By: Courtney Patterson

Greetings Sisters and Brothers,

August is in full swing, September is coming in hot and kids are counting their days until school starts. We are mere days away.

Did you know that on August 18, 1920, the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified and women in America were granted the right to vote? Decades of difficult struggles, agitation, and many protests helped in reaching this milestone.

This amendment was first introduced to congress in 1878. It took 42 years to achieve this goal, and many women before us would tell you this is what started our movement forward to equality today.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and our Local 659 Women’s Committee is ramping up for our annual t-shirt sale. Breast cancer shirts will be available for pre-order until August 27, 2026. You can buy them from your Women’s reps in the plant, or here at the Union Hall.

This year’s design centers around football, and is along the theme of “Tackle Breast Cancer” I have to say this design is fabulous! I hope you all love it as much as we do. Two color options this year are bright pink and black – both are American-made and Union printed.

Again this year, all proceeds will go to Hurley’s Pink Fund, which provided financial assistance for up to 90 days for non-medical cost-of-living expenses for local breast cancer patients in active treatment, so they can focus on healing, raising their families, and returning to the workplace. Local programs helping local people! Please help support the cause by purchasing a t-shirt. The cost is $30 for sizes S-XL, and $35 for sizes 2X-5X.

Next month, we start our meetings back up, and it’s going to bring a whirlwind of information with it, after our summer breaks. I am very much looking forward to seeing you all.

Fall is right around the corner, and I’m ready for it! Halloween is my, by far, favorite holiday and I can’t wait for bonfires and spooky season. Trunk or Treat here at the hall for the kiddos is going to be so much fun. Please plan on bringing your favorite ghosts and ghouls for some tricks and treats!

Until next time my friends, keep your face always towards the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you!