Timeline of Events

Timeline of events

1) June 2, 2004 – letter from Spivak, Lipton Wantanabe, Spivak and Moss was sent to the Executive Board of Local 798 concerning Local 798’s property. The letter states:
(a) The Local’s building has been turned into condominiums
(b) Vincent hired a real estate law firm to handle the transaction and the sale of three units to an individual, Maureen McGuckin – a resident in the Local’s building
(c) Vince brought the condo papers to Steve Hochberg, at Spivak’s office, for review
(d) Mr. Hochberg contacts Vincent’s lawyer who states:
(i) Most of his dealings were with Richard Callaghan and Maureen McGuckin
(ii) He didn’t know how they arrived at the sale price
(iii) Contracts of sale existed between the Local and Maureen McGuckin

(e) Mr. Hochberg advised Vincent that this was not an arms length transaction
(f) The asking price of two units were below market value
(g) The asking price of the commercial space was below market value
(h) Vincent gave Mr. Hochberg a copy of a nine year lease of the third floor of the Local’s property naming Maureen McGuckin as the tenant
(i) The rental price for Maureen McGuckin’s apartment is below market value
(j) Vincent was advised to persuade Ms. McGuckin to release herself from the contracts of sale and her 9 year lease
(k) The Executive Board must hire a real estate attorney to void the contracts of sale and the lease
(l) These transactions are improper
(m) Please authorize us to contact the US Department of Labor of these matters

2) June 3, 2004 - The Executive Board did not notify the members

3) June 7, 2004 – According to Mark Rampmeyer he called Spivak’s office in reference to the letter and was interviewed by the attorneys within 2 days.
(a) He was also told he was the only member of the Executive Board to respond to the letter.

4) August Union Newsletter arrives.

Letters are as follows:
(a) Vincent Callaghan: reports that “Johnny Zero” is staying in NY for now – other films have gone to Canada.
(b) President Burke: reports the summer is slow and she’s working on make-up seminars
(c) No report for Broadway
(d) No news of the lawsuits in the entire document

5) August 26, 2004 – Francesca Paris and Vincent Callaghan meet for lunch. According to Francesca Paris, Vincent Callaghan stated:
(a) Vincent claimed that Tom Short was forcing him to run for BA since he had a pending lawsuit and needed to retain a lawyer because of some real estate dealings
(b) He planned to retire during his term as BA and appoint Sharon Ilson Burke into his position – Alan Weisinger was too wealthy to consider the position
( c) Ray Polgar was ineligible to run for BA since he was a contracted employee, installed by the International, and was given a 798 card and a salary by Vincent.
(d) Mr. Polgar was hired to negotiate contracts for Broadway in lieu of Vincent as negotiator
(e) He admitted that his brother, Richard Callaghan and his brother’s girlfriend, Maureen McGuckin, lived on the 3rd floor of 154 West 24th Street and had a nine-year lease
(f) Nick Troiano was hired as Commercial Field Representative (a paid position created for him by Vincent) because he needed healthcare coverage for his wife.
(g) Vincent stated that the healthcare coverage would change and the membership is going to be upset.
(h) Francesca states that she is taking BA classes at Cornell University and is interested in shadowing Vincent in the 798 office.

6) September Union Newsletter arrives. Letters are as follows:
(a) Vincent Callaghan: reports there is a slight ray of hope and reminds members, when they make a deal, send it to the office
(b) President Burke: reports Johnny Zero and the new Law and Order are shooting in NY – She enjoyed the Broadway meeting – She will be at the IATSE convention in September
(c) Mark Rampmeyer: reports – work on Dracula – meetings and an open house
(d) No mention of the lawsuits in the entire document

7) September 17, 2004 (approx) – Richard Callaghan telephones Amrita Diane Ford, who, intern contacted her sister C. Romania Ford
a) C. Romania Ford called Richard Callaghan
b) Richard Callaghan asked for names of people he should call to supply them with information regarding Vincent Callaghan
c) Ms. R. Ford presented him with 10-15 names, he already had access to the membership list

8) September 17, 2004 – Romania Ford contacts Francesca Paris and Joe Cuervo to tell them she had given their names to Richard Callaghan and he may call

9) September 19, 2004 – Richard Callaghan called Francesca Paris and made appointment to meet

10) September 20, 2004 - Richard and Francesca met the following Monday at the Malibu Diner. Richard supplied Francesca with a packet of information including:
(a) The complaint from 798 realty Regarding the condo conversion and sale
(b) The Barbara Brigham case and peripheral paperwork concerning it
(c) Correspondence between Spivak’s office and the Executive Board
(d) Correspondence with Richard’s lawyer

11) September 20, 2004 - Jerry Popolis, Alan D’Angerio and Francesca Paris read the paperwork, copied the paperwork and started calling members.

12) September 20, 2004 - Jerry called Mark Rampmeyer - the Broadway Trustee - at the Wintergarden Theater,
(a) Jerry left a message
(b) Jerry drops off a packet of information at the stage door – containing copies of the paperwork given to Francesca from Richard Callaghan

13) September - It is understood that Mark Rampmeyer took the paperwork to Spivak’s office.

14) September 20, 2004 – Joe Cuervo is on location in Mass.
(a) Joe talks to Kelly Gleason, Jerry DeCarlo and Peg Sheirholz about Richard Callaghan’s phone call to his house and Mr. Callaghan’s conversation with Joe’s wife
(b) Kelly urges Joe to return the call
(c) Joe states that he will wait for Richard to call him

15) September 20, 2004 – Francesca Paris’ first day at Cornell University for BA classes.
(a) The class instructor is Franklin Moss from Spivak, Lipton, Wantanabe, Spivak and Moss, LLP.
(b) Students are instructed to introduce themselves, their union affiliation and the purpose of attending this class
(c) Sharon Ilson-Burke is also a student and introduces herself to the class as the President of Local 798 and, upon the current Business Agent’s retirement, she will become the new Business Agent for Local 798.

16) September 21, 2004 – Vincent Callaghan calls Francesca Paris
(a) Vincent questions her intent to run for Business Agent
(b) Francesca tells him that he and the Executive Board should resign
( c) Vincent claims that he has the support of Tom Short, the International President

17) September 23, 2004 – Craig Lyman and Francesca Paris attend the Broadway meeting
(a) Vincent does not attend; Colleen Callaghan and President Sharon Ilson Burke attend and preside over the meeting
(b) Mark Rampmeyer also attended the meeting
(c) Sharon acknowledges the condo conversion and claims that she is only a makeup person and doesn’t understand real estate
( d) Colleen Callaghan states that Frank Hagen moved in with Barbara Brigham because she was lonely

18) September 24, 2004 - Kelly Gleason calls Union office to get a members phone number
(a) Vincent gets on the phone and says “My fuckin’ brother’s fuckin’ givin’ me a lot of problems and accusing me of shit that’s not real” and explains how his brother is calling certain members and telling them stories
(b) Gleason replies that he should write a letter to the membership soon before it gets out of hand

19) September 24, 2004 – Richard Callaghan phones Joe Cuervo on his cellphone to discuss the real estate lawsuit.
(a) Joe discusses his conversation with Richard with Kelly Gleason, Jerry DeCarlo and Peg Schierholz while on location in Boston, Mass.
(b) Kelly and Joe decide to write a letter to the membership to urge them to attend the October 19, 2004 meeting
( c) Kelly Gleason mails the completed letters to the entire Local 798 membership on September 30, 2004

20) September 24, 2004 – Vincent Callaghan calls Paul Gebbia at Guiding Light. The conversation includes:
(a) Vincent states that the conversions and contracts with his brother were approved by the Executive Board in writing. “If they claimed they didn’t know anything about it, they signed something without reading it.”
(b) Vincent states “I don’t need anyone’s permission (to sell the building)”

21) September 28, 2004 - Francesca Paris calls Franklin Moss at Spivak’s office in regards to the lawsuits
(a) Franklin Moss explains that the Spivak firm has been retained by the Executive Board and does not directly represent the rank-and-file members. The membership will have to retain their own legal counsel in regards to the real estate case.

22) October 2, 2004 - The anonymous letter to the members is mailed out – It states:
(a) the Executive Board has been negligent in their duties and resulted in jeopardizing the assets of Local 798
(b) the District Attorney is investigating the condo conversion and the Business agent’s actions in regards to Local 798 property
( c) the President, Sharon Ilson-Burke, did not retain a lawyer in regards to the condominium conversion of the Local’s building
(d) Richard Callaghan, Vincent’s brother, was hired to do construction work in the Local’s building
(e) Richard Callaghan and Maureen McGuckin’s company, Low’s Express LLC, filed a $235,000.00 mechanics lien against Local 798’s property
(f) the current President, Sharon Ilson-Burke, is on the Board of Trustees for P&W , on the Executive Board of Local 798 and Local 798 Realty Corporation – creating a conflict of interest
(g) the minutes from Executive Board meetings for both the Local and Local 798 Realty are missing or non-existent
(h) the Business agent, Vincent Callaghan, and the P&W Administrator, Ann Sabrizzi, have been secretly married since 2000
(i) members are urged to attend the October 19, 2004 meeting

23) October 1, 2004 - Members, through hearsay, learn:
(a) Ann Sabrizzi, the Pension and welfare Administrator, had been secretly married to Vincent Callaghan since 2000.
(a) Richard Callaghan and Maureen McGuckin had moved into the Local’s building in 2000 under a 9 year lease

24) October Union Newsletter arrives – Letters are as Follows:
(a) Vincent Callaghan: reports – pictures are returning to the area
(b) President Burke has a lengthy letter. Contents are:
(i) This letter’s intent is to keep the membership in the dark about all investigations concerning Local 798 and the lawsuits concerning Local 798 Realty vs. Vincent Callaghan and the civil suit concerning Barbara Brigham's will.
(ii) This letter states that there are slanderous rumors about Vincent Callaghan “….which have originated with a person who has a personal vendetta against him, namely his brother Richard Callaghan, and circulated by self serving individuals within our local…”
(iii) This letter promotes Vincent Callaghan as the best Business Representative Local 798 has ever had.
(iv) Sharon Ilson-Burke proposes to amend the Constitution to require all members within 50 miles of NYC to attend 1 quarterly General Meeting per year or incur a $50 fine – this is in retaliation of members who are suddenly concerned about the Local’s position and the status of the Local’s building in Manhattan, NYC
(c) Mark Rampmeyer: reports – There is a lack information available and thanks the film/TV community for starting to attend his meetings

25) A letter, dated October 8, 2004, is sent to the membership with Sharon Ilson-Burke’s stamped signature at the closing.
(a) This letter generalizes the events concerning the Local’s property in Manhattan, NYC.
(b) The letter does not clearly explain Vincent Callaghan’s participation in the condominium conversion or his participation in the sale of the Local’s building.
( c) The letter clearly states that Richard Callaghan and Maureen McGuckin as the cause of the lawsuit.

26) October 13, 2004 - Francesca Paris and Alan D’Angerio write a letter to James Wood , the International’s General Secretary Treasurer. This letter addresses:
(a) the condominium conversion
(b) the failure of the Executive Board to monitor the actions of the Business Agent
( c) the subpoena by the NY racketeering Unit
(d) in a membership newsletter, President Ilson-Burke regards the real estate transaction as a “slanderous rumor”
(e) charges are listed against the President
(f) commingling of the Executive Board and the P&W Administrator
(g) lax record keeping and a non existent financial rendering of the Local’s accounts
(h) the need for a semi-annual audit of the Local’s accounts and assets
(i) the need for the International to stop corruption by declaring a Trusteeship

27) October 14, 2004 – Tom Short replies to Alan D’Angerio and Francesca Paris by letter.
(a) Tom Short states that he feels the Local is sufficiently handling the lawsuits concerning Vincent Callaghan.
(b) Trusteeship is not necessary at this time.

28) October - A letter from Colleen Callaghan is sent to the membership.
(a) This letter accuses Richard Callaghan of converting the Local’s property into condominiums.
(b) It is stated that Richard Callaghan’s plans were “thwarted” by Vincent Callaghan and that Richard Callaghan “swore a vendetta against his brother”
( c) Colleen claims that Vincent Callaghan is the best Business agent we have ever had – no one can fill his shoes - and that a small group of members are unjustly trying to discredit him.
(d) Colleen notes that we could easily be put into receivership as we are being closely watched by the International

29) October 13, 2004 – According to Ray Polgar, Ann Sabrizzi circulated a letter to the P&W Trustees that asks them to vote on an outside audit of the P&W funds.
(a) Ray Polgar supplies members with paperwork stating he voted yes to an outside audit.
(b) Ray Polgar states that Vincent Callaghan and Sharon Ilson-Burke voted no

30) October 17, 2004 - Several members meet at Francesca Paris’ apartment to:
(a) Discuss the situation of the local
(b) To prepare themselves for the 10/19/04 meeting
(c) To prepare Impeachment Charges for the Executive Board

31) October 17, 2004 - Certain concerned members start calling to rally the membership to attend the 10/19/04 meeting.

32) October 18, 2004 – Francesca Paris and Bernadette Mazur have a telephone conversation
(a) Francesca tells Bernadette to resign
(b) Francesca tells Bernadette of the Impeachment intent
(c) Bernadette states that she will remain on the Executive Board pending Vincent’s lawsuit

33) October 18, 2004 – Vincent phones Joe Cuervo at Sesame Street
(a) Vince states that the welfare fund is fine
(b) Vincent intends to run for Business Agent again and retire because of is age and appoint someone to fill his position

34) (until) October 19, 2004 - Members flock to the Union office to pay their dues

35) October 19, 2004 - The General Membership meeting is held at Nola Studios, NYC.
150 members attend. A concise overview:
(a) Vincent Callaghan stood outside of the meeting room doors at NOLA Studios – he never entered the room – he left within 20 minutes
(b) President Sharon Ilson-Burke opens the meeting claiming that several members are on a “Witch Hunt” against Vincent Callaghan
(c) Sharon states that some people think she is bad tempered – but she feels justified because she is passionate about the union
( d) Sharon states that any member who is against Vincent is a liar and learned their facts in “a court of gossip”
(e) Colleen Callaghan states “What Vincent did was wrong. It is a feud between brothers.”
(f) Mr. James Murphy (a representative from Spivak’s office) answered questions about Vincent’s lawsuits pertaining to the condominium conversion and the overall management and sale of the building.
(g) James Murphy explains that Richard Callaghan is Vincent’s brother
(h) James Murphy explains how the condominium conversion occurred
(i) James Murphy confirms the 9 year lease (that began in 2000) Vincent gave to Maureen McGukin – and also confirms it is below fair market value
(j) James Murphy confirms that there is a mechanic’s lien against 798’s property from Low’s Express, LLC (Maureen McGuckin’s company)
(k) When questioned about the loss of rental income, Sharon says the store front has been “recently vacated a year and a half ago”
(l) In response to a question regarding Sharon’s neglect to notify the members of the Local’s building situation and the lawsuits, Sharon states that she was too shocked to notify the members
(m) Sharon calls the lawsuits that Mr. Murphy was talking about, gossip
(n) Members were told by Ms. Ilson-Burke that the P&W funds were healthy. There was no discussion of a change in our healthcare plan
(o) Some members asked for Vincent Callaghan’s resignation
(p) The Executive Board was served Impeachment Charges by Alan D’Angerio
(q) Toy Russell Van Lierop resigns from the Executive Board and explains that she was not contacted for most meetings
(r) Sharon denies the Impeachment charge and states “I don’t care what the Constitution says.”
(s) Sharon Ilson-Burke adjourned the meeting while the motion for Impeachment was still on the floor.

36) October 20, 2004 – members learn that Ann Sabrizzi is in Aruba

37) October 21, 2004 – Kelly Gleason telephones President Burke and requests a copy of the tape recording she made of the October 19th meeting
(a) President Burke replies that she is busy and has no time to deal with it and she will get around to it when she has time
(b) Kelly Gleason reminds her of her responsibility as President
(c) After a short discussion Kelly Gleason states that she will inform Kelly Donovan of the recording

38) October 21, 2004 - Francesca Paris, Kelly Gleason and Alan D’Angerio write a letter to Tom Short informing him of Sharon’s conduct at October 19, 2004 General Membership Meeting. They state that:
(a) they are concerned with the fact that she has kept the membership in the dark about Vincent Callaghan’s lawsuits
(b) she defends Vincent stating that he is privileged to due process of the law and that she feels these lawsuits have nothing to do with his position as Business Agent,
( c) she disregarded the Impeachment Charges presented to her
(d) she expressed to the membership that she didn’t care what the Constitution says.

39) October 21, 2004 - President Sharon Ilson-Burke telephones Kelly Gleason, Joe Cuervo and Paul Gebbia and asks them to serve on to the Executive Board
(a) Joe Cuervo declines
(b) Kelly Gleason doesn’t return call

40) October 21, 2004 – Paul Gebbia and President Burke speak at night on the phone. According to Paul, Sharon states:
(a) Sharon states “Do you really think Vince will be re-elected in March after what he did?”
(b) Sharon asks Paul to join the Executive Board
(c) Paul declines for himself and on the behalf of Kelly Gleason – if she refuses to step down

41) October - Aaron Quarles and Dale Brownell resign from the Executive Board

42) October 22, 2004 – Tom Short writes a reply to Kelly Gleason, Alan D’Angerio and Francesca Paris stating that he feels no need to intervene in the Local’s affairs at this time

43) October 22, 2004 - Bernadette Mazur – the Executive Board’s Secretary – contacts Kelly Gleason in reference to Bernadette being friends with Sharon. Kelly Gleason recommends that Bernadette distance herself from Sharon and resign from the Executive Board

44) October 22, 2004 – Paul Gebbia and Bernadette Mazur speak:
(a) Bernadette says she plans to resign
(b) Bernadette calls 1/2 hour later and says she will wait until a verdict comes out for Vincent

45) Union Newsletter dated October 2004. A letter From President Sharon Ilson-Burke states:
(a) Executive Board members have resigned (after the October 19, 2004 General Meeting)
(b) Sharon will not step down as President
( c) The Executive Board was interviewed by the US district Attorney
(d) Sharon asks people to join the Executive Board
(f) Sharon states that some of the membership has adopted a “Witch Hunt” mentality

46) October 26, 2004 – Norman Bryn sends a certified letter to Tom Short
(a) Norman reviews the October 19th meeting
(i) refers to Sharon’s refusal of Impeachment charges
(ii) Her conflict of interest to the membership for defending Vince Callaghan
(iii) Sites the conflict of interest between Vince and the E-Board
(iv) Sites Short’s minimal response to complaints filed earlier
(v) Federal receivership looks appealing

47) November 1, 2004 – The Union Newsletter is mailed. Letters are as follows:
(a) Vincent Callaghan states that “30% (of the membership)…are always unhappy. They figure their logic is best…”
(b) President Burke states the many Executive Board members have resigned. She also states
(i) “I will not step down”
(ii) “Many of you feel that I was not quick enough to spread the word…you may be justified”
(iii) Board members have stepped down because …”they couldn’t take the pressure of a witch hunt mentality”

48) November 3, 2005 – 15 members in good standing send a petition to the Executive Board to request a Special Meeting on December 14, 2004
(a) This letter was sent certified to Local 798’s Offices, to Tom Short’s Office and to Spivak’s Office

49) November 5, 2004 – Concerned Members Of Local 798 formed unofficially and wrote their first letter: The letter was 8 pages, was signed by 38 members and contained information such as:
(a) A comprehensive description of the events of 10/19/04 General Membership meeting
(b) How our President, Sharon Ilson-Burke, continually violates Local 798’s Constitution and By-Laws (explained in letter)
( c) www.798members.com is established
(d) the letter was signed by 38 members

50) November 11, 2004 – Joe Forgione – a shop steward in Washington – writes a letter on Vincent Callaghan's behalf. It states:
(a) Vince Callaghan is the best Business agent Local 798 has ever had
(b) Vince Callaghan was “bamboozled” by his brother
( c) Members should sympathize with Vincent because he is down on his luck
(d) He calls members trying to expose Vince Callaghan “…self serving imbeciles … who have been caught up in a vicious storm of gossip and lies…”
(e) We are not in danger because the International would put us into Receivership
(f) He makes accusations about the members speaking out against Vincent Callaghan

51) November 12, 2004 – Toy Russell Van Lierop’s resignation is sent to Local 798’s office. It states:
(a) Vincent’s dealings have compromised the integrity of the Executive Board
(b) A document was created using her signature fraudulently.

52) November 12, 2004 – Broadway monthly meeting is attended by several members from the film/television division.
(a) President Sharon Ilson Burke chaired the meeting alone
(b) President Burke claimed in vague terms that papers regarding the real estate sale were forged
( c) The judge will lift the stay on the commercial space and the Local will rent it to Alcone make-up Supplies
(d) The attendees questioned Sharon – her answers were evasive
(e) Sharon became hostile and threatened to fine certain members
(f) Sharon stated that she refused to acknowledge the special meeting 15 members in good standing had petitioned for – to take place on 12/14/04
(g) Sharon stated that she doesn’t have to acknowledge Local 798’s Constitution and By-Laws because she is not a paid employee
(h) Sharon stated that she would appoint a new Executive Board and the members would not be allowed to vote on her decisions
(i) Ray Polgar entered the room 45 minutes late
(j) When asked, Ray Polger stated that he abides by the Constitution and By-Laws of Local 798
(k) President Burke left the meeting
(l) The Broadway meeting lasted an hour and a half longer
(m) Sharon’s conduct was a topic of discussion

53) November 13, 2004 – www.798members.com is up and running

54) November 22, 2004 – Norman Bryn writes to John Sweeny, head of the AFL-CIO
(a) Norman reviews his letter to Tom Short and the lack of response
(b) He asks John Sweeny to intervene

55) November 26, 2004 – Norman writes to Elliot Spitzer
(a) Norman appraises Spitzer of Local 798’s current situation and the IATSE
(b) He cites the E-Board’s neglect of Fiduciary Obligations
(c) He cites President Burke’s attitude towards the membership
(d) He includes information about 3 investigations into the Local

56) November 27, 2004 – Joe Cuervo mails a letter to the membership under the title “Who the Hell is Joe Cuervo” describing his view of the 10/19/04 meeting
; (a) Mr. Cuervo points out the “ironic” situation of Sharon claiming Vincent is innocent followed by James Murphy stating he is a defendant in a lawsuit initiated by Local 798 realty Corp.
(b) Mr. Cuervo points out that Sharon uses the Union Newsletter to claim Vincent’s innocence and keeps the majority of the membership in the dark
( c) Mr. Cuervo encourages members to get involved in the Local and to learn the facts

57) November 27, 2004 – President Sharon Ilson-Burke mails a letter to the membership on Union stationary. This letter defends Vincent Callaghan, stating:
(a) She is writing to clear up false accusations construed by the members who conspire with Richard Callaghan
(b) That some members spun false accusations and wild rumors to the NY State District Attorney’s office and an investigation was opened
( c) Tom Short, the International President, has “…put his unwavering support behind Vince Callaghan…”
(d) Richard Callaghan created wild rumors that he spread to the membership because Vincent wouldn’t sell the Local’s building to him
(e) Allen Weisinger claims his signature was forged on documents
(f) Sharon claims she had tried to inform the members (at the October 19, 2004 meeting) of Vincent Callaghan’s innocence but “the screaming ranting and raving of a few dissidents dominated the meeting. The meeting became so out of control, it had to be adjourned”
(g) Sharon claims that certain “…members whish to stage a coup and take over this local… (enforce) the creation of an apprenticeship program….to take jobs away from our members”
(h) She claims that “Board members who didn’t immediately step down were then subjected to threats, intimidation and even blackmail”
(i) “The NY State District Attorney’s office has just completed an audit of our books and office and nothing was found to be other than correct and good.”
(j) A special meeting will be held on December 9, 2004 for P&W eligibility

58) November 30, 2004 – the December Union Newsletter is received. Letter from Vincent Callaghan and Sharon Ilson-Burke are enclosed (as usual). They state:
(a) Vincent states that the P&W books were looked at by the District Attorney and “they verbally informed us everything was in order”
(b) Sharon’s letter states that the Executive Board will appoint vacancies on December 15, 2004
( c) Sharon declares that no one on the Executive Board is under Impeachment charges
(d) Sharon discussed the apprenticeship program stating “…they will take your jobs away from you…”

59) December - members meet at Francesca Paris’s apartment to discuss union problems

60) December - Members assemble to fill out formal Affidavit of Charges (found in the International Constitution) against President Burke
(a) the charges are received by the Local via certified mail on December 20, 2004
(b) the charges are received by Tom Short via certified mail on December 21, 2004

61) December 4, 2004 – Goody Holt receives a telephone call from Sharon Ilson-Burke According to Goody, President Burke states:
(a) She is upset that Goody was one of 38 signatures that was on a letter addressed to the membership (see #48).
(b) Goody can no longer work at Law and Order
(c) Goody can not attend the L&O Christmas party
(d) Goody receives a phone call from one of the hairdressers at L&O stating that they can no longer use her services (after 13 years)

62) December 4, 2004 – President Burke posts 3 times on the website
(a) Forum Archive: titled – Re: Website – Sharon states the website is “…run by ignorant dissidents…” and refers to members as “…people who do not believe in democracy or the judicial system.”
(b) Forum Archive: titled Pipe Dreams – Sharon refers to the impeachment charges against her as ridiculous
( c) Your Feedback: titled – “Dear Assholes” referring to the impeachment charges brought against her

63) December 6, 2004 – President Sharon Ilson-Burke sends a letter to the membership using union funds. This letter states:
(a) President Burke claims that the members petition (for a special meeting) “…was so absurd that I know that anyone with minimal intelligence will be able to ignore, as I will”
(b) In response to Joe Cuervo’s letter (sent on 11/27) – President Burke claims that “…Joe Cuervo is a make-up artist with an undistinguished career”
( c) President Burke refers to Joe Cuervo a “liar” , “conspirator”, “buffoon”, “instigator” and “…a liar who would say anything to further his agenda. He is an insurgent aligned with another known liar ( Richard Callaghan)”
(d) President Burke states that Vincent Callaghan “…is the best Business agent we have ever had. I’d like anyone to name a better one, one that expanded our territories as much as he has. One that has the respect of the International and the support of its President, Tom Short.”

64) December 7, 2004 – members assemble at the Association for Union Democracy (AUD) in Brooklyn to seek guidance
(a) The group was interviewed and the AUD offered guidance

65) December 7, 2004 – a letter from the P&W office is sent to the membership, outlining the new health care coverage
(a) The coverage period is cut in half – no matter the contribution
(b) The coverage is change less than 3 weeks before members were notified
(c The excess contribution is put into a reserve fund
(d) Members are told the excess contribution is for our “Brothers and Sisters”

66) December 8, 2004 – Kelly Donovan begins investigation into Goody Holt’s case
(see # 60)

67) December 8, 2004 - Norman Bryn mails Affidavit of Charges against President Burke to Local 798 and to Tom Short at the IATSE office

68) December 9, 2004 – members assemble at a special meeting at Local 802, run by
President Burke
(a) representatives from the healthcare plan explain that the insurance coverage has changed
(b) all members who would normally be covered for one year of insurance, are now covered for 6 months.
( c) any overages accrued by members toward health insurance will be put in the reserve funds
(d) there will be no bankable days or rollovers granted towards your next 6 month of coverage
(e) Sharon states, this plan was put into effect because the reserves will most likely be bankrupt in 2 years
(f) the new health care coverage goes into effect January 1, 2005 (in 3 weeks)

69) December 12, 2004 – President Burke telephones Norman Bryn and states: “I will not waste my time or the Board’s time with your charges…”

70) December 13, 2004 – Our President’s husband posts on www.798members.com site on the Forum
(a) He directs vulgar language towards members
(b) He claims Vincent Callaghan is innocent
( c) He states that our President is too good for the membership
(d) He states that Vince has the support of Tom Short, the International President

71) December 13, 2004 - Members assemble unofficially to vote on candidate for Business Agent
(a) Joe Cuervo is picked to be the candidate

72) December 14, 2004 – President Burke’s husband posts twice on the Forum www.798members.com site and states:
(a) That he wants his wife back
(b) That Sharon is willing to take a pay cut to become the Business Agent
( c) As Business agent, Sharon will work 8 hour days and have time for the family
(d) Mr. Burke mentions blacklisting members who discredit his wife
(e) That his wife is too good for the membership
(f) That Sharon needs to get paid more as President

73) December 16, 2004 – John Sweeny (President of AFL-CIO) answers Norman Bryn’s letter. Mr. Sweeny explains:
(a) He is concerned but all unions are autonomous and must settle their own affairs
(b) He includes a letter addressed to Tom Short regarding Norman Bryn’s concerns

74) December 19, 2004 – Norman Bryn writes a follow up letter to Elliot Spitzer. The letter states:
(a) Richard Ferrin – Richard Callaghan’s lawyer – sent Norman an outline of the lawsuits
(b) Ferrin questions why the Attorney General is not involved in the lawsuit
(c) Ferrin explains that Vincent has committed a class E felony by involving the Attorney General in filing false documents to receive a “no action” letter to facilitate an improper condo conversion
(d) Ferrin states that Vincent would like to clear this matter before the Attorney General hears of the suit

75) December 21, 2004 – Norman Bryn calls Richard Ferrin (Richard Callaghan’s lawyer) to confirm authenticity of documents – they are approved

76) December 21, 2004 – Members assemble under the guidance of the AUD to prepare for the January 10th nominations campaign
(a) “Concerned Members of Local 798” becomes official
(b) Committees dedicated to the campaign and to investigating our union’s problems are formed

77) December 25, 2004 – the “Concerned Members of Local 798” mail out CD’s of the 10/19/04 General Membership meeting along with a letter and liner notes that index the contents of the CD. The letter states:
(a) Mr. James Murphy addresses the attending members
(b) “listen to the recording…and determine the truth for yourselves”
(c) We declare Joe Cuervo our Business Agent nominee

78) December 26, 2004 – Bill Sanderson calls Norman Bryn to comment on a story he is preparing for the NY Post

79) December 27, 2004 – Norman Bryn writes a follow up letter to John Sweeny, President of the AFL-CIO. The letter includes:
(a) A clipping of the New York Post
(b) Norman lists continual Constitutional abuses
(c) President Burke never responded to her 9 Affidavit of Charges
(d) Tom Short never replied to Norman’s letter
(e) Norman advises Sweeny of the loss of democratic Procedure

80) December 27, 2004 – NY Post article appears “Union Big Eyed In $1M Condo Scam”
(a) The article explains that Vincent Callaghan tried to sell the Local’s building for a “sweetheart” deal to his brother, Richard Callaghan

81) December 28, 2004 – the “Concerned Members” and the AUD meet to discuss business.
(a) A platform for our candidate is decided
(b) A website is created www.798members.com
(c) A mission statement is written

82) January 2, 2005 – Joe Cuervo checks his mail then leaves New York for a cruise until January 9 – he is a member in good standing with all quarterly stamps affixed to his Union card

83) January 2, 2005 – the Union Newsletter is mailed. Election issues are referenced:
(a) Vince Callaghan states that he is running for Business Agent
(b) Vince states that “the Devil you know is better than the Devil you don’t know”
( c) President Burke likens members to “terrorist groups, i.e., Hamas or the Taliban”
(d) She states “Trust me when I tell you that if one of these fools were to seize power over our Local the international would most likely pursue the options of either putting us into receivership or merging us with another Local..”
(e) Sharon addresses the health care coverage and explains:
(i) There is a 20% jump in coverage costs and our reserves may go bankrupt in 2 years
(ii) Contracts have not been negotiated in 3 years
(iii) We need our fund to remain autonomous
(f) President Burke states “Your only goal is to bring this local down”

84) January 2, 2005 President Burke posts twice on the website www.798members.com
(a) E-mail section: Kelly Gleason – Sharon explains contract negotiations and the P&W plan as she sees it
(b) E- mail section: Jay Cannistraci – Sharon suggests that Jay has “early Alzheimer’s”, is “ignorant”, says “malicious lies” and she has the right of freedom of speech to say so

85) January 3, 2005 – the “Concerned Members” and the AUD meet to prepare for the January 10th nominations meeting
(a) Members discuss handouts and pre-meeting agenda

86) January – President Burke posts on the website www.798members.com
(a) E-mail section – To Whom It May Concern – Sharon defends herself for calling members “assholes” on the site.
(b) Sharon states “The fact that I lost my temper and called certain people assholes is no excuse for this vile attack”
(c) Sharon threatens Craig Lyman with a lawsuit
(d) Sharon writes that Felice Diamond “ignorant” and “petty”

87) January 4, 2005 – NY Post article appears “Union Big’s Will Power”
(a) This article states that Vincent Callaghan purposely forged the will of a retired – now deceased - member
(b) The Post confirms that this civil suit against Ann Sabrizzi, Vincent Callaghan and Frank Hagen has just begun

88) January 6, 2005 – NY Post article appears “Probe Must Go On..”
(a) The District Attorney’s Office officially confirms that they are investigating local 798 for racketeering
(b) President Burked declared the investigation was over in her November 27, 2004 letter to the membership
( c) Vincent Callaghan states that the investigation is over in the November 30, 2004 Union Newsletter

89) January 6, 2005 – The website www.concernedmembersoflocal798.com appears

90) January 10, 2005 – the “Concerned Members” host two afternoon meetings to inform members of:
(a) The occurrences within the Local, including lawsuits, etc.
(b) Our purpose and mission
( c) How to conduct themselves at the General Meeting
(d) Their democratic rights and how to utilize Robert’s Rules of Order
(e) Electioneering fraud is explained
(f) Pamphlets and news clippings are circulated

91) January 10, 2005 – the General Membership meeting commences
(a) Members hand out pamphlets at the elevator
(b) President Burke introduces a representative from the Honest Ballot Company to the attendees
(c) The membership votes that the Honest Ballot representative leave the premises
( d) The membership requests and votes in the American Arbitration Association to administrate the BA election
(e) The members request 4 tellers and access to all election and balloting processes
(f) Joe Cuervo, Ray Polgar and Vincent Callaghan are nominated
(g) Members motion that Ray Polgar be stricken from the ballot since he was never an actual Local member, he is a contracted employee – his nomination was removed pending an investigation of his eligibility (Rita Ogden volunteered to research this)
(h) The healthcare coverage is discussed
(i) Sharon introduces the new Executive Board.
(j) Diane Dixon resigns as a new Executive Board member
(k) The membership learns that most of the new Executive Boar resides outside of the tri-state area
(l) A letter is circulated by President Burke stating that members of the Executive Board – on a voluntary, rotating basis, agree to work in the Union office for a salary - Members protest this idea
(m) Vincent is asked questions about the lawsuits he’s involved with
(n) Norman Bryn explains how the 798 Realty lawsuit is bogus
(o) Vincent Callaghan denies any knowledge of any lawsuits against him
(p) Alan D’Angerio motions that the meeting be extended to 10PM – the time had been paid for by “Concerned Members”
(q) President Burke states that Jim Murphy didn’t have correct information about Vince’s role in the sale of the building when he addressed the members at the 10/19/04 meeting
(r) President Burke starts talking back to the attendees
(s) President Burke threatens a member with a fine and demands they leave the meeting
(t) The membership votes against President Burke’s wishes
(u) President Burke leaves meeting without proper adjournment
(v) Paul Gebbia tells President Burke he resents her name calling on the website – President Burke responds by calling him an asshole
(w) As President Burke is exiting, members express that they don’t appreciate her using Union stationary and Union funds for her personal agenda
(x) President Burke replies that she will do as she wants
(y) The members discuss Union politics for another hour
(z) In a Q & A, Allen Wesinger stated that his signature was forged on documents and that many Executive Board Members have been kept in the dark
(zz) Colleen Callaghan addresses the members on her concern about the Local

92) January 11, 2005 – President Sharon Ilson-Burke calls nominee Joe Cuervo
(a) President Burke tells Joe Cuervo that he is in arrears and is stricken from the ballot
(b) Joe Cuervo is informed that a bill from the office (towards his 2005 card) had been mailed on December 28, 2004
( c) Joe had not received any mail from the union before January 12, 2005
(d) the IATSE informed the Local office of a hearing and the intent on putting the Local into Receivership
(e) President Burke phones many members

93) January 11, 2005 - Members that hold all quarterly stamps were not billed as Joe Cuervo was. Joe Cuervo was the first member to be billed for the 2005 card.

94) January 11, 2005 – The Union is sent a Declaration of Emergency from Tom Short
(a) Word about Trusteeship is spread

95) January 11, 2005 - The “Concerned Members” meet to discuss Monday’s Union meeting. The conversations were about Trusteeship, the cancellation of the election and Joe’s removal from the ballot

96) January 11, 2005 - President Burke posts twice on www.798members.com
(a) Forum Section: titled – “Re: an unlawful purpose to initiate receivership – I told you this would happen” - Sharon blames membership for Trusteeship
(b) Forum Section: titled – “No, truly I hope you (whoever called the Post and caused this disaster) all crawl back under the rocks you came from”

97) January 12, 2005 - NY Post article appears “Receivership” is imminent

98) January 12, 2005 – President Burke posts on www.798members.com
(a) Forum Section: titled – “Short Sightedness” – Sharon blames the membership for the Trusteeship

99) January 12, 2005 – Joe Cuervo receives dues bill from union in the mail

100) January 13, 2004 – members assemble for a Broadway meeting
(a) The grounds for the Declaration of a State of Emergency by the International are discussed
(b) Union matters are discussed
( c) Vincent’s lawsuits are discussed
(d) According to Mark Rampmeyer he was upset by the Impeachment charges
(e) According to Mark Rampmeyer he copied and shared all legal documents with Broadway members in July 2004
(f) Film/TV members discovered that Broadway members had learned of all events concerning the lawsuits and any other questionable activities, as they happened. The majority of the membership was not informed until October

101) January 13, 2004 – President Burke posts on the site www.798members.com
(a) Forum Section: titled – “Outside visitors let’s vote on it” – Sharon refers to members as the “brown shirts of the 1940’s” aka Nazi’s

102) January 14, 2005 – Valerie Gladstone telephones Kelly Gleason. Valerie explains that, according to Ray Polgar, President Burke had hand delivered a letter to the Local office addressed to Ray. This was during the afternoon. A secretary read the letter to Ray over the telephone. It stated:
(a) That Sharon Ilson Burke and Vincent Callaghan no longer require his services as a P&W Trustee

103) January 15, 2005 – President Burke speaks to Kelly Gleason and states:
(a) She will try to remain on the P&W Trustee Board
(b) Receivership is inevitable
(c) The hearing is just a formality and it is not mandatory for anyone to attend – Vince can’t attend because he can’t speak

104) January 17, 2005 – “Concerned Members” meets to discuss Union business
and the idea of President Burke remaining on the P&W Trustee Board.
(a) A petition is written and sent to the membership

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