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Greetings from the proud brothers and sisters of Local One,
Summer temperatures have finally come to New York City. Union meetings are put on hold until September while planned vacations are finally realized for some, and spur of the moment holidays, are departed for, by others. But like many, I settle for the weekend excursions to the beach, mountains or the backyard barbecue, when possible. This gives us a chance to catch up with spending time with the kids, doing some yard work and knocking off the honey do list May 13th, our executive board held their first meeting in the new freshly renovated Local One Union Hall in Long Island City. Pictured below, in the front row, Brian Kelly, Fred McCourt, Ray Hernandez, Mike Duffy, Mike Halpin. 2nd row, Joe Nolan Sr., John Green Jr., Tony Carudo, Bus. Mgr. John Green Sr., Lenny Legotte, Terence Carr, Gary Reifenhauser, Kevin McDermott, Tony Orrigo, Charlie Novak Jr., and Ed Krull.
On July 2nd, a party was given in the honor of Mike McPartland. Mike is packing up his family and moving from New York to the warmer climate of Florida. Mike now works for Schindler's Long Island office. Many of his friends came to the Wooville Cafe to wish him well, while others like myself came to see him become blurry. To our brothers and sisters in Florida our loss is your gain. Only his ability to make one feel at ease is greater than his pursuit to be great at whatever he does. Just a few friends pictured below. Calm winds and following seas. Good Luck!
On July 10th a rally was held at 33 Comac Loop, in Ronkonkoma, New York. The Long Island Building Trades and others protested at the site of a newly opened training facility for the non-union ABC Contractor. On this day, an open house was scheduled. Needless to say, it must have caused quite a stir inside the facility. Hundreds of skilled union workers massed at their doors only to be turned away from the open house. The rally cry of the union worker was heard loud and clear that day. It will continue to be heard, until training facilities for non-union labor is a thing of the past. Pictured below is some of the Local One members on hand. Jessie Lynn, Debbie Vasak, Matt Carr, Joe Nolan, Mike Halpin, Mike Duffy, Tommy Bues, Tom Ginty, Matt Labriola and of course Charlie the Cheese Eater.
Retired brother Harry Shields asked if he could pass along this letter to all the brothers and sisters of the entire IUEC.
Dear Brothers and Sisters.
Last year our 6-year old grandson, Peter, was diagnosed with Leukemia, He is undergoing treatment and doing well. It is through this personal tragedy that our family has become advocates for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We continue to do all we can to raise awareness for this dreadful disease and to help raise funds to find a cure for these children.
We would like to thank all of you that joined our family and supported the Leukemia Society's fund-raiser, Light the Night Walk, last year. This is an annual nationwide evening walk to celebrate and commemorate people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Last year, TEAM PETER, raised over $3,000 to find a cure for childhood cancer.
The statistics are staggering; cancer remains the number one disease killer of children. Each day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer; one in 330-children will develop cancer by age 20. We all have friends, neighbors and family members who may be battling cancer, and sadly, most of us know people who have lost the battle.
Once again many thanks to all of you that made our fight your fight. If you would like to help our grandson and these children, you can sponsor TEAM PETER by sending a tax deductible donation (with checks made out to the Leukemia Society) c/o Peter Shields 254 West wind Road, Henderson, NV 89074
... because children can't fight cancer alone!
Sincerely,
Harry Shields
retired brother and member of board of trustees
Good Luck Harry, and good luck Peter. We pray both of you succeed!
A note to some of the members that may not see the pictures they sent me of their loved ones. As of this publication, I do not possess a scanner. The pictures you see in the current articles are digital.
SICKNESS: John Combos - Joseph Buffa - Jackie Doyle - William Waterbury - William Kolln - Frank Tomeo
"Diplomacy is the art of saying " nice doggy " until you can find a rock". (Will Rogers)
Fraternally,
Tom Vasak
Posted Online August 31, 2003
