L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MO — On Labor Day, hundreds of IBEW members marched in solidarity with numerous other unions and organizations in the St. Louis Labor Day parade. This year's theme, "Unions Built This City," reminds our neighbors and leaders of the critical role organized labor and working families play in the success of our communities.

Once again this year, 18 Local 1 volunteers helped set up temporary electric power for the Overland Lions Club Charity Fair. Several St. Louis NECA members also provided support. Sanderson Electric pulled the permits; Sachs Electric also provided a service truck; and Schaeffer Electric provided a bucket truck. Money raised at the fair is donated to local food banks, veteran honor flights, international efforts to help children, and more. Last year, the event raised over $12,000 for charities.

Local 1 is proud to have helped sponsor lighting for the St. Louis Science Center's Planetarium building for this year's Fair St. Louis. The cutting-edge LED lighting system in red, white and blue was sponsored by the Electrical Connection, a partnership between IBEW Local 1and the St. Louis Chapter of NECA.

We mourn the death of several members: Clint Potter Sr., Robert Metzger, Bernard Trentmann Jr., Jack Seamans, Ronald Ervin, William Carlyle, Glennon Obermark, Ernestine Thompson, John Fortune, Donald Lansche, Marshall Baker, Vernon Wischmeyer, Dale Rosenkoetter, Matthew Francher, Gary Reimann, Floyd Petzoldt and Edwin Hirzy.

John Moyle, P.S.

L.U. 9 (catv,govt,lctt,o&u), CHICAGO, IL — It is with great pride that Local 9 and the Middle States Electrical Contractors Association announces the opening of their new operating training facility, which sits on just over 12 acres in University Park, IL. A long awaited and much needed goal of Local 9 has finally come to fruition. The facility will provide Local 9 the ability to properly train our members on the safety, maintenance and operation of various cranes and directional boring and excavation equipment utilized in all facets of our industry. We know that this operating school and the classes being offered to our membership will only help in protecting the IBEW's interests and the jurisdiction of Local 9.

The local wrapped up its outside agreement with a 3.5 percent wage increase for each year of the three-year agreement. Additionally, at press time, the local is in the process of negotiating a successor line clearance contract for the 700+ hard-working and dedicated tree trimmers in northern Illinois.

Local 9 wishes all IBEW members and their families a happy Thanksgiving, a safe and joyous holiday season, and a prosperous New Year.

Mary Beth Kaczmarek, P.S.

L.U. 11 (i,rts&spa), LOS ANGELES, CA — Our local-wide picnic took place Saturday, Aug. 23, at the historic Rose Bowl stadium. Over 3,500 members and family attended. Members could walk into the locker room areas for our Health Fair, and the kids had a safe, fenced-off area with plenty of jumpers, slides and games. More than 25 vehicles owned by members were entered into this year's Knights of Labor car show. Thanks to the Picnic Committee, volunteers and all who helped make this event a great success.

Our director of veterans affairs, Mike Kufchak, will lead IBEW Local 11 as team captain for the United Way Homewalk 2014 on Saturday, Nov. 15. Unfortunately, more than 40,000 homeless people sleep in our streets at night, and approximately 6,000 of them are veterans. Please join us by walking, running and fundraising to help our communities fight homelessness. Contact Kufchak@joinlocal11.org for more information.

We are saddened by the loss of former business manager Homer Lee on July 29. Homer was initiated into Local 11 in 1962 and served in numerous capacities within our industry. His commitment and service to our local will not be forgotten.

Diana Limon, P.S.

L.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Local 15 wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a great holiday season!

We reached an agreement with Exelon on a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPDP). This plan goes into effect Jan. 1, 2015, and covers members who retired after March 30, 1995. The agreement should help keep the costs stable for affected retirees.

In the fossil division, employees at Kincaid Generating Station, currently owned by Energy Capital Partners (ECP), were notified that KGS is being sold to Dynegy. The sale is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2015. ECP was preparing to hold an initial public offering (IPO) and instead accepted a purchase offer from Dynegy.

NRG announced its plans for the four Midwest Generation coal-fired stations it owns. Waukegan and Powerton will get environmental upgrades and continue to burn coal. Joliet will have all three units converted to burn natural gas. Will County will shut down one unit (No. 3) by April 1, 2015, and will continue to run the other unit (No. 4) as long as it meets environmental limits. These changes will benefit Illinois in meeting the proposed U.S. EPA Clean Power Rules.

Doug Vedas, P.S.

L.U. 21 (catv,govt&t), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — Our recently organized members working at DirectSat USA in Mokena, IL, are beginning to gain a voice with their employer.

Since organizing earlier this year, the members started exercising their Weingarten Rights and began airing grievances with management. The National Labor Relations Board ruled in our members' favor on a charge that management withheld wage increases paid on service upgrades during the organizing drive (the same increases that were given to all other DirectSat employees).

That NLRB decision helped to level the playing field as our members headed into bargaining in early September. In preparation, members completed their bargaining surveys. Several attended a weekend negotiation training session in July. We were impressed by their turnout and their eagerness, participating on their only day off. They put in a full day learning about the bargaining process, and we feel we learned a lot from them too. On their first day of negotiations, members came prepared and passed 16 proposals for management to consider. With the first day behind them as of press time, it will be interesting to see how management responds. Management signaled throughout the organizing campaign that they intend to make bargaining difficult, at best.

Our new members need to continue to stand strong and understand that they have the power to achieve their ultimate goal, which is to obtain a first contract with DirectSat.

Bob Przybylinski , R.S./P.S.

L.U. 25 (catv,i&rts), LONG ISLAND, NY — The 44th annual William J. Lindsay Softball Tournament was a great success. The tournament was hosted by IBEW Locals 25, 3 and 1049. The event took place the weekend of Aug. 22-24 in Baldwin, NY. Friday night, Aug. 22, was home run derby.

On Saturday and Sunday, 24 IBEW teams from the East Coast competed in different brackets. Hundreds of IBEW members and their families showed up in force, and we all had a great time. Long Island, NY, Local 1049 won the upper bracket championship, and Toronto, Ontario, Local 353 won the lower bracket championship. They are two great teams.

Local 25 was awarded the brotherhood trophy for all their hard work at this event. Special thanks to John Guadagno, newly elected Local 25 president, and all of the other volunteers who showed up in force to help make the tournament a success. We had great weather and everyone enjoyed the fun and fellowship. We look forward to next year for another successful tournament weekend.

Tom Lawless, P.S.

L.U. 37 (em,o&u), FREDERICTON, NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA — Local 37 held our election this past June, and the officers for 2014-2018 are: Pres. Steve Hayes, Vice Pres. Michael Gould, Rec. Sec. Scot Hale, Treas. Gaetan Chiasson and myself, Ross Galbraith, as Business Manager. Other members elected to the Executive Board were: Richard Arbeau, David Brown, Harley Claveau, Jason Dewar, Jonathan Friars, Glenn Hubbard, Bernie Lynch, Jim Melvin, Mel Morin, Ted Robertson and Gordon Simpson.

I'd like to extend thanks to all candidates who stood for office. People who are willing to step up and take a leadership role are doing it because they truly want to help others — they care about their fellow workers, our workplaces and our communities, and they want to help us move forward. We all should be grateful for their willingness to make such a commitment to the members of this union.

With elections completed, we held a two-day orientation session where everyone had a chance to get to know one another. IBEW Int. Rep. Brian Matheson attended in order to swear in the new Executive Board and give an orientation about the duties and responsibilities involved with being an Executive Board member.

Ross Galbraith, B.M.

L.U. 41 (em,es,govt,i,se&spa), BUFFAO, NY — Another summer has passed us by. Our weather was not as ideal as we would have liked, but our work situation sure was. Many projects were completed this summer, and the renovation of Ralph Wilson Stadium was the largest. Over 150 electricians worked on the project to upgrade the stadium with new scoreboards, locker room, weight room, power distribution system, concessions, lighting, data, a new team store and many other features.

With work slowing down, please don't forget that with a journeyman wireman's ticket you are able to work anywhere in the country. Sitting at home waiting for a call is much easier, but getting your benefit money reciprocated back home is a lot more important and you will not regret it in retirement. To all the traveling brothers and sisters who worked here this year, we know it is not always easy to be away from home and we thank you.

Throughout the summer, many members gathered at our various events, my favorite being the Fantasy Island family picnic. It's a pleasure to watch all the active and retired members and their families spend the day together enjoying the food, the rides, swimming, laughing and telling stories. Getting to know one another outside of work makes our bond stronger and develops lifelong friendships.

Gregory R. Inglut, A.B.M.

L.U. 43 (em,i&rts), SYRACUSE, NY — Local 43's annual retirees dinner was held after the September union meeting, honoring recent retirees as well as those who have reached a milestone for years of service to the IBEW.

Service pins and certificates from Int. Pres. Edwin D. Hill and Int. Sec.-Treas. Salvatore J. Chilia were presented as follows: For 60 years of service — Clifford Bielby, Terrance Lindsey and Samuel Sugar. For 55 years of service — Lloyd Barnes, William Gramith, Robert Johns and David Sullivan. And for 50 years of service — Arthur Grady, John Hogan, Patrick Ryan and Kent Snyder.

Congratulations to all award recipients.

Gene Townsend, P.S.

L.U. 51 (catv,lctt,o,ptc,rtb,t,u&uow), SPRINGFIELD, IL — Congratulations to our Champaign Unit for placing runner-up at the AFL-CIO Champaign Labor Day Softball Tournament. Our brothers at Local 601 captured first place. It was enjoyable to have the championship game consist of all IBEW members. We hope all our members enjoyed their respective Labor Day festivities.

Local 51 is participating in two proceedings that will impact our membership. One is being conducted by the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois Department of Agriculture concerning the permitting and citing process for several new high-voltage transmission lines.

The other proceeding is being held by the ICC and the Illinois EPA. Those meetings are gathering input regarding the U.S. EPA's newly proposed carbon emissions rule.

The two issues are part of a larger dilemma facing Illinois utilities, independent power producers, legislators, regulators, end users of electricity, and workers. Possible closings of Illinois coal generators due to the new U.S. EPA rule will impact the new transmission line process. Illinois' base load electric generators are unregulated, hence expected to operate without a stable source of sufficient revenue other than capacity markets, which are currently greatly deflated. Further, the state's public utilities customers are supplied energy from two different regional system operators (MISO, PJM) with different pricing mechanisms and procedures. Coal plant closings will likely destabilize MISO, which is already concerned about possible brownouts in 2016-17. All in all, we have a very unique and complicated situation.

As of this writing, we are just beginning contract and benefit negotiations with Exelon regarding our nuclear facility. Other contracts open are with the City of Oglesby and a first-time agreement with Clean Coal Solutions.

Karlene Knisley, B.R.

L.U. 53 (lctt,o,rts&u), KANSAS CITY, MO — Members attended a special meeting on Aug. 21 to vote on a two-year outside construction agreement that would offer a 3.5 percent wage increase the first year and a 3 percent increase the second year. Members ratified the contract, and our work outlook appears to be strong! Bus. Mgr. Steve White personally thanked Bros. Jody Kapp, Ron Head Sr. and everyone on the Negotiating Committee for their help on the agreement.

On Monday, Sept. 1, several members participated in the greater Kansas City Labor Day parade and festival. It was reported that all had a great time.

The local welcomes new Bus. Reps. Eric Williams and Kyle Neuenschwander.

As of this writing, the Missouri public service commission is holding hearings across the state regarding the Grain Belt Express clean line project — a 750-mile overhead direct current line that would create jobs across the Midwest.

Be safe and spend it where you make it!

James Burks, V.P.

L.U. 97 (u), SYRACUSE, NY — In June, members of the Kilowatt Chasers continued to provide community support by volunteering their time and skill in providing the Utica Zoo with public lighting to assure a safe, visitor friendly environment. The Kilowatt Chasers were established in 1960 in the Mohawk Valley and consisted of IBEW linemen from that region. Throughout time, the organization has taken on new members, consisting of linemen, underground and service, who meet bimonthly to discuss potential new projects where they could show gratitude by volunteering time within their community. The people within the Mohawk Valley are very grateful for their enthusiasm and we are honored to have IBEW Local 97 members be a part of such an organization.

In August, we ratified a six-year contract extension with Exelon Generation for our Nine Mile Nuclear Plant in Oswego. Highlights include yearly general wage increases, lower costs in medical pricing and newly developed retiree medical savings accounts for those members who previously had no retiree medical coverage.

Jim Zabinski, V.P.

L.U. 99 (govt&i), PROVIDENCE, RI — IBEW Local 99 held its election of officers June 9. Congratulations to all who were elected. Bus. Mgr. Michael Daley and Pres. James Jackson were re-elected to office for a second term. Also re-elected were Rec. Sec. John DiBiase and Treas. Sal Masi. Elected to the Executive Board were: Bros. Mike D'amico, Robert Furlong, John MacDonald, Joseph Manzi, William Smith, Paul Stromberg and Eric Wineman. Good luck to all, and may your time in office be successful, brothers.

On Aug. 10, the local held its Annual Clambake at Kempenaar Farms in Middletown, RI. Bro. Mike D'amico and members of the Activities Committee did their usual outstanding job, and everyone had a great time. Thanks to all who generously donated prizes for the post-meal raffle.

William Smith, P.S.

L.U. 103 (cs&i), BOSTON, MA — In June, Local 103 held its 37th Annual Pin Night at our union hall. There were 259 members in attendance who received service pins for years of service ranging from 20 to 72 years. The first pin of the night was presented to Bro. Robert W. Baker, who has been a member for 72 years. William E. Cormay, also a longtime member, received his pin for 71 years of service. Congratulations and thank you to them both and to all the pin recipients for their years of commitment.

Local 103 also presented 10 scholarships on Pin Night to children of Local 103 members. These students are entering their first year of college this fall. After reviewing over 100 applications, the 10 students were chosen based on their academic achievements and the application process. Each recipient received a $10,000 scholarship.

The scholarship recipients are: Elizabeth Boyer, of Mansfield; Sara Crane, of Abington; Colin Golden, of Mansfield; Matthew Griffin, of Hanover; Paul Hanlon Jr., of Rockland; Timothy Lo, of Braintree; Zachary Morelli, of Everett; Allison Steele, of Billerica; Marissa Stierli, of North Billerica; and Gabrielle Wood, of San Marcos, CA. Congratulations to the recipients and their parents.

Kevin C. Molineaux, P.S.

L.U. 109 (u), ROCK ISLAND, IL — At the 2014 East Moline Labor Day parade, the IBEW was well-represented. There was a great turnout by our membership and their families. We were glad to see many future members in our group as well!

Thanks to all who participated and helped make the day a great success.

Denise Newberry, R.S.

L.U. 111 (em,govt,lctt,mt,o,rtb,spa&u), DENVER, CO — Congratulations to our Tri-State G&T bargaining unit members. On July 15, Tri-State Generation & Transmission headquarters honored the Craig Station workers with a plaque for reaching a safety milestone of more than 1 million work hours without a lost-time accident. That record represents a period of over 19 months.

The employees enjoyed the plaque presentation ceremony. Tri-State vice president of generation, Barry Ingold, presented the plaque to Craig Station Chief Steward Jim Nicoletto and Safety Steward Paul Perez in honor of the workers and their safety achievement. A barbecue celebration was provided by the company. Congratulations to all, and keep up the great work!

We also congratulate the 2014 Vinc Perry-Ellis Scholarship winners! Receiving 2014 scholarships of $1,500 each were: Emily Booth, daughter of Charles Booth, SLF Unit 30; Derek Burns, IREA Unit 18; Kasey Kostelecky, son of Mike Kostelecky, PSCO Unit 28; Cameron Payseno, son of Dave Payseno, PSCO Unit 2; and Kersten Buck, daughter of Margaret Buck-Ruybal, PSCO Unit 3.

This year's essay topic was "How can organized labor expand its influence to promote social justice?" Winning essays are posted on the Local 111 website at www.ibew111.com.

Mike Kostelecky, P.S.

L.U. 125 (lctt,o,t&u), PORTLAND, OR — The 18th Annual Benefit Golf Classic was June 28 in Hood River, OR. The tournament supports the Oregon Burn Center's Education and Prevention Program. Twenty-five volunteers supported the 128 golfers who competed. With the backing of volunteers, generous sponsors and the golfers, $65,000 was raised. The total donation amount since the tournament's inception is $1,027,811.

A core group of Local 125 members work the tournament each year — and the efforts of two members started it all. After serving on the advisory council of the Oregon Burn Center, Bill Quiimby approached Gene Daily about hosting a tournament. With Bill's knowledge about the Burn Center's needs and Gene's experience planning golf tournaments, the two got busy. Every year, many Local 125 members volunteer and compete in the event.

"This tournament is an important part of the local's ability to serve our community," Bus. Mgr. Travis Eri said. "To raise a million dollars is a phenomenal accomplishment that could never have been achieved without the commitment and effort" of all involved.

The 2014 Sponsor of the Year is Henkels & McCoy.

The team of Michael Connors, Dean Hackney, Russ Scholl and Brian Ringering were this year's first-place winners. Second place winners: Jon Gannon, Dennis Griffith, Nick Graiff and Tim Clouse. Third place: Pat Reiten, Dick Reiten, Mike Richards and David Anderson. Fourth place: Bob Corwin, Patty Corwin, J.D. Marr and Dan Krebs. And fifth place: Mark Franger, Mike Mason, Kerry Shampine and Lance Cheely.

For more information, please visit www.benefitgolfclassic.com. Mark your calendar for next year's event, scheduled for June 27, 2015.

Marcy Grail, A.B.M.

L.U. 139 (i&u), ELMIRA, NY — We at Local 139 are proud to present our newest journeymen, from the apprenticeship graduating class of 2014. These young men have shown that they are not only skilled craftsmen, but also active and participating members of their local union and their community. Congratulations, brothers!

Ernie Hartman, B.M.

L.U. 191 (c,i,mo,rtb&st), EVERETT, WA — As reported earlier, Local 191 held elections in June that required a run off in July. Bro. Joe Lorenzo was elected as our business manager. Congratulations to all who were elected, and thanks again to those who stepped forward to run for office.

With solidarity in mind, Local 191 (west) and Seattle Local 46 once again combined their picnics. There was a great turnout with lots of fun and activities. The two locals squared off in tug of war and watermelon eating contests. There were also lots of activities for the children.

Local 191 will move its retirees dinner to the spring, allowing more time to plan for the local's Christmas parties. This year the Christmas parties will be on Dec. 13 in Everett, and Dec. 20 in Wenatchee. Call the hall or check the website for details.

As of this writing we still have open calls on the east side of the mountains with more work coming on both the east and west sides of our jurisdiction. We should have lots of opportunities for our traveling brothers and sisters with Washington State licenses to find work through the winter and beyond.

Tim Silsbee, P.S.

L.U. 193 (i,lctt,o,rs,spa&u), SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Nehemiah Housing Initiative, led by Local 193 electrician Bro. Silas Johnson, pastor of the Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, is getting a big 193 "thank you" for the construction project for 30 new houses on the east side of Springfield that were wired 100 percent union. Bro. Silas Johnson knows that his Nehemiah Homes deserve the very best.

Local 193 thanks the school districts in the local's jurisdiction that chose Local 193 contractors and wiremen for renovations at area schools. We all liked the results: 100 percent IBEW Local 193 work!

At press time, contract negotiations with City Water, Light & Power (CWLP) have begun.

The annual golf outing to benefit the Members' Memorial & Scholarship Fund was held Oct. 11 at Piper Glen.

The Christmas Dance will be Dec. 13 at Erin's Pavilion in Southwind Park.

With the 2014 November midterm elections bearing down upon us at press time, utmost attention must be paid to all candidates for state and national office who support Local 193 and working people. For governor, incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn is the far better candidate for working families and organized labor.

Another Habitat for Humanity Project was completed. Thank you to the Local 193 journeymen and apprentices who did another outstanding job for Springfield, Illinois!

Condolences go the families of two members who recently passed away: Damien Crews and Donald E. Craddock. They will be missed.

Don Hudson, P.S.

L.U. 197 (em&i), BLOOMINGTON, IL — At press time, voting season was winding up.

We celebrated Labor Day by marching in the McLean County Labor Day parade and having a picnic at the hall afterward. Thank you to all who attended. Judging from all the smiles, everyone enjoyed the festivities. Candy was tossed to the youngsters and families who gathered along the parade route to support working families and the labor movement. Good food and cold drinks were served at the picnic, and lots of stories flowed. The kids had fun tie-dyeing T-shirts and playing games; adults played bingo and participated in the Bags Tournament. Jake Goar and Mike Raikes took first place in the first annual Bags Tournament.

In July, we held our 26th annual golf tournament at Fair Lakes Golf Course in Secor. The trophy was back at home this year after Local 197 members Don Armstrong, Steve Batty, Maury Judd and Todd Kellar posted a 15 under par. Congratulations to them! We also had a hole-in-one for the first time, fired in by Luke Brown. Thanks to the golf committee — retirees Jack Roberts, Robin Roberts, Dan Uhlir and Dick Thompson — for another fine job

Please remember to vote this election season. This election will drastically affect the union movement in Illinois, and it's important to get labor friendly candidates elected or re-elected. Please get involved in the local and stay involved!

Mike Raikes, Pres.

L.U. 213 (c,catv,em,i&u), VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — Local 213 retired member Thomas Dick received a standing ovation upon receiving his IBEW 70-year service pin award earlier this year at the Annual Local 213 Electrical Workers' Pension Plan Banquet and Dance. The banquet took place June 20 in Vancouver.

Darcy Biln, Pres.

L.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ — Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), New Jersey's largest supplier of electrical power, recently held a joint presentation with Rutgers University to discuss the potential economic impact of the proposed upgrade to the state's entire electrical grid.

Local 269 members in attendance were: Bros. Sean Madsen, Walt Kimiski, Jim McMahon, Jeff Johnson, Asst. Bus. Mgr. Wayne DeAngelo and Press Sec. Brian Jacoppo.

The members, along with fellow brothers from surrounding locals and members of the press, heard the results of a study conducted by Rutgers University's Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy, headed by Prof. Joseph Seneca.

After hearing opening remarks by New Jersey Senate Pres. Steve Sweeney and PSEG Pres. Ralph LaRossa, Prof. Seneca described how the study tracked the projected income and expenditures of employees during the initial phases of the proposed project.

The study showed the positive economic effects that would be experienced by the surrounding communities when people employed by the upgrade projects spend their income. It demonstrated that when people earn a fair rate of pay with a fair package of benefits, everyone from the bagel shop owner to the travel agent experiences an uptick in business.

With the creation of 6,000 jobs a year, $4.3 billion in personal income, $367 million in state taxes generated over the span of the project, and the creation of a state-of-the-art electrical grid, it's hard to imagine any logical opposition to this greatly needed infrastructure improvement.

Brian Jacoppo, P.S.

L.U. 317 (i,o,rts,t&u), HUNTINGTON, WV — Local 317's apprenticeship training program was recently awarded the national Excellence in Training Award at the IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting. The award is for IBEW-NECA apprenticeship training centers that provide journeyman education classes to more than 75 percent of the local's membership.

Our apprenticeship training center has also received the attention of industry leaders and elected public officials. West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin recently visited the training center, as did U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia.

Our training facility provides world-class training to both apprentices and journeymen. We continue to work on enhancing the program to ensure the future of the IBEW work force. Since lifelong learning is the mark of a true craftsman, all IBEW members are encouraged to participate in the classes their local apprenticeship training center offers throughout the year.

We invite our members as well as all IBEW members to follow IBEW 317 on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ibew317) to keep up to date on local events and issues.

James Stacy, P.S.

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — There was great fun at the annual Local 343 summer picnic. In the accompanying picnic photo, Bro. Jim Backus, "entertainment director of the day," leads uninhibited members and families in the always fun (and sometimes embarrassing) YMCA song. Over 200 people attended and no member left without winning at least one raffle prize.

In the spirit of giving, approximately two dozen members and retirees volunteered labor over several days to install a 40-panel, 10 kilowatt solar array on the rooftop of the Austin public high school. The Local 343 membership previously voted to also donate funds to the project.

Our day school now has a second full-time instructor, due to the increased number of first-year apprentices. There are 33 first-year cubs divided into three classes, and 24 third-year apprentices in two classes. The remaining second-, fourth-, and fifth-year apprentices and test-prep apprentices make a total of 108 in the program.

This month we give thanks for what we have, and also for the opportunities to achieve more. The National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers was formed Nov. 21, 1891, with the goal of achieving more. With 123 years behind us, what can we do to continue the legacy?

This Christmas, give "Made in USA."

Tom Small, P.S.

L.U. 351 (c,cs,i,it,lctt,mt,o,se,spa&t), FOLSOM, NJ — Local 351's annual union picnic was Saturday, Aug. 2, at Morey's Pier in Wildwood, NJ. Despite a bit of rain, the day was a great success. Over 1,800 people came through the gates. Thanks to all who participated and to those who donated door prizes. Special thanks to all the picnic committee members for another successful picnic and a great day.

As of this writing, we were gearing up our get-out-the-vote (GOTV) activities for the very important November midterm elections. Starting in September, we began running phone banks and conducting labor walks on Saturday mornings in four different locations in our jurisdiction. Thank you to all our members who volunteered their time to come out and help. Our members realize the importance of electing the candidates who support the goals of organized labor.

Dan Cosner, P.S.

L.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV — What a great turnout at the Local 357 Annual Picnic. It was great to see all our brothers and sisters and their families there. A big thank-you goes out to all who volunteered their time to help make the picnic such a great success.

Also, thank you to all the volunteers at the health fair and Halloween bash. It just keeps getting better every year.

We proudly congratulate Bro. Robert Zuehlsdorf. His son's team, Mountain Ridge, made it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Way to go!

Jennifer Tabor, P.S.

L.U. 363 (catv,em,govt,i,t,u&ws), NEW CITY, NY — As you read this, we are either getting ready to vote or have already voted. If it's before Election Day, the best thing that can happen is that reading these words will remind you that you need to vote. If it's after Election Day, the worst thing would be if you missed it all and didn't vote, or if you weren't even registered. We always need your support to help elect the candidates that our local has approved as labor friendly to IBEW Local 363. Let's make sure we push to elect friends of working people.

Happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans! And a special thank-you to our IBEW military veterans! You gave a part of yourself that no one can ever match. You gave yourself for your country and your fellow Americans! Your service, dedication and commitment exemplify the character that we want to instill in our entire membership. Thank you.

Sam Fratto, B.M.

L.U. 441 (as,i&rts), SANTA ANA, CA — Local 441 congratulates all recent apprenticeship graduate. They are as follows:

Inside journeyman wiremen graduates — Jonathan Alvarez, Erik Ellingson, David A. Martinez, Norman Schisler, Rashid Aman, Craig Fua, Alex Mejia, Steven Sherman, Michael Arellano, Jerardo Garcia, Juan Carlos Molina, Christopher Shuster, Kristofer Bakhos, Daniel Gibson, Michael Montgomery, Roberto Sosa, Earl Barton, Nhan Huynh, Jorge T. Nava, Rick Taloa, Bradley Caldwell, Ryan Jaramillo, Matt Northrop, Ricky Van Auken, Anthony Campas, Richard Kay Jr., Juan M. Ramirez, Alfred Vandermade, Adam Cargo, Steven Kennard, William Rilk, Shane Wade, Eric Clease, Leonardo Leal, Mark Rindahl, Robert Weinrauch, Geoffrey Dionne, Donald Lloyd, Randall Ristine, Jeramie Zabel and Joel Donjuan.

Sound & Communications graduates — Uriel Aguilera, Jamal Mollamohammad, Lucky Relator, Justin Staiger, Justin Green, Antonio Palacios, Angel Rodriguez and Emily Stens.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) graduates — Michael Aguirre, Corey Britt and Naim Yanie.

Best of luck to you all, graduates!

At this writing, November elections are fast approaching. Local 441 is proud to have a Local 441 member running for a city council seat. At press time, Organizer John O'Neill, a 29-year IBEW member, is running for a council seat in the city of Garden Grove. Your local is behind you all the way, John!

Rich Vasquez, B.R.

L.U. 449 (catv,em,i,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), POCATELLO, ID — With a busy summer season behind us, the positive steps that the local worked on all summer leave our local excited for the future!

With the help of the staff and the membership, we have come a long way getting our new Residential Agreement signed, with hopes of gaining market share where we previously have had little impact.

At this writing, we have also started to re-work our low voltage agreement to make it more applicable for the local and the contractors.

The fifth-year apprentice class, along with apprenticeship training Instructor Colby Averett, Organizer James Smith and Cameron Evans of Evans Electric, volunteered to wire a Habitat for Humanity project. Fifth-year apprentices who worked on the community service project include: Richard Curzon, Forest Gibson, Thomas Hale, Jeffery Hall, Brent Mashburn, Bobbie Richmond, David Stanislowski, Kevin Widmer and Derek Wood. The IBEW volunteer effort resulted in a nice article in the local newspaper. With all of these efforts, we also help promote a positive public perception of the IBEW in surrounding communities.

Local 449 mourns the passing of Bro. Bill "Heavy" Macfarlane. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

James Smith, Mbr. Dev. Rep.

L.U. 481 (ees,em,i,mt,rts,s&spa), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Our local union election was held June 11. Congratulations to Local 481's newly elected officials: Bus. Mgr. Steve Menser, Pres. Chad Bowman, Vice Pres. Kenny Chapman, Rec. Sec. Blake Andrews, Treas. Jeff Wheeler; Executive Board members Henry Burks, Dominic Collins, Stan Corson, Ryan Donovan, Chad Ison; Examining Board members Mike Hopkins, Pat Jenkins, Jeff Means; and Convention delegates Henry Burks, Bob Cadwell, Mike Donovan, Jon Hooker, Mike Hopkins, Mike Hunter and Jeff Wheeler.

Congratulations to the 35 graduates from the last two inside apprenticeship graduating classes and to the telecommunication apprentice graduates for a job well done. The committee recognized their efforts on Aug. 9.

Apprentice of the Year award recipient for the December 2013 class was Matt Selby; Apprentice of the Year for the May 2014 class was Justin Elliott; and the Telecommunication Apprentice of the Year was Stephen Sanner.

Winning the Solidarity Award for their commitment to the Brotherhood during their time as apprentices were: Chris Grider (December 2013 class), Jason Frazier (May 2014 class) and Melody Dempsey (Telecommunications).

Solidarity Honorees were Curtis Grady, Keith Smith and Tom Lovitt.

Best wishes to all of our new journeymen!

Blake Andrews, R.S.

L.U. 589 (rr), JAMAICA, NY — Local 589 is proud to announce that our long fight with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and many years of hard work have paid off. The Local 589 membership employed at Long Island Railroad ratified a new contract agreement this past summer!

Our local worked hard for the past 4½ years to settle this dispute with the transit agency's management. We reached a tentative agreement with the agency on July 17, just three days before a looming strike at Long Island Railroad, a major commuter rail system.

Notably, 95 percent of our membership came out during an unprecedented storm to cast their votes in support of the agreement; we expect nothing less from our members.

Our contract is settled, thanks to the solidarity of our members and other union activists. Without the hard work and dedication of our members and the union staff, especially our General Chmn. Ricardo "Rick" Sanchez and our Pres. Jeffrey Klein, we wouldn't be where we are today.

Congratulations and thank you to all of our members for their support.

Augie Maccarone, R.S.

L.U. 595 (c,cs,govt,i,mt,o,se&st), DUBLIN, CA — Local 595's annual Thomas J. Sweeney Scholarship Award ceremony took place at a general membership meeting. We were honored to have Ninth District Int. Vice Pres. Michael S. Mowrey and northern California Ninth District international representatives in attendance. Scholarship committee Chmn. Vic Rolita and committee members awarded a total of 20 scholarships to recipients who met all required qualifications.

Scholarship recipients included: 10 high school graduates, seven collegians, and three Local 595 apprentices (Kevin Affleck, Max Hayashi and Sean Hyland). Congratulations to all. Special congratulations to Vic Rolita, who after 35 years of IBEW service is now enjoying a well-deserved pension with his wife, Kathy, and will remain as chairman of the scholarship program.

Work hours for 2014 fell below our normal amount. However, work opportunities remained available as our members continued to be employed in primary markets throughout Alameda County. We have also continued to aggressively pursue new markets, while attempting to bring back those we have lost. Thanks to our neighboring locals around the Bay Area, many Local 595 members are able to travel and still return to their families the same evening.

Bob Tieman, B.R.

L.U. 611 (catv,es,govt,i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Greetings, brothers and sisters. As of this writing, there is not a great deal in the way of breaking news to report.

During the Seventh District Progress Meeting, Local 611 member Chuck "Zero" Garcia was asked to offer the opening prayer, and he was presented a check for $125 to make a donation to a charity of his choice on behalf of the local. The charity that Chuck chose was a homeless shelter, Joy Junction, in Albuquerque.

This is an election year, and at press time the November elections were fast approaching. We have a governor's race in addition to congressional races, so we hope everyone gets out and votes.

Local 611 extends condolences to the families of several recently deceased members: Jake M. Perea, Chris Padilla, David Otero, Maxwell D. Simmons, Lawrence H. LaRue and John W. Stanhope.

Remember to attend your local union meetings on the third Saturday of the month.

Darrell J. Blair, P.S.

L.U. 625 (c,ees,em,i,it,mar&mt), HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, CANADA — Congratulations to Alex Welton on becoming a journeyman construction electrician in July.

Bro. Darrell Croke retired in April, and Bros. Mike Mosher and Gary MacKenzie retired in September. Congratulations and best wishes to theses brothers in retirement.

Tom Griffiths, A.B.M.

L.U. 627 (u), FORT PIERCE, FL — The summer season ended on a positive note for our members.

In August, the local celebrated its inaugural "Community Night with the Class A St. Lucie Mets," with smiles and cheers from our members and their children in attendance.

Also in August, Local 627 members ratified a new three-year contract agreement with Florida Power & Light. The membership approved the contract by a 64 percent majority. A special mention goes to the election officials — Marshall Smith, Andy Watts and Scott Reinhardt — for their efforts in this endeavor.

The Adopt A Street program continues to show our union members' commitment to the community, with Port St. Lucie Boulevard never looking cleaner.

Please think "safety" in every aspect of your life.

Ray Vos, P.S.

L.U. 639 (i&rts), SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — The 20,000 acre, 500 megawatt Topaz Solar Farm, located on the Carrisa Plains in San Luis Obispo County, is one of the largest photovoltaic solar plants in the world.

Owned by MidAmerican Renewables, the $1.6 billion project labor agreement secured with First Solar has employed over 500 journeyman wiremen and 1,000 construction wiremen since the start of the project in early 2012. Slated for completion later this year, the project utilizes 9 million First Solar thin-film modules to produce enough renewable green energy to power 160,000 California homes.

Shown in the accompanying photo taken at the Topaz Solar Farm jobsite are Local 639 members employed by Michigan-based Conti Electric Inc., managed by Rich Dolsen of IBEW Detroit Local 58.

Kurt McClave, P.S.

L.U. 673 (catv,i,rts,spa,t&u), PAINESVILLE, OH — Bro. Mike Kubacki is pictured here putting the final touches on the outdoor portion of our union hall's lighting retrofit. We also thank Craig Egeland, Jim Howard, Lloyd Brannon and Terry Wyse for their help on the project.

At this writing, we are deep into midterm election season and the process has become more and more difficult for our local. In Ohio we have to deal with the prospect of a Republican-controlled state for years to come. This has necessitated approaching, and dealing with, some elected representatives we have traditionally opposed. While it is hard to call these officials our friends, we must continue to educate them on the issues that affect our members. We hope we have made some progress in our fight against so-called "right to work."

We are fortunate to have an educated, well-informed membership willing to step up to do what it takes to promote our cause. Our volunteers continue to make a difference at the polls. Hopefully we can stop this constant attack on workers and begin to improve our opportunities through legislation. We hope everyone makes sure to vote on Nov. 4!

James Braunlich, P.S.

L.U. 683 (em&i), COLUMBUS, OH — Our local held an election of officers in June and, as a result of retirements, we have several new officers.

We thank former business manager Mario Ciardelli and former Executive Board members Jerry Lang and Mark Laemmle for their service to our local. We wish each of them the best of luck in their retirement.

Current Local 683 officers are: Bus. Mgr. Ed Moore, Pres. Dennis Nicodemus, Vice Pres. Tracy Starcher, Rec. Sec. Michael McNeely, Treas. Kenneth Dean, and Executive Board members Jim Laemmle, Dan George, Rick Deime, Dillon Isaac, Joe Biser and Malcolm Giffen.

In October the local will hold its 25 Year Dinner/Dance, an annual event to celebrate and honor those members with 25+ years in the IBEW. This is always an enjoyable occasion and a chance to catch up with fellow members we don't get the chance to see that often.

Sadly, I report the passing of several members: Richard K. Harris, Cletus W. Haubiel, Ronald A. Johnson, Jeffery A. Bowers, Eugene B. Snyder, Raymond L. Jones Jr. and Thomas E. Eagen.

At press time, it is once again election season and here in Ohio the race for governor is heating up. Let's do all we can to get elect labor-friendly candidates to office.

Tracy Starcher, V.P./P.S

L.U. 697 (c,es,i,mt&se), GARY AND HAMMOND, IN — Work in Local 697's jurisdiction has slowed markedly upon completion of the BP-Whiting Modernization Project. Along with a slowing demand for our services in the steel industry, we have seen a significant increase in the number of members looking for work. I thank all locals that have been able to help us with providing employment opportunities for our members.

At press time, the Nov. 4 midterm election was fast approaching. I can only hope that all of labor did their part by casting votes. Especially votes that favored the best choice for labor! If you did, thank you! If you didn't, well. … Regardless of the Nov. 4 outcome, we fully expect a full blitz on the building trades from the statehouse in the upcoming session. Please keep abreast of the legislation. Updates will be on our website.

Be safe, stay warm, and enjoy the holidays!

Dan Waldrop, B.M.

L.U. 827 (catv&t), EAST WINDSOR, NJ — Local 827 members and friends gathered on Sunday, Aug. 10 for the 4th Annual Bobby Blanco Memorial Motorcycle Run. Bro. Blanco died tragically in a motorcycle accident en route to picket duty during the 2011 Verizon strike. Attendees included: Blanco's widow, Maria; his daughter Annette; his son, Local 827 steward Rob Blanco, along with wife Daisy and their daughter Kaylee, Bobby Blanco's granddaughter.

Suzanne M. Wallin, R.S.

L.U. 915 (i&mt), TAMPA, FL — It was an honor and a pleasure to have IBEW Fifth District Int. Vice Pres. Joe S. Davis in attendance at our July union meeting.

Vice Pres. Davis swore in 13 new members to our ranks. He also swore in the recently elected Local 915 officers, including Bus. Mgr. Randall King and the Executive Board.

Congratulations to the local officers, elected for a three-year term (2014-2017). They are: Bus. Mgr. King, Pres. Jonathon Dehmel, Treas. Bruce Barrow, Vice Pres. Roce Simpson, Rec. Sec. Theresa King; Executive Board members Clyde Tucker, Graham Hadley, John Scheel, Charles Gartley, Carl Whitt, Shawn McDonnell, Leon Ward; Examining Board members David McCraw, Mike Weeks and Tom Bedwell. We look forward to working together with each of you in advancing this local union for the future.

Our RENEW committee is up and alive in Local 915. Their volunteer projects to date have included adopting a road with the Keep Tampa Beautiful program, complete with signage announcing that the road was cleaned by IBEW union labor. They have volunteered at the cookouts and anywhere they can find a need and advance their local. Congratulations to all and keep up the good work.

Theresa King, P.S.

L.U. 1015 (em&i), WESLACO, TX — As part of Local 1015's tradition, on Aug. 30 we held our annual Labor Day Picnic.

This picnic is a great time for all longtime members, along with their families, to reunite — and for new members and their families to meet the rest of the Local 1015 family. It is a time for everyone to relax away from the usual jobsites and construction project sites. Here, everyone comes together united as family and enjoys a break from our daily routine. At the picnic, all the brothers get to enjoy the fellowship in a new setting.

The children in attendance have fun playing games and meeting other kids. At the picnic, everyone enjoys seeing old friends, making new connections and often lifelong friendships. Each year Local 1015 members look forward to this annual event, which is always filled with fun, laughter and enjoyment!

Thank you to Jessica Luna for providing information for this article.

Sergio A. Salinas, B.M.

L.U. 1245 (catv,em,govt,lctt,o,pet,t&u), VACAVILLE, CA — Local 1245 members at PG&E responded quickly when the Napa, CA, area was hit with a 6.0 earthquake on Aug. 24. Gas workers responded to hundreds of calls about gas leaks; PG&E electric workers restored power to everyone — 70,000 customers had lost power — within a day.

The IBEW Ninth District recognized our local as a "Henry Miller Local" for our support of other locals' organizing efforts. The California Labor Federation granted our local the Solidarity in Labor's Campaigns Award.

We intensified our efforts during the fall election campaign and made plans to deploy some 30 members to campaigns in California, Nevada and key races elsewhere.

Members won back pay retroactive to October 2013 when an arbitrator ruled that the Western Area Power Administration acted improperly when it failed to honor pay raises negotiated by the IBEW Government Coordinating Council #1.

Our local recently bargained agreements with the City of Lodi, Silicon Valley Power, and AC Transit.

Line clearance tree trimmers met in a Peer Safety Summit to explore additional ways to promote safety awareness. The local produced a tree trimmer safety video called "Keep the Clearance." See it on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldlhq6-RoKk.

Our members at PG&E and Turlock Irrigation District won awards at the Pacific NW Lineman Rodeo, and also performed well at a regional rodeo. The IBEW 1245 team at the Ninth District Softball Tournament also made a good showing. Several local members accepted a northern California IBEW ocean fishing challenge and caught some whoppers.

Local 77 expressed interest in building a peer safety program modeled on our local's Hold the Pull initiative. Several of our members met with Local 77 in SeaTac to work on that.

Local 1245 organizing stewards assisted a Teamsters organizing drive at an area food plant.

Visit our website to download our educational "comic posters." Go to: www.ibew1245.com/library/comics/.

Eric Wolfe, P.S.

L.U. 1249 (catv,lctt,o,t&u), SYRACUSE, NY — That was a fantastic article on IBEW Local 42 tree trimmers published recently in the IBEW newspaper.

[Editor's Note: To read the article referred to see, "Connecticut IBEW Climbs with Tree Trimmer Wins: Local Brings Safety, Job Security in Line Clearance," published in the July 2014 issue of The Electrical Worker. The article can also be read online at: www.ibew.org/articles/ 14ElectricalWorker/EW1407/TreeTrimmers.0714.html.]

Here in upstate New York, we have one nonunion contractor that employs a crew of about 35 who work on line clearance on Rochester Gas & Electric's property. We continually try and educate these men on what the union is about and what it has to offer. This effort has resulted in stripping two of their men in the last year, and with persistence we hope more will follow.

Local 1249 continuously has full employment in our Tree Trimming Chapter. They trim thousands of miles of line a year, and also take down and remove thousands of trees each year.

Keep up the great work Local 42!

Ed Moreira Jr., A.B.R.

L.U. 1393 (catv,lctt,o,t&u), INDIANAPOLIS, IN — On July 10, Local 1393 member E.J. Bailey received his 60 year "A" member service award at the New Albany Unit 8 meeting. Bro. Bailey was initiated into the local in 1953. He served the local as business manager, Executive Board member, assistant business agent and union steward. He also served as an IBEW international representative. Thanks and congratulations to Bro. Bailey.

The local is preparing for upcoming contract negotiations with Duke Energy. The current contract is set to expire May 1, 2015. Surveys will be mailed out to the membership in November. Please take time and fill out your survey.

Our RENEW committee is hard at work with a variety of community involvement projects that the members are excited about. Most recently, Local 1393 members and their families donated school supplies to the Fort Wayne, IN, school system for the back-to-school campaign. They also donated over 1,000 pounds of food to the Hoosier Hills food bank to help families in the Bloomington, IN, area.

Robert C. Fox, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 1439 (u), ST. LOUIS, MO — Light morning rain didn't put a damper on the 2014 St. Louis Labor Day Parade. After the parade, Local 1439 members continued the celebration of Labor Day with other IBEW locals at Wilmore Park. The festivities included food, refreshments and activities for the kids.

At press time, the November midterm elections are upon us. The political environment is getting tough in Missouri with legislators attempting to push anti-worker bills in the state House and Senate. It is important for our members to exercise their right to vote, and support those candidates who support us.

The Annual Christmas Party will be Friday, Dec. 12. All active and retired members are invited to attend. Dinner and refreshments will be served, beginning at 11 a.m. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Remember to attend your monthly meetings.

Matt Curry, R.S./P.S.

L.U. 1501 (ees,em,mo,pet,rts&t), BALTIMORE, MD — Our members employed at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, experienced a change of contractors when Sierra Lobo outbid Team Analex, NA and gained the contract with NASA for the next five years.

Sierra Lobo honored the agreement that Team Analex had with our local. When that contract was up for renewal, our negotiating committee, headed by Bus. Mgr. Dion F. Guthrie, worked hard in contract negotiations with company representatives. As of press time, a contract has been signed with Sierra Lobo extending the collective bargaining agreement for one year (from October 1, 2014 to October 1, 2014). The agreement was ratified by the membership.

As I write this report, the Maryland State Fair is in progress — and horse racing is a part of it. Our members employed by Amtote are working to make sure that the para mutual machines are working flawlessly to guarantee another good meet. State fairs are an important part of our American culture, and Local 1501 is proud to be part of Maryland's State Fair.

Thomas J. Rostkowski, R.S.

L.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t&u), ANCHORAGE, AK — Local 1547 recently held our statewide election for officers.

Elected to serve for three-year terms were: Bus. Mgr. Mike Hodsdon, Pres. Knute Anderson, Vice Pres. Vince Beltrami, Treas. Charlie Breitenstein; Executive Board members Cecil Colley III (Unit 101), Allen Wiggs (Unit 102), Jesse Young (Unit 103) Sven Westergard (Unit 104); Examining Board members Jon Medaris (Unit 101), Tim Estesen (Unit 102), Jacob Soboleff (Unit 103) and Jared Anderson (Unit 104). Laura Bonner was appointed recording secretary.

Melinda Taylor, P.S.

L.U. 1759 (u), CASPER, WY — Greetings, brothers and sisters. First off, Local 1759 would like to congratulate Ken Tuttle from the Canyon Ferry Power Plant on his recent retirement. He will be missed by all.

We also congratulate Jake Elwell for completing his apprenticeship and becoming a journeyman substation electrician. Congratulations, Jake!

As of this writing, I am pleased to report that members employed by Western Area Power and the Bureau of Reclamation have won their wage arbitration suits and are tentatively expected to receive their much-deserved raises. Thank you to the brothers who serve on the GCC1/arbitration committees that have fought for the members of Local 1759.

Local 1759 members wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!

Jason Mengwasser, F.S.