MEL TABER
1974 WGTA Crisis Center
Mel
is one of Jim's best friends in the WGTA. Mel has not
been around as long as Jim, but then, who has? A lot
of people think Mel's main job in the WGTA has been
grievances, but he's done more than that! For years,
he has been one of our Retirement System delegates,
always willing to answer any questions about retirement.
In fact, at least a dozen times a year, he would have
to answer Rudy's question: "When are you guys
going to retire?"
But
what Mel is mainly known for is his expertise on pregnancy
and child rearing leaves. Ever since I've been involved
with the WGTA, anytime any teacher has even been thinking
of becoming pregnant, we'd send her to Mel. The next
thing you know, she's taking a pregnancy leave! He's
done a great job some ladies have come back to
him two, three, even four times! And he always delivers!
Mel
has a couple of hobbies that should keep him busy into retirement.
He is an avid golfer and a skilled wood crafter. He has created
some beautiful works toys, boxes, vases, etc. and even
the building blocks and their storage box in the Onondaga
Road Kindergarten class!
But
his crowning achievement has got to be a gift he created
for Rudy's 50th birthday. Mel designed and created a
plaque which had a hammer mounted on it. (Rudy is always
complaining that we're hammering him!) On the handle
of the hammer is a WGTA pin. And the hammer is mounted
upside down. And someday, maybe at Rudy's retirement,
Mel will reveal the reason for this.
by
Ray Fuller
