Local 2 Brother Steve Banderman Retires
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 2, ST. LOUIS, MO — Our local would like to congratulate Brother Steve Banderman on his retirement. Steve is a 45-year member of Local 2. He was indentured into the line apprenticeship in 1980 and worked for several IBEW contractors until moving to Crawford Electric Cooperative in 1989. Steve was appointed assistant business manager/recording secretary of Local 2 in 2005.
Steve brought his years of experience in the trade to the halls of Local 2 and led with honesty and respect. His devotion and leadership to his local and the IBEW will be a model to those who serve after him. Congratulations, and enjoy the lake!
Mike Keith, A.B.M.
Local 3 Retiree Pensioners’ Luncheon
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 3, NEW YORK, NY, WESTCHESTER / PUTNAM CHAPTER — Our local held its 40th biannual pensioners’ luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. More than 1,000 happy retirees filled the grand ballroom. In addition to the Westchester/Putnam retirees’ chapter, attendees included members of chapters from New York City, Long Island and New Jersey.
Club members reunited with old friends and former co-workers. We shared memories, gave updates on families and reminisced about old work tales. Lunch was served, and we heard from several esteemed officers, including Business Manager Christopher Erikson.
The guest speaker was former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who is running to be the next mayor of New York City. Cuomo’s candidacy has been endorsed by Local 3. He has always been a friend, supporting unions, pension plans and retirees. We wish him the best of luck.
This day was a reminder that after a successful career in the electrical industry, we are fortunate to have a great pension that offers us financial stability in our golden years.
Frank Balbo, Comm. Dir.
Hogan Takes the Helm as President
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 26, WASHINGTON, DC — The retired members’ club held its recent elections, ushering in a new slate of officers to lead the organization into the future. George Hogan was elected as the new president, bringing fresh vision and energy to the role. Joining him on the new leadership team are Bob Cunningham, elected as treasurer, and Rick Warner as vice president.
As we look forward to a new chapter, we also take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing officers: President Susan Flashman and Treasurer Jim Handley. Their dedication and contributions have left a lasting impact on the RMC.
A special thanks goes to Susan Flashman and longtime member and past officer Dick Bissell, whose leadership energized the development of the Medical Equipment Program. This initiative has provided essential medical equipment to area residents in need, and it stands as a testament to their compassionate and proactive approach during their tenures.
Incoming President George Hogan has already outlined some important issues to be addressed. Among them is a call for reviewing and updating the organization’s bylaws. Concerns were raised during the recent election, particularly around the rule requiring members to be physically present to cast a vote. Hogan emphasized the need to modernize voting procedures to ensure fairness and broader participation.
In addition to leadership changes, the RMC is developing a new logo, designed to better reflect the identity and mission of the organization. More details on the logo’s unveiling will be shared in the near future.
RMC members also have exciting events to look forward to under the guidance of Vice President (and travel coordinator) Rick Warner. A New England cruise is planned for October, promising memorable experiences and fellowship among members. Other activities are also in the works as the RMC continues to grow and build community.
With strong new leadership, ongoing initiatives and a renewed sense of purpose, the RMC is well positioned for continued success in the months and years ahead.
Michael Acree, P.S.
Join the Local 35 Retirees’ Club
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 35, HARTFORD, CT — First, I would like to give thanks to Dennis Machol, president of the Local 35 Retirees’ Club, and Charlie Rose for their involvement in the American Retirement Association. They help us to stay informed on issues that affect us as retirees.
We are looking forward to this year’s events including the Yard Goats baseball games, golf outings, a possible trip to Foxwoods Casino and our monthly luncheons at the Knights of Columbus in Newington.
For all new retirees: We meet on the second Wednesday of the month at noon. If you have any suggestions for group activities, please come to the next meeting so we can discuss new activities.
Thank you, Local 35, for donations like the Yard Goats tickets and for being a strong union.
We hope more retirees will join us now that spring has arrived!
Kenneth R. White, P.S.
Local 53 Service Pins Awarded
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 53, KANSAS CITY, MO — Greetings, brothers and sisters! We are well into the new year, and it has been interesting, to say the least. Every day seems to bring new challenges.
The weather looks like it is finally going to give us a break. We can get out and start doing some fishing, gardening, riding or just sitting outside and relaxing with a cold drink. Heck, I am even looking forward to yard work after this winter.
Local 53 hosted our spring luncheon, and there was great turnout. It was wonderful to see everyone and catch up on what they had been up to. The food was great, as usual. We would like to thank the local and all of its staff for doing a terrific job.
This year, the following members received service pins: Dwight Alder, Rick Jones, Aaron Mabon and Tom Westfall (50 years); Irvin Blackard, Mike Costigan, William Ferguson, James Gedminas, Edgar Skaggs and Richard Vote (55 years); James Anderson, Ronald Calron, Gary Hanna, Dorsey Wayne Jackson, Jim Love and Phil Sperry (60 years); and Robert J. Miller (70 years).
On a sad note, we lost a couple more retirees, Bob Frazee and Jack Brown. Rest in peace, brothers.
Bob Stuart, Pres.
Supporting Those Who Support Us
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 58, DETROIT, MI — We hosted our annual pin party, which honors all members with 50+ years of membership in the IBEW, in April. This year we had 218 eligible honorees, with 73 recipients of 50-year pins.
This event has been gaining steam since the pandemic shutdown, and our attendance has been in the 100+ range. Along with invited guests, honorees enjoy a catered lunch, the presentation ceremony and photographs. Many honorees meet up with old classmates from their apprenticeships and folks they worked with when active in the trade. A good time is always had by all.
With the shift in White House power in January, we are seeing the American people who do not align themselves with billionaires gathering in town hall meetings and in many grassroots organizations throughout the country, voicing their confusion and despair. We union folks know what it’s like to work for a living. Let’s get to work reminding those in power that we are out here and willing to support the folks who support us.
Pat Nuznov, P.S.
Kicking Off Summer at Local 105
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 105, HAMILTON, ON — I’d say we are definitely ready for the summer! Since our last article, we have added a few more activities to our agenda.
On April 13 we were invited to join Local 105 for a years-of-service presentation breakfast at the Michelangelo Banquet Centre. So nice to see so many deserving members be recognized!
May 4th we returned to the Michelangelo Banquet Centre for a dinner and dance. We were pleased to share this event with our brothers and sisters.
June 6 we jumped on a bus and headed to the Grand River Raceway & Casino for an enjoyable dinner and a night of entertainment.
June 20 will be our annual barbecue to kick-off the summer!
For those of you who are 55+, a retiree of Local 105 and have not yet joined the Retirees’ Club, what are you waiting for? It’s only $25 per year per person, and look at all the fun you’re missing out on!
Most importantly, please remember that all the past and present events we enjoy are made possible by our hard-working local members and kindhearted executive board. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you!
Eden McLean, P.S.
Local 125 Retirees’ Luncheon and Service Awards
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 125, PORTLAND, OR — On March 24, during the monthly retirees’ luncheon, President Larry Browning of our local took a moment to recognize the impressive service records of two esteemed retirees.
Bob Rogan proudly celebrated 50 years of dedicated service, while Don Akers marked an incredible milestone with 65 years of commitment to the IBEW. We extend our deepest gratitude to both Bob and Don for their unwavering dedication to membership and the Brotherhood. Thank you for your long-standing contributions and commitment to the IBEW!
Travis Eri, B.M.
Summer Greetings From Local 134 Retirees’ Club
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 134, CHICAGO, IL — Summer greetings to all members and administration. We held a March 12 luncheon meeting and celebrated an early St. Patrick’s Day with a delicious corned-beef-and-cabbage lunch. This meeting was also the biennial odd-year election for three opening seats on our executive board, with five members nominated for the election. After all members in attendance voted, the votes were counted. Bob Pitlock, one of our monthly newsletter editors, was elected, along with James Martin and Susan Kleczka, who were re-elected to serve another term. Local 134 President Timothy Fitzgibbons swore us in to the retirees’ executive board.
On March 26, a group of about 30 retirees went on a field trip to the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum in Evanston for a regional tour of American Indian cultures. This amazing little museum is filled with so much knowledge and information about the North American tribes from sea to shining sea. We learned how native tribes made use of what was available to them to build their homes, plant crops and hunt for food in the territories where they lived. They left nothing to waste and used their resources to make clothes, shoes, headdresses, and beautiful blankets and works of art.
An artist named Christal Ratt, a Mitchikanibikok lnik First Nation woman, creates art that keeps traditional practices alive. One of her pieces, Shemaginish (Warrior), is a life-size warrior figure that honors land defenders, water protectors and grassroots advocates who guard indigenous rights and lands. It caught my eye because the helmet looks like one in “Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” showing the timeless quality of her art.
Wishing you all a safe and healthy summer.
Susan Kleczka, P.S.
Local 150 Retirees’ Activities in 2025
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 150, WAUKEGAN, IL — Every year our Events Committee puts in efforts to ensure our club members have plenty of options to get out and have some fun!
It’s great to see how many Local 150 retirees and their spouses sign up and participate in these activities every year, and 2025 is no different. However, we are always looking for more retired members to join in! Copies of our 2025 calendar are available at the hall and on the Retirees’ Club’s website (ibew150.org/retiree-club). Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. from March through November on the JATC side of the hall.
We have quarterly luncheons each year, an awesome picnic at the Laughlins’ house in September, and we participate in Zion’s Labor Day Parade and host the Local 150 kids’ Christmas party in December.
Some of our other events this year include a Libertyville Fire Station tour, a Lincolnshire Marriott Theater production, Par-King Skill Golf, East Troy Railroad Museum/Train Charter, Cedarburg Strawberry Fest, bocce ball in Highwood, a Lake Geneva cruise and a visit to the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights. Looking forward to a busy 2025!
Tom Boivin, Vice Pres.
Spring Forward
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 257, JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Monthly luncheon meetings were held in February and March at the American Legion Post 5 in Jefferson City and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2657 in Fulton, respectively. Retirees were treated to a country-style luncheon followed by the monthly meeting.
President Ron Holzhauser acknowledged that our retiree club would feature in The Electrical Worker, and a draft of the article was read by Connie Hamacher to the retirees at the February meeting. The article was published in March with great reviews from members of the Retirees’ Club.
Rick Stokes recruited retirees to judge projects at Skills USA, which was held April 11 at State Technical College in Linn, Mo.
Congratulations are extended to Jim Winemiller and Debbie Hillen, who married Jan. 11.
Condolences are sent to the family of Cecil Roark, who passed Feb. 7. Cecil owned and operated South Electric and joined Local 257 in the 1970s. He continued to work for various union contractors before retiring in 2001.
Connie Hamacher, P.S.
Honoring our Legacy
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 683, COLUMBUS, OH — We celebrated our 43rd annual Christmas luncheon — our third post-COVID-19 — with a remarkable turnout of approximately 120 attendees. This gathering continues to grow each year, rekindling friendships and bringing together members who may not have seen each other for decades.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our active members and officers for their ongoing support in providing the caterer and opening the doors of our union hall for this event. Their commitment strengthens the bond between active and retired members, ensuring that our traditions remain vibrant.
As we look ahead, we invite retirees’ clubs across Ohio and beyond to collaborate — to network, share ideas, organize state-level retiree events and build a lasting foundation for future generations. Retirees are a vital link between the past and the future, offering wisdom, experience and a historical perspective that can guide today’s workforce.
We preserve our union’s legacy and strengthen the Brotherhood for generations by staying engaged.
Mike Morey, Pres.
Local 804 Retirees Have Been Active
RETIREES’ CLUB OF L.U. 804, KITCHENER, ON — Local 804’s Retirees’ Club has been very busy, including 14 functions on our events calendar in 2024. These included trips to the theater for live musicals and plays; a river boat cruise; casino visit; a Toyota tour; visits to other retirees’ clubs; Oktoberfest, with guests coming from four other retirees’ clubs; and Christmas functions.
We initiated an education fundraising project for the baby daughter of an apprentice who was killed on the job. We adopted a child in Haiti and donated to those in need, like the Ukrainian people and Kids Ability. Our retired members are still working on the electrical installations for our area Habitat for Humanity, and the savings to Habitat over the past 20 years amount to $1,287,000.
We organized two electrical missions to Guatemala, one in 2019 with 13 people and one in 2023 with 16 people. We upgraded the electrical system at a home for children while in Guatemala. The electrical system was so bad that they were getting 70-volt shocks in the showers of the girls’ dorm.
We have interesting speakers at our meetings, such as an expert on EVs; a fire chief; a policeman to talk about grandparent scams; and experts on downsizing, exercise for seniors, wills, first aid, CPR and many others.
Thanks to all of our events coordinators for arranging such fun-filled years, and thanks to all of the other volunteers in the club that make this organization such a success.
Jerry Wilson, Pres.
