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Important Elections

Local 364, Rockford, IL, members working at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center in DeKalb, IL.

L.U. 364 (catv,ees,em,es,i,mt,rts &spa), ROCKFORD, ILHere in Illinois, Democrats, traditionally the political party of working families, have a great chance to control the Illinois legislature for the first time in three decades. Gubernatorial candidate Rod Blagojevich and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin have both proven that they stand with working families. Durbin has a 96 percent AFL-CIO approval rating and Blogojevich has a 94 percent rating. Local 364 is working hard to insure friends of labor are elected, and we need members to help get out the vote.

Our locals annual union picnic had great food, bingo, rides, games, clowns, horseshoes, volleyball and door prizes that helped bring us all together in the spirit of brotherhood.

Our first annual Local 364 Golf Outing also brought membership together to foster brotherhood.

Ray Pendzinski, P.S.

Annual Pancake Breakfast

Some Local 424, Edmonton, AB, Canada, retirees at the 15th annual outdoor pancake breakfast.

L.U. 424 (as,ees,em,es,i,mo,o,ptc, rr,rtb,rts,spa&u), EDMONTON, AB, CANADAThe Unit I retirees 15^th annual outdoor pancake breakfast had a perfect day as retirees served up stacks of flapjacks, bacon and coffee, with helpings of good humor.

It was great to see some of those we apprenticed under back on the tools againeven if it was barbeque tools! Our thanks to retirees Bob Lamont (former business manager), Johnny Kurceba, George Gordy, Dwyane Gibbons, Carl Anderson, Geo Hargheheimer, Bill Rawluk and Adrian Elm for a job well done! Thanks also to retiree wives Cathy Gordy, Hazel Lamont and Walda Molin.

On July 6 of the previous week, much the same scene took place in Calgary. Chairman Dave Handleys Unit II Executive Committee and Vice Pres. George Gladney kicked off the 10 days of the Calgary Stampede. Organizers Bill Begemann, Gord Johnson and Bus. Agent/Organizer Al Brown traded in their flak jackets for barbeque aprons.

The renovations to the general office started last February are pretty well complete now, providing badly needed elbowroom. Bus. Mgr. Sieben has made some other changes. Bro. Tim Brower is now a business agent and Don Spurgeon will handle dispatch duties. Robin Duke, a longtime Executive Board member, replaces Dave Munro. Bro. Jim Magill has joined the Edmonton office as an organizer. Al Brown is now an assistant business manager in Calgary, and Sean Kelly and Ron Davis have been hired as organizers in the Calgary area.

Dave Anderson, P. S.

Contract Settled
L.U. 426 (i,lctt,o,spa,t&u), SIOUX FALLS, SDAs of late July, work is still slow, with few calls coming off Book I. We have settled our contract as of June 1, with $1.18 raise each year for the next two years. Local 426s annual fishing tournament and picnic in June drew 109 members and guests from 11 different locals. Local 426 would like to congratulate all who placed in this event: First placeJerry Snyder (Local 1250), Second placeJoel Miller (Local 1959), Third placeDon Warren (Local 1959), and Fourth placeGary Loers (Local 1959). The Camp Creep award of went to Steve (Zerf) Zerfas. 

Check out our web site at www.smart-wire.com.

Dennis Schmidt, P.S.

Congratulations, Graduates
L.U. 440 (i,o,rts&spa), RIVERSIDE, CALocal 440 would like to present its new journeymen: Bryan Bayardo, Eric Bienefeld, Marcus Blackwell, Armando Campos, David Carrillo, Jose Cobian, Nathaniel Conant, Shawn Copeland, John Dekker, Dalton Denton, Tad Ferguson, Victor Garcia, David Gutierrez, Farrell Guy, John Kohl, Robert Monroe, Joseph Saldana and David Valdivia Jr. Greg Clarici, won the Willis L. Feldman Award and shared the Outstanding Apprentice Award with yours truly, Dawn Doty.

At this writing, the Blythe Energy project is winding down. We would like to thank local hands and travelers alike who toughed out the bone chilling winter, the 120 degree heat and monsoon season to complete this project.

Dawn (Doty) Long, P.S.

Union Milestone
L.U. 456 (i&o), NEW BRUNSWICK, NJBus. Mgr./Fin. Sec. Joseph V. Egan (also New Jersey State Assemblyman) recently had his Project Labor Agreement Bill signed into law by New Jersey Governor James McGreevey. This is a state legislative milestone for unions and members thank him for a job well done.

Thanks to all who donated at our July Blood Drive.

Once again, our family picnic was a huge success and the August fishing trip also had a good turnout, along with plenty of fish stories.

We remember the following deceased members: Ernest Kindle, Theodore Pilesky, Sr. and Walter Rasmussen and send our condolences to their families.

Remember, union meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Cathy Gallagher, P.S.

Ron Garrett Mourned
L.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ON, CANADABro. Ronald L. Garrett recently passed away. Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and friends. Ron was a hard working, principled man of union values and we would like to share Rons final communication to the Local 530 members.

"Dear Brothers and Sisters, I feel I owe you a letter of apology. I have expressed to the hall that I do not wish to have visitors. This by no means is intended to reflect a disregard for Local 530 or any of its members. One of the most important events in my life was the opportunity in September of 1962 to become an IBEW apprentice. Without a doubt, my and my familys standard of living over the past 40 years is due solely to the union and its support as opposed to the generosity of any contractor.I think of you an awful lot. I appreciate the memories. In sincere fellowship and brotherhood, yours truly, Ronald Lorne Garrett."

The work picture in Sarnia is looking bright, with several projects scheduled into 2004.

Don France, P.S.