Dr. John Radebaugh

September 1, 2008 - Once again this year, Labor's Day events in Maine and New Hampshire provided a great opportunity for members of many unions to get together to show their solidarity, learn a little bit more about labor history, listen to some great music, and—in this pivotal election year—enjoy a heaping helping of politics! And, as in previous years, members of IBEW Local 1837 were a part of the action in Manchester, New Hampshire and in Portland, Lewiston, and Brewer, Maine.

The New Hampshire AFL-CIO Breakfast in Manchester drew another large crowd to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, including ten members of IBEW 1837 and their families. They got to hear a rousing speech from the new Executive Vice President of the AFL-CIO, Arlene Holt Baker.

”We know that working families are struggling to make ends meet across the country,” Baker said. “Every day we get closer to seeing our country’s middle class disappear. The story in New Hampshire is, unfortunately, no different.” 

Rep. Mike Michaud and Cynthia Phinney.

July 4, 2008 - More than 400 union members and other supporters of working people in Maine gathered in Brewer for the 8th Annual 4th of July Solidarity Celebration. This wonderful event featured great food, two U.S. Congressional Representatives, live folk music, fireworks, an original stage musical, and a large, rolling museum bus powered by bio-diesel. Clearly, this was not your average holiday picnic.

Especially noteworthy for members of IBEW Local 1837 was the presentation of a Solidarity Award to our own Sister Cynthia Phinney in recognition of her 16 years of service to our union and to the labor movement as a whole. Cynthia was selected to win the award by the Eastern Maine Labor Council, a local labor federation representing more than 6,000 individual workers.

“The award represents my gratitude for all the hard work and Cynthia’s efforts on behalf of Eastern Maine,” said Rep. Mike Michaud, who had the privilege of presenting the award to Cynthia. Brother Michaud, a former mill worker, is one of the few card-carrying union members serving in the United States Congress.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama took a moment to pose with IBEW 1837 members at NH Labor's Day 2007 Breakfast.Labor's Day 2007 events featured shows of solidarity, lessons in labor history, great music, and politics! And members of IBEW Local 1837 were there to take it all in. A variety of gatherings in New Hampshire and Maine drew hundreds of enthusiastic union members, their families, and their friends.

The New Hampshire AFL-CIO Breakfast in Manchester drew close to 500 people to the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, including the state’s congressional delegation, Governor John Lynch, and Democratic presidential hopefuls Christopher Dodd and Barack Obama. Representing IBEW 1837 at the exciting event were Kerry Guptill, Thomas Clements, Bill Tarallo, Steve and Jeanne Eldredge, Tony and Shirley Sapienza, Rick Simons, Dave Ouellette and Sue Ekola.

There were rousing speeches from the presidential candidates, and many of those in attendance took advantage of the rare chance to speak with them one-on-one about the issues of importance to working people in this country today. NH AFL-CIO President Mark MacKenzie took the opportunity to reveal a new campaign declaring that “in America no one should go without health care.”

Tasters in the Chili Cookoff area at the Eastern Maine Labor Council July 4 EventUnion members, their families and allies gathered on July 4 at the Solidarity Center in Brewer to observe Independence Day union style. The traditional chili cookoff formed the basis for a well received meal, along with roasted organic lamb and an array of salads and side dishes including some with ingredients from local farmers who participate in the Union Supported Agriculture program. The Steelworkers took the prize in the chili cookoff for their "Pirate Chili."IBEW 1837 member Bob Toole catches a quiet moment between food and entertainment at the July 4 event.

The crowd was addressed by both Congressman Mike Michaud and Congressman Tom Allen, both of whom also spent time chatting with event attendees.

Music was provided by Shawn Mercer in the earlier part of the evening, and the Toughcats wound out the event leading up to the fireworks. Between music acts, "EFCA" man took the stage in a raucous skit featuring a reporter scaring up stories about injustice at Circuit City, the unworkability of the Verizon Sale, and the misdeeds of the senators from Maine in the vote on

About 150 union members and their allies gathered in Lewiston on Saturday morning, April 28, to mourn for the 38 Maine workers who died on the job last year. Besides looking back, they sought to look ahead and join together to improve the lives of working people and their families.

The occasion was the First Annual Workers Memorial Day Observance and May Day Breakfast, sponsored by the Western Maine Labor Council, AFL-CIO and Museum L/A. The gathering, which took place at the Bates Mill Complex, also celebrated the gains and local history of working people. Jack Amrock, Matt Beck, Cynthia Phinney and Doug Wall were on hand to represent IBEW Local 1837.