2012 Iron Workers/IMPACT North American Labor-Management ...

Inspired for Kids
When Pacific Northwest Ironworkers
Credit Union member Lisa
Godinez, wife of Local 29 (Portland,
Ore.) member Martin Godinez, made
and donated three beautifully crocheted
afghans to the credit union
to raffle off to raise money for Credit
Unions for Kids, the credit union was
ecstatic. “Donating the afghans to
help the kids is a small price to pay.
It’s a little thing that makes such
a big difference,” said Lisa. “Credit
Unions for Kids is a great cause, and
I am happy to help.” The afghans,
one each with a University of Oregon,
Oregon State and Ironworkers
Union, raised $1,500 for Credit
Unions for Kids, an organization
that benefits Children’s Miracle Network
Hospitals.
An Ironworker Inventor
Roger St-Pierre from Local 842 (St.
John, New Brunswick) served in different
positions in his local as a job
steward, on the Canadian Eastern
District Council, and director of the E-
Board. Roger invented a new concept
to feed pets. The Gem Pet Bowl stops
rain, flies, etc. from touching the food.
Receiving his
Associates Degree
Rick White, Local 301 (Charleston,
W.V.), accepting his Associates Degree
in Applied Science from Dr. Joseph
Badgley, president of Kanawha Valley
Community and Technical College.
He graduated Summa Cum Laude
with a G.P.A. of 3.79.
Making a Difference
Mike Barber, a
third generation
ironworker, has
found an interesting
project since retiring
in 2000. Mike
had the opportunity to
save the largest Santa Claus in the
world. After giving the giant icon a
new home and building a small park
around him, he was asked, “What’s
next?” So Mike started giving away
toys to underprivileged kids. The
event started growing and Mike
needed an innovative way to collect
the toys. In 2008, he started the
Santa to the Sea half marathon twoperson
relay and a 5K Funrun. All
the proceeds go to the toy give away
and each runner donates a toy. Over
3,000 runners participated in the latest
run. Not done with his mission,
Mike started the Santa to the Sea
Scholarship Fund. In 2010, thirty
$500 scholarships were awarded.
This year, the Santa to the Sea charity
challenge was started and runners
were offered the opportunity to raise
funds for one of the charity partners,
Boys and Girls Club, United Way,
Habitat for Humanity, Food Share, or
Tall Ship Foundation. Mike wants to
encourage all retired members to get
involved in their community and to
make a difference.
Perfect Act Score
Jacob Lippe, son
of Mike Lippe, Local
63 (Chicago) received
a perfect score on the
ACT test. Jake is a
member of the National
Honor Society,
runs track on his high
school team, and is involved in a variety
of other activities.
26 THE IRONWORKER