CWA NEWSMAKERS

He called himself a "tramp printer," because he moved around so much - but when he died last March 16, his estate was valued at $358,645 - and he gave it all to Chicago Typographical Union No. 16/CWA Local 14408. His name was William F. Schwartz, who considered the gift to the union local a way of saying thanks for assisting him not only during his working life but by helping him get into the Union Printers Home in Colorado Springs, Colo., after his retirement. Schwartz's career started in Cleveland in 1933, and he later worked in shops in St. Louis, Orange, N.J., and many other towns before settling in Chicago. He retired from the Chicago Tribune in 1975.

CWA Local 2300 President Willie Leggett, who will serve as coordinator of the 1998 National Operators Conference, says dates for the conference have been set as Oct. 17 through 21. "We'll be meeting in Washington, D.C., and are working with the Hyatt Regency as the headquarters hotel," Leggett says. Persons wanting to get on the mailing list for the conference can write her at Local 2300, 714 G St., S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003, or call 202/546-2300.

Herb Sully, left, a long-time CWA local president in Orlando, Fla., became the first Central Florida resident to receive a Heartland Award from Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles in ceremonies earlier this year. The award recognizes Sully's 44 years as a volunteer for various causes, including the labor movement, the Red Cross, the United Way and as a volunteer fireman in Pine Hills, Fla. "You meet so many nice people volunteering," said Sully, 68, who retired as president of CWA Local 3108 in Orlando in 1984. He's actually increased his already hectic pace on volunteerism since his retirement: "You gotta keep busy," Sully says.

The daughter of CWA Local 1120 member Joe Paone is set to try for her third world karate title in as many years. Melissa Paone, 25, won her first title at the 1996-97 National Black Belt League Championships when she won her division in "Women's Traditional Korean Forms." Her second title came early in 1997 in Las Vegas at an open meet for the USA International Women's Korean Form World Championships, where she beat out 12 other black belts to win first place. Melissa placed first in the Hurricane Nationals in Galveston, Tex. on Sept. 20. She got involved in the sport at age 11 as a way of increasing her confidence, Melissa says. Now, she's looking for sponsors to help defray expenses at future events. Anyone wishing to contribute may contact Local 1120 at 157 Van Wagner Road, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., 12603.

CWA Executive Vice President M. E. Nichols joined other labor and business leaders in Tarrant County, Tex. for the kickoff of the 1997 United Way campaign. Organizers say the barbecue dinner - co-sponsored by the Tarrant County United Way and the Tarrant County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO - marked the first time that the two organizations held a special fund drive kickoff event specifically for members of organized labor. CWA leaders and members across the country are spearheading United Way campaigns in their communities.