As the end of the year approaches, I am sure every one is well aware that elections for union officials will be taking place in December. The nominations for all members who wish to run for office will be held at our November 30th 11:30AM and 7:00PM meetings, which is the last Friday in November. The nomination meetings will be held at the American Legion Hall which is located at 209 Cross Bay Boulevard in Broad Channel. In order to conduct the nomination meetings, we will dispense with the regular order of business. The election will be held seven days later on December Seventh at our union hall. The union hall is located at 147-12 Archer Avenue, Jamaica N.Y. 11435. The hours of the election will be from 8:00AM to 7:00PM.

We urge all members to make themselves available to come and vote. A letter will be sent out to all members informing them of the coming nominations and election.

Any member wishing to get an eye exam and glasses can do so by going to any General Vision with their medical card and get a benefit of $80.00 toward their eye exam and a pair of glasses that is covered under your plan. There is no longer any need to call the union hall for a voucher.

Our Annual ATU 1179 Christmas Party will be held on December 21st. at the American Legion Hall at 209 Cross Bay Blvd. in Broad Channel. The party will commence immediately following the 11:30AM general meeting. The party will continue through the afternoon and end at 7:00pm in the evening. We urge all members to join in and wish all their union brothers and sisters a joyous holiday season.

Just A Reminder: If any member has a child who is a senior in high school and will be graduating following the 2007-2008 year and is planning to enter college next year, is eligible to apply to the 2008 ATU Scholarship program in memory of the late Jackie Breckenridge, who was a former International Vice President. Five scholarships in the amount of $5,000.00 will be awarded and one scholarship in the amount of $2,000.00 will be awarded if the applicant will attend a technical or vocational post-secondary school. For all applications you can see your shop steward or call the union hall at 718-658-3838. Applications must be postmarked no later than January 31, 2008.

This union is sorry to report that Doris Smalls, mother of William Strader has passed away.

We are also sorry to announce that Retiree Dennis Winter Sr., who was the father of retiree Dennis Winter Jr. and father-in-law of retiree Joseph Gennardo has also passed away. Dennis Winter Sr. has been a proud member of this union for nearly sixty years. Our Condolences go out to these members and their families.

We also wish brother John Haanraadts a speedy recovery from surgery. Brother Haanraadts is now home after spending some in the hospital.

Congratulations are in order for our members who have retired during the month of October.
Anthony Brannon Badge  #91---44 years
Joseph Cocuzza Badge  #148---38 years
Charles Lattka Badge  #448---23 years
George Warren Badge  #287---29 years (As of Nov. 1)

This union wishes you nothing but the best. Enjoy a long, happy, and healthy retirement.

This will be my final report. I am retiring at the end of the year so I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the membership, for all the support that you have given me during the last twelve years that I served you as Financial Secretary/Treasurer. During good times and bad, your support never went unnoticed. I would like to thank former President Steve Rollino for giving me the opportunity to run for office with his team back in 1995. I would also like to thank President John Longo for having the confidence and trust in me to allow us to work as a team for the betterment of this great union. Also, working with my co-worker Rosemary Greenwood for the past twelve years was an absolute pleasure.

I am proud to have been part of this administration, who for the last nine years has worked extremely hard for this membership, and getting us through a takeover from the MTA while preserving the benefits that you now enjoy.

I wish President Longo and this board good luck in keeping this union as solid as it has been in the past. I thank you all.