L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Despite harsh weather conditions during tear-down and difficulties with individual fixtures, our local's members were once again able to showcase their skills and contribute to the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. This was done by dedicating more than two months for hauling, erecting, electrifying and maintaining the 28th-annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights, a much-loved local holiday illumination display. A near-record $223,141 was raised (including more than $30,000 in donations). These funds will help provide over 4,400 therapy sessions for area kids and adults with disabilities who might not otherwise be able to afford these life-changing services. Since its inception, Fantasy of Lights has generated over $4,113,000.

Local 16 has also been actively involved with fundraising for the RallyPoint military veterans' organization. This Memorial Day weekend, the hall is aiding the group by helping to organize, underwrite and provide volunteer staff for a professional bull-riding event that will be broadcast on national television. Many thanks to Brother James Stidham (RallyPoint board member) and all of the IBEW's members who have faithfully served and built this country into a land of opportunity.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 20 (i,u,t,&em), GRAND PRAIRIE, TX — The North Texas Electrical JATC held its annual completion dinner at the Hilton on June 11, 2021.

Awards were presented to apprentices for outstanding performance including grades, attendance, job evaluations, attitude and participation. Here are the winners for 2021:

• NECA and IBEW Outstanding Apprentice Award: Preston M. Pack LU #20 Gold Pliers: Joseph Barkell, Andrew Carnes, Jeannyhun Lam, William Rematore N
• ECA Achievement: Joseph Barkell, Andrew Carnes, William Rematore, Michael Teeter
• Local Union #20 FCU: Salim Amara, Zachary Barchak, Jesse Campbell, Shawnda Starr, Zachery Welch
• Ft. Worth Local 116 Federal Credit Union: Zachary Barchak, Preston Pack
• Perfect Attendance: Rene Montoya Acosta, Zachary Barchak, Jesse Burton, Joe Egbers, Kyle Gurley, Ivan Ibarra, Josue Leon, Christopher Moon, William Oxford III, Preston Pack, Joshua Rodriguez, Fernando Rojo, Alfredo Salas, Gabriel Tomlinson, Jordan Werry

In the photo, the following graduates appear: (Row 1) Moises Roman-Morales, Alfredo Salas, Joshua Rodriguez, Byron Chism, Javier Villanueva, Fernando Rojo, Adam Barron, Joe Egbers, Edgar Lerma, Brandon Roblyer; (Row 2) Josue Leon, Julius Humphries Jr, David Gonzalez, Joe Bridges, Cullen Banks, Zachary Barchak, Dana Harris, Preston Pack, Andrew Larosa, Luis Cardenas; (Row 3) Jordan Werry, Rui Wang, Guadalupe Sanchez, Jesus Roman, Christopher Moon, Rene Montoya Acosta, Samuel Marin, Omar Ibarra Jr, Ivan Ibarra, Kyle Gurley, William Oxford III, Jose Ramirez, Austin Robinson, Jacob Stagner and Gabriel Tomlinson.

Congratulations to all Local 20 graduates of the North Texas Electrical JATC!

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

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Our new sign is up, and what a sign it is: 5' tall and 34' in length, with a 20' multi-color static section and a 14' digital LED programmable screen.

The sign was manufactured by our brothers and sisters at Triangle Sign & Service. Triangle has been in the sign business for 90 years and currently employs 60 Local 24 members. We would like to thank all those involved with making this possible; your craftsmanship will be on display for years to come.

Welcome to our new VDV members and our newest signatory VDV contractor, ConCor Networks. ConCor is part of the EMCOR family and provides a wide variety of telecom and low-voltage services. ConCor, along with Bluestone Communications, has helped revitalize our VDV apprenticeship program, further enabling us to secure more work in this market for our members and contractors.

These positive changes are a sign of the times thanks to the hard work of our membership, JATC, agents and officers of Local 24.

Live Better/Work Union!

Michael J. McHale, B.M.

L.U. 26 (i,es,ees,govt,em&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — It's springtime in the city, and our local is excited to be celebrating 130 years! The 40th IBEW International Convention will be held next month in Chicago, and Local 26 is looking forward to attending this event. Also, final preparations for our annual golf outing and the Virginia picnic are underway.

The Local 26 scholarship committee is currently reviewing applications and will have a decision on the four winners in the near future. The winners will be announced in our quarterly magazine, In Charge, as well as in the next Local 26 Local Lines article in June.

Best wishes to the following new retirees: Robin K. Lucas, Christopher A. White, John R. Clark, Mario A. Cobarrubias, J.C. Coney, William A. Costanzo, Warren D. Darby, Timothy S. Dittmar, Brad A. Ernest, Brian R. Flynn, James D. Foster, Michael S. Gilheany, John P. Houston, Michael R. Lambert, Chris B. Loda, Michael D. Ponton, George H. Randolph, Gregory A. Roling, Jeffrey W. Russell, Jerry Sanderson, Thomas R. Scott Jr., James C. Shea, Frederick E. Thompson, Curtis L. Tolley and Millard E. Voigt Jr.

The following members have passed away since our last article: Leroy Allen, David F. Blanche, William E. Bott Jr., Roy K. Brush, Ronald T. Canady, Paul D. Childers, Arthur I. Citty, Robert E. Coats Sr., Jeffrey S. Cruz, James E. Davis, Timothy D. Downing, David Dugan, Alvin H. Fauntleroy, Burnell A. Frizzell, Raymond L. Garns, Marian E. Green, Edward P. Hauhn, Willis A. Lockett Jr., Benjamin C. Mann IV, Wayne E. Marish, James C. Moreland, Jerry L. Rexroad, Bradley K. Sherman, Robert L. Singer, Robert B. White and Michael G. Whittington Jr.

George C. Hogan, B.M.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — Congratulations to our former Business Manager/Financial Secretary Dennis Meaney on his retirement! During Brother Meaney's 43-year career, he has served as Local 38's treasurer, organizer, business agent and finally business manager/financial secretary. The sisters and brothers of Local 38 wish Dennis a long and healthy retirement and thank him for all of his years of service.

The new 600,000-square foot Sherwin-Williams research and development facility in Brecksville, Ohio, recently had an official ribbon-cutting ceremony, and construction is underway. Lake Erie Electric, along with Hunt Electric, continue to increase crew sizes with a completion date in 2024. Sherwin-Williams' new 36-story world-headquarters office building with pavilion and parking garage are moving forward. Zenith Systems, Parsons Electric and J.W. Didado Electric continue to prepare for the massive project, which should start later this year.

At Cleveland-Cliffs steel mill, Lake Erie Electric continues on the reline of C5-blast furnace while Herbst Electric is building the new 80-megawatt steam turbine generator. The electrical upgrades at the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building are being done by Einheit Electric Construction under a project labor agreement.

The work outlook is good. There are several conversions of office buildings to apartments planned in conjunction with nearly 2-million square feet of new construction planned at the Cleveland Clinic Main Campus in the near future.

Dan Gallagher, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — With the strong demand for motion-picture product on new digital platforms, the members of our local have a lot to look forward to in the coming years. This demand has allowed us to capture more and more production work as well as all of the infrastructure work associated with the motion-picture production process, which includes new sound-stage spaces in the greater Los Angeles area. With our motion picture negotiations concluded in early 2022, this work picture includes the addition of newly signed signatories Netflix and Apple Studios. Both construction and production work will continue in the future for Local 40 members.

We also want to take a moment to recognize those that are giving back to the community, our veterans and those in need. This year our Local 40 RENEW Committee members Anthony Moreno, Matthew Lyneis, Jordan Tuason and Eric Steele, in conjunction with second-year apprentice instructor Tyler Lane and Steward Josh Gellar, helped with a complete rewiring and new light install at the Veterans of Foreign Wars located in Burbank. It's members like this giving back to our nation's veterans who display not only the character of Local 40, but all members of the IBEW.

Juan Rodriguez, R.S./B.R.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Hello sisters and brothers: We know that not every local has a Women's Committee, but we are blessed here in Seattle to have a great one! Our committee is about supporting and mentoring each other throughout our careers as IBEW members.

We currently have 21 members that have paid dues for 2022 and we expect that to go up because some were unable to attend the January meeting. We have more than 60 members on the Women Committee's email list.

One of the missions of the committee is raising funds to send members to conferences like Women Build Nations and for additional training and mentoring for apprentices. One of the opportunities that came from fundraising was a sponsored conduit-bending class in Nov. 2021. Five apprentices received hands-on training and the opportunity to bend pipe, which is additional time outside of regular JATC classes.

Our Women's Committee meets once a month on the fourth Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., and everyone is welcome!

We hope every local will have a Women's Committee at some point to help mentor and encourage women in the trade. Feel free to reach out to our Women's Committee Chair, Sister Deirdre Williams, by phone or text at 360-340-8783, if you need help starting your own committee. Thank you to all who step up and become a big sister to another.

Together we stand!

Stephanie McPherson, P.S.

L.U. 86 (ees,em,es,i,rts&spa), ROCHESTER, NY — Greetings, brothers and sisters: Let's hope 2022 brings us all good fortune. The work outlook continues to show promise. Along with a significant amount of work at our medical centers, we have a couple Amazon projects that we are working on. Several solar fields will be breaking ground this spring and summer. The Rochester City School District is also starting Phase 3 of their school modernization project.

Our apprentices really went above and beyond this holiday season. They helped with letters from Santa after the children's Christmas party was canceled. They also organized a coat and can drive to help support one of our local area churches. It is great to see the next generation of electrical workers step up.

Michael Bader, B.M.

L.U. 104 (lctt,o,ptc&u), BOSTON, MA — We would like to congratulate the 2021 members who have reached retirement: Arthur Andrade, Henry Barry, Dan Blackerby, David Clayton, Larry Cobb, Greg Columbia, John Consoletti, James Davies, Garry Hall, James L. Kornexl, Anthony Kurpis, Frank Napolitano, Stephen O'Donnell, Frank Reczkowski, Roland Richardson, Robert Riendeau, Richard Smith and Joseph Thompson. Thank you all for your many years of dedication to the brotherhood, and we wish you luck and good health in your retirement.

Local 104 would also like to recognize the members we lost over the past year: George Becker, George Carson, Charles Cassie, Frank Coseglia, Roy Davies, Frank Eaton, Charles Enwright, John Geremia, Tom Junta, Brian Loughran, Darrin-Carl Moore, Patrick Murphy, Edward Murray, James Rogers and Roy Voisine. May these members rest in peace.

Local 104 congratulates apprentices that topped out during the 2021 calendar year: Micheal Adair, Brian Adams, Kaleb Allen, Blaine Bishop, John Blanchard, John Boomhower, Gregory Brown, Cody Cook, Gregory Covell, Joseph Crosby, David Cutter, Joseph Davis, Matthew Doyle, Justin Fuller, Seth Gordon, Jonathan Gray, Jordan Green, Matthew Hillman, Steven Lathrop, Antonio Lopez, Christopher McCaughey, Shane McGlone, Joshua Rideout, Tony Rizzitano, Jack Robinson, Jacob Simmons, Levi Smead, Alexander St. Jean, Nicholas Sweatt and Charles Wheeler. Congratulations from everyone at Local 104, who wish you many years of success, safety and brotherhood!

David Moreau, Org.

L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,ptc,rts,se,spa&t), KANSAS CITY, MO — With the recent passage of Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the IBEW can potentially secure a lot of upcoming work. Whether it be charging stations or solar farms, Kansas City may just be one of those cities to benefit big from this legislation.

As Kansas City's new $1.5-billion airport is halfway through its construction, there are additional plans to improve the area. Currently, the city is planning to use 2,000 acres around the airport to install a 300-megawatt solar farm. That would generate enough power for all city buildings and then some. If this project goes through, it will be one of the largest solar farms in the country.

As members of the IBEW, we must do everything we can to secure this market. Renewable energy is the future, and it is prudent that we continue to educate our members to ensure our place within it.

Wade Kiefer, B.R.

L.U. 126 (catv,lctt,o&t), PHILADELPHIA, PA — In 2021, our members demonstrated their perseverance by working through a global pandemic, responding to numerous major electrical outages while continuing to work safely. Many of our members worked long hours throughout the year to ensure projects were completed on time, and our end users have expressed their gratitude for this dedicated workforce.

2021 was another year of positive membership growth for Local 126, a result of Business Manager Muttik's directive to organize new contractors while protecting our existing market share. This growth in membership directly correlates with our strong work outlook, as the demand for utility and commercial work remains plentiful.

Over 250 members and guests attended holiday parties throughout our jurisdiction, and it was a great time to connect to old friends and coworkers. These events helped raise money for our annual Toys for Tots fundraiser. Thanks to everyone who participated, as we were able to raise nearly $5,000 in donated toys for underprivileged children in our area. We hope everyone has a chance to attend one of the fun events planned for 2022.

Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the following journeyman lineman who completed their apprenticeships in the second half of 2021. You are the future of the IBEW! Congratulations to David Abbadusky, Brent Ammerman, Connor Andrews, Robert Ayala, John Bear, Ryan Campbell, Michael Catsam, Gabriel Coder, Curtis Friend, Jeremy Gartner, Adam Germak, Luke Glass, Cody Halterman, Craig Harris, Silas Hart, Troy Heuer, Cori Hoffmaster, Sean Holohan, Francis Kiefer, Brandon Lex, Frank Lombardo, Shawn Lucas, Robert Miller, Matthew Mitchell, Brett Moser, Garrett Pelton, Steven Piech Jr., George Rosado, Salvatore Serramone, Caleb Smith, Bradley Spilker, Tyler Teets, Evan Watts, Ethan Wheatley, Randall Wilson and Thomas Zucco. Thanks to all Local 126 members who mentored these graduates.

Michael Simmonds, A.B.M.

L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — Our local is proud to welcome the 40th IBEW International Convention to Chicago from May 9 - 13. After the temporary postponement of the International Convention in 2021 due to COVID, we are proud to welcome everyone back to Chicago for the first time in 60 years.

The convention will be hosted at Lakeside Center, part of Chicago's mammoth McCormick Place convention complex. The convention is located two blocks east of our Local 134 union hall. Please stop by and say hello during your session breaks.

Throughout convention week, Local 134 will also be offering site visits to our IBEW-NECA Technical Institute, located in Alsip, Ill., a nearby suburb. Teachers and instructors will be available onsite to showcase the latest innovations in renewable energy. On behalf of all the members of Local 134, we proudly welcome all the delegates and their families to Chicago.

Donald Finn, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 212 (i), CINCINNATI, OH — Work remains steady in our area. Currently, we have 61 on Book 1 and eight on Book 2.

Pictured on this page are eight seniors from Taylor High School who are taking part in our career pathway partnership earning credit towards their first year of apprenticeship. Elder, Roger Bacon and Western Hills High Schools have similar programs. We hope to expand to other schools in the near future.

WHO DEY!

Phil Bovard, P.S.

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — As we head towards spring, calls have been few but steady, and the number on the out-of-work book has been stagnant.

We expect work to pick up this spring and summer. The Minnesota Legislature is expected to pass a large capital improvement bill, which will possibly provide close to $2 billion in construction projects around the state. We also expect to see several solar facilities, including the Sherco Solar project begin work. Minnesota is expected to receive $68 million in funding for EV-infrastructure grants from the federal infrastructure bill passed last fall. These funds are contingent on Minnesota making 20% of the funds and providing plans to implement the work. This is part of the nearly $6 billion the state is to receive for infrastructure needs from the federal bill.

Organizing has been successful in Local 292, and we would like to welcome our new members from Seagate Technology, Wolfpack Promotionals and several other small electrical contracting firms. Additionally, organizing and educating non-members has increased due to the exceptional work of our Sisters in Solidarity, EWMC and RENEW Committees!

Andy Snope, B.R./P.S.

L.U. 300 (govt,i,lctt,mo&u), Montpelier, VT — IBEW and Asplundh Tree Experts wrapped-up another successful agreement with a responsible wage increase and productive dialogue on how to continue to promote and capture more work for members and Asplundh. The local and Asplundh are collaborating to expand organizing outreach efforts throughout Vermont by jointly advertising and recruiting potential workers/members to join the ranks of Asplundh and the IBEW. Through these efforts we hope to increase Asplundh's presence in Vermont, raise the standards of living and ensure future employment for the IBEW members, and gain more market share in the LCTT sector. Congratulations to the members working for Asplundh and we look forward to your increased support and future discussions to keep this moving forward.

It is negotiation season in Vermont, and some groups have been through, will go through and are currently in the hopper for meeting with management to address wages, benefits and conditions of employment. I wish all of you great success in developing your strategies and stories that will guide you through the process and make negotiations productive, educational and fruitful. Be well and keep the faith.

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

L.U. 340 (em,i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — It is with great sadness that we report the recent loss of former Business Manager Charles "Chuck" Cake. He passed Oct. 26, 2021. His dedication and love for his union was felt by many. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

In other news in our office, we recently hired new Representative Matt Nootenboom as we said goodbye and to our Assistant Business Manager Rustin Johnston, who has joined the ranks of the International staff. A huge congratulations to Brother Johnston; we applaud you and the hard work you put into Local 340.

Despite the expected work delays through winter, our local was fortunate enough that we carried less than 5% unemployment at that time. We hope to continue to thrive in the coming months as well.

While we navigate new territory each season with the current pandemic, we are excited to be planning the return of our annual Membership Picnic at Hagan Community Park. Plans are currently set for Sept. 17, and we hope our members and their families get to enjoy this beloved event.

Please continue to stay safe and healthy.

Robert D. Ward, B.M.

L.U. 494 (em,govt,i,my,rts,spa&t), MILWAUKEE, WI — In celebration of all the hard work that organized labor had put into Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum — the house that union labor built and the home of the 2021 NBA Champions — the Milwaukee Bucks invited members of the Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades to a special day of recognition and appreciation.

Many union members were able to get their picture taken with the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, and two of our hard-working Local 494 members were able to take part in this celebration: PJ Barki and Teddy Igiehon.

Thanks to you both, and thank you to all the hardworking Local 494 members who are giving it their all each and every day.

Dean Warsh, B.M./F.S.

LU 640 (em,govt,i,mo,mt,rts,spa&u), PHOENIX, AZ — Hello brothers and sisters: Our work picture is still strong and large projects are starting to ramp up, starting late first quarter of 2022, and the rest of the year is expected to be a busy time.

Our first local union picnic since the pandemic began was held on Feb. 19, 2022, for our members and our traveling brothers and sisters and their families.

As the political season begins, Phoenix Electrical JATC Training Director Shawn Hutchinson and Local 640 President and AZ State Political Director Delbert Hawk conducted a tour of the apprentice facility for Marco Lopez, Democratic candidate for Arizona governor.

We hope everyone is staying well and that we'll see some of you here in Arizona this year!

Tim Wilson, P.S./B.R.

L.U. 684 (c,i,rts&st), MODESTO, CA — Work was at a crawl most of 2021, but it picked up in December and should continue in 2022. With multiple Frito-Lay projects, the Gallo furnace rebuild, a couple solar projects, a new fuel refinery, three water treatment plants and other projects to start in 2022, we expect a great year.

The local picnic was back this past fall after being canceled in 2020 due to COVID, and our Local 684 softball team brought a Summer Softball League Championship home in September. Our retiree breakfast was held in December at the Old Mill Cafe, and it will continue to be held on the last Wednesday of each month. We look forward to and pray for a prosperous 2022 throughout the local jurisdiction.

Mike Mendoza, R.S.

L.U. 1042 (u), SANFORD, FL — For the past 20 years, our local's brothers and sisters have been participating in the Jim Turner Toy & Bike Drive. This past Christmas of 2021, Local 1042 made record-breaking donations: 128 brand-new bicycles, bicycle helmets and $1,440 in general funds to the city of Debary Civic Center for the struggling families of this community. Local 1042 would like to say a big "Thank you" to all who contributed their time, funds and energy to making this a huge success!

Ellen Stephenson, P.S