We had a great time at the General Membership Meeting and Holiday Party held November 9, 2011 at the Hampton Inn Fox Hall.  Thanks to all who came and helped raise a total of $900.00 at the raffle, resulting in a contribution to the Bellingham Food Bank for $350 and to the Lighthouse Mission for $100 with the other half won by Chad Pepperworth, Ferndale Public Works retiree.  Chad donated $170 of his winnings to the Food Bank - we have the best members!

Other big winners included: Don Lorenz, Rod Larson, and Randy Corris, all from Whatcom County; Tanny Trapp, Bellingham School District; Jesse Pagnossin, Ferndale Public Works; Jeff Eberlein, Waste Management; and Bob Trapp, Sanitary Service.

Next Special Membership Meeting is February 8, 2012 in Mount Vernon Hillcrest Lodge at 7:30pm.  This is one of two added meeting dates at the request of the members. 

Applications for the James R Hoffa Scholarship Fund are now available at either Local Union office.  Remember that our office needs to receive in sufficient time to verify membership information and be signed by the Secretary-Treasurer before forwarding to the International.  They need to receive the completed aplications by March 31, 2012.  If you prefer, there is a link in the Union Benefits menu where you can download and print your own application form.

The annual MS Walk was held Sat, April 2, 2011 at Barkley Village in Bellingham.  Below is a picture of the 2011 "Teamsters Care" Team.  To date $4,589.00 has been collected - WOW!  Thank you for your support!

A rare battlefield promotion was presented to Sgt. Mary Crawford, daughter of member Donald Van Iderstine, City of Everson.  Their daughter now carries the rank of Staff Sergeant and serves with the 426th Brigade Support Battalion of the 101st Airborne Division's 1st Brigade Combat Team.  What makes it rare is that battlefield promotions were discontinued following the Vietnam War.  Although she is certainly on her way to great things, we wish her continued success!