Volume 57, No.
3 March 2010
Faircrest time clock moves
discussed with Company
Joe Hoagland
President
As I write this column, peer-
ing out the window at snow,
upon snow, on top of more snow,
I know that spring is right
around the corner. Major league
pitchers and catchers have re-
ported to training camp (the first
true sign of spring) and full
squad workouts begin next
week. The buzzards return to
Hinckley, Ohio, March 15 and
the clocks spring forward March
14.
Faircrest time clocks
On the subject of clocks, the
Negotiators, Vice President,
Sub-District Director, Dennis
Brommer, and I met with the
Company February 19 to discuss
the issue of time clocks at Fair-
crest being moved to the work
area (ringing in-and-out at the
job as opposed to at the locker
room).
I know this did not affect all
members assigned to Faircrest,
but certainly a considerable ma-
jority. We viewed this as a uni-
lateral change to a long-standing
condition of work.
We listened to the Compa-
ny’s claim that in the last 18
months, anywhere from 7% to
35% of employees either arrived
on the job late or left early.
These claims seemed to be
based solely on the records of
ring-in and ring-out times.
Of course, if you ring-in at
the locker room two minutes be-
fore the start of your shift, and it
takes five to ten minutes or more
to get to your work area, you
have no argument to refute the
Company’s contention. Neither
do we.
On the flip side, we did take
issue with the Company’s claim
on ringing-out. If you are re-
lieved on the job 15 minutes ear-
ly, there is no reason to believe
you can’t ring-out on the hour or
shortly after. After all of the
back-and- forth, I suggested the
Company give us some time to
communicate with the member-
ship and then put the locker
room time clocks back into use.
They suggested a trial peri-
od, mitigated by the need to talk
to operating management for ap-
proval.
I have heard rumblings that
the clocks may be moved back,
but to date, I have had no com-
munication from the Company.
All of the above is a lead-in
to what I want to say. The Com-
pany has a reasonable right to
expect you to be present on the
days you are scheduled to work.
They also have a reasonable
right to expect you to work eight
hours for eight hours pay. If your
department, your occupation, is
going to relieve on-the-job, 15
or 20 minutes early, everyone
needs to do this in order to make
the system work.
If you have relieved the per-
son on the crew before you, and
then your relief does not show
up, you cannot walk off the job
before the end of your shift. You
hold responsibility for your
eight hour shift. The Company
has no policy on relief. They will
neither institute one, nor enforce
one. It is up to us.
Trade Adjustment
Assistance
I have had recent calls from
laid-off members who have re-
ceived their TAA packets. I will
admit that this has been a slow
process, but it seems that now it
is well underway.
It is totally up to each indi-
vidual to decide whether to take
(Continued on Page 2)
.....President’s column
(Continued from Page 1)
part in this process. If you have
been recalled to work, maybe
you don’t see the need, or it may
not work for you. Treat it as an
option and make a decision
based on your personal situa-
tion.
As of March 1, we have 302
members still on indefinite lay-
off, 76 from the Steel plant, 226
from the Bearing plant.
Gate collection for Haiti
We will be conducting a gate
collection sponsored by our
Women of Steel Committee on
Tuesday, March 23, for Disaster
Relief following the devastating
earthquake in Haiti.
If you would like to help, we
will have a sign-up sheet at the
union hall. “Many hands make
light work.”
Security Payment issue
We were unsuccessful in our
challenge to the Company’s de-
termination regarding the secu-
rity payment provision at Harri-
son Steel. We fell below the ad-
dendum for tonnage two consec-
utive months (February and
March, 2009) at the end of the
production quarter. What was at
issue, was the first four days of
April, included in the 13-week
pay quarter. The Arbitrator
ruled that the 13-week quarter
could, and did, overlap into a
fourth month. This should not be
an issue in the future, as the lan-
guage is changed in the 2009 Ba-
sic Labor Agreement to the ef-
fect that a quarter will consist of
three months, beginning with
the first quarter starting Novem-
ber 1, 2009.
2 March 2010
Making Social Security fun
Popular seminar explains benefits
By Chris Tunney
Associate Editor
On a very raw, wintry day,
February 10, Akron’s Social Se-
curity Public Affairs Officer
Robert Fenn, trekked to our
snow covered neighborhood to
enlighten interested Brothers
and Sisters regarding Social Se-
curity.
This blustery evening sur-
prisingly found a crowded room,
eagerly listening to the do’s and
don’ts; facts and figures. At-
tendees included Local Union
President Hoagland, past Presi-
dent Stan Jasionowski, shop
stewards, and many Golden
Lodge members accompanied
by their spouses and/or signifi-
cant others.
The informative, 90-minute
power-point session, proved
very insightful. Mr. Fenn laced
his informal presentation with
real life examples, fact-based
and accurate information, all
Robert Fenn II, a Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration,
explains the “do’s and don’ts” to stewards and other Golden Lodge members February 10
at the union hall.
woven together with home-spun
humor.
Answering each question
carefully, taking his time for our
full understanding of the re-
sponses, his casual style and
manner seemed very well re-
ceived. Somewhat tailored to
our pension and benefit agree-
ments, we learned that retirees
need only to be interested in
Medicare Parts A and B. Parts C
and D are already provided to us
under our union-negotiated
agreements.
Other points covered includ-
ed the importance of contacting
the Social Security Agency three
months prior to the age that the
person wishes to collect bene-
fits.
Benefits are now paid on the
first, second, and third Wednes-
days of each month, based on
your birth date.
Here is a brief summary of
items covered in the booklet
SSA Publication No. 05-10035:
• Social Security is part of
the retirement plan of almost ev-
ery American worker.
• Ninety-six percent of work-
ers are covered under Social Se-
curity.
• When you work and pay So-
cial Security taxes, you earn
“credits” towards Social Securi-
ty benefits.
• To get retirement benefits,
you need 40 credits (10 years of
work).
• Your benefit payment is
based on how much you earned
in your working career and is
also affected by the age at which
you decide to retire.
Each year, about three
months before your birthday,
you receive a Social Security
statement. This valuable tool
may help you plan a secure fi-
nancial future.
The “full retirement age” is
65 for people who were born be-
fore 1938. The law was changed
to gradually increase the full re-
tirement age until it reaches 67.
You can get retirement bene-
fits as early as age 62. However,
if you receive benefits before
your full retirement age, your
benefits will be permanently re-
duced based on your age.
Choosing when to retire is an
important but personal decision.
Financial experts say you will
need 70 - 80 percent of your pre-
retirement income to have a
comfortable retirement.
Since Social Security only
replaces about 40% for the aver-
age worker, it is important to
March 2010
have pensions, savings and in-
vestments. GOLDEN LODGE NEWS
Widows and widowers can GOLDEN LODGE NEWS STAFF
begin receiving Social Security Tom Sponhour, Editor
Joe Hoagland, Managing Editor
benefits at age 60, or at age 50 if Ron Roberts, Associate Editor
they are disabled. Chris Tunney, Associate Editor
Our “pay as you go” Social LOCAL 1123 OFFICERS
Security system is solvent. The Joe Hoagland, President
Dan Ellington, Vice President
fund is not going bankrupt as Pat Eslich, Recording Secretary
some would have you believe. Joey Shearer, Financial Secretary
Kathy Boyd, Treasurer
FACT: Social Security takes James Schweitzer, Trustee
in $800 billion annually, and Susie Camper, Trustee
Keith Strobelt, Trustee
pays out $600 billion a year, and
Paul McKenzie, Guide
will have a surplus until 2037. Bill Webler, Outside Guard
Bob Seward, Inside Guard
We would like to thank Mr.
Published monthly, except July, by
Fenn for taking the time and ef-
the United Steelworkers, Golden Lodge
fort, in adverse weather condi- Local 1123, AFL-CIO, in the interest of
tions, to educate our member- its members and to further the aims and
programs of the Union.
ship about benefits available to
USW Local 1123 represents bar-
us. gaining unit workers at the Canton, Gam-
brinus, and Faircrest Ohio plants of The
With 80 million workers re-
Timken Company.
tiring in the next 20 years, he
stressed the importance of be- USW Golden Lodge Local 1123
1234 Harrison Ave. S.W.
coming proactive in our own fu-
Canton, OH 44706
tures. (330) 454-6137
If you have any questions or Fax (330) 454-3461
comments, use the agency’s
Email - golden@neo.rr.com
website,
www.socialsecurity.gov, talk to Ask for Publication No. 05-
a representative by calling 1- 10510, or No. 05-10511, or visit
800-772-1213, or contact Gold- their website:
en Lodge. www.socialsecurity.gov/esti-
The administration’s online mator.
Retirement Estimator is a con- Next month, we will cover
venient, secure, and quick finan- Family Benefits, Social Security
cial planning tool. Disability, and Medicare.
Melt Shop retirees meet for breakfast
A group of Golden Lodge retirees, mainly from the HSP Melt
Shop, have been meeting recently for breakfast to keep in touch.
They meet at the Athen’s Restaurant on Harrison Ave. S.W. on
the third Friday of each month at 9:00 a.m. All retirees and members
are invited to stop by to renew old friendships and make new ones.
For further information, contact Jim Kuhn at (330) 309-1219.
3
 Member Spotlight
‘Bungles The Clown’ to be
featured on Disney Channel
By Kathy Boyd
Treasurer
We all know about clowns.
They make children laugh, wear
big shoes, twist up bal-
loons, and throw stuff at
each other. Pretty simple
right? That’s what I
thought until Jeffrey Potts,
a 21-year member of Gold-
en Lodge, gave me a history
lesson on the not so known
aspects of a real, bona-fide
clown.
Jeff’s clowning career
began back when he was a
pubescent teen of 12. His
grandmother, Rose Star-
key, first witnessed his
young abilities when she
got him a clown outfit to
help her entertain their
church group. Jeff says that
this was the first time he
felt the power of clowning.
He worked on his craft all
through high school.
After graduating, Jeff
decided that he wanted to
take a little hiatus to dis-
cover what it was that he re-
ally wanted out of life.
The answer was this; He
wanted a family; wife, kids, the
whole shot.
In his mind, that meant that
he would need to grow up and
get a “real” job, and let go of the
clowning business.
4 March 2010
He was blessed to meet and
marry his sweetheart Michelle,
and life was good!
Fast forward to early in
1992. Having been a member of
Bungles The Clown, (aka Jeffrey Potts), who works in the
billet conditioning department at the Faircrest Steel Plant, in must be invited to join this
his full clown costume, ready to use his pie.
Local Union 1123 for four years
and married for three, Jeff spot-
ted an ad for classes at a clown
college and he decided to go for
it.
This experience lead to Jeff
graduating from clown school in
August of 1992.
He then began to travel to
lectures at various clown con-
ventions, where he eventually
ended up as one of the lecturers!
During his travels, Jeff’s ap-
parent abilities were noticed by
some of the most well known
clowns in the business! Leon
(Buttons) McBryde, JT (Bubba)
Sikes, Steve (Peachy Keene)
Long. (These clowns were/are
associated with Ringling Broth-
ers and Barnum and Bailey Cir-
cus College).
Jeff even had the for-
tune to meet one of the
premier clowns in the
world before his death.
Coco the Clown, who was
in real life Michael Polak-
ov, congratulated Jeff on a
‘pie in the face’ prop that
Jeff himself made.
In 2006, Jeff won The
Richard Dean (Bo-Dino)
Weiss Scholarship Award,
sponsored by the World
Class Clown Association.
Also, in 2009, Jeff was in-
vited to join the Red Nose
Round Table. This organi-
zation is comprised of
only the best of the best
entertainers in the clown
business, of which now
Jeff is a part! (A clown
exclusive club).
Jeff stays ultra busy as
Bungles the Clown. Birthday
parties, puppet shows at
schools, library workshops, pa-
rades, after school programs,
summer reading programs, any-
where a clown is desired.
Bungles the Clown and Com-
pany consist of Jeff’s three sons,
(ages 16,13, and 11) his mom,
stepfather and of course, his
Grandma Rose.With all of the
tricks, gags, and shenanigans,
this funny business is not just
funny; it is hard work!
Speaking of work, Jeff does
just that in the billet condition-
ing department at Faircrest.
While swing shift is not the pre-
ferred schedule for most of us, it
works for Jeff. He credits a
four- turn schedule (days off in
the middle of the week and dif-
ferent shifts) with allowing him
time to work with children dur-
ing school hours, as well as, oth-
er daytime venues.
Another plus, he says, is his
immediate supervisor. He main-
tains that he has the “best super-
visor in the plant.” (I think this
is the first time in a spotlight ar-
ticle that anyone ever gave a
‘shout out’ to the boss!) Cool!
Bungles attended the Golden
Lodge Annual Christmas Party
this past December. I sat back
and watched him work his “mag-
ic”.
I’m not talking about actual
tricks; I’m referring to the trans-
formation of the atmosphere
when he walked into the sight of
the kids! It was like magic!
Lively colored suit, red nose,
and his trademark white blonde,
Big Top fade hairstyle; Get it?
Big top? Circus? (You know my
puns and me).
The kids eyes lit up as they
immediately expressed their
pleasure at seeing a clown share
their space! I heard all of the gig-
gles, and the ooohhhs and
ahhhhhs….Oh heck! Here is the
truth of the matter.
March 2010
There was no one more glee- will be featured on the Disney
ful than I was in that lobby! I was Channel!
actually in awe at how “young at
The Disney people contacted
heart” I felt in the very presence
Jeff because they plan to have an
of this clown.
auction of historic clown cars in
My eyes darted around the our area, and thought that it
lobby as I sought out our new would be interesting to have a
Vice President, who had min- real clown on hand to check the
utes before showed me his brand cars out. (Please watch your lo-
new fancy-smancy camera. cal TV guide for further infor-
mation.)
“Duke, will you pleeeease
take a picture of me with Bun- Jeff has one desire he cares
gles”, I asked excitedly? I tried to share with everyone that he
to hide this childlike excitement comes across when fulfilling his
I was experiencing, but I just role as a clown.
could not control it!!! (Okay, I He says that he “wants to be
told myself… calm it down Girl- that character that makes people
friend) I did finally gather my enjoy the moment.” Well, with
emotions…. (That is, after I got me, your mission was accom-
my picture taken with Bungles! plished!
Ha Ha!)
As I previously explained, I
To be featured on absolutely enjoyed the moment I
Disney Channel in March met Bungles the Clown! One
I’m happy and proud to an- more thing; when I met the en-
nounce that during the month of gaging Jeffrey Potts, the senti-
March, 2010, our union brother ments remained the same.
Problems getting you down?
Call the Golden Lodge
Member Assistance Program
(330) 454-6137
If you have a drug or alcohol problem, family troubles,
mental health needs, social or economic difficulties, or some
other situation that is causing problems in your life, there is
help available.
We are reaching out to all members and their families.
Members of the union’s committee, Chet Warren, Perry
Keaton, and Kenny Bellinger, have a combined total of 100
years experience in the field. Call Golden Lodge at (330) 454-
6137. Leave a message and a member of the Community Ser-
vices Committee will contact you in strict confidence.
5

SOAR NOTES
Shame on Century Aluminum
Healthcare benefits for
retirees over age 65
would be terminated
By Jim Reed
Hundreds of Century Alumi-
num retirees gathered at Raven-
swood High School in Raven-
swood, W.VA. for a meeting
with attorneys and United Steel-
workers representatives, who
are challenging Century’s pro-
posal to reduce and eliminate
health benefits to retired and
laid-off workers.
Century Aluminum an-
nounced that beginning January
1, healthcare benefits for retired
workers over the age of 65,
would be terminated.
For retirees under 65, a new
health insurance plan would be
offered that would require
monthly premiums, high deduct-
ibles, higher co-pays, and life-
time limits to other health bene-
fits.
The Union filed a counter-
claim to fight the proposed
changes, but would not provide
information about the specifics
of the counter-claim.
APRIL LUNCHEON
Swiss Steak
Red Skin Potatoes
Peas
Jello Salad
Cake/Coffee
6 March 2010
I.W. Abel
Chapter
1/27
The Union said, “A lot of
these people live on very modest
incomes, and never had to deal
with Medicare and insurance
premiums because of the retire-
ment benefits they bargained for
during their employment.
“Shame on Century Aluminum.”
Since the Company closed
the plant last February, nearly
all of its 650 employees were
laid off, except a small crew who
are maintaining the building.
In October, the Company in-
formed its former workers that
to help preserve the option of re-
opening the facility, some
changes may be proposed.
Since then, the Company has
said that active and laid-off em-
ployees, as well as, future retir-
ees under the age of 65, forfeit
their current benefits and medi-
cal coverage for a new plan that
would require premiums, higher
co-pays and deductibles.
The Company also proposed
a change in unemployment ben-
efits!
The meeting at Ravenswood
High School was for current re-
tirees who are facing the possi-
ble elimination of their health-
care benefits promised them by
the Company. In many cases,
that bargaining came in the form
of lower wages.
Instead of getting that money
in their paychecks, it went to-
wards their retirement benefits.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN
VISITS SOAR
As SOAR members were
about to sit down to their lun-
cheon, a tall man in a stove pipe
hat and long, black coat entered
and joined us for lunch.
It was the 16th President of
the United States, President
Abraham Lincoln (Jerry Payne).
As he entered, you became
amazed how much he resembled
the former President. He stood
at 6 foot, 4 inches, and had the
dark “chin whiskers”, as he calls
them.
After lunch, he was intro-
duced, and instead of going on
stage, he spoke to the group
from his table. He spoke of the
Civil War, and his rise from a
State Representative in Spring-
field Illinois to the Presidency.
As to his beard, he said he re-
ceived a note one time from an
11 year-old girl, who told him
that since his face looked so
thin, he should grow “chin whis-
kers” to make his face look full-
er. He replied to her note, and
grew his “chin whiskers”.
He spoke of his family and
how he met his wife, Mary. She
came from a well-to-do family
and was at boarding school.
As a State Representative in
Springfield, he was always get-
ting invited to parties and danc-
Just a Thought
To avoid criticism;
Do nothing,
Say nothing,
Be nothing.
es. At this one dance, he saw
Mary Todd and asked her for a
dance. She responded and they
danced.
He said that Mary, who was
barely 5 foot tall, and he being 6
foot 4 inches and size 14 feet,
made quite a sight. They later
married and had four sons.
President Lincoln was sworn
in as President, March 4, 1861.
He said he was not a popular
President. He was against sla-
very, and war was going on. The
war began on April 12, 1861
when the Confederates fired on
Fort Sumpter.
The President fought with
his generals and was very upset
when he got word that 24,000
troops had been killed in one
day. He wanted the war to end,
but some of the generals seemed
to want it to go on.
In 1863, President Lincoln
signed the Emancipation Procla-
mation, freeing the slaves,
something he wanted to do.
On March 4, 1865, he was
sworn in as President for a sec-
ond term.
The President said he was
looking forward to a night out
with his wife, Mary. On April
14, they were to go to the Ford
Theatre in Washington to see a
play.
In his closing remarks, Mr.
Lincoln thanked everyone for
inviting him to dine with them
and to speak.
He bid farewell and was tak-
en to the train station where his
train was to take him back to
Washington.
March 2010
Recent
Retirees
Golden Lodge congratulates
the following members who
have recently retired and will
The following member of now enjoy their union-negotiat-
Golden Lodge have passed away ed retiree pension and health-
and a Bible have been presented care benefits.
to his families.
James A. Barkley
JOHN MICHAEL CRAVEN, 51, Dept. 288,
7943 Mudbrook Rd NW, Massillon, passed Gennie V. Campbell
away February 2, 2010. Brother Craven joined
the Union in 1988. Rodney E. Clark
ALAN H. MORROW, 60, Dept. 52, P.O. Box James A. Cooper
142, Sandyville, passed away February 5, 2010.
Barry L. Dean
Brother Morrow joined the Union in 1969 and
retired in 2002. Loretta J. Diveley
ANNA MAE MEKEDIAK, 69, Dept. 79, Dennis G. Fitzgerald
passed away February 10, 2010. Sister Mekediak
joined the Union in 1969. and retired in 1985. Gonzalo H. Gamba
RICHARD P. DRUCKENBROD, 68, Dept. Gary D. Gaskins
59, 3842 Bernard Ave. NW, Canton, passed John S. Kerman
away February 12, 2010. Brother Druckenbrod
joined the Union in 1964 and retired in 1994. Gregory E. Mance
GARY DAVID SCHERING, 72, Dept. 94, Sharon K. Muller
1382 Crescent SW, Canton, passed away Feb-
ruary 14, 2010. Brother Schering joined the Dennis L. Muntean
Union in 1959 and retired in 1998. James W. Romig
SOLON J. DADISMAN, 93, Dept. 120, passed
Randall D. Roth
away February 16, 2010. Brother joined the
Union in 1953 and retired in 1978.
PETE MARTIN, 80, Dept. 68, 6400 Lake-O-
Springs NW, Canton, passed away February
25, 2010. Brother Martin joined the Union in
1954 and retired in 1993.
January 6 Meeting
MEMBERS CELEBRAT-
*Tim Ness
ING BIRTHDAYS: Mike Pas- *Keith Strobelt
salacqua, Ed Phillips and Char-
*Kevin Kauth
lene Johnson. *Marion Kutay
ANNIVERSARIES: Walt & **Phil Brooks
Donna Valasek, 61 years; Same January 20 Meeting
& Polly Harvey, 49 years; and
***Rick Metzgar
Harry & Cecilia Williams, 52 ***Jerry Wright
years.
***Paul Muller
GET WELL WISHES: ***Stan Jasionowski
Venetta Myers; Fred Garrett, re- Mike Volak
covering from heart surgery; Pat *Donated to the USO
Kovach, hip replacement. **Donated to Akron Childrens Hospital
***Donated to Red Cross Haiti Relief
7
Two occupations combined to create

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

NON-PROFIT ORG.
Ingot Making Attendant at Faircrest

PERMIT NO. 973

“Duke” Ellington
Vice President &
Job Evaluation
Committee Chair
Effective February 14, 2010
a new occupation, Ingot Making
Attendant, was established in
Department 222 at the Faircrest
Steel Plant. The new occupation
is Job Class 13.
Two Department 222 occu-
CANTON, OH
sembler and Mold Handler will
have recall to the new occupa-
tion.
The Company has provided
the Local a copy of the new Job
Description and Classification.
It is available at the Union Hall
and also should be posted in De-
partment 222 where the new oc-
cupation is performed.
Employees working in the
new occupation have 90 days to
file a grievance if they believe it
is improperly described and/or

_________________________________
Steelworkers Local 1123, Golden Lodge
pations, Stool Plate Assembler classified.

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

(Job Class 12) and Mold Han- The Golden Lodge Job Eval-
dler (Job Class 9), were com- uation Committee will evaluate
bined to create this new occupa- the new occupation to determine

1234 Harrison Ave. SW

tion. if it has been properly described

All employees working in
these occupations on February
14, 2010 were “grandfathered”
into the new occupation and are
being paid Job Class 13.
Employees who have estab-
lished recall to Stool Plate As-
Canton, OH 44706
and classified in accordance
with the Job Evaluation Manual
negotiated between the Union
and the Company.
Anyone with questions or
concerns should call the Union
Hall at 330-454-6137.

Gate collection to help April 6

SOAR Meeting
earthquake victims in Haiti 12:00 noon.
The Golden Lodge Women of Steel Committee will hold a gate April 7
collection Tuesday, March 23, to help meet the most urgent Regular Union Meeting
needs of earthquake survivors in Haiti. Money collected will be sent 7:30 p.m.
to the Steelworkers Charitable and Educational Organization and will
be designated for Haiti relief. April 14
Members of the committee include: Trish Hostetler, Chairperson, Stewards Classes
Carol Maney, Susie Camper, Amber Horn, Betsy Burns, Kathy Boyd, 9: 00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Penny Jarrell, Penny Shearer and Lisa Avery. April 21
More volunteers are needed to help cover the gates on all shifts. If Regular Union Meeting
you can help, please call the union hall at 330-454-6137. 9:00 a.m.

8 March 2010