Children learn about unions
Paul Van Etten, an assembler at the GM Powertrain plant in Toledo, Ohio, for 36 years, said Steve Yokich’s commitment to the Walter and May Reuther UAW Family Education Center in Onaway, Mich., helped teach his children about the value of unions.
“My family had probably the best vacation we ever had. My family enjoyed it, and it oriented the kids to what union is all about,” Van Etten said.
“You can preach to your kids all you want about how you should be a union family, but they explained it so well. You and I know that if you don’t get the kids interested, the union will die out. It wasn’t preaching to them. It was fun and they understood what it’s like to be in a ‘big family.’ We’re all brothers and sisters and I think the kids realized that up there.”
Paul Van Etten is a member of UAW Local 14.
President Yoki-vitch
“For those who have played Black Lake Golf Club, you know that we planted a tall grass called bonnie dunes, or fescue grass, around tees and in out-of-play areas. It grows 12- to 14-inches high and turns amber in late summer.
“One of President Yokich’s top administrative assistants, Frank Musick, was very proud of his fescue grass. But the first time the president played the course, he got Musick and told him to cut the ‘weeds.’ I thought to myself, ‘He was right. As a kid I would have called the bonnie dunes grass weeds.’
“Each year we hire two interns from Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management Program. One day the golf shop had gotten word that President Yokich might come to Black Lake for the day. Evidently, he walked into the shop and asked the intern behind the counter if the course was busy. She replied that it had been busy earlier, but we were waiting for ‘President Yoki-vitch.’ He replied, ‘It’s YOKICH, and I’m here.’
“I was fortunate to play several rounds with him. Even though he sometimes struggled with his game, he always enjoyed playing.
“I always say a person shows their true character on the course, and President Yokich showed me that he had a great sense of humor and that he was more concerned about others than himself.”
Pam Phipps is director of golf at Black Lake Golf Club.
