September 2002 meeting report

Financial Secretary Pete Savage presents representatives of Doernbecher a donation check in the amount of $5,200.

By Bruce Dennis
President

The Sept. 10 meeting was attended by 81 members and guests. A special moment of silence was observed for all the lives lost or affected by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Jessica Wellner was present to receive $5,200 from Local 247 to benefit Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. She graciously thanked the members and explained how our donations are used at the hospital. Our cash prize winners were given their checks of $1,000 to Phil Ford, IBEW Local 48, $750 to Dave Morgan, and $500 to Art Cortez, both from Local 2154. Mike Monteleone, Local 247, won the motorcycle, but was not at the meeting.

Greg McPherson, candidate for State House District 38, was introduced by 247 Political Committee Chair Darell Duffy. Greg explained his candidacy and vision for Oregon. John Schraner, WCTC Apprentice Coordinator, explained the new statewide apprenticeship committee structure and selection procedures. PNWDCC Rep and organizer Jerry Auvil gave various area reports and Political Organizers Ed Glad, Joe Baron and Darell Duffy gave a detailed political report, which included several recommendations for contributions to candidates, which were approved. We had additional reports on Jobs with Justice, 2002 Picnic recap, building report and Art Cortez’s report about residential organizing.

Several subjects were brought up under good of the order, including the possibility of raising Local Union dues. Financial Secretary Pete Savage gave a financial report, which was approved. Nothing was brought up under unfinished or new business. The meeting went smoothly and was informative. We adjourned at 8:55 p.m.

Meeting Notices

General membership
Meets the second Tuesday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Carpenters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland. David Bragdon, candidate for Metro p has been invited.

Retirees
Retirees meet for lunch the second Monday, Oct. 14, at 11 a.m. at JJ North’s, 10520 NE Halsey, Portland.

Executive Board
Executive Board meets the fourth Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. at the Carpenters Hall, 2205 N. Lombard, Portland.

Harley winner: Michael Monteleone

Mike was working at Intel, D1D project when he bought five tickets from Darell Duffy, 247 Trustee & Delegate for the benefit/fund raising raffle. “I bought the tickets to support both the causes sponsored by the Carpenters Union. I really wasn’t thinking about actually winning the motorcycle,” says Mike. Mike has since taken a job in California with Steelhead Constructors working as a superintendent on structural concrete. He was working when V.P. Willie Gore called him to notify him that he had won the motorcycle. He plans to take a trip to Southern California on his new Heritage Soft Tail Classic motorcycle. Mike originally joined UBC Local 413 in South Bend, Indiana in 1994. He currently belongs to Local 247 and resides in Madras, Oregon.

Need security? Join a union

The insecurity of the economy and the stock market is making union membership more attractive to young workers, according to a personal finance column in the Sept. 15 New York Times. "A union provides job security, which isn't a bad idea in this economy," wrote columnist Abby Ellin. "Union membership has declined over the last two decades, but that might be changing as more young professionals accept unions," Ellin wrote. This year, a Peter D. Hart Research Associates survey for the AFL-CIO found that 58 percent of workers ages 18 to 34 would vote for a voice at work if given the chance.

Voting: The most patriotic act
By Joe Baron, Political Organizer

In the aftermath of the past year’s events, we have seen a resurrected sense of nationalism. Our hearts and souls are filled with symbols of America. Just take a look around on our clothes, cars, homes and businesses and you will see, we are becoming consumed with our great pride in being Americans. Yet the most important act of patriotism goes unutilized by a number of our citizens each and every election cycle. We all need to be registered to vote so we can choose who will make important decisions for us in Washington & Salem. Please register to vote and do your patriotic duty by voting.

Volunteers needed
With the election season upon us, we’re looking for volunteers to help with the many different things it takes to run a successful election campaign. Please call (503) 730-6307 if you would like to volunteer for phone banks, installation of yard signs, corner sign events, etc. Thank you.

Picnic nets Doernbecher Children’s hospital $5,000

At the fund raising raffle drawing at the Carpenters Local 247 annual picnic on Aug. 25, first prize was a new Harley-Davidson Heritage Soft Tail Motorcycle, second prize was $1,000 cash, third prize was $750 cash and fourth prize was $500 cash. Mike Monteleone, 247 member, won the motorcycle, IBEW Local 48 member Phil Ford won the $1,000, and Drywall Local 2154 members Dave Morgan and Art Cortez won the $750 and $500 prizes.

Doernbecher Children’s Hospital will receive $5,000 and the remaining funds will be used to help 247 members when they are unable to work because of sickness or injury.

Jessica Wellner from Doernbecher Children’s Hospital was in attendance at the Sept. 10 regular meeting of 247 to receive the donation. Three of the prize winners were also at the meeting.

Bruce Dennis, 247 President said, “This contribution will put us over the $20,000 mark with Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. We are also supporting the Doernbecher Holiday Card program as a sponsor. Our members have had children receive treatment at the hospital and last year one of our secretary’s children had emergency treatment at Doernbecher. We are very happy to financially support the hospital.”

Local 247 had donations from the following contractors, businesses and individuals to support the raffle and picnic:

Approximately 1,100 members and family members were in attendance at the picnic, which was held at Blue Lake Park in Troutdale. Members were awarded their pins for years of service as Union members. John Wickencamp was presented with his 55-year pin. Former 247 Financial Secretary, Leo Larsen gave a nice historical reflection about the progress of Local 247. The food was excellent and children had several games and activities for their enjoyment.

Carpenters Local 247 is affiliated with the Pacific Northwest Regional Council of Carpenters and the International United Brotherhood of Carpenters. The Carpenters Union advocates for the payment of fair wages, family-oriented medical/dental plans, livable pensions, jobsite safety and up to date quality training programs.

On your mark. Get set. Go!

Little ones chow down on melons at the Carpenters Local 247 watermelon eating contest, one of many activities at the annual picnic. Just as in the pie-eating contest, contestants couldn’t use their hands. Things got a little messy. Fortunately, adults had their own watermelon-eating and pie-eating contests.

Carpenters 247 raffle winners

Carpenters Local 247 Financial Secretary Pete Savage presents the checks to the winners of the fundraising raffle. IBEW Local 48 member Phil Ford, above, wins $1,000, while Local 2154 members Dave Morgan, above right, and Arturo Cortez, right, win $750 and $500, respectively.

Honor thy neighbor

On Saturday Nov. 2, we will have a volunteer work party doing repairs on Kenton Presbyterian, the church next door to the union office. Local 247 has a good relationship with its neighbors. They allow us to use their parking lot when they don’t need it. It’s a good neighbor project.