Saturday, March 10th:  Cocktail Reception at Local Union 716 from 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
with drinks and Hors d'oeuvres.

Sunday, March 11th:  H&H Ranch.  Fun for the whole family from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m.

Monday, March 12th:  All Day "Birthday Party" at 716's Union Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 7:16 p.m.
with guest Speakers, awards and refreshments.

7 opportunities are available to you to obtain your Code of Excellence Certification in February as follows:

8:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 1st @ JATC
8:00 a.m. Saturday, February 4th @ Union Hall
8:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 8th @ JATC
8:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 15th @ JATC
8:00 a.m. Saturday, February 18th @ Union Hall
8:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 22nd @ JATC
8:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 29th @ JATC

Dates and times for the 2012 TDLR Continuing Education classes and Wellness Screenings to be held at the Union Hall on the same dates are:

Code Classes (8:00 to 12:00 noon)               Wellness Screenings (12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.)

January 14                                                      January 14
January 28                                                      January 28
February 25                                                    February 28
March 24                                                         March 24 - Last Wellness Screening
April 21
May 12
June 16 - Last Code Update Class

Members and retirees who are currently covered under the Kelsey Seybold or Cigna Insurance plans through the Electrical Medical Trust and who participate in one of the upcoming wellness screenings will be qualified to receive the lower deductible on their medical insurance.  The Electrical Medical Trust Wellness Screenings will be held at the following locations as indicated with Kelsey Seybold screening personnel on hand:

Union Hall from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (coincide with Union Meeting dates):

January 4
February 1
March 7

Union Hall from 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. (Saturdays after the TDLR Update Classes):

January 14
January 28
February 25
March 24 - Last Wellness Screening

JATC located at 108 Covern from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.:

February 7th, 8th and 9th

As a result of action taken by the delegates attending the 38th IBEW International Convention September 2011, amendments to Article IX of the IBEW Constitution were approved.  Accordingly, effective January 1, 2012, there will be a per capita increase of two ($2.00) dollars for all I.B.E.W. members. 

On August 29, 2011 there will be a wage increase of $1.00 per hour in the Journeyman Wireman rate for those working under the current NECA/IBEW 716 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Due to the continued high cost of medical, the Trustees have had to make changes to our present health care plan.  Effective September 1, 2011 CIGNA will be our new health insurance provider.  You have your choice of one of the three plans listed below.  Prices are per hour, and by payroll deduction:

Kelsey Seybold HMO:  No cost to you.  You must use their doctors and facilities.  Includes a prescription plan.

Standard Cigna - PPO:  Deductible $750.00 (with the wellness screening) $1,000.00 (without wellness screening) will cost you .10 cents per hour by payroll deduction.  The Standard Cigna PPO has a higher deductible and a Prescription Plan.

Premier Cigna - PPO:  Deductible $500.00 if you do the wellness screening or $750.00 if you do not do the wellness screening will cost you .25 cents per hour by payroll deduction.  The Premier Cigna has no changes compared to the current Aetna Plan.

If you have not received your medical packet please contact Karen McGrath at (832) 485-4000.

Brothers and Sisters,

We are saddened to report the loss of the following member(s) and/or their family members.  We extend our sympathy to their families:

Dorothy Teel, mother of retired 716 member Larry Teel, and grandmother of 716 member Michael Teel, passed away January 21st.  Visitation:  Monday, January 23rd from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.   Funeral Service:  Tuesday, January 24th at 2:00 p.m.  Both will be held at San Jacinto Memorial Park, 14659 East Freeway, Houston, TX 77015 / (713) 453-7114.

Clement L. Wind, retired member, passed away January 6th. 
Kenneth H. Murphy passed away January 8th. 
Harold L. Frank, retired member, passed away January 3rd.
Leanne Stenzel Smith, mother of Clovis Newby, passed away December 9th.
Chad E. Robertson, son-in-law of Mark Landrum, passed away December 30th. 
Michael Golden passed away December 15th. 
Chester Hale, father of William Hale, passed away.
Rodney Allen McGehee passed away December 9th.
Spencer Chamblee, Sr. passed away December 8th.  No services were announced.  Donations may be made to your favorite charity.
Mark A. Bryan passed away December 6th.  Arrangements are pending.
Kenneth Holt passed away December 1st.  A Memorial Service pending.
Harry L. Hamilton, father-in-law of Jimmy Rogers, passed away November 30th.
Johney La Due passed away November 27th. 
James B. Chapman, Sr. passed away on November 12th.
Joe McCord, father of Chris McCord, passed away November 12th.
Betty Miller, mother of Mark Miller, passed away November 8th.
Allie Wilson, mother of Jerry Wilson, passed away on November 1st.

By a vote of the Siemens Bargaining Unit Members on August 13th, 2011 future unit meetings will start at 1:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays in 2012:

 February 11,  May 12,  August 11, and November 10, 2012