By: Duane Ballard

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Everyone who is tired of this snow and cold, please raise your hand! I am about over this crap outside. The older I get, the less I like winter and to say this one has been miserable is an understatement. It is safe to say that I will be totally happy when the temperature hits 50 degrees. I don’t think we are asking for much, so let’s all put in our order.

As I have been sayin, the International is really harping on the Locals to get their membership and addresses updated as much as possible for the upcoming International Election.

It was a very expensive election for the International in 2022. Remember, the International is funded by your dues money. Wasted ballots sent out to bad addresses and members who have passed is wasting all of our dues money. Please make sure your address is updated here at the Union Hall to make sure you get your ballot.

Speaking of elections, Local 659 elections were set at the last Joint Council meeting. Our signups will be April 8th, 9th, 10th, with the election being April 23rd. A runoff, if needed, would be held April 30th.

If you want to run for any position, you must sign up those days. These positions include the district level as well as the general election ballot. The district elections will happen after each district has meetings and sets their elections. All district elections must be done before June 12th.

I do know it is a lot. If you have any questions, please reach out to me here at the Union Hall. I’ll be glad to answer any questions and please get involved.

We are waiting on the letter from International for the number of delegates to the Constitutional Convention. Once we get that, we will set up elections for those also. Please keep an eye out in your Union boxes and our website for more information as it comes out.

If you read my article last month, I told everyone it was going to be a busy year and it is just beginning. Make sure you are watching for all our stuff in the Searchlight, our website, and if you follow our Facebook.

Information is key to our membership, and we are trying to get it out to everyone. The ultimate way to get information is to attend your meetings each and every month. All your questions can be answered there and lots of information is handed out.

The date for our annual Get Kids Outdoors Day has been set for June 6th. Each year, it gets bigger and bigger and more kids participate. We had over 300 kids last year and are hoping to increase it to over 400 this year. I hope everyone puts it in their calendar for that date.

If you don’t have a kid to bring, we would love to have you as a volunteer. Last year, we were totally overwhelmed and could have used at least 20 more people to help. Keep it in mind, and come out and see a bunch of smiles on kids’ faces.

I always say to get a kid outdoors, but it seems like outdoors is not being too nice this winter. The snow is one thing, but this cold and wind are another, for me at least. So, I’m going to throw you a curve ball and tell you that there are a lot of outdoor things to watch on TV, YouTube or other channels. Find something that peaks a child’s or your interest. There is nothing wrong, every now and then, to grab a cup of hot chocolate and turn on something that will get your attention to do when the weather gets more bearable. If you can’t get a kid outdoors then create a plan to get them there when the winter weather calms down.