Public power employees at every level support injured lineworker

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The Public Power Community has again demonstrated that they "take care of their own" by raising $38,180.42 for the family of Georgetown Lineworker Jim Young. Young, who also serves on the light board of the Merrimac Municipal Light Department, experienced a disabling on-the-job accident on Sept. 25.

The "Work 2 for Jim" program was originally a challenge issued to utility lineworkers by two Mansfield Municipal Light Department lineworkers, Ralph Bellavance and Shawn Curran. Through an e-mail list provided by NEPPA Trainer Bob Henriksen, they asked lineworkers to dedicate two hours of pay to help Young's family. When the message got out, utility personnel across the board including managers, engineers, office workers, customer service representatives and meter technicians stepped up to the plate. Thirty-one public power utilities from around New England sent donations from their employees, as well as three IBEW locals, and several individuals.

Bellavance and Curran presented the check to Young at his home in Merrimac on December 14. Wayne Snow, Georgetown general manager and Merrimac Light Department General Manager Dan Folding, were also in attendance.