As Christmas Day and New Year's Day approaches, I just wanted to take a moment on behalf of myself and the leadership of Local 83 to wish all the members, our neighbors, customers and their families a safe and happy holiday season. We all have much to be thankful for, and as we spend the next couple of weeks with family and friends, let us be mindful that there are many in our community who are struggling. So we as a union should all do what we can to give back, donate some toys - give an extra buck or two to charity - and be nice to all the retail workers out there who will be battling rudeness and impatience at the malls and stores. May the spirit of goodwill and peace be a practice we continue throughout the entire New Year.