More Emails...

From: Mary Cook and Kelly Gleason

TO : ALL MEMBERS OF LOCAL 798

FROM: Kelly Gleason, and Mary Cook

RE: Words for Thought and our Constitution

We think this might help to clarify some of the questions that a lot of members have been asking, and of course discussing with each other. 

The CONSTITUTION of LOCAL 798. MAKE-UP ARTISTS and HAIRSTYLISTS of THE
I. A. T .S. E.

The name of this Union is "MAKE-UP ARTISTS and HAIRSTYLISTS LOCAL 798 of the INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE of THEATRICAL STAGE EMPLOYEES and MOTION PICTURE OPERATORS of the UNITED STATES and CANADA."


OFFICERS: Page 5 (article IV) section 1.

Officers of the Union shall be the "President, Vice President, *Business Representative/Business Agent*, Secretary, Treasurer, Sergeant-at-Arms, Assistant Business Representative’s and five trustees, one from each of the two separate crafts in motion pictures and one from each of the two separate crafts in Television, plus one from the Broadway Theatrical unit and Delegates to the International convention.


ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE:----Page 5 (article IV) section 2.

(a) A member to be eligible to hold office, other than as a delegate, in this Union must have been a member in good standing (2) two years immediately preceding the date of nomination. Any member in good standing of this Local shall be eligible to serve as a delegate.

(b) No member shall be permitted to be a candidate for or hold more than one office in this Union at the same time.

*THIS MEANS IN ORDER TO BE A BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE/BUSINESS AGENT, YOU MUST BE A MAKE-UP ARTIST OR HAIRSTYLIST*------*THIS IS A MAKE-UP ARTIST AND HAIRSTYLIST UNION*-----*THIS CONSTITUTION WAS WRITTEN FOR MAKE-UP ARTISTS AND HAIRSTYLISTS*


DUTIES OF OFFICERS: (BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE/BUSINESS AGENT) Page 13 (section 5)

(a) The Business Representative shall represent the business interests of Local 798 under the direction of the Executive Board.

(b) The day to day running of the business office shall be the exclusive responsibility of the Business Representative.

(c) The Business Representative shall investigate complaints and endeavor to amicably adjust them. Failing to do so, the Business Representative shall refer the matter to the Executive board for further action.

(d) The Business Representative, by virtue of his or her office, shall be delegate to all I. A. T. S. E. and District Conventions and shall attend all I. A. T. S. E. Executive Board Meetings.

*THE BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE/BUSINESS AGENT ALSO NEGOTIATES OUR CONTRACTS.*

*THE NEWLY APPOINTED BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE/BUSINESS AGENT MUST GO TO SCHOOL TO LEARN ABOUT THE LEGALITY OF NEGOTIATING CONTRACTS*

*THE UNION PAYS FOR ALL OF THESE CLASSES.*

*THE BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE/BUSINESS AGENT IS NEVER ALONE AT THE NEGOTIATIONS.*

*THE UNION-LABOR LAWYERS SPIVAK, LIPTON WANTANABE, SPIVAK AND MOSS ARE PRESENT AT ALL NEGOTIATIONS.*

*THAT IS WHAT THEY ARE PAID TO DO.*----*GIVE US, THE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 798 LEGAL REPRESENTATION AT NEGOTIATIONS.*

(e) The Business Representative shall do all other things necessary to maintain the proper and efficient conduct of the office and the promotion and welfare of Local 798 throughout its jurisdiction.

(f) The Business Representative shall make a report covering his or her work between meetings at each regular meeting.

(g) The Business Representative shall be paid a salary equal to the highest prevailing Local contract wage.

(h) The outgoing and incoming Business Representatives as part of their official responsibilities will be in office simultaneously for the first four weeks following the election. The outgoing Business Representative will be fully committed to advising the incoming Business Representative of all business pertaining to the running of Local 798 except in the case of *impeachment*.

*LOCAL 798 IS MADE UP OF THREE CATEGORIES, ( TELEVISION) (BROADWAY), AND (FILM)*

*IF ANY OF THESE GROUPS ARE DISPLEASED WITH THEIR PRESENT BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE/BUSINESS AGENT, AND THEY WANT TO REPLACE, HIM OR HER, THEY SHOULD REQUEST A SPECIAL MEETING WITH THE RANK AND FILE AND THE EXECUTIVE BOARD. DURING SUCH MEETING, THEY SHOULD ADDRESS ANY AND ALL GRIEVANCES THAT THEY MAY HAVE, AND TRY TO REMEDY IT WITHIN THE LOCAL BEFORE APPROACHING THE I. A. T. S. E..*

*WE, THE MEMBERS OFF LOCAL 798, ARE ALL (SISTERS AND BROTHERS). WE MUST STAY TOGETHER. BY STAYING TOGETHER, (WE BECOME ONE UNIFIED FAMILY.) *

*WHEN ONE MEMBER HAS A PROBLEM, THE ENTIRE FAMILY HAS A PROBLEM. WHEN WE FIX THIS PROBLEM AS A FAMILY, WE ARE NOT ONLY ONE UNIFIED FAMILY, BUT (ONE PROUD UNIFIED FAMILY OF LOCAL 798).*

*OUR BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE/BUSINESS AGENT WHO, AS PER OUR CONSTITUTION, MUST COME FROM WITHIN OUR OWN RANK .*

* ONLY A BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE/BUSINESS AGENT WITH HANDS ON EXPERIENCE IN THIS FIELD, WILL KNOW WHAT WE NEED WHEN THEY ARE AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. THE MANDATORY COLLEGE EDUCATION AND THE ASSISTANCE OF A LABOR FIRM CAN ONLY ENHANCE ALL NEGOTIATIONS.*
 

Kelly Gleason, and Mary Cook

From Joe Cuervo

Dear Mr. Burke,

     I can assure you no one is crowing about being put into receivership, but it is not the members who are to blame for this situation. There was an International hearing in which your wife Sharon had attended, at this hearing three charges were put forth.

    The first had to do with financial malpractice and the failure of the executive board to oversee the local’s Business Representative.

    The second the appearance of conflict since our Business Representative had failed to disclose his marriage to our Fund Manager.

    The third had to do with the dealings of a will and the estate of a member of our local.

    There was one witness, Attorney James Murphy who was questioned for almost two hours. When they were finished with their questioning, they asked Sharon if she would like to cross examine, she declined. They also asked if she would like to add anything in defense, which she declined. If there is anyone responsible for putting the local into receivership, it would be Sharon and Vincent Callaghan….

    As far as the elections are concerned I suggest Sharon read the constitution Article IV, Sec.2 (a) also Article XII, Sec.7 (a).

    She should also familiarize herself with the difference between assessments and dues, also the term election tampering.
 

From Terence Burke:

To Whom it May Concern,

I will not make any more effort to contact this membership. The only reason why I have any more interest in this website is that your foolish actions will affect my livelihood and that of hundreds of innocent members. It is absolutely laughable that some of you are still crowing about your accomplishment of having us put into receivership. Make no mistake, a membership that was foolish enough not to wait a few months to vote their choice but found it necessary to run around to hostile government agencies and the tabloid press will not succeed. You are the reason union membership in this country is at an all time low. I just hope that the assholes amongst us have the good sense to see the devastation that they have wrought and come to a new level of understanding or mark my words, we will lose our charter and be merged with another local. Oh, and in case you are getting excited it won't be California. They already have taken steps to get rid of the east coast members they have now. Stop and think before you act for once. I just hope that the international will see that you don't speak for the majority.

Editor's Note: Sharon Ilson-Burke's name doesn't appear anywhere on this e-mail.

From Valerie Gladstone:

From Jeri LaShay

Now that we are in receivership what happens? If anyone cares to elaborate please do. Is there anything we should be doing? Who will help us now with contracts?
Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks very much,
Jeri La Shay

Jeri La Shay
Make-up Artist
617-285-0273
http://jlashay.home.comcast.net/

From Terri Trupp

I know we have specific issues to deal with currently. I love this forum you have created.

l. Let's utilize it as well to update all membership address', phone numbers, e-mails.
Mine is Terri Trupp

2503 Crest Rd.
Balto., Md. 2l2l25
410-542-7112
cell 410-908-8745
terri.trupp@mac.com

The e-mail is a great way to cut costs in sharing information.

2. As long as we are talking about our leadership failing to represent
us, let us not forget Tommy Sobeck's failure to
follow thru with returning calls, remembering why we are calling,
or taking care of executing our rules. Three movies
in a row, Tommy failed to get the correct rate adjustment for
working under an LA Dept. Head. Vincent was notified
but said it was in Tommy's court.

Has anyone seen the documents for the purchase of the building owned by
798 Realty? I would like to know WHO the building was purchased from.

Thank you.
 

Terri Trupp
Baltimore/Washington

 From Felice Diamond:

To All the concerned members:

This is to all of members,,,, who spent so much of their personal time ,energy and money... to bring light on to these unfortunate circumstances.
Thank You!!!
We have neglected our duties as members to pay attention to what has gone on for too long. It took all this mess to wake us up.
I myself am guilty of not attending meetings ,or knowing my constitutional rights. The passion which drove the original concerned members became contagious. The meeting proved we were no longer a small bunch ... We became informed -concerned members..
who finally stood up to the people ,we elected to watch out for us, and only to find ourselves being bullied, and intimidated by them.
I found myself, in a room full of brothers and sisters {who we probably still wouldn't know had we not had a common ground..} I felt proud to be in the company of these intelligent ,passionate people who only wanted to see this union be run as it should, not under the power of 1 person, with a political agenda, To regain democracy, and decency. and to be proud members again.
The meeting that continued after the allotted time , was run as a meeting should. be...Todd Kleitch was an excellent mediator...
Questions were asked and answers were given.. " OUT OF ORDER" was never the case....Thanks again !!! and I have always found when one door closes , another one opens... I am sure it can only get better, it sure seemed it couldn't get much worse.

fraternally Felice Diamond

 From Marilyn Peoples

Ms. Ilson became very annoyed and cynical at my insistence, that a PROPER vote,(All in favor....., those opposed......) be taken on several motions. If this is how union meetings have been run, and changes have been made during Ms. Ilson's term of office, no wonder so many members feel confused and disenfranchised. I admit like many others, I have not been dutiful in attending union meetings; I may embarrass myself by saying, that the last Union meeting I attended was six months after I was sworn in as a full member 27 years ago.
Back then a different clique was in charge, but the clique... had class, in fact in many ways the entire membership had class, Something sorely missing with this administration, of course there are exceptions and we all know who they are. We miss these individuals for the grace and intellect that they brought to our membership and executive board. To be treated with cynicism, sarcasm and condescension, is at once insulting and rage-inducing. When I was new to the Union and younger, the issues then did not seem relevant to me; a poor excuse for not attending meetings I have been blessed and up until recently worked every day that I wanted to for 26 years I have seen the union and its membership change, I have seen the industry change and from my POV the changes are not pretty. I will be getting on Ms. Ilson's nerves as long as she refuses to relinquish her position. I will be attending the union meetings despite the fact that it becomes a commute by car of 240 miles. If Ms Ilson were truly concerned about our union, she would step down as per the impeachment process, even if not for impeachment, she would do so - if she had class.

In memory of Lee Baygan; with love and respect to Tommy Colesant and Mona Orr.

Marilyn Peoples

  From Rose Chatterton: 

    First off, I'd like to say this website is wonderfully designed and a terrific place for 798 members to vent and exchange ideas. Thank you to those who initiated and put this together. I've been reading the emails and, like many of you, am very disappointed that so many of them are mean spirited and/or vulgar. Also, I notice that so many of the emails come from the same people. Out of approx. 1,000 members it seems that only a handful of members are willing to write their thoughts and sign their names.

    I wanted to respond to some of the emails that seem to go unanswered by so many members: For instance, Patricia Grande writing about pooling money to bring an attorney to the meetings... I think that's a good idea. I have some terrific real estate attorneys. When I hired them to take my Co-op away from the Sponsor who was stealing from the Shareholders, they didn't charge me fees. When we won the lawsuit, which lasted four years, they got the opposition to pay all legal fees. These real estate attorneys have given me the names of attorneys who deal with labor issues.

    Regarding the awful changes in our insurance: So many members wrote good constructive comments (Mary Aaron, Christine Domaniecki, Jeffrey Rebelo, Felice Diamond, LuAnn Claps) about the changes in our insurance. And so few members commented outside of the few brave people already commenting. (And I say brave because several people have been either misunderstood in what they wrote or attacked by other readers just because they dared to express themselves.) Where are the rest of you? (By the way, I hope everyone concerned about the new insurance wrote directly to the Board of Trustees who consist of other parties in addition to Sharon, Vince and Ray. Local 798, like most organizations, hire outside Actuaries to help handle insurance for them. I wrote and phoned and was told all letters received would be read at the next insurance meeting.) But I was also told that the changes in the Insurance would be addressed in our Monthly Newsletter and that hasn't happened. The NOTE FROM PENSION AND WELFARE that was added to our latest newsletter does not explain why the changes are taking place. What are the other options available etc. I've spoken to members of Local 161 and the few I've talked to are happy with their new insurance coverage. Lynn Twentyman (not sure of last name spelling) would be a good person to speak to about that.

    I was sorry to read in the same Newsletter that Vince has decided to run for re-election. Vincent, even if some of the charges against you are false.... even if they are all false and you feel unjustly accused, you should step down until the matters are resolved. I believe that that is the most honorable thing to do. And Sharon, I've spoken to you on the phone along the same lines. It's not about old feuds or power struggles amongst members. It's about representing the Union members as a whole. Once you lost your temper, repeatedly, you lost too much respect from too many members. Once you and the entire Executive Board lost track of the allegedly illegal, highly questionable activities you all became culpable of Neglect of Fiduciary Duties and therefore, should step down. You know I'm not being mean here, just speaking out loud what I've said to you in private. Even honest, innocent people step down when they can see staying is counterproductive. So if you also feel you are being unjustly accused you should still step down.

    Anyway, I apologize for the length of this email. I cannot attend Monday's meeting so wanted to be on record with my thoughts since several members have asked me to run for Business Agent. I'm not interested in running but I will be supporting Joe Cuervo.

Sincerely, without malice towards anyone,

Rose Chatterton

From Francesca Paris:

Francesca Paris
A Concerned Member of Local 798

THE USE OF PROFANITIES, VULGARITIES, CALLING MEMBERS DRUNKS, THREATS OF LAWSUITS, REFERRING TO US AS THE TALIBAN, LIARS, ASSHOLES, REFERRING TO THE NY POST AS AN ANTIUNION RAG, AND MOSTLY, SWEARING ON GOD, DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACTS OF THE MATTERS AT HAND.

WE, AS CONCERNED MEMBERS, FEEL WE MUST DISASSOCIATE OURSELVES FROM MEMBERS THAT CHOOSE TO USE THIS TYPE OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND CONTINUALLY CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN AN UNPROFESSIONAL MANNER.

Vincent Callaghan - Business Agent for Local 798, Ann Sibrizzi-Callaghan
- Pension and Welfare Administrator and Frank Hagen - convicted criminal and employee of Local 798, are the targets of an investigation for the misappropriation of an elderly, and now deceased, pensioner's estate.

President, Sharon Ilson-Burke and the Executive Board filed a complaint in July 2004 against our Business Agent, Vincent Callaghan, for false filings concerning the condominium conversion, for instigating a "Sweetheart" deal in the proposed sale of Local 798's real estate holdings, and the mismanagement of our real estate among other charges listed in the Document section on this site.

According to the NY Post, the District Attorney has confirmed that all investigations are still on going. Sources say, that a Grand Jury Investigation into the Executive Board is on the horizon.

Our goal is to vote Vincent Callaghan out of office and to continue filing complaints against our President, Sharon Ilson-Burke, to the Executive Board and to the International President, for her continual violations to the Constitution and By Laws and her overall Neglect of Fiduciary Obligations. These are our only options at this time.

In her latest e-mail, Ms. Ilson-Burke asks what we'd like her to do. We must join together in that answer and, once again, ask for her resignation. As Sharon states, Local 798 is autonomous and our Constitution gives us the right to remove her from office, and Sharon, by Constitutional Law, has to consent to the majority's wishes.

The way to denounce the DEVIL is to stand together and fight for our JUSTICE and DIGNITY!

Concerned Members of Local 798 is backing JOE CUERVO, A MAN OF INTEGRITY, for BUSINESS AGENT.

Sincerely,
Francesca Paris

From Craig Lyman:

Since you brought up the subject, do I drink? Yup! Do I engage in offensive attempts at humor? Yup! Am I telling the truth about the time you told me you had purposefully miscounted the votes for an interim BA at a Union meeting? Yup again!!!! As for Sharon, the only thing you've ever done to me, besides calling me an ignorant asshole and a few other choice insults, is that you've tried to cover up every misdeed Vince or Colleen has ever committed!! You've attempted to run this Union as your personal fiefdom to the detriment of the majority of the members, and you treat my concerns with the same contempt that you so obviously feel for anyone who isn't part of your inner circle!!!! Can't imagine why I'd be upset!!!

Fraternally, Craig Lyman

From Felice Diamond (2)

To Sharon,

I read and reread you email, you say i am ignorant and find my pettiness disgraceful... Tell me why Sharon?.Why do you imply i am ignorant and pettie.?.. because i have the guts to say what i feel about your constant badgering insults and intimidation tactics... I am not alone in my feelings about you.. I can't contain myself after witnessing your behavior at meetings and in your letters. People are talking about your behavior from here to florida and california. They find you embarrassing to have as our president.
You rolled your eyes at one member who was trying to get information from you at the meeting on Dec.9, and when she called you on it ,you had some excuse, Sharon you show your ignorance to all of us. by the language you use to address us. people are not only commenting their feelings on this site, but to each other in privacy. By not containing your passion. and using your profanities to address us has lost you respect You were served legal papers for impeachment at the meeting, you flat out refused them.. you are not in accordance with Roberts rules of order, You Use Sharons Rules of disorder... and thats plain unacceptable to the majority, of the members.. . see you at the meeting.

Felice

To Sharon.

I am not ignorant, you know as well as i do, your behavior is unprofessional. Your excuse for using profanities being passion.
Everything i have written is with passion, and at least with decorum, i refrain from using some choice words, myself. its not constructive.
I do not condone the prank from Craig Lyman... that was disgraceful.
Sharon, when you have been attacked for personal behavior, i have actually written to defend you.
Myself and all members don't like being called A.......s.
That shows ignorance, and it shows you can't control your rage and emotions.... You are the one with the political agenda, not the concerned members... and i guess you must think others are ignorant too. if you think in the long run people are not going to find you out.
You President Illson, have no idea how unpopular you are. and all the good you say you try yo do for us.. Please tell us what that is?
Addressing us as you has for one, shows us , not what you have done , but what you have done lately... And trying to convince outside members we are a small crazy bunch...When every charge is in black and white. legal documents are on public record. and posted on
www.798members for all to see... The people who have spent time and
money to educate the members of what has been going on, does not have any agenda other than to rebuild and strengthen a failing union local 798.
Not destroy it as you want to have others believe.
Why not have yourself nominated for business agent?and see if you would
win? not just take over the reigns, when Vinnie hands it over to
you. if he is reelected. Isn't that really why you are campaigning so hard to keep in?? See you at the meeting.

Felice Diamond
 

From Sharon Ilson-Burke

To Whom it May Concern,
I have never been so disgusted and repulsed in my entire life and the fact that Mr. Lyman's email was construed to be mine. The fact that I lost my temper and called certain people assholes is no excuse for this vile attack. It certainly makes me feel ashamed principally because I cared enough about all of you and the future of our local to go and lose my temper. At this point I realize it really isn't worth it. At least I used profanity out of passion not just plain meaness. What the hell have I ever done to Craig Lyman that he needs to do something like that to me? It is truly discouraging. I have already consulted with an attorney and I think I have a nice lawsuit since I am pretty sure Mr. L was Mr Lyman as well. I certainly don't like to operate on those terms but I think I have been left with no recourse.
If the goal you people had was to embarass, offend me and hurt me you have certainly attained it. I hope you are proud.
PS What would you like me to do to people who constantly attack me Felice? I have tried to ignore it but sometimes it is so outrageous that I cannot. Quite frankly I find your ignorance and pettiness disgraceful.
Sincerely, Sharon Ilson Burke

From Colleen Callaghan:

To date I have been able to stay emotionally out of all of this garbage. But when I see a person like you, Craig Lyman who swore to me he didn't drink any more so I would recommend him for a film then on said film-and then fell down passed out and drunk in the middle of the Christmas party in the midst of the whole crew and cast on 'Only The Lonely'--I never said anything to damage your reputation. You have done that. And then for you to come on this site and tell out and out LIES!!! The honest ballot association was the only way that a BA is ever put in office in the history of local 798 for as long as I have been a member. We can check that by he Honest Ballot association itself. RIGHT? I don't even think you were in office when Marty Bell and Bill Kohout were running. And I have never even looked over any ones shoulder at a counting. And the only time that I would be there was in the days of being president. You are being totally unprincipled. Do you feel that is the only way you have a chance to win??? to tell lie after lie and join the ranks of Richard Callaghan??? I swear before God that every word I have put on this paper is the GOD'S HONEST TRUTH. Can't that start to be the way of all of the Brother's and Sister's of Local 798? I am sorry for getting so angry. But How could I not when someone I have never trusted personally, has the gall to say 'I personally trusted him with ANYTHING? How dare you?

Colleen Callaghan

From Felice Diamond:

To all who check this site:

The way Sharon Ilson constantly attacks those who do not support her is disgraceful!
How dare she accuse someone { Jay Cannistraci} of early Alzheimer's, because they know what's, really goes on, and how a union meeting should be conducted. No minutes were read at the meeting on Oct 19, that is just one of several violations.

Jay Cannistraci, was in 798 while Sharon was still NABET. Sharon constantly insults us and disregards what the majority of this membership wants , and that is to see her gone. never to hold the position of business agent Sharon also holds a 706 card, so I find it interesting , that when she refers to 706, it is with her usual superior attitude. like we do it so much better, I hold an associate card to 706, it isn't as easy as she makes it ...out to be to get in . 706 adheres to the list, journeymen are employed before a television, or trainee makeup person. Unless of course you are a personal request, or maybe a producers request. I receive updates from local 706's Website.... newsletters, and classes are offered at nominal fees .

I assure you all , I have never been called an Asshole by the president of that local. Sharon blames her language on those who have made her mad. Does she use that language when she is in meetings with other business agents, or presidents of any local under the I.A.? A person who holds the position of president of a union should be able to control their temper and emotions, and act like a pro. No matter what she really feels.

I am sure the members of local 706 will enjoy seeing how Sharon constantly puts them down, I hope she won't need to find work there again.
This is freedom of speech, without the profanities. hopefully ...the blacklist word wont be raised again, by Mr. Ilson Burke.

Felice Diamond

P.S. I am really mad about the decision made about our health care. as Sharon states in her letter , the plan fluctuates, I have had the same plan for about 10 years, so I wouldn't say if fluctuates often...stop the contradictions ,and excuses, the decision made hurt a lot of people.

I would not say our president and our trustees are really acting in our best interest. People got screwed with the notice we were given for the change. you don't tell people 2 months into the time frame needed.
It is Just WRONG!!!!!! Mad as I am!,! I did not refer to president Ilson Burke as any part of the anatomy.

From: Kelly Gleason:

Dear Sharon or Colleen?

    The information on the site is correct then. Nean01 is Colleen Callaghan.

    Your response is to a few e-mails that Colleen and I had exchanged without knowing who each other were (attached). I will admit, I believe that a ghost writer typed your (Sharon) e-mail to me, since the usual temperament, execution of English grammar and name calling tactics (as used in the letter to Jay Cannistraci posted below) weren't present. In any case, I thank you for that and for the response to the questions I posed to Colleen.

My response to the recent e-mail -

THE BUILDING:
You state that agree with me on the financial loss of rental income and the mismanagement of our rented property (i.e., Richard) by Vincent. Why did you never look into the finances concerning the building? Weren't you curious why the storefront was vacant for 18 months (now closer to two years)? Although, as you say (Sharon), we are not in the real estate business, I'm surprised that the vacant storefront you have to pass to enter the building never piqued your interest once in the last 18 months.

LOCAL 706:
Colleen merely stated that we were "the envy of Local 706" and I disagreed with her. You have to admit, even with a test, many members enter Local 798 pretty easily. Although I have worked and lived in California, I never felt the urge to join 706. You (Sharon), Colleen, Kymbra and now Steve (Kymbra's
husband) hold 706 cards. Yes, I will agree, your group's acceptance into that Local did appear to be pretty easy. I have several other talented friends that are 706 members by request. People are members of 798 for the same reason.

TRUSTEES AND THE FUND:
Any person who was over qualified for a year, is now covered for only 6 months. The excess money is put into a reserve. I understand that. People who were not qualified for health insurance before this change, still don't qualify for health insurance.
Unless you can give out names and numbers of several people whom this change has benefited and are now insured, I can't see how this benefited anyone.
The upcoming months to qualify for the next coverage period are some of the slowest months on the film work calendar. If the Trustees felt a change was needed, but there was no risk in the funds, as you said, you could have prepared the membership better and given us proper notice. I had also asked Ann Sabrizzi-Callaghan about using alternate insurance plans or getting a new insurance broker instead of the same broker Ann said we've had for 20 years. You've had several chances to address this issue when asked at the meetings. Your (Sharon) only response was that "the P&W are healthy funds." That was definitely misleading.

KIT FEE AND OUTSOURCING:
As you (Sharon) and I know, when a film goes outside of the US or our home base area, many of us are called to work on it. I have been lucky enough to work outside of my home state and outside of the US for far more than I get here in NYC. The outsourcing doesn't effect us quite as badly as almost every other trade in our business. Some of the rates offered here, on low budget union films, rival an unemployment check. As far as you stating we have autonomy (making us better than LA?), we should have been able to negotiate better with the networks. The kit fee has been on a rapid decline. If that is not part of Vincent's negotiations, please explain where the UPM's and producers get these rates?

VISITATION ON SETS:
We currently pay Ray Polgar and Tommy Sobeck to help Vincent with negotiations. One of the three should be able to come to a set. Tommy Sobeck seems to travel quite a bit.

For Sharon or anyone that is actually interested - here is the mail that Colleen (Nean01) and I exchanged:

From Me: Thanks for calling us sane.
______________________________________________________________________________
Nean01: Sorry, I left the 'in' off. Although I meant to ay Same. But I
think the insane is more suitable. Don't you? Especially after A. Weisinger
declares everything as forgery. Wow.
______________________________________________________________________________
Me:<< Sorry, I left the 'in' off. >>

I can't agree, since we are all involved in this. Let me ask something more important. How do you feel about what has gone down? What are your opinions on the insurance situation, the election, and the building situation? Alan is the only one claiming his name was forged - not Vincent. What do you think of a Business Agent selling property even if he was duped by his brother or really didn't bother finding out about the going market rates? You have to admit, he willingly participated without the consent of anyone else in this membership and over road the Executive Board and Spivack's office to boot! He must have also known that Alan's name was forged, if it really was. Alan's been out of town on jobs for years. I am really interested in your thoughts on the matters at hand. Please respond.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Nean01:I totally agree that it was stupid for Vince to rent to anyone involved with his brother. However Vince has claimed from the beginning that he only signed the one paper to allow his brother to search the possibility of the building becoming a condominium. He has claimed he never saw all that other stuff. But no one (including me) really listened to his denials until Alan, who has always been Richard's best friend in life-said he had never even seen the papers and never been a witness and that his signature was a total forgery. Then all of a sudden the lawyers and the Attorney General perked up and listened with a different realization. If Richard would forge Alan's name he is not above forging anything to get his own way. It is all being reinvestigated. Vince was the one that told Spivak and Short about everything the minute he found out from Richard's lawyers how far everything had gone. To have lived with an evil brother with no morals or honesty all your life and not realize how reprehensible a person he is certainly is stupid. But it does not negate the fact that he has done a really good job of taking this union totally upscale in every way. We were the envy of LA. Isn't it a shame that this one big stupid goof can undo all of that?

Now I hate the insurance thing. I am furious about it. I know they are not through with that but I also know it has nothing to do with anything other than that work has been so slow. Not just here but in LA and England. In LA they raised everyone's percentage on everything to try to makeup the money. Same complaint. Not enough money being generated by work. The members out there are just as upset.

For a group of members to take unproven and unfounded paperwork and spread it throughout the union and bring a union down is really sad. But that is what is going to happen. It will be good for LA. They need envy us no
longer. We won't exist.

________________________________________________________________________

 Me:Dear Nean01,
I have to go by what James Murphy said at the meeting in October.

<<Vince to rent to anyone involved with his brother>>
Vince rented to his brother for less than the previous tenant and gave him a 9 year lease. That's mismanagement. The storefront has been empty for close to 2 years now (since the printer left). That's mismanagement.

<<Vince has claimed from the beginning that he only signed the one paper to allow his brother to search the possibility of the building becoming a
condominium>>
Mr. Murphy explained that the building can be turned into a condominium by NY law if the signatory and the current tenants agree to the conversion. The signatory (Vince has been acting as President of Local 798 Realty) then sends the paperwork to the Attorney General. A notice of conversion is placed on the building for all to see.

It is quite possible that Alan's signature was forged. Why didn't Vincent have that story in the beginning? Why aren't there any charges filed against Richard Callaghan for forgery and fraud? That's a huge felony.

Mr. Murphy said that Vince brought the contracts of sale to Spivack's office after his attorney in Long Island didn't want to put them through.
Vincent's attorney thought that the real estate deal was not beneficial to the membership. So what Mr. Murphy said was, Vince circumvented Spivack's office to sell the building and, in the end, was sent back to Spivack by his own lawyer.

<<Not enough money being generated by work>>

There are too many members and not enough work. Many more members keep popping up - with no testing and no assurance of work (esp. the outer regions) which is not fair to them. We have generated a large membership that has crippled us because of the lack of work and the lack of our leaders enforcing union work. Perhaps we could have used the money we could have gotten from the rentals in the building to supplement our insurance. On the other hand, we could have looked for different insurance carriers and plans (such as Oxford) that would be more flexible and beneficial, instead of staying with the same brokers for over 20 years. My question is - why did Sharon state that our P&W were healthy funds in October to only tell us in December that we will go bankrupt in 2 years? They must have known this was happening long before the 3 week notification they gave to the membership. That's mismanagement.

<<he has done a really good job of taking this union totally upscale in every way>>
He may have made some good negotiations - but I definitely know he made some bad ones. Why has the kit fee been drastically reduced to $25.00? Why are more productions offering us $15.00 and hour rates for film - not even close to scale? Why does network now have 4 hour shifts instead of the mandatory 8?
Why are some people missing their pension points? Why doesn't Vincent come to job sites when there are discrepancies (at least)? If you work in film or TV, you definitely know John Fundis, Chaim (camera BA), Lynn Twentyman (script BA) and every SAG rep out there! These people show up to every job and talk to the members they represent. Where has our representation been? I would like you to site me a list of his positive negotiations.

<<Isn't it a shame that this one big stupid goof can undo all of that?>>
Is that how you really see this situation? You don't think there's room for improvement? If I understand your letter right, you aren't upset by your insurance loss, or the building - you're upset by what the members in LA think of us! I don't know anyone in LA that ever envied us. Even though the film business began in New Jersey (oh so long ago) - many people feel that LA is definitely the film capital. The members in LA have better health coverage than us, better news letters, gatherings for the membership and classes. It is also very difficult for people to get into 706 - especially since they have abolished their testing.

<<For a group of members to take unproven and unfounded paperwork and spread it throughout the union and bring a union down is really sad. But that is what is going to happen. It will be good for LA. They need envy us no
longer. We won't exist.>>

I must say, unfounded or not, there must be some truth to the paperwork since it was printed in the NY Post. Newspaper's can't just run blatant lies to be held libelous. As for the members that are vocal about these situations.
Wouldn't you prefer someone else to stand up for your rights and willingly take the fall if they are wrong? Do you prefer to ignore everything and accept the outcome with no great change? Whatever happens, happens and you'll be OK with less healthcare coverage and no chance of ever having an input to how you feel the union could benefit the members - as a union should?
Please get back to me
______________________________________________________________________________________
Me:<<Vince has claimed from the beginning that he only signed the one paper to allow his brother to search the possibility of the building becoming a
condominium>>

BTW, I never heard Vince claim anything - he was not permitted to talk about the case.
Either you know him, or it's hearsay.
______________________________________________________________________________________
No response...........
 

- Kelly Gleason

 From Jay Cannistraci:

With respect to Sister Ilson-Burke's response to Mr. Cannistraci comments please be advised of the following:

Please have the courtesy to re-read the comments and put them in the proper perspective. The response is beneath contempt and undignified of a union member, let alone, an elected Officer. Therefore, in exercising the right to "Freedom of Speech" - Anyone who cannot keep their anger, resentments and insecurities segregated from their professional and fiduciary responsibilities should, in good conscience, immediately tender their resignation of their elected post, thereby, maintaining emotional, as well as professional balance and well being. The inconsistencies of verbiage in several of the replies to the "letters" and concerns of sisters and brothers gives credence to the fact that reactions to the latter are of a personal nature, and are, in my humble opinion, out of order. Now that I have exercised MY First Amendment rights, I no longer choose to dignify your response with answers.

Respectfully,

Jay Cannistraci

From: Sharon Ilson Burke

First E-Mail 1/2/2005 (Not addressed to anyone)

I do not feel the need to go visit your website anymore but this letter was brought to my attention so I thought I would answer it.

Clearly Mr. Cannistraci although you served on the Executive Board you were never a trustee because if you had been your comments would not be so uninformed. Also, I would like to know exactly what you are speaking of when you malign me by accusing me of "wrongdoings". I defy you or anyone else to show that I have ever acted not in the best interest of Local 798. As my husband said, it seems that you do not appreaciate any of my hard work.

First of all, OUR WELFARE FUND IS NOT IN JEOPARDY. IT NEVER WAS. Maybe you have early Alzheimers and don't remember that our eligibility rules fluctate on a frequent basis for the express purpose of keeping the fund out of jeopardy Second, the purpose of having trustees in an ERISA fund is to make decisions for the fund. There are an equal amount of producer and union trustees. They make all decisions for the fund. No matter whom you elect into office this will not change. The fund will make necessary changes whenever it sees fit and although we as trustees keep the interests of the majority affected forefront in our decisions, the employer trustees have only the adgenda of keeping the fund healthy.

I nor any of the other trustees have not been evasive at all when answering questions about eligibility changes and I will continue not to be so if you have a question why don't you ask it instead of posting your ignorance on this website. I had a membership meeting with the Segal Advisors who are our finanacial advisors not because I had to (I did not) but because I wanted everyone to be able to understand what was going on. I am not passing any "buck".

Furthermore, I never ran any meeting not in accordance with proper procedure. That is an absurd and malicious lie. I adjourned the meeting under advice of legal counsel retained for many years by our local. And just so you know if a meeting is out of control I do have every legal right to adjourn it.Finally I have the same right just as you or anyone else does to call anyone anything I wish. It is called freedom of speech, it is protected under the United States Constitution and it is what gives the assholes who made me mad enough to call them that the right to say what they did.

Fraternally,

Sharon Ilson Burke

Second E-mail 1/2/2005

From: Sharon Ilson Burke

Dear Sister Gleason,
I would like to respond to an e-mail that you sent although I was only given a portion of it so please excuse anything I leave out. I find your input to be always intelligent and interesting but I do think there are a few points I would like to give my opinion and/or knowledge on.
I agree with you on everything you say about the building. However so you know, any overages from the building could not go into our benefits fund. This is illegal. Monies generated would go into our reserve fund and could conceivable be used for any other union purpose. We could however use monies as the wardrobe local does for other members benefits.

The business of the local is to organize labor. If someone meets the qualifications for membership you can not by law deny them membership. Your LA local which you think is so fabulous doesn't even have a testing system anymore. There the law is 30 days and you're in.It is not hard at all to get into 706 and the testing being gone has not changed a thing. They never just let you test there. 99% of applicants got in through Contract Services. This could happen here as well.

Once again let me try to explain. Clearly I must be remiss because no one seems to understand what I am saying about the benefits fund. So let me try again and please let me know if I am not clear. The fund is not in trouble. However, between disappointing market returns, investment firm scandals(which reflected negatively on the entire stock market), rising insurance premiums(20% a year since 2000), and lack of work, our fund did not perform the way it has in the past. Therefore in order to keep the fund on target and using the only model we have to go on (which is the numbers from the past few years) the trustees had to make changes. Remember though, this is only conjecture, as every investment strategy is. Legally the fund is bound to act in a conservative manner in order to preserve assets. There was no mismanagement on behalf of the trustees. Eligibility rules can be changed at any time. Whether that is the right thing to do is another story, which is why I pushed hard to change our period to six months because it would give more people a chance to make their coverage.

As far as kit fee goes, we do not have a kit fee in our contract and we never had. This would be a great thing to get in our contract but would be extremely hard to negotiate because management fights very hard to go with precedence. Productions are offering rates often commensurate with Low Budget Feature Agreements that are negotiated by the International. I am sorry but that is the way the business is going right now due to outsourcing. We simply do not offer the same competitive rates as they do overseas. Federal and State laws all would help to ameliorate this situation as the laws that Pataki just passed hopefully will do. As far as 4 hour shifts that precedent was set in your beloved Los Angeles.

As far as BA visitation to sets I couldn't agree more. However in all fairness our local is pathetically understaffed as compared to the two locals which you mention (52 and 600). Local 161 is so tiny that I am sure Ms. Twentyman has plenty of time on her hands to visit sets.

In closing I hope it was not you who said that if you read it in the paper it must be true. That is laughable. First off, they got their information from a member who hasn't worked but three days in this business the past two calendar years . Further more they didn't even bother to spell my name right. The Post is a traditionally anti-union paper and they will print whatever it takes to sell their silly rag be it true or half true or untrue. Isn't the old saw don't believe everything you read in the paper?

Fraternally, Sharon Ilson Burke

From: Jay Cannistraci

    My name is Jay Cannistraci. I have been an active member of Local 798 over the past 30 years. I have functioned as Secretary under the reign of Ed Callaghan, Business Agent and Dennis Eger, President. I, also, functioned as Treasurer , under the reign of Ed Callahan, Business Agent and Joe Cuervo, President. Therefore, I feel qualified to make the following comments.

    We have all been recently made aware of wrong-doings by our present Business Agent, Executive Board and Trustees. According to all I've read and heard, they have not acted in the best interest of the membership of Local 798.

    I have made phone calls to the office regarding an explanation of the current situation, specifically, the Health plan, effective January 1, 2005. Why were we not informed, until one month ago, that we no longer will be covered for 2005 in its entirety in accordance with previous years. Why were we not informed that our Welfare Fund was in jeopardy?

    Why were, we, the members, not allowed input regarding this most important decision that affects our families? Why are our Executive Board and Trustees so evasive when presented with questions regarding their decisions?
Why is everyone passing the Buck? Where does the Buck stop?
Apparently, no-one has any answers and that in itself tells me that the problems go beyond the surface of what we HAVE been told!

    Now to address my second major concern. What gives our President the right to run a meeting that is not in accordance with proper procedure.

    What gives our President the right to call our members A- holes? What gives our President the right to adjourn a meeting without, again, proper procedure? And, what gives her the impression that Control is hers in lieu of Parliamentary Procedure?! This is a Union, not a Dictatorship. This is a Union for and by the people, not to be controlled by ONE!

    In conclusion, I would like to address the situation regarding our Business Agent. Why is he not taking responsibility for his actions which has jeopardized the entire membership. No one forces anyone to do things they don't want to do or know is wrong. Education has nothing to do with morality. Integrity stands alone!

    Therefore, with regard to all of the above, I will lend my support to the members whom, I feel, are worthy and qualified morally as well as knowledgeable in the operations of running a Union for and by the people with Integrity and dignity. The members I feel are most qualified to benefit Local 798 and run it with Respect for the membership in the position of Business Agent are Joe Cuervo or Dennis Eger, who, in fact have the experience of leadership and are educated in the inner workings of a Union.

Respectfully

Jay Cannistraci

From Kelly Gleason

To Nean01 aka unsigned,

 
I'd like to thank you on this post for calling everyone sane. You may note that there is a problem with our administration at Local 798. Are you planning on being a productive participant or just a critic of the website?
Obviously many more people surf these pages than post on them - you are an admitted example of that. BTW, we aren't a few discontented members - we are now an entire Eastern Coast of discontented members with severed health insurance coverage. Know this to be a fact. What do you gain by criticizing other members that spend their time and money fighting for our democratic rights? If your postings are delayed - perhaps you should blame your server, AOL. Please contact any one of us by phone - or you can contact the Association for Union Democracy, if you feel you have beneficial input towards this campaign to help rectify all the "mistakes" that have occurred during Vincent's reign as Business Agent.
Let's ALL be productive instead of sitting on the sidelines.

Kelly Gleason

From Nean01@aol.com (unsigned)

From Michael Laudati

My name is Michael Laudati. I have been a member in good standing of Local 798 since 1981. I am not interested in taking over the union or in trying to employ non-union friends. I don’t have an ax to grind and I am not trying to create a job for myself because of a sagging career. No one can argue that I don’t know my craft thoroughly.

It’s true; I haven’t been involved in union affairs in the past. I haven’t been an officer of the Local and I didn’t attend meetings. Until now. Now, it’s time to get involved.

Given the infuriating state of affairs involving our Local one can’t help but to get involved.

We have been accused of being a small group of dissidents who are self motivated to use the Local for personal gain. We have been ordered not to ask questions and have been personally attacked in writing for doing so.

Well, let me tell you… the people who are asking the questions are the majority of the membership. They include the most talented, successful, and dedicated members who have, for years, represented the best that our Local has to offer the industry. They don’t need to bolster their careers with a desk job. They want to do their real jobs and they want the Local to run as it should- to the benefit of all of the members- not just the ruling class.

Good and intelligent people ask questions pertaining to their own livelihoods and well- being. Fools don’t ask questions. They follow in blind faith in the hopes that they will be taken care of. Ignorance plays into the hands of opportunists.

No one is going to take care of us. We all have to be involved- especially now. It is our right and our duty to our organization. It is also our obligation to ourselves and to our families not to allow a group who is under criminal investigation, or at the very least, a group of total incompetents, impact our livelihoods and our lives in such a devastating way.

This has got to be the lowest point in our Local’s history. Our Business Representative is under investigation by the District Attorney, our Executive Board has largely resigned without addressing the membership with an explanation, outsiders have been given preferential treatment at our expense, and we stand to lose an enormous financial asset if we don’t take a stand. Not to mention our health insurance crisis.

Ms. Ilson, if you do indeed have your sights on the BA position, now is the time to show your skills as a leader. You can help to resolve many issues in question by just explaining your plan if you have one. The letter that was circulated by the concerned membership includes a list of legitimate questions that we all want the answers to. Answer them.

This is your chance to show the membership how you can handle the
responsibilities of a Business Agent and how you can handle a crisis. So far…I wouldn’t want you to negotiate our contracts!

Mr. Callaghan, I think you are going to be very busy preparing your explanations to the authorities and I doubt you will have the time to devote to us. We need a full-time B.A. (that’s what we pay for).

So why don’t you take an NDB to do the things you have to do. The membership you left out to dry has learned from your mistakes- and our own, and we are going to unite and pick up the pieces you scattered, and create a stronger local.

- Michael Laudati

NYMAKEUPGIRL@aol.com

From Stephen Carter-Hicks

OK OK OK........
I have been out on the road for the past 3 1/2 years so i am afraid i am not clear on all the ins and outs however i feel that i can address all of us ......I AM ASHAMED ....of all of you and of this union....you all need to be taken out and horse whipped....i mean it......how dare we speak to one another like this....i am appalled embarrassed and just fed up with the lot of you....Vince and Family .. time to step down..that is the only logical thing to do at this time. i do not believe any body is guilty or innocent.....but when this kind of adolescent behavior starts to rear its ugly head its time for the adults to step in and clean house...we need to get rid of everybody and start all over....let the law handle the dealings of Vince and his brother and wife and daughter and cousin.....i know we refer to each other in the brother and sister fraternity...but i did not know it was for real in this case....vince has done a great job its just time to take care of your legal issues bow out gracefully and lets get back to the business of hair and make-up...OK ...OK........i am now living in Washington DC where we need help and i cant call the NYC office for fear of who knows what...so lets be professionals....and adults .....quit the bickering ....don't make me come up there and turn a cold hose on you babies....i know everyone's pride is hurt here....but you need to pull up your boot straps and move....all of the board time to step down....time for the office to get a new paint job.....time to get our relatives out of a building that they have no right to be living in....what is that all about....its the UNION office bldg....why not make it a room for visiting artist or designers or ....out of work hair and makeup people down on their luck....becasue our union has failed them....there is a reason people don't attend meeting on a regular basis....and if you want to discuss that call me.....we need a new direction and new leadership........Not because people are bad and have made mistakes.....but because its time....its time for new beginnings and hew horizions....and if we go under folks then its our fault....why is local 1 so strong...? why are they paid so much....? while we had to train and go to expansive schools to refine our crafts they were putting their heads together and figuring out ways to make money...and we get a 3rd of their pay...i am telling you i love the pink contract..i got paid for holidays i did not even know existed.....so why is the local contract so weak?....lets focus on our work and our friendships and our professionalism...and stop mailing me hate letters to vote for this or that......and she said this and she is a ...well you know you get them as well..i have many friends in this union and i have a great deal of respect for all of you and for your incredible skills as artists.....i miss so many of you so much it hurts.....and just when i get the drive to come home...i get this kind of mail and CRAP.....makes me never want to come back to NYC again.....now if i have offended you or any ones feathers are ruffled then you need to take a look in the mirror and ask yourself how can i make my union better...how can i edify and lift up my fellow brothers and sisters....and support them...take the knives out of your hands...and out of the backs that you have put them in....again, let me just say God bless all of you....and lets move forwad....Vince be the man that i know you are and step down and handle this difficult situation...and get your brother off that property....baord of directors....buh bye.....step down it cant be good ...any of this....ok i have said my piece...and remember i have a hose long enough to reach NYC and the power to run water through it and i will come there and hose ya'll down.....!!!!!

PS...I am not a scholar I don't use correct grammar or punctuation. I can sing and beat a wig into next week however so no comments on my character defect's....

Stephen Carter-Hicks
carterhicks.com

From LuAnn Claps

Hi Jack,

I, too would like to commend you on a job well done here. Thank you for taking on this project! I have one problem, though. I can't hear the Christmas music. I already have Windows Media Player, but when I click on the link, the WMP window opens but the message says "the host is unreachable".

Just thought I would let you know. Is it a Mac thing? cuz that's what I'm working with

All the best,
LuAnn.

Editor's note: The Christmas music will be back up on Monday night, December 13th.

From Patricia Grande

I believe we have met and perhaps worked together on something.
You have done a great job on the site. I was quite impressed with the Intelligence in the room at the meeting on 10/19.
I think we should have an attorney at the meeting in January to advise us as we go along , trying to get Sharon and Vince to step down.
Many members have said they would put up money to retain our own counsel, including me.

It should be itemized and a bill sent asking members to send in a payment , let's have a committee to handle this. Not just, Victor DiNicola handing out his address and asking for donations. ( I'm sure he means well )

I believe if we sue local 798 for the injustice they will be responsible for the cost of the members having to get an attorney.
Many members would like the opportunity to have a non -biased business person do the job as business agent.

I am willing to help, Best Regards, Patricia Grande

From Felice Diamond

I called Ann Sabrizzi on Dec.7,to inquire about my coverage for the new year, I am one of the very fortunate to work a lot, and keep my family coverage.
That's why I feel so outraged as to what Ann told me about my future coverage.

All the days I worked from Oct 1,2003 thru Sept 29,2004 will give me coverage for the first six months of 2005.

I was told there was a letter going out to all of us to inform us of the change, .... MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone.

I was told this decision was made by the trustees, I am amazed... we members are again told about something as vitally important as this after the fact.

The meeting on Dec 9, will inform us all , of the changes and there will be a consultant to answer our questions.

Hopefully they will have some good answers, like where is the rest of the money contributed by my employers for the rest of my years coverage? I am sure there are a lot of you out there who will be wondering the same thing.

We have all been receiving letters warning us of a lot of goings on with our Union.
This I feel is one of the warnings we may have not taken seriously.
Well everyone! we better all wake up and pay more attention.
There is no reason to open a can of worms for personal gain.
I feel the concerned members who opened this can or let the skeletons out of the closet, had this particular matter, as well as all the others in our best interest.

This is not to say that our business agent did not do a good job for us in other instances, unfortunately, our best interest was not considered, when he allegedly allowed his brother {whom supposedly has a past that is less than desirable} in our building. Creating a mess for all of us.

Please come to the upcoming meetings, we need to stand united and not lose our health insurance. The structure of the new system in how we will get coverage caused me to lose sleep.

WE can inquire about other means of coverage, maybe under the international.
I know of another local who has just gone in that direction.
This will be a good question to ask.

I admittedly have been laying back and listening , and reading letters, and have not wanted to be verbal, concerned about the repercussions I may face, professionally, but my benefits is one of the reasons I continually look for work, We hear on the news how many Americans have no health coverage, and I often think "How Lucky I am" now I find myself worrying about coverage myself.

Wishing you all a HEALTHY NEW YEAR,
Felice Diamond