2021 IUOE Local 825 Academic and Special Scholarship Applications Now Available

ALERT

All Local 825 scholarship applications must now be submitted by email to: 825Scholarship@gmail.com

This change has been necessitated because the Rutgers University scholarship judges are working remotely because of the COVID-19 outbreak and are no longer on campus to receive these materials.

The deadline to submit applications for a Local 825 scholarship currently is April 2, 2021.

If you have previously submitted an application, email a copy as a backup precaution and mark “COPY” on the first page.

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 is pleased to announce the following Academic and Special Scholarship Award for 2021:

  • Seven academic scholarship awards of $2,500.00 per academic year for four years
  • Three $2,500.00 special scholarships per academic year for four years, one in each of the following categories:
    • Outstanding Student-Athlete
    • Outstanding Student Service
    • Outstanding Appreciation/Understanding of Unionism and the Labor Movement

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It’s More Important Than Ever to Get a Flu Shot

When’s the best time to get a flu shot during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Summer’s officially over, and unfortunately, we are still very much in the throes of a pandemic. As fall approaches, there’s another community health concern to contend with: flu season.

The dual threat of influenza and COVID-19 has public health experts warning of a “twindemic” effect that could sicken the population and overwhelm hospitals.

According to the CDC, your best, healthiest option is to schedule your flu shot for late September or early October (definitely before Halloween), for the flu season that peaks between December and February. While flu season can last well into late spring, it typically ramps up in the fall and peaks between December and February.

How long does it take before the flu shot works or starts to protect me?

After getting the flu shot, antibodies begin building right away, it takes about 2 weeks to build up antibodies to reach the full level of protection.

Getting vaccinated at the beginning of fall allows ample time to build up immunity that will last through the worst months of flu season.

How long will the flu shot actually protect me?

Infectious disease doctors and epidemiologists (aka “disease detectives”) say that you probably get about six months of coverage.

Why is it so important to get the flu shot this year? Will it protect me from COVID-19 too?

No, the flu shot will not protect you from COVID-19. But it’s important to protect yourself from the flu for several reasons.

The flu often takes an enormous toll on our healthcare system, so it’s critically important that people do what they can to reduce their chances of getting it. Otherwise, hospitals and healthcare facilities could become overwhelmed if they need to treat both flu and COVID-19 patients.

It is particularly important this year that those with high-risk conditions receive the flu vaccine so that we are not utilizing critical hospital beds for flu that may be used for those with COVID.

In addition, it’s not yet known whether people will become co-infected with both flu and COVID-19 at the same time — and what the consequences of that combination could be.

Will the COVID-19 pandemic change how I get the flu shot this year?

Yes. In previous years, you may have gone to a crowded doctor’s office or walked into your local pharmacy to get a flu shot on the spot. This year, healthcare personnel will be wearing PPE, spacing out when patients arrive to ensure physical distancing, and requiring them to wear a mask while they get their flu shot. Patients will also be screened for COVID-19 symptoms or exposure and should stay home and reschedule their appointment if they don’t feel well. Be safe and call ahead–you may be required to make an appointment instead of just walking in.

Is there anything that my over-65 years old parents should know that is different for their age group when worrying about the flu?

Timing is especially important for people 65 years old and greater who don’t build up the same level of immunity or antibodies and who might not have immunity for as many months. Seniors also require a high-dose vaccine, which is available wherever you get your standard flu shot.

Where can I get a flu shot?

The flu shot is widely available — at your doctor’s office, local pharmacy, community health center, pop-up sites — and is either free or covered by insurance. Check with your local health department for nearby locations. The CDC also has a vaccine finder site you can use to look up a site near you.

Will the flu shot put me at greater risk of getting COVID-19?

No. That is misinformation that has been refuted multiple times by infectious disease experts. Getting the flu vaccine will neither protect you from COVID-19 nor will it increase your risk of COVID-19 infection.

Would the flu shot have an impact of the effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine, should one be developed and available soon?

No. Vaccines are specific in their effects. If that were not the case, we would have a universal vaccine against all respiratory infections, and we don’t.

Do your research on where you can get your flu shot this season! Don’t delay!

Sept. 19th Golf Outing is Sold Out

The Local 825 2020 Golf Outing on Sept. 19 is sold out for golfers. (Sponsorships and contributions are still being accepted). That’s good news for the scholarship fund and children and grandchildren of members who will be applying for scholarship help next year. It is not good news for anyone who waited too long to sign up! The golf outing is a favorite activity and will be held at the Gambler Ridge Golf Course in Cream Ridge. Now all we need is great weather!

Click here for sponsorship form.

Announcement Regarding the Local 825 District 1 and 4 Health Fairs

July 20, 2020

Dear Members:

As always, the health and safety of our members, employees and colleagues is our top priority. Therefore, we are implementing processes to address safety, health and wellness concerns overall. As such, we must consider the manner in which business is conducted for our organization.
We regret to inform you that the September 23rd and October 14th Health Fairs will be cancelled. We hope to reschedule these events later in the year and will keep our members up to date with the most current information. You may also check for updates on our website www.825Funds.org.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Funds Office at 973-671-6800.

Sincerely,
Welfare Fund
Local 825 Welfare Fund

2020 Jack Daly, Les Hynes Scholarship Fund of the New Jersey Steel Association

Who May Apply

Any person, male or female, attending, or planning to attend any institution of higher learning (University, College, Junior College, Technical or Trade School). Please note that preference will be given to applicants who pursue either a degree or certificate in architecture, engineering or other vocation directly related to the construction industry.

Eligibility

An applicant must either be an employee, or the child of any employee of a member firm of the New Jersey Steel Association Inc., or contributor to the Steel Industry Advancement Fund. More particularly:

  1. Children of members of Shopmen’s Local 502 whose parent (or guardian) is employed by a firm operating under a labor agreement with Local 502.
  2. Children of ironworkers referred to work by Iron Workers Local 11 (formerly, Local Unions #11, 45, 373, 480 and 483) as employees of a firm signatory to a labor agreement with Local 11.
  3. Children of operating engineers (Local Union #825) referred to work as employees of a firm signatory to a labor agreement with that Local.
  4. Any ironworker or operating engineer of the above mentioned unions who is employed by a member firm of the New Jersey Steel Association, Inc., or a contributor to the Steel Industry Advancement Fund.
  5. All other employees of member firms of the New Jersey Steel Association, Inc. or firms who contribute to the Steel Industry Advancement Fund as well as their children. However, executives and directors of member firms and their children are excluded.
  6. No paid officers or agents of the above mentioned unions or their children are eligible.
  7. Only one (1) child per family is eligible based on the applicant’s address.
  8. Until amended, total annual scholarship shall not exceed $25,000.

When to Apply

Applications must be received by July 30, 2020 addressed to:

Jack Daly, Les Hynes Scholarship Committee
New Jersey Steel Association, Inc.
50 Division Street, Suite 501
Somerville, NJ 08876

Click here to download the application.

IUOE LOCAL 825 announces its 2020 scholarship contest winners

Congratulations were awarded to 2020’s ten scholarship winners, all children or grandchildren of Local 825 members. Each will receive $2,500 per year for four years, totaling $10,000 over the course of their education.

Funds are raised throughout the year through the generosity of our members and friends of the Local and with the help of volunteers from the local, the funds office and training centers.

The applicants are reviewed and winners are selected by a team of educators from the Rutgers University School for Management and Labor Relations, headed by Carla A. Katz, Esq., and James Cooney, Esq. Applications are evaluated based on transcripts, SAT scores, individual essays and letters of recommendation.

Three of the ten won awards in specific categories. Seven were awarded scholarships based on academic criteria. Here are this year’s winners.

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