By Rita Weisshaar
Business Manager Tom Dalzell, left, receives a customized minted silver dollar celebrating “Solidarity Forever” in gratitude for his leadership in the quest for a favorable settlement. Making the presentation is Ron Borst, president of the Reno/Sparks Chapter of the Retirees Club.
The Nevada Chapters of the IBEW Local 1245 Retirees Club joined together for a special celebration at the annual Christmas Party of the Reno/Sparks Chapter.
Held on Dec. 8 at the Reno Elks Lodge, this was not just a party to celebrate the Christmas season and another year of retirement. We were also able to celebrate a favorable settlement of our dispute with NV Energy over medical benefits for retirees.
This settlement, led by Local 1245 Business Manager Tom Dalzell, created mechanisms to assure that retirees will pay no more in premiums in 2013 and 2014 than they would have before the 2010 cap. Both sides agreed to continue a collaborative process to look for similar solutions for 2015 and beyond.
Retirees used the Christmas party as an opportunity to recognize and thank those who helped the retirees in our campaign.
Reno/Sparks Retirees Club President Ron Borst started the party by welcoming all the retirees and thanking those who helped during the three-years campaign. He thanked the members of the Local 1245 Executive Board whose support made our campaign possible. Attending from the Executive Board were Anna Bayless-Martinez, Mike Cottrell, Art Freitas, Tom Dalzell, Mike Davis and Chris Habecker. Mike Jacobson, Tom Cornell and Treasurer Cecelia De La Torre were unable to be there.
Ron also recognized Bergen Kenney from Storefront Political Media, as well as Local 1245 staff members Fred Ross, Eileen Purcell and Pat Waite, whose hard work and guidance was invaluable to us. Business Rep. Randy Osborne was unable to attend.
Other honored guests at the dinner were AFL-CIO State President Danny Thompson and Nevada Alliance of Retired American President Scott Watts, who supported the retirees throughout the campaign. UNITE HERE President Dee Taylor sent a letter congratulating the retirees on the settlement but was unable to attend due to his recent election as national president of the Culinary Workers.
The party included an excellent dinner, entertainment, conversation and a raffle with fabulous prizes donated by the Executive Board, Retiree Club members, and the Retiree Club Chapters in Reno/Sparks, Carson City, Yerington and Winnemucca.
Rita Weisshaar is a member of the Reno/Sparks Chapter of the Retirees Club and was active in the campaign to protect retiree medical benefits.