2006 PA State Champions

J.A.T.C. NEWS
The weld shop is
open
Monday
through Friday, 7:00
AM – 3:30 PM. We
welcome Andrew
Wanczak to the training center full time
staff. Welders can
work on any process.
This will allow our
members to be tooled
up with the skills
needed when they
return to the jobsite.
Many members have
been working hard to
improve their welding skills and it is
paying off in man
hours.
The gas company 6G
carbon steel weld
tests are given the
first, third and fourth
Wednesday of each
month at the Technology Center. The
tests begin at 7:30
a.m. Please call for
an appointment. The
6G certification is
good for one year.
The plastic fusion
certification is administered the 2nd
Wednesday of each
month. The tests begin at 7:30 a.m. This
certification is good
for one year. Please
call for appointments
for the plastic fusion
exam.
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1517 WOODRUFF STREET
PITTSBURGH, PA 15220
Fall 2006
2006 PA State Champions
The next UA Weld Test will be held October 28, 2006. The test in November will take place on the 18th, and the UA Weld Test in December will
be on the 16th. Please register for the UA Weld exam, Wednesday’s gas
companies 6G Weld test and Plastic Fusion test by calling the Technology
Center @ 412-481-0333.
FREQUENTLY CALLED PHONE NUMBERS
Union Hall……………………………………
Toll Free ……………………………………
Union Web Page ……………………………...
Apprentice & Journeymen Training Center....
Vaccaro & Associates ……………………….
Toll Free ……………………………………
Highmark …………………………………..
Social Security ………………………………
Credit Union …………………………………
PNC Response Line …………………………
Delta Dental ………………………………….
NPA ………………………………………….
MAP (Member Assist Program) ………………..
Mobile Medical ………………………………
412-381-1133
1-800-253-6960
www.ua449.com
412-481-0333
412-481-0300
1-888-355-5665
1-800-241-5704
1-800-772-1213
412-678-9564
1-800-374-4631
1-800-932-0783
1-800-467-2006
1-800-656-9678
1-888-662-8358
SCHEDULE OF UP-COMING EVENTS
Friday, November 3, 2006 . . . . . . . Union Meeting (Nominations) Union Hall Meeting Room
Tuesday, November 7, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Election Day
Friday, November 17, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Union Meeting (Union Hall Meeting Room)
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . Turkey Bowl (Manion Olympia Park)
Thursday, November 23, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thanksgiving Day
Friday, December 1, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Union Meeting (Union Hall Meeting Room)
Saturday, December 9, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Special Election (Union Hall Meeting Room)
Saturday, December 16, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christmas Party (Union Hall)
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Kneeling Left to Right: Coach Harry Sterling, Jeff Sillman, Carl Funtal, Bob Homer,
Nick Kappas, Jake Kohan, Rob Kerchner, Harry Istone, Coach Jim Harding.
Standing Left to Right: Jim Kirsch, Bob Jones, Mark Rovnan, Chris Mullen, Mark
Bly, Brandon King, Steve Plavi, Dan Wiefling, Bob Kappas, Bob Lorenzi, Coach Monk
Ahearn.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through Pittsburgh. The road to the PA Pipe
Trades Softball State Championship goes through Harrisburg, and this year was no
different. Rumor has it that Harrisburg has won the State Championship 18 out of the
24 years of its existence. The last time another team won the State Championship was
1996. Hopefully, you remembered that team was Local 449 Pittsburgh’s Steamfitters.
The Tournament began with a game against Local 690 Philadelphia’s Plumbers.
Local 449 came out of the gate with 6 runs in the bottom of the first after Local 690 put
up 5 in their half of the inning. Jim Kirsch hit a big homerun in the inning to lead the
team. We scored a run in every inning to win the game 16-8.
The second game was against Local 47, Beaver. That game ended after 5innings due to the 12-run rule as Local 449 won 14-2.
(cont. page 11)
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37th U.A. GENERAL CONVENTION
GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE UNITED ASSOCIATION
On Monday, August 7, 2006 at the 37th UA General Convention an election was held
to elect the General Officers who will guide our great organization for the next 5 years commencing on January 1, 2007.
These officers consist of a General President, Assistant General President, General
Secretary – Treasurer, six (6) Vice Presidents and thirty-two (32) International Representatives.
The following officers were duly elected:
William P. Hite
Stephen F. Kelly
Patrick R. Perno
General President
Assistant General President
General Secretary – Treasurer
Of special interest to the members of Steamfitters Local Union 449, was the election
of our own Business Manager, Kenneth J. Broadbent to the office of General Vice President, District – 2.
As Vice President, Business Manager Broadbent will be in charge of District – 2
which includes the District of Columbia, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio,
Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The duties of General Vice President will be in addition to the Business Manager’s
normal local responsibilities. This position has historically been a dual role without harmful
consequence to the local union due to extensive time away.
The six Vice Presidents serve as the General Executive Board for the United Association and their duties are fully described in the UA Constitution.
SKY BLAST
AUG. 26, 2006
The
Astros Astros
proved
The Houston
Houston
too
much
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at
our
proved too much for the 3rd
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fireworks more than made up for
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but
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loss. Night,
This year
we easily
sold
works
more
than
made
up
for
three hundred tickets and our
the loss. family
This and
yearfriends
we easily
members,
were
once
again
delighted
with
an
unsold three hundred tickets
believable
fireworks display.
Jaand our members,
family and
son
Altmire,
soon
to
be
our
friends were once again deUnited States Congressman from
lighted
with anand
unbelievable
the
4th District,
his family
fireworks
display.
Jason
Alttook
time out
to join us
as young
mire,
soon
to
be
our
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and old alike were amazed as fireworks
from thefrom
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States erupted
Congressman
the
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chored
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as the rooftops of the PPG and US
young
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the Allegheny as well as the
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successful
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this,
surely continue
keep
Steelwill
Buildings.
Withtomore
an eye on newsletters and join us
fireworks combined with lanext year for another evening of
ser lights inside
the ball park,
camaraderie
and entertainment.
the capacity crown was
treated truly extraordinary
exhibition.
A tradition as successful
as this, will surely continue
to keep an eye on newsletters
RETIREES
and join us next
year for anotherMay
evening
camaraderie
2006 -of
Charles
H. Davis
and
entertainment.
Sept.
2006 - Gary J. Steigerwald
IN MEMORIAM
William Hurney
7/06
Earl Brennan IN MEMORIAL
7/06
William
Hurney
Michael
E. Sterling
8/06
Earl Brennan
Edward R. Fusan
8/06
Michael E. Streling
Albert
J. Peluso
9/06
Edward
R. Fusan
Oct. 2006 - William S. Herald
Albert J. Peluso
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7/06
7/06
8/06
8/06
9/06
2006 UA Instructor Training Program in Ann Arbor
RETIREE’S CORNER
The 53rd Annual UA Instructor Training Program was held in Ann Arbor, Michigan the week
of August 14th – 19th. The J.A.T.C. sent fifteen instructors to the program including two new
instructors, Michael Gajski and William McMahon. We are very fortunate to have many talented members willing to share their talents to enhance the education of our Journeymen and
Apprentices. Michael will be assisting in teaching our various welding programs. William
McMahon will be assisting in teaching our commercial refrigeration courses. The UA Instructor
Training Program will provide them with the professional instruction tools to help them instruct
our journeymen and apprentices.
This year, our local again had the honor of providing five instructors’ to teach at the Instructor Training Program. Richard “Zip” Zimmer completed his sixth year of teaching Introduction
to AutoCAD course. Marty Priches completed his forth year of teaching Intermediate AutoCAD
to other UA Instructors’. Thomas Ley has taught in Ann Arbor in two different capacities, two
years as the co-instructor for Authorized Testing Representative Level II Course and two year’s
as a Technical Consultant to the UA Welding Program for the ATR Refresher Course. Sean
George was invited by the UA Director of Training, Michael Arndt to address the Training Director’s classes about safety awareness Marty Schindehette was also invited to be an instructor
for the new Industrial Rigging Certification Course. Dale Glavin was also recruited to help coordinate the theory portion of the rigging course. Richard Tuite received his Industrial Rigging
Certification and James Harding received his Foreman Certification. Both programs are new to
the UA. All the instructor’s do a wonderful job, the entire local is proud of their accomplishments.
Christmas Party:
Mark your calendar, the Retiree’s Christmas party
will be held at the Teutonia Manner
Club on Monday December 4, 2006.
We also had the pleasure of witnessing the graduation of Raymond “Butch” Dee, Mark
Drango, R.J. Meyer, Jr, and Dennis Ross from the 5-year program. Mark Drango also completed the requirements for his Associated Degree in Industrial Education. Congratulations and
thank to our instructor graduates for their service and dedication to Local 449!
THE
449 STEAMFITTER
NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE
412-381-1133— phone
412-381-7875—f ax
Kenneth Broadbent
SOCIAL CALENDAR 2007
April
Bowling / Dinner
Mar. 20th
Meeting
May
Golf Outing
June 19th
Meeting
Aug. 22nd
Picnic (South Park)
Sept. 18th
Meeting
September
Golf Outing
December
Christmas Party
Joseph Little
Mike Leaf
Alan Steigerwald
Richard King
Marty Schindehette
John Neely
Dale Glavin, Jr.
A newsletter of the Steamfitters Local Union #449,
members of the United Association of Journeymen
and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
Industry of the United State and Canada.
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RETIREE’S CORNER
2006 LABOR DAY PARADE
Corn Roast:
The corn roast moved to South Park this year after seven years at North Park.
Spreading Oak Lodge was the location and over fifty members and guests gathered for the event. The weather cooperated providing a sunny warm day. The ladies once again prepared delicious snacks and desserts that were the highlight of
the menu. Ed Kenna won the 50/50 raffle. We want to thank the ladies and everyone who worked to make the day a success. We received positive feedback
from many members that attended the event. The 2007 picnic/corn roast will be
held at the Home Economics Bldg. in South Park on Wednesday August 22, 2007.
Fall Golf Outing:
The golf outing was held at 7 Springs Golf Course in Elizabeth, PA. A beautiful morning provided the setting for a good day of golfing. Twenty-eight seniors
participated in the event. The course was in very good shape, the service was outstanding and the food was delicious. Rules were introduced for the outing to establish parity between the groups. The 1st. place group of Ed Arnold, Allan Kelleen and Dick Spratt finished four strokes ahead of the last place group. The skill
prize winners were Jim McCann, Tom Jungling, Jim Wertz, Pudgy Recker and Ed
Arnold. All golfers won a door prize. Del Freeman won the 50/50 raffle. We
want to welcome golfers that joined us for the first time: Mickey Kelly, Ed
Rowan, Lou Schwoegl and Pudge Recker. We also thank all the people that contributed prizes. Two golf outings are being planned for 2007, one in May and another in September.
Membership meeting:
The September 19th meeting was held at the Teutonia Mannerchor Club.
Thirty members and guest attended. The main topic of discussion was revising
the clubs by-laws. The proposed by-law changes were presented to the members
and then discussed. After the discussion the proposed changes were voted on by
the members. The votes were then tabulated and all the suggested changes were
unanimously approved. All current members will be mailed a copy of the revised
by-laws.
Dinner Theatre:
One the evening of September 23rd a group of over fifty members and guest
gathered at the Holiday Inn Greentree, to see the Wild, Wacky, Wonderful World
of Gorman Lowe. The group thoroughly enjoyed the comic antics and songs of
this talented performer. During one of the skits, Gorman selected Sue Farkas
from the audience to make her stage debut. She responded with an outstanding
performance.
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The last holiday of summer is always Labor Day, the day dedicated to the
American worker. As the members, with their families, of the various unions
walked through downtown Pittsburgh we celebrated, the 40 hour work week, child
labor laws, overtime pay, workplace safety and the right to organize. All ideals
friends of the labor movement fought to establish.
This year the parade had a somber note. Labor in Pittsburgh lost a good
friend with the passing of Mayor Bob O’Connor. As each union and band passes
the City-County Building on Grant Street they stopped with a moment of silence
to honor “Mayor Bob.”
Our local had one of the largest groups in the parade. Five hundred family
members of Local Union 449 marched in this year’s parade. Also, in the parade
were cars for the retirees, the South Baldwin fire truck and the award winning
South Fayette High School Band. After the parade all were invited to the Union
Hall for a catered lunch and an opportunity to socialize with friends.
Jacki Pahler deserves a special thanks for arranging with ELF Entertainment the fun house and games for the children. The Fraternal Committee thanks
all who were in attendance this year. There is no better way to end the summer
than with a parade and a party.
Everyone is invited to attend in 2007!
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INTERNET PIPELINE
This election season is widely recognized as being
one of the most important mid-term elections in recent memory. A
chance to shift the balance of power from one side of the aisle to the
other is at stake. It is also seen as a referendum on how people feel
the President is doing. Because of this, the ad campaigns are heating
up, and facts, allegations, and distortions are being thrown about
with impunity. There are several excellent web-sites to help you
sort thru the mud-slinging and name-calling to learn more about the
candidates. The first of these is called “Project Vote Smart”
( www.vote-smart.org )
Put together by concerned citizens, their aim is to provide a “Voter’s Self Defense System.”
From the main page, you can link to a specific candidate, or use your zip code to find out which
elections are pertinent to your area. The five basic categories covered here are: biographical
info, issue positions, campaign finances, interest group ratings, and voting record(where applicable.) The issues position portion is done voluntarily by the candidate, and is unfortunately
incomplete, as some candidates have not yet completed one. Looking at both the voting record,
and the interest group ratings give you a real sense of what the candidate stands for. But checking into the campaign finances is when it gets really interesting.
Either by following the links from the above site, or going there directly, this next page is an
eye opener. Open Secrets( www.opensecrets.org ) is run by The Center For Responsive Politics, a non-partisan, non-profit research group. They seem to live by the rule—“follow the
money.” This is a very extensive site, with both current and background information. “Who
Gives” and “Who Gets” are two of the five tabs across the top of this page. Clicking either allows you to research where money goes, and who it goes to. Pick a company, an industry, or an
interest group, and find out who they are contributing to. Or you can pick a candidate, and see
where his or her financial backing is based. Open Secrets is an easy to use, and exceptionally
informative site.
KENNYWOOD PICNIC
Sunday, July 2, 2006 Steamfitter’s Local Union returned to Kennywood Park. In attendance
were 1,500 members and families. The day was
perfect for an enjoyable time at an amusement
park. Our local represented the largest group at
the park that Sunday. This allowed for everyone to use the ride all day pass without fear of
long lines. Once again Pavilion #5 proved to be
large enough for all our locals planned activities.
Kennywood is one of the oldest amusement
parks in the country. Amusement parks possess
the traditional rides: three wooden roller coasters, a 1900 carousel, and a “Kiddie Land” for
the youngsters. The Phantom’s Revenge and
the Pit Fall. This year Kennywood has new attractions . . . the Swing Shot . . . a thrilling new
ride, and the All American High Dive has replaced the Garden Stage.
The Fraternal Committee also supplied entertainment. Bingo with corn kernels which the
winners received a $50.00 or $75.00 gift certificate. The only lines were for the ice cream.
That line moved very fast. Daniel Kapetanovich was the grand raffle winner of $200.00
dollars.
The Fraternal Committee would like to thank
all that attended this year’s picnic. Planning
this picnic is like a piece of art . . . it is easy to
do when one sees all the happy faces.
Both of these web-sites are useful during the elections, but they both are also informative
during the legislative sessions. When an elected official casts a vote that seems out of sync
with his or her electorate, maybe a look at the finance records will clear things up.
TELL ME AND I FORGET,
SHOW ME AND I REMEMBER,
INVOLVE ME AND I UNDERSTAND
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ENDORSED CANDIDATES
U.S. SENATE
Bob Casey, Jr
________________________________
GOVERNOR
Edward RENDELL
______________________________________
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Catherine BAKER KNOLL
__________________________________
U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS
DISTRICT 4
Jason ALTMIRE
DISTRICT 12
John MURTHA
DISTRICT 14
Mike DOYLE
DISTRICT 18
Tim MURPHY
2006 PA State Champions
It was time for the King Seat game, and once again there was Local
520, Harrisburg. Local 520 scored 2 in the first. Local 449 scored 5 in their
half, the last 4 on a Grand Slam by Chris Mullen into the brier bush in left
field. Going into the bottom of the 5th inning, Harrisburg led 11-10. Harrisburg walked the lead-off batter and Mark Rovnan followed that with a
homerun into the parking lot in right field. It was enough to win the game
for Local 449 12-11 as neither team scored again. Harrisburg has a history
of coming out of the losers bracket to take 2 from the King Seat team. Local 449 waited for the loser bracket to be played out to see who they
would play for the championship. You guessed it, there they were again
Harrisburg. Local 449 scored 8 runs in the second inning capped by a 3run homerun by Bob Lorenzi. We went on to win the State Championship
10-5. Bob Homer’s pitching kept Harrisburg in the park as they hit only
one homerun and had 9 hits in seven innings. Mark Rovnan was named
MVP for the tournament as he batted .667 along with solid play in the
field.
That is two PA Pipe Trades State Championships for the Pittsburgh
Steamfitters-----1996, 2006. Hopefully, the road to the State Championship
stays under construction and detours through Pittsburgh for a long time.
MVP
Mark Rovnan
Jim & MacKenzi Kirsch
Rob & Lindsey Kerchner
STATE SENATORS
Richard KASUNIC
Jim FERLO
Jane ORIE
Wayne FONTANA
J. Barry STOUT
DISTRICT 32
DISTRICT 38
DISTRICT 40
DISTRICT 42
DISTRICT 46
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STATE REPRESENTIVES
DISTRICT 16
DISTRICT 19
DISTRICT 20
DISTRICT 21
DISTRICT 22
DISTRICT 23
DISTRICT 24
DISTRICT 25
DISTRICT 27
DISTRICT 28
DISTRICT 30
DISTRICT 32
DISTRICT 33
DISTRICT 34
DISTRICT 35
DISTRICT 36
DISTRICT 38
DISTRICT 39
DISTRICT 42
DISTRICT 45
DISTRICT 46
DISTRICT 48
DISTRICT 50
DISTRICT 54
DISTRICT 55
DISTRICT 66
VOTE:
Sean RAMALEY
Jake WHEATLEY
Don WALKO
Lisa BENNINGTON
Chelsa WAGNER
Dan FRANKEL
Joseph PRESTON, JR.
Joe MARKOSEK
Tom PETRONE
John HENRY
Shawn FLAHERTY
Tony DELUCA
Frank DERMODY
Paul COSTA
Marc GERGELY
Harry READSHAW
Bill KORTZ
David LEVDANSKY
Matt SMITH
Nick KOTIC
Jesse WHITE
Timothy SOLOBAY
Bill DeWEESE
John PALLONE
Joseph PETRARCA
Samuel SMITH
November 7, 2006
Polls Open: 7:00 am to 8:00 pm
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
SAFETY GLASSES AVAILABLE
SHANNON OPTICAL WILL BE PROVIDING A VARIETY OF PROTECTIVE
EYEWEAR SAMPLES AT THE UP-COMING BENEFITS FAIR.
IF YOU WISH TO ORDER SAFETY GLASSES AT THE FAIR, YOU MUST BRING
A CURRENT PRESCRIPTION WITH YOU -
OR
YOU MAY MAKE A SELECTION AT THE FAIR AND PROVIDE THE PRESCRIPTION AT A LATER DATE.
(Shannon Optical accepts cash, check or charge and will provide a receipt for
reimbursement.)
The Steamfitters Benefit Fund will reimburse eligible Local #449 members
50% of the cost for one pair of prescription safety glasses every two years up
to a maximum payment of $75.00.
Safety glasses are also an eligible expense for reimbursement from your HRA
(Healthcare Reimbursement Account).
KNOW YOUR BENEFITS
ZOCOR NOW HAS A GENERIC ALTERNATIVE
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a generic version of Zocor,
know as simvastatin. Generic simvastatin has the exact same active ingredient and meets the
same strict FDA standard for manufacturing quality as the brand equivalent Zocor.
Generic Co-pay for members on PPOBlue =
Generic Co-pay for members on Freedom Blue =
Generic Co-pay for members on Signature 65 =
$10.00
$10.00
10%
Members who are currently taking Crestor, Lipitor, Lescol XL and Vytorin will receive an informational letter from Highmark to alert them that a generic is available and to talk to their
doctor if they are interested in switching.
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