We had 60 members present at our September Regular meeting of Carpenters
Local 247. Our Trustees reported that last fiscal year we ended up in good
shape financially. Under Reports of Accidents, Sickness and Deaths we heard
about a Vancouver (Local 1715) member who had several blood clots, which
have taken him off the job. We also heard about a recent motorcycle accident
involving one of our associates.
Under Reports, we heard from Delegates regarding the recent PNWRCC annual
meeting, where several political guests were in attendance. Carpenters
General President McCarron, Washington Senator Maria Cantwell, Oregon
Governor Ted Kulongoski, and former U.S. House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt
all addressed the delegation. President McCarron was also in attendance at
our open forums and workshops. The meeting went smoothly and was very
informative. We also had work reports from several representatives. Joe
Baron gave a political report emphasizing voter registration. The Regional
Council had a Grand Opening of its new office at 1636 E. Burnside. Financial
Secretary Joe Baron also gave the detailed report of receipts and expenses,
which was approved.
Under Good of the Order, we passed the hat for the Local 1715 member who
was recently sidelined with the blood clots. We also discussed a proposal to
add qualifications to the Regional Council hiring policy. Benefit trust
mergers and negotiations were discussed. We had a report on the Training
Center remodel job, which is starting.
Under Unfinished Business, we agreed to provide five t-shirts for
distribution at the upcoming “Girlfest” event, which promotes young women
entering the trades. We also agreed to add $247, from our contingency fund,
to the money collected from passing the hat for the sick member. Our
Trustees recommended $200 for the Parkrose Dance Team and $247 for a mission
project that Ryan Middleton is working on. Both recommendations passed. A
motion was passed for $247 to the Steve Lindenmeyer memorial fund. There was
also a motion passed to give an extra drawing ticket to any member who
brings another member to the next meeting. Ben Basom was appointed as our
Jobs With Justice delegate.
This report only covers the primary topics and discussions. For more
complete information, attend and participate in your union meeting.
Special Called Meeting
At the general membership meeting Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m. we will be voting
on changes to the current bylaws. The meeting will be held at the Carpenters
Hall, 2215 N. Lombard, Portland. This will be your only notice to attend this
Special Called Meeting. Please mark your calendar for this important date. If
you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office at 503-289-9632.
Retirees
Retirees meet for lunch the second Monday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. at JJ North’s,
10520 NE Halsey, Portland.
Executive Board
Executive Board meets the fourth Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. at the
Carpenters Hall, 2215 N. Lombard, Portland.
A new Porter cable air compressor will be given away at the Oct.10 meeting at
our union hall. Any member, Journeyman or Apprentice in good standing is
eligible to win this prize. Also, the usual assortment of tools, Tshirts, etc.
will be raffled as well. If you seriously want to be the big winner this month,
I, as your most excellent Warden, can give you the secret to double your
chances! Okay, here it is: If you bring a 247 member to our meeting who has not
attended a meeting for two or more months, I, your humble servant, will give you
not one but two door prize tickets. This fine pancake compressor was generously
donated by an anonymous member in the hope that more carpenters will attend and
take part in the decision making that affects you and your family’s life.
Now don’t think we are all serious and businesslike. That’s part of the deal,
but there is also good food provided, old friends to see, new contacts to make …
and I almost always get a good laugh or two as well. I look forward to seeing
you. Bring your work card, bring a friend or two, and I’ll give you a raffle
ticket or two. What a deal!
The deadline for registering to vote is fast approaching, and it is important
that we are all registered to vote. We have a chance to change the dynamics of
the House and Senate if we get involved and volunteer for the candidates who
will fight for what the labor movement believes in. In Oregon, you must have
your voter registration form turned into the election office by 5 p.m. Oct. 17,
or postmarked by that day at midnight. In Washington, you must mail your form in
by Oct. 7 — tomorrow—or you can hand-deliver it to the Elections Board no later
than 15 days before the election.
We will be doing sign waving on the corners the week that the ballots drop
(Oct. 15 - 21). If you can find time to help the volunteers before and after
work that week or any other time, please call me at 503-730-6307. Please help us
elect the people who will fight for all things that are important to us. Your
jobs and the future of Oregon depend on your vote.
The following individuals have been endorsed by Carpenters Local 247. Please
remember them when you are voting! We need to get candidates elected who can
make sure that the working man and/or women are represented in Salem.
Multnomah County Commission Dist. 2
Jeff Cogen
Oregon Supreme Court
Virginia Linder
Oregon State Senate
Brad Avakian, District 17
Rod Monroe, District 24
Rick Metsger, Distict 26
Paul Evans, District 10
Oregon House
Paul Holvey, District 8
Brian Clem, District 21
Sal Peralta, District 24
Charles Lee, District 25
Oregon House
Chuck Riley, District 29
Dave Edwards, District 30
Brad Witt, District 31
Larry Galizio, District 35
Dave Hunt, District 40
Diane Rosenbaum, District 42
Chip Shields, District 43
Tina Kotek, District 44
Jeff Merkley, District 47
Mike Schaufler, District 48
Rob Brading, District 49
Metro, Dist. 4, Washington County
Kathryn Harrington
PLEASE NOTE:We are looking for volunteers to help with the above campaigns. We
need help with phone banking, door-to-door canvasses, putting up yard signs and
sign waving at highly visible intersections. Please contact the office if you
can volunteer
When Mr. Woffindin needed to leave his southeast home, his sons would carry him
and his wheelchair down five steps.
“I only left the house for medical appointments,” explained Mr. Woffindin, a
senior living in the Lents neighborhood. “I’m afraid of a fire, and not being
able to get out safely.”
A partnership between the Carpenters Union Local 247 and a local non-profit has
allayed Mr. Woffindin’s fears and limitations. When 247 members Carl Bowles and
John Jackson heard about this homeowner at their retired members luncheon, they
decided to use their carpentry skills to build him a wheelchair ramp.
“It’s gratifying to help someone who’s worked hard to pay for their home and is
still struggling to get by” says Jackson.
The project was coordinated through the REACH Community Builders Program, a free
home repair program for elderly and disabled homeowners living on a low income.
“I felt locked up, and missed a bit of fresh air from time to time,” Mr.
Woffindin said after testing out the ramp, and chatting with two neighbors who
came over to greet him. “Any day outside is a beautiful day.”
Thanks to John and Carl for their willingness to help those in our community who
are in need
When Mr. Woffindin needed to leave his southeast home, his sons would carry him
and his wheelchair down five steps.
