Garcia-Keim Appointed Education Representative at Winpisinger Center

Garcia-Keim Appointed Education Representative at Winpisinger Center

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Garcia-Keim Appointed Education Representative at Winpisinger Center

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IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. has appointed Ines Garcia-Keim from District 141 as Education Representative at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD, effective September 1, 2021.

Ines Garcia-Keim joined Local Lodge 914 in 2012 and served as a shop steward and chaired the Local Lodge’s legislative committee. She was made a District 141 Organizer in 2016 and was appointed Communications Representative for the District in 2018. She represented Local Lodge 914 in the New Jersey State Council of Machinists, was elected the council’s Legislative Director in 2016 and served as Council President from 2018 to 2021. 

“I couldn’t be more impressed with Ines’ hard work and leadership experience coming up through the ranks of the union,” said Martinez. “That experience plus her deep understanding of membership needs will make her an excellent Education Rep. I have no doubt that she will be successful in this role, and that she will make a positive impact on everyone that attends programs at the Winpisinger Center.”

Prior to her appointment as Education Representative, Sister Garcia-Keim was a member of the Spanish Leadership Working Group, which develops and implements Spanish-language programs offered by the Center.

“I am so excited to welcome Sister Ines to the Center,” said Director Chris Wagoner, “because I know she will be an asset to the staff and an outstanding educator for our member-participants. Her leadership experience at the Local, District, and State Council levels will inform her work and make her an effective and inspiring instructor. She has been successful teaching in our Spanish-language leadership programs and I can’t wait to see her bring that passion to other programs here at the Winpisinger.”

Garcia-Keim comes to the Center from New Jersey, where she joined Local Lodge 914 in 2012 and served as shop steward and chaired the Local Lodge’s legislative committee. She was made a District 141 Organizer in 2016 and was appointed Communications Representative for the District in 2018. She represented Local Lodge 914 in the New Jersey State Council of Machinists, was elected the council’s Legislative Director in 2016, and she served as Council President from 2018 to 2021. 

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IAM Reopens Winpisinger Education and Technology Center to In-Person Classes

IAM Reopens Winpisinger Education and Technology Center to In-Person Classes

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IAM Reopens Winpisinger Education and Technology Center to In-Person Classes

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With COVID-19 protocols in place, the IAM reopened its classrooms this week at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD, to participants resuming in-person programs for the first time since March 2020. The nearly two dozen IAM members are attending Leadership 1.

Many thanks to the IAMAW Journalists at GoIAM.org, who first produced and published this story.

With COVID-19 protocols in place, the IAM reopened its classrooms this week at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD, to participants resuming in-person programs for the first time since March 2020. The nearly two dozen IAM members are attending Leadership 1.

“Our instructors and members quickly and successfully adapted to an online learning environment, but there’s nothing like face-to-face worker education to build and strengthen relationships among our participants,” said Winpisinger Center Director Chris Wagoner. These experiences foster a lifelong investment in learning, build solidarity, and help sustain collective action efforts among members, officers, activists and staff. We take great pride in welcoming our members back to their facility.”

WATCH: Winpisinger Center Ready to Reopen

“We are extremely excited to welcome members back to the Winpisinger Center,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Education has always been essential to the mission of the Machinists Union, and no facility does it better than the William W. Winpisinger Center, but our focus is also on the health and safety of our members to ensure a safe learning environment for participants and staff”

Because the safety of member participants and staff is of the utmost importance, the W3 Center will return with a phased reopening schedule and a strict set of protocols and procedures. The W3 Center will continuously reassess all safety measures in accordance with CDC, state and local guidelines—and where appropriate, make necessary changes.

  • All participants are required to provide proof of vaccination prior to purchase of travel to attend class.
  • All participants will be required to mask and socially distance while at the W3 Center.
  • All W3 Center employees are fully vaccinated.
  • Leadership programs are limited to 50 percent enrollment.
  • Guest rooms will not exceed 50 percent capacity. Each will be cleaned and sanitized daily and will not be occupied for one week after use.
  • Classrooms and dining room will be cleaned and sanitized throughout each day, and set up to allow for social distancing.
  • Participants will not be allowed to bring guests at this time.
  • The W3 Center will carefully and fully follow CDC recommendations and fully comply with State of Maryland laws and the St. Mary’s County Department of Health guidelines.

Registration is currently open for leadership and staff programs. The 2021 calendar is now available online.

 

 

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2021 Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Winners Announced

2021 Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Winners Announced

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August 1, 2021
 

On behalf of the District Lodge 141 Scholarship Committee, I am pleased to announce the results of the Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Award competition for 2021.

The top award of $2,000 goes to Anabel DeJesus of Spring, Tex. Anabel is the daughter of Luis J. DeJesus, a baggage handler at United Airlines and a member of Local Lodge 811. She is a student at Sam Houston State University, where she majors in graphic design.

Six runner-up awards of $1,000 will be presented to (listed in alphabetical order):

Olivia Amendolara of Seaford, N.Y. Olivia is the daughter of Nick Amendolara, an RSM at United Airlines and a member of Local Lodge 845. She is an incoming freshman at Chapman University.

Alexandria Henderson of Dyer, Ind. Alexandria is the daughter of Thomas Voas, a Ramp Service Employee at United Airlines and a member of Local Lodge 1487. Alexandria is a student at Indiana State University in Bloomington.

Rayna Holandi of Villa Park, Ill. She is a Customer Service Representative at United Airlines and a member of Local Lodge 1487. Rayna attends Eastern Gateway Community College.

Sofia La Grasta of Whitestone, N.Y. Her father, Mike La Grasta, is a Customer Service Representative at United Airlines and a member of Local Lodge 1322. Sofia is a student at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Iain McCutchan of Kenosha, Wis. Iain is the son of Steve McCutchan, an OPBLP at United Airlines and a member of Local Lodge 1487. He is an incoming freshman at the University of Washington at Whitewater.

Joseph Triano of Kenilworth, N.J. Joseph’s father, Gary Triano, is an LDRSE at United Airlines and a member of Local Lodge 914. Joseph is a student at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass.

To the winners: Congratulations! To receive your award, you must mail to me, at the address on the bottom of this letter, confirmation of your enrollment at an accredited college or university for the Fall 2021 term and that you are taking a minimum of six credits. A copy of a signed, valid registration or class schedule confirmation will be satisfactory. Once this confirmation has been received, the AGC in your area will notify you when you can receive your check at a Local Lodge meeting. To those who did not win: The Scholarship Committee commends your interest and efforts in the 2022 competition. We encourage you to try again next year!

Sincerely,

Daniel J. Brin
Chair, District Lodge 141 Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Committee

Send confirmation of enrollment to:
P.O. Box 8160 • Calabasas, CA 91372

 

Two Machinists Union Members Graduate Thanks to IAM-SUNY Empire State College Partnership

Two Machinists Union Members Graduate Thanks to IAM-SUNY Empire State College Partnership

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Two Machinists Union Members Graduate Thanks to IAM-SUNY Empire State College Partnership

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Two Machinists Union members have successfully completed the bachelor’s degree program in Labor Studies through the IAM’s partnership with the State University of New York’s Empire State College (ESC).

Many thanks to the Machinists & Aerospace journalists at GOIAM.org who wrote and originally published this story. 

Since 2014, the IAM has partnered with ESC to offer associates and bachelor’s degrees in labor studies through the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies in New York City. The partnership also offers a master’s degree in work and labor policy. Degree programs are conducted online, with week-long residencies that occur once a semester at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD.

Midwest Territory Grand Lodge Representative Rick Mickschl graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science in labor studies, and Matthew Hanson, a Seattle IAM Local 289 member, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of arts in labor studies.

“Congratulations to Grand Lodge Representative Rick Mickschl,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Steve Galloway. “Educating our staff, officers, members and activists is the IAM’s top priority. We are proud of all this year’s graduates.”

“Congratulations to our graduates,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “As union leaders, it is our calling to continue to grow and learn to enhance our union and our communities.”

“This program makes higher education possible for working families,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “Equipping activists and leaders with tools and knowledge is one of the ways we strengthen the IAM for the future. My sincere thanks and congratulations go to Brothers Mickschl and Hanson for their hard work and dedication in serving our members and the IAM.” 

“This is truly a great day for these two members and the IAM-ESC partnership,” said Douglas Williams, IAM-ESC Partnership Coordinator. “I have watched Rick and Matthew dedicate themselves to their studies with the same diligence that they have applied to their union work, and I could not be prouder that they have completed this program with the highest distinction.” 

If you are an IAM member, retiree or relative, you can go to college, free of charge, and you can learn more about the program here. You can also reach out to Douglas Williams, IAM-ESC Partnership Coordinator, at dwilliams@iamaw.org.

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Three IAM Family Members Awarded 2021 Union Plus Scholarships

Three IAM Family Members Awarded 2021 Union Plus Scholarships

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Three IAM Family Members Awarded 2021 Union Plus Scholarships

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Three IAM families are celebrating what it means to be union after winning 2021 Union Plus scholarships. Recipients are being recognized for their academic achievements and union values.

Many thanks to the Machinists & Aerospace journalists at GOIAM.org who wrote and originally published this story. 

  • Lauren Grace Evans of Cullman, AL. Evans, whose father, Drew Evans, is a member of IAM Local 44, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
  • Macy ONeill of Hickory, KY. O’Neill, whose father, Clarence O’Neill, is a member of IAM Local 1969, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Macy was a 2020 Union Plus Scholarship recipient.
  • Sydney Pizzinato of Gilbert, AZ. Pizzinato, whose father, Angelo Pizzinato, is a member of IAM Local Lodge 764, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

This year, Union Plus awarded $250,000 in scholarships to 199 students representing 37 unions. The 2021 group of winners includes university, college and trade or technical school students from 42 states.

Lauren Grace Evans

Troy (AL) University

Cullman (AL) High School (2020)

Lauren Grace Evans recently completed her first year as a nursing major at Troy and expects to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2024. She hopes to attend graduate school with the goal of becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). She decided to attend Troy after representing CHS at a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Summit hosted by the university. Evans worked at Cullman County Center for the Developmentally Disabled while in high school, and her family has assisted with socially distanced chores at the facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Evans’ father has held several IAM leadership roles, including serving as president of the Alabama State Council of Machinists. She appreciates her father’s work to assist other union members.

“There are times when my dad has gone on strike to help those around him, and he has always taken pride in that,” said Evans. “IAM establishes loyalty, dignity, and a strong work ethic into each of its members and their families by extension. I hope someday to take part and create better opportunities for those around me.”

Macy O’Neill

Western Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC)

Graves County (KY) High School

Macy O’Neill is a nursing major at WKCTC and plans to eventually pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees with aspirations of being a nurse practitioner. She is following the footsteps of her mother, who is a nurse.

In addition to his IAM membership, O’Neill’s father is an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) member. She saw the value of his union memberships in 2012 when an injury prevented him from working.

“My father received much-needed disability pay during this time,” said O’Neill. “Union membership helped my family when we needed it most. I am thankful unions exist to help hardworking men and women who want a better and brighter future.”

Sydney Pizzinato

Arizona State University (ASU)

Highland (AZ) High School, Gilbert, AZ

Sydney Pizzinato will return to ASU this fall for her senior year as an English literature major. She spent her first year at Mesa (AZ) Community College (MCC), transferred to ASU for the 2019-20 school year, and took classes at Northern Arizona University (NAU) this past year. Sydney expects to graduate in May 2022 and hopes to enter ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication for graduate school. She is interested in journalism, technical writing, or academia as potential career paths. Pizzinato finished her first book when she was 14 and has published eight young adult books.

Both of Pizzinato’s parents work in the airline industry. In addition to her father’s IAM membership, her mother is an Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) member. Pizzinato’s mother set up the crisis center for airline crew members at Vancouver International Airport following the events of Sept. 11, 2001.

“From their salary to benefits, my parents’ union memberships have enabled our family to have a better lifestyle with a roof over our heads, food on our table, insurance benefits, and much more,” Pizzinato said.

Action Alerts

TAKE ACTION: Scholarships Available Now!

/// The Adolph Stutz Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest is Now Accepting Applications

Tell Your Senators to Support the Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act) Now! 

///The PRO Act will make it easier for working people to bargain together and win good contracts because it will: Empower workers to exercise our freedom to organize and bargain. Repeal “right to work” laws. Ensure that workers can reach a first contract quickly after a union is recognized.

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Winpisinger Center’s Chuck Lowe: A Lifetime of Service to Military Veterans

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The motto of the Machinists Union, forever emblazoned on its flag, is “justice on the job, service to the community.”

That’s not just a catchy phrase. In the Machinist Union family, those are words to live by.

Many thanks to the Machinists & Aerospace journalists at GOIAM.org who wrote and originally published this story. 

IAM member Chuck Lowe, the lead groundsperson at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center (W3 Center), exemplifies the true meaning of what it means to be guided by these values.

“Our flag says it all. The IAM can be an example to other unions and to the public and lead the way,” said Lowe. “We can start something that other people may want to copy.”

In 2001, when Lowe was hired as a full-time groundskeeper at the W3 Center, he had already lived a life to be proud of. Serving in the U.S. Army as a corporal, with time in Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm, he arrived understanding the values of what it means to be a veteran and how important it is that we take care of these heroes when they return home.

“It’s very easy in this country to forget about things that happened in the past,” explained Lowe. “That’s why we have days like Memorial and Veterans Day, to take time out of your schedule to think about all the people who put their lives on the line for the freedoms that we all enjoy now. But that also needs to happen when it’s not a holiday.”

So, he put his words into action, in more ways than one, to be of service to the veteran community. As a 30-plus year member of the American Legion, Lowe spends much of his free time volunteering in schools across St. Mary’s county, teaching elementary kids the importance and meaning of the American flag and sharing his story of being a veteran with high school students.

But for Lowe, that wasn’t enough – he wanted to do more to honor those who had served in the armed forces. Something even closer to home. The IAM was more than happy to assist. 

That’s when the idea for a luncheon at the W3 Center came to life. A day to honor, recognize and thank the people in the community who ensured the freedoms we all enjoy today. So, in 2013, Lowe began organizing and coordinating a twice-yearly luncheon at the W3 Center for the men and women who live at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in St. Mary’s Country, an assisted living facility where the IAM proudly represents the caregivers who take care of these veterans.

“On the day of the luncheon, we just sit around and talk and the employees and participants will come up and thank them for their service. We share stories and camaraderie,” said Lowe with a laugh. “And we always serve crab cakes that day because that’s something they don’t get at Charlotte Hall.”

But to the men and women living at Charlotte Hall who served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, this day means so much more. The same can be said of the IAM members there to witness the event.

“The first time we held the luncheon, as these veterans were leaving the dining hall after lunch, the entire room full of IAM members and staff stood up and started clapping in their honor. It was not planned or prompted, it just happened and I really lost it because it was so amazing,” remembered Lowe.

“Chuck has worked hard to ensure that those who have sacrificed much on behalf of our country are not forgotten, but acknowledged and honored,” said W3 Center Director Chris Wagoner. “His activism on behalf of veterans exemplifies the IAM’s motto perfectly. I am incredibly proud of Chuck – he does a great job here as a Master Groundskeeper – and beyond that, a great job being an activist for veterans in our community”

Outside the dining hall, Lowe organized the planting of a tree and the placement of a plaque to honor these men and women who have made the world a better place for us all. It remains there today.

A few weeks ago, the IAM held the 2021 International President’s Capital Classic Golf Tournament, which raised nearly $100,000 for capital improvement projects for those who live at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. Lowe will be at the event when the check is presented. He can’t wait for another opportunity to let these veterans know how much they mean to this country.

“That will be an awesome day to be a Fighting Machinist,” said Lowe.

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