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November 2004 IBEW Journal
L.U. 237 (i), NIAGARA FALLS, NYBringing members together is important in any organization, and 237s social calendar does just that. February brought our annual venison dinner at Macris Palace. This event raises money for the locals "Sick Committee." Our members donate the venison, and items for the tool raffle are donated by our contractors and apprentices. Also in February, the locals annual dinner dance featured the Bob Volkman band. Thanks to Bro. Joe Costanzo and all who helped make it an enjoyable evening. Everyone had a blast. The annual kids campout at Allegany State Park was held on Fathers Day weekend. The dads and kids enjoyed a fun-filled, sunny weekend of fishing, football and hiking. At press time the stag campout was scheduled for October. The locals annual family picnic was held in July at Fort Niagara State Park. Pres. Russ Quarantellos games and the great food brought by all made this a memorable day that culminated with a tug-of-war over a wading pool, leaving all the kids laughing and soaking wet. Remember to get involved! Jeffrey Plache, P.S.
L.U. 245 (govt,lctt,o,rtb&u), TOLEDO, OHWe at Local 245 congratulate Devon Vargas, son of Bro. Ray Vargas, Davis Besse maintenance mechanic. Devon was the captain of the U.S. Boxing Team at the 2004 Summer Olympics. Although Devon was disappointed by an injury, we at Local 245 are proud of his accomplishments. We wish him well in his pro career. Negotiations at Channel 11 concluded this fall, completing TV contract negotiations for this year. First Energy negotiations are in high gear at press time in an attempt to meet a Nov. 1 deadline. Outside Construction continues to be strong within Local 245s jurisdiction, and the extended outlook is good. By the time you read this article, the massive efforts and sacrifices our members have given to restore power in Florida and other areas will hopefully be completedwith good memories of helping people, building new friendships and enjoying camaraderie with so many linemen from across the country and this great Brotherhood. Thank you all for working safely and for your unselfish sacrifices to help others in their time of need. Ray Zychowicz, P.S. L.U. 307 (ees,es,i,o&u), CUMBERLAND, MDTwenty years ago Bro. Rod Long was diagnosed with cancer. He was treated and regained his health. Four years ago Rod developed a serious kidney ailment. In late 2002 doctors told Rod he needed a kidney transplant. Rod went to NIH, where he received treatment, including dialysis. After 48 weeks he was cleared for transplant surgery. IBEW member Tammy Long, Rods sister, was tested as a potential donor and found to be a perfect match. On May 22, 2004, Tammy gave her left kidney to her brother. The transplant worked great for Rod, and after a couple of days recuperating Tammy was up and ready to go. Both Rod and Tammy are doing well. Congratulations to Rod. And thanks to Tammy. Thats what I call Brotherhood/Sisterhood. Andy Weisenmiller, P.S.
L.U. 317 (i,o,rts,t&u), HUNTINGTON, WVWork is still slow in our area. Many jobs have been pushed back and some of the commercial work is starting slower than expected. The annual picnic was held at the Fox Fire Resort. Nearly 350 people showed up for a good time. Hay rides, water slide, swimming pool, golf and peddle boats kept everyone busy, and hot air balloon rides highlighted the day. Thanks to all those who hit the streets to encourage union members to vote for Kerry. Thanks to all those who worked to get the vote out and kept us up to date on political matters. Special mention goes to Bros. Pete Vaughan, Tony Savage, Alec Plymale and Kessie Sammons. Thanks to Lawton Shepard for installing the sound system in our meeting room. You can hear it in action on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 8 p.m. Help is needed for several Habitat for Humanity projects. Contact the hall to be put on the volunteer list and for work dates. Ted Kinder, P.S.
L.U. 351 (c,cs,i,it,lctt,mt,o,se,spa &t), FOLSOM, NJBecause of construction of the retail complex "The Walk" in Atlantic City, the Workers Memorial Monument there had to be moved. The memorial honors union members killed during the redevelopment of Atlantic City and was dedicated in 1998 by the Atlantic and Cape May Counties Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. Labor Council Pres. and IBEW Local 351 Bus. Agent Roy Foster gained official permission from the city for moving the granite monument to "Kennedy Plaza" on the Boardwalk, a much more visible location in front of Atlantic City Convention Hall. Because this would be the first Workers Memorial Day observed since the tragic garage collapse at the Tropicana Hotel Casino, the Labor Council then commissioned artist Thomas Jay Warren to create a bronze statue to add to the monument. This new statue was dedicated at the Workers Memorial observance held Friday, April 30, 2004. The first Workers Memorial Day was observed in 1989. Every year, people in hundreds of communities and at worksites recognize workers who have been killed or injured on the job. Trade unionists around the world now mark April 28 as an International Day of Mourning. Daniel Cosner, P.S. |
