Our Social Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of ATU 583’s three big annual events: The Family Picnic, the Retirement Banquet and the Children’s Christmas Party.

Of course, this is during a normal year and not one where we are in the midst of a pandemic.

Our Summer event is the Family Picnic. The Social Committee is responsible for bringing ideas to the Executive Board regarding the food, activities, entertainment and even the location if needed. Many of you will remember the 2013 flooding that impeded our ability to hold the Picnic. Bowness Park was historically where the event was held and we have since moved on to Sandy Beach Park after a Social Committee recommendation passed at the Executive Board as well as with the Membership.

Our Fall Event is the Retirement Banquet. The Social Committee is again responsible for mostly similar items. They will also note Member suggestions for what worked and didn’t. For instance, a motion passed this year to change the long-standing band after many Members asked for something a little different from the standard quo. It was decided it was time to freshen up the music a bit and both Executive Board and Membership agreed.

Our Winter Event is the Children’s Christmas Party. The Social Committee again helps decide on locale and make suggestions for snacks. Their biggest job however is aiding in the choice of gifts. Recently ATU 583 has been using a local shop (Castle Toys) and they provide suggestions based on popularity, age appropriateness and what we purchased the year prior. It’s important to the Committee that gifts not be the exact same each year and they work with Castle Toys to ensure that.

Overall, our Social Committee is integral in helping us gather each year. Of course, a year such as this, with a pandemic, means we miss all of you – but safety does come first. The volunteer time the committee members invest, in not only the above but also in setting up and taking down events (arriving early and of course staying late), is much needed and greatly appreciated.

Members in good standing are welcome to put their names forward to join any of Local 583’s Committees. Email president@atu583.com with your name, employee number and which committee you are interested in sitting on. Committees usually meet monthly.