L.U. 150 (es,i,rts&spa), WAUKEGAN, IL—Congratulations to our softball team on a great summer of play. The team started by placing fourth in the July IBEW Midwest Tournament in Parkersburg, WV. Then the team took first place in IBEW Local 601’s tournament in Champagne, IL, for the third consecutive year. Finally they placed first in the Union Yes tournament hosted by Operating Engineers Local 150. Local 150 Bros. Scott Solberg and Bob Wanak traveled to Michigan to help with the Habitat for Humanity project last summer. With events of past months along the Gulf Coast, the work that volunteers do for their fellow citizens and communities is more important than ever. In this month of giving, we urge all members to do what they can, locally or nationally, to help build stronger communities whether through action or material donations. Local 150 also wishes to let our union brothers and sisters in the states so severely affected by these natural disasters know that our thoughts and prayers have been with you, your families and communities. The entire IBEW will stand with you throughout your recovery and rebuilding efforts. You are not alone. Jon Stewart, P.S. L.U. 164 (c,i,o&t), JERSEY CITY, NJ—Proud of those serving in the military and especially in war zones, Local 164 is demonstrating its support of six recently activated members by offering an increased supplemental unemployment benefit. Local 164 has doubled the normal $250 per week benefit to $500 per week for previously enlisted reservists; these members are also receiving full health and welfare benefits as well as pension credits. “Local 164’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to double the unemployment benefit for activated reservists to demonstrate our support for those members who have interrupted their personal and professional lives to serve on behalf of our country,” said Bus. Mgr. Richard “Buzzy” Dressel. “This supplement helps bridge the gap between military wages and that of an electrician or telecommunications technician.” Among those members who have completed or are still serving on active duty are: Jose Alejo, Kevin Coppinger, Joseph Langschultz, Timothy Michaels, Paul Nilan and Elliott Rubinich. Local 164 is proud to have one of the most efficient, self-managed benefits programs. From the unemployment benefit to long-term care insurance, the local is steadfast in its commitment to meet the health care and retirement needs of all Local 164 members. David Milazzo, Pres. L.U. 180 (c,i,o&st), VALLEJO, CA—The “Join Arnold” team working to destroy unions and the voices of working people are, at the time of this writing, watching a little election here in Vallejo. They are amazed and scared. Heated topics, attacks on local police and fire from the existing city council have the public banding together. A bankrupt school district has many asking questions. This resulted in most of Vallejo’s public and private unions joining with the Chamber of Commerce and the Realtors to jointly and solidly support candidates for Vallejo’s city council and school board races. Is the tide turning? In the middle of the governor’s attacks, Kaiser and its unions come to a “heartily endorsed” agreement. As the AFL-CIO splits over politics or organizing, our unions realize it is both and not one or the other. As unions are targeted as harmful, it is satisfying that the Solano County Board of Supervisors issued a resolution stating how successful the PLA was on the new $110 million government building—and the PLA is here to stay. Michael C. Smith, B.A. L.U. 204 (t&u), CEDAR RAPIDS, IA—Our deepest sympathy to the families of the following brothers who passed away this year: Bill Draheim, retired service rep from Nora Springs, who died April 19; Edward Wolfe, retired Instrument & Control technician at Prairie Creek Power Station, Cedar Rapids (d. May 31); Mike Hala, line mechanic from Marshalltown (d. June 24); Richard L Bryant, retiree from Iowa Southern (d. July 2); Ted Hruska, IES retiree from Cedar Rapids, (d. Aug. 1); and Charles E Berry, retired operating engineer from Prairie Creek Power Station (d. Aug. 11). On July 1 Local 204 then-Pres. Nile Lanning, a 33-year member, retired as a line foreman from Alliant Energy/Interstate Power & Light and as longtime local union president. Niles served our local with great dedication and was president for 25 years. As a journeyman lineman, he arrived on the scene in 1971 at the Iowa Electric Light & Power Company. He rapidly became active in the union, served as a steward and was elected president in 1979. Randy Drummer, P.S.
L.U. 252 (ees,i,rts&spa), ANN ARBOR, MI—Retirees Night always generates a lot of excitement for Local 252. Bus. Mgr. Greg Stephens, staff and Local 252 members sincerely thank retirees for their many years of dedicated service. This year 50-year pins and gold watches were presented to Bros. Rex Chenoweth, Gerald Hopkins, Bill Koepp Jr., Marvin Salyer, Richard A. Smith, Richard L. Straith and Fred Veigel. We have 54 members with 50 plus years of IBEW membership. After the awards ceremony, attendees enjoyed an excellent catered dinner prepared by Bro. Scott Neff and his wife, Carrie. The occasion was another opportunity to renew friendships and enjoy fellowship. Retiring Bro. Jerry Gutekunst, past president, was surprised to receive the honorary title “President Emeritus” in recognition of his achievements and dedication to Local 252. Congratulations, Jerry. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year. Thanks to all who helped make Retirees Night a success. Timothy Bortles, P.S.
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