Brothers and sisters:
Happy Birthday America!
For the past three years, July 4th week has been a time for me to pack up my panniers, stock up my water bottles and spend the week seeing America from the seat of my bike. I’ve pedaled from Boston to Portland, Maine, rode a bottle of Lake Erie water from the East Ninth Street Pier to the Roebling Bridge and took a trip back in time from Confluence Park to Mile Post Zero on the GAP and C&O. My next adventure will take me from Albany to St. Albans, Vermont in September when the temperatures are a bit more forgiving for an extended trip.
I know that many of you share my interest in cycling and even more of you have a passion for the motorized version of two wheeled transportation. Whether we enjoy the rumble of the exhaust or the rhythm of the pedals our common element is our invisibility to the cars and trucks with whom we share the road. I have been remarkably lucky over the thousands of miles I’ve ridden on paths, back roads and main streets to never have been in a serious accident. In fact the only time I’ve been in danger was on US 42 just north of Cincinnati when I was run into the weeds by an 18-wheeler.
Here are some common sense points to keep in mind when on the road:
Where bright colors. You have a better chance of being seen in red than black.
Use a headlight and/or tail light. Flashing lights have better visibility than no lights.
Anticipate the traffic around you. You know what you are going to do but the texting teen eating the fast-food burger in the SUV next to you doesn’t.
Wear your safety gear. Hard hats and gloves are not just for work, they are also for play.
Pass along the word to stay alert.
To all the apprentices currently working in Local 17: make sure you are current on your OJT forms. When you are called to explain yourself in front of the Joint Apprenticeship Committee things can get really uncomfortable, especially if you are explaining yourself in front of your boss.
Local 17 recently received an EECO and Maxton valve lab supplied by NEIEP. The course covers the design, function, operation, repair and adjustment of the two most common valves in the field.
Business Manager Tim Moennich has a sign up sheet available for a session with a representative of Mass Mutual, the company that administers the 401K and annuity benefits for the International. The session will cover the workings of these two important parts of your retirement plan and give you the opportunity to ask any questions. The session is open to members and their spouses. For more information, please contact Tim at 216-431-8088 or email him at TMoennich@iueclocal17.org.
Congratulations go out to Ryan Todd for being the latest member of Local 17 to pass the Mechanics Exam.
Where are they working?
Tom Gombar and Matt Hausler doing a jack job at Presidential Apartments for Kone,
Shawn Yatsko and Matt Herbold starting a mod at the Standard Building for Schindler,
Don Knapik and Joel Reyes doing full load safety tests at Perry Nuclear Power Plant for Schindler,
Ken Jung and Ryan Todd doing a mod at the Standard Building for Schindler,
Matt Weingart and Sean Canning installing elevators at the Garfield Building for Schindler, and
Heath Kramer and Todd Ross cabling at the Celebrezze Building for Kone.
The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Rob Hansen, Jr. on the passing of his father retired Brother Bob Hansen, Sr. and to Brother Ric Supinski on the passing of his father.
As of this writing there are three mechanics on the bench.
Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.
Don
DKnapik@windstream.net
International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 17 