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IBEW 2322 Raffles Custom Cornhole Boards to Support Janet Blanchard

When IBEW Local 2321 member Janet Blanchard was brutally attacked earlier this year, friends and co-workers held their breath waiting to see if she would survive.  In the aftermath, an outpouring of support and generosity came from the community of Haverhill, where Janet lives, as well IBEW members from locals across New England. 

Local 2322, which represents members from Southeastern Massachusetts, had already donated a large sum to the golf tournament Janet’s family and friends organized, but Executive Board member and Chief Steward Chris Desjardins thought they could offer more. 

In an incredible act of solidarity and compassion, Chris built custom cornhole boards, emblazoned with the 2322 name and IBEW logo, to raffle at the local’s cornhole tournament this past Sunday.  All proceeds will go to support Janet’s recovery.  The boards also have “JB” and “2321” on the upper left corner of the boards with the image of a rose.

Thank you to Chris Desjardins, members of the Local 2322 Executive Board, and Business Manager Eric Hetrick, for their kindness and generosity.  The “old phone company” spirit is clearly still alive and well.

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RIP Brother Francis J. McKenney

It is with my deepest sympathy that I announce the passing of former Local 2321 Business Manager, Brother Francis J. McKenney.


Frank was a giant in this local who will be remembered as a legend. With just a year under his belt as Business Manager, he guided this local through the ’89 Strike, and continued to fight for our members for over 18 years.

Under his leadership, this local saw the creation of the centralized repair service bureau, which created 2 huge centers in local 2321, where I started my phone company career, as well as the massive MAC center that still resides at Crosspoint Towers in Lowell.

Many people owe their careers to Frank, either through his shrewd negotiating, or his ferocious advocacy for his members. And Frank personally offered his guidance to me when I first became an assistant Business Manager. To say he will be missed is an understatement.

Please keep his family, including 2321 members Kathleen and Shelagh, in your prayers. We will share any service arrangements that are made available.

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RIP Sister Cathy Tibbetts

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It’s with a heavy hearty and deepest sympathy that I announce the death of Sister Cathy Tibbetts. Cathy was a service rep in the enterprise group who succumbed to Covid 19 today at the age of 55. Her loss is devastating for her family and friends and she will be missed. We will post details of services as soon as they are available.

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RIP Brother Mark Laferriere

It is with great sorrow that I must announce the death of dearly departed Brother Mark Laferriere.  Mark’s passing last week at age 52 was very unexpected and a devastating shock to his family.  Mark was an Automotive Equipment Mechanic with Verizon’s Fleet department with 5 years as an IBEW Local 2321 member.  Everyone who knew him will remember his quick wit, his generosity, and his keen job skills.  Service will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Kayleigh Laferriere Scholarship Fund, in care of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union.  More information, and the address and account number for contributions, can be found in Mark’s obituary at currentobituary.com.  Family and friends will of course miss him, so please keep Mark and his family in your prayers.

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2.5% Raise Information

Look for your 2.5% raise to take effect on June 21st, and reflected in your paycheck paid to you at the end of that work week.

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