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From the steel and concrete canyons of New York City to the lighthouse in Montauk Point, from the hospitals in Westchester to the beach hotels on the Jersey Shore. Local One sends its greetings.
In the past, summer doesn't usually supply much material for submission to the journal. Sadly, this year is an exception. From the moment the last meeting ended things have been moving too quickly for most of us. Most importantly is the health of Brother John Green. Since 1984 John has set the bar for negotiating the collective bargaining agreement. He brought the annuity to the Local One when it wasn't a thought anywhere else. John is now concentrating on his health. We are all wishing him a speedy recovery.
Ray Hernandez is the Business Manager (pro temp). He will fill in for John. By the time you read this article, nominations will be held at the September meeting for Business Manager, Secretary Treasurer and the backbone of the industry, the Correspondent to the Journal. (Don't ask me) Remember brothers and sisters we are the union. What goes on is our business. It is not for the ears of the company's supervision. When I was much younger than I am today. My two brothers and I used to roll around and fight constantly. Being the youngest I would come out on the short end of the stick (usually fresh out of the campfire) on more than one occasion. There was no mercy granted, mind you. But I recall on a few occasions coming home from school bruised and a bit bloody, and still not talking to my brothers Martin or Keith. They would just say, "Get in the car. How many were there?" Then they'd say to me, "Nobody gangs up on my brother. Now someone will pay...!" I now envision this as the way it should be, and is, in our union today. Being a member of a union should mean you can disagree strongly with one another, debate with the intent to make the brother and sisterhood stronger. I can disagree with you on behalf of the membership. We should still defend each other, and do what's necessary to make our collective situation better. That tells the employer we are a strong, viable organization that communicates its ideas, pro and con, to one another and has a forum for problem solving. Oh yes to finish my personal experience. My brothers picked up to those hooligans and we all participated in arbitration where everyone compromised in a mature, orderly manner.
"One man with courage is a majority" Thomas Jefferson. A man like this is Local One's own Bill Bulger. On my first day in the business, Bill was the first person my mechanic introduced me to. He is the type of guy that makes an impact on a nervous helper right off the bat. His unassuming nature and smile puts you at ease, so you can be ready to listen and learn. I guess that's just Bill. For 15 years Bill has been a majority of one, swimming a marathon across New Jersey's largest lake, Lake Hopatacong. Raising funds for those suffering with juvenile diabetes, Smith Lemli Optiz Syndrome, and this year VFW Post 2347. Bill's 24-hour task has raised between $90,000 and $100,000 over the years, but good deeds don't always last forever and long before beginning his journey on his 60th birthday this year, Bill had decided he would be calling it quits, stating, "I thought it was just time." I am sure other people are effected by Bill's good work too. Maybe it causes a random act of kindness or causes one person to get off their couch to help a person in need. Even better, maybe someone in his or her own way picks up the torch for Bill and carries on. Being a majority of one. Donations can be made out to the Lakeland VFW Post 2347, and also the Ronald McDonald House or The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and sent to Bill Bulger, 106 Camp Trail, Andover, NJ, 07821
The weather held out for this year's annual picnic. As usual the families that participated had a great time. It was nice to see old friends but I must say the greatest feeling of satisfaction is gazing upon a 4 year old child with cotton candy glued to their face, reveling in their fortune (then looking at the parent's expression and giggling). The Picnic Committee did a bang up job, as they always do. Many thanks go out to them for their hard work and dedication. As always the Local One Bagpipe Band played inspiring tunes to please the folks. There were horseback rides and the egg toss. Boys were riding on bikes and little girls being pulled in wagons, raffles and 50/50's. So a good time was had by all.
On Sunday before Labor Day Geezer, Guy Cerbone and his wife Debbie, hosted The 14th Annual SkellFest at his beautiful home in Freeport L.I. The guest of honor was a delicious, roasted, spiced pig in tatro sauce. Brother Sloth, Chris Ortiz and his lovely wife, Hunny catered to the beast and the rest of us. Good job with the spatula, Chris, one more beer and I would have let you ink up my back. When I heard Batman singing the blues I knew the neighbors were gonna know what Rock and Roll was that night.
Sister Eileen Kenney is the proud mother of twin girls Sarah 3lb 10oz and Tara 4lb 7oz born July 6th 2003. The girls were delivered eight weeks early, so Eileen and Pete were at Lenox Hill Hospital everyday until the girls came home August 13th. Eileen, I know your late father, Brother Owen Carr, is smiling upon you for your happiness and because now you'll know what he and your Mom went through with your four brothers and six sisters. Seriously, good luck and good health to your new family, sis!
"Kites rise highest against the wind- not with it". Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)
Fraternally Tom Vasak
Posted Online October 2, 2003
