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November 2002 IBEW Journal

Francis Telle Retires

L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i, mt,rts,s,se,spa,st&ws), ST. LOUIS, MOFin. Sec. Francis Telle is retiring after 36 years a member and 24 years as a local officer.

Upon completion of a four-year tour with the U.S. Navy, Bro. Francis Telle was accepted into the Local 1 apprenticeship program in 1966. After working for several contractors, he was appointed press secretary for a 19-month period before accepting a position with the International Office in the Research Department.

Upon returning to the Local 1 area, he entered the realm of elective office as a candidate for the Executive Board in 1975. Bro. Telle was elected to the office of financial secretary in 1978, and held that position for eight consecutive terms. Under his tenure, the office was administered in an efficient and cost effective manner for over two decades. As in all retirements, there is that mixture of attainment in fulfillment and nostalgia in departure. We congratulate and wish him the best for a long healthy retirement.

Please be advised of the following member deaths: Lisa Byrd, John Hribar, Otto Freiburghaus, Wilma Heard, Clyde Cawood, John Werner, John Kahrhoff, Kathleen Carnahan, Robert Pfiffner, Edward Slupsky, Jack Holmes, Matt Holingsworth, Richard Worley, Glenn Schuman, Dale Collins, Melvin Eftink, John Koch and Robert Sturgis.

Robert Egan, P.S.

A Lot At Stake
L.U. 17 (catv,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MII hope everyone exercised their American right and voted. When labor shows up at the polls, we can and do make a difference.

A good time was had by all who participated in the Labor Day parade and the dinner that followed at the union hall.

Due in part to the downturn in the economy, weve had layoffs at Lecom Communications this year. The industry work picture is not consistent because of the downward spiral of stock prices and corporate misreporting their revenues in the telecommunications industry. Comcast Cable, a major contributor of work for Lecom, is trying to buy AT&T Broadband (CATV) Div., which would create the largest provider of CATV services in the nation.

On another note, a lot of pills that were hard to swallow have been delivered this year, and the union would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support.

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Bros. Kurt Page, Elmer Miller and Burton McHugh.

Bob Eckhout, P.S.

Politically Active
L.U. 21 (catv,govt&t), DOWNERS GROVE, ILThis year, Local 21 members were more politically mobilized than ever before. They staffed phone banks, walked precincts and attended rallies. The overwhelming majority of these COPE endorsed candidates are Democrats, based on their pro-working family voting records on the issues of education, workplace conditions, safety and social justice. Unions serve as the leaders for social change for those who have less. As Bus. Mgr. Ronald Kastner points out, "What we gain at the bargaining table can be lost in the legislature."

We have struggled at our largest employer SBC Ameritech against layoffs, and have been largely successful at press time

Local 21 members relaxed at two golf outings and picnics held at the north and south ends of metropolitan Chicago in late summer. At this writing, Downstate members are looking forward to a Local 21 sponsored bowling tournament in Springfield, IL.

On August 30 members across Illinois and Northwest Indiana celebrated Solidarity Day in many shops, wore red and shared the meaning of Labor Day over donuts, cake and coffee.

Tom Hopper, P.S.

Softball Tournament
L.U. 25 (catv,i,o&rts), LONG ISLAND, NYOur 32^nd Long Island Softball Tournament was again held at Baldwin Park on August 23-25, and was co-hosted by Locals 3, 25, 1049 and 1381. The awards dinner and dance was hosted at the Local 25 union hall.

The 36 participating teams enjoyed a two-day barbecue hosted by the Tournament Committee. Unfortunately, rain marred Saturday, but Sunday dawned bright and clear. The upper bracket was won by Local 400, Asbury Park, NJ, against Local 24, Baltimore, MD. The lower bracket was won by Local 3 apprentices, New York City, NY, against Local 35, Hartford, CT.

The Brotherhood Award Trophy went to longtime participant Local 589, Hicksville, NY. As usual, brotherhood and camaraderie took precedence to winning and losing. Congratulations to all. If any local is interested in playing in next years tournament, please call the Local 25 presidents office at 631-273-4567, Ext. 241.

Our Labor Day picnic was held at Hecksher State Park. Thanks to the Entertainment Committee for a great job.

Thanks to all the traveling members working in our jurisdiction. The work prospects for 2003 look promising, and we look forward to our traveling members returning in 2003. Attend union meetingsunited we standdivided we beg.

Rich Kammarada, P.S.

Spencer Hays Remembered
L.U. 45 (catv,govt,rtb&t), HOLLYWOOD, CABro. Spencer Hays died in May 2002. He was a proud member for 50 years and had a long career with CBS. Bro. Hays was instrumental in the production of such shows as Play House 90, The Danny Kaye Show and the Carol Burnett Show, all Academy Award winners. He covered numerous events, including The Masters, democratic and Republican Conventions and the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley.

Spencer was born in Kansas City, MO, in 1912, and was raised in Lees Summit, MO. After graduating from the University of Missouri, he managed the popular Vogue movie theater for many years and also owned a small radio repair shop.

Bro. Hays served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a technical sergeant, Anti-aircraft Artillery Board detachment, primarily working on communications and radar equipment. He taught courses in radar maintenance and basic radar for anti-aircraft artillery officers and served in the electronics section of the Anti-aircraft Artillery Board.

After his honorable discharge, he went to work at Occidental College as a technical manager and stage manager. He also worked for KFI-TV as a studio engineer.

Bro. Hays was very involved in the Democratic Party, hosting many fundraising events. He also wrote articles concerning national events, many of which were published.

Upon retirement, he moved to Fallbrook where he lived until his passing. Our condolences to his wife, Rita, and son, Christopher.

Lloyd Webster, B.M./F.S.