L.U. 16 (i), EVANSVILLE, IN — The 30th annual Ritzy's Fantasy of Lights was favored with excellent weather and the highly skilled electrical workers this extensive holiday light show requires. More than a mile of Garvin Park is decorated with beautiful lighting arrays, and those viewing pay a small fee. The proceeds are used to underwrite life-changing therapy sessions for children and adults through Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. More than $4.3 million was raised going into the 2023 season, and the event has continued to grow with more than 80 displays, including 18 new fixtures and a traveling Andy the Elf hidden in various locations.

Congratulations to former Business Manager Paul Green on his election to City Council! Paul has been a longtime advocate for the underprivileged, serving in board positions for Easterseals, United Caring Services, Aurora and other community organizations. Best wishes are also due to Brother Mike Baehl for his win as Poseyville township councilman.

A special meeting held in November determined the needs of the membership for upcoming contract negotiations. Thanks to the numerous brothers and sisters who participated in creating a brighter future for this local.

Donald P. Beavin, P.S.

L.U. 24 (es,i&spa), BALTIMORE, MD — Greetings from Charm City! We hope you had an enjoyable holiday season. During National Apprenticeship Week, our JATC hosted an Industry Connect event with NECA and Electri International. More than 70 students from high schools in our jurisdiction attended to interview apprentices about their careers and test the cutting-edge technology that is changing electrical construction.

The event was also attended by representatives from Maryland's Department of Labor and the Mayor's Office of Economic Development, as well as U.S. Rep. David Trone. Trone's remarks included high praise for union apprenticeships. Students told us afterward how informative the event was, and they are glad to know that college isn't the only option for a family-sustaining career. Next time, we hope to bring in even more Maryland students and educators.

Also during National Apprenticeship Week, our JATC received a Certificate of Notable Contribution from the Department of Labor at an event attended by Gov. Wes Moore. The certificate acknowledges our contribution to training a skilled workforce and creating family-sustaining careers. We are proud that our JATC is the oldest registered apprenticeship in Maryland. Throughout our existence, training electricians has been one of our priorities, and it is an honor to be recognized.

Live Better/Work Union.

Mike McHale, B.M.

L.U. 38 (i), CLEVELAND, OH — More than 80 of our local's members gathered in Cleveland's Public Square to once again give back to the community, volunteering to install more than 500,000 Christmas lights. For the 14th consecutive year, members and their families working in conjunction with Downtown Cleveland Inc. transformed Public Square into the annual Christmas WinterLand. Local 38's time-honored tradition of volunteering for the event was inspired by Business Manager Emeritus Gil "Mr. Jingeling" Steele Jr.

Dan Gallagher, B.M.

L.U. 40 (em,i&mps), HOLLYWOOD, CA — Our local joined forces in November with the Clean Mobile Power Initiative and other industry labor unions to host a clean-tech demo day as Hollywood looks to go green. This event was organized to bring together representatives from leading production studios, equipment suppliers and clean-tech manufacturers to unify demand and accelerate supply for mobile batteries, hydrogen power units and hybrid systems.

As the movie industry changes from mobile diesel generators to clean energy solutions, the IBEW is perfectly positioned to continue this work. Our members have been trained on power distribution centers and specifically on batteries and energy storage. Earlier in the year, the local added a lab to train members and apprentices on the safe and effective assembly, testing, commissioning, maintenance, repair, retrofitting and decommissioning of energy storage and microgrid systems.

President Jesse Barron and Brothers Juan Rodriguez and Pete Diamond helped make this event a success. The local also invited representatives from the Ninth District office to help showcase the IBEW's role and expertise in green energy work. Having the support of the district office was critical to show employers and vendors the IBEW's ability to both advocate for these technologies and provide the skilled and trained workforce.

Local 40 has been providing portable power distribution to the studios for 100 years, and we will continue to be the power professionals to the stars and the motion picture industry.

Stephan Davis, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 46 (as,c,cs,em,es,et,i,mar,mo,mt,rtb,rts&st), SEATTLE, WA — IBEW family, it is with great sadness that our local reports the passing of Brother Elwood Evans. Brother Elwood was close to the heart of Local 46.

Brother Elwood joined the IBEW and the inside wire apprenticeship in 1974, and since then has gone by many names: apprentice, journeyman, steward, organizer, dispatcher, rep, counselor, friend, and above all, brother.

Brother Elwood had a real passion for serving the IBEW, and he did so in many capacities for 34 years. He was the first Black dispatcher at Local 46, and he made sure to light the path for those who followed.

An avid advocate and ally, Brother Elwood continued to work until his passing, taking meetings with any member who came to him. He was a kind man who loved his family and his friends. His beliefs were strong, and he loved to help others in need.

The Evans family and Local 46 would like to thank all the siblings who sent cards, flowers, stories, thoughts and prayers.

Brother Elwood will be missed.

Megan Kirby, P.S.

L.U. 48 (c,em,i,rtb,rts,st,tm&ptc), PORTLAND, OR — On Dec. 8, we continued the tradition of honoring the years of service of our members, both active and retired. The annual holiday party is a great time for families to come together and enjoy a meal and good music (union-hired, of course) and to celebrate years of dedication to the IBEW.

The work we put in on the jobsite, providing quality to our customers at the best value while providing for our families, has a bit more meaning over the holidays. It's our families we work for, after all. Each year gives us a chance to reflect on what the IBEW means to us all, sharing that with loved ones and cheering for those receiving their pins for years of service — these are cherished moments that our children grow up with and will hopefully experience for themselves.

We hope that 2024 is already bringing you greater joy and more conversations with loved ones about what being IBEW means to you.

Kevin Lux, P.S.

L.U. 90 (i), NEW HAVEN, CT — Local 90 held its annual retirement dinner Oct. 19 at the Woodwinds banquet facility in Branford, Conn. Twenty retirees and 11 25-year service pin recipients were honored that evening. The retirees honored were Steven Asplund, Paul Card, Anthony Ceneri, Frank Criscuolo, Louis Criscuolo, Kenneth Fagan, John Gagliardi, Ubaldo Gonzalez, Edward Jakob, Bruce Jobmann, Patrick Kirby, Barbara Kolnsberg, Daniel Lajoie, Richard Maxwell, Matthew Murgo, Paul Pratt, Richard Pyrdol, Joseph Rizzo, Michael Suravich and Laurence Toth.

The 25-year pin recipients were Robert Blanchette, James Clabby, Steven DeLucia, Christopher Fonda, Todd Lathrop, Frederick Morro, Eric Nelson, Larry Palermo, Anthony Salzano, Jeffrey Wise and John Wolcheski.

Business Manager Sean Daly expressed his deepest thanks for the years of dedication and service to Local 90 and the IBEW.

John Bellemare, Pres.

L.U. 104 (lctt,o,u&ptc), BOSTON, MA — In a display of solidarity and support for military veterans, our local sponsored a We Defy Foundation open-mat fundraising event. This initiative seeks to honor and uplift those who have served in the armed forces, recognizing their sacrifices and contributions to our nation.

The event, organized by dedicated members of Local 104, aims to raise scholarship funds for We Defy, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering combat veterans through Brazilian jiu-jitsu training. This unique approach provides veterans with a transformative experience, promoting physical fitness, mental resilience and a sense of community.

The event underscores Local 104's commitment to giving back to those who have bravely defended our freedom. By supporting the We Defy Foundation, we recognize the challenges veterans face and actively contribute to their rehabilitation and reintegration to civilian life.

The event was a heartfelt gathering, bringing together a community to celebrate the resilience of our veterans and raise funds for a noble cause. Through its sponsorship, Local 104 continues to exemplify the union's dedication to making a positive impact, both in the workplace and in the lives of those who have served our country.

Brian Murphy, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 130 (i&ptc), NEW ORLEANS, LA — Greetings, brothers and sisters. We hope you had a safe and happy holiday.

Congratulations to members of Local 130 on ratification of a new three-year contract totaling $5.25. The new contract takes effect Dec. 1 with $1.85 first year, $1.80 second year and $1.60 third year.

We held our annual Veterans Day picnic and had great turnout. Friends and family showed up to support our veterans and thank them for their service to our country. The RENEW committee held its first trunk-or-treat at our hall on Oct. 29, and while the turnout was not as big as the picnic, we are hopeful that it will grow in the coming years.

Butch Naquin, R.S.

L.U. 134 (catv,em,govt,i,mt,rtb,rts,spa&t), CHICAGO, IL — Our local held its first vendor showcase and open house in November. Members may remember the old tool show we hosted at the old union hall on 600 W. Washington Blvd. The new vendor showcase will be hosted annually at the IBEW-NECA Training Facility in Alsip, Ill. This two-day event brought out all the vendors who support our industry and gave all our members a chance to see the latest tools and technological advancements in the electrical industry.

Not only is this special event open to the entire membership, but this year Local 134 also combined it with an open house for all surrounding towns in the south suburban Cook County area, allowing high school students and families the opportunity to tour the best apprenticeship school in the nation! Throughout the weekend, students were able to interact with teachers, vendors, and brother and sister members to find out everything that Local 134 has to offer.

The vendor showcase and open house was a huge success, and we look forward to welcoming everyone again in 2024.

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

L.U. 146 (ei,i&rts), DECATUR, IL — Hello, brothers and sisters. We have welcomed a new year once again. We hope everyone's holiday season was filled with joy.

Our local's 2024 will be as fruitful as ever, as we have several projects, including solar farm and Archer Daniels Midland projects.

We would like to acknowledge all of our members who passed away in 2023. The following includes the names, ages and years of IBEW service of the deceased:

Logan Anderson, 42 (17 years); Larry Bobbett, 82 (42 years); James Crosby, 79 (55 years); Harold "Red" Easton, 94 (61 years); William Echler, 79 (28 years); Robert Frazier, 80 (61 years); Robert Hart Sr., 79 (53 years); Jerry Lynn Hyland, 73 (48 years); Robert Kearney, 54 (22 years); Michael Littrell, 43 (8 years); Kenneth Manley, 78 (55 years); Jerry Odle, 79 (60 years); James Perkins, 72 (49 years); Michael Pherigo, 72 (44 years); Donald Ploch, 88 (56 years); Jerry Rhoades, 82 (57 years); and Patrick J. Slaughter, 75 (52 years).

We send our best wishes and condolences to the families and friends of these fine union brothers.

Remember to be safe at all times and attend as many union meetings as possible.

Steven L. Tilford, R.S.

L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL — We wish and hope everyone had a happy new year, and that each local's work outlook is going strong in 2024!

At our Christmas meeting, we awarded retirement watches and service pins for those with more than 50 years of service. We would like to congratulate and wish good luck to the 26 members who received their retirement watches: May you have a long and memorable retirement!

We were also honored to present 11 members with 50-year pins, eight members with 55-year pins and three members with 60-year pins, and we recognize Brother Raymond Holst for receiving his 70-year service pin. Congratulations and thank you all for your lifelong dedication and service to the IBEW and Local 150!

Our Christmas meeting is a time for celebration, and it is also a time for remembrance. With sad and heavy hearts, we report the deaths of the following brothers in 2023: Roger K. Ankley Sr. (former business manager), Raymond Berger, Dave R. "Soup" Campbell, Jerry M. Cole, Robert E. "Bobby" Drews, Chad M. Dunn, Kent A. Ferguson, Steven W. Fritsch, Joshua A. Grams, Kenneth F. Nyara, Dale E. Ostrander, Frank L. Pasquesi and Patrick R. Serzynski (former business manager). Please take a moment to remember the good times we have had together and to keep their families and loved ones in your prayers.

Sisters and brothers, please be safe out there and continue to look out for one another!

Aaron M. Rendon, R.S.

L.U. 158 (i,it,mar,mt,spa&u), GREEN BAY, WI — Brothers and sisters, at the time of this writing, it is getting colder in the North. Local 158 is heating up with our support of some good causes. We are a corporate sponsor of the Green Bay Botanical Garden's Garden of Lights holiday light show. We've been a sponsor along with our contractors for many years. We are extremely proud of the light show and the tens of thousands of visitors it attracts.

We have also completed our health and hygiene drive for the Freedom House and Golden House shelters in the Green Bay area. Our members donate food, money, and health and hygiene products to both shelters. These donations will help support people who are leaving abusive relationships and have nowhere to go. We have sponsored this drive for years and are very proud of the members' support.

Thank you to all of the members who continue to support these great causes.

Jesse A. Jacques, B.M.

L.U. 212 (i), CINCINNATI, OH — As of this writing, winter in Cincinnati has unfolded more or less comfortably this year. Our Retirees' Club celebrated Christmas with a very merry toy drive for children in need, and they generated substantial contributions at a friendly and spirited Christmas dinner for club members and their guests.

Fairly temperate weather has been a welcome development for those of us working outside this season, and while work in the jurisdiction remains slower than we'd like, demand for electricians in adjacent locals is, and seems likely to remain, quite high, making short-distance travel a convenient option for our brothers and sisters.

Bryan Georgilis, P.S.

L.U. 226 (em,i,rtb,rts&spa), TOPEKA, KS — As seen in the accompanying photo, we welcome Isaiah Barnes, Ethan Burghart, Greg Durant, Randy Hill, Wathan Moylan, Blasie Munoz, Derek Rhoades (2023 Coleman C. Morris Outstanding Local Apprentice Award winner) and Jim Thomas.

Anthony Cahill, A.B.M.

L.U. 236 (catv,ees,govt,i,mo,rtb&t), ALBANY, NY — Greetings from the capital of New York. The members of our local have been busy on the jobs and in the communities we serve. Both our RENEW chapter and Women's Committee are active, bringing members together. The collaborative efforts of these committees, along with the tireless work of our members, exemplify Local 236's commitment to fostering a culture of growth and progress.

We would like to congratulate the following members on their recent election victories in their communities: Joe Bott, Ryan Brosnan, John Defreest Jr. and Patrick Killian. Your hard work and passion for making positive changes are truly appreciated.

Recently, Business Manager Michael Mastropietro was honored with a Labor Leadership Award at the renowned John F. Kennedy Awards Dinner. This recognition stands as a testament to Brother Mastropietro's unwavering commitment, leadership and relentless advocacy for the rights of workers in the electrical industry. The support of our membership and its collective strength allow us to make a difference every day.

As we march forward, let us continue to uphold the values of unity, solidarity and progress that define Local 236. Together, we stand resilient, united and poised to lead our industry into a future filled with promise and prosperity.

Paul Nylin, A.B.M.

L.U. 530 (i,o&rtb), SARNIA, ON — At the time of this writing, the local work picture has slowed as winter approaches. Santa will soon arrive, and with him comes the annual Christmas dinner dance and awards banquet. Along with the standard five-course meal and plenty of good cheer, partygoers celebrate the years of service of our members. Notable milestones include, but are not limited to, William "Billy" Bush's 60-year pin and 65-year recipients Tim Giese, Peter Schenk and Paul Vail. Congratulations to all of our members, and merry Christmas and a prosperous new year to all.

Keith Winsor, P.S.

L.U. 540 (i), CANTON, OH — As 2024 begins, our local would like to congratulate all members who reached milestone years of service in 2023.

We would like to specially recognize the following members:

• 70 years — Paul Sander
• 65 years — James Dieble and Harold Lute
• 60 years — Garry Bolitho, Robert Cross, Jeffrey Erbland and Kenneth Mercier
• 55 years — Jody Bolitho, Daniel Brown, Ronald Hanna, Charles Patterson, David Schaub, Jack Schneider, Ronald Surmay and Christopher Thomas
• 50 years — Wayne Baum, Raymond Bongini, Ronald Rhoads, RD Walker and Mark Young

Congratulations and wishing you a prosperous year.

Rick Waikem, P.S./R.S.

L.U. 654 (i), CHESTER, PA — In November 2020, our local was successful in passing the first-ever responsible contractor ordinance in Chester County.

County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell saw the benefits for the county procurement office in adopting the RCO. The ordinance requires the contractor to adhere to certain requirements before being awarded contracts on county construction projects. These requirements include proof of a registered apprenticeship program, OSHA 10-hour worker training, and not being found guilty of violating any environmental, federal or state laws. Additionally, the contractor must have not defaulted on any projects in the last three years.

The adoption of the RCOs will help level the playing field for IBEW contractors bidding on publicly funded projects in the county. Local 654 President Bill Adams, local leadership and retired member John Hellman were responsible for passing stronger RCOs in other parts of Chester County following the initial passage. As of this writing, five other RCOs have been passed. Local 654 would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and efforts.

Christopher Schieler, P.S.

L.U. 666 (i,mt,o&ptc), RICHMOND, VA — Gabi Schoppe was a foreman of brickmasons, running the work but worrying about the toll that nonunion work would have on her body in the long term. One Thursday, she wandered into a bar where some IBEW Local 666 members were gathered. A long conversation with a sister that night led Gabi to decide to leave her old trade for a new one.

Months later, Gabi found herself interviewing for the apprenticeship. Not every committee member seemed well disposed toward the 23-year-old woman. But she spoke of her background in the building trades and with characteristic bluntness told them, "I'm going to be an electrician regardless of the path I have to take to get there." The committee made the right decision and let her in.

On jobsites, people took notice of Gabi's hard work and endless willingness to help out. Drawn into the Brotherhood, the passion other people showed opened up a similar passion in her, and she became more and more involved in the union, being elected as president of the Women's Committee in August. In June of 2024, Gabi will top out as an IBEW journeyman inside wirewoman, and the path she took was the right one — union!

Scott Durbin, 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 — Our local hosted the fourth annual Southern Illinois Conservation Dinner at John A. Logan College in Carterville, Ill.

Union members from different trades and their families attended, including 30 or so IBEW members. The event helped raise funds for conservation projects, and a portion of the proceeds are allocated for local Union Sportsmen's Alliance Work Boots on the Ground conservation projects and events.

Jamie Hatfield, A.B.M.

L.U. 1340 (i&o), NEWPORT NEWS, VA — Our local held its annual oyster roast Oct. 20 at the union hall. This has always been a well-attended event, and this year was no exception. About 150 members participated, and many returned from out of town to renew old friendships and meet new members. The barbecue, oysters and shrimp were outstanding once again. As always, we had several volunteers from the Retirees' Club and the apprenticeship, and they did a great job for the event.

Sister Rachel Cornelison, an inside journeywoman, has accepted a position as electrical instructor for New Horizons Regional Education Center. She will oversee the electrical instruction for high school students attending classes at New Horizons, a position with great responsibility. Best wishes for her continued success!

In other news, renovations have begun at the union hall. We do not expect any significant effect on daily business or monthly meetings. We look forward to a completion date in the spring.

We regret to report the passing of Brothers Eddie Goff (Oct. 31) and Jerry Stratton (Nov. 7).

Jim Avery, P.S.

L.U. 2304 (u), MADISON, WI — For years, the members, retirees and families of our local have been volunteering their time to staff the Holiday Fantasy in Lights booths at Olin Park in Madison. This season, Local 2304 staffed the booths every night from Nov. 20 to Dec. 3. Through our volunteer efforts over these two weeks, the local was able to donate $2,500 to Second Harvest Foodbank.

Local 2304 would like to give a special shout-out to Local 159's electricians, apprentices and retirees who perform the behind-the-scenes work on lighting displays to make this 35-year Madison tradition a reality.

Nate Rasmussen, B.M.