L.U. 159 (i), MADISON, WIGreetings from Wisconsins
Capitol City local, where we continue to face a chronic Book I unemployment
situation. Our business office remains optimistic that the approaching
"building season" will return all of our Book I sisters
and brothers to full employment. I wish to thank those traveling
members who have seen fit to "step aside" while work is
slow so that what jobs are available accrue to this membership.
By abiding this unwritten convention, you are upholding the best
of what makes us "organized."
President "select" Bush, faced with
the choice of solving real, verifiable issues (such as an ongoing
economic lethargy, foreign oil dependence and runaway health care
insurance costs, to name but a few) continues to mine a rich vein
of (anti) terrorist paranoia, shrouded in smoke and mirrors. The
Democrats, our nominal access to government, fell on their swords
in November, so, once again; it falls to labor to do the "heavy
lifting" to advocate social justice and hold government and
their corporate patrons accountable.
On behalf of the local union, I wish to thank and
congratulate the following 2002 retirees: Melvyn Burch, Ray Byrne,
Ronald Dauman, Gerlad Hubbard, Ronald Kempfer, Thomas Kepler, Sigurd
Leskinen, Gerald Miller, Joe Strenger and Richard Woerpel. We appreciate
your years of service, the hands-on teaching and the camaraderie
that you gave this local in the course of your IBEW careers.
From left, NECA Director Cindy
Austin, Bernie Flahtery, Local
191, Everett, WA, Bus. Mgr./Fin.
Sec. Milton Foster and Jerry
Bruce at a recent partnering
class.
L.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT,
WAWith the appointment of NECA Cascade Chapter Director Cindy Austin,
Local 191 is looking forward to developing a new partnering relationship
with NECA. Cindy is a breath of fresh air, and it appears that all
will benefit from her appointment. There is a new aggressive partnering
agenda in front of the local and NECA, and if you havent heard
the partnering message, attend one of the meetings. The message
is loud and clear that if we dont learn how to work together and
put our personal feelings aside, we will sink in the industry. If
you have any questions or comments, please bring them to a meetingall
input is welcome. We also have a new partnering facilitator, former
Local 48 business manager and Int. Rep. Jerry Bruce.
Congratulations to newly appointed Executive Board
member Sharon Howsen. Sharon has done a great job in the past serving
the local and will do so in the future.
It is with great sorrow that we announce retired
Bros. Don Fitch and Bob Urkhart have passed away. Both were longtime
members and will be missed.
Special thanks to Bro Mike McGhee for organizing
the kids Christmas party again this year, and thanks also to all
the volunteers.
Three generations of Local 193, Spring-
field, IL, members are, from left, Tim Luka,
Gus Laubner (75-year member), John
Luka and Tim Luka.
L.U. 193 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), SPRINGFIELD,
ILCongratulations to Bro. Gus Laubner, who was honored with a 75-year
membership pin and certificate at his residence on Dec. 27, 2002.
Bro. Laubner came to the United States from Germany as a teenager
in 1923. Because of his participation in an electrical apprenticeship
in his homeland, he was initiated into the IBEW on Feb. 9, 1927.
Bro. Laubner worked for Capital Electric, which
later became Volle Electric. He later partnered with Bill Coachman
in starting a motor repair shop. That shop is still in business
in Springfield as First Electric Motor Shop. Bro. Laubner retired
on Jan. 1, 1972.
Bro. Laubners pin was symbolically presented to
some of his family members at the locals Christmas party the week
prior. Included in the group were Local 193 members John Luka, Bro.
Laubners son-in-law, and two of his grandsons, Tim Luka and Chris
Luka.
Thank you, Bro. Laubner, for your many years of
dedication and service.
Local 265, Lincoln, NE, members, from left, front
row,
Steve Miller, Jim Oppegard, Glen Isaacs and John
Albers and back row, Clint Burge, Troy Bear, Roy
Lamb, II, Rob Maise and Kris Swanson volunteered
to work on the new girls home for the Christian
Heritage Childrens Homes Foundation.
L.U. 265 (i,mt,rts&spa), LINCOLN,
NELocal 265 members provided free labor and materials for a new
girls home for the Christian Heritage Childrens Homes Foundation.
Christian Heritage provides housing for abused, neglected and abandoned
children, and also provides at-risk children of Nebraska a chance
for better lives. Capitol City, Commonwealth, Gregg and ABC Electric
supplied all the materials as well as tools for the job. The project
lasted about two months and was very successful. Our members are
proud to have touched so many childrens hearts and lives.
In November of 2002 Local 265 teamed up with the
Lincoln Boy Scouts to build an amazing display of Christmas lights.
The local contractors provided the labor as well as a generous contribution
for a light display. The display attracted more than 14,000 cars
in a little over a months time. Local 265 has been helping with
this event since 1997 and looks forward to helping for many years
to come. A special thanks to all contractors, members and NECA for
their contributions.
From left, standing, Local 275, Muskegon,
MI, Organizer Mike Dibert, U.S. Rep. Julie
Dennis (D), Organizer Steve Marshal and
Rec. Sec. Brian Martin and kneeling, Vice
Pres. Walt Christophersen and Bus. Agent
Tony Barns at Senate candidate Bob
Shraugers campaign office during the
2002 election campaign.
L.U. 275 (catv,em&i), MUSKEGON, MIThanks
to the following members who rang the bell for the Salvation Army
Kettle Drive: Al Ludlow, Adam Streblow, Lou Wilbur, Pat Kramer,
Mary Britton, George Robinson and his wife, Darlene, Joe Corbin,
Craig Holcom and Mike Mazie. These members stood in sub-zero temperatures
and helped raise over $5,000 for the Salvation Army. Their unselfishness
helped many families during the holiday season.
Congratulations to our new instructor Bro. Brian
Martin, who was selected out of a list of about 10 candidates to
teach the Accelerated Program and the Voice, Data and Video (VDV)
Program. Present and future apprentices are blessed to have an instructor
of his caliber. He will be a definite asset to Local 275 and the
NECA contractors of West Michigan.
I would also like to express sincere thanks to
all members who helped with the 2002 election. With the exception
of Governor-elect Jennifer Granholm, the election didnt turn in
our favor, which means that the next election in 2004 will require
even greater support and effort from our members. Please join the
PAC and lets get started soon.
Bro. Gary Thorne passed away on Nov. 19, 2002,
from accidental injuries. Our prayers and condolences go out to
the Thorne family.
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