L.U. 2 (catv,lctt,o,t&u), ST. LOUIS, MO — We started the year with a premium contribution to the Electrical Workers Historical Society with a $75,000 donation for a lineman pole statue in Founders' Park at the Henry Miller Museum. Bus. Mgr. Dave Desmond personally delivered the check to IBEW Local 1's office.

[Editor's Note: For more information on the historical society project, see news story "Historical Rebirth: Henry Miller Museum to Celebrate the IBEW's Founding," posted on the IBEW website at www.ibew.org/media-articles; and "The Birthplace of a Union to Be Reborn as a Museum," published in the December 2015 issue of The Electrical Worker.]

Also, Local 2 has committed to supporting current Investor Owned Utility legislation before the Missouri Senate. This legislation looks to change the current model being used by regulators when setting and determining rates. We are also focusing efforts at the Capitol to stop any anti-labor legislation, including paycheck deception, prevailing wage, and so-called "right to work" proposals.

Please like our Facebook page, IBEW Local 2; find a link at our Local 2 website www.ibew2.org.

Greg Benton, A.B.M.

L.U. 12 (i,o&se), PUEBLO, CO — One of our longtime members, Bro. Ron Scott, passed from this realm on March 3, 2016, after a brief battle with cancer. He joined the Brotherhood in 1973 as a "groundman" and completed the inside apprenticeship in 1979.

Bro. Scott served as Local 12 president and organizer before he was appointed training director in 1995. He served as training director from 1995 until he retired in 2014. Ron had 40 years of dedicated IBEW membership. He loved the IBEW and appreciated all that the Brotherhood meant to him throughout the years, and he took every opportunity to share this with others. His obituary was one of the best ever written, in my opinion. We have many fond memories of Ron and will miss him always.

Susan Johnson, P.S.

L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — This has been a busy year for the Entertainment Committee. In late February, they hosted a Winter Gala. It was a very nice evening, with dinner, drinks and dancing, and the opportunity to build relationships within the Brotherhood.

The Entertainment Committee also put on the annual Easter Egg Hunt, which required approximately 4,500 eggs to be stuffed and placed on the grounds. Despite challenging weather, this event was enjoyed by all and has become a great tradition for Local 16 families. John Parker again took a starring role as the guy in the white suit with the big ears.

The Political Action Committee has also been very active, holding the annual Cornhole Tournament and Chicken Dinner, as well as offering raffles, which provide the local opportunities for promoting labor-friendly candidates.

The Cook Committee also held a Pork Butt Cook to raise money for the Sick & Needy Fund. Not only was the food great, but the monies raised will benefit several union families.

On April 1 this year, Local 16's wage and benefit package was improved. For the new rates, contact the hall or go to Local 16's page on Facebook.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — On Monday, March 21, the Maryland Electrical Industry Labor Management Cooperative Committee (MEILMCC) held an Industry Night at IBEW Local 24's union hall. The purpose of the meeting was to educate our signatory contractors on the Code of Excellence program. We discussed how the COE can be used to attract new customers and win back old ones that have forgotten the advantages of using union electricians for their projects.

Local 24 officers and a variety of signatory contractors were present. Local union Pres. Carmen Voso and Organizer Sam Curreri gave a brief PowerPoint presentation about the COE, and Bus. Mgr. Gary Griffin fielded question about the program. Training Dir. Neil Wilford gave a brief report on the apprenticeship program and classes available for journeymen as well as those available to satisfy the continuing education requirements for those with electrical licenses.

The MEILMCC also held its annual drug screen program on March 17-19. Over 300 members were tested on these three days. During the testing members purchased tools supplied by Professional Contracting Supply and Red Wing boots, both at discounted prices.

Gary R. Griffin, B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Thanks to everyone who participated in the Local 26 Motorcycle Riders Club's "Poker Run" on May 7 to benefit nonprofit organization Special Love, which provides support for cancer patients. At press time, the annual Dollars Against Diabetes Golf Outing was scheduled for June 6. We thank all the members who have helped make these events a success, allowing us to make a generous donation to both of these worthy causes.

Local union officers and agents attended the IBEW Construction Conference and the National Building Trades Conference in Washington, DC. At this writing, we were scheduled to attend the apprenticeship graduation ceremony on June 4. We have finalized plans for the Manassas, VA, picnic on June 18 and the Edgewater, MD, picnic on Aug. 6. For more information about the picnics, see our quarterly magazine, In Charge, or visit website www.ibewlocal26.org.

The Scholarship Committee will announce winners of this year's scholarship awards soon. Congratulations to all the applicants on their outstanding academic achievements!

Results of the Local 26 elections will be announced at the general membership meeting on Friday, June 10. Elected officers will be sworn in at the general membership meeting on Friday, July 8, at the Local 26 Union Hall, 4371 Parliament Place, Lanham, MD.

We mourn the loss of recently deceased members: former Local 26 president Harry H. Carter, Martin J. Reedy, Walter E. Spence, Robinson C. Pal, Benjamin C. Judd Jr. and Eugene S. Long.

Best wishes to recent retirees: Robert E. Howell Jr., Jack R. Wade, Edward L. Boarman, Thomas R. Kern, Tyrone Nance, Richard E. Daniels and John R. Greene.

Charles E. Graham, B.M.

L.U. 34 (em,i,mt,rts&spa), PEORIA, IL — Congratulations to Local 34 member Ronald Hanauer for his longtime service to the IBEW. Ronnie started his career as an apprentice in September 1978 at Powerton Generation Station and on April 14, 2016, finished his career there. Ronnie comes from a long line of IBEW Local 34 members. His father, Roland Hanauer, grandfather and two uncles have all represented Local 34. Together, the Hanauer family has accumulated over 100 years of service in the electrical industry. Enjoy your retirement, Ron. It is well-earned.

Another achievement this spring for Local 34 is the opening of our new apprenticeship training facility in Bartonville, IL. From start to finish the project took only six months. The 22,000-square-foot complex will host apprentices for the next hundred years of Local 34. The new facility has eight welding stations, manholes, overhead cranes, a modern motor control lab and countless other upgrades from the previous facility. This project's inception and completion is credited to the foresight of our union leaders, members and contractors who understand that high quality training is how we stay on top in the construction market.

Marc Burnap, P.S.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — Work is very busy downtown as hotels are wrapping up construction for the upcoming Republican National Convention to be held in Cleveland this July. We are also currently working on converting three office buildings into approximately 700 apartments. Gateway Electric is converting the Leader Building and the Standard buildings into about 260 units each, and Ullman Electric has the contract for the Garfield Building conversion. We recently executed a project labor agreement (PLA) for the Garfield Building.

The Garfield Building, currently a largely empty office building, was built in the late 1800s by two of Pres. James Garfield's sons. The longtime bank building, which was originally home to Cleveland Trust Co. bank, will be converted into 172 apartments above ground-floor restaurants and stores.

The work outlook remains good because of all the interest in downtown Cleveland, and all the new medical facilities being built by the Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and Metrohealth.

Dennis Meaney, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 48 (c,em,i,rtb,rts,st&tm), PORTLAND, OR — What do IBEW Local 48 brothers and sisters have that enables us to thrive while others struggle? Is it leadership, confidence, capability, flexibility?

Local 48's successful culture encompasses all of these positive traits. A culture of progressive action continues to be our greatest strength.

A great example of this IBEW culture is happening today at the INTEL Ronler Acres campus. This gem of INTEL facilities is where some of the world's newest technologies are rolled out. INTEL is practicing "lean construction" due to severe time and space constraints. Rosendin Electric Inc.'s Bro. Brandon Rainwater and crew are leading this change in Local 48 with a full commitment to lean construction for our INTEL Ronler Acres installations. Cooperative, accurate prefabrication combined with a "just in time" delivery model is the natural answer to cramped jobsite space. It also greatly speeds the critical rollout time for our customer's newest technologies.

Bus. Mgr. Gary Young said: "One of our most valued accomplishments is our ability to quickly and effectively facilitate our customers' new technology cycles."

What enables us to successfully accomplish that? Our longstanding, world-class IBEW Local 48 culture!

Bob Blair, P.S.

L.U. 50 (u), RICHMOND, VA — Local 50 RENEW Committee members Jason Jones and Dustin Sadler attended the RENEW — Reach out and Engage Next-gen Electrical Workers — caucus at the IBEW Fourth District Progress Meeting on April 5.

Young workers from across the district attended and heard from Int. Pres. Lonnie R. Stephenson and Fourth District Int. Vice Pres. Kenneth W. Cooper on the future of the IBEW and the importance of young workers' involvement and growth in the IBEW.

Local 50 RENEW Vice Chmn. Sadler mentioned "how encouraging it is to see such incredible support the RENEW movement has at the International level." He added, "I look forward to implementing the ideas shared by other young workers in our own region."

John Albert, Treas./B.R.

L.U. 58 (em,i,rtb,spa&t), DETROIT, MI — Our union hall is in the midst of our remodel to become a Zero Net Energy facility. Business office trailers are in the parking lot to maintain services for the members. Please be patient. General membership meetings will take place at the Training Center at their normal time, the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Please plan on attending as we prepare for upcoming contract negotiations.

The group advocating repeal of prevailing wage is again gathering signatures to impose a repeal of this longstanding law. Don't be fooled, do your part: DECLINE TO SIGN this petition because repeal of prevailing wage would be guaranteed to reduce your wages and those of all construction workers. Come to a meeting or call the hall for more information on how you can help us defeat this obnoxious attack on all working families.

Make sure that you and your family members are registered to vote in the general election on Nov. 8. Make a difference this year and get out and vote.

The Local 58 Benevolent Fund hosted the Annual Walleye Tournament held Saturday, May 7. Thanks to all of the fishing crews and volunteers who joined us for the fish fry afterward. The Entertainment Committee needs volunteers to assist with upcoming events. Please contact the hall to get involved.

James E. DeLuca, B.R.

L.U. 68 (i), DENVER, CO — Political season is in full swing at the Colorado state Capitol.

We got so-called "right to work" legislation stopped again April 4. Thanks to all who lobbied and testified against this bill. We spent two different lobby days at the Capitol to voice our opinions and show our convictions on labor issues.

Calls are still trickling in and some are still hitting Book II. At the time of this writing, we are preparing for an election of local union officers in June.

AFL-CIO Sec.-Treas. Elizabeth "Liz" Shuler was here Feb. 25 to talk about apprenticeship programs and opportunities nationwide. On March 4 we held a tour of Local 68's apprenticeship facilities for political candidates.

The Wireman's Brotherhood Fund (WBF) had their bowling tournament Feb. 28 with 140 bowlers participating. It was a grand time for brotherhood.

On March 14, Local 68 officers had a meeting with International organizers about the drive to sign DirecTV technicians in our area. [Editor's Note: For more information see news story "DirecTV Workers Gain a Voice with the IBEW," published in the May 2016 issue of The Electrical Worker and posted on the IBEW website at www.ibew.org/media-center/articles.]

On March 22, Local 68 and other area labor leaders met with Denver Mayor Michael Hancock regarding Denver projects being bid along best value contracting guidelines. We also discussed ways to raise the minimum wage in Denver County.

The local entered into contract negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement for our Signman Unit.

Hope this finds you all safe, well and working. "Brotherhood — Pass It On."

We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of our recently deceased brothers: Charles D. Michael, Terrell B. Thomas, William E. Kinney and Alfred J. Yannacito.

Jack Cox, Pres.

L.U. 96 (i), WORCESTER, MA — Mass Electric Construction Co., over the last few years, has been constructing several large solar projects providing work for our brothers and sisters. They are currently working on the largest solar array in the Local 96 jurisdiction. The solar installation is located at the St. Joseph's Abbey Monastery in Spencer, MA. The project, when completed, will be a 20-megawatt, 25-kilovolt system with 60,000 solar panels. It is employing well over 100 electricians and apprentices. Great partnership!

Thank you to the members, friends and family of Local 96 who marched, in solidarity with other building trades, in the 34th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Worcester. In addition, the support and organization of the Local 96 parade committee helped make this day a great success. Great job by all … keep marching on.

For more Local 26 news and information, please visit us online at www.ibewlocal96.org.

Luke E. Carpenter, P.S.

L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa&t), KANSAS CITY, MO — The majority party in Missouri's General Assembly recently passed a paycheck deception bill. This is another attempt to weaken union labor in the "Show Me State." Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed this anti- labor bill. As of this writing, we need the help of some members of the GOP to sustain the veto. At press time, the IBEW lobby team is working hard to explain to these legislators the negative effect paycheck deception would have on public employees like our police officers, fire fighters, teachers and utility workers to name a few.

On the Kansas side, Republican Gov. Sam Brownback's tax cut experiment has destabilized the entire state. Kansas schools, highways, and other basic services are underfunded and the latest funding plan is reverse "Robin Hood," stealing from the poor and giving to the rich.

The November 2016 election will certainly bring change. What kind of change depends on voter turnout. Low turnout can mean change for the worse. High turnout can mean change for the better. Let's get out and support the candidates who support labor.

The Local 124 Inside Negotiating Committee has begun formalizing its strategy for upcoming negotiations. A heavy dose of job calls could provide momentum for a "strong" inside agreement. Participate in your local union. Divided we fall. United we stand.

We remember recently deceased members: Howard Booton, Emil "Skip" Ducoulombier, Victor P. Eckart, John W. Hinton, Frank Lacy, Andy McGee, Carmen "Kenny" Speaker, Fred Wiedenmann and Kenneth W. Wilson.

Congratulations to recent retirees: Roy K. Barnes, Tom A. Brink, James Farmer, Janice M. Harrison, Charles M. Owens and Gerald D. Long.

Steve Morales, P.S.

L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — The recent Illinois primary election in March was a win for working people, despite Gov. Bruce Rauner's claim that the losses incurred were expected. Rauner poured millions of dollars into the campaign of rogue incumbent House Democrat Ken Dunkin. Dunkin's opponent, Juliana Stratton, soundly defeated him in the Democratic primary by 68-32 percent.

Rauner also attempted to unseat incumbent Republican state Sen. Sam McCann, because McCann sided with state employees' position on contract negotiations. Again, Rauner and the candidate he backed were thwarted in the Republican primary by McCann's 52-48 percent win. Rauner's "turnaround agenda" is being rejected by members of his own party.

At the IBEW Illinois State Conference in March, one of the speakers stated that we learned three things from the primary vote of 2016:

You do not have to have the most money to win — just enough.

Organization beats money.

Voters are smarter than they are given credit for.

The fight continues. There are more Democratic House seats that Rauner has focused on for the general election. Let us all remember the lessons learned this March and hand Rauner and his "turnaround agenda" more defeats in November.

Frank Cunningham, R.S.

L.U. 146 (ei,i&rts), DECATUR, IL — We are saddened to report the passing of former Local 146 president Bret Krutsinger. Bret had served as a Local 146 steward, executive board member and president before serving as an electrical supervisor for CB&I in Pennsylvania. He was a 24-year member of Local 146 and will be missed dearly. We also mourn the loss of 46-year member Steve Buchanan.

Thirteen apprentice inside wireman graduates and four apprentice telecommunications installer technician graduates were honored in May for successfully completing apprenticeship training. Honored were: graduates Justin Baker, Ben Davis, Ryan Kneller, Brandon McCormick, Justin Moma, Justin Probst, Andrew Rempe, Sam Richardson, Heath Righter, Austin Schultz, Marc Stuart, Clayton Walter, Brandon Weiss, Alex Galvan, Nathan Hilligoss, Bryan Newhouse and Derek Rodman.

Congratulations on their recent retirement to members Richard Kerns, Fred Taylor, John May and Jim Underwood.

Rich Underwood, R.S.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Our former business manager, Don Carlson, retired effective April 5, 2016. We wish him a long and healthy retirement and thank him for his service. The Executive Board voted to appoint Patrick Serzynski to succeed him to fill the remainder of the unexpired term. The local will be well-served by this choice.

Please join us for our annual Local 150 picnic. It will be held Saturday, June 18, at the Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda. There will be plenty of food, beverages, ice cream, a horseshoe tournament and games for the little ones. It is a wonderful opportunity to socialize with your brothers and sisters outside of work and get to know each other on a different basis. Bring your family and join us! It is always a lot of fun.

The Lake County JATC has started a new group of apprentices and trainees. Please, if you are working with an apprentice trainee on your job, take the time to welcome them to the local and the trade. Help them learn their craft and good work ethics and practices. And remember, they are new to the industry and don't know all that you might know.

[Editor's Note: The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) rebranded in 2014 and transitioned into the Electrical Training Alliance. See "NJATC Transitions into the Electrical Training Alliance," The Electrical Worker (Sept. 2014), and at www.ibew.org.]

There will be a golf outing this year. Please watch your mailbox for further info about this fun event.

Wendy J. Cordts, P.S.

L.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt&spa), GREEN BAY, WI — Our local is entering a very busy period for work. We just wrapped up a refueling outage at Point Beach Nuclear Plant and more work is expected out there before the next outage in a year. Work is just underway at the Titletown District project, which will consist of a five-star hotel for Kohler, a brewhouse for Hinterland Brewing and a sports clinic for Bellin Hospital.

Work continues at Lambeau Field and at Bayship Building. Work is also starting at area schools and area hospitals. We will be busy throughout the rest of the year.

As reported in my previous article, Local 158 has undergone a building expansion. We almost doubled our office capacity by adding two large classrooms and a training lab, as well as enlarging our meeting room. The project is complete and we are holding many classes. All went well. In a month we will be enlarging our parking lot and resurfacing it. It is a facility we can all be proud of.

Donald C. Allen, B.M.

L.U. 164 (c,em,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ — On Friday, April 29, Local 164 once again sponsored the New Jersey Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament by hosting the annual event at our hall. This is always a really fun and exciting event for all ages and is open to the public. At the Golden Gloves Tournament young, up-and-coming, boxers compete to win the Golden Gloves title.

Local 164 sponsors the tournament as a fundraiser for our breast cancer charity, "Project Grandma," a community service project to benefit breast cancer research and awareness. Project Grandma was started years ago by Local 164 members with the goal of helping in the fight against breast cancer, so that women may reach the golden age typical of grandmothers. The name of the project was inspired by Bro. John "Nordy" Nordyk, who said: "Every woman deserves the chance to be a grandma."

Thank you to Bus. Mgr. Dan Gumble and Pres. Tom Sullivan for their continued support of both the charity project and the tournament. Also, thank you to Bro. Keith Misciagna for organizing the event; he always does a great job. Many thanks also go out to all the Local 164 volunteers who helped make this another great event at our local.

Warren M. Becker, V.P.

L.U. 234 (i&mt), CASTROVILLE, CA — We wish to thank Fluke Corporation and its representatives Toffee Coleman and Wade Thompson, who set up a lab and trained our members on how to use the 435 Fluke Power Quality Meter. The first session was a train-the-trainer for our JATC instructors, and the next day we held an excellent introductory course for our members.

[Editor's Note: The National Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (NJATC) rebranded in 2014 and transitioned into the Electrical Training Alliance. See "NJATC Transitions into the Electrical Training Alliance," The Electrical Worker (Sept. 2014), and at www.ibew.org.]

We, in the industry, are aware of the significant importance of power quality. While utilities employ our outside members to meet their commitments to provide clean, reliable power to customers' meters, it is primarily within facilities that power quality issues arise and create costly business disruptions. We know, with the ever advancing electrical technologies of computers, lighting controls, motor starter, and speed controls, and the many other varied non-linear loads, that their power quality impacts must be knowledgeably addressed by our inside workforce.

Thank you to our industry partner, Fluke Corporation.

Stephen Slovacek, P.S.

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — On March 23, Minnesota's local unions attended the annual IBEW Day on the Hill — an important event that allows face-to-face meetings with our Minnesota state legislators to discuss concerns and express support for a variety of issues important to working-class families.

The work picture for Local 292 is very good. From a variety of commercial and residential projects to some very large solar farms, there are many opportunities for traveling brothers and sisters. While having a Minnesota state or reciprocal license is helpful, we also expect to be able to put many traveling brothers and sisters who don't have those particular licenses to work. We welcome the help.

At the time of this writing, the Minnesota Vikings' new home, the US Bank Stadium project, is more than 90 percent complete. Only four months away from kickoff. Go Vikings!

Eric Peterson, B.R.

L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — As we enter this 2016 political season, I am struck by two divergent realities: most IBEW members say they understand the importance of politics, but far too few actually vote.

Our local enjoys an 80 percent voter registration level, but in the last statewide election only 20 percent of our members voted.

There are a lot of theories as to why, but I blame a cause-and-effect disconnect between voting and the quality of our lives.

Think about it. If you don't vote, your voice is muted. If you don't vote and another person does, you end up living the life THEY want. You become a slave to their wishes.

They win, you lose. They choose the music and you must dance to it.

Try this. Sit on the couch and turn on a radio station you hate. Music, talk, whatever. Make yourself listen to it all day. Try to relax, but don't get up. See how comfortable that feels? Imagine doing that for a lifetime.

Welcome to staying home on voting day!

In California, we have a primary election on June 7, and the general election is Nov. 8. Make your voice heard!

Bob Lilley, A.B.M.

L.U. 320 (catv,t&u), POUGHKEEPSIE, NY — On Feb. 23, 2016, former business manager/president Frank Maher passed away. Frank was a dedicated union member for 60 years and he held the title of Local 320 business manager/president for 49 of those years.

During his tenure as leader of Local 320 and throughout his IBEW career, Frank touched many lives and believed strongly in helping members, making sure that safety was always recognized as an important issue and working hard to negotiate a fair contract for the members. Frank was tough, quick-witted and caring. He was respected by employers and by the membership, and he will be missed. His hard work and dedication helped Local 320 thrive as it does today.

Allison Morris, R.S./P.S.

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — Local 340 opened a satellite office recently in Chico, CA — an area that has been underserved for far too long — to better serve the members and the electrical industry as a whole. The grand opening on Feb. 1 was a huge success, attended by local politicians as well as both union and nonunion employers. Asst. Bus. Mgr. Andrew Meredith, who did most of the work to get this office up and running, will split his work weeks between the office in Chico and our Redding branch.

The reason behind opening a second branch office in the northern area is to expand our presence in the region through very active organizing. We know there is promise for real work opportunities in the area, and if we can increase construction demand, it will bring back state and federal dollars to northern California.

I have full faith in Bro. Meredith. If anyone can turn this area around, I know he can do it, but he cannot do it alone. Our Sacramento representatives will be helping him, but since this area is so spread out, we will need additional help. We invite any IBEW members (active or retired — Local 340 member or traveler) to stop by the office and get involved in the process of growing the IBEW!

We are saddened by the loss of retired Bros. Merrill Gayman, Doug Newkirk and Don Walter, and active member Bro. Rob Collins, father of Bro. Zackery Collins.

Tom Okumura, B.M.

L.U. 352 (u), LANSING, MI — We would like to recognize several recently retired IBEW Local 352 members and thank them for their longtime IBEW service: Al Lopez, with 30 years of IBEW service; Stan Cotton, 37 years of service; Treas. Kate Weldon, 30 years; Executive Board member Ed Rodriguez, 40 years; and Executive Board Chair Mike Stanley, 38 years of service.

This is a contract year for the Local 352, and Michigan is now a so-called "right-to-work" state. Experience in organizing is vital, and the Executive Board members listed above have agreed to remain active past their retirement dates, helping guide us into our next contract negotiations. We thank them for all that they have done and for still being with us.

I am working with Bus. Mgr. Ron Byrnes, Pres. Tracy Tolbert and Bro. Adam Pease to create bylaws for an IBEW Local 352 RENEW Committee. We will be active this spring. More updates will follow as the committee begins their work serving our community. We look forward to getting our next leaders ready to take the wheel as our elders ease into retirement.

Maggie Rich, V.P.

L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — The Byron Generating Station refuel outage was nearing completion at press time. This outage required 72 wiremen for approximately two months of work. These outages are a well-needed shot in the arm for our members. Thanks go out to all the traveling brothers and sisters for helping us man the work and making this another safe and successful outage.

IBEW Local 364's 15th Annual Golf Outing is scheduled for July 23. This annual event is a fantastic time for fellowship and solidarity as well as raising money for a great cause. Local 364 Bus. Agent Larry Rowlett is spearheading this year's festivities.

Ground work is currently underway on the new 263-acre Mercy Hospital campus off of Interstate Highway 90 in Rockford. This campus also includes construction of a new hotel as well as an additional 40 acres of land for retail businesses. As you can imagine, Local 364 is anxiously awaiting this project as it will bring much-needed work to our members as well as good, high-paying jobs to the region. This two-year project should really start to get moving closer to the end of the year.

Brad Williams, P.S.

L.U. 400 (es,i&o), ASBURY PARK, NJ — On Sunday, March 6, over 50 members gathered for the Belmar St. Patrick's Day parade. Local 400 has always had a large presence at this event, hailed as one of the biggest parades in New Jersey for the holiday.

Local 400 congratulates Daniel Formica for being honored as Apprentice of the Year. The officers awarded Daniel with a plaque at the local union meeting on March 25, and the Retiree Committee rewarded him with a $100 check in recognition for his dedication and hard work.

Beginning a new holiday tradition, the Easter Egg Hunt and breakfast took place on March 26. Members enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet with their families, the Easter Bunny visited the children, and all had a good time.

Raven Morris, P.S.

L.U. 464 (mt), COVINGTON, VA — On Jan. 21 this year, WestRock held its E&I Apprenticeship graduation luncheon. Certificates in Electrician and Instrument journeyman trades were presented to 33 apprentices. Thirty-one electricians received their Instrument Journeyman's card, and two instrument journeymen received their Electricians card. Congratulations to all!

WestRock and Local 464 have an agreement to provide time for the apprentices to: 1) cross train in the parallel craft; and 2) obtain related instruction through the use of web-based programs. This training optimizes the apprentices' time at work so they don't have to spend extra time away from family. Kudos to all of the apprentice graduates and to ALL parties in achieving and maintaining such state-blessed training.

On Jan. 29, Local 446 Fin. Sec. James "Vinny" Geiser and member Tim Elmore met with Anna Semonco of the Ronald McDonald House of southwest Virginia to present Local 464's annual donation to the Ronald McDonald House. Proceeds from the annual Golf Tournament made this year's $500 donation possible. Bro. Elmore and his wife utilized this facility when their daughter was prematurely born a few years back and wished to be present for the presentation of the donation.

This year's Local 464 Golf Tournament, a 4-Man Captain's Choice, will be held July 29 at the Lexington Country Club in Lexington, Va. Local 464 encourages our brothers and sisters nearby to come participate in our fundraiser.

Cliff Persinger, P.S.

L.U. 494 (em,i,mt,rts,spa&t), MILWAUKEE, WI — A short time ago IBEW Local 494, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and Marquette University collaborated on a local project in support of the nation-wide Go Baby Go program. Go Baby Go is a national, community-based research, design and outreach program that provides modified toy ride-on cars to children who experience limited mobility. The program began in 2012 at the University of Delaware.

Working together, Local 494, the Children's Hospital and Marquette University have provided and modified off-the-shelf, electric-powered toy cars that allow mobility for children with crawling and walking difficulties. These cars empower children to be part of the action at home, in the daycare centers, and physical therapy clinics.

Several Local 494 members and retirees adapted the controls and safety features to fit the special needs for each car built. So far the local has built and donated four cars to the Go-Baby-Go program, with the latest car presented to Children's Hospital and built by retired member David Emery and a team of students from St. Thomas Aquinas Academy.

Children's Hospital thanked Local 494 members and the community for providing this service to children in need.

If your local would like to get involved, please visit website www.udel.edu/gobabygo.

Kurt Jante, B.R.

L.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ONTARIO, CANADA — At the time of this writing we have many members seeking employment, but with any luck some of the jobs on the drawing board will be realized and all our members will be working again.

On April 28, Local 530 participated in the National Day of Mourning to commemorate workers who lost their lives or suffered injury or illness due to a workplace accident. This is an important event, especially in our work atmosphere.

On June 10 this year our local union election of officers will be held. Officers are elected for a three-year term. Please let your voices be heard that day.

Local 530 is saddened by the recent passing of Bros. John Weeke and Frank Dechet.

Al Byers, P.S.

L.U. 558 (catv,em,i,mt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), SHEFFIELD, AL — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Springtime is here and we look forward to better weather and an improving work forecast. With the arrival of spring, we also celebrate our annual spring picnic tradition.

Our 7th Annual IBEW Spring Picnic was May 21 this year at Spring Park in Tuscumbia. This event is always pivotal in providing an opportunity for camaraderie and solidarity among our members and their families as well. We sincerely appreciate all of those who came together to make it a great success. We encourage all of our members, from apprentices to retirees, to continue to come out and take part in future events to solidify, grow and strengthen our movement.

We are proud to announce that we ratified a five-year agreement at the Muscle Shoals Electric Board and annual wage increases have been established for Russellville Utilities. At the time of this writing, we were still in negotiations with Comcast and hoped to have that finalized soon. We thank everyone involved for a very successful spring outage at TVA Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant and extend our appreciation to all who helped make this possible.

Congratulations to Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Ralph Mayes on his election to the Southern Electrical Retirement Fund executive board.

Tony Quillen, Pres./A.B.M.

L.U. 570 (i,mo,spa&u), TUCSON, AZ — IBEW Local 570 hosted the Seventh District's 2016 Apprenticeship Contest on March 19 this year. Top apprentices from Seventh District locals were invited to participate in the annual IBEW-NECA inside apprentice contest. Local 570 and the apprenticeship program thank Daniel Palacio for representing us. Thank you to all who participated in the event. There was a lot of time, hard work and dedication put in to get there. Congratulations to 2016 contest winner Darin Mason, from Local 226 Topeka, KS. [Editor's Note: To read more, see Oct. 16, 2014, news story "Yearly Contest Challenges Apprentices in Tasks, Theory," posted on IBEW website www.ibew.org/articles.]

The Local 570 Annual Picnic was March 26. We moved to a new park this year and had a well-attended picnic with over 400 people. Members, retired members and their families came out for great food, drinks, jumping castles, train rides and comradery. It was a good time for all.

Scott W. Toot, Pres./Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 692 (i,mt&spa), BAY CITY, MI — The Local 692 election of officers will be held June 6 this year. Member participation is welcome and important. For those who are interested in getting more involved, consider running for an officer position. Make sure you vote!

November 2016 elections are upon us. We have the honor and privilege of voting for president of the United States. We also have county and state-wide elections. We need help getting friends of working people elected. Let us all make sure we are registered to vote. This election is so important. If you get a chance, try talking to some of our members who have been in the union for most of their lives. They have a great way of letting you know how important voting is for our livelihood and our country.

We have a couple of projects scheduled to start in late spring. W.F. Nelson Electric was awarded the contract for the Midland Central Middle School, which is a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school. This job is the result of our local's business and membership development efforts. It is great to get a large project in anti-union Midland, MI.

We are sad to report the passing of Bro. Alan R. Faber and retired Bro. Donald R. Newton. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.

Get out and vote!

Tammy Gottleber, 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 — Members at Vectren in Indiana recently ratified a new three-year agreement more than three months prior to expiration, marking a major improvement in relations with the company. The contract includes: general wage increases of 2.5 percent, 2.75 percent, and 3 percent over the three years; a freeze on the amount of health insurance premium paid by our members for the life of the agreement (at the current rate); increased uniform allotments; minor vacation schedule improvements; and shift premium and "temporary leadman" increases. There were no concessions in this new agreement.

We are catching our breath after fully engaging in the Illinois primary election. We set up phone banks and telephoned over 1,700 Local 702 members, and also canvassed neighborhoods in support of friends of labor seeking election or re-election. We now prepare for the November general election.

The local will host its Annual Golf Tournament this year on Friday, June 17. Additionally, we will start selling our $100 Solidarity Drawing tickets at the Golf Tournament for a chance at $25,000, $10,000, $5,000, or five chances at $1,000. This drawing will be held on Labor Day at the DuQuoin Fair.

As of this writing, our referral books are as follows: Inside Construction - 100, Outside Construction - 12, Line Clearance - 4.

Mark Baker, B.R./P.S.

L.U. 760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), KNOXVILLE, TN — First there was the Marble Alley Lofts residential development project in downtown Knoxville, TN — as featured on ElectricTV. To watch a video about this Code of Excellence IBEW/NECA project, visit www.electrictv.net/videos/marble-alley-lofts-necaibew-building-community-knoxville or Local 760's new website www.ibew760.org/videos.

Now the IBEW, NECA and The Southern Electrical Retirement Fund are providing funding needed for the new student-housing project off of Cherokee Trail. Residential or industrial, members of the IBEW are leading by example and showing the Knoxville community that there are no jobs too big for the IBEW. Members are demonstrating their skill and workmanship as a team, and are helping build a better community close to the University of Tennessee campus.

Jason Leary, Organizer

L.U. 1466 (u), COLUMBUS, OH — On March 31, the members of Local 1466 received word that the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) had approved AEP Ohio's Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). This will directly impact Local 1466 members who are employed at the Conesville Power Plant, by providing job security and also enabling the plant to be converted to natural gas. There has been a lot of uncertainty over the last few years regarding the future of generation in this country, so this is definitely welcome news to our members!

The Executive Board is also starting to plan the annual Fall Family Picnic. We hope to have another great year and are always looking for input from the membership to help make it even better. If anyone has any suggestions, please try to attend the monthly union meetings to help make this year's event one of our best yet!

Thank you to the members for working hard, looking out for each other, and representing the IBEW well every day!

Jimi Jette, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY, SUFFOLK CHAPTER — With the approach of summer, our chapter is busy planning our upcoming events.

Plans are being made for our trip to the Long Island Educational Center in Cutchogue in August. Our end-of-summer BBQ is planned for Sept. 15 this year. Please contact Jim Joust if you would like to attend.

We will hold our Annual Holiday Party in December. Please contact John Schoenig if you are interested in attending.

At our April meeting Jack Foley, our chapter chairman, presented a service plaque to Fred Walling in recognition for all his years of service to the chapter. We also received a very nice letter from Long Island Cares in appreciation for our food drive to help those in need.

Wishing all a very happy and safe summer.

Harvey Goldman, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY, WESTCHESTER / PUTNAM CHAPTER — On March 30 this year, officers of the Westchester/Putnam Retirees Club met with Fisher House Foundation Chmn./CEO Kenneth Fisher at his office in mid-town Manhattan, to present a $10,000 check for the foundation.

This presentation was made possible through the efforts of our club's Fund Chmn./Fin. Sec. Dominic Malandro, and the individual donations from members of the Westchester/Putnam Chapter, our golf outing sponsors, the Queens and Brooklyn Retirees Chapters, and the Bronx Shore Kiwanis. Without their cooperation, this presentation would not be possible.

The Fisher House Foundation builds housing near military hospitals throughout the country, enabling the families of seriously injured servicemen and servicewomen to be with their loved ones while in recovery. There are now over 70 such residences operational. This benefit is available at no cost to the families.

We are proud to be able to aid this noble cause. We do not consider this a donation — we feel it is partial payment of a debt owed that we can never fully satisfy.

Dick Mills, Treas.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 26, WASHINGTON, DC — By the time you read this, our club will probably be home from our 2016 cruise to Bermuda and the Bahamas, which left Baltimore Harbor on June 9. Plans have begun for next year's cruise to Europe, so if you wish in join us, please contact our travel coordinator, Rick Warner, at 240-472-0438. More than 60 members and their guests signed on for the Bahamas trip.

The club is staying busy, but it's time to give a little attention to a longstanding program of our club: supplying medical equipment to our members and their families. The club maintains a room full of equipment, which active and retired members and their families may use at no cost for as long as they need.

Medical items we provide include: walkers, wheelchairs, crutches, electric hospital beds, transport chairs, walking canes, patient lifts to move a person from a bed to a wheelchair, and more specialized items that can also be useful.

What keeps all of this possible are the members, who purchase our raffle tickets each year. These additional funds allow us to buy specialized equipment for members. These items are returned to our stock after use, and kept for the next patient to use.

If other retirees clubs are interested in starting a similar program, we would be glad to provide advice.

Susan Flashman, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 35, HARTFORD, CT — As spring arrives, fond memories of all the jobs we worked on and all the brothers and sisters we've worked with come to mind.

Over the years, we've built insurance company buildings: AETNA, Connecticut General, CIGNA, The Hartford, Phoenix, Hartford Steam Boiler and Travelers. We worked on manufacturing company buildings such as Pratt & Whitney and Hamilton Standard. We built banks: CBT, Hartford National, Shawmut and Bank of America. We've built entertainment centers such as The Hartford Civic Center and the Hartford Convention Center. We've built hotels such as the Marriot, the Sheraton and the Holiday Inn. We worked on G. Fox, Sage Allen, Filene's, the Buckland Mall and the West Farms Mall. We worked on hospitals such as Hartford Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. We worked on the Hartford Trash to Energy and Lisbon Trash to Energy plants. We've built casinos: Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun. We worked on UCONN Health Center back in the 1970s, and Local 35 members are currently renovating and expanding the Health Center now. These are just some of the jobs over the years.

Take a few minutes to think back on all the people you've worked with, the good times we shared, and know that you contributed to the future of these companies and Hartford's progress. Be proud.

Kenneth R. White, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 60, SAN ANTONIO, TX — Currently the club is taking a summer break for June, July and August. The Retirees Club will resume meetings on Sept. 8, 2016, at 12 noon. Meetings are held at the Plumbers and Pipefitters Training Bldg., 3630 Belgium Lane. The club would like to invite anyone who is a retired member of Local 60 to come and join them — it is a great time to get together with some old friends to share old stories recalled.

At press time, the 4th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament was scheduled for May 7 this year. Since the club is self-supporting, the funds raised will finance the club's meals and activities for the year. As this article went to press, we were looking forward to the event. With all the support and donations to date, it promises to be another huge success.

We thank our awesome group of officers for all the years they have guided our club. Club Pres. Gene Chamberlain, Vice Pres. Tommy Huckelba and Treas. Bobby Wolff have decided to retire (again). The club will resume its meetings in Sept. under new leadership.

In this election year, remember the importance of voting for elected officials who support our issues and those of workers and their families. Visit us online at www.lu60retiredmembersclub.com.

Sandy Rogers, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 110, ST. PAUL, MN — We had our annual IBEW Local 110 Retirees Luncheon on Oct. 1 last year.

IBEW Service Pins were awarded as follows: for 65 years of service - Douglas Ackley and Robert Deeg; for 60 years - Daniel Bloomer, Leonard Hill, Kenneth Swanson and David Youngren; for 55 years - Bruce Campbell, John Heintz, James Jungbauer, Gordy Neilsen, Paul Schmidt, Anthony Vilgos and Filby Williamson; and for 50 years - Donald Barrett, Jerold Bretoi, James Dueber, Michael Feesl, Harry Haselelius, Lyle Henderson, Dennis Joriman, Roger Lawrence, Dean McEnery, Gunner Petterson, James Schauer, Bob Stennes, Joseph Thill and Jon Walsh. Congratulations to all award recipients.

There were 415 retirees and guests in attendance at the Prom Center for a great lunch and awards. A special thanks to April Lyons for all her hard work organizing this great event.

Pete Koegel, R.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 134, CHICAGO, IL — Thank you to our members for voting in the March primary election. It is important that all of our IBEW voices be heard.

The Retirees Club was invited to attend the Fifth Annual Law Enforcement Hockey Classic, presented by Honor Flight Chicago. The game took place Feb. 27 and featured the Chicago Police Department team vs. the Chicago Field FBI team. The fundraiser for Honor Flight Chicago honors American war veterans, including the senior vets from World War II and the Korean War. Honor Flight is a nonprofit organization created to honor America's veterans for their sacrifices by transporting veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their respective memorials. To add to the fun of an exciting hockey game were a raffle and a silent auction. Also, Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup champion Jamal Mayers was at the game to honor our oldest Chicago veterans and sign autographs. The exciting hockey game ended with the Chicago PD beating the FBI, 8-2.

On March 9, we had a delicious luncheon meeting and the biennial election of our club officers and Executive Board members. Local 134 Bus. Agent Mike Leyden swore in our newly elected club officers. James Fliris moves up to the position of president; Kevin Gibbons moves up to vice president; Donald Mahoney remains recording secretary; Bernard Martin remains treasurer; and our former president Mario Coletta moves to the Executive Board.

Have a fun and safe summer.

Sue Kleczka, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 139, ELMIRA, NY — Several members of the Local 139 Retirees Club got together to enjoy a Christmas party last year at Horigans Tavern. (See accompanying photo.)

It was a good occasion to celebrate the season and great camaraderie.

Tom Beecher, Pres.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 177, JACKSONVILLE, FL — The Local 177 Retirees Club meets on the third Friday of each month for a business meeting and great covered-dish luncheon, along with a fun-filled Bingo game after all the dishes are washed and put away.

For a recent meeting, we invited Sara Hall from "Feeding Northeast Florida" foodbank to come and speak with us on local issues of hunger and the foodbank's tireless efforts to end hunger. Our Retirees Club presented the food bank with a check for $250, which represents 1,750 meals.

Linda D. McDonald, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 212, CINCINNATI, OH — We extend deepest sympathy to the families of recently departed Local 212 members: Earl Stalf, who had 69 years of IBEW service; Wayne Neal, 63 years' service; Richard Gilb, 55 years; Milton Bender, 53 years; Lawrence Dempsey, 45 years; Thomas Rosenacker, 45 years; Robert Roberto, 44 years; Leroy Steagell, 42 years; Lawrence McKinney, 42 years; Joseph Burns, 40 years; Stephan Tisa, 36 years; Charles Smith Sr., 15 years; Mark Volk, 15 years; and Robert Smith Jr., three years' service.

This talented "crew of sparkies" will surely be missed. May they rest in God's eternal peace. On a personal note, Bro. Earl Stalf, even into his 90s, was gifted with a clear, beautiful tenor voice. He now sings with the heavenly choir.

At the April meeting, nominations of officers for the upcoming term were accepted; at the time of this writing, the election of officers was scheduled for the May meeting. Also at the April meeting: Bro. Kurt Kube reported on our Healthcare Plan, and Bro. Eddie Bender was honored as a 20-Year Club Life Member.

Welcome to new members: Mark Wanninger, Mike Denny, Eddie Paff, Charles Noland and Thomas Cooper.

On July 6, the Retirees Club Summer Picnic will be held at Fernbank Park, starting at 11 a.m. Always a good time!

On Aug. 13, the Local 212 Annual Summer Picnic will be held at Stricker's Grove in Ross, Ohio.

Bob Schaefer, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 257, JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Our Retirees Club enjoyed the luncheon/meeting at the Knights of Columbus in Westphalia, MO, on March 29. There was a good turnout as a lot of our "snowbirds" were back. I think everyone is glad that winter is over so they can finally go outside and enjoy the beautiful spring weather.

Among Local 257 guests at our luncheon were: Bus. Mgr. Don Bruemmer, Organizer Mike Fanning, and Apprenticeship Training Dir. Rick Stokes. Bus. Mgr. Bruemmer gave the retirees a rundown on things going on in the local union and presented a 50-year service award to Richard Owens.

Bro. Stokes discussed plans for the April 1, 2016, Skills USA Competition at Linn State Technical College and thanked the retirees who volunteered to help with judging and grading at the event. This year marks the 13th year that our members have helped with the Skills USA Competition.

We look forward to our next club luncheon and we invite all retirees to come and join us. We meet the last Tuesday of each month.

Delores Melloway, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 530, SARNIA, ONTARIO, CANADA — In this article I wish to focus on two women who have been a great help to IBEW Local 530. They are Sherry Harpell, our local's benefits administrator, and her office assistant Sue Tracey. Sherry began working for Local 530 on June 13, 1983, so in June of this year, she has been with us for 33 years. Sherry has a son who is an apprentice lineman with Toronto Local 353. Sue started working for Local 530 in December 1997, so come this December she has been helping us for 19 years. These two women not only take care of all our active membership, they take very good care of our retirees too! They have, through the years, helped us with a ready smile whenever asked. Our thanks to both of you, Sherry and Sue.

Two of our members have been quite ill — retiree Paul Pettit and Jackie McLellan, wife of Jack McLellan. Both Paul and Jackie are now on the road to recovery and we wish them well.

Attendance at our monthly meetings has been a little lower, only because several members were wintering in Florida. For the rest of us, we had a mild winter and attended some fun events together.

Nancy Stinson Philbin, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 595, DUBLIN, CA — Greetings from California. Our 595 Retired Members Club is having a busy year, with much more to come as summer approaches. Our club president and the leadership provide us with tremendous monthly themed luncheons and a variety of trips.

In March we enjoyed some awesome views as we took the train through the Sierras up to Reno, NV, and were entertained by the stage show "Footloose."

In April we had a full boat for our day cruise up the Sacramento River with a wonderful buffet lunch, and we finished the afternoon with an interesting tour of the Shriner's Hospital in Sacramento. The club has many more trips available in upcoming months and we encourage everyone to sign up and come enjoy the fun. Club Treas. Linda Bratset announced that 28 of us have so far signed up for our 10-day cruise to Alaska in September.

At the time of this writing, Local 595 negotiations with our NECA contractors were in full swing. The work picture for our active members remains strong with lots of projects coming out of the ground. As we approach the November 2016 elections, our leadership is working hard on voter registration and lining up volunteers for the entire election effort. We must diligently work to elect strong leaders who support the values that we see as important, a strong middle class and protections for the working people of our country. Most importantly, get out and vote!

Tom Mullarkey, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 611, ALBUQUERQUE, NM — Sorry there was no article from our club in the March issue. Regrettably all my mail got lost in transit.

We retirees are involved in another project — this one with the University of New Mexico, for a Community Labor Organizing Project. We are working with a special UNM group and undergraduate team while participating with other union working and retired members in sharing our labor-related stories, in order to complete a report on the rich union labor history in New Mexico. This report will be on file at the university and other libraries; we hope it will later be published online and elsewhere. The project is still in the planning stage, so I'll let you know more when it is completed.

We are also still participating in food distribution to needy families once a month. Thanks to all the volunteers for sharing their time in this worthwhile project.

To my surprise, I am still handing out our 100th anniversary booklets to members, especially retirees. Please order or get your free copy from the hall before they are all gone. You can pick up a copy at the union meetings and view the updated history book at the same time.

We extend condolences to the families of retired members who recently passed away: José D. Martinez, Gordon V. Hughes, Lowell G. Bartiett, Tom D. Ward, Charles E. Keeney, Vicente Montez, Jack E. Jones, Donald A. Guarienti, Oscar W. Hoselton and Thomas E. Martinez Sr. (Note: the first six brothers listed passed away in 2015.)

Tracy Hall, Pres.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 702, WEST FRANKFORT, IL — The Retirees Club met Thursday, Dec. 3, 2015, at Bennie's Italian Restaurant in Marion, IL. A motion was approved to skip reading of the minutes from the last meeting. The financial report from the previous meeting was read and approved.

Death announcements were read for the months of October, November and December, followed by a moment of silence.

Attendees enjoyed the noontime meal, and afterward the meeting resumed. Under "old business" 10 T-shirts will be gifted by the union hall for raffle prizes in 2016.

In "new business," a motion was made, seconded and approved to purchase 200 license plate frames at a total cost of $260 for retirees. In the raffle drawing, 90 tickets were sold; the first-place prize of $45 was won by Darrell McClellan, and poinsettias were won by Tim Reed and John Skaggs. A deposit of $45 will be made.

Everyone was reminded to go to Jim Campbell's house to view the 2015 Dickens Christmas display and maps were provided. Attendees exchanged holiday greetings and the meeting was adjourned.

Mark Baker, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 756, DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Greetings to all. By the time you read this we will already be on our summer break. Congratulations to the winners of our Chili Cook-off: Lorraine Crane and JoAnn Gardner! As always, we thank our cooks, Greg Stone and Brian Porter, and all the folks who help make our meals so wonderful. We look forward to seeing everyone in September when club meetings resume! Have a healthy and safe summer!

With sadness we report that several members passed away since our last article. We send our condolences to the family and friends of late Bros. John F. Isitt, Robert L. Hawes, Wilfred "Buck" Buchanan and William A Faust III. We also extend condolences to the family of Bro. Greg Stone, whose daughter Stacy passed on; she was a strong and beautiful girl.

We invite any retired or unemployed brothers and sisters and their spouses who are in the area to come and join us. Our meetings are the second Thursday of each month, 11:30 a.m., at the Local 756 union hall, Port Orange, FL.

Diane Gibbs, P.S.

RETIREES CLUB OF L.U. 995, BATON ROUGE, LA — We had our Christmas social at the local union hall on Dec. 12. The food was good as always and the music was furnished by our own in-house band for the dance. Those in attendance enjoyed the festive occasion. Attendance was down somewhat this year.

Since my last article we have lost several members who passed away: Clifton Bankston, Eric Altazan, Terry Noble, Curtis Loper, E.J. Moore and Ronnie Marchand. They will be missed.

We would like to see a great many of our retired IBEW members join the Retirees Club. This is an invitation to all who are interested. We meet the first Monday of every even month at 8:30 a.m.

W. Roland Goetzman Sr., P.S.