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Local 2, Toledo, Ohio
Member Ray Bottles, one of the last active trainmen that worked on the New York Central's 20th Century Limited has been chosen to participate in the introduction of the U.S. Postal Service's stamps commemorating great passenger trains. The five-stamp series will be unveiled August 26 at the Cleveland Convention Center at a ceremony to be attended by Cleveland Mayor Michael White and other dignitaries. U.S. Postal Service Communications Specialist Mark Reynolds is looking for others connected with the trains depicted (including the Daylight, the Congressional, the Hiawatha, and the Super Chief) and can be contacted at (216) 443-4803.
Local 4, Charny, PQ
The growing local now boasts some 70 members in yard service, up from just 34 a year ago, said Secretary and Treasurer Louis-François Garceau, who now counts 175 members.
Local 7, North Platte, Neb.
Retired engineer Clifton A. Hiltabidel was recently presented a UTU Brass Lantern by International President Charles L. Little, who attended the annual spring dinner held in conjunction with Locals 200 and 286, both in North Platte, according to Local 7's President Jim Jackson.
Local 23, Santa Cruz, Cal.
Bargaining resumed last month between the local and the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District, according to Local Chairperson Ian McFadden, who noted that innovative negotiating techniques employed when talks opened in April led to the expeditious conclusion of the first phase of contract talks.
Locals 78 & 265, Pocatello, Idaho
Member Greg Farris (L-78) recently kicked off the 9th Annual Oakley Archibald Idaho State University (ISU) Rodeo Scholarship Fund Drive, according to UTUIA Field Supervisor George J. Millward. For the past eight years, the two locals have given a $500 scholarship to the ISU rodeo team in the name of the UTU and the late Brother Archibald, who was killed on his last run before retirement. A 12-gauge Browning shotgun donated by UTU Designated Legal Counsel Bricker, Zakovics, Querin, Thompson & Ritchey is being raffled off to raise funds. For information, contact Farris at (208) 233-8724, or Lin Whitworth at (208) 775-3773.
Local 446, Cheyenne, Wyo.
The UTU's mobile education and training coach, Membership I, made a recent stop that coincided with a dinner for the local hosted by UTU Designated Legal Council Rossi, Cox, Kiker & Inderwish. In attendance were International President Charles L. Little and Assistant President Byron A. Boyd, Jr. During the evening, President Little presented retiree Fred J. Mueller with a 60-year service pin and a UTU Brass Lantern.
Local 473, La Grande, Ore.
Members this month are slated to begin participating in a 120-day work/rest pilot project that will make them the first on the Union Pacific to have pool turns with days off, according to Secretary and Treasurer Larry Romine. Those wishing to compare experiences and discuss related developments are encouraged to attend the local's regular meeting, held the second Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. at 1209 Adams Avenue, Ste. G, in La Grande, Ore.
Local 818, Fort Worth, Tex.
After more than 32 years as an elected officer serving in two UTU locals, member Frank D. "Chester" Flanigan retired at the end of last month. Flanigan's plans for retirement include the establishment of a club for fellow rail retirees in the area. Those wishing to contact him should write to Box 162, Keller, TX 76248.
Local 1168, Clovis, N.M.
In late May, Local President Richard K. Barnard presented Past Local Chairperson John Hays, Jr., with a special plaque on behalf of International President Charles L. Little recognizing Hays' many years of outstanding service as an ambassador for the Transportation Political Education League (TPEL) Fund. Hays, with 44 years of service on the BNSF, has served most of his career as either the yard local chairperson or the local chairperson representing conductors, and daily promotes the importance of contributing to TPEL.
Local 1608, Chatsworth, Cal.
Growing at a phenomenal rate due to new hiring, the local is gaining about 40 new members every two weeks, said Local Chairperson Vic Baffoni, who encourages new hires to make a point of meeting their UTU officers to learn what their union offers them. Recently, members took pride in learning that Secretary, Treasurer and Delegate Franz VonKruger has been appointed to the UTU Constitution Committee. Meanwhile, the local's Cinco de Mayo celebration and its Juneteenth party were both resounding successes, marked by the attendance of numerous retirees.
Local 1709, Pontiac, Mich.
A family picnic set for July 18 will mark the demise of the old Grand Trunk Railroad (GTR), which formally ceased to exist at the beginning of July courtesy of the Canadian National's purchase of the Illinois Central (IC) and its plan to merge the GTR and IC. Called a "funeral" picnic, the event is being organized by the ladies of FAM-RAIL, a local chapter of the national Women/Wives Against the Railroad (WARR), according to FAM-Rail Chairperson Marlene Haines, wife of member Joseph R. Haines III. For information and directions to the picnic site, call (248) 627-3253.
Local 1813, West Colton, Cal.
Members recently sponsored their 21st Annual Two-Man Scramble Golf Tournament at Los Serranos Golf and Country Club in Chino Hills, Cal., where some 160 amateur golfers from various area labor unions participated, according to Local President L.A. Schweigert. Among players on hand were UTU International President Emeritus G. Thomas DuBose and International Vice President Dan Johnson.
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