wacho­ Turkey Point Plant via Bank & Trust Company. Wachovia has was granted in July of 77 was one of has been improving since rate relief been Master Trustee of the Pension Plan the worst years in FPL history. The was granted. Power Caps are purchased from a since February 1978. Company’s net income and rate of You claim electric rates are “unfair” wholesale drug supplier and are not As a convenience to those retirees who have been paying medical and/or Life Insur­ return sagged to such low levels the and too high.” Compared to what? available on a retail basis. They are financial integrity of the firm was in FPL compares favorably with charges ance premiums to FPL. those premiums will mailed by Building Services once every now be automatically deducted from their question. Even now, more than a year by other utilities, and stacks up twelve weeks. monthly pension checks. The Wachovia after new rates have been in effect, pretty well in terms of cost increases Since you have not received a sup­ monthly check will have a stub showing any generally. deductions by month. FPL's rate of return still is below that ply in eight months, have Computer Retirees will continue to receive pension authorized by the Public Service Sure, electric rates have gone up. Services check your employee ad­ Commission. Haven’t the costs of just about every­ checks at approximately the same time each dress file. Meanwhile, contact General month. Any questions on the procedure You also said that “ most folks’ elec­ thing increased? You don’t like it. We Office Building Services, ext. 3000, and change should be directed to P. J. Cook, Jr., tric bills have nearly doubled in a year,” don’t like it. Nobody seems to like it. But we ll send you a vial of Power Caps. Employee Benefits, P.O. Box 529100, Miami, It was a dramatic point, a broad pro­ it’s a hard fact. FPL is no more immune V R. Shuman Florida 33152 or call: (305) 552-3081. nouncement — and completely false. to the impact of inflation than any other Building Superintendent The typical 1,000 kilowatt-hour residen­ business or individual. tial bill for August of last year was Anyone who has bought groceries, a $42.51, excluding local taxes. The home, a car—or virtually any product or SUNSHINE SERVICE comparable bill for this year (October) service— has to be painfully aware of Limited Edition was $41.83 — actually lower than last the sharp increases in recent years. "When I was 17, it was a very good August. Just as a matter of curiosity, I asked our year..."' You mention our nuclear units only in advertising folks about changes in the So goes a song made famous by terms of prospective higher costs as a costs of radio spots at your station. Frank Sinatra. If you would like to result of repair work in the future. What They told me that a 60-second spot relive your earlier years with FPL or about the other side of that coin? The cost $12.00 in 1975, compared to see what the past was like, then let Published monthly for employees, retirees and their families. Editorial offices in FPL amount of fuel costs that have been $35.00 today. That’s almost a 200% in­ us know. There are a limited number G.O., Miami. Phone 305—552-3891. of bound Sunshine Service News’ Jack Francis saved on FPL customers’ bills through crease. Vice President Corporate Communications the use of nuclear energy is approach­ A person in your position, who has available for the asking. Mel Klein Supervisor Employee Information If any employee or retiree would ing $1 billion. Turkey Point’s nuclear access to the minds and emotions of so Jay Osborne...... editor units have been saving about $150 mil­ many members of the public every day, like to have their personal historic Derek Davis ...... associate editor lion per year. Indeed, the savings in fuel has a special responsibility to be fair copy(s) of any year from 1937 to the Janice C alvo...... clerical

costs at Turkey Point total almost three (I know that term is subjective, and present, please call or write Sun­ Members of Florida Magazine times the original cost to build the plant. depends on your angle of vision) — shine Service News in the General Association; South Florida Nuclear power actually saves several and, if not fair by all standards, at least Office at 552-3891 or P.O. Box Chapter International Association 529100 Miami, 33152. Supplies are of Business Communicators; dollars every month on the typical elec­ accurate. Florida Press Association. tric bill. That’s my opinion. I hope it’s also short, so order yours today. It’s a real An Equal Opportunity Employer '—M/F You say FPL makes no mention of yours. □ trip back into time. The McGuillicuddy story Learning to improve memory, How to win customers, increase reading skills influence politicians Read faster and comprehend more. valuable investment in their careers.” “ Before we’re through, there won’t a peninsula, and we have limited Those are the primary goals of a new Earlier this year, a test course was be an employee who doesn’t know the natural fuel resources. For the last 15 Reading, Listening and Memory Effec­ offered employees and their families in infamous Mr. McGuillicuddy.” years or so we have been serving the tiveness course, being made avail­ the General Office and Miami Division. So said Senior Vice President L.C. fastest or second fastest growing state able, at no charge in early January, to Response was overwhelming as more “Bud" Hunter, referring to a fictitious in the country, and we are having to FPL employees and their families. than 250 people enrolled. Mr. McGuillicuddy who has a chip on finance this growth with high-interest In addition, the program is designed Twenty-three instructors from his shoulder about FPL. To McGuil­ dollars. Despite all these adversities,” to aid employees in gaining a deeper around the system were recently licuddy, there isn’t a thing right with FPL Hunter said, “our rates remain among understanding of the issues affecting trained in Miami, to teach classes start­ and he lets us know it. the lowest in the state and lower than their jobs and FPL’s business. ing systemwide in January. How do you answer such an angry most major cities nationally. We should “We feel participants will be able to Notices announcing complete de­ customer? The McGuillicuddy training be very proud of that." more than double their reading speed, tails of the course and when enrollment program helps show you. How can FPL overcome its detrac­ once they complete this eight session will begin are expected to be distri­ Noted Hunter, “ For years our em­ tors? course," said Dale Durkee, manager of buted to all employees early in 1979. ployees have been receiving criticism "There are two things we must do," Organizational Development and Employees having any questions from the media, special interest stressed Hunter. “ First, point out to Training. “With the amount of reading about the program should contact their groups, politicians and the general pub­ friends and neighbors that FPL’s rates required today, this training can be a Division Personnel Managers or are not as high as many other utilities. lic. Much of that criticism is a result of significant help to our employees in the Renee Cobb in the General Office Per­ misinformation and misunderstanding “Second, we must give customers performance of their jobs and may be a sonnel Training Department. □ about our business. No matter how alternatives to high electric bills. We’ve hard the Company tries through formal got to show them they can cut their communications to change that, sur­ electric bills. That means a strong mar­ veys have shown that the most believ­ keting program like Watt-Wise Living,™ How teamwork helps able, effective spokesman for any and the majority of our public com­ business is an employee. The public munications programs geared towards new group gain ‘identity’ looks to us as ‘the experts’— we have stressing energy efficiency.” the facts.” To date, the McGuillicuddy course With FPL’s rapid expansion during Project Management, and help clear What are the facts? That’s the pur­ has been offered to more than 3,000 the past two decades, came a number the air of misunderstanding. “We pose of the McGuillicuddy program, in­ employees systemwide. By the pro­ of growing pains, including a variety of worked closely with Organization De­ stituted at FPL by Hunter. grams’ conclusion, at the end of April, new departments to handle the Com­ velopment and Training (OD&T), and It helps employees learn some an­ nearly 10,000 employees from every pany’s increasingly complex opera­ developed a one-day workshop ex­ swers to critics, how to obtain needed plant, service center and office will tions. plaining our functions and how they in­ information and notes the real causes have taken the course. One of those departments was Pro­ teracted with other departments." of price increases have been a mush­ “We can no longer afford to remain ject Management. To date, 16 departments which deal rooming bureaucracy, rising fuel costs silent on matters concerning our Com­ Notes Vice President Jim Dager, with Project Management have sent and inflation. pany,” said Hunter. “We’ve got to ag­ ‘‘When Project Management was representatives to the workshop. Re­ “ It’s a real challenge for FPL to meet gressively tell our story, point out the formed in 1973, its establishment and sults obtained from the initial classes its obligations to customers,” said facts, and win the public over to our assigned functions created a good deal indicate the program is a success. Hunter. “Our service area is situated on side. Indeed, our future is at stake.” □ of controversy. Many of the duties pre­ “We re getting the feedback we were viously handled by other departments looking for,” said Jack Helms, Super­ were given to this new department. visor of Operations and Control, “and Western Division tops This led to a number of misunderstand­ interest is high enough that we are ings and misconceptions about exactly conducting additional classes ex­ in Safety Poster contest what the duties of Project Management tending* into 1979.” were. It was a real identity crisis’.” Dale Durkee, Manager of OD&T The Western Division came out on Al Hagan J.T. Ritchie Too Many Conflicts said, “The problems resolved in this top in the Third Annual Safety Poster Sarasota S.C. Gulfstream S.C. Explained Jim Salapatas, Manager workshop, through educating affected Awards Program. Four entries from J.E. Handlon J.V. Rowell of Project Control Services, “As power departments, are most encouraging. Fort Myers Plant Fort Myers Plant that division placed among the con­ plant projects at FPL became larger By combining our resources we were tests’ 12 top winners. A. E. Odom Duke Scabarozi and more complex, especially the nu­ able to develop a tailor-made training Macclenny S.C. North Central Div. Ofc. The Punta Gorda Service Center clear ones, there was no clear delega­ course to suit a specific need. We are earned the distinction of being the only Linda Neese Susan Thomas tion of authority. Work schedules were fortunate to have the facilities and per­ Coral Gables Ofc. West Palm Beach Ofc. location ever to win two awards in the longer, budgets significantly larger and sonnel to handle such special training same year. This honor was enhanced R.C. Oldiges □ this cumbersome task became nearly program requests. These resources as the Grand Prize Winner was Ap­ Hollywood S.C. impossible to handle There were just are available to any manager who is prentice Lineman W. B. Martin from that too many conflicts going unresolved or looking to improve performance within service center. floating all the way up to senior execu­ the Company. Loaning our services to Martin’s poster concept centered on tive levels for answers.” other departments, is what we re here the potential hazards of padmount Continued Salapatas, “ Project Man­ for. We’re glad to be of service." □ transformers. As the top winner he re­ agement was created to control these ceived $100 in cash, a first aid kit, and a functions, to initiate and follow up on special certificate of award. Martin’s the planning, design, construction, poster will appear in Sunshine Service start-up and associated activities re­ News and on NEWSBOARDS next Planning your quired for the completion and commer­ month. cial operation of any new power gener­ Eleven other posters were selected holiday schedule ation facility.” for publication next year. These win­ As 1978 comes to a close, many of Workshop Explains Function ners each received a $25 cash award, us will want to plan our vacation According to Salapatas, coming up a special certificate of award, and a schedule for the coming year. with a workshop seemed the best way safety calendar. In addition to the 12 W. B. Martin As an employee of FPL you are to effectively explain the functions of winners, the judges selected 13 entries entitled to 10 paid holidays. You may as honorable mentions. wish to clip and save the following 1979 Safety poster winners information for your future use. W. B. Martin J. W. Kappes Tuition refunds now In 1979, paid holidays will fall on: New Year’s D a y ...... Mon. Jan. 1 Punta Gorda S.C. General Office Going to school and earning a pay taxes. In the past, tuition refunds Washington’s B'day Mon. Feb. 19 F. W. Schrimscher J.A. Gavin career-related degree? were being taxed as additional income. Memorial D a y...... Mon. May 28 Sanford S.C. Deerfield Beach S.C. If so, and if you are participating in “We re delighted to be able to reim­ Independence Day .. Wed. July 4 V. F. Irvine Walt J. Kent the Company’s 100% tuition refund burse our employees the entire 100% Labor Day ...... Mon. Sept. 3 Manatee Plant Miami Divison Office program, you’ll no longer have to report for their educational accomplish­ Veteran’s Day ...... Fri. Nov. 9 E.F. Walther& James Gibbons, Jr. refund payments as compensation on ments,” said Gary Kuberek, FPL’s Thanksgiving Day . Thur. Nov. 22 G. A. Hufnagel Sarasota S.C. your individual income tax returns. manager of Corporate Taxes. “At the Fort Myers S.C. Christmas Eve .... Mon. Dec. 24 D.H. Williams Beginning January 1,1979, due to a present time, the new tax law covers Christmas Day ... Tues. Dec. 25 M.G.Gambrell St. Lucie S.C. change in law included in the Revenue only the years 1979-83. We hope the Daytona Beach S.C. ‘ Floating Holiday . Empl. Birthday Jeanne L. Bahr Act of 1978, FPL no longer has to with­ law will be amended to extend the time ‘The birthday holiday can be observed on L.J. Reynolds Putnam Plant hold taxes on school fees, or include limit or remove it all together,” he said. Punta Gorda S.C. employee's birthday or within 30 days follow­ amounts in W-2 forms. Employees interested in educational ing the birthday on a date mutually agreeable Honorable Mention While the cost of educational assis­ assistance can find details about the between the supervisor and the employee. G.W. Curtis Omar Ollis tance is still considered an employer program in “Your Career... Your Com­ The Staff of Sunshine Service Boynton Beach S.C. Sebastian S.C. business expense, employees will be pany,” handbook, or by reading Proce­ News would like to wish all of our Frances Douglas Phyllis Pugliese reimbursed 100% for their tuition, in­ dure 117 in the General Operations readers a very happy holiday season. Walton S.C. Cocoa S.C. stead of having portions withheld to Manual. e Winners ------from page 1 the three wires with the truck boom, so quantities of chemicals under high He proposed a switch be installed out­ him $125, recommended changes in a the lines could be switched. The crew pressure, a scratch on either the ball or side some commercial and industrial power receptacle used for operating eventually dug another support hole seat means the pump won’t operate meter boxes, so meter readers could non-essential items such as hand further down the street. properly,” said Rivers. check the battery carry-over on mag­ tools in the power plant. After that, McCandless was deter­ Instead of replacing the entire check netic tape recorders every month. As a result of Lokitus’ idea, the instal­ mined to find a way to adapt the boom valve, Rivers formulated a method for “ It is important to have these tapes lation was changed. so it could hold all three wires. He found replacing the manufacturer’s seat with continuously powered so you can tell Three FPLers won $100 awards. some old parts and rigged up an adap­ a teflon insert. Now instead of replacing customers exactly when their peak oc­ General Office Senior Engineering ter stick for the boom. the $400 check-valves three to four curs,” said Walter. “Currently, it takes Specialist Emilio A. Taupier, was in­ “ I was amazed when I learned I had times a year, all that has to be done is to two weeks to get a report of a malfunc­ spired to submit his idea by a Company won the top award,” said McCandless. replace the teflon seat after it wears out. tioning battery carry-over. executive who told his department not “ I just wanted to get my adapter stick Walter was the other $225 winner. “With my idea, a meter reader can to be afraid to defend the Company approved, so we could use it in the field.” when unfairly criticized. Taupier sug­ Rivers was one of two $225 award gested that short facts about FPL be winners. He credits his success to the printed by the computer directly on cus­ support of his supervisors, who allow tomer bills. “The messages would be in him to pursue new ideas. a place where customers would have “You don’t know how ideas work until to see them,” Taupier said. they are put in use,” says Rivers. “ I had Daytona Beach District Office Senior a lot of help in getting my idea to work.” Record Clerk, Eleanor Harrington, Rivers’ idea rectified a troublesome proposed a special identification pro­ ball and seat connection in the check cedure on forms which have to be re­ valves of chemical pumps. printed because they are not kept in “ Because the pump puts out small Stationery Stores inventory. This way little time is wasted trying to reorder these forms internally. “ I had a hunch this would be a money making suggestion,” Harrington said. Another Senior Record Clerk, Kay W. Moran in Sarasota, recommended a variation in the procedure used to make changes in an employees’ record such as merit increases, transfers, marriage, etc. Other top award winners were Day­ Eleanore Harrington Gregory Lokitus Emilio A.Taupier tona Storekeeper, D.C. Crowe, who won $75 for proposing that Division check the battery carry-over and report stores need not receive supplementary trouble immediately. The meter could purchase orders and General Office Keep mind on driving, be fixed the next morning.” Education Coordinator, Tom Hopkins, Delray Customer Service Represen­ who was awarded $75 for recommend­ not holiday happenings tative Sue Kinney said the idea that ing safety improvements be added to won her $125 “just seemed natural.” exits at the GO Building parking lot. Secretary Elena Frenero from the She recommended the forwarding ad­ Under guidelines of the FPL Em­ General Office is this month’s safety dress be included on the list of custom­ ployees’ Suggestion Plan, the Sugges­ slogan winner. Her slogan is especially ers who terminate service. Then the tion Committee semi-annually reviews appropriate for the month of De­ collection department doesn’t have to suggestions that have received basic cember. Thinking about the approach­ wait until the inactive card is received to qualifying $25 awards and selects ing holiday while driving or working can bill the customer. major and additional awards. lead to painful accidents. Kinney’s idea will save many ac­ Any eligible employee may earn up It is significant to note that more traf­ counts from having to be turned over to to $500 maximum for a creative and fic deaths occur during the Christmas external collection agencies. original idea, which is adopted under and New Year’s holidays than any other “ Everybody can come up with good the provisions of the FPL Employees’ time of year. According to the National ideas,” said Kinney. “ Many employees Suggestion Plan. To present your idea, Safety Council an average of 1,000 Elena Frenero miss out on extra cash because they complete Suggestion Form #36 Americans died from vehicle accidents don’t take time to send in their sugges­ (available to all work locations from during the Christmas and New Year tions.” Stationery Stores). To be sure your holidays in 1975,1976 and 1977. Mental Distraction = Practicing her advice, Kinney al­ idea can be thoroughly understood, Sergeant Walter Rossman of the ready has submitted six additional write simply and try to fully describe Florida Highway Patrol quotes statis­ Painful Reaction suggestions. Four have won qualifying what your suggestion is, why it should tics indicating only four other States awards and two others are pending. be adopted, how it can be achieved and (California, Texas, New York and Il­ Winning in the Employees’ Sugges­ when it can be used. When possible, linois) have more traffic deaths per tion Plan was nothing new to Turkey include photographs, drawings, charts, year than Florida. In 1976, there were Point Chief Electrician Gregory etc., to help present your idea. Sign and 270,659 motor vehicle accidents in Lokitus. He’s won twice before. mail the completed form to the FPL Florida. These accidents injured His most recent idea, which netted Employees’ Suggestion Plan. □ 154,394 persons, and 2,015 victims died from their injuries. Twenty-two FPLers have won a total of concerning disconnects and non-pay. The Florida Highway Patrol has a $550 for their suggestion which passed W. L. Hall, Palatka: Called for the replace­ simple formula for avoiding injuries or through the qualifying stage of the Em­ ment of cast aluminum guide plates. deaths from traffic accidents. ployee's Suggestion Plan since August. James R. Hartwell, Miami: Suggested mo­ Each qualifying award of $25 will go before 1. Don’t drink and drive. In more bile radio safety information for storerooms. the Suggestion Committee at its semi-annual Wayde L. Jones, Sanford: Devised a proce­ than half of all fatal crashes, one or both meeting to be held early next year. dure for use of standard conduit in installa­ drivers had been drinking. At that meeting the Committee will choose tions. 2. Wear your seat belt (and shoul­ suggestions it deems worthy of additional H. B. McCarraher, Fort Lauderdale: Revised der harness). By using seat belts, a Leon, St. Johns and Sumter. cash awards. Up for review will be sugges­ procedure for arrester leads. tions that qualified during July-December, great majority of deaths from crash in­ Askew said fatalities for the first 10 K.S. Metzger, Turkey Point Plant: Suggested 1978. a primary water regulator with more accurate juries can be prevented. months of 1978 rose to 1,830 from 1,619 The 22 qualifying winners are: controls. 3. Observe the 55 mph speed limit. for the same period in 1977, a 13% in­ Berman W. Bridges, Daytona Beach: Mod­ Ronald Natter, Miami: Devised a switch for a The first major reduction in traffic crease. The only similar increase for ified a fuse load pickup tool. radar unit antenna motor. fatalities in 30 years occurred in 1974, that period was in Mississippi, which George E. Cross, Miami: Devised a switch Braulio L. Ortiz, Miami: Suggested a test stick holder. when the 55 mph speed limit was made had a 14.6% increase. Five other procedure for primary trip circuit. Bette Dennis, Lauderdale Plant: Proposed a M.L. Parkman, Southeast Division T&D: mandatory nationwide. Over 9,000 Southeastern States — many with procedure change for Form 539 (Affidavit as Suggested purchasing CRC in bulk. lives were saved by slower speeds. notoriously poor roads — experienced to Payment). J. B. Parlapiano, Miami: Suggested a proce­ Governor Reubin Askew recently a decline. Mary M. Ernst, Miami: Devised a procedure dure change for customer bills. ordered State troopers to strictly en­ Askew blamed lax enforcement of for conformity in salary change records. Donna V. Polodna, Hollywood: Revised tabu­ Dwight Fosbenner, Jr., Cape Canaveral force the 55 mph speed limit through­ speed limits for the sharp rise in Florida lation procedure for customer contracts for Plant: Fabricated an installation tool for inner hand-delivered bills. out the winter tourist season. Half a traffic deaths. The Governor’s new en­ shell bolts. Jerry W. Smith, Bradenton: Developed a fork million dollars in federal funds will be forcement program is an added incen­ Peter Frantzis, Riviera Plant: Developed a adapter for a hyster. spent on this enforcement effort. Most tive to focus on traffic safety during the new method of removing tube stubs. J.O. Smith, Sanford: Added pertinent infor­ of the money will go for overtime speed holidays. Joseph F. Gallagher, West Palm Beach: mation to Bill of Material procedure. patrolling in 11 counties where highway This year when you are making New Suggested a system for protecting certain Gary A. Waldman, West Palm Beach: Pro­ substation equipment in cabinets. cedure for a cut for non-payment charge (77). fatalities have increased the most: Year’s resolutions, promise yourself to Gary J. Gribbon, Pompano Beach: Sug­ J. L. Whitehead, Turkey Point Plant: Modified Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, slow down. And while you’re at it, make gested a procedure change for Form 1183 steam generator feed pump auxiliary. Hillsborough, Orange, Pinellas, Pasco, wearing your seat belt a habit. □ As Chairman of the Meetings of the Board, Marshall McDonald sees that the Board fulfills all of its David Blum berg, John McCarty, "Ham" Anthony, Lewis Wadsworth, and Edgar Price. Not pictured, legal obligations. Present at its most recent session are, l-r: McDonald, Jean Davis, Robert Knight, Director George Bennett.

Marshall McDonald spent many hours playing war games ing in 1941; but, his Army Reserve dency of FPL. Three weeks later, after with friends. “We used to fill paper commission meant Uncle Sam came hours on the phone and personal visits In the last of a 10 part series, Sunshine Service News presents a member o f FPL's Board of sacks with sand and throw them at before a business career. He volun­ from members of FPL’s Board, the Directors ... FPL President Marshall each other," said McDonald. “At bed­ teered for the paratroopers, and in McDonald’s set out for the place McDonald, close-up and personal. time my mother often had the formida­ early 1943 was shipped to Europe they’ve always considered home — Florida. (Mrs. McDonald was born and In the hot summer of 1971, newly- ble task of trying to separate me from where he made a number of combat jumps under enemy fire. raised in Tampa.) hired FPL President Marshall the sand.” While McDonald was happy to ac­ McDonald was sweating out an im­ Missed Having Brothers/Sisters cept the challenges of his new post, he pending power shortage on the Com­ As an only child, he missed having hadn’t fully anticipated the variety and pany’s system. During his first few brothers and sisters. “ My father was complexity of FPL’s problems. weeks on the job, customer demand one of eight children and my mother was perilously close to exceeding gen­ was one of six. Listening to their stories A Whole New Ball Game eration capability. “ We were asking about family life convinced me it “ I wasn’t really aware of the prob­ customers to conserve; there was ab­ would be nice to be a member of a lems developing at Turkey Point over solutely no reserve margin. The two large family.” the cooling system. The environmental nuclear units at Turkey Point, supposed Today, McDonald and his wife, issues and governmental interference to have been in service two years ear­ Lucille, have that large family... seven were a new ball game for me. Then too, lier, had not come on line,” he recalled. children. Four are pursuing careers, we were being attacked by the press, “ It was a nerve-wracking beginning, a two are in college and one is a high and there was the problem of keeping real baptism of fire.” school senior. up with our growth rate,” said Fortunately, McDonald’s life reflects There was nothing easy about McDonald. “ For years we had led the an affinity for such challenges. He McDonald’s early life. “The Florida land nation as being the fastest growing util­ fondly remembers sand battles with boom ended in 1926. And during the ity in the country. Yet the pace was ac­ young friends, slinging hash as a De­ Depression, we had next to nothing,” celerating. It became nearly impossible pression era college student, volun­ McDonald said. “ It was a hand-to- ror us to keep up with demand,” he said. teering for the paratroops in World War mouth existence. Sometimes my father “ Fortunately,” McDonald said, “ I had II, and working his way up “without brought home only $5 a week.” excellent help in dealing with those connections” in the business world of McDonald’s family weathered the problems from Dick Fullerton (then law and accounting. hard times, and in 1935 was able to Chairman of the Board), the staff at Loved Civil War Stories send him to the University of Florida. “ I FPL President Marshall McDonald had two am­ FPL and from the Board of Directors.” McDonald’s competitive spirit de­ financed most of my schooling by bitions in early life. He wanted to be a lawyer and As FPL’s president, McDonald also to serve as an Army officer. He fulfilled both presides as Chairman of the Meetings veloped early. As a child, he loved to washing windows, working in a ‘hash goals - a law degree from the University of listen to stories of the Civil War and house’ and keeping the financial books Florida, his Major ranking from WWII. McDonald of the Board of Directors. In this capac­ World War I from the older men who for my fraternity,” he said. “ Summer posed for this picture at the end of that war. ity, he must assure that the Board re­ fought in those campaigns. “My ear­ months were spent working at a land­ views and carries out a host of legal liest dreams were of going to West scaping company, giving away free When the war ended, McDonald obligations. “We give Board members Point and becoming a career Army of­ samples of cigarettes, and eventually faced a career decision. An Army friend all the information we can on particular ficer," he said. “Stories of the military working for the Dean of Students at the and fellow lawyer advised him that subjects — things that will happen, life fascinated me. It sounded adven­ University as assistant in charge of breaking into law practice after five things that might happen and things turous.” Fraternities.” years in the Army would be difficult. that probably won’t happen, but could. McDonald’s father, a religious man, Volunteered for Paratroopers He suggested McDonald might have We want them to make the best deci­ had other ideas about his son’s future. McDonald continued his education a brighter future if he went back to sions possible for our customers, He wanted Marshall to become a through Law School at Florida, graduat- school and specialized in something stockholders and employees." lawyer. like tax law. McDonald looks on FPL’s Board as Eventually, McDonald fulfilled both Taking his friend’s advice, McDonald being a very important asset. roles. He earned his law degree and applied to the University of Pennsyl­ Highly Qualified Board also served as an Army officer, rising to vania's Wharton Graduate School of “Today’s Board is one of the hardest the rank of Major during WWII. Today Finance. Just after the school accepted working groups I know,” he said. he uses experience gained from both him, the Army offered McDonald a “They’re all highly qualified individuals careers, to help guide FPL, the nation’s permanent commission. The offer was with successful business back­ fifth largest investor-owned electric util­ tempting but it had come too late. grounds. Some members have addi­ ity, through some of the toughest times No Opportunities in Florida tional legal training, others have strong in its history. After earning a master’s degree in financial backgrounds and still others Taught to Value Scholarship Business, McDonald’s first full-time job have political savvy. This diversity is Training began early for McDonald. came in Houston, Texas. “ I wanted to much needed to guide FPL through His father, a real estate salesman who work in Florida, but the opportunities some critical decisions.” settled in West Palm Beach from Mis­ just weren’t there.” He joined an ac­ McDonald noted that with one ex­ sissippi during the Florida land boom of counting firm, then a legal firm and after ception, directors were selected from 1925, encouraged his son to value a period of years, entered the oil busi­ throughout the state and FPL’s service scholarship and religious obligations. ness, ultimately rising by 1968, to Pres­ area. “There’s a reason,” he said. “They “My mother,” said McDonald,“ liked ident of Sully-Miller, a construction are well respected and well known in people, told stories very well and even­ company, and a subsidiary of Union Oil. their geographical area. And they know tually earned her real estate license. It was while working for Sully-Miller, the people. They help keep the Com­ A large family (seven children) wouldn't be in 1971, that McDonald heard from then pany informed of ways we can better She helped my father and worked complete without a pet. "Rusty" here, has been a closely with him until her death.” member of the McDonald family since they FPL Board Chairman McGregor Smith, serve customers, as well as pinpoint Like most young boys, McDonald adopted him from the Humane Society in 1968. asking if he was interested in the presi­ Continued on page 8 c /7 roundmOur System

Power from the sun

As part of FPLS continuing program to study, evaluate, and use the sun's energy, a two-watt solar cell will power a small environmental I p i i m Z Ì ♦ monitoring station at the Cape Canaveral Plant. 1 The solar device, known technically as a photovoltaic cell, will supply energy for a battery that, in turn, will drive charting equipment in —1 m ] * « order to record solar radiation, rain fall, air tem­ *■ ■ tm im * irvwxM « ■ perature, wind direction and speed. By continuous recharging of the battery inside the station, the cell will eliminate the need to change batteries every month. Setting up the monitoring station is FPL Meteorologist Bob Fisher, on right and Plant As­ sociate Technician Jim Robinson. Also shown is Showing off conservation a close-up view of the solar cell. One of the most highly visited offices in FPL's Energy Conservation Department constructed system is Miami Beach. District Manager War­ an exhibit showing energy-saving features of a ren Fox estimates 14,000 customers come to Watt-Wise Living™ home in one window and in that office monthly to pay electric bills, transact the second, general conservation information on business at the Customer Service counter, and water heating, air conditioning and insulation. receive energy conservation information. Pamphlets giving energy-saving suggestions Outside the main office, which is located in­ are shown in front of the exhibits and are availa­ side the Barnett Bank Building, are two large ble inside the district lobby. display windows (above). Miami Division's

Ring around the radish For the last 16 years General Office Assistant McAllister never forgot about the ring but fig­ Saving the manatee T&D Supervisor P. T. McAllister has grown flow­ ured it was lost forever. ers, cabbages, carrots, and radishes in the small Last month, while checking on the progress of In its long-standing commitment to help pro­ specific areas where manatee roam between garden behind his home in Fort Lauderdale. In his latest crop, McAllister noticed one of his tect Florida's environment, FPL has teamed with the months of November and March. Many of the last few years he’s enlisted the aid of a friend radishes didn't look quite right. Figuring he State conservationists to save endangered FPL's power plants are located within the regu­ who has a soil-tilling machine to plow the dirt might have a diseased plant, McAllister began manatees. lated areas. and get the garden ready for planting. to dig the vegetable out. To his amazement, the Over the next fwo years, FPL will contribute Officers such as Jerry Thomas, below, from About 16 months ago, the friend lost his new deformity in the radish was caused, not by a $31,000 to the Florida Audubon Society who, in the Fort Myers Division of the Marine Patrol, $400 25th anniversary wedding ring while work­ disease, but from the lost ring (picture). cooperation with the Department of Natural Re­ have been ordered to strictly enforce the new ing in the garden. McAllister, his friend and his Said McAllister, “I was really surprised when I sources, are mounting a public awareness law. A toll-free telephone number (1-800-342- friend’s wife spent the next day looking for the saw what had happened. I’ve had pictures tak­ campaign for the manatee. 1821) has been established to allow the public to uninsured ring. They sifted the soil, even used a en, am sending them to Ripley's Believe It Or It is estimated only 1,000 of the large, slow- report manatee sightings, collisions boaters metal detector, but to no avail. Not. I think I’ve got a winner." moving vegetarians, called sea cows, still exist. might have with these creatures, or violations to During the summer they are found throughout the mammal's well-being. the estuaries and rivers of the state, but during the winter they migrate near sources of warmer water such as power plant dishcarges. This congregation increases the manatee's chances for being killed by the propellers of motor boats. The legislature passed a law this year making it mandatory for boaters to reduce speed in

A winning entry The design of a Dade County School, entered in competition by FPL, won first place at the Southeastern Electric Exchange's Energy Effi­ ciency Contest in November. Gloria Floyd Elementary School was one of three projects entered by FPL after the Marketing and Energy Conservation Department conducted a sys­ temwide search for buildings with noteworthy energy-saving design. The Dade School, will get 70% of its airconditioning power from solar col­ lectors. Presently under construction, the school has many other energy saving features, but FPL en­ gineers estimate the solar-powered aircon- ditioner alone will save the school board about $856 a month. FPL is one of 35 companies that sponsored the competition. The other two FPL entries were its own two-story office building being con­ structed in Naples and a private residence being built in Fort Lauderdale. Employees In The News

M. J. Boyle C . L. Wynn Miami Cocoa Ora L. Bush Bradenton 5 Years J.H. Chance L. L. Alderman November Anniversaries as reported by Personnel West Palm Beach Pompano Beach 30 Years Bertha A. Gay Gary Hall G. L. East R . N. Allen West Palm Beach Daytona Beach Hollywood General Office R. H. Dawe Miami T. P. Loftus R.G. Hough Dilworth Gilley, Jr. Lucille D. Antoine General Office Miami Sarasota Miami H.C. Pigott D.C. Norman H. W. Sherwood Fred Sorrentino W.C. Kuhn Bradenton/40 Daytona Beach/30 Miami/30 Miami/30 Miami Ronald W. Moore Donna L. Krause D . P. Brannon 20 Years Daytona Beach Fort Lauderdale West Palm Beach Jeanne E. Lewis General Office R.A. Day D. L. Rich, Jr. Brenda A. Lyle S. N. Brittain M. H. Grace K.M.Loflin Norma Redo Harold Steward Miami Fort Myers Cocoa West Palm Beach Miami General Office General Office Delray Beach E. C. Lowe Audrey B. Daye C.E. Butler L.J.Mas Willie Richardson Arcadia A.O. Stevens W. E. Sheppard Patricia M. Hagan Sandra J. Stone General Office Delray Beach Boca Raton St. Lucie General Office Miami General Office Sarasota H. B. McLeod T.A. Hopkins Carolyn Thead M. J. Spitaleri A . M. Choy A. T. Hall D. L. McAfee L.G. Ridenour M. F. Stuart General Office General Office General Office Hollywood General Office Miami General Office Melbourne General Office

J.J. Monica G. F. McCormick 10 Years A.W. Swails B. J. Coward R.R. Hammond, Jr. V. R.Meklas J.M. Roach O. E. Suero Miami Fort Lauderdale Fort Myers Miami Miami Miami General Office General Office M.T. Allen W.R. Weber H.B. Stapleton Delray Beach G.W. Thompson Ladonna M. Davis Daisy A. Harrell William Moreno David L. Smith J.E. Vessely Miami Fort Myers Titusville West Palm Beach General Office General Office General Office General Office

L. V. Yonce Barbara E. Wynns B. F. Badger Elaine W. Trembley Chreso T. Fanelli L. C. Hayes R.L. Nelson Liberta L. Sparrow Carolyn R. Wadley Fort Lauderdale Miami Miami General Office Miami Sanford Cocoa Fort Lauderdale General Office D. K. Baldwin D.L. Wiesen F.G. Flugger Miriam A. Hernandez Karen P. Pratt Belinda Steenbergen E.E. Williams 25 Years 15 Years General Office Fort Lauderdale General Office General Office Pompano Beach Coral Gables Bradenton Walter J. Busma Lawrence Giliberti J.E.Bass, Jr. F. W. Woten W.G. Gillespie R.L. Keebler, Jr. Janeen Rastivo R.E. Steinmiller Anthony L. Williams Cocoa Miami Venice Miami Beach General Office Miami Melbourne Miami Delray Beach

------—. Vernon G. MINCH, Sanford Transmission and Distribution assis­ attained his last post in Fort Lauderdale. He transferred to tant, has retired from the Company with 24 years of service. Gulfstream in 1975. Retirement Born in Akron, Ohio, Minch joined FPL as a helper in Cocoa in Welsh and his wife, Amelia, plan to expand their greyhound 1954. He worked as a winch truck operator, and a service clerk racing business on a 10 acre farm. They can be reached by writing before becoming a senior record clerk in the North Central Division to Rt. 2, Box 201, Chiefland, Fla. 32626. in 1958. He transferred back to Cocoa in the Northern Division in Fred ASH, Starke helper, has retired from the Company with 28 1963 and worked as a field estimator, and an office assistant. In Frederick “Ted" WHITNEY, Daytona Beach assistant supervisor, years of service. 1972 he became a distribution assistant in Sanford and he attained has retired from the Company with 38 years of service. Born in Suwanee County, Ash joined FPL as a helper in 1950 in his last post in 1974. Born in Miami, Whitney joined FPL as a line helper in Daytona Crescent City. He transferred to Palatka in 1963 and to Starke Beach in 1940. He was released to serve in the Navy in 1943. He in 1967. Robert F. MORAN, General Office power coordinator, has retired returned as a lineman in Daytona Beach in 1945. He worked as a Ashe and his wife, Annie, plan to do a lot more hunting and from the Company with 34 years of service. foreman and a district supervisor before attaining his last post in fishing now that he's retired. They can be reached by writing P.O. Born in Marion, Ohio, Moran served as a first lieutenant in the 1964. box 263, Lake Butler, 32054. Army before coming to FPL as a helper at the Miami Beach Plant in 1944. He worked as a water tender, a condenser operator, a fire­ Charles H. BARNARD, Northern Division substation supervisor, man, and a switchboard operator. In 1948 he became a watch has retired from the Company with 31 years of service. engineer at Cutler Plant. He worked as an assistant plant super­ Born in Manassa, Ga., Barnard joined FPL as a helper in Palatka visor and a plant supervisor before transferring to Turkey Point in In Memoriam in 1946. He was released to serve in the Navy in 1948. He returned 1967. He attained his last post in 1976. as a helper in Palatka in 1950 later working as a lineman, an ------electrician, a working foreman, a substation maintenance foreman, George J. REDDING, Manatee Plant watch engineer AA, has and a substation supervisor before attaining his last post in 1972. retired from the Company with 31 years of service. James B. ARMSTRONG, Jr., 61,Sarasota meter foreman, passed Born in Rye, Fla., Redding joined FPL as a helper at the away in November. He is survived by his widow, June, his mother, a Richard C. BAUER, Jr., Miami working foreman, has retired from Sarasota Plant in 1947. He worked as a water tender and an son, a sister and a grandchild. the pompany with 32 years of service. auxiliary equipment operator before becoming a control center Born in Terra Ceja, Fla., Armstrong joined FPL as a helper in Born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Bauer joined FPL as a helper in Miami in operator at Cape Canaveral Plant in 1965. He attained his last Bradenton in 1946. He worked as a winch truck operator, a lineman 1946. He worked as an electrician repairman B, a serviceman B, position in 1970 and transferred to Manatee Plant in 1975. and a meterman A before attaining his last post in 1970. and a lineman before attaining his last post in 1951. Clifford E. REESE, Jr., North Dade customer service representa­ Earl D. GIBSON, 83, retired (1960) Miami construction foreman, Sam S. BROWNING, Palatka equipment repairman A, has retired tive-telephone, has retired from the Company with 30 years of passed away in November. He is survived by his widow, Rena. from the Company with 37 years of service. service. Born in Cass County, Ind., Gibson joined FPL as a laborer in Born in Palatka, Browning joined FPL there as a line laborer in Born in Petersburg, Va., Reese joined FPL as an engineering Miami in 1936. He served as a serviceman A, a cable splicer, and a 1941. In 1942 he was released to serve in the Navy. He returned to clerk in the Northern Division in 1948. He transferred to Miami in labor foreman before attaining his last post in 1954. Palatka as a helper in 1945, later working as a winch truck operator 1951 and worked as a commercial engineer, a commercial service Joseph KERTIS, 71, retired (1972) Miami Plant machinist, passed before attaining his last post in 1962. representative and a field service representative before attaining away in November. He is survived by his widow, Lillian, a son and a Browning plans to do some hunting and working in his work­ his last post in 1977. shop. He and his wife, Edith, can be reached by writing 1014 daughter. Moseley Ave., Palatka, 32077. Geneva J. ROBERTS, General Office bookkeeper, has retired with Born in Yonkers, N.Y.,Kertis joined FPL as a helper at the Miami 36 years of service. Plant in 1950. In 1954 he became a mechanic at the Cutler Plant but Samuel D. CARSON, Fort Lauderdale senior record clerk, has Born in Newport, N.C., Roberts joined FPL as an account order transferred back to Miami in 1954. He attained his last post in 1966. retired from the Company with 28 years of service. clerk in Miami in 1942. She worked as a biller, a billing clerk, and an Harold S. NELSON, 75, retired (1964) Miami meterman B, passed Born in Alberta, Ala., Carson joined FPL as a junior clerk in Fort audit clerk before attaining her last post in 1953. away in October. He is survived by his widow, Ebba. Lauderdale in 1950. He worked as a meter reader, a record clerk Born in Worchester, Mass., Nelson joined FPL as a helper in and a customer service clerk before attaining his last post in 1968. Ella T. SMITH, Palatka, senior record clerk, has retired from the Miami in 1948. He worked as a meter installer before attaining his Carson and his wife, Ruthlete, are moving to the West Coast Company with 22 years of service. last post in 1952. and can be reached by writing 1265 Monte Street, Port Charlotte, Born in Pomona Park, Smith joined FPL as an office clerk in Fla., 33952. Palatka in 1956. She worked as a record clerk and a customer Earl E. PEEPLES, 76, retired (1967) Miami Office power sales­ service clerk before attaining her last post in 1976. man, passed away in November. He is survived by his wife, Annie, Fern Y. CYR, Miami customer services representative-telephone, three sons and three sisters. has retired from the Company with 34 years of service. John E. SPIEGEL, Daytona Beach distribution inspector, has re­ Born in Lake Butler, Peeples joined FPL as a sales assistant in Born in Fort Kent, Maine, Cyr joined FPL as a general clerk in tired from the Company with 31 years of service. Miami in 1926. In 1929 he transferred to West Palm Beach and Miami in 1944. She worked as a head clerk and a customer Born in Glassport, Pa., Speigel joined FPL as an electrician in worked as a power salesman. He returned to Miami in 1940. account clerk before attaining her last post in 1973. Daytona Beach in 1947. In 1948 he became communication bat­ tery man in Lake City. He returned to Daytona Beach in 1951 and Charles B. ROBINSON, 75, retired (1968) Miami lineman, passed Lewis L. HOWARD, Turkey Point nuclear turbine operator, has attained his last post in 1964. away in October. retired from the Company with 31 years of service. Born in Newton, N.C., Robinson was an electrician in the Navy Born in Waverly Hall, Ga., Howard was a radarman in the Navy Robert A. SWANSON, General Office supervisor of international during WWII. He joined FPL as a lineman in 1951. before coming to FPL as a helper at the Miami Plant in 1947. He accounting procedures, has retired from the Company with 25 Joseph P. TARAVELLA, 59, member of transferred to Cutler Plant in 1954 and worked as boiler attendant, years of service. FPL's Board of Directors, passed away in turbine operator, control center operator and turbine operator. In Born in Ironwood, Mich., Swanson joined FPL as an audit clerk in November in New York after a long ill­ 1947, he transferred to Turkey Point Plant and worked as a nuclear the Treasury Department in 1953. He worked as a bookkeeper, a ness. He is survived by his mother, two operator before attaining his last post in 1976. junior accountant, an office assistant, an accounting analyst and an accounting supervisor. He moved to the Accounting Depart­ sons, a sister, a brother and two grand­ Clyde S. MCLAREN, General Office senior purchasing agent, has ment and attained his last post in 1973. children. retired from the Company with 25 years of service. Swanson plans to do odd jobs around the house, become an Born in New York, N.Y., Taravella was Born in Herrin, III., McLaren joined FPL as a record clerk in the active member of a veterans organization and spend more time president and founder of Coral Ridge General Office Treasury Department in 1953. He worked as a on hobbies. He can be reached by writing 140 N.W. 40 Ave., Properties, a company considered the general clerk, and a senior record clerk before becoming an audit Miami, 33126. frontrunner in community development clerk in General Purchasing in 1956. He worked as an office in the state. He was elected to FPL's assistant and a buyer before attaining his last post in 1977. James W. WELSH, Gulfstream Service Center repairman A, has board in 1972. McLaren and his wife, Leona, plan to do some traveling in their retired from the Company with 26 years of service. Taravella was the executive vice-president and general man­ newly acquired motor home and spend more time with their Born in Youngstown, Ohio, Welsh joined FPL as a helper in ager of Coral Ridge Properties when it first started in 1946. He was grandchildren. They can be reached by writing to 6431 Coral Way, Miami in 1952. He became a winch truck operator in Pompano named president of the company in 1966 when it was acquired by Miami, 33155. Beach in 1956 and transferred to Hollywood in 1957. In 1972 he Westinghouse. Marshall McDonald ______from page 5 areas of possible concern so we can tee, comprised of Directors Wads­ 60 Seems Like Upper Youth take action to alleviate problems before worth, McCarty, and Davis. The Com­ Said McDonald,“There used to be a they get to a boiling point. mittee can review certain new benefit time when 60 seemed like the end of “ George Bennett, our Board’s only opportunities. Most recently, they have the road for me. But now it seems like non-Floridian, brings us a world of placed particular emphasis on giving upper youth. I plan to remain active. My financing expertise, much of it involving employees a “piece of the action” father worked until he was 93. utilities. through ESOP and Tra-SOP, benefits “Oh, I enjoy hunting and playing ten­ ‘Independent As Hogs-on-lce’ that provide stockholder status to all nis, but you can't have a steady diet of “This is no ‘rubber-stamp’ Board,” employees, (see SSNEWS August that. There’s so much I can still do. added McDonald, who is the only 1978) There are decisions to be made on a FPLer serving as a director. “They ac­ Another important function carried local, state, national and international cept our technical expertise on utility out by the Board is performed by the scale. How can I cuss the actions of matters, but they’re as independent as Audit Committee. Comprised of Direc­ government if I don’t at least try and ‘hogs-on-ice.’ I’m proud of every one of tors Price, Anthony and Blumberg, this provide my two-cents worth.” them and the unselfish contributions group, independent from the dealings Concluded McDonald, “ I’m fortunate they have made to our Company. They of management, has the responsibility enough to be in a position where I can serve as a strong guide for intelligent of keeping a careful eye on Company influence decisions. It would be a total management.” expenditures. cop-out if I didn’t use my office to serve The Board’s decisions, generally in­ In three months, McDonald will mankind the best I know how. As my volving millions of dollars, are not con­ celebrate his 61st birthday. Why does father used to say, ‘Anything worth do­ fined to “hardware” items alone. Under he continue enduring the daily pres­ ing, is worth doing well.’ I plan to con­ McDonald’s direction, the Board sure and responsibility when he could tinue following that advice.” □ formed an Employee Benefits Commit­ sit back and relax?

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ABOUT OUR COVER Employees in the Miami Division were the first to be offered FPUs new Effective Reading program. Recent graduates of the speed reading course are l-r: Ac­ counting Analyst Joe Ann Godwin; Ser­ viceman A Harold Pearson, his wife, Gail, and their two sons Joe and Tom; Account­ ing Engineer Bob Jaffe; Senior Accoun­ tant Eduardo Sanchez; Senior Accoun­ From the McDonald family to every FPL family, a special tant Analyst Kathy Healy; Auditing personal wish that the eternal message of Christmas- Supervisor Frank Heath, his wife, Sally, love, rebirth, renewal-helps to bring us all, as the Family and their two daughters Heather and of Man, closer to each other, and closer to Peace on Earth.” Holly and course instructor Judy Burke. For more about the course and how you /lyc^jLtL can enroll, see story on page 3.