Born with a condition that kept one kidney from maturing, Kevin C. Stewart, Jr., (left) found his better kidney rapidly failing, a condition that nearly took his life. His father, Kevin C. Stewart, Sr., (right) gladly donated one of his own, giving his son a new lease on life. -- Full story.

Local 469, Madison, Ill.
The 16-year-old daughter of disabled member C.L. Lunsford was recently involved in an auto accident that left her in a coma with severe brain damage, saddling Brother Lunsford with staggering medical bills. Members have established a fund and collected more than $500 for the family to date. To contribute, contact Secretary and Treasurer John I. Payer, 502 Western Ave., Collinsville, IL 62234, or call him at (618) 344-4519.

Local 898, Boston, Mass.
Members of this Amtrak local are mourning the recent passing on December 29 of retired Amtrak conductor Raymond K. Frye, Jr., whose son, Michael Frye, and grandson, Christopher Frye, are both Amtrak conductors and members of Local 1462 in Boston, Mass. The family suggests that donations be made in his memory to the National Kidney Foundation, and note that cards of condolence may be sent to 15 Meier Farm, Whitman, MA 02382.

Models: A member of UTU Local 1105 and the Army Reserve's 1205th Transportation Railway Operating Battalion (TROB), Sergeant Clement Burch (right) exchanges paperwork with CSX conductor Mike Cochran, another member of the local who appeared in a recent issue of Railway Age magazine.

Local 1105, Wilmington, N.C.
Two conductors from this CSX local recently took part in a photo shoot for a Railway Age magazine article appearing in the January issue that focuses on the operations of the U.S. Army Reserve's 1205th Transportation Railway Operating Battalion. Photographed were Sergeant Clement Burch and Mike Cochran. Also participating was First Sergeant Calvin Howell of Local 630, Ashland, Ky.

Local 1122, Edmonton, Alta.
Workers employed on the Canadian National have established an informative website that includes their agreements, results of arbitration cases, copies of circulars, educational videos, safety resources, a directory of officers, and links of interest to all members. View the site at <http:// www.utu1122.com/>.

Local 1252, Fresno, Cal.
After 25 years as secretary and treasurer of the local, Donald L. Heffernan retired from active duty with BNSF and his local, effective January 1, 2001. Brother Heffernan, who also served as his local's delegate, noted that the new secretary and treasurer is Joseph M. Icardo and Alternate Delegate Charles F. Lawrence will move up to delegate. "I wish to thank all those who have been so helpful and friendly to me over these past years," Heffernan said. "My best wishes to all of you to have a long and healthy life, and for the continuing successes of the union movement."

Local 1567, Corbin, Ky.
Members generously donated $200 to the local Lion's Club Christmas fund to help buy food and clothing for needy families in the area, according to Secretary and Treasurer Donnie Head.

Local 1594, Upper Darby, Pa.
Local Chairperson and President Ron Koran commended and thanked the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) rail operators who temporarily became bus operators during a severe storm that stranded five trolleys full of passengers, ensuring all riders made it safely to their destinations. Koran gave special recognition to operators Bernatowicz, Caldwell, Chapman, Curran, Boyle, Harris, Swain, Thoden and Saddic who stayed most or all of the night with the stranded trolleys, despite the lack of heat and power.

Local 1608, Chatsworth, Cal.
Members working for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) continue to mourn the sudden passing in November of 45-year-old George Strassburg, a 13-year veteran of the LACMTA and its predecessor, the Southern California Regional Transit District. According to Secretary Jack Dedrick, Brother Strassburg had served as the local's secretary for three years until 1968.

Local 1697, Lubbock, Tex.
Members working for Texas, New Mexico & Oklahoma Coaches were saddened by the passing on December 26 of Brother Dan Salazar, who was 58 years old, according to Local Chairperson Roy Arnold.

Holiday fun: Retired and active members of Local 1760 gathered for the annual Christmas Party.

Local 1760, Detroit, Mich.
Nearly 100 active and retired CSX workers from the Detroit and Plymouth area gathered in Dearborn, Mich., on December 19 for their annual Christmas party, according to Secretary and Treasurer Jerry S. D'Ortenzio. Gratitude goes to the event's sponsors, including Designated Legal Counsel Harrington, Thompson, Acker & Harrington, Ltd., the members of the local safety committee, and the Operation RedBlock committee.

Local 1778, N. Vancouver, B.C.
The Council of Trade Unions (including UTU Locals 1778 and 1923) recently completed ratification meetings across the BC Rail system, and balloting on a new, two-year pact was set to be tabulated on February 8, according to Secretary and Treasurer David Moorhouse.

Locals 1884 & 955, Calgary, Alta.
These Canadian Pacific locals, representing yard (L-1884) and road (L-955) workers, have jointly established a website that includes important documents, phone numbers, crew-change information, and more. View the site at <http://www.utu.20m.com/>.

Local 1957, Silsbee, Tex.
Rather than spend the local's funds on gift certificates for themselves, members at this BNSF local decided to donate the $1,500 allotted for this purpose to the Children's Advocacy Center of East Texas, which conducts interviews and delivers services to children who have been the victims of sexual abuse. Local Chairperson, Treasurer and Legislative Representative Steve Moore said members further sweetened the gift by adding $380 that had been raised at their annual barbecue, raising the total donation to $1,880.

Local 1977, Seattle, Wash.
Retired BNSF yardmaster Jim M. Sofie and members of the Polar Bear Club he started in 1992 enjoyed an invigorating New Year's Eve dip off UTU Retiree Program member Ray Zufall's dock into the icy waters of Lake Wanatchee near Leavenworth, Wash. Sofie has issued an invitation to those interested in future Polar Bear Club activities to contact him at 22567 Alpine Dr., Leavenworth, WA 98826, call him at (509) 763-2197, or send e-mail to <wishes12@gte.net>.

Auxiliary of the UTU
A new unit is being formed in central California, with UTU Locals 835, 1252, and 1851 as the main focus, according to Darlene Wells. For more information, contact her at (559) 747-2702.