AFS PEP News - July Aug 07 - AFSCME Council 13
AFS PEP News - July Aug 07 - AFSCME Council 13
AFS PEP News - July Aug 07 - AFSCME Council 13
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Public Employee Press<br />
<strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong> <strong>AFS</strong>CME, the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO<br />
May/June 2009<br />
Vol. 38, Issue 3<br />
ISSN: 0190-4957<br />
afscme<strong>13</strong>.org<br />
800-5-<strong>AFS</strong>CME<br />
6 PA ‘Staycations’<br />
6 Save Our School!<br />
7<br />
Making a Difference<br />
37th Annual Convention –<br />
Fighting the Good Fight<br />
“<br />
say: Our time is here!<br />
– page 4-5<br />
Today I won’t tell you ‘our time is coming’. After 8 long<br />
years of the failed Bush administration, today I can finally<br />
”<br />
— David R. Fillman<br />
Executive Director <strong>AFS</strong>CME <strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong>
2<br />
Union Brothers and Sisters,<br />
Here it comes again. The Capitol Standoff. Government Gridlock. And back<br />
from the dead, Payless Paydays. The annual budget stalemate becomes a<br />
‘statemate’ as state workers prepare for the worst.<br />
On May <strong>13</strong> Gov. Rendell sent a letter to state employees to introduce Payless Paydays.<br />
He wanted to give advance notice so employees could “begin planning for this potential<br />
disruption.” Aside from bullhorns and signs, just how do the least paid Commonwealth<br />
employees prepare? Put off the family vacation to the Greek islands? Give up the<br />
summer home in the Hamptons? Cancel the country club membership? Sell the yacht?<br />
Many state employees already work 2 or 3 jobs to pay the bills. Many already<br />
do the job of 3 or 4 people since the hiring freeze. The only preparation the<br />
administration can hope for is that by June 30 workers will have cooled off from<br />
that letter; and that the familiarity of this annual event will create complacency.<br />
Fortunately, Senate Bill 850, the Senate Republican version of the state budget,<br />
was killed in the Appropriations Committee on June 8. Yet, legislators continue to<br />
ignore cost-saving proposals <strong>AFS</strong>CME brought to the table. For instance, keeping<br />
private contractors while cutting public service makes no economic sense. Right<br />
now, Pennsylvania awards private contractors thousands of contracts that cost tax<br />
payers millions of dollars. Private contractors don’t undergo background checks.<br />
They don’t take tests to prove they’re qualified for the job. Many don’t even pay<br />
workers a living wage or provide health care benefits. Some don’t even pay their<br />
share of state or city taxes because their headquarters are out of state!<br />
This year they can blame the recession. This year “un-essential” has become<br />
“Payless Paydays.” But one thing remains the same. State employees will be caught in<br />
the middle. <strong>AFS</strong>CME has attacked this issue over the years through a variety of law<br />
suits. We currently have the issue on Appeal to the PA Supreme Court and are waiting<br />
for a response. (check www.afscme<strong>13</strong>.org for details). Alaine Williams, Esq. of Willig,<br />
Williams & Davidson serves as General Counsel for <strong>AFS</strong>CME <strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong> and has been<br />
on top of this through every legal avenue. She is confident the Court will overturn the<br />
decision because it is contrary to established decisions of the United States Supreme<br />
Court. So keep the fires burning. Keep the phones ringing. Keep whining, screaming<br />
and hollering. June 30 is the deadline to enact a budget. If legislators followed the<br />
rules – if they did their job, state employees could finally be free to do theirs.<br />
As evidenced above, the courts are crucial to our very existence. So is the<br />
National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). During our convention I received word<br />
that President Obama had nominated 2 labor-friendly candidates to the NLRB.<br />
Craig Becker, Associate General Counsel to both SEIU and AFL-CIO, who was once<br />
a lawyer for <strong>AFS</strong>CME International. And Mark Pearce, a union side labor lawyer<br />
throughout his career.<br />
And now the nomination of federal appeals judge, Sonia Sotomayor, to the<br />
Supreme Court would put another friend in our corner. If confirmed, Sotomayor<br />
would make history as the first Hispanic justice, and would be only the third<br />
woman to make it to the Supreme Court. But her rise from poverty to the highest<br />
court in the nation is the story union folks like to hear. Her father was a tool-anddie<br />
maker and her mother was a nurse in a methadone clinic. Nothing was handed<br />
to Sonia Sotomayer. She understands labor, she understands dignity in all work,<br />
and she understands the struggle of working men and women.<br />
This change is happening because of you. Your voice is your most powerful<br />
weapon. So as legislators gear up for hunting season on the hill, don’t allow<br />
complacency to silence you. Don’t allow fear to discourage you. As they prepare<br />
to thin the herd from the bottom - demand they trim the fat at the top.<br />
Yours in Unity,<br />
David R. Fillman<br />
Executive Director<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME <strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong><br />
Executive<br />
Director’s<br />
Message<br />
David R. Fillman<br />
Executive Director, <strong>AFS</strong>CME <strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong><br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME COUNCIL <strong>13</strong> DIRECTORY<br />
COUNCIL <strong>13</strong> — David R. Fillman, Executive Director<br />
4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-15<strong>07</strong><br />
Phone: 717/564-9312; (toll free) 1-800-5-<strong>AFS</strong>CME<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 83 — Dominic Sgro, Director<br />
161 Patchway Road, Duncansville, PA 16635-8431<br />
Phone: 814/696-0255; (toll free) 1-800-252-3785<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 84 — Richard Caponi, Director<br />
116 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222<br />
Phone: 412/471-1218; (toll free) 1-800-222-8847<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 85 — J. David Henderson, Director<br />
1276 Liberty St., Franklin, PA 16323<br />
Phone: 814/437-7654; (toll free) 1-800-865-9652<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 86 — Sharon Sober, Director<br />
250 Commerce Park Drive, New Columbia, PA 17856<br />
Phone: 570/568-1147; (toll free) 1-800-540-9401<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 87 — David Antle, Director<br />
McEntee-Keller Labor Center, 1258 O’Neill Hwy., Dunmore, PA 18512<br />
Phone: 570/961-5394; (toll free) 1-800-551-5066<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 88 — Bob Cooper, Director<br />
3031 Walton Road, Building C, Suite 300, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462<br />
Phone: 610/825-4944; (toll free) 1-800-478-4944<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 89 — Michael Fox, Director<br />
150 South 43rd Street, Suite 2, Harrisburg, PA 17111-5718<br />
Phone: 717/564-7998; (toll free) 1-800-583-2376<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 90 — Mary Schwanger, Director<br />
4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-15<strong>07</strong><br />
Phone: 717/564-5123<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME COUNCIL <strong>13</strong> MEMBERS’ BENEFITS<br />
MEMBER ONLY BENEFITS<br />
1-888-SVC-<strong>13</strong>-<strong>AFS</strong>CME or 1-888-782-<strong>13</strong>23<br />
Call for more information about:<br />
Car Discounts * Car Insurance * Car Rentals * Cell Phones * Checks<br />
Computer Deals * Credit Card * Credit Counseling * Education Services<br />
Eldercare Services * Entertainment * Financial Planning<br />
Flower Service * Health Club Discounts * Mortgage Programs<br />
Moving Vans * Pet Services * Scholarships * Theme Parks<br />
Vacation Packages<br />
Legal Services 1-800-631-1233 or 1-888-294-2747<br />
Workers' Comp. Hotline: 1-866-4<strong>13</strong>-2667<br />
HEALTH FUNDS<br />
PEBTF (State Workers)<br />
717-561-4750<br />
1-800-522-7279<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME Health & Welfare Fund<br />
(Non-State Workers)<br />
717-564-9338<br />
1-800-692-7332<br />
PRESCRIPTION PLANS<br />
Medco, Inc. 1-800-899-2674 (State Workers)<br />
ESI/Express Scripts – 1-866-841-2368 (Non-State Workers)<br />
DENTAL PLANS<br />
Concordia Dental - 1-888-320-3321 (State Workers)<br />
Delta Dental - 1-800-932-<strong>07</strong>83 (Non-State Workers)<br />
VISION PLANS<br />
NVA / National Vision Administrators<br />
1-800-672-7723<br />
Public Employee Press (ISSN 0190-4957)<br />
Published bi-monthly Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr., May/Jun., Jul./<strong>Aug</strong>., Sep./Oct., Nov./Dec.,<br />
by <strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong>, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees,<br />
AFL-CIO, 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-15<strong>07</strong>.<br />
Second Class postage paid at Harrisburg, PA and additional mailing office.<br />
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: “Public Employee Press,” <strong>AFS</strong>CME <strong>Council</strong><br />
<strong>13</strong>, 4031 Executive Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17111-15<strong>07</strong>.<br />
Vol. 38, No. 3 May/June 2009<br />
Todd Singer, President David R. Fillman, Executive Director<br />
Phyllis Wingate, Secretary Patricia Bauer, Editor and<br />
Alan Redding, Treasurer Director of Public Relations
Corrections Member Honored<br />
Corrections Secretary Jeffrey A. Beard, Ph.D. with Susan K. Bryan<br />
ABSTAINED /<br />
LOCAL YES NO CHALLENGED<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 83<br />
664 6 1<br />
763 178 52<br />
906 149 31<br />
1982 18 2<br />
1983 12 10<br />
2047 145 57<br />
2110 64 63<br />
2121 73 35<br />
2125 35 35<br />
2127 14 2<br />
2128 23 3<br />
2<strong>13</strong>0 34 4<br />
2<strong>13</strong>1 50 9<br />
2<strong>13</strong>3 25 2<br />
2344 58 49<br />
2365 30 16<br />
2541 8 <strong>13</strong><br />
2579 20 10<br />
2580 20 3<br />
2583 20 4<br />
2609 18 4<br />
2611 25 17<br />
3564 14 0<br />
3864 67 36<br />
Sub-Totals 1106 458 0<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 84<br />
819 63 4<br />
1985 11 1<br />
1986 12 4<br />
2059 36 12<br />
2104 48 35<br />
2105 24 26<br />
2106 26 21<br />
21<strong>07</strong> 31 1<br />
2108 14 9<br />
2109 17 25<br />
2111 23 23<br />
22<strong>07</strong> 70 5<br />
2266 11 3<br />
2322 91 48<br />
2350 10 0<br />
2459 26 24<br />
2576 19 5<br />
2577 7 0<br />
2578 31 2<br />
2582 10 20<br />
2612 25 14<br />
26<strong>13</strong> 10 2<br />
3739 22 0<br />
Sub-Totals 637 284 0<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 85<br />
469 33 63<br />
1050 117 18<br />
1483 24 0<br />
1816 17 11<br />
1975 14 1<br />
1976 21 4<br />
2100 83 6<br />
2101 62 61 1<br />
2102 49 8<br />
2103 40 24 4<br />
2112 40 30<br />
21<strong>13</strong> 27 4<br />
2114 <strong>13</strong> 2<br />
2115 34 27<br />
2116 40 9<br />
2117 <strong>13</strong> 9<br />
2119 72 9<br />
2120 15 0<br />
2123 33 2<br />
2326 75 25<br />
2329 71 14<br />
2352 85 8<br />
2353 117 12<br />
2450 19 11<br />
2543 16 0<br />
2581 14 0<br />
2594 36 6<br />
2595 14 0<br />
2602 9 14<br />
2603 4 11<br />
3259 45 9<br />
3266 14 2<br />
3276 30 1<br />
Sub-Totals 1296 401 5<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 86<br />
166 122 104<br />
15<strong>13</strong> 23 8<br />
1977 19 4<br />
2118 <strong>13</strong> 6<br />
2124 53 29<br />
2129 30 29<br />
2<strong>13</strong>8 22 2<br />
2<strong>13</strong>9 15 3<br />
2140 24 8<br />
2141 22 1<br />
2148 40 0<br />
2151 53 21<br />
2153 16 8<br />
2164 33 30<br />
2360 94 2<br />
2361 39 8<br />
2363 33 5<br />
Photo credit Dept. of Corrections<br />
Susan K. Bryan, DC89, L2245; a Corrections Food Service Supervisor at<br />
Elizabethtown Training Academy, received an Outstanding Performance Award<br />
at the Employee Recognition Ceremony held at the academy on May 6.<br />
Praised as “a vital member of our team” Bryan began her career with the Dept. of<br />
Corrections Training Academy as an intern moving on to full time employment in<br />
1994. She has enhanced food production and presentation, designed and directed the<br />
implementation of Café Tra for the students, and prepares inmate crews for food<br />
service careers.<br />
An active union member, Bryan currently serves as an <strong>AFS</strong>CME steward. She was<br />
commended for using her understanding of labor contracts “to educate as well as to<br />
address concerns before they become problems.” Congratulations!<br />
Master Agreement Ratification Votes<br />
to Avoid Rolling Furloughs:<br />
2596 14 2<br />
2604 14 0<br />
3330 46 8<br />
Sub-Totals 725 278 0<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 87<br />
1978 9 0<br />
2126 46 50<br />
2142 31 7<br />
2143 66 26<br />
2144 66 6<br />
2145 50 5<br />
2146 36 12<br />
2147 75 6<br />
2150 69 4<br />
2152 17 <strong>13</strong><br />
2323 50 15<br />
2327 94 8<br />
2333 35 39<br />
2334 72 14<br />
2366 105 12<br />
2453 20 3<br />
2584 82 32<br />
2585 27 14<br />
2605 12 3<br />
3126 15 3<br />
Sub-Totals 977 272 0<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 88<br />
338 17 0<br />
746 60 27<br />
1003 82 24<br />
1147 69 6<br />
1422 5 0<br />
1952 20 0<br />
1979 6 2<br />
1980 8 0<br />
2061 61 8<br />
2<strong>13</strong>2 18 7<br />
2149 23 9<br />
2154 47 2<br />
2155 15 2<br />
2158 70 26<br />
2159 21 2<br />
2160 25 2<br />
2234 30 19<br />
2345 1<strong>13</strong> 9<br />
2347 54 1<br />
2348 123 5<br />
2455 24 3<br />
2548 20 0<br />
2586 31 4<br />
2587 15 1<br />
2588 16 0<br />
2589 <strong>13</strong> 0<br />
2590 15 1<br />
2592 22 0<br />
2593 17 1<br />
2606 6 1<br />
26<strong>07</strong> 3 0<br />
3431 38 0<br />
Sub-Totals 1087 162 1<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 89<br />
<strong>13</strong>47 8 1<br />
1981 55 15<br />
2122 9 36<br />
2<strong>13</strong>4 26 7<br />
2<strong>13</strong>5 50 26<br />
2<strong>13</strong>6 17 3<br />
2<strong>13</strong>7 16 2<br />
2156 70 23<br />
2157 14 9<br />
2161 23 1<br />
2163 65 29<br />
2354 51 12<br />
2355 44 7<br />
2356 11 1<br />
2421 95 24<br />
2456 93 28<br />
2521 12 0<br />
2528 48 38<br />
ABSTAINED /<br />
LOCAL YES NO CHALLENGED<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 83<br />
2246 18 <strong>13</strong><br />
2247 37 5<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 84<br />
2248 12 1<br />
2249 17 14<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 85<br />
2367 17 6<br />
2368 22 1<br />
2540 <strong>13</strong> 1<br />
2591 32 2<br />
2608 10 6<br />
2915 19 0<br />
Sub-Totals 781 271 0<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 90<br />
972 216 51 1<br />
1022 89 10<br />
1224 941 71 7<br />
1420 58 1<br />
2162 110 11<br />
2518 30 0<br />
2523 23 0<br />
2524 59 7<br />
2527 74 4<br />
2534 392 <strong>13</strong> 2<br />
2536 53 6<br />
2545 300 29 3<br />
3033 53 20<br />
3101 37 1<br />
3105 20 0<br />
3<strong>13</strong>0 69 3 1<br />
3149 29 1<br />
Sub-Totals 2553 228 14<br />
TOTALS 9,162 2,354 20<br />
MASTER MEMORANDUM RATIFICATION<br />
VOTES TO AVOID ROLLING FURLOUGHS.<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 86<br />
2369 8 2<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 87<br />
2370 27 5<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 88<br />
2244 32 3<br />
DISTRICT COUNCIL 89<br />
2245 64 11<br />
TOTALS 254 61<br />
www.afscme<strong>13</strong>.org 3
<strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong>’s 37th Ann<br />
April 24-26, 2009<br />
Hershey Lodge and<br />
Convention Center<br />
Pres. Todd Singer calls the convention to order.<br />
Former <strong>AFS</strong>CME member, Sen. Vincent<br />
Hughes, (D-7th), wears many “hats” as a<br />
PA Senator and an advocate of labor.<br />
PA United Way Pres. Tony Ross, looks<br />
forward to working with <strong>AFS</strong>CME on<br />
future community projects.<br />
DC84 Delegates cheer Exec. Dir. Fillman -<br />
or did somebody mention the Steelers?<br />
4 Public Employee Press May/June 2009<br />
AFL-CIO Pres. John Sweeney with John<br />
Evans (L) L2147, Lackawanna Co.; and Joe<br />
Hickey, L2370, State Supervisory Dist. 4.<br />
Rev. Willie Sawyers, Local 2162 Vice-Pres.<br />
and Pastor at Millennium Neighborhood<br />
Community Church gives the invocation.<br />
Delegates sign up for the Make America<br />
Happen campaign.<br />
Exec. Dir. David R. Fillman welcomes members at the new Orientation for 1st Time<br />
Delegates/Alternates.<br />
Pres. McEntee congratulates delegates<br />
for ratifying the rolling furlough<br />
agreement calling it, “the best deal in<br />
the country that <strong>AFS</strong>CME has gotten.”<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME Kids lead Delegates in the ‘Pledge<br />
of Allegiance’.<br />
Once again DC84 received the<br />
Outstanding PAL Achievement Award,<br />
but DC89 took home the Outstanding<br />
MVP Achievement Award.<br />
Dr. Monita Hara, Superintendent of<br />
Scranton State School for the Deaf (SSSD),<br />
acknowledges <strong>AFS</strong>CME represented<br />
positions at the school.<br />
Kendra Cason, daughter of Bob Cason C<strong>13</strong><br />
Organizing Dept., did another great job<br />
singing the National Anthem.<br />
PA AFL-CIO Sec.-Treas. Rick Bloomingdale (R)<br />
presented 2009 awards to Penny Fink, L2865<br />
(Communication); Paula Schnelly, L<strong>13</strong>98<br />
(Community Service); and Cheryl Reynolds,<br />
L2360 (Political Action).
ual Convention<br />
LEADING<br />
THE CHANGE<br />
468 Delegates and their guests were in attendance at <strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong>’s 37th Annual Convention,<br />
held at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center on April 24 - 26, 2009. Delegates passed<br />
a total of 15 Resolutions. Saving Scranton State School for the Deaf and Scotland School for<br />
Veterans’ Children; National Health Care; Use of Stimulus Money for Vital Public Services; and the<br />
Employee Free Choice Act were some of the resolutions presented during Saturday’s General<br />
Session.<br />
During his State of the Union address, Exec. Dir. Fillman formally announced the Agreement to<br />
Prevent Rolling Furloughs had been passed and included a video presentation emphasizing how<br />
lucky Pennsylvania is to get such a deal compared to 33 other states.<br />
A special Presidential Election 2008 video montage was shown. “You were the ones leading the<br />
change,” said Exec. Dir. Fillman. “You were the ones doing the walk, talk and knock for Barack.”<br />
And Pres. McEntee thanked Pennsylvania for all their hard work “so that <strong>AFS</strong>CME can once again<br />
step on the welcome mat at the White House.”<br />
Barbara Cooper, DC88, L2345, West Chester University and C<strong>13</strong> Exec. Board VP representing State employees<br />
(L) and Marge Snopek, L3126, Scranton State School for the Deaf and C<strong>13</strong> Exec. Board VP representing DC87,<br />
helped out with introductions.<br />
Retired DC85 Director, David Bielski, reads from the<br />
“Hymnal” of Resolutions for the last time as newly<br />
elected DC85 Director, David Henderson, waits to<br />
take his place at the podium.<br />
“Marilyn Monroe” stopped by to sing Happy Birthday to<br />
Charlie Hepler.<br />
Jason Huneke put on a knife-juggling, unicycling,<br />
magic, comedy and dance show.<br />
One of the most impressive and moving presentations of the<br />
conference was the 2-song performance by students of the<br />
Scranton State School for the Deaf (SSSD).<br />
The SSSD presentation included a video of the kids signing<br />
their pleas to Gov. Rendell to preserve deaf culture and save<br />
their school.<br />
Both Delegates...<br />
...and students were moved to tears.<br />
www.afscme<strong>13</strong>.org 5
State Park ‘Staycations’<br />
Pennsylvanians choosing “Staycations” are pleasantly surprised to find the<br />
beauty and history right here in PA. With 2.1 million acres of state forests,<br />
you’ll find everything from our own Grand Canyon to 100 ft. waterfalls. And<br />
“staycationers” support our brothers and sisters working hard to save these parks.<br />
Caledonia State Park covers 1,150 acres in Adams and Franklin counties.<br />
The park offers more than 450 picnic tables, 10 miles of hiking trails, a large<br />
ADS accessible swimming pool, one of the oldest and most scenic golf<br />
courses in PA, live theater performances, 170 tent and trailer sites in 2<br />
campgrounds all with electrical hook-ups, home rentals big enough to sleep<br />
10 people and plenty of fishing. Full to capacity all season long, many<br />
visitors come from Maryland where state parks require an admittance fee.<br />
But, Dwight Thomas, L2245, 1st Level Supervisor at Caledonia, is very<br />
concerned about Caledonia’s future. “We’re doing the best we can,” he said.<br />
With recent budget cuts, Caledonia has lost several custodians and laborers<br />
leaving semi-skilled laborers to take up additional duties such as cleaning<br />
restrooms and picking up trash.<br />
Workers are also responsible for servicing Mont Alto State Park 7 miles<br />
away. “We’ve had to let a lot of Mont Alto State Park go,” said Mike<br />
Schroyer, L2<strong>13</strong>4, Maintenance Repairman. “We just don’t have enough staff<br />
to maintain both parks entirely.”<br />
Employees are busy year-round painting, making park signs, repairing equipment,<br />
bridges and decks and constantly cleaning up after storm, ice and flood damage.<br />
Thomas is worried about more budget cuts. “It just doesn’t make any<br />
sense,” he said. “If they closed the park for a couple of years, any money<br />
saved would be spent in repairs once it was re-opened.”<br />
Cook Forest State Park will be featured in the Jul/<strong>Aug</strong> <strong>PEP</strong>.<br />
DCNR Members Awarded<br />
8<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME members were among the award recipients at the 2009<br />
DCNR Employee Recognition Award program held in May.<br />
Kathy Surman, DC88, L2589, Bucks Co. Clericals, Customer<br />
Service Award.<br />
Lisa Dorman Peffy, DC89, L2456, State Professional Dist. 8, Delaware<br />
Canal State Park Flood Repairs Action Team, Team Excellence Award.<br />
Curtis Ahner and James Branch, DC88, L2244, State Supervisory Dist. 5 & 6,<br />
Neshaminy State Park Eagles’ Forest Implementation Team – Team Excellence<br />
Award.<br />
Bill Delling, DC87, L2370, Wayne Co., Tobyhanna Lost Hunter Search<br />
Team – Team Excellence Award. Brother Delling also received the Governor’s<br />
Award for Excellence.<br />
Darryl Wurst, DC85, L2367, State Supervisory Dist. 1, Allegheny Team;<br />
Ray Miller, DC83, L2246, State Supervisory Dist. 9, Delaware Team; and Dan<br />
LeCrone, DC83, L2246, State Supervisory Dist. 9, Susquehanna Team – Type<br />
III Incident Management Teams Awards.<br />
DCNR Acting Secretary, John Quigley, said all awardees are an inspiration to all<br />
of us for their accomplishments, excellence and teamwork. "I want to thank all of<br />
you for what you do every<br />
day," he said. Quigley noted<br />
the 20% budget cut to DCNR<br />
proposed in the Republican<br />
budget (SB 850). “They’re<br />
ready to throw us overboard<br />
when times get tough,” said<br />
Quigley. “This is our natural<br />
birthright. It’s our duty and our<br />
right to hand our national<br />
(L to R) Dep. Sec. of Administration, Rita A. Calvan;<br />
Dan LeCrone, Darryl Wurst and Ray Miller; and<br />
Acting Sec. John Quigley. These members were<br />
recognized for outstanding efforts in large and<br />
complex wildfire incidents.<br />
6 Public Employee Press May/June 2009<br />
heritage over to the next<br />
generation.”<br />
For photos of all the<br />
recipients, please visit<br />
www.afscme<strong>13</strong>.org<br />
At 9’ 6”, Caledonia State Park boasts the deepest pool in the state.<br />
Rich in history, the Thaddeus Stevens<br />
blacksmith shop is a museum of labor in<br />
the early 1900’s.<br />
Dwight Thomas (L) L2245 and Mike<br />
Schroyer, L2<strong>13</strong>4, take great pride in<br />
making Caledonia State Park happen.<br />
Did You Know<br />
– over 36 million people visit PA State Parks every year!<br />
– the longest ski drop in the state (1,050 ft.) is at Blue Knob State Park.<br />
– 20,000 bats can be seen every night exiting the church in Canoe Creek State Park!<br />
– Mont Alto was our first State Park – Caledonia came in 2nd.<br />
Save Our School!<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME members, legislators, veterans, students, parents and alumni<br />
gathered at the Capitol Rotunda June 8 for a "Save Our School" rally<br />
for Scotland School for Veterans' Children. "This program doesn't<br />
represent fat, fraud or abuse -- this is a program that works," said DC89<br />
Director Mike Fox. Several legislators spoke of the values of the school and<br />
the high percentage of students that go on to college or the military. Alumni<br />
Isiah Anderson pointed out that it doesn’t make sense to close good schools<br />
and open more prisons – all in the same budget. Students and parents spoke<br />
through tears as they defended their school. “I am your future,” said 10th<br />
grader Whitney Washington. “Let your voice be heard.”<br />
DC89 Director Mike Fox points out the benefits of saving Scotland School for<br />
Veterans’ Children.
Sister Joyce before. Joyce gets shaved by barber George Miliziano.<br />
Joyce Vandersloot, DC89, L1485 raised nearly $1,000 for the St. Baldrick’s<br />
Day event held at the York Expo Center. Congratulations!<br />
St. Baldrick’s is the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising event for<br />
childhood cancer research. Thousands of volunteers shave their heads in solidarity<br />
of children with cancer, while requesting donations of support from friends and<br />
family. Events have taken place in 18 countries and 48 US states, raising over $50<br />
million, and shaving more than 72,000 heads.<br />
For more information, visit www.stbaldricks.org.<br />
Another Gaming<br />
Control Board Victory!<br />
The run-off election<br />
between <strong>AFS</strong>CME<br />
<strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong> and<br />
Teamsters L776 took place on<br />
May 19. The Gaming<br />
Control Board Professionals<br />
unit voted 57 to 47 to be<br />
represented by <strong>AFS</strong>CME.<br />
This organizing victory brings<br />
126 new bargaining unit<br />
members to <strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong>.<br />
Congratulations and welcome<br />
to the <strong>AFS</strong>CME family!<br />
(L to R) James Mansueti, Justin Swogger, Tim<br />
Pappas, Shaun Flynn and Christopher Kalbarczyk<br />
of the professional non-supervisory unit.<br />
We Make Communication<br />
Happen!<br />
With more non-English<br />
speaking members<br />
coming on board,<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME <strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong> is realizing<br />
fast that creative measures need<br />
to be explored to aid in<br />
communication between<br />
workers and supervisors.<br />
Jorge Contreras, DC90, L2063,<br />
Harrisburg School District, came to the U.S. from Peru looking for better<br />
(L to R) L2063 members Victor Burgos, Jorge<br />
Contreras, Raymond Washington and C<strong>13</strong> interpreter<br />
Christi Mascioli with bi-lingual flash cards.<br />
opportunities for his family. He was having difficulty understanding his supervisor<br />
and not following instructions well as a result. Christie Mascioli, a bi-lingual staff<br />
member from C<strong>13</strong>’s Education Dept. was called in to act as an interpreter for<br />
Contreras during a meeting with L2063 President, Terry Mathis; Steward and<br />
Supervisor, Raymond Washington; Staff Representative M. Nichelle Chivis and other<br />
union representatives. In order to alleviate communication barriers, flash-cards<br />
were developed as a result of that meeting with one side in English and the other<br />
side in Spanish. The cards are working out well. Eager to learn English, Contreras<br />
is taking several English classes while continuing to work full time.<br />
Keith Spangler, DC89, L1981 is training for the bike ride of his life.<br />
On <strong>Aug</strong>ust 2, Brother Spangler will be starting out from Burlington,<br />
VT and 6 days and 500 miles later, he’ll be in Palmerton, PA.<br />
It’s called the PA Perimeter Ride Against Cancer (PPRAC). Money raised will<br />
go directly to the American Cancer Society, Lehigh Valley Chapter; and Dream<br />
Come True, a support organization for terminally and seriously ill children.<br />
Spangler has been training for 7 years - year round. What motivates<br />
him? “I love it,” he says. “It makes me feel better mentally and<br />
physically.” Spangler packs light for his trips. A GPS; nutrition bar and<br />
bottle of water are essential. “The GPS has saved me many times,” he said.<br />
“A lot of back roads aren’t marked.” One thing he doesn’t take with him<br />
is music. It’s illegal for cyclists to wear earphones.<br />
Spangler said the PPRAC will be one of his most challenging rides yet.<br />
There are a lot of hills and a lot of miles to cover daily - up to 110 miles a day.<br />
He’s surpassed his personal fundraising goal with $2,260. <strong>AFS</strong>CME<br />
<strong>Council</strong> <strong>13</strong> donated $500 as a Gold Sponsor. “It’s one of the easiest checks<br />
I had to write,” said Exec. Dir. Fillman. The goal of the 67 registered riders<br />
is to raise over $150,000. For more information, visit www.pprac.net<br />
C<strong>13</strong> Exec. Dir. Fillman (L) and Keith Spangler.<br />
Benefits Extended to<br />
Domestic Partners<br />
Effective <strong>July</strong> 1, 2009, employees covered by the PEBTF can add<br />
domestic partners and qualified dependents of domestic partners to<br />
their health care coverage. The plan of benefits includes medical,<br />
prescription drug, dental, vision and hearing aids. Exec. Dir. Fillman serves as<br />
Chair on the PEBTF’s board. “As representatives of all working men, women<br />
and families; it was the equitable thing to do,” said Fillman.<br />
The same rates and plan choices apply, with the exception of the Consumer<br />
Driven Health Plan (CDHP), which is not available for employees in such<br />
relationships because of federal tax regulations. Employees who elect such coverage<br />
for domestic partners and dependents should also be aware that they<br />
will be subject to federal tax on the value of the benefit provided.<br />
Your Human Resources Office is currently accepting forms and<br />
required documents for this coverage. For additional information<br />
about this program and the tax implications, as well as the required<br />
enrollment forms, visit PEBTF’s website at www.pebtf.org.<br />
www.afscme<strong>13</strong>.org 7
Summer is more enjoyable with Members-only<br />
Entertainment Discounts.<br />
You deserve a break - both from work and high entertainment costs, Union members can<br />
use Entertainment Discounts - including movie ticket, video and theme park discounts to<br />
relax and enjoy the summer.<br />
Member-Only<br />
Services Save<br />
You Money!<br />
For more information:<br />
1-888-782-<strong>13</strong>23 or MemberServices@afscme<strong>13</strong>.org<br />
Regina Schweinsberg, DC85,<br />
L2450, State Professionals Dist.<br />
1, recently received a $250<br />
rebate check from Union Plus! Sister<br />
Schweinsberg applied for the Union Plus<br />
Energy Audit Rebate after insulating the<br />
attic in her new home. The rebate<br />
program is only available to Union Plus<br />
Credit Card holders to promote energy<br />
savings in the home while also helping<br />
union members save money.<br />
Schweinsberg<br />
“I applied for the Union Plus Credit Card<br />
because there were no interest charges for the first year. When they<br />
sent me the information on the rebate, I just filled out a few forms<br />
online and got $250 in the mail! It was that easy,” said Schweinsberg.<br />
“Members should really look into all the discounts available through<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME Advantage.”<br />
But Schweinsberg warns members not to be fooled by credit<br />
card companies claiming to be union. Only Union Plus/<strong>AFS</strong>CME<br />
Advantage is the real deal.<br />
Henderson<br />
<strong>AFS</strong>CME Family<br />
Scholarship Winner<br />
Tyler Henderson has been selected as one of the <strong>13</strong> winners<br />
of the 2009 <strong>AFS</strong>CME Family Scholarship. A student from<br />
Chartiers Valley High School, Tyler is the son of DC85<br />
Director and L<strong>13</strong>79 member, David Henderson. Henderson was also<br />
a 2nd place winner in the PA AFL-CIO Scholarship Essay Contest.<br />
The <strong>AFS</strong>CME Family Scholarship, offered by <strong>AFS</strong>CME International, is<br />
another member-only benefit.<br />
PA AFL-CIO Scholarship<br />
Essay Contest Winners<br />
Kelly Chekanowsky,<br />
daughter of William<br />
Chekanowsky,<br />
Chapter 8501<br />
Category 2 –<br />
College Student<br />
3rd place -- $500<br />
Evette D’Amore,<br />
Category 3 –<br />
Member continuing<br />
their education<br />
2nd place -- $1,000<br />
Local 2592