Local 965 Hosts Picnic for Workers Day

President Hershel Hartford threw a party for Local 965 members and friends, and many dropped by for conversation, hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks and sides. It was UA-Fayetteville Education Association’s first-in-a-loooooong-while May Day / Workers Day picnic. We met at Fayetteville’s Veterans Memorial Park.

While chatting was generally casual, Hershel formally welcomed the diners and explained the intent, that in-person dialogue is more effective and more fun than the panedemic era’s email, text and video-chat. He noted that plans are to host a similar cook-out in the fall, on Labor Day naturally, as well as continuing well into the future.

Local 965 President Hershel Hartford discusses the University of Arkansas's need for a strong labor union during the Local 965 Workers Day 2023 picnic May 1 in Fayetteville. — Local 965 President Hershel Hartford discusses the University of Arkansas’s need for a strong labor union during the Local 965 Workers Day 2023 picnic May 1 in Fayetteville. Photo by Denise Firmin Garner

Local 965 President Hershel Hartford (from left) listens as state Rep Denise Garner snaps a photo and her husband, Dr. Hershey Garner looks on as Vice President Ben Pollock hawks memberships at the Local 965 Workers Day 2023 picnic May 1. — Local 965 President Hershel Hartford discusses the University of Arkansas’s need for a strong labor union during the Local 965 Workers Day 2023 picnic May 1 in Fayetteville. Photo by Denise Firmin Garner

Also speaking was a longtime supporter state Rep. Denise Firmin Garner, D-Dist. 84. Her husband, Hershey Garner, M.D., later completed our membership application.

Denise is known for being a shutterbug at events such as ours, and we are proud to showcase her skills here. We are grateful.