December was a busy time for BENTE and its members!
On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, AFSCME Council 66 hosted a ribbon cutting celebration for our new union hall. Council 66 represents over 8,500 public and nonprofit workers in upstate NY and the Hudson Valley. They purchased the former Diplomat Party House on Lyell Avenue, and it has been renovated for union office and meeting space. Council 66 offices are here. BENTE rents space in the building, as does AFSCME Local 1635, which represents employees of the City of Rochester, and BENTE 2419. We’re happy to be in our new space, which is finally accessible for people who may have mobility challenges. We’re looking forward to meetings and events in the future.
On December 20, 2023, a RCSD student from Monroe High School collapsed during a JV basketball game. BENTE members Jushawn Rucker, a School Safety Officer from Wilson Foundation, and Dave DiPasquale, an Athletic Trainer from East, responded to the emergency. We are so proud of our members for jumping into action! Below is the full statement from the Rochester City School District, which recognizes the heroic actions of these BENTE members:
Yesterday evening, during the JV basketball game between Monroe and School of the Arts at the School No. 33 gym, a Monroe student collapsed during play. Two valiant RCSD employees (Jushawn Rucker, Wilson Foundation School Safety Officer, and Dave DiPasquale, East Athletic Trainer) jumped to action and deployed the AED as they began life-saving efforts before the Rochester Fire Department, the RPD, and AMR responded.
Thanks to their quick action, the student regained consciousness and was transported to Strong Hospital. We are pleased to share that the student, whose name we are not releasing, is in stable condition and steadily improving. We ask that you please respect the family’s request for privacy. The safety of students and staff is a top priority for the District, and all our schools are equipped with AEDs and staff trained to utilize them.
News links about new union hall:
https://13wham.com/news/local/local-union-celebrates-its-next-chapter-with-new-building
https://www.rochesterfirst.com/news/local-news/new-union-building-opens-on-lyell-avenue/
News links about student collapse at basketball game:
https://www.whec.com/top-news/17-year-old-player-collapses-at-basketball-game/
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BENTE Local 2419