If you received an Aflac mailer from the office, the dates are incorrect. There will be a presentation at the meeting on Nov. 10th and should you choose to sign up for the program, the sign-up date is Nov. 12th.

Between October 28th and 30th,   twelve a members of Local 31 completed the CM-ET Basic Introduction and Maintenance Course and the CM-ET RTC Motor Certification Course. The classes, taught by David Carmack are designed to cover all aspects of the design and operation of hoists, maintenance needs, inspection requirements, and troubleshooting. Members who successfully passed the certification exam are qualified to troubleshoot and repair CM motors.  Starlight Theater graciously  donated their stagehouse and some motors for the class. 

Members of Local 31 Flying their team colors on break setting up for the World Series.

Services for Jim "Sodapop" Suellentrop with this Friday, October 23, 2015 at McGilley Midtown Chapel 20 W. Linwood Blvd.  Visitation is from 2-3PM and the service from 3-4PM. Our deepest condolences to Robin, Evan, and the rest of Jim's family.

Westboro turned out to protest the Foo Fighter's appearance at the Sprint Center yesterday. Dave Grohl went out to counter-protest. Grohl, who is laid up with a broken leg, needed transport, and Mac volunteered his pickup truck. Shenanigans ensued.  You can watch the fun here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuOeZezDPmA

During the July meeting Sisters Bobbie and Jamee Ferriss and Brother Jason Bingham were sworn in as Journeymen members.

Jamee Ferriss has been working with Local 31 since 2003. She became an Apprentice in 2014. Jamee works primarily at Bartle Hall for George Fern, and Liberty Expo. In her off time she enjoys painting and crafts.

Bobbie Ferris also began around 2003 and became an Apprentice in 2014. She spends much of her time at Bartle Hall decorating. Collectively she and Jamee are know as the "Agam Rangers" specializing in putting together complicated agam displays. In her spare time Bobbie chases after her two-year-old daughter Annika and nine-year-old son, Draven.

Jason Bingham started in the local around 2006 and became an Apprentice in 2014. Jason works as  a rigger and ground rigger and on the electrics crew for the ballet. Since 2007 he has worked for Renaissance Management traveling out-of-town several times a year to set up booths. After hours, Jason enjoys his motorcycle and mountain biking.

Please take a moment to welcome our new Journeymen members!

Brother Webster has worked with the International and InfoComm to bring AV training to Kansas City in January. We will post more information about sign-ups, dates and times as it becomes available. To learn more about the collaboration between IATSE and InfoComm check out our links under the "Education" tab.

At the June meeting Brother Rob O'Keefe was sworn in as a Journeyman member. Rob began working at Harvest Productions in 2000. After three years he went freelance for a while before taking a job with Progressive Electronics where he became the Project Manger for Arrowhead Stadium. Rob is currently the Audio Head at Starlight Theater. Welcome Brother Rob!

At the next regular meeting of Local 31 at 10AM, Tuesday, June 9th, 2015, all Journeyman members in good standing will be eligible to vote on  applicants for Apprentice and Journeyman membership. Polls will be open from 10AM to 1PM. Absentee ballots are available  in person at the office.

At the next regular meeting of Local 31 at 10AM, Tuesday, December 9th, 2014, all Journeyman members in good standing will be eligible to vote on the following applicants for Apprentice and Journeyman membership as well as the nominees for the office of President and three (3) Executive Board positions. Polls will be open from 10AM to 1PM. Absentee ballots are available  in person at the office.

Journeymen: Robert (Buddy) Ferriss, Adam Tyrone

Apprentice: Mark Bostwick, Matt Jutting, James Sutton

Candidates for the office of President: Ben Julius, Michael McAnany

Candidates for the Executive Board Positions: Rick Knapp, Todd (Mel) McClenahan, Patrick Morris, Lee Saylor, Darren Yazel

Nominees for all other positions were unopposed.
Business Agent: Jason Taylor
Vice President:  Kevin Kaiser
Treasurer: Eric Webster
Financial Secretary: Tom Kurtz
Secretary: Daniel Pfitzner

Can be seen here: http://fox4kc.com/2014/11/24/kc-ballet-unveils-the-nutcracker-at-kauffman-center-for-performing-arts/

Artistic Director Devon Carney gave a very nice shout-out to his hard-working crew (Local 31) who can be seen in the background trying to work quietly!