L.U. 6 (c,i,st&u), SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Local 6 recently bid a sad farewell to Warren DeMerrit. Warren, treasurer of Local 6 from 1958-1989, was a lifelong trade unionist and longstanding member of Local 6's Executive Board. During retirement, Warren served as treasurer for the Senior Sixes. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

The OSHA 10 requirement for all journey-level inside wiremen will be mandatory starting June 1. All supervisory personnel are already required to carry OSHA 30 certification within 180 days of promotion or hire. It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance.

We are in the midst of planning our 13th Annual Motorcycle Run, benefiting St. Anthony's Dining Room. This year's run will be May 11-13. It is a good time and an excellent cause.

John J. Doherty, Pres.

L.U. 8 (as,em,i,mar,mt,rts,s&spa), TOLEDO, OH — Hello, brothers and sisters. I hope you and your family enjoyed our mild winter and I'm sure you all look forward to spring.

The numbers on the book have remained steady, holding at around 200. With the start of the Fermi outage, the upcoming Jeep plant expansion, the GM Powertrain expansion and the refinery work, we should start to see the numbers decline.

Congratulations to Bros. Al Arriaga, Robert Cunningham, Tim Hicks, Paul Szymanski, Chuck Wistinghausen and Anthony Young, who have all announced that they will be retiring this year. Collectively, they have well over 200 years of electrical experience. Enjoy your retirement, brothers!

The start of the new year also launches the beginning of the political season. It's a good time to keep in mind which politicians are friends of labor; your job may count on it.

Work safe!

Bryan Emerick, P.S.

L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Congratulations to the 2011 inside wireman graduates: William T. Arthur, Clisten J. Bennett, Samuel E. Bourne, Danny R. Boyle, Samuel L. Graves, James D. Hughes, Zerrick M. Jensen, Preston A. Johnson, Anthony J. Kissel, Preston D. Kline, Brent A. Meinschein, Nathaniel J. Nordenbrock, Elijah L. Pemberton, Heath A. Reininga, Damien W. Sparks, Lee M. Schoolfield, Travis T. Sims, Ross R. Smith, Jerrad W. Sprinkle, Timothy M. Stillions, James R. Stofleth, Brian M. Stute, Brian L. Tenney, Robert J. Wargel II, Brandon L. Wongngamnit. The John D. Brenner Memorial Award for outstanding apprentice went to Brandon L. Wongngamnit.

Jim Dewig was recently honored for his 30 years of instructing apprentices. He was one of seven instructors in the nation recently appointed to a special curriculum committee by NJATC Exec. Dir. Michael Callanan.

Thanks go out to thousands for their sacrifice of income and time to rally, phone, e-mail, and otherwise oppose so-called "right-to-work" legislation. This issue wasn't even mentioned during 2010 campaigns. Now Indiana has become the 23rd state to enact this harmful legislation. Labor must remember how little respect it was shown by certain current elected officials when it's time to vote again.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 22 (i,rts&spa), OMAHA, NE — Local 22 and our Apprenticeship Training Committee have been active partners with Nebraska's Green Workforce "SyNErgy Grant." This is a $4 million SESP (State Energy Sector Partnership) training grant with the Nebraska Dept. of Labor. The state asked training providers to offer training and certifications for green jobs and Local 22 has stepped up to the plate. We are offering training in: solar, BPI residential energy auditing, commercial and industrial energy auditing, electric vehicle infrastructure installation (EVITP), wind tower certification, instrumentation, and a craft construction "boot camp" that introduces lesser skilled workers to our trade. So far the project has been a huge success. Several of the boot camp participants have even been hired on as helpers with our low voltage contractors.

It has also been hard work, such that the Training Committee hired a full-time SyNErgy coordinator, Don Gerjevic. Don works closely with the local partnership and the Department of Labor and coordinates participants and teaches some of the classes. He has been very busy and his efforts are part of what makes the program a success for us. I recently took the solar class myself, and I implore all our members to sign up for these classes.

We are seeing legislation and businesses moving more toward energy efficiency and renewables. It is the future of our industry and we have to be ready!

Chris Bayer, P.S.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Spring in Washington, D.C., arrives with cherry blossoms in our beautiful city and, for Local 26, preparations for our annual Dollars Against Diabetes golf outing and picnics, scholarship winner selections and, this year, contract negotiations.

In addition, April 1 also marks the retirement of a longtime Local 26 employee, Nancy Gladwell, who has served as administrative assistant to the business manager since January 1980. We appreciate all her hard work and dedication over the past 32 years, and wish her many happy, healthy years of retirement!

The following members passed away since our last article: Larry Duby, Billy Trayer, Boyd Sims, Angelo J. Varron, Kenneth D. Hampton Jr., Charles L. Dursee, George E. Maloney, Matthew N. Godbolt and James Robert Bell.

Best wishes to the new retirees: William D. Blinkhorn Jr., John D. Connolly, Calvin R. Hodges Jr., Larry J. Hull, Stephen A. Maisch, Wilfred J. Wilson, William E. Yeatts, John Merkel, Frederick H. McCray, Donald R. Anders, Joseph J. Chillemi Jr., Patrick J. Flynn, Carl F. Krause, Shujia Ma and Donald L. Mallow.

Charles E. Graham, B.M.

L.U. 34 (em,i,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — Last December two of our members, working in a local factory, cut a live 13.8 kV armored cable. The resulting arc flash sent both to the local hospital with injuries. The member standing five feet farther from the flash received much lesser burns, was treated and released. Thankfully, he was back to work within a week.

The other member received second-degree burns and was life-flighted to the burn unit in Rockford. He spent a week there receiving excellent care and steadily recovering. By Jan. 11, he was at our monthly meeting giving an update and thanking all those who helped him and his family. He is expected to be back at work by April.

The amazing generosity and influence of the Brotherhood was evidenced by the treatment he and his family received while in Rockford. A special thanks to the office staff at IBEW Local 364 for booking a room at the union-built Rockford Radisson. And another special thanks to the hotel's owner, who appreciates the craftsmanship and value of union electrical work, for donating the room.

Sometimes, we do not create a dangerous situation, we inherit it. Despite following procedures, accidents can still happen. Always be careful.

Mark McArthy, Treas.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — Pictured in the accompanying photo are Local 38 members, employed with US Communications & Electric Inc. and MAC Installations, who are working on the new 300,000-square-foot Horseshoe Casino in downtown Cleveland. The project has employed more than 140 of our members and should be open for business in the near future.

The summer looks good for work opportunities as the big downtown projects start to staff up at places like the East Bank Flats, Medical Mart and several of the downtown hotels.

Dennis Meaney, A.B.M.

L.U. 42 (catv,em,govt,lctt&o), HARTFORD, CT — We presently have 401 "A" members and 439 "BA" members of Local 42. This does not include the 403 travelers we currently have working in our jurisdiction.

For our work picture Local 42 has a large transmission project of 100 crews. We also have a very extensive distribution project with 120 crews and 40 crews in various substations. I also would like to mention our Railroad and Traffic projects that are very busy as well.

The future work picture also looks very strong. Our tree division has continued to grow since our last two storms of 2011, as a result of Northeast Utilities' increase in tree trimming.

IBEW Local 42 OSHE (occupational safety, health education) has also been very busy with lots of training classes at Local 42's hall on the weekends. These classes include BLS (CPR) First Aid Pole Top/Bucket Rescue, Framing, Transformers, Rigging and Hand Signals, Hot Stick and OSHA 10 T&D, OSHA 30 and all other mandatory safety training. On Jan. 8, Local 42's 20th Lineman Apprenticeship Boot Camp commenced.

Jacquelyn Moffitt, P.S.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Securing an initial contract for the newly organized can be one of the most challenging tasks for employees. Employers know that the time period between an election and a newly signed collective bargaining agreement is their last chance to avoid the long-term organizing of their employees. Despite that challenge, Talgo On Board Technicians had the solidarity and patience to get their very own contract between themselves, IBEW Local 46 as their bargaining representative, and their employer Talgo.

These technicians work aboard the Amtrak Cascades trains and now have an agreement that secures their union representation, yearly wage increases and various benefits.

They were faced with many challenges. It took a year after signing cards before the NLRB authorized an election due to a jurisdictional question about whether they should fall under the National Labor Relations Act or the Federal Railway Labor Act. Despite the wait, they had a successful election and we began bargaining with their employer in the fall of 2010. After over a year of intensive bargaining, the unit voted to ratify a brand new agreement.

We welcome the Talgo On Board Technicians to our local union.

Angela Marshall, Rep.

L.U. 94 (lctt,nst&u), CRANBURY, NJ — Mike Cullen, a longtime IBEW member and employee of PSE&G, received a special honor for his hard work and dedication to the job. Bro. Cullen is an 80-year-old crane operator who has been working for PSE&G for 56 years. He has 15 years at work without taking a single sick day. Wow! The president of PSE&G awarded Mike an all-expense paid trip and two tickets to the Super Bowl. Congratulations, Mike, from all of us on a well-deserved reward!

Some more encouraging news to share with all of you: PSEG Long Island LLC was selected by the Long Island Power Authority to manage LIPA's electric transmission and distribution system. The contract includes targets to improve customer satisfaction and provide safe and reliable service for 1.1 million LIPA customers. It will begin Jan. 1, 2014, after a two-year transition period and run for 10 years. This is good news for the company, sustaining IBEW jobs in both New Jersey and New York. This agreement will also establish a new relationship between Local 94 and Long Island, NY, Local 1049. We look forward to working together.

Carla Wolfe, P.S.

L.U. 100 (c,em,i,rts&st), FRESNO, CA — Our local union was founded with a charter dated June 8, 1912, with 10 men as founders: B.M. Greenwood, C.B. Phillips, Claud Fowler, George Glass, T.C. Vickers, H.H. Courtwright, H.A. Carlson, F.S. Thomas, Charles Eyman and P.B. Brown.

We will celebrate a century of service to the central San Joaquin Valley on June 8, 2012, at the Fresno Convention Center, with a dinner and night full of entertainment, pictures, memories and memorabilia from the past. If you can contribute to the great history of Local 100 in the form of stories, pictures or memorabilia, please call the hall. Help us build this night to remember!

In the upcoming November 2012 general elections, all Californians will be asked to decide who will be able to participate in the democratic process. We must defeat a California ballot measure deceptively called "Stop Special Interest Money Now Act," which would deny union members' right to contribute to political elections. This corporate power grab is the third time the conservative right has tried to silence the voice of organized labor. We in the labor movement find this totally unacceptable. Do your part and VOTE!

Three new contractors were signed — G&H Electric, R&B Electric and Bringetto Electric — bringing 18 new members.

Think safety always.

M.A. Caglia, R.S.

L.U. 102 (i,o,em,mt,ws&govt), PATERSON, NJ — Members of Local 102 continue to showcase the talents possessed by an IBEW trained journeyman. As solar fields have sprung up throughout our jurisdiction, Local 102 continues to take a proactive approach in order to procure the work. As jurisdictional disputes continue on this work, as other groups promote the need for a new "green work force," our members and the IBEW continue to prove that we were trained in "green technology" long before the term became popular. We thank our membership for proving every day, when it comes to electrical work — the IBEW is the right choice!

Our JATC is also taking strides to keep pace with the changing landscape of our industry. Along with implementing the NJATC craft certification program several months ago, the JATC recently built a computer lab. The lab will fulfill the NJATC requirements for online testing utilized in the craft certification program as well as the aptitude test for new applicants. To further utilize the lab, the JATC has purchased a training program featuring the latest in 3D design software. Take advantage of the training opportunities your JATC provides.

Bernie Corrigan, Pres.

L.U. 104 (lctt,o&u), BOSTON, MA — Local 104 members collected hundreds of unwrapped toys and donations from all over our jurisdiction during the month of December last year and brought them to both union halls. Also at our December 2011 Christmas/Union meetings we collected $3,000 from raffles for the year's Toy for Tots drive for needy children in our communities.

Chris Blair, P.S.

L.U. 130 (i), NEW ORLEANS, LA — My apologies to Local 130 members for missing two previous deadlines for this publication. The local has undergone many changes since we last were represented in print here.

The local has since started a day school for apprentices. The startup of the day school was a combined effort of former training director M.J. Brannigan and our new Training Dir. T. Hughes. Congratulations to both men.

Bro. Brannigan is retiring from the work force and as director of training. Good luck and best wishes to Bro. Brannigan on retirement. Congratulations to Bro. Hughes on becoming training director.

The "apprentice of the year" for last term was Bro. Mike Kelly Jr.

This year brings changes for all of us as we elect a new president in 2012. Please, brother and sister members, educate yourselves on the upcoming political elections. Speak to our own Chad Lagua, political liaison / educator, who can fill you in on all our endorsed political candidates.

The work situation is getting a little better. Bus. Mgr. Clay Leon expects more referrals as this article goes to press.

Pres. Chet Held appointed Bro. Timothy Moran as our new health and welfare trustee. Bro. Moran will do a good job as our new trustee and will put the interests of this local first when representing us at meetings.

Sandy Theriot, P.S.

L.U. 146 (ei,i&rts), DECATUR, IL — We congratulate the following members, who were recently awarded their retirement watch: Dan Perrine, B.J. Taylor, Jim "The Governor" Thompson, Don Stiles and William Logue. Thank you for all your years of service and may your retirement fit you well.

The Illinois General Assembly was back in session in February. Senate Bill 678 (the Taylorville Energy Center) passed the Illinois Senate in November last year — and at the time of this writing the bill was pending a vote in the House. Keep watching our Web site or Facebook page for updates on the bill. Until we know for sure, the work picture will be rather slow here.

Our sincere condolences go out to the families of three Local 146 members who recently passed away, Robert Mintler, Danny Fritts and Charles "Lester" Hayes. May we always cherish our brothers' memories and their service to the IBEW.

Remember to attend your union meeting; there is always some good advice to be had. Work safe, work smart, buy American, and buy union-made products. The job you save may be your own.

Correction: The Local 146 article in the February 2012 issue of The Electrical Worker misstated the new name of the Local 146 apprenticeship program. The new name is Midstate Electrical Training Center, not Midwest.

Rich Underwood, R.S.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Times are still tough. The economy is still in the toilet and the work picture bleak. Most of us are worried about how to pay for the most basic of necessities and put gas in our old cars. All we can do is keep putting moving forward and doing our best.

As 2011 came to an end we took a moment to remember the members we lost during the past year: Scott Murphy, Bradley Everett, Slim Kidd, Al Jemlick, Don Cowgill, William Beins, Tony Allen, Rich Schubert, Art Bandman, George Eberhardt, Keith Lother and Guissepe Tziano. It is always difficult to lose members and the depth of experience and stories represented by these people. They were all good men who helped contribute to making our local into what it is today. Godspeed.

The JACT is again offering journeyman up-date classes both in the evening and the day. Such a great opportunity to learn something new, brush up on past knowledge and earn continuing education credits. Please make every attempt to take advantage of these classes.

The local picnic is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2012, at our usual spot at the Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

See you at the meeting.

Wendy J. Cordts, P. S.

L.U. 160 (lctt,o&u), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — 2012 began where 2011 left off. There is much work in the entire state of Minnesota. Wind farms continue to generate a large amount of the work. Minnesota is in the top five in the U.S. for total wind powered generation.

There is also a great deal of work associated with CAPX-2020. CAPX-2020 is a huge utility infrastructure upgrade that involves most if not all of the major power companies in the region. It has also helped to employ many workers from Local 160 and the IBEW.

2012 is also an important political year. Please remember to vote for labor-endorsed and labor-friendly candidates in upcoming elections this year.

Keep the union momentum from states like Wisconsin and Ohio going strong.

James P. Brereton, P.S.

L.U. 280 (c,ees,em,es,i,mo,mt,rts&st), SALEM, OR — Bus. Mgr. Tim Frew proudly handed out service pins at our unit meetings this past winter and it was quite astonishing that these brothers have served a combined total of more than 2,800 years for the IBEW.

Members who received pins are: For 45 years - Bob Maloy, Jim Davis Jr., Jon Wolf, Lon Scott; for 40 years — Jack Wieland, Robert Fisher, Robert Wilson, Wayne Lathrop, Frank Cross, Jim Sahr, Tommy Paul, Michael Stoffel, Tim Mitchem, Kelly Martin, Tim Nicol, Steve Bebout, Bob Salle, Max Schumacher, Jeff Scofield, Dan Campbell, Jerry Sheffield, Jimmy Coulson, Philip Liermann, William Ped, Bill McCall, Audie Castro, Tom Baumann, Gary Layton, Mike Mathis, Stan Penrose, Brad Johnson, Larry Taylor, Russ Rice, Dough Aljets, Craig Perkins; for 35 years — Bill Coburn, Pete Parker, Ed Rubesh, Darrell Eaves, David McFarland, Richard Kessel, Ted Pratt, Ray Lipsit, Craig Nelson, Gene Bloodworth, Carl Gioia, Ron Ernst, Steve Todd, Mel Andrews, Denny Ellis, Elwood Lindquist, Anthony Ritter, Steve Rose, Stephen Paisley, Mike Sweeney, Bernard Lecompte, Joe Everall, Mike Grohs, Glen Campbell, Gerry Hatleberg, Dan Palanuk Gerald Miller, Gaston Gray, Mark Taisey, Eric Scofield, Doug Palmer, Mike Peterson, Steve Hatleberg, Fred Varner, Doug Free, Dennis Swisher and Tony Baucum.

All of us in Local 280 say thank you!

Jerry Fletcher, P.S.

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — At this writing, contract negotiations are coming up and the membership is providing valuable input to the Negotiations Committee before they meet with NECA; the current two-year contract expires in the second quarter of 2012.

The local's first Snowball Dinner and Dance was a success. More than 100 couples from Local 292 enjoyed a delicious buffet, live music and dancing. The local plans to make this an annual event. We thank everyone who attended and put this together, and we invite the membership back next year for the second annual Snowball Dinner and Dance.

The Minnesota state legislature has proudly withstood the so-called "right-to-work" barrage for 60-plus years, defending the right for all workers to have representation. As the detractors are pushing their agenda forward in the media and at the state Capitol, we are educating our members and their families on how to discuss the labor movement with other Minnesotans. Gov. Mark Dayton has long supported Minnesota workers, but the proposed constitutional amendment by referendum would bypass the governor's office.

Work is still slow in our jurisdiction, and we thank all the other locals that are putting our traveling members to work.

Carl Madsen, P.S./B.R.

L.U. 300 (govt,i,mt&u), MONTPELIER, VT — Vermont Yankee nuclear plant was given the green light by the Vermont court system to continue its present course of operation. After lengthy battles against the state's efforts to close the plant, IBEW members prevailed and will have the opportunity to continue working and fighting for another day.

The merger between Vermont utility giants Central Vermont Public Service and Green Mountain Power continues to be a focus for Local 300, not to mention the many organizations looking to get a piece of the pie. Local 300 is posturing itself to develop and execute the best deal possible for all the union's members.

Shown in the accompanying photo are IBEW Local 300 members who completed a 940-panel solar installation during the bitter winter months. Local 300 members worked for signatory contractor Peck Solar on the roof of CP Smith elementary school after completing a 208 kW solar photovoltaic installation at the City of Burlington school districts.

Local 300 wishes all locals a safe and prosperous construction season.

Jeffrey C. Wimette, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — Work has finally started on a big project for us. The 760-megawatt natural gas fired Marsh Landing Power Plant, a Citizens United for Reliable Energy PLA project, is finally under way after many years of negotiations and several hurdles. Our local members received a craft-based safety crew of the month award.

Our 2011 Annual Holiday Party was a huge success. Approximately 400 people attended and our members' kids enjoyed all the holiday snacks and crafts. Our local also "adopted" several families living in a local shelter and provided them with holiday presents. Our in-house benevolent organization, WYESMEN Inc., adopted a family, provided four members' families with cash for the holidays and delivered the presents to the shelter.

Our Political Action Committee is gearing up for the big election cycle and at press time we have several state and local races, as well as the presidential election, to get ready for. Additionally, we must defeat yet another right-wing assault on our ability to spend money on elections. A ballot initiative called "Stop Special Interest Money Now Act" would strip union members' rights to contribute to political elections.

Paul Doolittle, P.S.

L.U. 304 (lctt,o&u), TOPEKA, KS — On Jan. 4, proud members of IBEW Local 304 presented the City of Hoisington, KS, with a name plate that will be placed on the donated picnic table that members bought for the good people of that community. Pictured below is the local's presentation to city officials.

The table is made of 100 percent recycled rubber and is provided in part with a grant from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment (KDHE) waste tire program. The picnic table will be on the east side of the Scout Hut/Friendship Meals facility. Members' wages, throughout the state of Kansas, are what made this possible for the citizens of Hoisington. Partnering together since 1942, IBEW Local 304 and the City of Hoisington have long shared a good working relationship.

We are sad to report the passing of several members: Dwight Pierce, Dennis Gifford, Brian Garretson, Frank O'Neil, Marc Teske, Buck Rockhold, Paul Snyder and Kevin Pyle.

Paul Lira, B.M.

L.U. 306 (i), AKRON, OH — 2012 is one of the most important election years in recent history. We will be campaigning hard in Ohio to elect or re-elect labor friendly candidates in state and federal races including members of Congress and the president.

Add to that, the ongoing fight to prevent Ohio from becoming a so-called "right-to-work" state and we see just how important this year is. Through an organized effort in 2011, we defeated SB 5. If we stay united, we can win again.

Service awards were presented at our December 2011 meeting. Receiving awards were: 65-year members Will Mallory and William Monchak; 60-year members Lawrence Bryner, Rhonald Fleet, Anthony Monteforte, John Staton and Terry Sweitzer; 55-year members Charles Engelman, Robert Frank, Courtney Macdowell and John Scafidi; 50-year members Richard Cooey and Edward Meyer; 25-year members James Adams, Larry Borth, Craig Dutton, Scotty Flaker, Jeff Gardner, Patrick Haag, Thomas King, Dennis Owen, David Popa, Timothy Ray, Jeff Richey, Christopher Sellman, Kirk Shemuga and Mike Turnbull. Congratulations to our honorees!

With sadness we report the loss of Bros. James Norris and Frank Oreolt, and retired Bros. Robert Trettel and Howard Shafer. We send our condolences to their families.

Thomas Wright, Chmn./P.S.

L.U. 332 (c,ees,i&st), SAN JOSE, CA — Local 332 has trained several new mentors as a way to connect the wisdom of current members to newer members who will carry the union into the future. We thank all our dedicated members for keeping the craft and our union strong.

The Member-to-Member Program training was held in late February. The program is well on its way to increasing membership participation even further. More details to come.

Local 332's jurisdiction is proud to be the new home of the 49ers football team. The new stadium will be built in Santa Clara. Work has begun on parking structures, and the Stadium Authority hopes the stadium will be finished in time for the 2014 NFL regular season. Welcome 49ers!

Another large-scale project on the horizon is the $900 million project labor agreement for a BART train expansion. This project will bring a much-needed public transportation route to our area and will last through 2017. Train service is scheduled to begin to San Jose in 2018.

Our local has been using social media and the Web site to inform members of the positive things our U.S. president has done for labor, such as NLRB appointments, the "Employee Rights" notice about the right to unionize, and the push for PLAs on federal construction projects. It is not easy to counter the opposition's propaganda campaign, filled with half-truths and outright lies, but it must be done early and often if we are to prevent disaster for working families.

David Bini, Organizer

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — The 2012 Electrical Workers Minority Caucus held its annual national meeting in nearby Oakland this year and we sent 10 delegates to the conference the weekend before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday to take part in a day of community service and to honor Sister Robbie Sparks, one of the original founders of the EWMC.

This was an extraordinary opportunity for our delegates because we are in the process of forming a Sacramento EWMC Chapter and getting an official charter. The delegates met many other EWMC brothers and sisters from across the county who shared their ideas, hopes and goals for the EWMC. Several delegates who had attended past conferences met up with old friends, and the first-time attendees forged new friendships and connections.

After attending all the weekend events, our delegates came away very enthusiastic about being involved in Local 340's new EWMC Chapter.

Thanks go out to Local 595 Bus. Mgr. Victor Uno for organizing the sister locals in co-hosting a Northern California IBEW Reception for delegates and guests on Friday, Jan. 13. It was a great event.

I regret to report the passing of two retired members: Brother Roy Heacock and Brother Donald Rogers.

A.C. Steelman, B.M.

L.U. 494 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), MILWAUKEE, WI--Specht Electric was approached for the Sheboygan Habitat home in the summer of 2011. I received a call from Scott Specht asking if membership would be interested in volunteering for the project. I knew they would and made the presentation to the membership at our union meeting. With 10 volunteers we easily completed the project from rough-in to trim-out. A special thanks to Gary Dawson for running the project; your time and effort are greatly appreciated. Also, a thank-you to Specht Electric for donating tools, equipment and materials to complete the project. Our membership and contractors at Local 494 believe in giving back to the community where we live and work. This is one of many ways we have done so.

John Jacobs, B.R.

L.U. 498 (c,catv,em,i&spa), TRAVERSE CITY, MI — At this writing the work outlook in our area remains challenging. We are hopeful for 2012 to be a better construction year in our jurisdiction.

The annual Santa party was held at the hall again last year and had a great turnout as always. Thanks go out to all those who helped prepare food, organize the event and help with the cleanup.

On a sad note, our local recently lost retired charter member Orange Hinds. Orange was a veteran of World War ll who served in Britain, France, Holland and Belgium as a member of the U.S. Army's 969th Engineer Maintenance Company. Orange worked as an electrician for many years with Davis Electric and Grand Traverse Electric. During that time he served as the financial secretary for IBEW Local 498. He was a devoted family man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and watching sports. Our condolences go out to his family.

Timothy R. Babcock, P.S.

L.U. 570 (i,mo,spa&u), TUCSON, AZ — Thanks to Essco Wholesale Electric supply house, Bob Jones & Associates, and 3M for putting on a high voltage splicing class for our members. In attendance were Local 570 Asst. Bus. Mgr. Bill Wimer, Local 570 Pres. Tom Berry, Examining Board member Russell Wind and members Michael Davison, Ed Elliott, Tonio Lopez, Jess Newsome, Leroy Romero, Brian Sterrett, Rick Torchia Jr. and Bruce Stump.

With work at Arizona Western College and the First Solar project, we were able to organize some new members in Yuma, AZ.

Conti Electric is wrapping up Phase 1 of the First Solar Agua Caliente Project about 60 miles outside of Yuma and two new contractors have picked up projects at the Yuma Marine Corp Air Station. This will give a handful of our members who live in the Yuma area another chance to work close to home.

Scott W. Toot, Organizer

L.U. 636 (as,catv,em,spa&u), TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA — After a lifetime of dedicated service, Bro. Rick Wacheski has shifted focus from collective agreements to crossword puzzles. We wish him happiness and good health in his retirement. In a 45-year journey with the IBEW, Rick helped lead the battle for workers' rights and social justice. He has served with honour and integrity. For more than two decades, Rick led our local as business manager/financial secretary and he leaves behind a proud legacy. During his distinguished career, Rick earned a reputation as a firm but fair advocate respected by all. No doubt he will soon again put his talents to work as he and his fellow retirees come under attack from the Harper government.

Also retiring is Bro. Allen Gates, who can now relax by the ocean rather than making waves. Vigilant in his commitment to improve the quality of life for workers, Allen has been a tireless and tenacious activist — a leader who has made a positive difference. His wit and wisdom will be missed. Allen can now enjoy his love of music and share this gift with others as he begins a long and happy retirement.

To our brothers, we say thanks for your dedicated service and we hope good things follow wherever life leads you.

Paddy Vlanich, P.S.

L.U. 648 (em,i,spa&u), HAMILTON, OH — The work picture has really slowed down in our area, but some of our members have been fortunate to find work in other locals and we are appreciative of the work.

Local 648, along with our NECA partners, found a great local project to support and we feel very fortunate to be involved. The Miracle League Fields — a dream of local legend and player/broadcaster for the Cincinnati Reds, Joe Nuxhall — is a baseball complex for handicapped children and adults. The fields will be rubberized to allow for safe play. The fields will also be lighted and have special accommodations for players and their families. This has been a dream of the Nuxhall family to build such a project.

IBEW Local 648 and NECA pledged to supply all labor and material for the electrical portion of this project. As of this writing, the temporary service and most of the site work and pole foundations are done. We hope for a midsummer opening.

This is a great opportunity for fellowship and goodwill in our community and to show everyone what the IBEW is all about.

Jeff McGuffey, P.S.

L.U. 666 (i,mt&o), RICHMOND, VA — Members of the COPE committee went to the Virginia General Assembly on Jan 29-30 to speak with legislators on issues critical to union and working families across the Commonwealth. At the time of this writing, there are still a number of bills pending that are of great concern for organized labor and the middle class.

The Central Virginia Labor Federation-sponsored Spring Labor Golf Classic will be held May 19 at Jordan Point Country Club. Please join in for a great day of brotherhood and golf! For more information see www.va.aflcio.org/centralva/.

The third annual Local 666 Poker Run to benefit the Neighborhood Resource Center is in the planning stages as of press time. The event will be held in April. Watch the Local 666 Web site for updates at www.IBEWlocal666.com.

Also on the Local 666 Web site, there are links to union-made and American-made products. Check it out and help stimulate our own economy!

Recent Local 666 retirees include: Leonard W. Biddix, Neale W. Kelley, David L. Payne, Eddie W. Harris, Donald S. Currie and Stella Knighton. Best wishes to them all!

Charles Skelly, P.S.

L.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,ptc,rtb,rts,se,spa,st,t,u,
uow&ws), WEST FRANKFORT, IL — We recently completed our first Journeyman Signaling and Rigging Certification classes to prepare for the 2014 OSHA standard.

Dennis Hamburger received the award of Southern Illinois University Physical Plant Employee of the Year out of 450 employees. Congratulations, Bro. Hamburger.

The Prairie State Energy Campus project will be winding down in May 2012, five months ahead of schedule. In Bechtel Construction's 100-plus years of business, this Code of Excellence job has been one of their best. We thank all of our members and our traveling sisters and brothers for all their help to make this project a success.

Marsha Steele, P.S.

L.U. 716 (em,i,lcttt,rts&spa), HOUSTON, TX — Hello, brothers and sisters. I hope all are well and hopefully work is picking up in your area. We still have numerous members on Book I, but we are hopeful for more work to break soon.

Our local's 100 Year Anniversary Celebration was a huge success. With many activities for the membership and their families there was plenty of fellowship and brotherhood. The golf tournament, the family outing, and the Saturday night reception were big hits, along with the all-day birthday party that ended at 7:16 p.m. Congratulations for a job well-done go out to the 100 Year Committee and to all the members who helped with this great event.

We also thank the members who helped represent Local 716 at the Houston St. Patrick's Day parade, where Local 716 defended its title as the 2011 Green Derby Award winner, and at the Cesar Chavez parade.

At press time, the last of the continuing education classes for Code Update are rapidly approaching as well as the upcoming primary elections. Local 716 encourages all members and their families to register to vote.

If you are not a part of the Local 716 Death Benefit Fund, or the Sick and Accident Fund, we encourage you to join.

John E. Easton Jr., B.M./F.S.

L.U. 776 (i,o,rts&spa), CHARLESTON, SC — This past Christmas our local set a record in our food and toy collections. Thank you to all of our members and their families who helped fill the boxes that filled our hall. Due to the economic stress of the middle class, local charities are suffering all across the nation — but thanks to our members, both the Florence Crittenton Home for Unwed Mothers and My Sisters House for Battered Women received a much welcome truckload of food staples and toys for the women and their children seeking refuge at the shelters.

Our local LMCC sponsored the Lighthouse display at the James Island Holiday Festival of Lights. This joint IBEW-NECA venture shined the "light of unionism" on the 250,000-plus people who attend the festival each holiday season.

We are saddened to report that the following members passed away in 2011: Preston Brock, Wayde A. Bowick, Donald "Roy" Craven, Billy H. Cockcroft, Thomas W. Emory, Ralph A. "Bob" Ferrell, Joseph F. Ferri, Charles "Cecil" Holly, Bobby J. "B.J." Lawson and John P. Lewis. And early this year, member Benny D. Gleaton passed away. They will all be greatly missed.

Chuck Moore, B.M.

L.U. 804 (i&o), KITCHENER, ONTARIO, CANADA — On Jan. 21, supporters rallied behind Canadian Auto Workers locked out from Electro-Motive Diesel in London, Ontario. EMD is a subsidiary company of the industrial giant Caterpillar. Caterpillar's final offer of contract talks was a 55 percent wage cut along with the cancelling of benefits and pension contributions. CAW Local 27 rejected the offer and the workers were locked out the first of January. The CAW as well as the London and District Labour Council, Ontario Federation of Labour, and the Canadian Labour Council organized the "London Day of Action against Corporate Greed."

A small troop of IBEW Local 804 members attended the Day of Action alongside brothers and sisters from IBEW Locals 120, London; 530 Sarnia; 773 Windsor; 105 Hamilton; and 353 Toronto. Special thanks go to IBEW Local 120 Bus. Mgr. John Gibson for the hospitality in providing a meeting place before and after the rally.

Dino Celotto, P.S.

L.U. 840 (i), GENEVA, NY — The work picture in our area has remained slow, but that hasn't dampened our spirits or our resolve to turn the corner. The spring looks pretty good because of that attitude.

Newly elected Bus. Mgr. Mike Davis has asked the new E-Board and members to get more involved with their local union and their community, and our members have responded. We volunteered to help our area baseball team, the Geneva Red Wings, to renovate their team locker rooms. We are also working with the United Way to donate money and time to do work in our community. Through our LMCC we donated a scholarship for clean room training to Finger Lakes Community College. The idea behind this is to continue to provide businesses in our area with the trained, skilled work force necessary to expand and they will come. Building these relationships can only help us tell the community what we have known all along: Local 840 members care and are vital to neighborhood success.

In the spring we also hope to break ground on our new training facility and finally wrap up a project labor agreement on the Canandaigua Airport expansion. Hope all other locals have a prosperous 2012.

Charles Randall, E-Board

L.U. 968 (catv,i,mt,o,rts,spa&t), PARKERSBURG, WV — IBEW Local 968 handed out 120 fruit baskets and turkeys to the retired members and widows at the Annual Christmas Basket Luncheon last year. The luncheon is a long-standing tradition to show our appreciation to the retirees and gives them an opportunity to see friends, reminisce and tell stories of old times enjoyed together.

Robert "Bob" Patton received his 50 Year Member Award. He began his career with the IBEW in 1961 with Gorrell Electric. Bob served on the Executive Board, as apprenticeship instructor (1975-1985) and was vice president (1986-1992). Bob retired from Newco Electric in 2001.

Charles "Charlie" Rush received his 65 Year Member Award. Charles started working for McHenry Electric in 1943. After working a few months Charles went into the U.S. Navy serving from 1943 to 1946. Charles was part owner of McHenry Electric for 32 years when he and his partner retired selling the company in 1987.

In 2011 Local 968 lost retired members Wilmer "Curly" Duer, Edward "Bud" Kehrer, James Riggs, Norris Lemon and Donald Williams.

Lyn Lovell, B.M.

L.U. 1116 (em,lctt&u), TUCSON, AZ — Our local wishes a happy retirement to recent retirees: Gary Gaulin, 20 years of service; former president Jeff Martin, 30 years; Galen DeWitt, 38 years; and Richard Fisher, George Lucas and Bob Mattis, 40 years. Together they represent a combined 208 years of IBEW membership! They take many years of experience and craftsmanship with them and we thank them all for being a part of our union. We know there will be lots of fishing, golfing, motorcycle cruising and road trips in their future but they earned it.

At the January 2012 monthly meeting, several brothers received 30-year pins and certificates. Members with 30 years of service include: Bros. Steve Spencer, Larry Bieberstein, Warren McElyea, Ed Hermosa, Richard "R.C." Cavaletto, Greg Carter, Christopher Costello, John Florence, Cary Greeneltch, Gary Sanford and Ron Stamper.

Trico Electric members recently ratified a new three-year contract and the local is gearing up to start negotiations with Asplundh Tree Experts (expires December 2012), Unisource Gas (expires June 2012), three Southwest Energy Solutions contracts (expire December 2012), Springerville Generation Station & Tucson Electric Power (expire January 2013).

We can't stress enough the importance of attending local monthly meetings to hear how these negotiations are going. In a state where the Senate and House are more anti-union than ever, we must be aware of and support political leaders who support our union goals for a working America. Build union — buy union.

R. Cavaletto, P.S.

L.U. 1316 (i&o), MACON, GA — Macon Electrical JATC graduated three journeyman wiremen in 2011 — Bryan Weathers, Chris Aeschliman and Kenneth Logan — announced Training Dir. and Local 1316 Pres. Ralph Snowden. Chris Aeschlimann received the Morgan Bowen Award, presented by Macon Electrical JATC, for outstanding performance during the five-year period of apprentice training.

On Jan. 3, Local 1316 held its quarterly Retirees Breakfast and Awards/Pin ceremony. Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Johnny Mack Nickles on behalf of the local congratulated award recipients: Ricky Scott, Tommy Foster, Fred Yeomans, Richard Dunn, James Harrington, Doug Ruffen, Harry Evans, Jack Harley, Royce Alday, Homer Aspray and Eddie Hendricks. There were also 14 family members present for the ceremony.

Michael H. Gardner, P.S.

L.U. 1466 (u), COLUMBUS, OH — At the January monthly union meetings, Local 1466 conducted a vote on whether or not we should accept the three-year Master Agreement negotiated with American Electric Power. After much discussion and debate our local voted to approve the AEP agreement. On March 2, the other IBEW locals on System Council U-09 voted to approve the offer as well.

The union hall renovations that were approved by the membership have also started. If everything goes according to plan the work should be completed soon. The renovations have spurred talk of a possible increase in rental fees for nonmembers in order to bring in additional revenue for our local. This is something that will continue to be discussed going forward.

Finally, please remember to attend your monthly union meetings so you can have a part in shaping our local.

Jimi Jette, P.S.

L.U. 1944 (t), PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Allentown/ Wilkes-Barre office of IBEW Local 1944 took up a collection at their office and decided to help one of the many community organizations in their county. Several members of the Allentown/Wilkes-Barre office presented a $50 gift card to a representative of the area Domestic Violence Abuse Shelter.

Following in the footsteps of their fellow union members (from New Castle & Allentown), it was announced to this reporter that another office of IBEW Local 1944 also collected funds to provide assistance during the 2011 holiday season. Altoona donated a $50 Weis gift card to the local Domestic Abuse Shelter for their use in helping those less fortunate.

George W. Greiner III, R.S.

L.U. 2150 (em,govt,lctt,o&u), MILWAUKEE, WI — On July 31, 2011, Forrest Ceel resigned as Local 2150 business manager due to health reasons. Forrest spent almost his entire career involved in organized labor. The only non-unionized job he held was that of paper carrier. For Local 2150, he served as steward, unit chair, Executive Board representative, president, and became Local 2150's first lobbyist in Madison, WI.

In 2000, Forrest was hired as business rep for Local 2150. In 2007, he was appointed to fill one of three assistant business manager positions. In March 2009, the Local 2150 Executive Board appointed Forrest to succeed Dan Sherman as business manager/financial secretary. In June 2009, the members of Local 2150 elected Forrest as business manager/financial secretary.

Most recently, Forrest was actively involved in the political "firestorm" in Madison, WI, which brought national attention to not only Wisconsin, but also to organized labor in February and March 2011. His dedication to the labor movement and the collective bargaining rights for public sector workers kept Forrest in Madison day and night.

Forrest's contributions to the labor movement will benefit the lives of Wisconsin's working people for years to come. Local 2150 wishes him the best.

Nancy Wagner, P.S.