Brothers and Sisters,

I hope you are all doing well and that you are working.  We have had several members on the Out of Work List and several on disability.  At the September Membership Meeting we discussed the locals Christmas Party.  The members in attendance agreed that we should have the Annual Christmas Party but should scale back the amount of money spent due to our Member Benefit Account balance is starting to dwindle.  It was m/s/c to have a budget of $5,000. 00 for the party.  Most years we spend close to $10,000.00.  The Executive and I are watching what is spent and will make sure that the Member Benefit grows to a comfortable balance. 

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Brother Lucas Kontes passed on August 28^th.  Brother Kontes was a member of Local 1237 for over 58 years and was 88 years old when he passed.  He is survived by his wife of 55years Stella, 3 children and several grand kids.  During the September 6^th meeting there was a moment of silence observed by all members in attendance.  During the conversion to Centralized Dues, I had several phone conversations with Lucas and Stella about how to dues on the website.  They were both very pleasant and Lucas had many stories to tell and asked about his union brothers that he had worked with.  Lucas may not be known by our members today, but I think we owe him and those who came before us some gratitude.  It’s men like Lucas that helped pave the way for our members today.  He did it with hard work and fighting for what was right and honest pay for an honest day’s work.  As always you can reach me at (916)407-8279.  I hope to see you all at the next union meeting on October 11^th.

Fraternally,

Randy Rojas

Business Representative

DC16/LU1237

P.S.  Here is the link to Brother Kontes obituary.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sacbee/name/lucas-kontes-obituary?id=36405654