L.U. 1 (as,c,ees,ei,em,es,et,fm,i,mt,rts,s,se,spa,st,ws&ptc), ST. LOUIS, MO — Spring is upon us, and hopefully you find yourself gainfully employed. Our local RENEW chapter is busy with its upcoming annual trivia night fundraiser. Funds raised go to our local relief committee. This is always a huge success. If you were unable to get a table for the trivia, come support the cause and enjoy fellowship at its finest. Hopefully, you have been making good on that New Year's resolution to engage with a nonunion electrician and have an open and positive discussion on the upside to union membership versus open-shop life.

Rebuilding together is just around the corner. We will need all the help we can get and look forward to seeing you there.

Enjoy the spring equinox.

Kyle Hunter, P.S.

L.U. 3 (catv,em,govt,i,lctt,mo,o,t,u&ptc), NEW YORK, NY — Since 2013, the team known as the Local 3 Legends — named after their union and the location of their annual fundraiser, Legends NYC in midtown Manhattan — has recruited union members, apprentices, business representatives and retirees to raise money and awareness in a unique way: by shaving their heads bald.

Event organizer and Local 3 member Sean Glennon said, "Realizing that Local 3 members live throughout a large part of the New York metro area, we figured, 'Why not use our network to help more?'"

Since 2005, the St. Baldrick's Foundation has funded $340 million in childhood cancer research grants, second only to the U.S. federal government. Participants, lovingly referred to as "shavees," get their heads shaved during live and virtual events hosted worldwide and year-round.

Local 3 Legends' annual fundraiser usually attracts 20 to 40 shavees. Over the years, it has moved from a Friday or Saturday afternoon in April or May to September, which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

On Sept. 23, Local 3 Legends hosted 25 shavees at their fundraiser, plus a few Local 3 members who participated remotely. Together, they raised over $190,000 and achieved their overall goal of $1 million in 10 years. St. Baldrick's released its annual report in January, and Local 3's fundraiser was the 12th highest grossing event of 2023, with several Local 3 members showing in the top participants' list.

"Being a part of such a big local union, we knew we could reach out far and wide as members and show the public that we are their neighbors and we care," Glennon said. "It's important the public sees the good things we as Local 3 members do, and what could be more important than saving children's lives?"

Daniel Hinton, Comm. Dir.

L.U. 15 (u), DOWNERS GROVE, IL — On Nov. 8, President Chris Riser and Vice President Ben Busser were able to negotiate a contract extension with NRG Energy. Local 15 represents the craft employees at four NRG-owned generating stations. During a unit meeting with many members from the Powerton Generating Station, Busser and Chief Steward Heath Messman discussed the upcoming contract negotiations. Busser took input from these members prior to engaging the company in contract discussions. The existing CBA would have expired March 31. Now the contract has been extended four years, to March 31, 2028.

The generating stations in this contract are Waukegan, Will County, Joliet and Powerton. Waukegan, Will County and Joliet stations recently closed, but each location has caretaker positions negotiated by Local 15, so some members remain at each of those retired generating stations. Powerton Station remains operational and has the bulk of NRG employees under this contract. Local 15 leadership thanks the hard-working members at these generating stations for their support during the negotiations.

John Richards, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 17 (catv,em,lctt,o&u), DETROIT, MI — Our local and its members are celebrating a very successful 2023.

With the surprise Democratic trifecta (control of the governorship, state Senate and state House) for the first time in 40 years, the Michigan labor movement won sweeping legislative changes that help working families, including repeal of "right-to-work" laws, restoration of prevailing wage laws and elimination of the state tax on pension benefits. With our allies, we will press for other worker-friendly changes throughout the 2024 legislative session.

At the bargaining table, we achieved the following results for some of our key contracts:

• 6-17-LCTT (more than 1,100 members): 4 years, 6.0% average annual wage increase.
• 6-17-A (more than 700 members): 4 years, 4.55% average annual wage increase, no takeaways.

The additional $1.5 million investment in our Local 17 training center is coming to fruition. This investment in facilities, equipment and instructors (bringing the total to $2.5 million) will allow us to fulfill our vision of creating a world-class training facility for current members and future generations of IBEW workers.

We look forward to an even better 2024!

James Shaw, B.M.

L.U. 41 (em,es,govt,i,se&spa), BUFFALO, NY — Fourth-year apprentice Derrick Prezyna came to our local with the idea to have an apprentice food drive competition. To make it fun, we decided that the apprentice class that donated the most non-perishable food would have dinner provided during class.

The first couple of weeks started slowly, as a few cans trickled in daily. It appeared that only the second-year class was after the free meal, bringing in about 30 items per class. Then one day, while grabbing a couple of cans from each classroom, I walked into the first-year room to find 260 items.

This was the first domino to fall in what turned out to be a fierce and fun competition. As we updated progress charts daily, the contest really started to heat up. During the last two days of the competition, more than 2,300 items were collected.

Over the course of a month, our 145 apprentices brought in almost 4,000 items, more than 3,000 pounds of food. Due to the volume of donations, we were able to make contributions to three local food pantries. I would like to thank all our apprentices, as this was truly an amazing showing of generosity that will help many families in our community.

Matthew M. Gaiser, A.B.M.

L.U. 47 (lctt,mo,o,u&uow), DIAMOND BAR, CA — Greetings, brothers and sisters. Business Manager/Financial Secretary Colin Lavin looks forward to the changes coming as we continue to grow the IBEW's jurisdiction and cause and defend ourselves against any opposition that threatens our Brotherhood, including external threats. Some other trades are moving in on laws so they will benefit and steal our way of life. Make no mistake, we have a fight on our hands. The future has plenty of work for all the trades to share. Some, however, want to take our work. Get ready for tomorrow, and be prepared for change that will happen when least expected. Plan your job and work your plan. Please stay safe and work safe so our families can see us when we come home.

Our business updates are:

Local 47's Steward and Safety Conference will be held June 8.

We're sad to report the deaths of Aaron Boucher and Andrew Crist. Our condolences and prayers are with their loved ones.

Work safe and buy union!

Mitch Smith, P.S.

L.U. 71 (lctt,o&rtb), COLUMBUS, OH — Happy New Year, brothers and sisters! With another year behind us, President Walter Gribble III was able to present his grandfather, Ernie McGee, with his 60-year service pin. Walter said, "I've always tried my best to convey to the newbies coming in as to the struggles and strife past generations went through for us to enjoy what we have today, and how it's our duty to try and do better to ensure a bright future for those who will come after us."

On behalf of Local 71, congratulations, Ernie!

Matt Bruggeman, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 77 (lctt,mt,o,t&u), SEATTLE, WA — City of Centralia Wastewater Collection System technician and local member Jason Schroeder won the 2023 Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association's Collection System Operator of the Year Award. Schroeder is a longtime Local 77 member, shop steward and negotiating committee member.

Schroeder has been working for the city for more than 24 years and was chosen out of 3,409 certified collection operators in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. The PNCWA's award is given for outstanding job performance and accomplishments of an experimental or developmental nature. Congratulations on this achievement, Jason!

Rex Habner, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 131 (i,rtb,rts,se&spa), KALAMAZOO, MI — The work outlook remains steady in Kalamazoo, and several projects should be starting this summer. The Gun Lake Casino project is continuing into the summer. The project has the first six floors enclosed, and the rest is open. The aquadome is a shell with lots of underground work. We appreciate the warmer days of spring.

The Retirees' Christmas party was a lot of fun, with 50 members and their spouses attending. The Kalamazoo Jan. 31 annual party (1-31 Day) was also lots of fun at One Well Brewing.

Organizer Ryan Lewis has successfully organized 25 highly qualified nonunion journeymen and apprentices. Membership development is the only way we can have enough members to successfully fill all the requirements in the next year.

Negotiations are continuing, and committee members Jon Current, Leroy Crabtree, Tim Haydon, Terry Clark and I are working hard to get the best contract to serve the membership. The committee is creative in their problem-solving methods during the negotiating process.

Morris A. Applebey, B.M.

L.U. 177 (bo,ees,i,mo,o,pet&govt), JACKSONVILLE, FL — Thanks to President Ross Mullis and the many volunteers who made our children's and retirees' Christmas parties successful. It could not have been pulled off without the efforts of our brothers and sisters and other volunteers. All the kids left with smiles on their faces, and it was great to visit with our retired brothers and hear them swapping stories of the past.

Although we haven't been able to work travelers very much, work in Jacksonville has been fairly good, and we look toward a good 2024 in our area. There are several projects on the horizon that should keep our brothers and sisters working throughout the year. By the time this prints, we are hoping projects such as the new airport concourse, a new hospital in St. Johns County and the new stadium for the Jacksonville Jaguars will be awarded.

I would like to urge everyone who hasn't been certified in the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) to please do so. We are starting to see some of this work come to fruition, and we need brothers and sisters certified to fulfill the need.

Alan Jones, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 269 (i&o), TRENTON, NJ — Once again this year, the union hall was the epicenter of holiday-related activities. Festivities began with an armada of vehicles with Santas in tow canvasing neighborhoods throughout our jurisdiction, spreading cheer and goodwill on both sides of the Delaware River.

Next came the annual members' Christmas party, where food and spirits were provided in abundance and all our brothers and sisters who attended had their fill. Old friends and new acquaintances alike gathered in solidarity to celebrate the season.

The following week, Santa and Mrs. Claus took up residence in the main hall and listened attentively to the Christmas wishes of members' children who came to visit. Every child left with a toy and a smile.

Thanks to everyone who donated their time and energy to help make the holidays a joyous time for all. And a special thanks to retiring Treasurer Sean Cullen. For many a year, due to his special connections at the North Pole, we are proud to be able to say that Santa himself was at our hall this year. I hope we'll be saying that for many more years.

Brian Jacoppo, P.S.

L.U. 313 (i&spa), WILMINGTON, DE — Greetings from our local, powering the state of Delaware and Cecil County, Md.

Our RENEW committee held an "ugly" Christmas sweater party after our annual family Christmas party. RENEW received multiple appreciated donations of hundreds of toys from fellow members and contractors. The RENEW committee gave the proceeds to the kids at A.I. DuPont Children's Hospital, north of Wilmington.

Our local also held our December Christmas retirees' meeting, where we had more than 75 retired members stop by.

Some of our local's building trades delegates and alternates attended a banquet for our future candidate for governor of the state of Delaware, Bethany Hall-Long, a fellow union member. We appreciate the members who were able to help support our local and the Delaware Building Trades.

David Rholetter, P.S.

L.U. 317 (i,o,rts,t,u&lctt), HUNTINGTON, WV — Local 317 member Anthony Savage and Business Manager Shane Wolfe are pictured with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear at the grand opening of Sandy's Racing and Gaming Casino in Ashland, Ky. Local 317 members worked on this project for three shifts over several months to ensure that the opening deadline was met. Brother Savage spent countless hours helping with Gov. Beshear's reelection campaign, which he won by a great majority. Thank you, Brother Savage, for all of your help!

Shane Wolfe, B.M.

L.U. 343 (i,spa&st), LE SUEUR, MN — It was 45 years ago, on April 1, 1979, that our local was formed. The International Office granted the power to 25 electricians to create a local union of the IBEW. Those members are listed on the charter that established Local 343 in Le Sueur, Minn. At that time, the jurisdiction was larger and Le Sueur was a central point on the map. Almost all of the charter members are deceased. Brother Richard Schnepf is listed on the charter; he passed away in 2023.

We remember the following members that we lost this past year: Maurice Brown, Kevin Chirhart, Louis Downing, Nicholas Eide, Douglas Haines, Bryn Hecimovich, Bruce Johnson, Charles Johnson, Eric Johnson, Mark Landherr, Robert Pollreis Jr., Scott Rennie, Richard Schnepf and Robert Wilson.

Compared to many, Local 343 is young. But still, each year we have a new graduating class of apprentices who become JWs and begin their careers, and we have the class of retirees who "finally made it." Join your brothers and sisters at the annual awards banquet on April 13 in Winona, Minn., to celebrate 45 years of building Local 343.

Spend it where you earn it: Buy Made In USA.

Tom Small, P.S.

L.U. 349 (em,es,i,mps,rtb,rts,spa,u&ptc), MIAMI, FL — As 2023 was ending, we had our annual children's Christmas party, where members and children alike had a great time. There were lots of cotton candy, hot dogs and popcorn. Santa came and spoke to all the children, and he asked them what they wanted him to bring them. After Santa gave out gifts to the kids, he headed back to the North Pole. President Brian Rappaport thanked Santa for visiting all the kids and raffled off bikes to those of all ages while the members received either a turkey or a ham. Everyone enjoyed the party and company, with members and retirees talking about all the good old days.

We also had our annual Friends of Labor luncheon, and it was a great time. Thank you to all our contractors and politicians who have stood by our side this year!

Help make Local 349 strong, and attend the union meetings!

Brian Rappaport, Pres.

L.U. 357 (c,i,mt&se), LAS VEGAS, NV — On Oct. 21, 2023, our local held the 22nd annual Gary Pitts Golf Classic tournament to benefit the Brotherhood Welfare Fund. It was a beautiful day at The Club at Sunrise to come together with our fellow brothers and sisters to have fun and participate in this event.

Gary Pitts became a journeyman wireman in 1987. For the last 13 years of his career, Gary was a business agent for Local 357. He started and coordinated the Local 357 annual charity golf tournament in 2001. Gary retired in 2011 and passed away in 2013. Through his efforts and hard work, the golf tournament continues today.

Julie-Ann Peeples, P.S.

L.U. 499 (u), DES MOINES, IA — At the time of this writing, members Mike Maher and Randy Sheard are preparing to deliver Christmas baskets to families in need. One family lost their house to a fire a week before Christmas. A group of members from Council Bluffs, Iowa, organize this event annually and raise the money themselves throughout the year. This year, the group was able to donate 12 baskets. We thank our Council Bluffs members for their dedication and support in giving back to their local community!

Sarah Faber, Bus. Rep.

L.U. 601 (i&rtb), CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, IL — Our local would like to thank all the members that came out for our annual holiday parties. We're heading into 2024 with the momentum the labor movement has built recently. Stay union strong together!

Luther Baker, P.S.

L.U. 617 (c,i,mo&st), SAN MATEO, CA — I would like to thank the membership, officers, staff and their families for volunteering, attending and getting involved in our local's events. Reflecting on 2023, we are grateful for the festivities and celebrations that strengthened camaraderie off the job site and exemplified the power of community and brotherhood/sisterhood.

Our year of events included:

• Pin party awards banquet
• Offshore fishing charter
• EWMC poker night
  
• Mother's Day craft fair
  
• Day at the Range clay shooting
  
• Disc golf meetup
  
• Veterans and EWMC days of service
  
• Fourth of July parade
  
• 49th annual summer picnic
  
• Halloween haunted hall
  
• Harvest fall festival
  
• Retirees' Club luncheon
  
• Annual children's holiday party and train display

Thank you to all of the members and families who gave back to the less fortunate. Coats, socks, toys and canned goods were collected at the union hall, and the bins were overflowing with generous donations.

We are honored to continue to support local organizations including the San Mateo County Central Labor Council, San Mateo County Building Trades, the ALS Association Golden West Chapter, Hillsdale High School's Empowerment Through Action, San Mateo County Sheriff's Activities League, San Mateo Police Activities League, Wreaths Across America, and the Tanforan Memorial and Exhibit honoring interned Japanese Americans.

Stay tuned for much more in 2024.

Scott Wein, B.M./F.S.

L.U. 1245 (catv,em,govt,lctt,o,t&u), VACAVILLE, CA — With the surge in theft and armed assaults across the city of Oakland, our local's members working for the city and utility are being subjected to an alarming number of violent incidents. Local 1245 has taken a stand to protect the safety of these hard-working individuals.

Together with our allies, Local 1245 helped draft a safe-work-zone ordinance, which would enable Oakland police to clear civilians in work areas and allow city employees and essential workers (including local members at PG&E and contractors) to perform essential work free from violence and harassment.

"Over the last couple of years, our members working in the city of Oakland have endured numerous harrowing encounters including shootings, stabbings and robberies," said Local 1245 Senior Assistant Business Manager Al Fortier. "The SWZ ordinance is a good first step in addressing violence against essential workers in Oakland who are targeted by criminals because of the tools, equipment and other valuables that they have in their vehicles."

On Dec. 5, dozens of Local 1245 members packed the Oakland City Council chambers to express support for safe work zones. After three hours of testimony, the Oakland City Council voted unanimously in favor of the ordinance.

"It was a hopeful experience to be able to speak in front of the Oakland City Council regarding the importance of safe work zones, and it was encouraging to receive a unanimous vote of approval in response," said Local 1245 member Chris Feyling, a PG&E maintenance and construction coordinator who worked out of the Oakland service center for more than seven years. "IBEW 1245 consistently fights for the needs of its members, and as a member, I am proud to stand alongside them!"

Rebecca Band, Comm. Dir.

L.U. 1347 (ees,em,u&ptc), CINCINNATI, OH — 2023 was a great time for our local, and we met or exceeded all our goals for the year. One of those goals was increasing membership participation in community volunteering events such as our annual teddy bear giveaway to Cincinnati Children's Hospital, the breakfast with Santa, Matthew 25 Ministries' volunteer day and the Cincinnati St. Patrick's Day Parade.

We also set a goal of 80% or higher of our members completing PAL — Politics, Activism, Livelihood — training, which we exceeded. We have been involved in some local organizing efforts and also showed support for other locals in their efforts. We capped off the year by celebrating 80 years of serving our members.

Local 1347 would like to acknowledge and thank our officers and staff for the hard work and efforts put forth for our 2023 achievements. All of this was accomplished while keeping the lights on for our communities. Now, on to 2024 and setting the bar even higher.

Andrew Kirk, B.M.

L.U. 1547 (c,em,i,o,t,u,lctt&ptc), ANCHORAGE, AK — Our local congratulates third-year Tom Cashen Training Center line graduates pictured in the accompanying photo.

Melinda Taylor, Comm. Dir.

L.U. 1579 (i&o), AUGUSTA, GA — Hello, brothers and sisters. Hopefully, everyone is starting to see warmer weather and going on spring outings like golf, softball and fishing. Spring also brings out more of our two-wheeled friends, so with that in mind, please keep your mind fresh and your eyes on the road and off the cellphone while driving.

The work situation in Augusta has been maintained since my last article, but as the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility moves out of demolition and into construction, we will see a rise in employment on the project. Our prime contractors at the Savannah River site are holding their own and picking up projects here and there, and our in-town shops are doing the same.

We're still offering plenty of continued education classes for our journeyman wiremen, such as Fiber Optic, CPR, OSHA 10 and 30, EPRI, and EVITP. We want all of our JWs to get involved. The classes are free, but the knowledge is priceless. Feel free to contact the hall for more information.

Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.

Mike Greene, Pres.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 1, ST. LOUIS, MO — March marks the first Retirees' Club meeting for the year, and the officers would like to extend a warm welcome and invitation to our retired brothers and sisters to attend our meeting March 20 at 10 a.m. We invite special guests to come and speak at our meetings on topics concerning the interests of Local 1. We wish all of our brothers and sisters the best and look forward to seeing you.

Jim Schario, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY, SOUTH JERSEY CHAPTER — Happy New Year to all! This year, the South Jersey chapter of the Retirees' Club celebrates its 25th anniversary. Members of the club worked again with the Marine Corps from Red Bank, N.J., and with Toys for Tots, led by Lou Cohen. Lou and his crew worked from Nov. 27 to Dec. 22.

A holiday luncheon was held at Ruocco's Restaurant in Manalapan, N.J., on Dec. 8. The main holiday party was held Dec. 20 at the Local 400 hall. I would like to thank all our members for a great 2023.

Nancy Savarese, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY, WESTCHESTER/PUTNAM CHAPTER — On Dec. 12, the Westchester/Putnam chapter held its annual holiday party. This festive event was hosted at a local Italian restaurant in Tuckahoe, N.Y. Many members showed their holiday spirit by wearing their "ugliest" Christmas sweater to the luncheon. The annual party had a great turnout from our retirees and their spouses. Also in attendance were several Local 3 representatives who were happy to be a part of this annual celebration.

It was a sunny and joyous day, filled with an abundance of great food, drinks, laughter and musical entertainment from our newly elected chairman, Steve DiDonato. Our chapter also acknowledged several of its members who celebrated their 80th birthdays in 2023. Each member was given a "Golden Certificate" commemorating this milestone.

All club event proceeds are donated to the Fisher House Foundation, a charity that builds homes for visiting families of wounded veterans while they are being treated in the hospital.

We would like to thank all our officers and members for their dedication and participation in making our club a success. We wish all our fellow brothers and sisters a healthy, prosperous and happy new year!

Frank Balbo, Comm. Dir.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 35, HARTFORD, CT — Greetings, and Happy New Year to all. The Retirees' Club had their Christmas meeting catered by The Butchery. Twenty retirees attended, and it was great to see everyone. Thank you to Business Manager Michael Nealy and Business Representative John Bowen for attending. A huge thanks goes to Local 35 members for providing this year's luncheon.

Retirees are now meeting at the Knights of Columbus, 171 Pascone Place, Newington, Conn. We hope new retirees will join our meetings at noon on the second Wednesday of each month. Lunch is provided. The next meeting will be March 13.

Congratulations to all members who retired in 2023. We wish them a wonderful retirement!

We would like to honor the retirees who passed in 2023: Eugene Gallo, James Kelly, David Porter, Henry John Rugar, Alcious Watson and Craig Woodhouse.

We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2024!

Kenneth White, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 53, KANSAS CITY, MO — Happy New Year, brothers and sisters. I hope this article finds all of you in good health.

I have a few things to report on.

Local 53 will have its annual crappie tournament April 27. We hope you can attend and enjoy the day. There will be good food and drink. It will be a great day to visit and talk about the good times of our younger years and the future as well.

We held our Retirees' Club dinner Oct. 27, and we had a good turnout, with good food, great visitation and a drawing for gift cards. All of us appreciate this dinner. Thank you to Local 53.

Local 53 held its annual Christmas party Dec. 15 at Stoney Creek Hotel. There was good turnout, food and entertainment, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Thanks again to Local 53.

On a sadder note, we lost a good friend and brother, Joe Garrett. He will be missed by all who knew him and worked for him or with him. He passed away in his sleep at home Nov. 21. May the good Lord take him home to rest in peace.

Duane Pearce, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 58, DETROIT, MI — In December we held our annual Christmas party at the local union hall. We had more than 130 attendees, and our numbers are growing as COVID-19 goes further into our past. We had a great time, with a visit from Santa and photos, a catered lunch, 50/50 drawings, and lots of reminiscing with new and old friends. Our board does lots of planning and work to make this annual gathering a success, and we appreciate all those who step up and help with cleanup when the party winds down. Thanks to all who attended, and best wishes for a prosperous, successful and healthy 2024.

November 2024 brings us an important election. We all need to keep our eyes on the prize. Let's not let the distractions from criminal formerly elected officials take our attention away from what is at stake here. Decide now to deny those folks any oxygen to feed their flames of falsehoods and continued disbelief in the letter of the law. To quote Margaret Mead: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." We must join together and continue the work.

Pat Nuznov, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 105, HAMILTON, ON — At the time of this writing, I am happy to note that our Retirees' Club has been able to enjoy and schedule these events:

• Euchre, every Monday afternoon
• Grand River cruise (Sept. 14, 2023)
• Lunch at the Mandarin (Sept. 28, 2023)
• Oktoberfest, hosted by our Kitchener local (Oct. 12, 2023)
• Fish fry (Oct. 19, 2023)
• Cairn Croft Niagara Falls (Nov. 7-10, 2023)
• Toronto Christmas party, hosted by our Toronto local
  (Nov. 26, 2023)
• Lunch and "Fiddler on the Roof," St. Jacob's (Dec. 7, 2023)
• Local 105 Christmas dinner and dance, Michelangelo's, Hamilton (Dec. 10, 2023)
• Breakfast at St. Naum Church (Jan. 24)
• Valentine's dance at Michelangelo's (Feb. 11)
• Lunch at the Mandarin, Burlington (March 14)
• Performing Arts Sanderson Centre, Brantford (March 27)
• Cairn Croft Best Western Niagara Falls (April 16-19)
• May dance, Michelangelo's (May 5)
• Grand River Raceway (June)
• Barbecue, union hall (June 21)

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

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

Eden McLean, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 134, CHICAGO, IL — We hope everyone had a great start to the new year. Last year ended with another fun holiday party with prizes and a delicious luncheon.

At our October 2023 meeting, guest speaker Jim Valleyfield spoke about the needs of homeless soldiers. Our Retirees' Club donated money for T-shirts, underwear and other needed essentials. In what is becoming a yearly event, in December, the Local 134 Motorcycle Club escorted 3 truckloads of items for homeless veterans to the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center.

In November, guest speaker Candice Mares represented the Midwest Coalition of Labor and informed us that members and families of Local 134 are eligible to take advantage of benefits such as free roadside assistance, financial planning, discount programs, cost savings for legal services, tax preparation and many more. It was good to learn that we have these benefits available to us.

A story from our Chicago Labor History: On Aug. 31, 1933, Local 134 electrical workers employed by the city of Chicago went on strike. At 8 p.m., they turned off more than 90,000 streetlights and all of the traffic lights in the Chicago Loop. They also raised 38 of the city's 55 drawbridges and left them up. The population in Chicago in 1933 was 3,376,400, so imagine what this did to our city back then.

The Illinois Labor History Society has invited us to a motor coach tour that will take place in early May. Guided by members of the Illinois Labor History Society, we will be touring various sites of importance to Chicago's labor history. This tour should be interesting and educational.

Thank you to all the Local 134 administrative staff, President Tim Fitzgibbons and Business Manager/Financial Secretary Don Finn for their support.

Sue Kleczka, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 136, BIRMINGHAM, AL — The retiree members of Local 136 had some very good meetings in 2023. Thanks to Retirees' Club President Frank Perryman for making sure we had business to take care of all year. Our meetings are the first Wednesday of every month.

We have bricks left for our local's Wall of Fame. Contact Frank if you want a brick.

We award service pins to Retirees' Club members, usually at 50 years or more of membership. Former Fifth District International Vice President Dan Waters received a 70-year pin, and several others were present to receive their pins. We always serve fried Alabama catfish on that day, and NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Red Farmer showed up for the good catfish. If you have retired, come on down.

We always have good eats: fried catfish (two times this year), soup and salad, turkey and dressing, deli sandwiches, and good Alabama barbecue. Some of the retiree sisters help us make lunch. Thanks to them for all the help and outstanding desserts.

We have a moment of silence at meetings for our deceased brothers and sisters. We want to thank our local union officers, Business Manager Bill Blackmon, President Ross Roberson and the executive board for their support.

In closing, we have had some retirees get hurt in their yards, on their roofs, cutting trees, doing side jobs, on lawnmowers and in their cars.

Remember this: If it looks unsafe, it might be!

Bill Roberson, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 257, JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The retirees attended the annual Christmas party hosted by Local 257 on Dec. 12. Seventy-four members and guests were treated to a family-style luncheon. A raffle was held for scratch-offs and a poinsettia. Donations are collected annually for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Retirees collected $1,000 this year to support St Jude's mission of saving children and finding cures.

Condolences are sent to the family of Herman Grothoff, who passed Nov. 7 at the age of 87. After serving in the Korean War, Herman joined the IBEW in 1964. He was proud to talk about the many office buildings, airports and government buildings — including the state capital — that he helped wire.

Condolences are sent to the family of Margie Rackers, the wife of Harold Rackers, who preceded her in death. Harold and her son, Dale, were both members of Local 257. Margie was a mother of seven and a certified home health aide and served in various church organizations.

Condolences are sent to the family of Jeff Ballew, who passed on Dec. 3, 2023, at the age of 61. Jeff was a member of the IBEW for 40 years and served as an assistant business agent before retiring in 2022.

The retirees of Local 257 wish all a blessed and healthy 2024.

Connie Hamacher, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 349, MIAMI, FL — It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Stanley "Whitey" Nelson, a dedicated member of Local 349. Stanley's commitment to the IBEW started in 1965. After more than three decades of service, he was an integral part of the IBEW community as a member and officer of the Retirees' Club for 24 years. His enduring dedication and camaraderie will be remembered, and our thoughts are with his family and fellow union members during this difficult time.

During the holiday season, we toured the historic Deering Estate, which was decorated in a whimsical theme of "Alice in Wonderland." Our annual Christmas lunch was held at the 94th Aero Squadron and was filled with the joy of the holidays as we exchanged stories of holidays past and embraced the spirit of togetherness. Thank you to Marilyn Steele for arranging our adventures, as we look forward to 2024.

Brenda Auer, P.S.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 654, CHESTER, PA — Several of our retired brothers and sisters meet every other Wednesday morning at a local establishment for breakfast. These breakfast dates feature significant stories from the past and present, but mostly from the past. It gets very loud with laughter and excitement until the food arrives, when it quiets down considerably.

Brother Bill Shaw has been organizing these breakfast get-togethers for decades. Brother Bill Martin sends out biweekly breakfast reminder emails to our retirees. He also distributes coffee mugs inscribed with the slogan "First We Eat — IBEW 654 Retirees Breakfast." Brother Russ Fox shows up extra early and helps the waitresses put the tables together. He also coordinated a banner and T-shirts with our breakfast slogan on them. Hats off to both Bills and to Russ for their brotherly efforts.

On Dec. 13, the officers and members of Local 654 put on a fantastic Christmas luncheon for our retired brothers and sisters in our union hall's grand ballroom. The festivities and camaraderie filled us all with holiday spirit. There is nothing more fulfilling than sharing a meal and re-igniting friendships with brothers and sisters that you worked with side by side for decades.

Bill Faulkner, Bus. Rep.

RETIREES' CLUB OF L.U. 756, DAYTONA BEACH, FL — 2023 was a slow year for trying to rebuild attendance at our Retirees' Club meetings, especially after COVID-19 shut us down for two years. We are hoping this year will bring more members back to our meetings to see old friends and reminisce.

We had a pin ceremony at our November 2023 meeting and want to congratulate everyone receiving pins, both those who were present and those who were not able to make it. Thank you all for your many years of service.

With sadness, we must announce that we have had one member pass since our last article. We send our condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Brother Rex L. Rawlins. We miss him greeting everyone at the door and his great stories.

We would like to invite any retired or unemployed brothers and sisters and their spouses in the area to come and join us. Our meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Local 756 union hall in Port Orange, Fla.

Diane Gibbs, P.S.