Union classes help him “shape destiny”

I have worked for the Dept. of Housing Preservation and Development for 15 years. In my daily duties, I am in contact with tenants of multiple dwellings to ensure that essential services — heat, hot water, sanitary conditions, etc. — are provided as per NYC guidelines.

Approximately five years ago, I found the need to acquire some knowledge of Spanish, because 50 percent of the tenants we deal with are of Latin American descent, and sometimes the English spoken is very limited.

I contacted DC37 and enrolled in “Spanish for the Workplace, Level I.” In the first month of my studies, the excitement of the mind was extremely delectable. The irony or sadness was that I found out I could not speak English properly.

The Spanish teacher, Nester Rodriguez, had said to the class, “You write a simple sentence in Spanish just like you write it in English.” I thought I was doing this. However, my simple Spanish sentences were wrong. I had not been to school in over 20 years.

I found the experience of not knowing a burden I would not accept. I am an American born in this country. I spoke in depth of this dilemma with my spouse of over 30 years and asked her, “What the hell was I doing when I was in school? Do I not have a high school diploma? Why am I having a hard time at something I should know?”

That was a great time in my life. I received a wake-up call that would lead me to higher learning. It has been five years since that time, and I find myself still the student and probably, always a student.

I have studied Spanish I and II, and the class on Written and Oral Communication Skills. The mental sparring and verbal debates, for me, were as good as it gets.

The possibilities really are endless. The thirst for knowledge has given me a profound insight into my own rebirth. The direction for higher learning is a discipline that will always be a part of my daily regimen. Thus, I am now experiencing my own rebirth.

It’s a new attitude, a different way of looking at the intricacies of life and provides a better way at arriving at solutions for whatever ailment.

As a city employee I am amazed and thankful at what is available and afforded at little or no cost, education being one of many opportunities.

“To shape my own destiny” is a most profound statement. These words in themselves are enough to motivate me. I hold the arrow of my own destiny. No matter how I shoot it, it will only go up!

—RUSSELL U. ROEBUCK, JR.
Sup. Mechanical Installation, Local 375

To quit smoking

Geraldine Callards, I read your article in the Nov. 24, 2000, PEP about your difficulty quitting smoking. I know someone who can help you. I meant to write sooner when you asked for help. I know that God will remove the taste and desire for smoking once and for all. It’s a guarantee.

—JAMES SYLVIO

What happened to the staff nurse?

Recently, a member took a tumble down a flight of stairs at the New York Public Library. Fortunately for her, there were no broken bones. She did, however, sustain bumps, bruises and a small bleeding gash on the elbow.

She was taken to the Security Office to be treated (they must be notified when an accident occurs). To our amazement, Security had no first aid kit. She was simply given an accident form to fill out.

She was brought back to our own unit to be cared for. The Library once had an in-house staff nurse. For some reason, the position was eliminated some years back and each unit in the library was given a first aid kit. Yes, we can treat minor cuts with a band-aid, but heaven help us if someone should suffer a seizure! Staff at the library are not doctors, surgeons or nurses.

It is incomprehensible that an institution like the New York Public Library cannot afford to offer its employees the benefit of a staff nurse.

This is a disgrace!

—RAFAEL OCASIO
Library Technical Assistant
New York Public Library Local 1930

We are union sisters and brothers

As I was reading the March 2001 issue of PEP, it suddenly struck me that I was seeing lots of Mr. and Ms. (87 by actual count), but no Sister and Brother.

Unions are fraternal organizations, and historically members have addressed each other as Sister and Brother.

I have read letters sent to fellow officers by Samuel Gompers, the founding president of the American Federation of Labor. His salutation was “Dear Sir and Brother.”

At AFSCME conventions, President Gerald W. McEntee addresses the delegates as Brother or Sister.

Why does PEP use only Mr. or Ms. for members, officers and staff? I believe PEP needs to reinforce comradeship within DC 37 and should revert to using Sister and Brother as members’ titles instead of Mr. and Ms.

—SHAURAIN FARBER
Treasurer, Retirees Association

Editor’s note: PEP generally follows the journalistic style of the Associated Press, which recommends no titles at all after the first use of a person’s name.

We make an exception to use Mr., Ms. and Mrs. as signs of respect, especially for union members, who too often receive less respect than they deserve. But we would like to hear other members’ opinions on this issue.

Listen to the young

After reading a poem in the March issue, I do feel it’s very important to share members’ thoughts and creativity.

I would love an opportunity to share some of my many poems. And to let every?one know that the youth do have something to say that’s positive. Our youth must be heard in order to be helped.

—BRUCE ASHBY
Clerical Associate III, Local 1549

Crossing Guard tells of the weather, the traffic, the rewards

Civil Service jobs are good to have, but there are pros and cons. The kind of job I want to talk about is being a School Crossing Guard. I want to talk about the things I deal with while being a Crossing Guard.

I like interacting with the kids and knowing what is going on with the younger members of our society. I feel they can be very helpful with the right guidance.

Now I want to talk about the bad things I deal with while being a Crossing Guard. No pay could be enough for the things I have to deal with — like traffic and people with attitudes in the morning. I also have to work in all kinds of weather, which makes me feel sick at times. But with all the problems I deal with in this job, I still find it rewarding and fulfilling. I will always like working with the kids in my community.

—TOBIE CHILDS
School Crossing Guard, Local 372

Everyday Hero inspires donation to library

The following letter was received by Librarian Jayne Pierce, who was the Everyday Hero in the March 2001 PEP article by Gregory N. Heires:

I am a retired DC 37 member living in Florida. Page 13 of the Public Employee Press brought tears to my eyes. I grew up on the Lower East Side and I remember going to your library and spending many happy hours during my childhood.

What a joy it was when my siblings would take me to the library and I would return home with those precious books. The love of reading was instilled in me. I thank God every day for being able to enjoy and spend time as a happy senior.

Reading the article about you made me think of doing a good deed in return for the many blessings bestowed upon me.

I make book marks as a hobby and would like to make them for the children. I am enclosing a few made by Grandma Dorothy with LOVE!

Please pass them on to the seniors and children. If you wish me to continue to supply them I would do so with pleasure. They are my contribution to you for your devotion and love of children.

—DOROTHY GOLDBLATT
Retiree

DC 37 is your union, PEP is your union newspaper, and your letters are always welcome. Please be brief and mail to:

Editor, Public Employee Press, 125 Barclay St., NY, NY 10007.

PEP also has a new e-mail address you can use: PEPeditor@DC37.net
Please include your name, job title, local and daytime phone.
Letters may be edited for style and length.