ROCHESTER – Ove Overmyer, president of the CSEA Rochester Public Library Unit, a Monroe County Local officer and social justice activist, received the 2014 Local Government Mission Achievement Award during the union’s recent Annual Delegates meeting. “Ove Overmyer is the textbook example of what an activist should be - informed, engaged and dyamic,”CSEA President Danny Donohue said while presenting Overmyer the award. “Being nominated and selected for this award never crossed my mind,” Overmyer said. “Those who know me well understand I am much more suited on the streets raising hell, but like many (activists), just seeing my members flourish and succeed at work and in life is truly my just reward.” Overmyer calls himself an “accidental activist,” becoming involved in CSEA almost 20 years ago when he started working at the Rochester Public Library. “It was a contract issue that personally affected my benefits package that spurred my interest in learning more about worker rights,” Overmyer said. “I found out that there were other folks in my bargaining unit who had the same issue, so I stepped up and joined the negotiations team to define and rectify our terms and conditions of employment. The rest is history, so to speak.” CSEA President Danny Donohue congratulates Western Region activist Ove Overmyer on receiving the Local Government Mission Achievement Award. Overmyer is dedicated to standing up for others and ensuring people are heard. “I found my true character when I lost myself in the service of others,” he said. “This is who I am—I am CSEA. Through my union work, I found a vehicle to actualize my core beliefs and define my identity. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to create their own destiny for yourself and for your family. If you don’t, someone else will.” — Lynn Miller CSEA President Danny Donohue congratulates Long Island Region activist Rutha Bush on receiving PEOPLE Recruiter of the Year, and Long Island Region President Nick LaMorte, right, who accepted the PEOPLE Cup on behalf of the region. Dutchess Educational Local President Scott Rajczi received the Nadra Floyd Award for Organizing for organizing 40 school security guards. L-R: Southern Region President Billy Riccaldo, President Danny Donohue, Rajczi, Statewide Treasurer Joe McMullen and CSEA Membership Committee Chair Nancy Ianson. CSEA President Danny Donohue presents Central Region President Colleen Wheaton with the Polar Cap Award, which she accepted on behalf of the region for raising the most money ($17,000) for the Special Olympics through the Polar Plunge. (See page 20) State DOT (Saratoga) Local activist Mike Garafolo receives the Membership Achievement Award for his work in signing up new CSEA members. L-R: President Danny Donohue, Garafolo, Statewide Treasurer Joe McMullen and CSEA Membership Committee Chair Nancy Ianson. Overmyer receives CSEA’s Local Government Mission Achievement Award Sears receives CSEA’s State Mission Achievement Award UTICA — CSEA Central Region activist Sheila Sears is true to her union. And for her many years of outstanding service, Sears has been named the recipient of CSEA’s State Division Mission Achievement Award. “Sheila Sears is a true unionist whose hard work and dedication though many challenges is hard to match in CSEA,” President Danny Donohue said in presenting the award at the Annual Delegates Meeting, Sears, 34-year state employee and law library assistant at the Oneida County Supreme Court Law Library in Utica, is a leader at all levels of CSEA. She has served in countless union roles at the work place, local, region and statewide levels, including as the Central Region Judiciary Local treasurer. Central Region President Colleen Wheaton said Sears is a true union activist and is very deserving of the award. “Sheila is one of our most dependable activists, and deserved to get this recognition,” Wheaton said. “Whenever we ask her to be involved in something, she’s there. Whenever we need something done, she gets it done. She’s not afraid to CSEA President Danny Donohue congratulates Central Region activist Sheila Sears on receiving the union’s State Mission Achievement Award. speak her mind, and that’s a good thing when it comes to being a union leader.” “I was shocked,” Sears said of learning she received the award. “I didn’t really think I would ever get that kind of award. I just about fell out of my chair.” More important than the recognition, Sears said, is the personal growth and friendships she has made through her union. “Making friends and working with CSEA, it’s changed my life,” she said. “It’s been a great experience and I think I’ve grown as a person.” — Mark M. Kotzin 10 The Work Force November 2014
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