Congratulations to “The Professional Touch” staff for winning in 4 categories at the 2001 Metro N.Y. Labor Communications Council contest for circulation under 2,500. The “TPT” won 1st place for “General Excellence”, 2nd for Graphics, 3rd Best News Feature written by Robert Tilley, 4th for Human Rights Specialist on Affordable Housing. “TPT” also won 2nd place for Graphics and Photography, and 1st place for “Unique Performance” for Viewpoint, where members spoke out on Contract 2000.

Speedy recovery is extended to Hyacinth Spence, Human Rights Specialist and Delegate Juliet White who were both recently ill.

Condolences are extended to Council Representative Rhonda Johnson whose grandmother passed on March 19, Roza Fikman whose brother passed away last September, Vivian Jones whose mother-in-law passed in January, Ana Waisome whose grandmother passed in January and José Serrano, former president of Local 154, whose mother passed away May 4.

Kudos to Human Rights Specialist Barbara Skinner who won the “Isaac Liberman Public Service Award.” Mayor Guiliani presented Sister Barbara the award last December in the Public Hearings Chamber at City Hall.

Human Rights Specialists were honored at their “Employee Recognition Ceremony” last December. Members honored include: Ted Finkelstein, Adneri Ponce, and Robert Tilley for 20 years of service and Annette Harewood, Hyacinth Spence, and Rosa Suarez for 15 years of service.

A special congratulations to Robert Tilley for receiving a special award for “Educational Achievement and Volunteerism”.

On behalf of the Executive Board and members of Local 154 we bid a fond farewell to former Mental Health Chapter Chair, Arnold Korotkin who recently retired from the Department of Mental Health & Mental Retardation Services after 28 years. Brother Arnold wants us to remember in the words of Bob Marley “Get up, Stand up, Stand up for your rights! Get up, Stand up, Don’t give up the fight.”