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INTERNATIONAL UNION of ELEVATOR CONSTRUCTORS
LOCAL UNION NUMBER FORTY-FOUR
TOLEDO, FORT WAYNE & SOUTH BEND
Affiliated with the AFL-CIO
MEMBER UPDATES & PHOTOS
March 13, 2025
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Congratulations to Brandon Kuderik!
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Congratulations to brother Brandon Kuderik, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
February 19, 2025
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Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
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Congratulations to Brothers Dominick Currier, Clayton Roof and Michael Scislo who were sworn in as the newest members of Local 44 during our February Toledo General Meeting.
New Local 44 members, Brothers Dom Currier, Clayton Roof & Mike Scislo, being sworn in by Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II.
February 19, 2025
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Congratulations to Santos Flores!
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Congratulations are due for brother Santos Flores, who was recently nominated and elected to the position of Trustee with the Executive Board of the Northwest Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council!
February 14, 2025
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Congratulations to Aaron Snelling!
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Congratulations to brother Aaron Snelling, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
February 1, 2025
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Vertical Mobility Acquires All Pro Elevator
January 21, 2025
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Birth Announcement!
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Congratulations to proud new parents Brother Nicholas Holmes and his wife on the birth of their daughter Madeline Lee Holmes. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are excited to watch your young family grow.
December 18, 2024
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Merry Christmas from Zach Newman!
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Merry Christmas from brother Zach Newman all the way from Camp Arif Jan in Kuwait!
September 16, 2024
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Congratulations to Bethany Wilson!
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Congratulations are due for sister Bethany Wilson, who recently passed the test to earn her Michigan license! Bethany was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and the Saturday morning code book tabbing session. Be proud of this tremendous achievement!
September 10, 2024
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Birth Announcement!
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Congratulations to proud parents Brother Sern Nelson and his wife on the birth of their son Artemis Edward Grey Nelson. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are excited to watch your young family grow.
September 2, 2024 ​​Labor Day Parade Fun!
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Thank you to all Local 44 and Local 36 members who came out, many with their families in tow, to help represent Local 44's union pride this Labor Day. We had an amazing turnout - with more than 45 members and their families on hand to walk the in the parade and pass out candy to the thousands of Toledoans who lined the parade route downtown Toledo!
August 18, 2024
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Birth Announcement!
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Congratulations to proud new parents Brother Andrew Lewandowski and his wife on the birth of their son - Benjamin Andrew Lewandowski. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are extremely happy for your family!
Honorary Local 44 Retiree and former Local 44 Business Manager Brother Bob Fredericks proudly shows off his newest grandson
August 14, 2024
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Congratulations to Christopher Simpson!
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Congratulations are due for brother Chris Simpson, who recently passed the test to earn his Indiana Elevator Journeyperson license! Chris has worked extremely hard studying for this very difficult test and should be very proud of this tremendous achievement!
August 2, 2024
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Congratulations to Adam Lucas!
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Congratulations to brother Adam Lucas, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
July 3o, 2024
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Buddy's Barbecue!
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Members of Local 44 took advantage of the opportunity to sit down and share some barbecue with one of Local 44's most respected honorees - Buddy Ireland. Thanks to everyone who came out for the inaugural Buddy's Barbecue!
From L-R: Local 44 Brother Drini Gjini, Honorary Brother Skip Delauter, Brother Dan Conrad, Honorary Brother Buddy Ireland, Honorary Brother Doug Darrah, Brother Santos Flores, Brother Bill Northcutt & Brother Frank Sadowski
Honorary Local 44 Brothers Ben Monaco, Buddy Ireland & Skip Delauter
Honorary Local 44 Brothers Wayne-O Starrett & Buddy Ireland
July 3, 2024
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Birth Announcement!
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Congratulations to proud parents Brother Trey Petersen and his wife on the birth of their son Charlie. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are excited to watch your young family grow.
June 12, 2024
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Welcome Local 44's Newest Member!
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Congratulations to Brother Danny Woods, who was sworn in as the newest member of Local 44 during our June Toledo General Meeting.
New Local 44 member, Brother Danny Woods, being sworn in by Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II
June 2024
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Air Supremacy Over Goshen!
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Honorary retiree Brother Dave Frick recently helped to coordinate and host the annual Air Supremacy Over Goshen radio controlled aircraft event. The event features giant scale military and civilian classics every summer. Give Dave Frick a call at (574) 876-8496 for more details or to plan your participation for next summer.
May 8, 2024
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Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
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Congratulations to Brothers Jasyk Haas and Hunter Presson, who were sworn in as the newest members of Local 44 during our May Toledo General Meeting.
New Local 44 members, Brothers Jasyk Haas & Hunter Presson, being sworn in by Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II
January 12, 2024
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Congratulations to all Local 44 members who traveled to Cleveland to earn their QEI certifications!
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Congratulations to brothers Santos Flores, Mike McClanahan, Scott Simon, Bethany Wilson & Jeremy Young who were part of a 13-person contingent from all over the country that recently traveled to Cleveland to take the week-long Qualified Elevator Inspector Certification course.
January 5, 2024
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Congratulations to Christopher Simpson!
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Congratulations are due for brother Christopher Simpson, who recently passed the test to earn his Michigan license! Chris was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and the Saturday morning code book tabbing session. Be proud of this tremendous achievement!
December 19, 2023
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Congratulations to Santos Flores!
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Congratulations are due for brother Santos Flores, who was recently nominated and elected to the position of Sargeant-At-Arms with the Northwest Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council!
November 17, 2023
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Congratulations to William Spalding!
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Congratulations to brother William Spalding, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
November 9, 2023
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Shepherd's House!
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In honor of Veteran's Day 2023, the members of Local 44 presented Fort Wayne's Shepherd's House veteran assistance community with $250 in gift cards to be used for incentive programs within the community to assist veteran residents with daily activities.
November 2023
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Milestone Moments!
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Congratulations to Honorary Local 44 Retiree, Brother Wayne Starrett, who received his gold cards and certificate after a memorable 35-year career.
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Wayne-O was also honored for his many years of service to Local 44 as our President. Current members are forever grateful for your contributions to our Local over the years as well as the many years of friendship many of us have enjoyed with you.
Honorary Local 44 Retiree Brother Wayne Starrett receives his gold cards and certificate from his successor Local 44 President Dan Conrad
The Local 44 Executive Board honoring Wayne-O
Wayne-O's family came out to join in the festivities
October 25, 2023
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Congratulations to Bob Bolton!
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Congratulations to brother Bob Bolton, who recently passed the test to earn his City of Detroit Elevator Journeyperson license!
September 27, 2023
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Congratulations to Mike Amos!
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Congratulations to brother Mike Amos, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
June 19, 2023
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Birth Announcement!
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Congratulations to proud new parents Brother Spencer Kempf and his wife, Addison Kempf, on the birth of their daughter Oaklynn. Your brothers and sisters of Local 44 are excited to watch your young family grow.
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June 14 & 15, 2023
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Milestone Moments!
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Congratulations to Honorary Local 44 Retiree, Brother Jimmy Zeiler, who received his gold cards and certificate after a distinguished 42-year career.
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We would also like to congratulate Brother Eric Myers of Fort Wayne, who received his twenty-year pin after two decades of dedicated service.
Honorary Local 44 Retiree Brother Jimmy Zeiler receives his gold cards and certificate from Local 44 Vice-President Mike McClanahan
Brother Eric Myers receives his well-deserved 20-Year Pin from Local 44 President Dan Conrad
June 6, 2023
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Welcome Local 44's Newest Member!
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Congratulations to Brother Cameron Worsham, who was sworn in as the newest member of Local 44 during our June South Bend meeting.
New Local 44 member, Brother Cameron Worsham, being sworn in by 20-Year Local 44 member Scott Slater during our June South Bend Meeting
May 24, 2023
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Congratulations to Eric Hartman!
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Congratulations to brother Eric Hartman, who recently passed the test to earn his City of Detroit Elevator Journeyperson license!
May 2, 2023
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Please Welcome Local 44's Newest Member!
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Congratulations to Sister Marie Frantzy Defranco, who was sworn in as the newest member of Local 44 during our May South Bend meeting.
New Local 44 member, Sister Marie Frantzy Defranco, being sworn in during our May South Bend Meeting
Spring 2023
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Gone Fishing!
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Brother Chris Simpson with the 38-inch muskie he pulled out of Webster Lake in Indiana.
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Brother Chris Simpson also caught this jack crevalle while vacationing in Cape Coral Florida this spring.
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If you have any photos for submission, please send them in and we'd be glad to post them.
Chris Simpson
Chris Simpson
April 26, 2023
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Congratulations to John Cark!
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Congratulations to brother John Cark, who recently passed the test to earn his City of Detroit Elevator Journeyperson license!
April 18, 2023
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Congratulations to Bethany Wilson!
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Congratulations to sister Bethany Wilson, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
April 12, 2023
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Congratulations to Eric Emerson!
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Congratulations are due for brother Eric Emerson, who recently passed the test to earn his Michigan license! Eric was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and the Saturday morning code book tabbing session. Be proud of this tremendous achievement!
April 2023
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Please Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
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Congratulations to brothers Austin Lindahl, Steve Scavo and Dennis Williams who were all initiated as members of Local 44 during our April meetings.
New Local 44 brothers Austin Lindahl & Dennis Williams being sworn in by Austin's proud father and longtime Local 44 member, brother Allen Lindahl
New Local 44 brother Steve Scavo being sworn in by Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II during our Toledo meeting
March 8, 2023
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Honorary Member Ray Lopez Gold Card & Certificate Presentation!
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All members past and present would like to wish Ray Lopez the very best in his retirement. Ray had a distinguished career spanning more than forty (40) years with us. Thanks again for your contributions to Local 44! Hope to see you in attendance at all of our monthly Retiree's Breakfasts.
February 23, 2023
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Congratulations to Tim West!
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Congratulations to brother Tim West, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
February 2023
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Please Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
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Congratulations to brothers Caleb Kahle, Andrew Sampeer, Nate Ward and Trey Petersen who were all initiated as members of Local 44 during our February meetings.
New Local 44 brothers Nate Ward, Caleb Kahle and Andrew Sampeer being sworn in during our Toledo General Meeting
Local 44 brother Trey Petersen being sworn in at our Fort Wayne meeting
January 11, 2023
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Congratulations to Eric Emerson!
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Congratulations to brother Eric Emerson, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
January 3-6, 2023
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College - Wind Turbine & Ladder Rescue Training
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Six members of Local 44 (brothers Mike Amos, Marcus Brothers, Dan Conrad, JR Gomez & Bill Huber) started the year off at Kalamazoo Valley Community College to complete High-Angle Rescue Training. The certifications they've earned will qualify them for potential wind turbine work on any of the hundreds of wind turbines located on several wind farms located within Local 44's jurisdiction. Congratulations to them all for their success in class and thanks for their efforts.
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Training Attendees L-R: Dan Conrad, Mike Amos, JR Gomez, Bill Huber, Marcus Brothers & Mike Ward
JR Gomez
Mock CPR scenario
Bill Huber
December 2022
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Please Welcome Local 44's Newest Members!
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Congratulations to brothers Adam Hull, Spencer Kempf, Chris Metzger, and Adam Lucas who were all initiated as members of Local 44 during our December meetings.
New Local 44 brothers Chris Metzger and Adam Lucas being sworn in during our South Bend Meeting
New Local 44 brother Adam Hull being sworn in by President Dan Conrad at our Fort Wayne meeting
Local 44 brother Spencer Kempf being sworn in at our Toledo meeting
November 30, 2022
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Fall Live Code Outreach
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Elevator Industry Work Preservation National Coordinator Scott Hultstrom will be in Toledo on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 for a live in-person code outreach intended to further discussion on code requirements, safety and other industry matters in a townhall format.
Update: Scott Hultstrom has graciously decided to extend his stay in our area in reverse snowbird style and will also hold an outreach in South Bend on Thursday, December 1, 2022 so that he may accommodate our members in Indiana. These classes will also satisfy your State of Indiana Continuing Education requirements. Thank you Scott for your contributions.
Veteran's Day 2022
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Local 44 Salutes Our Veterans!
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Thank you to all of our members, past and present, for their service. We honor you today and everyday for the sacrifices you have made for the betterment of us all. We purposely did not include captions with these photos so that the next time you speak with any of these individuals, you can ask them personally about their picture's backstory and personally thank them. Of course, we also thank the dozens of veterans whose pictures we do not have for their contributions as well.
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Scott Simon
Keith Nelson II
Jim McCool
Chris Metzger
Zach Newman
Local 44 encourages anyone whose picture has not already been included to please submit a photo for immediate inclusion. Thank you all for your submissions and, more importantly, your service to our great country.
November 10, 2022
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Congratulations to Local 44's Newest Member - Daniel Maynard!
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Congratulations to brother Daniel Maynard, who was initiated as a member of Local 44 during our November Fort Wayne meeting.
Local 44 Warden Keith Nelson II guides new Brother Daniel Maynard through the swearing in process
October - December 2022
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Kalamazoo Valley Community College
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Multiple members will be attending Kalamazoo Valley Community College - Groves Campus' High-Angle Rescue Training to obtain the certification necessary for wind turbine lift service and maintenance. (Rescheduled for January 3-6, 2023 & February 6-9, 2023)
October 31, 2022
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Congratulations to Tim Kershner!
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Congratulations to brother Tim Kershner, who recently passed the Mechanic's Examination!
October 26, 2022
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Honorary Member Nick Stroh's 80th Birthday!!!
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All members past and present would like to wish Nick Stroh a happy 80th birthday! Nick had a more than 40-year career with us and has been enjoying retirement for nearly twenty years. Thanks again for your contributions to Local 44!
October 20, 2022
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Congratulations to Jeremy Fletcher!
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Congratulations are due for brother Jeremy Fletcher, who recently passed the test to earn his Michigan license! Jeremy was an active participant on the Michigan Monday Night Code Outreach calls and the Saturday morning code book tabbing session. Be proud of this tremendous achievement!
August 30 & 31, 2022
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TEAM Meeting
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Local 44 members hosted Jimmy Demmel & Chip Hallmark of the Elevator Industry Work Preservation Fund for a TEAM (Training and Educating an Activist Membership) meeting on August 30 & 31, in Toledo and South Bend, respectively.
August/September 2022
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Mechanic's Examination
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The following members completed their Mechanic's Examination and received their Certificate of Recognition during September:
1. Don Shepherd
2. Christopher Eaton
3. Jared Krukowksi
August 16, 2022
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Birth Announcement
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Congratulations to Brother Zach Newman and his wife, Madison Newman, on the birth of their son Anderson Schuyler Newman, who is also the grandson of current member Roxann Newman and Honorary Retiree Gary Newman.
Summer 2022
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Fish On!
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Brother Adam Litka with the 17lb king salmon he caught from Pere Marquette Lake.
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Former President Wayne Starrett caught two monsters - one 28" and the other 42" - that wife Beth undoubtedly had to help him reel in.
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Member Barry Lobody with the 47" musky he pulled out of the Lake of the Woods in Ontario, Canada while fishing with his brother during vacation this summer.
Adam Litka
Wayne Starrett
Barry Lobody
July 16, 2022
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Local 44 Family Picnic
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Local 44 hosted members for its annual Pokagon State Park Family Picnic. A great time was had by all who attended and took in the great weather, food and activities.
Please email submissions for our MEMBER UPDATES & PHOTOS page to santosflores@iuec44.org. Thank you.