The regular monthly meeting of Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees, S.O.A.R., Chapter 4-1, was held recently at the United Steelworkers Union Hall on E. Fourth Street in Dunkirk.

President Jim Bickhart opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence for all deceased S.O.A.R. members.

A motion was approved to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the October meeting. Treasurer Clarence Corbett read the financial report. No correspondence was received.

A short discussion was held concerning the recent elections and what impact the results may have on labor and retirees.

A letter was read from the United Steelworkers leadership concerning the election stating that they plan on working with the new president, but “we will disagree where we must” to insure workers’ rights, collective bargaining and health care. It also stated that we need to build bridges with each other, not walls, to unite our nation, not create deeper divides.

A proposal will be investigated to submit to the International Committee concerning health care for retirees and spouses who could retire, but not be old enough for Medicare.

New officers elected were Jim Bickhart, president, Roger Calanni, vice-president, Clarence Corbett, treasurer, Theresa Bickhart, secretary, and trustees Tino Vecchio, Joe Rozen and Len Graves.

A Christmas party will be held for all S.O.A.R. members and guests on Thursday at the Kosciuszko Club on Nevins Street in Dunkirk, beginning at 4 p.m.

A discussion was held about moving the day of the meetings to accommodate as many members as possible to attend. The next meeting will be held the last week of April. All S.O.A.R. members are urged to attend.