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Improved Retiree Pen Connection Format Coming in October: Get Your Questions Answered

September 2024

Due to feedback, beginning in October, we will be launching the Retiree Pen Connection in an email format.

You will be able to read and scroll through the entire issue of the Retiree Pen Connection from your inbox — either on your desktop, mobile device, or tablet. No need to open a browser. Simply view the Retiree Pen Connection how you would view any other email you receive. 

The menu on the left-hand side of the email allows you to see that month’s articles and click on the ones you want to read. 

Articles will no longer be available on the Retiree Pen Connection website — they will all be in one email in your inbox. You will continue to have access to all of the Pen articles, except employee-focused information, as well as retiree-focused articles.

A link to a printable PDF version of the email will be provided at the top of the email for those who wish to print the Retiree Pen Connection. 

Additionally, the Employee and Department Spotlights, as well as the milestones (Welcome Aboard, Promotions, Service Anniversaries, and Retirements) and the Pen Extra will be PDFs formatted in an attractive design that can be printed.

What features does the email format offer?

The email format offers:

  • The ability to scroll. Simply scroll through your email, and you won’t miss an article.
  • The ability to pick and choose articles you wish to read. Use the Table of Contents at the top to choose articles and then use the “Return to top” link at the bottom of each section to return to the Table of Contents.
  • No need to open a browser. Simply view the Retiree Pen Connection how you would view any other email you receive.
  • A printable version. Employee Communications is able to export the email to PDF and add the Spotlights, Milestones, and the Pen Extra, as they are also in PDF format.
  • The ability to print just a Spotlight or Milestone page in an attractive design that can be displayed.

What is changing?

You will no longer have to open a browser to view the Retiree Pen Connection. Simply view the email to read the Retiree Pen Connection. You can either scroll and read/skim each article or you can use the Table of Contents at the top left to choose which articles you want to read. Once finished, use the “Return to top” at the bottom right of the section to return to the Table of Contents.

How does this change affect retirees?

Retirees will continue to receive the Retiree Pen Connection—a version of the Pen just for retirees. This includes all Pen articles except those pertaining only to employees such as employee surveys and learning opportunities. In addition, it also includes articles pertaining just to retirees, such as retiree benefits information.

Retirees will now view the Retiree Pen Connection in their email. The Retiree Pen Connection webpages will be discontinued as of October 2024.

Simply scroll through the email to read the Retiree Pen Connection or click the links in the Table of Contents at the top left to view certain articles and use the “Return to top” link at the bottom right of the section to return to the Table of Contents.

Additionally, at the top of the email, there is a link to view a printable version of the Retiree Pen Connection.

How will I be able to view previous issues of the Retiree Pen Connection?

To view a previous issue of the Retiree Pen Connection, email employee.communications@pinellas.gov to have a copy sent to your inbox.

Am I able to print this version of the Retiree Pen Connection?

Yes. At the top of each Retiree Pen Connection email, there is a link to view a printable version of this email. Click the link and then print. Also at the top, there is a link to print just the Spotlights, Milestones, and the Pen Extra.

10/1/24