By: Anthony Davis

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Can you believe that summer is over? Fall is here, the leaves are changing colors and falling to the ground, and before we know it the holidays will be here.

November 1st is “Fall Back” Sunday. Just a friendly reminder to turn your clocks back one hour. While you are at it, change the batteries in your smoke detectors also. It is always a good time to make sure those batteries are working and your family is protected.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and for the 31 days of October, breast cancer awareness can look different for many people. While some may wear pink in observance, others may silently reflect, experience sorrow, remember a loved one, or show their support. However you recognize this month, the important thing is that we continue to raise awareness and encourage early detection.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. Approximately 30% of all new female cancer diagnoses will be breast cancer. On average, a woman is diagnosed every 2 minutes in the United States.

Approximately 66% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at a localized stage, when the cancer has not spread outside of the breast. When caught early, the 5-year relative survival rate is over 99%.

Breast Cancer affects men, too. In 2026, an estimated 2,670 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. The lifetime risk for a U.S. man is about 1 in 755.

There is hope. Advances in early detection and treatment have improved survival rates, and there are now more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

The Swartz Creek Homecoming Parade was on Friday, September 18th. I joined some of our UAW Local 659 Officers, along with Brothers and Sisters from the Swartz Creek CCA plant, to walk in the parade. We always receive a great reception from the community, and we have participated for several years now. One thing that will never get old is knowing we have this kind of support from our community. And when I say there were a lot of kids this year, there were a lot of kids! The downtown was packed, and it was great seeing so many families come out.

Trunk or Treat will be Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. here at the Union Hall. This event is always a great time with a huge turnout. Bring the kids, decorate your car, grab some candy, and enjoy the afternoon with us! If you cannot attend but would like to donate, we will be accepting candy donations at the Hall.

November 3rd is ELECTION DAY. GET OUT AND VOTE! Your voice is your vote.

Veterans Day is Wednesday, November 11th. Veterans Day is a time to honor all who have served our country. Originally known as Armistice Day, November 11th was established to honor veterans of World War I. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day so we could honor American veterans of all wars and conflicts.

Please take a moment this Veterans Day to thank a veteran for their service and sacrifice.

Santa will be returning to the Union Hall! Mark your calendars. Our UAW Local 659 Kids Christmas Party will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2026, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The Unions Sportsmen’s Alliance 2027 Calendars are now available at the hall. come get yours while they last. They make great Christmas gifts!

Remember, no matter who you are, or where you are from, WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER!