Local 153, South Bend, IN, members, from left, Paul
Rerick, Jason Pointek and
John Piller volunteered to
help an area Boy Scout camp with needed repairs.
L.U. 153 (em,i,rtb,rts,se,spa&st), SOUTH BEND, INFor two
full weekends in October, Local 153 members donated their time and skills to
help the area Boy Scouts. The Wood Lake Scout Camp in Jones, Michigan, needed
underground replaced to 12 cabins, a boathouse, two shower houses and the main
lodge. Thanks to Bros. Sam Maxedon, Paul Rerick, Larry Emrick, Ed Taff, Gary
Roberts, John Piller, Bud Price, Blaine Kertes, Charles Hampton, Blaed Wachs,
Shawn Huff, Jason Piontek and Rick Miller, who put forth a heroic effort to
accomplish the task at hand.
The local would also like to thank the following contractors
and companies that donated tools and materials to help complete the project: Don
Lode of Koontz Wagner Electric, Ken Stewart of IBID County Electric, Denny
Martin of Thompson Electric, Ty Bancroft of Bancroft Electric, Harry Bruchell of
Sargent Electric, Harold Addington of Herrman & Goetz Inc., Tom Garman of Garman
Electric, Dan Panting of Brite Electric, Kathy Johnson of Scanlon Electric,
Derrick Czarnecki of Trans Tech Electric, Tim Taylor of All-Phase, Ron Krucina
of Graybar and John Coffey of AEP.
Mike Taff, P.S.
Commitment and Education L.U. 159 (i), MADISON, WIGreetings from Wisconsins capital
city local. At this writing, we are still struggling with a bit of chronic
unemployment. There is no escaping the effects of this bewildering economy.
Well, sisters and brothers, as of Tuesday, November 5, the
people have spoken, and it seems to the casual observer that the people want to
consolidate power within the Republican Party. I dont feel that I am going too
far out on a limb when I theorize that the next couple of years promise to be
interesting.
Statewide, we did somewhat better by electing a Democratic
governor and returning labors friend, Tammy Baldwin, to the House of
Representatives.
Congratulations to the class of 2002 graduating apprentices
from all of our programs. Ultimately, commitment and education are what will
carry the day. Special thanks to our two full-time instructors Fred Brown and
Erik Bade for their unstinting efforts. Thanks also to the cast of volunteers
who offer their time and skill to teach in our night school programs, our
representatives of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee and to the volunteer
members of the Local 159 Education Committee.
Local 164, Jersey City, NJ, class of 2002 JATC graduates.
L.U. 164 (c,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJThe Local 164 JATC annual
apprentice graduation and academic achievement awards banquet was held at our
newly renovated 10,000 square-foot auditorium at Local 164s training academy in
October 2002.
Addressing the graduates and academic award winners were
Dennis Fitzgerald, state director of the Federal Bureau of Apprenticeship and
Training, Robert Sieminski of the New Jersey Department of Education and Roger
Simonds, manager of the Northern NJ NECA Chapter. Bus. Mgr. Richard Dressel
delivered the keynote address, congratulated the graduates and stressed the
importance of continued education.
Local 164 JATC offers over 20 journeyman-training courses,
and Bus. Mgr. Dressel encouraged the graduates to take these courses, especially
the high tech courses such as Lon Works and PLCs. He also mentioned other
outstanding benefits offered to our members, including long-term care.
Bus. Rep. Dennis Junguzza announced his retirement effective
Jan. 1, 2003. Dennis began his career with Local 164 in 1965 after attending
Jersey City State College. He served a four-year apprenticeship and attained
journeyman status in 1969. Dennis worked successfully as a journeyman, foreman
and general foreman, finishing his field career with Mehl Electric Company in
1997, when he was appointed business representative. Always an articulate and
colorful spokesman for his members and the labor movement in general, Dennis
will be sorely missed. Congratulations to Dennis and his lovely wife, Doreen.
Former Vice President Al Gore recently visited Local 177, Jacksonville, FL.
L.U. 177 (bo,ees,i,mo,o&pet), JACKSONVILLE, FLThe local
recently held its annual childrens Christmas party, and as usual, all had a
great time. Pres. Russell Harper and his committee have once again outdone
themselves in their planning. We have our very own Santa, retired member William
"Bill" Gehm. Thanks Bill for yet another great performance. This was Bro. Gehms
44th year with the IBEW and his 28th year as Santa.
Our retired members also had their annual Christmas luncheon.
They socialized and enjoyed a catered meal while reminiscing about past jobs,
traveling times, the brothers and sisters who have passed on, and the changes
taking place in the industry today. After their meal, the Tommy Holbrook Band
provided entertainment, and door prizes were distributed throughout the party.
Bus. Mgr. Eddie L. Dedmon got into the holiday spirit by donating a crisp $100
bill as a door prize.
The North Florida Building and Construction Trades Council,
of which Bro. Dedmon is president, hosted a holiday reception at the union hall
for all the local community leaders of Jacksonville to show our appreciation for
everything they do in our community.
Congratulations and thanks on yet another successful and
prosperous year.
Local 191, Everett, WA, members who worked on the recent job to
relocate the
wire shop at the Everett Boeing plant.
L.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WAOur work picture is
slow, similar to the rest of the country. With the passing of the Clean Fuel
bill, we expect several jobs at the refineries, unless Pres. Bush changes the
bill. With the state of our economy, it is more important than ever for our
members to be active and get involved in our local.
Thanks to Bro. Joe Peters for his efforts in organizing the
recent retirees service award banquet. It is an honor to recognize our retired
brothers and sisters who worked hard to gain the conditions and benefits we
enjoy today. Thanks also to all our volunteers who helped make this evening a
success.
Some honored longtime members included 65-year member Harry
Anderson, 60-year members Joseph W. Clifford, John C. Lyon, Jr. and Milton W.
Perman, 55-year members Benjamin T. Anderson, Dennis W. Christianson, Reginald
Hoskin, Arthur L. Loft, Howard L. Messer, Linden Palm and William J. Viger, and
50-year members Ralph G. Aiken, Joseph Boechler, Richard S. Crookes, Kenneth R.
Dick, Gilbert R. Eisenman, Vernon A. Harvey, B. Charles Hemminger, Ralph W.
Hinegardner, William W. Kirby, Lawrence H. Koesler and Paul R. Messer.
Congratulations to all service award recipients.
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