L.U. 8 (as,em,i,mar,mt,rts,s&spa), TOLEDO, OHIO — Local 8 officers, members and staff extend our deepest sympathy and sorrow to the family and friends of the late Int. Pres. Emeritus Edwin D. Hill. Bro. Hill was truly a pioneer in the IBEW by making changes that not only sustained the IBEW as a union, but also moved it progressively forward going into the 21st century. Our sincere condolences go to the Ed Hill family and the entire Brotherhood. May he rest peacefully.

The U.S. House of Representatives will by now have turned majority blue following the outcome of the 2018 midterm elections. Our representatives have a tall task in righting that ship — a ship that has been on a course to divide us, destroy our ideals, and defy our constitution. Let's continue supporting labor-friendly candidates as they support us. Thank you all who turned out for the 2018 midterm elections.

We approached the end of 2018 with around 100 on JIW Book I and expect to have Book II referred out by publication date, as some long-waited projects start to get their legs. Come sign in Toledo, sisters and brothers. Perhaps we can be considered a "walk-through" soon enough.

Mike Brubaker, P.S.

L.U. 10 (u), JOHNSON CITY, NY — IBEW Local 10 has new officers in place after recent 2018 elections. They are as follows:

Bus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Gary Bonker, Pres. Rich Price, Vice Pres. Shell Jackson, Rec. Sec. Carrie Quackenbush, Treas. CarolAnn Amorando; and Executive Board members Chris Fox, Chad Allen, Roman Cefali, Tim Garceau and John Wild.

Don Tuttel, P.S.

L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Brotherhood and the spirit of Christmas were alive and well when over 100 journeymen, apprentices and helpers contributed hundreds of hours to make the 25th annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights possible. Fantasy is the premier fundraising event for the Tri-State Rehabilitation Center. Since 1994, it has generated over $3,299,937 to help underwrite physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions for local children and adults who otherwise could not afford these life-changing services. Special thanks are due Matthew Mullen, Nick Vaught and Brandon Wongngamnit for supervising setup and nightly maintenance.

The upgraded IBEW Local 16 website is almost complete. Among other features, www.ibewlocal16.com will provide information about the union's resources, history and current events. It will also give members the opportunity to see available job calls, view call history, and if unemployed (and on the out-of-work list) bid on calls or do monthly re-signs.

The IBEW would like to recognize Ryan McRoberts for his promotion to business agent and Nick Vaught for his past service as business agent. The hall would like to wish each of them the best as they take their careers in new directions.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 20 (em,i,mt,spa,t&u), DALLAS-FORT WORTH, TEXAS — The North Texas Electrical JATC held its Annual Completion Dinner at the Hilton Arlington on June 8, 2018.

Congratulations to all the recent Local 20 JATC apprenticeship graduates. For the class of 2018, there were 41 graduates.

Awards are presented to apprentices for outstanding performance at school and on the job. Taken into consideration are their grades, attendance, job evaluations, attitude and community involvement.

The IBEW Local 20 and the North Texas Chapter NECA both give an award to a graduating apprentice for an overall outstanding performance. The NECA Outstanding Apprentice Award and the IBEW Outstanding Apprentice Award went to Devon Morrell.

Local 20 Gold Pliers Award recipients: Andrew Carnes (1st year), Austin Robinson (2nd year), Marco Solis (3rd year), and Jonathan Watson (4th year).

NECA Achievement Awards: Andrew Carnes (1st year), Peter Benninger (2nd year), Daniel Burgos (3rd year), and Jonathan Watson (4th year).

Local 20 Federal Credit Union Awards: Matthew Cornforth (1st year), Austin Robinson (2nd year), Anthony Kottaridis (3rd year), Joaquin Pozos (4th year), and Steven Miller (5th year). The Fort Worth Local 116 Federal Credit Union Awards went to Devon Morrell and Steven Miller. [Editor's Note: Former Local 116 previously was merged into Local 20.]

Perfect Attendance Award recipients: Cliff Franks, Steven Frith, Jose Garcia, Edgar Garcia, Oleg Genkin, Brian Hubbard, Juan Hurtado, Colin Jones, Miguel Lara, Rodolfo Lopez, John McNutt, Simon Mejia, Steven Miller, Devin Morrell, Jacob Norrid, Terri Pritchard, Christopher Redfield, Diana Salmon, Kyle Smith, Thomas Spencer, Stephen Sulsar, Christopher Tschoepe and Juan Yruegas.

Price Warwick Jr., B.M./F.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Our work picture continues to look good, and 2019 should be another great year. With a strong work outlook and the baby boomers starting to retire, this year's first-year apprenticeship class will be the largest class to start the apprenticeship. As stewards of our trade and our great Brotherhood, it is our responsibility to ensure they become the best electricians the industry has to offer and help them develop into strong union members with an understanding of our past and the knowledge to help as we fight to protect our future.

Thanks again to all the sponsors of the local's scholarship fund. Because of their support and the hard work of Bro. Sam Curreri and Bro. Mike Azzarello, we were able to once again award twenty $1,000 scholarships to children of our members. Congratulations to all the scholarship winners.

We congratulate all the labor-endorsed candidates for their successful election bids during the November 2018 elections, especially our new state senator for the 45th District, Sen. Cory McCray, a member of IBEW Local 24. We look forward to working with all our elected labor-friendly representatives in the coming years as we try and move working families forward.

Peter P. Demchuk, B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Scholarship applications are currently being accepted for the 2019 Local 26 scholarship. Please visit the local's website at www.ibewlocal26.org for information and to download application forms for this year's Local 26 scholarship. The award is $2,500 per year, for up to four years of college. Applications may also be obtained by calling the union hall (301-459-2900) and requesting one be mailed to your home. The deadline to submit applications is March 31.

Plans are underway for some great brotherhood/sisterhood events for 2019. If you would like to mark your calendars in advance, here are some key dates.

• JATC Graduation — Saturday, June 1
• Dollars Against Diabetes Golf Outing — Monday, June 3
• Virginia Picnic (Manassas) — Saturday, June 22
• Chartered Fishing Tournament — Monday, July 15
• Maryland Picnic (Edgewater) — Saturday, Aug. 24
• 8th Annual Poker Run for Special Love — Saturday, Sept. 21, Electrical Workers Motorcycle Riders' Club

Best wishes to new retirees: Jozo Ivanic, Stephen A. Maddox, Alvin F. Deblanc Jr., William R. Whitt, Larry Orr, Joseph A. Mudd Jr., Thomas A. Harrison, Richard A. Furr, Eugene F. Paroczay, Peter N. Ponton, Richard Dudley and Larry J. Miller.

We are saddened to report that several members have passed away since our last article: Arthur L. Murray III, Howard F. Mooney, Allan K. Knicely, Tyler M. Passmore, Lawrence H. Snyder, Joshua Hastings and Charles T. Cusack. May they rest in peace.

George C. Hogan, B.M.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OHIO — On IBEW lobby day at the U.S. Capitol in November, we had a great delegation of Ohio business managers and reps among the IBEW-wide contingent. The business managers and reps (accompanying photo) from Ohio knocked on doors and visited every House and Senate member from Ohio that we could, to educate legislators on the extremely harmful proposals that would have affected our NEBF and local pension plans. It was very rewarding to hear at the end of the day that our message got through and the ridiculous proposals were shut down for now. It was great to see all the IBEW business managers and reps who came in from across the country and from as far away as Alaska to make this happen. [Editor's Note: For more information see news article "IBEW Leaders Mobilize on Capitol Hill to Kill Pension Attack; Now It's Your Turn," on Page and posted on the IBEW website at www.ibew.org/media-center/Articles.]

The work outlook in Cleveland remains good with many downtown projects either coming out of the ground, or renovations getting started.

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

L.U. 44 (catv,lctt,o,rtb,s&u), BUTTE, MT — Spending in the 2018 Montana Senate race was unprecedented. Reportedly, an estimated $43.2 million was spent. Pres. Trump flew Air Force One (approximately $213,000 per hour) to Montana four times, wasting at least $8 million, in his effort to unseat U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

The feud started over Trump's nomination of his personal physician, Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, to head the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Jackson's subsequent withdrawal from consideration when allegations came to light questioning his qualifications. Trump unfairly blamed Sen. Tester and started his attacks. Sen. Tester's work is an example of bipartisanship, reaching out, and working across the aisle on issues. Sen. Tester sponsored 20 bills signed into law by Trump!

Members of IBEW Local 44 worked countless hours, phone banking, letter writing, and walking turf in Silver Bow, Lewis and Clark, Broadwater and Cascade counties. IBEW 44 was a part of an amazing Labor to Labor program, reaching out to union households to support Sen. Tester's bid for re-election.

Montana re-elected Sen. Jon Tester, the state's senior senator, to his third term! His 2018 margin of victory is Sen. Tester's largest so far, defeating Trump's puppet Matt Rosendale by almost 18,000 votes. IBEW State Organizing Coordinator Keith Allen coordinated the effort, and Dwight Rose led at the local level on Local 44's behalf. Hats off to all the members who stepped up to defend a true friend of labor.

Dwight Rose, Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — The Puget Sound Electrical JATC held their annual graduation ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. The 2018 graduating class totaled 140 with 93 inside wireman, four residential wireman, and 43 Limited Energy apprentices completing the programs. IBEW Local 46 congratulates all the 2018 graduates!

In 2018 our JATC accepted 289 new apprentices. As of December 2018, the total number of apprentices in our three programs was 1,236.

Local 46's Wireman Unit received a $3.50 per hour wage increase and the Sound & Communications Unit received a $2.50 per hour wage increase effective Feb. 4, 2019. Both units voted on the allocation of their wage increases at their December 2018 unit meetings.

Local 46 celebrated Halloween last year with a "Rocktoberfest" party. This was a great opportunity for our members, their families, and friends to get together and have some fun! The costumes were creative — we even had Mr. & Ms. Kilowatt attend!

Our work picture is projected to remain strong through 2019 and well into 2020/2021! Thank you to all our members and travelers who continue to man our work. Our NECA partners will keep bidding on more jobs as long as we are able to supply the needed manpower.

Warren Shill, V.P.

L.U. 60 (i), SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — The South Texas Electrical JATC held its annual graduation banquet on June 27, 2018. The graduating class included 33 inside wiremen graduates and nine telecommunication installer-technician graduates.

Several distinguished guests were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of the 2018 graduating class. Guests included Texas Workforce Commissioner of Labor Julian Alvarez, Electrical Training Alliance Exec. Dir. Todd Stafford, and IBEW Seventh District Int. Rep. Gary Buresh. Numerous training partners, proud family members and friends also attended to honor the graduating class.

To all those who have contributed and dedicated themselves so selflessly to the development of each apprentice and for making the night possible — including JATC committee members, contractors, IBEW leadership and members, on-the-job trainers, JATC instructors, JATC staff, and most deservingly, to the family and loved ones of our apprentices — we extend a hearty thank-you!

Special recognition goes to our Inside Wireman Apprentice of the Year — Brandon Mazac; and to our Telecommunication Installer-Technician Apprentice of the Year — Christopher Ripley.

Congratulations, South Texas Electrical JATC class of 2018!

John L. Martin, Tr. Dir.

L.U. 66 (o,t&u), HOUSTON, TEXAS — Our EWMC young members group, called RENEW 66, was started with just four members in April 2018, and by August attendance had grown to approximately 40-50 members at the monthly meeting.

We have helped at our Annual Labor Day cookoff; we hosted the first "trunk or treat" event here at the hall, which was a huge turnout with members and their families; and we had a food drive and toy drive for the holiday season.

On a Sunday in November, we held a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) study group, and we also went over the union safety manual, so everyone can better understand the language involved with both documents. On a Saturday in November, we partnered with our sister Local 716 for National Day of Service by making repairs at a VFW hall in Cypress, Texas.

We are all very proud to be members of the IBEW and we are all very excited to continue to grow as a group and a local union.

As RENEW 66 chapter president, I thought it would be cool for our brothers and sisters across the IBEW to see how important it is that we get/stay involved.

We never had a youth group prior to this and after attending my first EWMC conference, I knew we had to have one so we could do our part to carry on as young leaders. Union solidarity is alive and well in Houston, Texas.

Ben Holmes, B.R./Organizer

L.U. 70 (lctt&o), WASHINGTON, DC — At our October 2018 union meeting, three members of the Taylor family received their IBEW years-of-service pins. Jim Taylor Jr. received his 45-year pin, his son Robert "Whistle" Taylor received his 35-year pin, and his grandson Hunter Taylor received his five-year pin.

Jim Taylor is a Local 70 journeyman lineman who has served as foreman coordinating work in our area for several contractors and is now a business representative for our Virginia office.

Robert "Whistle" Taylor is a journeyman lineman who has also been a foreman on Local 70 projects for many years. He is now a Local 70 business representative assigned in Virginia.

Hunter Taylor is a fourth-step apprentice lineman following in his grandfather's and father's footsteps. He is currently working for W.A. Chester, LLC.

We thank each of them for their dedication and continuous service to Local 70.

Jimmy Horton, P.S.

L.U. 80 (i&o), NORFOLK, VA — Our condolences go out to the family of our late IBEW Int. Pres. Emeritus Edwin D. Hill.

Local 80 would like to wish all our brothers and sisters a safe and joyful new year.

December was a busy month for Local 80. We hosted our annual Children's Christmas Party (breakfast with Santa) on Dec. 1. The children had a delightful time. They received presents and had a chance to take a picture with Santa. Special thanks to Santa's special helper, Bro. Mike Hanks. He always brings a smile to the children's faces.

Local 80 members also attended a Norfolk Admirals ice hockey game on Dec. 7, and we had a good turnout.

Our P&I organizing campaign is going well; the campaign includes our naval bases and shipyards.

The work picture has continued to grow and looks promising for the months to come.

Our RENEW group continues to pursue volunteer opportunities and reaches out to our communities.

Wil Morris, A.B.M.

L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa&t), KANSAS CITY, MO — It is not too early to engage our voting base for the 2020 election. Education is key to winning. Let's review.

The Republican-led U.S. Senate, which refused to approve federal judges nominated by President Obama, is now at a torrid pace approving anti-labor judges nominated for lifetime positions by President Trump.

Republicans have worsened wealth inequality by giving the wealthiest 1 percent a tax cut that increased our country's national debt by $2 trillion. Republicans propose to make up this loss in tax revenue by cutting Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act.

Republicans are trying to pass legislation that will put taxes and fees on our pension plans. [Editor's Note: For more information see news article "IBEW Leaders Mobilize on Capitol Hill to Kill Pension Attack; Now It's Your Turn," on Page and posted on the IBEW website at www.ibew.org/media-center/Articles.]

The Janus ruling by a conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court puts state and local government workers under the "right to work" for less law. There are too many examples to list. Support the political party that will support you.

Steve Morales, P.S.

L.U. 130 (i), NEW ORLEANS, LA — 2018 was a very successful year for Local 130 in terms of work and contracts. Works was steady all year. From October to December we were sending out our traveling brothers and sisters.

Bus. Mgr. Paul Zulli and his negotiating committee worked hard with the NECA contractors to come to terms on a three-year contract worthy enough to bring to the membership. The membership ratified the new contract overwhelmingly. Not only were we able to negotiate increases, but now we can also allocate them as we see fit — thanks to new language that eliminates local Market Recovery contract language of the past. It was important to eliminate that language, which had been a major thorn in Local 130's side since the 1980s when it was first introduced. It was Bus. Mgr. Zulli's mission to either alter or eliminate that language when he took office four years ago. Congratulations, Paul, on a job well done.

In 2018 we were saddened by the loss of members who passed away. We lost over 26 members last year, including a first-year apprentice, Bro. Cameron Dice; a former Local 130 president, Kenny Seals; and a former officer and respected mentor and friend to many, Bro. Eddie Pemberton. Our prayers are with the families of members who passed away.

Our organizers were responsible for providing evidence against a major open-shop contractor. Evidence revealed that the open shop was illegally hiring workers as subcontractors on a major construction project. The Department of Labor investigated the site to confirm the findings of Bro. Rodney Wallis and Bro. Corky Cortez. Ernest. P Breaux Electrical LLC was ordered to pay back wages to over 117 workers at a cost of $249,278.

We ended 2018 with a Pin Night, where we always enjoy visiting with retirees and families in attendance during the holiday season. Bus. Mgr. Zulli extends season's greetings to all and prayers for a happy new year.

Billy Buckel, R.S./P.S.

L.U. 146 (ei,i&rts), DECATUR, IL — Happy 2019! We would like to thank all the volunteers of last summer's Decatur Celebration, and Downtown Decatur Barbeque Festival. Also thank you to the journeymen and apprentices for the Christmas lights in downtown Decatur.

Last year was a pretty good year for projects in our local. This year seems even more prosperous with projects at Caterpillar, ADM, Clinton Power Station, and some proposed solar farms. The big news is the formation of a $1.6 billion fertilizer plant set to begin in the second quarter of this year.

Our Christmas party on Dec. 9 was a rousing success, as the children were thrilled to see Santa, and the members enjoyed the festivities. The apprenticeship Christmas party was held Dec. 12 and enjoyed by the apprentices and journeymen who attended.

Recent retirees include: John Arnold, Fred Klinghammer, Tim Gosnell, John DeAngelis, Dave Robison, Dave Hilligos and Barry Perkins. Congratulations to all. We hope the retirees enjoy a long retirement.

We are saddened by the passing of Kenneth Burger, 95; Bear Logue, 70; and Duane Swinford, 88. All three gentlemen were 50-year members. Recently, Kenneth Thoman, who was age 60 and a 37-year member, also passed away. We will miss these departed brothers.

Steven L. Tilford, R.S.

L.U. 230 (c,catv,em,i,mar&u), VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA — It's not every day that one country gets to outfit another country's navy — and yet, in 2017, that is exactly what the New Zealand Parliament voted to make possible.

IBEW Local 230's skilled marine members working at Seaspan's Victoria Shipyard had just wrapped up five years of outfitting five frigates for the Canadian Navy.

So, who better to perform New Zealand's similar work platform than the Local 230 membership. There are two New Zealand frigates in the project. We are currently working on the first of two frigates. The second frigate is set to arrive early summer 2019, soon after the scheduled completion and delivery of the first vessel.

The first New Zealand frigate arrived in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada in the spring of 2018 and was stripped of all sensitive equipment by IBEW Local 230 members from the Department of National Defense. IBEW Local 230 members working at the privately-owned Victoria Shipyard started pulling the 30-plus miles of cable onboard to support the vessel's new Vertical Launch Missile system, Missile Defense Decoy system, new Tactical Intercom system, and new forward and aft masts for navigation.

This project award is a testament to the quality of work and professionalism demonstrated by the IBEW and the Local 230 membership.

Phil Venoit, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 236 (catv,ees,govt,i,mo,rtb&t), ALBANY, NY — Local 236 would like to recognize a few brothers from our sister Local 43 for their great act of kindness. Recently, one of our Local 236 members experienced the tragic passing of a relative. Local 43 members Dustin Morgan, Dave Dudley, Mike Deuel and Mike Smitty showed great compassion and brotherhood in helping our brother during this tragic time. Their kindness will not be forgotten.

Local 236 worked hard to complete the new Schenectady Train Station. A project labor agreement (PLA) was present on that job and our union electricians brought this job in ahead of schedule. The local politicians, along with the lieutenant governor, were there for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and to see what organized labor can accomplish.

Local 236 organized a new contractor. Organizer Kevin Fuller was able to show Grounded Electric the advantages of being a Local 236 signatory contractor. We wish the company success.

Local 236 has contract negotiations coming in 2019 and we created an email site for your suggestions. We welcome your comments and suggestions during this important time. Call the union hall for the email site address.

Joseph Hlat, P.S.

L.U. 246 (ees,i,rts&spa), STEUBENVILLE, OHIO — On May 19, 2018, we celebrated our apprentice top out party at Williams Country Club.

After five years of hard work and dedication, graduation day finally arrived for nine fine men. We at Local 246 are proud to welcome our newest journeyman wiremen: Scott Cooper, Rob Crowe, Josh Hardwick, Dalton Herzick, Brent Kendziorski, Matt McEndree, Joshua Smith, Jeremy Ternasky and Zac VanKirk. Gentlemen, continue to uphold the values and traditions of our great local, stay involved and continue to educate yourself in this ever-changing industry. Congratulations to all on a job well done.

Also, a first in the history of Local 246, we recognized two outstanding apprentices this year: Josh Hardwick and Matt McEngree. They were only separated by .001 of a point over five years. Congratulations!

At the graduation, we were pleased to be joined by state Rep. Jack Cera, Dr. Jimmy Bruce of Eastern Gateway Community College, and Jason Walden of the North Central Ohio Chapter of NECA. All apprentice graduates topped out with an associate degree from the community college and a certificate of completion from the state House of Representatives.

Absent from our celebration was 22-year Apprenticeship Dir. Tony Shreve. He was missed by all. Tony's dedication and vision for the future have meant the world to our JATC. It's because of his vision that our JATC partnered with the community college and continues to graduate our great apprentices. Thank you, Tony!

Eric L. Nutter, R.S.

L.U. 280 (c,ees,em,es,i,mo,mt,rts&st), SALEM, OR — Change continues in Local 280. In the fall we began day school for our apprenticeship. We have over 300 apprentices enrolled, and the local achieved double-digit growth in membership during 2018. We also have a new satellite office/training center across the Cascade Range in central Oregon. Now serving Bend, Redmond and Prineville as of this writing.

After 2018 midterm elections, we are thankful for some election wins. We retain our labor-friendly Gov. Kate Brown; we retained all our representation in Washington, D.C.; and we did well with races for local elected officials. Local 280 members appear to have voted for their wallets and future liberty for labor.

Work remains strong as our inside man-hours continue to rise. It seems there is economic uncertainty looming due to a trade war; our contractors have already seen increased prices on electrical components and materials. Before we start a trade war, maybe a few solutions like having factories and infrastructure ready to go online within our borders may have been a wise plan. Caring about constituents/wage earners is no longer a concern for too many officials in Washington, D.C. Why would it be, as wealth increasingly shifts to the few who disproportionately determine policy decisions that affect working people.

Thank you to all brothers and sisters who go out of their way to make a difference every day. That is as American as it gets! That will be the hope for change.

Drew Lindsey, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 300 (govt,i&u), MONTPELIER, VT — At the time of this writing, we have received our first significant snowfall and are preparing for the holiday season.

At press time, our first Asplundh Tree Experts contract is coming to an end, and the committee is at the table negotiating contract No. 2. Slow and steady wins the race.

I'm honored to welcome employees of the Hyde Park highway department into Local 300. They are truly a great group of people who will be a positive addition to the organization.

We have several contracts becoming open in early 2019. We hope to reach reasonable agreements with all.

If the construction projects being forecast for the upcoming few years come to fruition, our inside unit should experience stable employment and, hopefully, growth.

Tim LaBombard, A.B.M./Pres.

L.U. 302 (i,rts&spa), MARTINEZ, CA — 2018 was a busy year here at IBEW Local 302, with a lot of organizing and the completion of some large projects in the area.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all our newly organized brothers and sisters and our new apprentice classes.

Our first-year Inside apprentices are: Brian Anderson, Stephen Birkhauser, Daniel Cardenas, Elvia Hernandez-Ceja, Carlos Cervantes, Justin Cervantes, Vincente Costanzo, Eric Doyle, Rene Huerta, Daniel Hurtado, Christopher Jovel, Eraclio Lopez, Amaris Lujano, Michael Lumsden, Louis Montano, Steve Perry, Domonic Quilici, Eric Rickard, Jacob Rios, Bryan Sanchez and Donald Sloan. (See accompanying photo.)

We also welcome our first-year Sound & Communications apprentices: Julie Brown, Marat Hafizov and Chris Rosales.

Thanks to everyone who attended the holiday party in 2018. It is our biggest event of the year and a wonderful opportunity to catch up with old friends (and make new ones)!

Melissa Vaughn, P.S.

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — On Nov. 8, 2018, part of our northern jurisdiction hit national headlines when California's deadliest blaze, the Camp Fire, started. The wildfire destroyed the towns of Paradise, Magalia and Concow, and we had 23 IBEW members living in the area at that time (18 of our own members and five from other IBEW locals.) Of these 23 brothers, 17 lost their homes and two IBEW employers lost not only their homes but their businesses as well. Thankfully though, none of our members or their families were injured as this deadly fire burned for 17 days, consuming over 153,000 acres and destroying thousands of homes and commercial buildings.

Our phones rang off the hook with offers of help, from the use of a travel trailer (so at least one family would not have to spend the winter in a shelter), all the way to donations totaling over $100,000. These donations came from our very generous employers, our IBEW sister Locals 47, 48, 551, 440, 639, 234 and 332, as well as from our members, and brothers and sisters from locals as far away as New York!

All the donations received will be used to help these 17 members rebuild their lives, and on behalf of those IBEW brothers and their families, I want to thank every one of you who reached out and truly showed what the words "IBEW Brotherhood" mean.

Robert D. Ward, B.M.

L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — IBEW Local 364 held its annual Kid's Christmas Party on Dec. 15. The party is our most well-attended annual event, and our special guest San "TY" Claus is played to perfection by retired Bro. Ty Hillman. All the members and their families who attended had a wonderful time filled with the spirit of the season, and there were presents for every child in attendance.

The $500 million Mercy Hospital project was completed in January. Many thanks to all IBEW Local 364 members, as well as all our traveling brothers and sisters, who helped us out on this project. This was the Rockford area's largest project to date and we could not have completed this project without the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. So, thanks again to all.

The new Hilton Embassy Suites & Rockford Conference Center project is taking shape in downtown Rockford. The $87 million, 160-room hotel and conference center overcame many obstacles to even begin construction, with an estimated completion date of December 2019.

Brad Williams, P.S.

L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc,rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, ALBERTA, CANADA — Greetings, brothers and sisters.

The industrial sector remains slow as of this writing, with some calls expected in the spring of 2019 for signatory contractor PCL with the Imperial Oil "Aspen project" modular-yard packages.

The commercial sector is holding steady with over 600 members working on projects mostly in the Edmonton area. Western Electric has many members still working on the Stantec Tower construction project, and Canadian Power PAC and Western Pacific Enterprises are experiencing delays with the TransEd Valley Line LRT project.

Member appreciation night was Oct. 27 last year, and Local 424 was pleased to award Bro. Terry Sargent with his IBEW 65-year pin. Thank you, Bro. Sargent, for all your years of service to our local.

Scott Crichton, P.S.

L.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ONTARIO, CANADA — At this writing in late 2018, while our local awaits an upcoming year of many projects and full employment, we would like to thank Kitchener Local 804 for helping to give our members some jobs. Also. thanks go out to those who have helped us man our jobs during our recent busy times.

Local 530 is saddened to report the recent passing of Bro. Lawrence Brander and Bro. Wilber Anderson.

Al Byers, P.S.

L.U. 558 (catv,em,i,lctt,mt,o,rtb,rts,spa&u), SHEFFIELD, AL — Local 558 would like to pay tribute to Bro. Ralph Mayes, former business manager.

Ralph was initiated into IBEW Local 558 in August of 1978 and became a journeyman wireman in May of 1981. He worked in this jurisdiction and throughout the country as a journeyman wireman. He became the local's dispatcher/assistant business manager in 2004 and served in that roll until 2012. He was also elected president of Local 558 in 2010 and appointed business manager in 2012. He was re-elected business manager in 2013 and 2016 and maintained that position until he resigned from office on Nov. 2, 2018.

He was also a delegate to the Shoals Central Labor Council, served as president of the council from 2012-2014, and was "Labor Person of the Year" in 2014.

Bro. Mayes was elected president of the North Alabama Building & Trades Council in 2012 and held that position until Nov. 2, 2018. Numerous union brothers and sisters across the country have had the pleasure of working with Bro. Mayes.

On behalf of the officers, staff, and especially the members, we thank Bro. Mayes for his longtime service to this local union. We wish you the best, Bro. Mayes.

Mac Sloan, Pres./Mbr. Dev.

L.U. 606 (em,es,i,rtb,spa&u), ORLANDO, FL — In November last year, Local 606 RENEW members, led by Lorraine Llauger, participated in the City of Orlando's Veterans Day parade. Members of RENEW built and decorated a float used for the parade. Seventy members and family participated on the day of the parade and were well-received by the public. RENEW members handed out candy and literature highlighting the benefits of union membership. Sister Llauger and the rest of the Local 606 organizing team use every opportunity to recruit new members into the IBEW.

Work continues to be good in the jurisdiction and we are busy organizing nonunion electricians.

Fernando Rendon, P.S.

L.U. 666 (i,mt&o), RICHMOND, VA — The work outlook in the area continues to look promising with several large projects in progress or on the horizon. A renewed focus on external organizing is showing favorable results as 29 new members were sworn in at the November 2018 meeting alone. Many thanks to the travelers who have come to help us continue the tradition of union skill and quality on various projects throughout the jurisdiction.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Bates-Massenberg and Krouse families as they mourn the untimely passing of relatives from our local. We are saddened by the passing of apprentice Aaron "A.J." Brockington and inside journeyman wireman Shaun Krouse. A.J. Brockington's father, Aaron Massenberg, is a journeyman wireman with 24 years in the local. Shaun Krouse was a third-generation IBEW member with several family members in the local.

Congratulations to the newest apprenticeship graduates: Barry Barrett, Kody Walter, Jessie Farmer, Lucas Williams, Travis Monger, Jordan Rudacille and Cory Taylor. Congratulations to all on your achievement and best of luck as you continue in the trade.

Jeremy Davis, 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 — This month, we take time out to recognize four of our members. On Monday, Nov. 26, journeyman linemen Delman Mayhew and Chance Lenon, along with apprentice linemen Charlie Hofmann and Payton Clark, who were working on a Henkels & McCoy transmission job, rescued area farmer Ed Gobin from his tractor as he slumped over the wheel while it was in motion. Gobin had no pulse or breath when they pulled him off the machine. The IBEW members performed CPR, phoned for assistance, and ultimately saved this man's life. The crew visited with Gobin at the Evansville, IN, hospital's intensive care unit on Friday, Nov. 30, and he was discharged home on Monday, Dec. 3. As of press time, we have nominated all four of these members for the IBEW Lifesaving Award, due to the entire crew's coordinated effort and measured response that enabled this successful outcome.

The local was successful in organizing two new groups at the City of Poplar Bluff, MO. In the Police Department, the dispatchers have been in negotiations for a first agreement, and the police officers are beginning their discussions as well.

As of this writing, our referral books are as follows: Inside Construction — 93; Outside Construction — 33; and Line Clearance — 5.

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

L.U. 716 (em,i,lctt,rts&spa), HOUSTON, TEXAS — Greetings, brothers and sisters. I hope this finds you and your family well. The work situation in Local 716 is slow, but we are hopeful it will pick up. We appreciate all the local unions that have put our members to work.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the late IBEW Int. Pres. Emeritus Edwin D. Hill, who passed away Dec. 1, 2018. We thank the Hill family for sharing him with us, and we appreciate his leadership of the IBEW over the years.

We congratulate Brother John E. Easton Jr. on his appointment to the Seventh District staff. Thank you, Brother Easton, for your service since 1992 as an officer, or staff member, for Local 716. As the business manager/financial secretary, you and your team have led us for the betterment of all members and retirees. Your efforts have affected many members and their families. We wish you the best in your new position in the IBEW. We will miss you. Brother Easton.

The National EWMC Conference was held here in Houston, and everyone who attended had a good time. We thank everyone for coming, and a big thanks also goes out to those who participated on the Day of Service. The organizations that received the help on the Day of Service were very appreciative.

David R. Alley, Pres.

L.U. 776 (i,o,rts&spa), CHARLESTON, SC — Congratulations to our newly minted journeymen: Greg Bateman, L. Gene Biering, William Dean III, Lewis Dubois, Brent Heaton, John Heaton III, Berrino McClary, Louis Palmer, Eric Pringle, Thomas Roberts, Bryan Sineath, Minh Tran, Landon Williams and Steven Witoshynsky. These guys all worked hard, and some endured great illness and tragedy. We have 14 new journeymen. They are our future.

We need more people like these to fill our shoes when the time comes. I noticed that some of our apprentices are older than apprentices used to be in the old days. Many of us have had the experience of trying to get our sons and daughters and other young people interested in our field only to see them reject the offer. Many people nowadays need a little more life experience, a few hard knocks if you will, before they realize the value of a good union. Brothers and sisters, tell people who are in their 30s, 40s and even older about the great career that they can have. A person 50 years old can still attain journeyman status, especially if he has experience, and then enjoy 15 years or more of a great career, enough to pay off a house send a child to college and do the things we all want to do. Remember, the best salesman is a customer. Do your part, brothers and sisters, to help share this information about available opportunities.

Andrew Weiner, P.S.

L.U. 824 (t), TAMPA, FL — On Nov. 17 last year, our local chapter of the EWMC teamed up with our Young Workers/RENEW committee, along with members from IBEW Local 108 and IBEW Local 915, to do some much-needed work for a veteran in need. In the spirit of the EWMC National Day of Service, we teamed up with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization's Volunteer for Veterans program by doing some routine maintenance, like painting and yard work, for a veteran in Tampa. It was a great day of service and solidarity.

Also, we gave out 25 gift baskets at Thanksgiving for families in need. The baskets were filled with all the trimmings for a great Thanksgiving Day dinner and came with a gift certificate for a ham or turkey from a local grocery store. At press time, we were also making plans to give out gift baskets again for Christmas 2018.

Thanks to the staff and members of IBEW Local 824 who gave their time, energy and generosity to make sure that this holiday time truly is a season of giving. In solidarity.

Keith LaPlant, P.S.

L.U. 1340 (i&o), NEWPORT NEWS, VA — Local 1340 is proud of our support for U.S. congressional candidates who were endorsed by the Virginia AFL-CIO in the midterm elections last November. We worked for challenger Elaine Luria, who won in the 2nd Congressional District; Bobby Scott, who was unopposed in the 3rd Congressional District; and Vangie Williams, who ran a great campaign in the very tough 1st Congressional District. Because Democrats now hold the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Scott is serving as chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, which will direct legislation affecting our apprenticeships and labor laws. Voters in Virginia flipped three seats in its congressional representation, from four Democratic seats previously held to seven Democratic seats now held (of 11 total seats). Special thanks to all members who walked precincts on Saturdays and manned precincts on election day to help make this happen!

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Brothers Bruce Jones and retiree Del Sagaser, members of our maintenance division, and Bro. Frank Modlin Sr., retired member of the inside unit.

James Avery, P.S.

L.U. 1466 (u), COLUMBUS, OHIO — We at Local 1466 hope all our members and their families had a great holiday season.

As of writing in December, we are hoping to start the upcoming new year off strong by organizing Union Stewards Training in January 2019. This will benefit our stewards as well as the members they represent by increasing their knowledge and improving their ability to advance our members' interests. Being a local that covers a very large area can be a challenge, and well-trained and knowledgeable stewards can act as the eyes and ears of Local 1466 to make sure that nobody is forgotten.

We would also like to encourage our members to attend one of the various monthly membership meetings as often as possible. The more involved you are in the local, the stronger we will be. Remember, IBEW Local 1466 isn't just a name or a building. Our local is the actual members who are a part of it. We would love to see you and give you the opportunity to shape the direction and the future of Local 1466. Hope to see everyone at the next union meeting!

Jimi Jette, P.S.