Nonprofits will feel the loss of GM/UAW involvement
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Workers, family members and volunteers line up and fill grocery bags with food items during the UAW/GM Food Drive at the Janesville GM Plant last December. The closure of GM will severely affect nonprofit organizations.
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Marv Wopat
JANESVILLE — When General Motors employees walk out of the Janesville plant for the last time, they’ll be closing the door on community support that will echo through the community for years.
Among the hardest hit will be nonprofit organizations.
“There is nobody in Janesville that will not be touched in one way or another by things that were done by UAW/GM,” said Marv Wopat, UAW-GM Employee Assistance Program representative and the face of volunteerism in the community for the plant and union.
Gone, for example, will be the annual holiday food drive that gave two weeks of groceries to 350 families last year. Four hundred volunteers—union and management—collected $20,000 for the project Wopat has led for 25 years.
“It won’t be anymore,” he said. “I’m sad. I’m really sad.
“I figure we put well over $50,000 back into the community at Christmas time with all the things GM/UAW did in 2007,” he added. “Now they’re definitely going to do without.”
Wopat, who is retiring July 1, said he will continue to volunteer and contribute to the community. But he believes many GMers might not because they won’t be receiving the plant’s daily newsletters, which keep them informed of happenings in the community.
“People do not have a clue about all the volunteer time and dollars that affect this community. We’re not doing it for the glory or pat on the back, we’re doing it because we just want to better the community and to help others,” Wopat said.
The donations and volunteer hours from GM and UAW “easily surpasses the $1 million mark a year,” Wopat said.
United Way of North Rock County
United Way of North Rock County already has seen a decrease in the collection of pledges in conjunction with the decrease in the number of the GM plant’s hourly workers, said Gail Graham, president.
GM/UAW’s employee campaign of payroll deduction dollars makes up the biggest percentage of the local United Way’s annual fund-raising campaign.
For example, it represents 21 percent, or $351,722, of the total raised to date toward the 2007 campaign goal of $1.75 million, Graham said.
“That’s a huge amount of money and critical to the success of our campaign,’’ she said.
“Without that,’’ Graham said, “It means our campaign cabinet will work harder to touch those who have not been asked to contribute in the past.”
ECHO
Even before GM’s announcement that it would close the Janesville plant in 2010 or earlier, ECHO already had experienced a 10 percent increase in demand for food services.
“As of April 2008, we provided over 180,000 meals to 700 families (2,100 people) in just four months. Food flies off the shelves,” said Karen Lisser, executive director.
Lisser believes the need among ECHO’s low-income clients will continue to increase even though donations are likely to fall.
“There will be a drop in donations from GM employees and their families and also from their suppliers,” she said.
“If donations don’t continue at a steady pace, we’ll have to shut down some of our services like rent assistance but not food,” Lisser said.
ECHO’s annual holiday toy drive also will be affected, she said.
“GM bought a significant number of our toys,” Lisser said.
The gift of life
Blood donations at GM, which are like no place in the community, will come to an end.
“There are 350 to 400 signed up to give blood at the drive coming up just in our plant,” Wopat said.
He doesn’t believe people will continue to give blood like they do at the plant because it won’t be as convenient.
“We take people right off the line and have people cover for them,” he said.
Youth programs
Every month the union’s executive committee considers requests for hundreds to thousands of dollars for youth programs and other projects in the community. After the plant closes, those requests will go unanswered.
YWCA
Before Tuesday’s GM announcement, the YWCA already was seeing an increase in requests for shelter, child abuse interviews and day camp scholarships, said Kerri Parker, executive director.
“The General Motors news will obviously have a major impact on the community,” she said “Many of the people we work with are in precarious situations; any decrease in the vital services they need could be devastating.”
Boys & Girls Club of Janesville
“The club will definitely see an impact of the plant closing specifically in our special events, business and individual contributions. These areas make up about 55 percent of our annual operating budget,’’ said Heather Walz, executive director at the Boys & Girls Club of Janesville.
But the impact stretches beyond finances, Walz said.
“This is going to greatly touch the lives of our more than 1,000 members and their families. Many of our parents work for GM or another company that is being affected such as Lear,” she said.
Rotary Gardens
Before the plant-closing announcement, Rotary Gardens had bus tours cancel because GM had cut back plant tours to every other week, executive director Ed Lyon said.
That impacts the gardens’ income from guided tour fees and sales in the botanical gardens’ gift shop.
“It’s a domino affect,” Lyon said.
Rock County Historical Society
The cutback in GM plant tours also resulted in the cancellation of tours at the Rock County Historical Society.
“A lot of our school groups and traveling groups that come into Janesville do us and GM as a tour for the day. We did have school tours cancel this spring when the plant was closed for tours,’’ said Madge Murphy, executive director.
The historical society also has received money and time from GM employees, she said.
But with the plant closing, “I think it could affect our events and annual support we look for in the community,” Murphy said.
Janesville Performing Arts Center
GM and UAW Local 95 have served as program and gala sponsors at the Janesville Performing Arts Center. Executive director Laurel Canan doesn’t know if that will continue.
“We’ve just continued to look for funding sources and continue to try and keep this a great place with affordable ticket prices,’’ she said.
Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin
The Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin expects to lose donations from GM employees, but Sue Conley, leader at the foundation, hopes GM’s plant closing will provide an opportunity for the Janesville community to come together to build a brighter future.
“I’m sure many people employed by GM or related (businesses) have contributed to funds at the foundation but now aren’t going to be contributing as much because they’ll be more cautious with their dollars that includes charitable giving,” she said.
CHARITIES TIED TO GM/UAW 95
The community has benefited in many ways over the years from the generosity of General Motors/United Auto Workers Local 95 employees. Here is a list of some of those events and sponsorships:
-- Employee Assistance Food Drive.
-- Toys for Tots.
-- Charity raffle.
-- American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
-- American Heart Association Bowl-A-Thon.
-- Alzheimer’s Walk to Remember.
-- March of Dimes’ WalkAmerica.
-- Salvation Army holiday bell ringing.
-- American Red Cross blood drives.
-- Adopt-a-Trail and Bridge Build.
-- Habitat for Humanity.
-- Valentine’s Day food drive.
-- American Heart Association.
-- United Way of North Rock County.
-- Special Olympics.
-- Scholarships for college and technical school students.
-- Essay contests.
-- Presentations on labor history to area schools.
-- Regional Veterans Home.
-- UAW/GM Veterans Wall of Honor.
-- USO Dance.
-- POW/MIA balloon launch.
-- Christmas with the veterans.
-- Veterans Day at the Tomah veteran’s facility.
-- Sending care packages to troops overseas.
-- Fishing with the veterans.
-- Martin Luther King commemoration.
-- Civil Rights scholarship to a local recipient.
-- Voter registration.
-- Golf outing.
-- Winter pheasant hunt.
-- Summer bow hunt.
-- Hunter safety class.
-- Promoting “American made” at the county fair.
-- Solidarity Run.
-- LaborFest parade.
-- Christmas at Rock Haven Nursing Home.
-- Easter egg hunt.
-- Christmas cookies for veterans.
-- Adopting a local family struggling with overwhelming medical bills.
Jun 9, 2008 at 9:02 p.m.
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unknown You are kidding I hope !! If I understand your comment...this is the charities fault because they relaid on the kindness of GM workers to give to their charities ??? I know of NO charity that turns money down because they have gotten too much from one group of workers. You make no sense !
Jun 9, 2008 at 8:18 p.m.
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When you let only one major manufacturer in the area with its oter companies supporting them this is going to happen eventualy.Yes the local charities will feel the pinch an have hard time finding donations.But this city has put this off for to long.Now we need to make some tough decisions.How are these organizations gonna get there donations.I dont know the answer to that.but the time has come for this city to deal with this situation.
Jun 9, 2008 at 6:17 p.m.
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To all you GM haters: My husband does not work at GM, but Lear. He works damn hard for the money he makes (even thought it's not as much as GM)but he will be losing his job, too! And there are alot of others from LSI, Allied, etc. The list goes on. Don't GENERALIZE that all GM workers are drunks and have boats, etc. Most are very hard working people. And just because you don't make as much, doesn't mean you shouldn't be. Statistics say that on average for people to just make it, should be making at the very least $17.00 an hour. Maybe now that figure has increased because of gas, food, utilities, insurance, etc going up. What we need is our businesses to start raising our salaries to meet up with the cost of living. I'm sure you wouldn't be complaining if you were making a decent wage!
Jun 9, 2008 at 3:10 p.m.
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I would like to take this opportunity to force my opinion down someones throat. After all, it is apparently what this forum is for.
If someone has a strong enough opinion on a topic that they resort to personally attacking others, they should come out from behind the protection of their username and act like an adult.
This is not an attack on anyone, just my opinion. Take it for what it's worth.
Jun 9, 2008 at 8:40 a.m.
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i just want to say thank you to all gm workers for all that you do. as an outsider that knows nothing about gm (only what i read in this paper) i really dont see the big deal people are making and why the plant workers are so hated. hearing that they drink and have boats and four wheelers and what ever big deal so do we. i dont think there incomes from what i have read are really that high. i think people need to pay more attention to their own lives and not so much about others when all they are going to do is bash anyways. again gm employees thank you and good luck. janesville needs you more than you need them!
Jun 9, 2008 at 5:09 a.m.
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Hey warm, have you ever noticed that the pictures of Marve Wopat and Jim Halbach may be interchangeable?
Jun 9, 2008 at 2:24 a.m.
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Has anyone even given one thought about those poor girls over at Screemin MeeMee's?!?!
One THOUGHT?!?
For the love of God people.
Jun 9, 2008 at 12:40 a.m.
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Maybe the UAW haters will realize this organization actually does good for the local community.
Jun 8, 2008 at 8:29 p.m.
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Time will tell. I will transfer if I can and come back here in a couple of years to see for myself. GM bashers, Good luck with your attitudes. Jealousy is an ugly animal. Edergton still hasn't recovered from Dana and Nunn Bush. jmo Peace don't be hatin.
Jun 8, 2008 at 8:11 p.m.
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I just don't understand why so many people have to search for and accentuate any negative they can find...no matter how positive the story.
It is a sad testament on their own lives.
Jun 8, 2008 at 8 p.m.
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Jacmarien yes there is more than United way just this one is directly taken out of are pay checks.
Jun 8, 2008 at 7:52 p.m.
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Marv is actually a really cool guy. I had a tragedy in my family almost 15 years ago and really closed up. One of my friends worked at GM and told me how great he was. I meet Marv and he knew I didn't work at GM but he listened I mean really listened. Then he gave some suggestions and he isn't the whole reason I am where I am now but he played a role in it and I wish I would have thanked him.
Jun 8, 2008 at 6:59 p.m.
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Thank you to GM and Mr. Wopat for all of the charity aid you have generously provided. The community is grateful and the plant will be missed. If anyone doubts your contribution to the community, all they have to do is look at the photograph that accompanies this article. Such a big crowd of folks pitching in to help others ... and doing so with smiles on their faces. Again, thank you for all your efforts. I wish you all the best. P.S. Ignore all the negative comments. Some of these folks "just ain't right."
Jun 8, 2008 at 6:07 p.m.
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I was pointing out that people need to take it upon themselves to donate to charities and help the people that need it. You never know when you or I may need some help somewhere down the line. My point was I don't need my employer to tell me to give to charities and what charities to give. I'm not saying that is a terrible thing for them to do it just looks like when they point it out that the charities rely solely on the UAW and the GM workers. I give what I can. I volunteer when I can. We have great people in this City and County and not everyone needs a newsletter to tell them to donate to the needy.
Jun 8, 2008 at 5:59 p.m.
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The Union was there for the less fortunate people. These people gave their time and effort to the charities of the unions choice. They printed the bullitins and told the union members where to go and what charities needed assistance. And the union brothers and sisters stepped up to the plate and gave. They gave and gave and gave.
Jun 8, 2008 at 5:29 p.m.
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RUSerious - Thanks for the great post. Even though the numbers of GM haters is small on these boards, the poison they spew is what really makes Janesville look bad. As far as our pay, you would be surprised to find that labor costs are really not that big amount in each vehicle, considering the volume we build. They could cut our wages in half and the price of a car would be the same, as it would just go to bonuses for all the Big Chiefs in Detroit. I have worked many others jobs, and these are tougher than they appear.Is the wages for other jobs too low or too high? Yes, but then again that is what the free market will do to you.
Jun 8, 2008 at 5:17 p.m.
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chad I agree, and I make it to that area every year around the holidays. I hope that there is a box to put some toys in so I can help some of the kids. Christmas is important especially to kids and anyone who can help should. I'm sure the donations will be down but people still will reach into their wallets esp. for the kids.
Jun 8, 2008 at 5:13 p.m.
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Jacmarien - Janesville will survive this, even though there will be some tough times ahead, and part of that is the community as a whole filling in for any void left by any person or company. There are many different charitable organizations around here , including churches, that will help. I know there are collections for quite a few different charities, including blood drives, that were supported very well by the workforce at GM, Lear, LSI and others that will be taxed even more if there is more loss of jobs throughout the city. What is needed more now is solutions and not finger pointing, all this bickering will not feed a family or give toys to needy kids at Xmas.
Jun 8, 2008 at 5:05 p.m.
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GM worker-I will speak to you because there is no sense in speaking to ones who, through some sense of self-pity and self-loathing, only wish to tell you off, to denigrate, to tear down, and do not wish to listen or share a conversation with those who are the subject of GAZETTE’S OWN CHOICE OF TOPIC! (even though THEY chose to read it). They can choose to read my words to you, like they choose to read, reread, only to complain about those same topics, or they can ignore what I am saying because they cannot possibly disagree with what I say.
You and your fellow workers have seen the GAZETTE’S articles about YOU for weeks now-and, to some degree, probably for years. It would be tiresome to those of us not directly involved to read them all. Some do anyway. Ever since people have been able to post here, all the articles the GAZETTE (not you) chooses to print about you and your workplace, no matter the heading, have been inundated with posts about how much you drink, how much you waste, and how selfish you are. Today, the GAZETTE (not you!) chose to print an article discussing how much you and your fellow workers give, and they are concerned about that. The subject was about GM-so it did not include the giving of others, which, of course, is EQUALLY IMPORTANT-no one doubts that for one minute-BUT NOT TO THIS STORY! These who have only found fault with the ENTIRE WORKFORCE of your GM PLANT up until now cannot even let you have that to your credit-they must complain. Ask yourself why it is so important to them that you be seen as less than human, unworthy to breathe the air the rest of the population breathes, and a blight on Janesville’s character. You probably won’t come up with a good reason (who can imagine why?), so I will do it for you. It has to be because they are the ones who are less than human, unworthy to breathe the air the rest of the population breathes, and a blight on Janesville’s character. How does it feel to you GM haters? How can I pigeonhole an entire huge group of people that way? I learned it from you.
Continue to work as hard as you always have-you need not concern yourself with those small, insignificant people (I mean ONLY those negative posters!)-you have your work cut out for you in the coming year or two and don’t need the likes of them bringing you down.
Jun 8, 2008 at 5 p.m.
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zoom-Name calling is very immature. Just because I have a contrary opinion doesn't make me a troll and I grew up there and have family there that will be indirectly affected by all of this.
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:59 p.m.
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chad-I see your point. I guess I got sucked in with the gazette. I was just trying to point out its not just GM people who have value to the community. Even though it is my opinion they are overpaid, I still feel bad that their jobs are being wiped out from under them along with all the supporting industries, but I don't think it's the end of Janesville. It'll be rough but if they are all as strong as I've read they are in these threads they will survive.
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:52 p.m.
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anonomouse doesn't live in janesville. stop feeding the troll.
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:47 p.m.
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Seems like a lot of people are struggling with balancing an appreciation for what GM/GM workers have done for the community with a dependence on GM for Janesville's survival. I don't think anyone would say that the things GM/GM workers have done have no value, I just don't like and don't necessarily believe the opinion that other people aren't capable of adapting to get through. Hopefully only the people with no other resources will use these charitable services, and hopefully people who are more fortunate will step up and help people in need. Just a thought here, but is United Way the only charity around that will help the community? Don't people give to other charities (for instance churches)? It would give everyone a more accurate picture to compare the total charitable contributions and not just those to United Way.
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:45 p.m.
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not so Noble - Wow! you are WAY off on that one , Carnac. And you hurt my feelings. I will feel bad as soon as I quit laughing.
Anonomouse - point is, everyone who helps others in any way is a very special person. Does GM sometimes dominate the news? yes, but that is not of the workers doing - the same people you make look like publicity hounds when they are just good people at heart. But it is topical right now, with the way the economy is, so it gets in the news.
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:41 p.m.
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I am happy that we have these charities, and they do receive SO much help from GM because it is like hitting a small city in one shot. But, I must say, this article made me think that these non-profits have come to dependant on the easy "get". Maybe it is time for charities to receive on the good will of the comminity residents instead of knowing they have a "steady" intake. Just my opinion, but it sounds as if even the charities, which are wonderful, have become bitten by the entitlement bug as well.
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:27 p.m.
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Its ok Chad I understand you never made it though high school. You must have dropped out to work at the "plant"
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:26 p.m.
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I don't think we were whining as much as we were pointing out that its not just GM that gives to the community. I guess thats whining since it considers someone besides the typical GM worker.
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:25 p.m.
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No i dont. I speak for myself. I dont say "we" when im talking about how I feel about GM
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:17 p.m.
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chad I agree with you! To all the whiners and complaining about GM workers I give you the special award thank god we have "special" people like you!!We are sick and tired about being in the headline news also you can thank the gazette because they have nothing else to write about I'm glad I don't pay for the paper.
Jun 8, 2008 at 4:02 p.m.
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And you speak for all of Janesville???? Sorry, didn't know you were such a big shot.
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:58 p.m.
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I vote we have the " Look at me, I am special too!" column in the paper each week and I nominate
Nobleone and anonomouse to be the first non-GM heroes to be featured. Hooray!!!!
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:55 p.m.
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wow he speaks for ALL the GM employees.
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:53 p.m.
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a-mouse - SHELLY BIRKELO wrote the article, and as far as I know she isn't a GM employee. So if you have a complaint, there is a button on top to contact her if you choose. So quit with the stupid line of "this was a pat on the back for GM". We never have asked for a pat on the back and we do not control the Gazette articles.
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:40 p.m.
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Wow. Ignorance is in abundance.
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:29 p.m.
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Bars are for lunch time and the four wheel dealerships I think are for weekends.
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:26 p.m.
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I think they pray at their favorite bars and four-wheeler dealerships
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:15 p.m.
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I spend way more time and money on Special Olympics than the average GMer.
I also give to alot of the equivelent charities here where I live. I give because I want to.
But I see its a HUGE deal if a GM person gives and if you don't share the opinion GM supporters have you are being mean. Hmmm no wonder people don't like GM. They don't matter unless they agree 100%, follow the flock, and worship at the alter of GM.
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:11 p.m.
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i don’t need recognition. I am just tired of GM being made to look like the saviors of Janesville. I don’t mind giving back to the community without a thanks. I enjoy "giving back" but like many others have state. GM workers are not the only people who make up this community. Most people who work at the plant don’t even live around here from what I’ve heard.
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:06 p.m.
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Chad if it wasn't a pat me on the back for GM there would have been no need to make sure every charity was listed. But big lists look impressive don't they?
Jun 8, 2008 at 3:05 p.m.
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Nobleone - charity is not about trying to get recognition, so why are you so worried about getting yours? I'm sure all the other contributors in this city do not seek recognition, as we don't either, but have no control over who the Gazette writes about.
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:58 p.m.
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It would be important and newsworthy if another group of people in Janesville who collectively gave this much to charity was to be no more. But that is not happening right now, is it? Every dollar given is as important as any other. This is not a pat me on the back, give GM all the praise article, but a look at the troubles an already strapped group of charities will face eventually down the road. Funny how alot of people even use bad news like this to try and cut down the GM workers.
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:58 p.m.
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That was my point too. I give to the united way. Donate my time tools whatever. I have given a ton of food to echo. I think the bars in janesvile are going to be hurting the most without gm employees donating their checks to them everyweek
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:48 p.m.
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RUSerious-I don't see my post as GM bashing. I'm just pointing out that there are people in Janesville that don't work there than give there money and time and they should count too.
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:46 p.m.
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I wish they had an edit post feature because I forgot to say that it's about time for Janesville to start treating everyone as important and not just the 'plant people'. With the economy going south you are going to need to band together as a community and it shouldn't matter where you work or how much you gave. People give what they can and as long as the gift is given from the heart it shouldn't matter how much was given. Money doesn't buy happiness and it won't get you a better seat in the next life.
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:45 p.m.
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anonomouse: Do you see that headline and who its' author is?
Nonprofits will feel the loss of GM/UAW involvement By SHELLY BIRKELO
It does not say "BY GM EMPLOYEES" now does it? Many, many GM employees give, and a good percentage of them have it so their giving (of time and talent) is done anonomously to the general public.
I KNEW as soon as I saw the story-almost as if it was bait-that someone, somehow, would make it another GM negative. Now THAT is really stretching the limits.
by RUREALLYSerious?!
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:40 p.m.
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And a gift isn't a gift if you are going to hold it over the receivers head. Oh this irks me. I lived in that area before and I didn't have money to give but I did have time which I did give but I was treated less than. People life isn't all about money. Have some compassion for the less fortunate. I think better than attitude some GMer's have is the reason people resent GM.
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:36 p.m.
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I resent people saying no one but GM people would give, maybe they don't have it to give as they don't make as much. Thank you GM people for giving but most gifts aren't bragged about unless the intent to give is to make yourself look better.
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:14 p.m.
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If the comments that are all over this blog are any indication of the people in this town....
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:03 p.m.
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Nice try. I am always offering up my time money and energy.
Jun 8, 2008 at 2:02 p.m.
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Lets not forget about the churchs. I worked at a church when there were GM slow downs, strikes, cutbacks, & relocations. I don't work there anymore, it was to stressful not knowing if there would be enough money to cover expenses and payroll.
Jun 8, 2008 at 1:48 p.m.
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Noblenone - That is NOT nor EVER been what has been said by GM/Lear/LSI workers. But then again, people like you never gave any credit to the great work done for the community by anyone at or associated with the plant. Just where do you think the 21% is going to be made up in money to United Way, not to mention the volunteer hours given to Echo, toys for tots, ect. ?????? Hope you open your wallet more than your mind is.
Jun 8, 2008 at 1:35 p.m.
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Yep cause no one else in janesville does anything but GM workers.
Jun 8, 2008 at 12:08 p.m.
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whybesad- I believe the reality is that many people will transfer to other plants, therefore they will not be here to help. Others may be going to school and not have the time or means to help as much. It's not being selfish, just a reality check.Those who can will always find a way to help the community. Once retired, I will not be able to give as much money to United Way, Echo and others, so lets see how others will pick up the slack for all at GM. There will be at least a 2 year recovery period for Janesville once the plant closes. This will be the rough times for charities, small businesses , ect. Of course, now is the time for all the dillweeds who always complained about GM workers to step up to the plate or shut up.
Jun 8, 2008 at 11:11 a.m.
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The article isn't saying it won't happen anymore. It's saying that the mode in which it happened will be gone.
On another note, GM is less than 5% of the workforce in Janesville yet provided 21% of the money to United Way. I think it's important that ALL of the citizens of Janesville help United Way and the other organizations even before GM leaves!
Jun 8, 2008 at 10:48 a.m.
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I work at GM and I still will give to charity and volunteer I just won't be giving as much as I did before. GM gave and did a lot is what the story is saying and now with all that is happen we too have to pinch are pennies. It would be nice if others would donate as much as we do because when I help at christmas time I didn't see a lot of people helping out as I remember looking around it was uaw and the people that work at the charity events so quit throwing hate! Think about have you ever help volunteering donating,hmm?
Jun 8, 2008 at 10:12 a.m.
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So, they are basically saying that the workers at GM will no longer donate their time and effort towards charities? Just because they don't work there doesn't necessarily mean that they will give up what they have been doing for the less fortunate people. It's just seems selfish for them to think that way. I don't work at GM never had but, my parents instilled in me to give back to the community not my place of employment.
Jun 8, 2008 at 9:50 a.m.
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Curklock- You couldn't be more wrong about me wanting Janesville to suffer with the lost of GM !! I live here ,work ,pay taxes and most important my family also the same . Go read my May 4th post and then tell me the same.As I said I WILL BE FINE ! What about you ??
Jun 8, 2008 at 9:26 a.m.
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Diamondback-Based on many of your comments I am a little confused. It appears that you hope that Janesville suffers from the loss of GM. Looking to the future, I think you are the type of person that Janesville wont be getting any help from. You seem to revel in self pity and want to drag down everyone else that speaks positively. You seem afraid that Janesville just might succeed without GM. You may deny this but look back at your posts. This is a sad time for Janesville but my guess is you shouldn't sign up for the committee to re-invent Janesville. Let's save those spots for the forward thinkers
Jun 8, 2008 at 8:03 a.m.
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Yes I also agree. The Christmas baskets were always a real big give from the UAW and will be missed by many. I hope there will be a fund collection each year and we can donate to it so that the non-profits can still help out those needy families! I know there are places that have "adopt a family for the holidays". A good one to check into. You can get a family name and provide them with a dinner and gifts for them on the holiday!
Jun 8, 2008 at 7:29 a.m.
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Please understand now that this IS BIGGER THAN GM !!!! To all my union brothers and sisters our COMMUNITY DOES NEED US !!
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