The annual SUMMUP convention was held April 4-6th at the Radisson Hyannis.

The entire weekend focused on the importance of members getting involved in politics and working to elect candidates who share our values and who will stand up and support the issues important to working families and the cities and towns in which they live.

Also at the heart of SUMMUP members is the issue of assuring there are good programs in place to assist those clients in their care and custody. Those clients are from the Departments of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, Public Health, Youth Services and Corrections.

On Friday the attendees heard from Bob Haynes, president of the Mass AFL/CIO and Mike Foster, Staff Representative from Council 93.

 Staurday was a day long interactive workshop co lead by Tess Ewing and Susan Winning from the U Mass Labor Extension program.

Also, Morgan Purcell from Local 646 was elected to fill a three year Trustee seat.

On Sunday the group heard from Joe DeLorey,General Counsel and Tony Caso, Executive Director from AFSCME Council 93.

The following awards and scholarships were also presented during the convention:

M. Michael Botelho Award presented to Frank Minton, Local 842

Laura Spencer Award presented to Joanne Tagerman, Local 646

Brian Stickler Award presented to Nancy Silva, Local 1517

Botelho Scholarship ($500.00) to Carla Pimental of Local 72

Sticker Scholarship ($500.00) to Neite Decimus of Local 72

Chigas Scholarship ($500.00) to James Silva, son of Nancy Silva of Local 1517.