L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — Electricians were well represented at the 137th annual Labor Day celebration. One of the oldest events of its kind in the country, it is sponsored by the area Labor Day Association, which has consistently honored working men and women since before Labor Day was officially designated a national holiday.

Celebration activities included free carnival rides, meals and a parade where Local 16 was honored with the Roy H. Mabrey Award. Not only did our local have the best dressed, tie-dye-clad participants, but Randy, faithful canine companion of Local 16's own Scott "Jiggity" Johann, also won the cutest pet award!

Thanks to parade chairman Brian Partridge and all who made this possible.

Organizer Ben Ipock has successfully brought 23 highly qualified nonunion journeymen and apprentices into the Brotherhood. Each now has the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits of the organized industry while strengthening the hall's competitive position in the electrical market.

Earlier this year, Local 16 hosted the 51st Midwest regional softball tournament. Thirty-two teams were fielded, with more than 500 IBEW members playing. Thanks to coach Joe Brooks and everyone who made it successful!

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City. In August, our apprentice June Kang introduced President Joe Biden at a White House press conference celebrating the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. Brother Kang spoke about the impact the IRA has had on our economy and the environment, emphasizing how the act will continue to deliver clean energy projects, creating good union jobs across America well into the future. I'd like to thank Brother Kang for his words, which help demonstrate how important having a pro-union administration is to our way of life.

Mike McHale, B.M.

L.U. 26 (ees,em,es,govt,i&mt), WASHINGTON, DC — Happy holidays! We hope everyone had a blessed and safe Thanksgiving. As 2023 comes to an end and you do your holiday shopping, we would like to remind everyone to purchase gifts that were made in the USA. This helps keep Americans working and strengthens our economy. It also ensures that what you are buying is safe and well made.

Best wishes to the following new retirees: Phillip A. Auth, Todd A. Bears, James M. Blaine, Larry N. Burnett, Richard L. Compton Jr., James J. Corbett, William P. Dailey, John R. Daily, Dwayne Dease, John M. DeMar, Michael E. Fann, Richard E. Henry Jr., Dent T. Herndon, Roger V. Jacobus Jr., John W. Jones, Julian C. Jones, Samuel Kamdem, Gene F. Lutz, William E. Matthews, Thomas J. McCawley IV, Roy L. Simmons Jr., Donald E. Smolinski, Ford G. Tayne and Edward A. Weyant.

The following members have passed away since our last article: Wilson P. Collins, George R. Edmonston, Donald Fields, Gerald J. Harrington, Albert S. Orrison Jr., Joseph M. Parkinson, Walter A. Puga, Stephen Raddie, Kenneth W. Randall, Donald C. Reed, Mark A. Stancil, Daryl R. Sutton, Maria E. Thomas, James C. Unger and Steven A. Walker.

Joseph F. Dabbs, B.M.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — Our local honored members with 50 to 70 years of service with the IBEW at this year's scroll party. Honored members and their families, along with graduating apprentices from the inside and VDV branches gathered to honor our past and congratulate our future. Several members received their 70-year pins, and two of these members, Don Azzolina and Richard Seelbach, were in attendance.

Top apprentice awards went to Harlan King from the inside branch and Adam Ady from the telecommunications branch. Dave Gelo (inside) and Darren Black (VDV) won the instructor awards. The Albert "Duke" Benevento Award went to Harlan King from the inside branch, and Adam Ady won the Michael B. Joyce Award from the VDV branch. Congratulations, all!

Dan Gallagher, B.M.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — Hello, IBEW family! Our membership came together to build an amazing float for the Seattle Pride Parade and marched in the parade, even bringing instruments to provide music for all in attendance.

Brother Sean Cavanagh helped organize a member-to-member blitz to check in on our members who are out of work. We were fortunate to send members and staff to our sister locals around the Ninth District, who joined in and helped with the blitzes.

Our political action committee met on the steps of Seattle City Hall in support of city workers. Alongside thousands of other union members, they took to the streets and marched in solidarity.

Local 46's Women's Committee has put together some "FUNraisers" to help build solidarity at our hall, in our communities and with other trades. We ended the summer with a lake day, started the fall with a paint and sip, and we welcomed the holidays with a bazaar.

Our Unity Committee rounds out our year with a holiday extravaganza. We convert our auditorium into a stocking-stuffer holiday maze that leads kids to meet Union Clause and receive a gift and photo with Super Santa! Watch out for the Grinch!

Megan Kirby, P.S.

L.U. 124 (ees,em,i,mar,rts,se,spa,t&ptc), KANSAS CITY, MO — Brothers and sisters, we hope everyone is staying warm and busy out there! As many of you know, the Meta data center complex at the Golden Plains Technology Park is in full swing. Work is being performed on Buildings 1 and 2. The Panasonic battery plant in DeSoto, Kan., has been putting calls in and will continue to do so into the new year. We are expecting to have nearly 1,000 electricians on site. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in Olathe, Kan., will be building a new 1 million-square-foot facility and could be manning up at the beginning of the year, as well.

There is talk of more data centers coming to the Kansas City area in the future, but it is still too early to say when, or how many JWs it will take to complete the job.

All in all, we at the hall want to wish all of you wonderful and safe holidays this season!

Bo Moreno, B.M.

L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — As we near the end of 2023, our local would like to take a moment and recognize a special member, Gilbert Artery, who celebrated a milestone of 75 years as a member. Brother Artery's father Michael and son Marc are also Local 134 members, and there has been an Artery family member working for our local for 102 years and counting.

Brother Artery reflected on his career, which began as an apprentice making 80 cents an hour with a tool bag that included a soldering iron. His career included work on the construction of iconic landmarks such as Marina City, Sears Tower (Willis Tower) and the Chicago Civic Center (Daley Center). His father's picture is proudly displayed in the Local 134 union hall archives, taken when Michael was working at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. When asked what he values most from the time spent as an IBEW electrician, Gilbert replied, "God bless the pensions!"

Gilbert Artery turns 95 on Dec. 19.

Local 134 wishes you and yours a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous new year.

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

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — Our local had many successful outings over the summer. The family picnic was organized by our fourth-year apprentices, who did a fantastic job. Face painting and clowns for the kids, karaoke, and a bags tournament were some of the activities of the day. There was good food, and a great time was had by all.

The softball team made some memories representing Local 150 at the IBEW softball invitational hosted by Champaign-Urbana Local 601. Our golf outing was well attended, and we would like to thank those IBEW locals and companies that donated prizes and hole sponsorships.

Members and retirees represented Local 150 at the Zion, Ill., Labor Day Parade. Our float's theme was "Love For Union Workers," and it was adorned with American flags; a heart; and red, white and blue stars. Our float won the mayor's trophy for the overall best! The weather was good, and it was a great day to walk in the parade.

To wrap up our summer, we had the annual car show and rib cookout. The food was excellent! Retirees and members showed off their favorite vehicles, and it was a terrific day.

These events could not have been so memorable without the help of volunteers. A big thank you to those members who chaired, volunteered, contributed and participated in these events! As always, sisters and brothers, look out for one another and please be safe out there.

Solidarity Forever!

Aaron M. Rendon, R.S.

L.U. 164 (c,em,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ — On Sept. 7, our local held a graduation ceremony for the inside apprentice class of 2023. They are all set to top out and change their classification to journeyman wiremen. It has been a long road, but the trip went quickly.

Each of the apprentices put in significant effort to learn their trade, and they are excited to embark on the next phase of their careers in the electrical industry. Special congratulations go to Michael Marsico, who scored the highest grade of the 2023 semester, and also to Scott Bender in second place and Kevin Dungan in third. Additional congratulations to Matthew Muller, who carried the highest GPA across the five years of related instruction.

Business Manager Dan Gumble, President Tom Sullivan, Training Director Warren Becker, JATC instructors, and the staff and membership of Local 164 congratulate this class of eager and talented apprentices as they complete their apprenticeship and go forward to proudly represent the IBEW and NECA on the projects of the future.

Warren M. Becker, P.S.

L.U. 292 (em,govt,i,rtb,rts&spa), MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The 460-megawatt Sherco Solar project is up and running. There are more than 30 electrical workers on the project, and it's expected to peak in late spring at 175 or more. Data centers, EV charging infrastructure, and pro-union requirements for state and federally funded projects are on the way. We have full employment and expect the work picture to stay that way into 2024.

Congratulations to all the officers who were elected to serve our great local for three years. A list of officers can be found on our website, ibew292.org.

We will have our children's holiday open house Dec. 2 and the members' holiday party Dec. 8.

As we continue into the holiday season, please remember to treat those you're working around with patience and grace. The holidays can be a stressful time for many, but especially hard for some.

Andy Snope, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 300 (govt,i,u,mo&lctt), MONTPELIER, VT — Employees at Vermont Gas Services secured another successful two-year agreement with increased wages and benefits. This will help the company and the union attract and retain the necessary workers for the continued growth and diversification of the natural gas company.

As natural gas companies like Vermont Gas continue to find ways to be more diverse outside the natural gas world, union employees have found opportunities to learn new skills and venture down new career paths. This will help the company in its continued growth, meaning more employees for the company and more members for the IBEW.

Congratulations to the negotiating committee, the members of the bargaining unit and the company for their diligence and creative problem-solving during the negotiating process.

Local 300 wishes all members of the local and the IBEW a safe and happy holiday season. Be well and be safe.

Jeffrey Wimette, B.M.

L.U. 340 (i,rts&spa), SACRAMENTO, CA — As we come to the close of another year, I would like to thank my staff, officers and the members of the local for trusting me and assisting in making it a great year for us all. We had another successful year with events like our highly attended annual membership picnic, the Get Ready to Retire seminar and numerous in-person new-member orientation classes. It was quite a busy year!

This year, I celebrated 10 years in office. I was first elected to office under former Business Manager Thomas Okumura as an organizer. I have seen different team members come through, and I have experienced the emotions of running for another term both unopposed and against someone. The biggest thing I have learned thus far: What matters most is who is behind you, supporting you, in both the easy and tough decisions.

Although I had to say goodbye to a few staff members recently, I am deeply satisfied and grateful for those who have stayed and helped me run an office with near smooth sailing so far. I value the members who have believed in me, and although we may not all agree on certain decisions made, I know members understand that I have their best interests in moving this local forward and securing a stable future for generations of electrical workers to come.

Thanks to all staff, officers, board members and union members for making these past 10 years a decade to celebrate.

Our local would not be as successful without the help of many. One event that we are happy to participate in and co-host is Operation Christmas Basket, where we support local union families who need a little extra help. It is such a sight to see how giving our members and affiliates are during this time. We hope everyone has a great holiday season as well as a happy new year.

Robert D. Ward, B.M.

L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts&spa), ROCKFORD, IL — Our local knew 2023 was going to be busy, but you never know for sure until the work gets rolling — and man, has it been rolling!

We continue to set the gold standard at our Meta data center project in DeKalb, Ill., with timelines consistently and repeatedly on time or ahead of schedule. As of this writing, there are 880 members on site. With work scheduled through 2025, this project has met and exceeded expectations. This is possible due to the hard work of all parties involved in this project, especially our traveling brothers and sisters from all across this great country. Without their hard work, we would simply not be able to enjoy all the success this project has provided.

The new Hard Rock Rockford Casino project is moving along with 17 members on site. There have been some changes to this project that have slowed the fast pace anticipated. Early indications are that the Hard Rock is looking toward an August 2024 opening, but nothing is concrete at this time and there is still quite a bit of work to do.

In late September, there was a groundbreaking for the new Walmart cold storage distribution center in Belvidere, Ill. This project is across Highway 20 from the idled Stellantis/Chrysler auto plant and is 1.3 million square feet with an estimated price tag of $1.2 billion.

At September's union meeting, Local 364 swore in our new apprentices. We had 55 new apprentices across our inside and VDV/low-voltage classifications, the largest class we have had in a very long time.

Brad F. Williams, P.S.

L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc,rtb,rts,spa,u), EDMONTON, AB — Our local had a great turnout at the annual Labour Day rematch between Edmonton and Calgary at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. Over 200 members attended with their friends and family. This year, other affiliates in the Alberta Federation of Labour attended, bringing the total number of Labour representatives to just over 2,000. Union members came on the field with the Canadian flag during the singing of the national anthem, and a table was set up in the concourse to share information about Local 424 and the pre-apprenticeship candidate training program.

Scott Crichton, P.S.

L.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ON — With the completion of AST2 (Nova Chemicals) project in August, most of our work for the near future will be out of town. Many thanks to the more than 800 travelers who came from 25 locals across Canada to help us out. We had members represented from coast to coast, so it was quite a learning experience for everyone. Thanks again to everyone who travelled far and near, and we will see you again soon.

Keith Winsor, P.S.

L.U. 602 (i,o&u), AMARILLO, TX — Don Daughtrey was initiated into our local Dec. 1, 1955, at age 22. In 1955, the average cost of a new house was $10,950; average wages per year were $4,130; the minimum hourly rate was $1; the average cost of a new car was $1,900; and a gallon of gas was 23 cents. These details are pertinent when you consider that Don Daughtrey worked from 1955 to 2022!

Don didn't retire but enjoyed going to work each day, as an electrician doing what he loves best, for 67 years. When I asked Don what he would tell a young person entering the workplace as an electrician, he said: "If you really enjoy what you're doing, you'll be a good electrician. If not, you need to find another job." Pretty straightforward, and that is just the way Don was.

In Don's 67 years as an electrician, he only worked for one contractor, Duke Electric Co. Don worked on most of the high-profile buildings in this area, including Chase Tower (the tallest building in Amarillo), the largest central post office in Amarillo and the Amarillo Petroleum Building. He was then assigned to the Pantex Nuclear Weapons Facility as Duke Electric's main general foreman.

Don also taught classes at the local JATC for 20 years (and was my first-year instructor). He served on the local's executive board several times and earned just about every award in our area from the IBEW, NECA, West Texas Building and Construction Trades, and many other building associations. You would think earning so many accolades would go to his head. But Don stayed just as humble as the day he started.

I was asked to give Don an award from the IBEW at Duke's annual recognition dinner. I decided to give Don one of the special retirement watches given to all retirees. Knowing that Don would never retire, I decided to put his date of initiation followed by an infinity symbol. During my speech, I quoted the movie "Toy Story": "To infinity and beyond!" Don lived his life that way.

God in his infinite wisdom called our Brother Don Daughtrey home Dec. 20, 2022. Don lived a very simple life, not ever bringing light to himself but always working for others. Don will always be remembered as a cornerstone for Local 602.

Robert Melton, B.M.

L.U. 640 (em,govt,i,mo,mt,ptc,rts,spa&u), PHOENIX, AZ — We continue to have lots of work around the valley. A special thanks to our local and traveling brothers and sisters for manning the work in our jurisdiction. If you want to enjoy some great weather for the winter, grab a travel letter and a paid dues receipt and come out to the desert.

Congratulations to new Business Manager James Crutchfield; President Benjamin Solem; Vice President Thomas Boydston; Recording Secretary Carmen Eaves; Treasurer Richard Stewart; executive board members Fred Cooke, Oliver Emms, Sierra English, Robert Lopez and Chris Ward; and examining board members Roman Amaya-Molina, Amber Armour, Christina McCafferty, Jake Phillips and Brandon Wheelen. Thanks for your willingness to step up and serve the membership.

I hope everyone is looking out for each other and working safely on your jobsite.

Dan Anderson, B.A.

L.U. 702 (as,c,catv,cs,em,es,et,govt,i,it,lctt,mo,mt,o,p,pet,ptc,rtb,
rts,se,spa, st,t,u,uow&ws), WEST FRANKFORT, IL — We would like to congratulate the winners of the 2023 solidarity raffle and thank everyone for their support again this year.

We had a great turnout for our Labor Day celebration in Du Quoin, Ill., where members enjoyed a good meal. We handed out 620 arm bands for free carnival rides for the kids, and a great time was had by all as we celebrated labor.

Work for the Local 702's inside branch is promising, with several large solar projects in the works. We look forward to these opportunities for our members and our traveling brothers and sisters who will help man this coming work.

Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.

L.U. 760 (i,lctt,o,rts,spa&u), KNOXVILLE, TN — On a hot summer Saturday, our local and Local 270 squared off in the inaugural softball game. The event was organized by both locals' RENEW committees. The game was set on neutral ground in Clinton, Tenn., on July 29 and had a good showing of both locals' members and families and a few friends from visiting locals.

When the game was all said and done, Local 760 pulled away with the win, 28-8. This was a tremendous victory for both locals, in victory in solidarity, brotherhood and sisterhood.

Glenn S. Clevenger II, R.S.

L.U. 876 (as,catv,govt,lctt,o,t&u), GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Members of our local participated in the 17th annual teddy bear ride, donating 560 teddy bears to Covenant Healthcare Pediatric Unit in Saginaw, Mich. This heartfelt contribution, part of more than 1,700 bears collected, has made a significant difference in the lives of children facing medical challenges, bringing smiles and comfort during difficult times.

This initiative aligns with the union's mission to create positive impacts in local communities.

"We are proud of our members' dedication to local communities," said Business Manager Mel Crawford. By providing support to organizations like Covenant Healthcare's Pediatric Unit, the union demonstrates that its commitment to community extends beyond the workplace, fostering a sense of togetherness and care that makes a lasting impact.

Local 876 expresses gratitude to its members and the community for their collective efforts. This gesture brings warmth and joy to young patients, highlighting the power of compassion and community support.

Shawn Vincent, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 1340 (i&o), NEWPORT NEWS, VA — The Hampton Roads Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee held its graduation banquet Oct. 6 at the Landing at Hampton Marina. The following were awarded certificates of completion: Joseph Anderson, Trenton Artis, Amir Devine, Casey Forrest, Blake Geiger, Ryan Holloway, Kenyon Johnson, Jake Malcolm, Talon Manibusan, Jaysen McDade and Adam Taylor. Casey Forrest won the award for top grade in his class and was cited for perfect attendance for all four years. Also receiving awards for top grade were Nicholas Bowman (first year), Lammar Burnett (second year) and Jacob Vera (third year). The Brotherhood welcomes these new journeymen and wishes them long and successful careers in the trade.

Also at this event, service pins were presented to Local 1340 members in recognition of years of membership. Sixty-year pins went to Raymond Ford and Jerry Stratton; 50 years to James Bevilacqua, Russell Mattox, Lanny Smith and Gary Sowers; 40 years to Steven Slowikowski; 30 years to Harry Edelstein, Jerome (Tony) Hicks and Steve Murabito; 20 years to Gary Boyd, Augusta Carter, Dwayne Jones, Darrell Lane, Stacie Larson, William Price, David Roby, Lee Sateren, Daniel Smook and Lee Zilkie; and 10 years to Keith Banks, LaTrisha Bright, Joshua Gregston, Joel Henry, Patrick Jackson, Marion James, Daniel Jutras, Kevin Kahikina, Dylan Kim, Roland Ruth, Steven Smith, William Sweatt and Robert Turner.

Jim Avery, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 1, ST. LOUIS, MO — Many retirees enjoyed getting together with family and friends for a Labor Day celebration at our union hall, savoring great barbecue and refreshments with live music. This year's annual golf tournament was at Forest Park and was attended by a record number of retirees, with 48 golfers. We would like to give a big thank you to Business Manager Frank Jacobs and all the officers for their donations and for making our annual luncheon a big success.

Our November meeting marked the last of the year for our retirees. This holiday season, we would like to remind everyone about the annual coat drive underway at the union hall. On behalf of the Retirees' Club officers, we wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Jim Schario, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY — We're still not back to normal, but we did have an eventful summer. Our annual fishing trip on July 13 was the best we've had in years. The weather was great, the water was calm and the 40 members on board caught plenty of fish.

In early August, we enjoyed a four-day stay at the Long Island Educational Center, the Local 3 educational and recreational facility, in Cutchogue, Long Island.

And most recently, we were able to hold a golf outing for over 30 members at Somers National Golf Club in Somers, N.Y. The weather on that day was picture perfect. Proceeds from the outing, as always, are donated to the Fisher House Foundation to benefit our wounded men and women in uniform.

It seems that we're seeing better participation in chapter events, but attendance at our monthly meetings is still not as it should be. We are hopeful that attendance will improve in the new year.

Dick Mills, Treas.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 11, LOS ANGELES, CA — We would like to invite the retirees of our local to our Retirees' Club's annual holiday luncheon, Dec. 13 at 11:30 a.m. at Clearman's North Woods Inn in San Gabriel, Calif. If you wish to attend and would like further details, please contact us at RetireesClubIBEW11@gmail.com.

Robert Corona, Comm. Dir.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 35, HARTFORD, CT — This year's annual outing brought an amazing turnout of our local's retirees. Everyone had a great time, and various raffle prizes were won. Thank you to the contractors for their donations for the raffle prizes. The wide variety of food and desserts, catered by The Butchery, was delicious. Thanks to John from Oh Shucks for the fresh clams.

It was good to see everyone who attended. We would like to thank Michelle Cleveland, Local 35 office manager, and Sharon Landolina, JATC office manager, for an outstanding job organizing the event.

The Retirees' Club would like to thank the local for the Hartford Yard Goats baseball tickets donated to retirees this summer. It's great to attend games at the field that was built in part by Local 35.

President Dennis Machol and Press Secretary Kenneth White attended the JATC first-year class to welcome new students to the local. There are 40 students who started in 2023 as first-year apprentices. They also took time to meet with the returning students.

The Retirees' Club monthly meeting has a new home. Effective August, the new location for the meeting is the Knights of Columbus, 171 Pascone Place, Newington, Conn. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at noon, with lunch served. We hope to see new faces this year.

We are looking forward to the Christmas luncheon. Please contact Dennis Machol if you have any questions. Wishing a safe and happy holidays to all!

Kenneth White, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 53, KANSAS CITY, MO — Hello, brothers and sisters. It's me, Duane, writing another article.

We hope all of you are well and that you had a great summer and fall, with good health, fun and prosperity.

The union hall put on another luncheon for the retirees Oct. 27. It is always fun and a good time. We got to see and visit one another, talk about ourselves and revisit the past. It was a good chance to take photos and see how much we have aged over the years. Ha!

We are still having our luncheons in Urich, Mo., on the second Thursday of each month. We usually get there about 11:30 a.m. We visit and talk, reminisce about the past, talk about the present, and discuss our future plans. It's a good time, so come on out and join us at the Lumberyard Bar and Grill.

I have one death to report. This member wasn't a retiree but an active member regardless. He was a journeyman, and his name was Adam Wood. He passed away Sept. 18. May he rest in peace. Our prayers go out to his family.

Duane Pearce, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 58, DETROIT, MI — In September, our annual bus trip took us to Charleston, S.C., where we had hot, steamy weather and four days of sight-seeing. We visited the McLeod Plantation Historic Site and Middleton Place, 125 acres of gardens that were created beginning in 1741. We enjoyed a boat tour of the Charleston Harbor and a guided tour of the city. We also toured the Charleston Tea Garden, the only of its kind in North America, and learned all the ins and outs of tea. Thanks to Rick Koerber for putting this trip together. A great time was had by all.

Our annual Christmas party is Dec. 6 at the local union hall. Food, drink and camaraderie abound. Our group supports five local charities, all of which help children. Donation baskets will be available for all to add a bit of holiday cheer and support these worthy organizations.

2024 is right around the corner, and in the fall we will be having a very important election. It's not too early to reach out to those candidates you support and get involved. Remember, many hands make small work of a big job. Happy new year!

Pat Nuznov, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 105, HAMILTON, ON — Merry Christmas! Wishing all of you the very best for 2024.

At the time of this writing, I am happy to note that our local's retirees have been able to enjoy the many events noted below:

• Euchre (every Monday afternoon)
• Grand River cruise, Sept. 14
• Lunch at the Mandarin Restaurant, Sept. 28
• Oktoberfest, hosted by Kitchener
  Local 804 Retirees' Club, Oct. 12
• Fish fry, Oct. 19
• Cairn Croft Niagara Falls, Nov. 7-10
• Toronto Christmas party hosted by
  Local 353 Retirees' Club, Nov. 26
• Lunch and "Fiddler on the Roof" at St. Jacob's, Dec. 7
• Hamilton Local 105 Christmas dinner and dance, Michelangelo Banquet Centre, Dec. 10

For those Local 105 retirees who have not yet joined the Retirees' Club, jump on board! Look at all the fun you're missing!

Please remember that all the events we enjoy, past and present, are all made possible by our amazing, hard-working local members and executive board, past and present. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you!

Eden McLean, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 134, CHICAGO, IL — As another year comes to an end, I would like to mention some of our special events from this past year.

In April, a group of our retirees, led by President Keith Berls and Vice President Hale Landes, arranged a motor coach trip from Chicago to St. Louis to visit the Henry Miller Museum. Henry Miller sparked a movement at a time of terrifyingly high mortality rates and paltry pay in the new field of electrical work. Henry knew what had to be done, and he dedicated his life to making it happen. From the boarding house where he lived 125 years ago, Miller founded the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, which later became the IBEW. Thanks to flagship St. Louis Local 1, the modest brick house was turned into an amazing museum to honor Henry Miller.

Different groupings of our retirees attended five luncheon plays at Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook, Ill. We saw "A Chorus Line" in February, "Grease" in April, "39 Steps" in July and "Ring of Fire" featuring the life and music of Johnny Cash in October. Coming in December is "Cinderella."

In August, a group of our retirees, organized by Jim Jennings (program committee), took a Lake Michigan/Chicago River boat cruise to learn about Chicago's architectural history.

In September, Hale Landes and I, representing Local 134, joined the Illinois Alliance for Retired Americans for its 2023 convention. People representing different unions in Illinois were in attendance. There were many speakers, but a woman sitting at our table representing the Chicago Teachers Union got up, walked to the podium, gave a speech and walked back to our table. Her name was Beatrice Lumpkin, and she is 105 years old! I can't find the words to describe the incredible impression she left on me.

The annual John Cummins memorial golf outing on Sept. 20 was a beautiful, warm sunny day for 42 golfers. When they returned from golf, they were treated to a buffet lunch and a raffle of many prizes.

We look forward to our holiday party Dec. 13 at our IBEW memorial hall and wish you all a happy, safe holiday.

Susan Kleczka, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 257, JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Our local's retirees enjoyed the Labor Day celebrations. On Sept. 9, retirees participated in the 45th Labor Day parade, sponsored by the Jefferson City Labor Council, where they distributed candy and goodwill on the parade route. Thanks to Dave Loazia for providing the float for the retirees.

The annual union picnic followed Sept. 16 at Memorial Park. Local 257 members, retirees and their families were treated to a day at the park with a barbecue, bounce house, bingo and social time. A great time was had by all.

Service awards were also presented by Mike Fanning, business agent. Ninety-six service awards were presented, with 37 retirees receiving awards. Forty-year pins went to Kenneth Bushjost, Donald Hurst, Lonnie Jordan, Henry Lamm, Allen McGee, Larry Pierce, Charles Russell, Gregory Schrock and Gerrit Vanvranken. Forty-five-year pins went to Carl Anthony, Mark Gallatin, Rodney Henry, Dennis Kiral, John Loazia, Leland Long, Brett Miller, Lex Murphy, Dale Rackers, Rolfe Rankin, Joseph Rowles, Melvin Scheperle, James Schilpp, Richard Schremp, Herschel Schulte, Ross Sewell, Clayton Smith and Billy Tennyson. Fifty-five-year pins went to Harvey Baysinger, Robert Evans, Ronald Holzhauser, Larry Jones, Raymond Jordan, Leon Keller, Donald Mattingley and Jerry Tiffany. A 60-year pin went to John Leinberger, and a 65-year pin went to Robert Long. Congratulations to all retirees receiving service awards.

Condolences are sent to the family of Jerry Rehagen, 85, who passed Sept. 26. After serving in the U.S. Army, he was a member of Local 257 beginning in 1964, and he acted as the Retirees' Club president for 11 years.

Connie Hamacher, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 317, HUNTINGTON, WV — West Virginia Delegate Sean Hornbuckle, along with Business Manager Shane Wolfe and retired member Jerry Booth, presented a certificate of appreciation to Roy "Hoot" Gibson on Oct. 3 for his 72 years of membership in the IBEW.

Brother Gibson, who turned 100 on Oct. 15, began his career as an apprentice lineman with Local 317 in 1951, later becoming a journeyman lineman and journeyman wireman. Throughout his career, Brother Gibson worked on many major projects throughout the tri-state area, including construction of the General James M. Gavin power plant in Gallia County, Ohio.

He officially retired in 1985 after 34 years of service and has remained an active member in the IBEW and his community ever since, showing what it truly means to be part of America's greatest generation.

Shane Wolfe, B.M.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 349, MIAMI, FL — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved entertainment chair, Candy Nelson. For many years, Candy planned exciting field trips for us, including several cruises, day trips, holiday parties and dinner dates. She loved her Retirees' Club family and was a special person in our lives who will live on in our memories and our hearts.

Our deepest sympathies are extended to Candy's husband, Brother Whitey Nelson, and her extended family.

Local 349 held its 64th annual picnic and reported a good turnout. The kitty canteen and rides kept the children happy and busy. The barbecue offered pork, chicken, hamburgers, ribs, hot dogs and a beer tent. A competitive game of horseshoes and other games were enjoyed by the adults. Several retirees attended the picnic and enjoyed the barbecue and visiting with one another.

The new entertainment chair is Marilyn Steele, and she has arranged our holiday party in December to be held at the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant in Miami.

Treasurer Whitey Nelson stepped down after the passing of his wife, Candy. Mike Steele will follow in Whitey's shoes as our treasurer.

Brenda Auer, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 530, SARNIA, ON — Greetings, everyone. It was a busy summer for our group of retirees. We enjoyed a variety show at the Walters Theatre; a day trip to Medieval Times; a play at Victoria Playhouse Petrolia; and a three-day trip to Kingston, Ontario.

We all enjoyed the informative tour of the Kingston Penitentiary followed by a guided tour of the city. We ended the evening with a relaxing dinner cruise through the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River.

At the time of this writing, we are looking forward to a three-day trip to Sault Sainte Marie to enjoy a lovely train ride through the Agawa Canyon in October. Hopefully we will see beautiful color in the changing of the leaves.

We also have enjoyed volunteering at our local food bank by cooking and serving our less fortunate.

All retirees and their spouses are welcome to join us, as are the widows of our members who have passed on.

We meet every second Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the hall. Please join us — the more the merrier!

Cathy Coates, P.S.