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L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL-Work seems to be slowing, at least for now. A few jobs are on the horizon, which hopefully will take much of Book I by winter.

Fifteen area locals participated in this year's 601 Softball Invitational. This year's champion was Local 150. All teams played with great sportsmanship. Lots of food and brotherhood were served both days.

The Local 601 softball team won its division in the Midwest Regional Softball Tournament and brought home the trophy.

Although Labor Day festivities and the parade were cancelled due to bad weather, we remember the brothers and sisters who went before us paving the way for our success.

Check out our Web site at www.ibew601.org. This is one way to get acquainted with other locals. Try it!

CHRIS COOK, P.S.

Remembering Wilbert Hall

Pictured during the proclamation
presentation are, left to right, Local
611 Pres. Chris Frentzel. Tracy
Hall, County Safety Officer John
Dantis, and Bus. Mgr. Ruben
Romero.

L.U. 611 (i,o,u,catv,es,lctt,&spa), ALBUQUERQUE, NM-During our June union meeting, John Dantis, safety officer of Bernalillo County presented Bus. Mgr. Ruben Romero and the membership with a plaque and proclamation in memory of Bro. Wilbert W. Hall, who was electrocuted during the construction of the City-County Detention Center in Albuquerque on July 18,1978.

Bro. Tracy Hall, son of Wilbert Hall, was also presented a plaque the previous night at a Bernalillo County Commission meeting.

Bro. Wilbert Hall was 62 years old and two weeks shy of retiring at the time of his death. Bro. Tracy Hall retired the day after the plaque presentation at the age of 62, twenty-five years after his father's death. Both father and son were members for over thirty years each, and were examples of IBEW dedication, service and quality craftsmanship.

Congratulations to Local 611's newest journeyman wiremen: Luis Aragon, Joe Serrano, Jason Sedgwick, Daniel Martinez, James Aguilar, Carlos Garcia, Mel Ortiz, Chuck Dahl, Jason Lucero, Antionio Cruz, Franklin Romero, Henry Gallegos, Michael Velsaquez and this year's outstanding apprentice Wayne Lauden. Welcome aboard, guys.

Governor Bill Richardson recently appointed Local 611 Pres. Chris Frentzel as Labor Department commissioner. Bro. Bennie Sandoval was assigned to the Seventh District as an organizer. Congratulations to both.

Condolences to the family and friends of Jack L. Phillips, Julian Shupla, Gonzalo Martinez, Delmont Robinson, David Gatewood, Jose R. Barela, Ben Moeller, Holland Edwards, David C. Lousberg, Tommy Martin and Gerald R. Zaft.

DARRELL J. BLAIR, P.S.

On the Right Track

Local 617 journeymen attend an upgrade code
class.

L.U. 617 (c,i,o&st), SAN MATEO, CA-As we approach Thanksgiving, we wonder what is there to give thanks for. Well here in San Mateo, we look at the positive side! Since the current federal administration is self-destroying, we believe the next one will take a different view. Future leaders will demand knowledge and abilities from the workforce to regain a fruitful leadership in the world.

In the labor movement, we build instead of destroy and listen to public opinion in lieu of dictating actions solely of interest to the corporate world. We fight to eliminate poverty, to gain adequate healthcare and fair working conditions for ordinary people. We realize the need for unity versus division, general prosperity rather than an "elites only benefit" philosophy.
Instead of idling in the slow lane, we are preparing ourselves to meet the future needs of America's next surge of "right track" growth.

Our new training center is buzzing with technological upgrade classes and leadership courses. Journeymen and apprentices alike are refining their skills at a furious pace. The political action committee is also hot with events and dedicated volunteers. In the end, we will prevail.

PIERRE ST-CYR, P.S.

Help to Organize

Local 625 members march with their families
at the annual Labour Day parade.

L.U. 625 (ees,em,i,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NS, CANADA-Our September job steward course was cancelled due to low enrollment, but. it will be rescheduled and everyone is urged to sign up.

Thanks to all who participated in the annual Labour Day march. It was good to see proud union members flying their colours.

A tip of the hard hat to members who retired last summer: Ron Connors, John Nixon, Melvin Surrette, Brian McDade, John Bobbitt and Phillip Murray.

Our condolences to the families of members who passed away recently: Murray Barron, Adam Hatt, Clarence Rushton, Thomas MacDonald and Jim Ross. Our brothers will be missed.

Remember to help your local organize by contributing information to the union office. Knowledge you may take for granted could be very useful to your organizer.

TOM GRIFFITHS, P.S.

Walt Connor Retires

L.U. 659 (c,catv,em,i,lctt,o,t&u), MEDFORD, OR-Asst. Bus. Mgr. Walt Connor has retired after 24 years of dedicated service. His experience and expertise will be greatly missed.

The local is saddened by the death of former Exec. Board member Edward "Rusty" Connor.

NECA/IBEW Compliance Officer Darrin Morgan has been doing a great job initiating citations and judgments against nonunion contractors through the Bureau of Labor and Industries. The inside unit voted to continue to fund Morgan as a compliance officer for the local.

Local 659 organized Eugene Water & Electric Board, bringing in 142 new members; pre-negotiations have begun. Kudos to Asst. Bus. Mgr/Organizer Ron Johnson. Thanks also go to the Ninth District for help on the campaign.

Avista clerical and physical units have reached new agreements. We reached an agreement at Springfield Utility Board in May. Pacific Power and Light are in negotiations. NW Line and Inside Wiremen contracts will open up this fall.

Int. Reps. Art Jones, Keith Edwards and Juanita Luiz conducted a leadership training workshop for our local in June. Attending were Bus. Mgr. Ron Jones, Pres. Mike Bureau, Treas. Jerry Brei, Rec. Sec. Kathy Joy, Tom Ellis and at large members Mark Rettman, Tom Legg and Rick Heal.

Our annual summer picnic at River Forks Park near Roseburg was a great success. Thanks to Steve and Jody Haag!

KATHY JOY, R.S.

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