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Local 252 retired members Wayne Hansen (left) and Tim Whitesall receive awards presented by the local in appreciation for their service to the membership.

L.U. 252 (ees,i,rts&spa), ANN ARBOR, MIRetirees Night generates a lot of excitement for Local 252. This year over 200 members attended to pay tribute to our retirees. Presentation of service pins and certificates were highlights of the occasion. After the meeting everyone enjoyed a catered dinner, an opportunity to renew friendships and catch up on the latest news.

Bus. Mgr. Greg Stephens, staff and members of Local 252 extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the retirees for their years of dedicated service. Presented 50-year pins and watches were: Art Aseltine, Robert Ferris, Don Koepp and George Rose. Recipients of 55-year pins were: Max Baker, Richard Cole and Walter Sksezk. A 65-year pin was presented to John Devall.

We thank Wayne Hansen and Tim Whitesall for their years of service and contributions to the local. Wayne served on the Arbitration Committee and Tim served many years on the Entertainment and JATC Apprenticeship committees.

A plaque of appreciation with the following inscription was presented: "One generation plants the trees; Another sits in their shade. Thank you, Brothers Wayne Hansen and Tim Whitesall, for planting those trees."

Timothy Bortles, P.S.

Update From Calgary

L.U. 254 (ees,em,mo,rts&u), CALGARY, AB, CANADALocal 254 of Calgary had a busy summer preparing for the 2004 All Canada Progress Meeting. Two hundred delegates from across Canada enjoyed Albertas western hospitality despite the cool weather. The conference was well presented with several interesting caucus sessions.

Our Medicine Hat Unit shop stewards Brent Mack and Jerry Bernard reported the power plant held a public open house for viewing of their new LM6000 energy efficient natural gas fired generator. They also congratulate Bob Gaetz and Carl Torgerson, both of whom are retiring after lengthy careers with the city utility.

Bob completes his 27-year career as he retires from the power plant control room. Carl, with 30 years, retires as an underground distribution foreman. Local 254 officers and members thank Bob and Carl for their years of service and wish each of them a long and happy retirement.

Local 254 is busy with a couple of charitable fund-raising endeavors. In July we raised over $29,000 in 10 days for the STARS (Medivac) helicopter. In early October we raised $1,500 in support of the Leukemia Research Fund (Canada) by hosting a mega garage sale at our union headquarters parking lot. Thanks to all who helped.

Jim Bleaney, P.S.

December Events

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MNThank you to all the members who gave their time and talent in the political arena of our presidential and state elections.

The work picture in our area has been very slow, especially since completion of the light rail transit line. At the time of this writing, over 400 members were on Book 1. Many thanks to our neighboring and distant locals that are able to provide work for our members who have decided to travel.

Over 200 active and retired members will have the opportunity to receive service pins at the general membership meeting on Dec. 14.

Dates for our 2004 Christmas parties are as follows: Dec. 4 for the childrens party and Dec. 10 for the members party. The Retirees Club Christmas party is Dec. 14. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all!

Keith M. Anderson, P.S.

Support Labors Friends

L.U. 294 (ees,emi,rts,spa&u), HIBBING, MNThe work picture remains slow at this time, like a lot of other areas around the country. Let us hope that a change is in the wind for the hard workers who have built this wonderful country of ours.

Our big project at the moment is the Grand Itasca Hospital, which has a PLA on it as well as AFL-CIO investments in it. With the mining industry going great guns, the work picture should start to improve in 2005. It sure would be nice to help out some of the locals who have kept our members busy on the road.

Our State Board of Electricity currently has no IBEW members on it. We have at least 50 percent of the licenses but no representation. Oh what a Republican governor can do with his power. We seem to forget that the governors office has the power to appoint people who are against organized labor. We need to start taking control of this country back from the right wing extremists. Remember: United we stand, divided we fall.  Please support the businesses that support us. Be an Americanbuy American.

Scott Weappa, B.M./F.S.

Congratulations, Graduates

Members of the Local 306 Graduating Apprentice Class of 2004.

L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OHCongratulations to our graduating apprentice classes of 2004.

Commercial graduates are: Jeffrey Bindus, Dan Brasiel, Erik Bruning, John Cerne, Jason Clark, David Dobben, Trent Evard, Matthew Everly, Nathan Hanson, Oliver Hopkins, Jason Hornacek, David Kinsinger, Scott McCready, Neil McEldowney, David Overcasher, David Plazo, Nate Schafer, Stephen Schueller, Walter Shanholtz, Bruce Stepp, Stephen Vacha, Robert Wolfe, Adam Wright and Michael Young.

Residential graduates are: Steven Baker, Michael Bounce, Eric Constantine, Michael MacDonald, Thomas Petrey II, Michael Prock, Jonathan Snyder and William Sparenga.

High Academic Achievement awards went to Michael Young and Thomas Petreyll in their respective classes and were presented by Mike Young of Ideal Corp and Mike Olesky of CED Sales.

Bus. Mgr. Dave Moran, JATC instructors, local union officers and staff, and Fourth District Int. Rep. Donald W. Vidourek joined family members honoring the graduates.

Guest speaker was Lt. Al Bragg of the Akron Fire Dept. Local NECA Chapter manager Tom Shreves provided closing remarks.

We mourn the loss of retired Bros. John Montavon and Bob Mitchell.

Happy holidays to all our brothers and sisters, and may you all find work near home!

Bob Sallaz, V.P./P.S.