I read with a smile the recent article about Electchester ("Off-Broadway Play Raises the Curtain on Local 3's Electchester," July 2018). It was interesting to learn about the history of the complex and the people involved in its creation. As a youngster, I lived with my family in the Pomonok Apartments on Parsons Boulevard. I would walk to school at PS 200 each day, past Electchester, and be envious for the neighborhood's beauty and how well it was kept. I remember being impressed that you could not just walk into a building lobby like Pomonok but needed a key or to be buzzed in by a resident. At that time the shopping center was brand new and the bowling alley did not exist.

Now, next year I will celebrate my 55th year as an IBEW member with Local 449 in Pocatello, Idaho. I started my apprenticeship in 1964 in Pocatello, though I now live in Eagle, Idaho, and worked with Boise Local 291. Perhaps on our next trip to New York, I will take my wife on that walk from Pomonok to PS 200 past Electchester.

Michael Peck, Local 449 retiree
Pocatello, Idaho

This is just a quick note to say thank you for the terrific story on Teon Plater in the Who We Are column of the July 2018 issue ("DC Member's Path from Prison to Redemption").

It was great to read such an uplifting story, and I hope it inspires all of us to do the right thing as Mr. Fowler and Brother Scott did.

I needed a "good news" story like this.

Blake Hottle, Local 45 member
Hollywood, Calif.

I just received my citation and pin for 65 years of membership in the IBEW from Ted Skerpon, business manager of Syracuse, N.Y., Local 97.

I am proud of my years in the union and of the 15 years I served as president of Local 1385 and System Council U-11. It was a great time in my life.

Ray Lefevre, Local 97 retiree
Syracuse, N.Y.

[Responding to "B.C. Local Provides Life-Saving Overdose Training to Members, August 2018]:

At the IBEW Women's Conference in June, we participated in an informative session on opioid use. During the session, we heard from a mom who lost her beautiful son to this epidemic. She challenged all of us to stand up, be courageous and speak positively when someone is disparaging addicts. Her words will stay with me always. Thank you to the sisters and brothers in Local 213 for living the Code of Excellence. You make a difference!

Joanne Nickerson, Local 37 member
Fredericton, N.B.

I've been serving Local 302 since 1985. Thank you to all the sisters and brothers who built the IBEW. Because of the IBEW, I have been able to raise my standard of living, provide for my family and send my kids to college, all while keeping my dignity!

Ron Bennett, Local 302 member
Martinez, Calif.