Evelyn Davis, a member of Local 1607, Los Angeles, Cal., (left), and a bus operator for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, went the extra mile recently when she helped a newborn baby into the world and then continued driving her route. "It was the most exciting thing that has ever happened to me," said Davis, who soon found herself in the center of a media whirlwind. -- Full Story.

Local 100, Oakland, Cal.
Retiree Program member and author Dick Murdock, 83, is stepping aside as editor of the Oakland Old Rails News, and seeks someone to take over and keep the publication alive. The newsletter is an outgrowth of the former Port Costa News, first published in 1957 by the late John F. Cody, former UTU local chairperson and Benicia, Cal., city councilman. Those interested are urged to contact Murdock at P.O. Box 1346, Ross, CA 94957-1346, or call him at (415) 454-1771.

Local 498, Allentown, Pa.
Among those who attended the 18th Annual Lehigh Valley Railroad Reunion in September was active member John M. Hedmeck, who at age 76 continues to work as a conductor for CSX, according to UTU Retiree Program member Eugene K. Schuler, a reunion committee member who thanked all those who continue to make this gathering a successful and memorable event.

Local 924, Richmond, Va.
More than 460 persons attended this year's family picnic, which was marked by the appearance of the UTU's mobile education and training facility, Membership I, said Local Chairperson James Chapman III, who represents road, yard and UTU-E members. Chapman thanked picnic committee chairperson John Henry Hines, as well as the sponsors, including Designated Legal Counsel Francis P. Hajek, Larry Mann and Willard Moody, for a day marked by great food and fellowship.

Local 1188, Oklahoma City, Okla.
A special reception attended by coworkers, friends and relatives was held late last month to honor H.A. Buck, a former local chairperson retiring after 44 years of service, said Local Chairperson (E) Jeff J. Coykendall. Working first with the Rock Island and then the Santa Fe, Brother Buck distinguished himself with a personnel record showing no injuries or discipline throughout his career, Coykendall said.

Local 1373, Philadelphia, Pa.
The Philadelphia/Wilmington Safety Committee again will sponsor the annual CSX Christmas Train, said Local President Tony Mirarchi and UTUIA Field Supervisor Tom Anziano. The first of two trains scheduled for Sunday, December 10, leaves Philadelphia's East Side Yard at 9 a.m., and the second pulls out of Wilsmere Yard at 1:30 p.m. All CSX and former Conrail employees and their families are invited. For information, contact Mirarchi at (215) 339-2723, or Safety Chairperson Jimmy Martino at (856) 848-0578.

Local 1375, Philadelphia, Pa.
The local's holiday celebration, to be sponsored by Designated Legal Counsel Coffey & Kaye, will be held Friday, December 8, at the Gladwyne VFW Post at River and Waverly Roads, said Local Chairperson Eric Feld, who can be reached for details at (610) 789-7050, or by sending e-mail to <eric_feld@icdc.com>.

Local 1422, Los Angeles, Cal.
The U.S. Department of Defense has approved awarding the Cold War Recognition Certificate to all members of the armed forces and qualified government civilian personnel who served the U.S. honorably during the Cold War era, from September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991, said retired member Barry J. Holliday, legislative advocate for the California Paralyzed Veterans Association. Any official or military document (DD214) with the recipient's name, Social Security number and date of service is an acceptable document for proof of service. Veterans may submit documents to: Cold War Recognition Certificate Program, Suite 400, 4035 Ridge Top Rd., Fairfax, VA 22030.

Local 1491, Port Jervis, N.Y.
Members offer their best wishes to former Local Chairperson Jack Edwards, who recently retired after 37 years of service as a conductor on the Erie Lackawanna, Conrail, and finally Norfolk Southern. Brother Edwards, 61, had also served the local over the years as president, delegate and insurance representative, holding offices since 1982, according to Special Representative Dave Murphy.

Local 1594, Upper Darby, Pa.
Bus operator Julius Major, who works for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), recently was granted a day off with pay and is set to receive a special award for the heroic actions he took one evening in late October, according to Local Chairperson Ron Koran. Brother Major witnessed two young men get into a bus ready for refueling and drive off. Major followed the stolen bus and radioed the control center to alert police. A lone police car set up a barrier, but the joyriders rammed the cruiser, lost control, and plowed into an air conditioner on the side of a house before coming to a halt. Police promptly arrested the pair.

Local 1697, Lubbock, Tex.
Members working as bus operators for Texas, New Mexico & Oklahoma Coaches offer their congratulations to Brother John Smith, who recently was elected vice chairperson, according to General Chairperson Roy G. Arnold.

Local 1823, St. Louis., Mo.
Alternate Delegate Norbert Shacklette noted that a recent monthly meeting was enlivened by a visit from State Legislative Director W.L. Foster, Field Supervisor Sam Hale, Illinois Central Assistant General Chairperson Jim Herndon (GO-436), retired Terminal Railroad General Chairperson Jim Bolin and a representative from the office of Designated Legal Counsel Lance Callis.

Local 1902, Thunder Bay, Ont.
Along with members of Local 463, also in Thunder Bay, the local recently honored Albert J. Charlebois, who marked his 100th birthday on September 29. A former yard foreman who retired at age 65 with 40 years of service, Charlebois' son is Dan Charlebois, a retired conductor from Local 463. Besides friends and family at the celebration, attendees included the mayor, representatives from the provincial and federal governments, as well as UTU Canadian Legislative DirectorTim Secord, who presented Charlebois with a brass lantern on behalf of UTU International President Charles L. Little. Representing Local 1902 were Ontario Legislative Board Vice Chairperson Ray Pakylak and Local President Steve Yawney. Representing Local 463 was Local President Bill Conway.

Auxiliary Of The UTU
Two new lodges have recently joined the organization, including Lodge No. 803 in Jacksonville, Fla., with 20 charter members, and Lodge No. 50 in Indianapolis, Ind., with 16 new members, according to UTU Auxiliary International President Edythe M. Walter. In addition, Lodge No. 170 in Fort Worth, Tex., recently welcomed 11 new members, including three gentlemen.