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November 2002 IBEW Journal

Joe Smiths a Winner
L.U. 1141 (i,rts&spa), OKLAHOMA CITY, OKMembers recently approved the purchase of two new building facilities, much needed to meet our daily business and future training obligations.

Local inside journeyman wireman Joe Smith was successful in his bid for the State Senate District 42 Democratic nomination. He defeated the author of last years "right-to-work" bill. This is another victory for labornow on to Novembers general election!

Our Annual Service Pin Ceremony was held at the August membership meeting. Congratulations to 60-year members James A. Brewer, Harry F. Cooke, Charles R. Drummond, Chester Dunlap, Benjamin B. Findley and John T. McCharen, 55-year members William Akeman, Floyd J. Brazell, Leslie R. Dawkins, Francis H. Dill, John J. Gabel, Jerry C. Gray, Hayes Heath, Roy S. Jarrel, James L. Kelly, John F. Lewis, Noel W. Liles and Jimmy D. Townsend and 50-year members Harold L. Baker, Joseph R. Bernardy, Darden L. Calhoun, Beryle E. James, Clarence E. Johnson, Walter C. Montgomery and Joseph A. Renegar.

H. Marty Crain, Jr., B.M./F.S.

Web Site Updated
L.U. 1253 (i), AUGUSTA, METwo hundred and fifty folks attended our annual picnic, and Id like to thank all involved, from planning to doing. It was a great day for our members and the local. Four retirees were awarded 50-year pins. Congratulations and thank you for your service and dedication to Local 1253.

We updated our web site. Please use the message board; its there for you at www.ibew1253.org.

Unfortunately some bad news: Retiree Ed Lowell recently passed away, and our condolences go to his family and friends. Shawn Rileys father had a lung transplant and is doing well. John Clarke has been overcoming adversities from a stroke and now prostate problems. Hang in there, John. Norm Doirons wife passed away, and our thoughts are also with you brother. Walter Raymonds father passed away. Also, Joe and Greg Fishers father passed away. Sorry to hear that, brothers.

Some good news: Congratulations to Arthur Ashmore, who was sworn in as a new Executive Board member, an asset for sure.

As awkward as it is, I have been selected as our locals new full-time training director. Id like to thank my predecessor, Harry Lyons, who spent many years doing this part-time. He did a lot for Local 1253 and we thank him. Thanks also for the warm welcome expressed by many.

Chris Trider, P.S.

Family Picnic

L.U. 1289 (u), LAKEWOOD, NJOur family picnic at the Oak Tree Lodge in Wall, NJ, in July was a great success and members said they thoroughly enjoyed the day. Members and families enjoyed delicious food, activities and prizes for children, along with horseshoes, sack racing, bocce, baseball, egg tossing and wall climbing. The ever-popular clown did balloon tricks and face painting and a caricature artist sketched attendees.

Special thanks for a job well done to Picnic Committee members Dan Rosato (Chairman), John Pirrello, Stacy Pirrello, Ed Kaboski, Art Erbs and Bob Langworthy.

Ed Stroup, Pres./B.M.

Fred Taylor Mourned
L.U. 1307 (u), SALISBURY, MDOn July 13, 2002, Bro. Milton "Fred" Taylor lost his battle with melanoma. Fred endured surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and was at home at the time of his death. He was a retired Senior Chief with the U.S. Coast Guard. Bro. Taylor was hired at A&N Electric Coop in January 1982 as a meter technician and held that position until he passed away. Our condolences to his family and friends.

Congratulations to longtime members Charles Gore and Paul Webber, who recently retired from the Vienna Power Plant. We wish them a long and happy retirement.

Bro. Gore began work at Vienna Power Plant in January 1968, and transferred as a power plant maintenance helper in January 1992, remaining until he retired July 25, 2002.

Bro. Paul Weber was hired at Vienna Power Plant in January 1969 and was promoted to power plant inst. tech in January 1986, remaining until he retired July 17, 2002.

Until next time, save jobs, limit imports.

Edward D. Sparks, Jr., F.S.

New Pimlico Track
L.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet&rts), BALTIMORE, MDThe big news in Maryland is that Pimlico Race Track, historic home of the Preakness, will be razed and rebuilt in a year.

Magna Entertainment Corporation purchased an interest in Laurel/Pimlico racetracks and surprised everyone with these plans. The plans are not conditional on slots being introduced into the renovated Pimlico track, but the suspicion is that they anticipate slots after the November election. One thing for sure is they certainly got the attention of politicians throughout the state.

AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney made national news on Labor Day when he was interviewed on the impact on labor caused by the new self-check out equipment being introduced at retail establishments. He was very forthright, stating you cant stop developing technology. Years ago the Ford Motor Co. proudly took the late Walther Ruether on a tour of a new engine plant that featured many fully automated machines. One Ford official observed that the machines dont pay union dues and Reuther responded that they dont buy Ford cars, either.

Thomas J. Roskowski, P.S.