By: Courtney Patterson

Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

I hope this message finds you all well and rested, and in preparation for the upcoming Holidays. We’re only a few days away from Trunk or Treat 2026! And once that’s over, it will be like breaking the seal and there will be no stopping it – Thanksgiving and Christmas are on!

I’ve waited all year for this. I hope to see you all at the Union Hall for our Halloween Party and Christmas Party for the kids. Everything is 100% free to not only the membership and their families, but to the open public as well. Bring your kids, tell the neighbors, and let us have some fun!

Here’s a quick little fun fact about Halloween this year. It falls on a Saturday. The next time that happens will be 2037.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing. To date, we’ve sold 524 t-shirts and have collected over $12,000! Popcorn and bake sales are in the plants, as well as all kinds of other fun fundraising ideas. Our membership is among the kindest, most generous group of folks I’ve ever come across.

Please, male or female, check your breasts regularly. We all think it can’t happen to us, until it does. Breast cancer is still the number one cancer in women. Statistics show that approximately 321,910 women and 2,670 men will be diagnosed in 2026. Even more alarming, approximately 42,140 women and 530 men will lost their battle with breast cancer this year alone. Protect yourself, and check regularly.

I’d like to extend a very well-deserved congratulations to our new Region 1D Director, Mr. Scott Zuckschwerdt. I am looking forward to learning and moving forward for the membership with the team.

Elections are not finished yet though. The national CAP list has been released, with all candidates who have been endorsed by the UAW. You can find this list on our web page and our Facebook page. It is our duty as UAW members to get to the ballot box. Do your part, let your voice be heard.

October gives us 5 weekends this year. Do yourself a service by doing something for you. Sometimes work-life balances can be difficult to maintain.

The cold months are coming. You will see winter clothing donations being requested through your standing committees soon. Donations will take place at the plants and the Union Hall. Men’s clothing has been especially requested, as that is their current biggest need. If anyone needs help getting items in, please don’t hesitate to ask and I’ll gladly do what I can to help.

Always remember, that you are enough, and that happiness often sneaks through a door you didn’t know you left open. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. Think positive sisters and brothers. Our world is what we make it.

Until next time…