The annual Christmas dinner put
on by the local's retiree chapter was held Thursday Dec. 8 at the St. Mary's
Visitation Community Center in Dorr Michigan. Why way out there in Dorr? Two
good reasons. First, it is one of the few places big enough to hold the 300 +
retirees and their spouses, and secondly you can't beat the fine meal that the
women of the church put on. Dressed in their holiday finest the retirees come
not only to enjoy a good meal but also to see a lot of their former work
associates and renew old friendships. And after all, isn't that one of the joys
of Christmas? Joining us this year as our speaker was our own Mark Kelly. Mark
has gone on to higher places with a lot more responsibility as the International
Service rep for GM stamping plants at the U.A.W. headquarters in Detroit. Mark
is also the son of John Kelly, the financial secretary of our retiree's chapter.
Joining Mark on the podium was Sue Levy the U.A.W.'s regional C.A.P. (
political) director, Sean Tubbs
from the credit union, the sales manager from Classic Chevrolet, our benefits
rep Jerry Reid, the local's president Barb Henderson and shop chairman Louie
Schreuder, and of course our chapter chairman, John Loftus who doubled as master
of ceremonies.
As part of his talk Mark singled out Rudy Katerberg in attendance. Rudy is 3
weeks short of 90 years old and was one of the first people hired into the plant
back in 1936. Rudy has been retired for over 30 years now and is still able to
get around amazingly well. Mark also brought us up to date on the GM situation
and how we got there.
Plans are in the works to hold this dinner again next year at the same place and
around the same date. We lucked out this year. It was a beautiful sunny (but
cold) day and the big snow storm held out until later that night. But that's
Michigan weather for you!!!
Karl Dyksterhouse
Click on the picture to view the full size picture
