Passing the Torch

Passing the Torch

After 18 years as president of Local 1776, Rich Howell handed the gavel to Larry Reeves, the newly elected president of the local, at a moving ceremony in Philadelphia last week.

Howell’s family, and Obie O’Brien, President of the Pennsylvania State Council of Machinists who served as Secretary-Treasurer of Local 1776 for 45 years and is a mentor to Howell and other members of the local were also present.

Local 1776 was named after O’Brien in 2015 in recognition of his work and dedication to workers in the Philadelphia area.

The “Rich Howell Wall of Leadership” was unveiled at the meeting. The names of Howell and Reeves, the youngest person and first African-American to serve as president of Local 1776 were installed on the display. Gil Simmons, who initiated in Local 1776 and rose to leadership positions in the local and District 141 and was recently appointed Special Representative in the Transportation Territory, was also honored on the wall.

 

Local 1726 Toy Drive and Charity Dinner in New England!

 

Members of Local 1726 in Boston, Massachusetts gathered to celebrate their annual Christmas party with family-friendly supper and kids’ activities. In the spirit of the season, they collected toys to benefit failies at the Crossroads Family Shelter and Toys for Tots.

Community Services Committee Chair Bob Di Rice speaks about their successful “Wish List” Toy Drive, the committee’s activities throughout the year, the importance of giving back to the community and how members can get involved.

District 141 participated in Guide Dogs of America Charity Weekend

Members of District 141 participated in activities to benefit Guide Dogs of America during the 3-day Charity Weekend recently held in Las Vegas, Nevada. After the popular Hawgs for Dogs motorcycle ride, Sporting Clay shoot and Golf Tournament, attendees got their groove on, put on their tie-die and headed over to “Woofstock,” the 39th Annual William W. Winpisinger Charity Banquet. District 141 Vice President Andrea Myers, Cristina Odoardi, Trustee and Director of Community Services, Safety Chairman Erik Sternberg, Director Bill Salo, Jeff and Jennifer Carlson and others presented donations from District 141 members collected at several fund raising activities throughout the year, which helped push the evening’s grand total raised to over $1.6 million dollars!

District Lodge 141 Hosts MNPL Seminar

A snowstorm that caused hundreds of flight cancellations at O’Hare did not deter thirty-one District 141 activists from attending the first MNPL Seminar held for two days at the District offices this week. District 141 MNPL and Legislative Director Dave Roderick organized the event to educate and motivate members to get more involved in lobbying and political advocacy on behalf of Machinists Union members and all working people. US Representative Dan Lipinski from Illinois stopped by and addressed the participants.

Member Appreciation Day for Locals 811 and 2198

Leroy Taylor, President of Local Lodge 811 and Tony Colina, President of Local Lodge 2198 talk about the successful first joint Member Appreciation Day for both locals based in Houston, Texas. The event was attended by over 1,000 members who enjoyed food, music, and a beautiful day with support from IP Bob Martinez and GST and Local 2198 member Dora Cervantes. The Women’s and Community Service Committees and MNPL were also present to raise awareness for the work that they do.

Local Lodge 1725 Charity Golf Event

Rainy weather did not stop Helena Thornton, Chairperson of the Local 1725 Community Service Committee, members of the local and 55 golfers from participating enthusiastically in the Annual Local 1725 Golf Outing to benefit the Renaissance West STEAM Academy. The school’s mission seeks to “Through education, break cycles of intergenerational poverty in West Charlotte,” according to Amanda Golmont, the school’s Development Officer. Local 1725 adopted Renaissance West STEAM Academy two years ago and has held several fundraising events to support the school as part of their call to serve members and their communities.