CAT Tracks for May 3, 2002 STORMY WEATHER

"HAIL" TO THE CATs!

Nothing stops our CATs from making their appointed rounds. Mother Nature made her presence known once again in our area, but picketing continued. Yes...CATs do have sense to come in out of the rain...especially when it is mixed with marble-sized hail. However, as soon as it cleared...so that it was only sprinkling...our "storm troopers" were right back at it! No "fair weather" strikers we.

On a serious note, some of our members outside of Cairo did suffer some storm damage, as hail reached golf-ball size proportions. More on that as information becomes available.

MEDIATOR SIGHTING

As most of you know, Federal Mediator Rick Tygett made a personal visit to Cairo yesterday. We are still very much on his agenda. Last Sunday night, he felt that a "cooling off" period was needed...time for both sides to "reflect", and for "outside forces" to bring pressure to bear on the parties...if, in fact, that is to happen. Mr. Tygett's "face-to-face" visit was to get a sense of whether a resumption of negotiations at this time would be productive or counter-productive. If we get a call, it means that he feels that the timing is right. If not...

Although all of us want to get back to the table, negotiate a fair settlement, and get the students back to school as soon as possible, we must rely on the federal mediator's expertise. This is his full-time job...he knows the process. We must all be patient.

CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE...

Thursday was the 29th birthday of one of the CAT bargaining team members...Deborah Hammel. Debbie first joined the bargaining team back in 1983...when she was 10 years old. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Debbie!

ROSES ARE RED...

Violets are blue...I never could get past that line...I always thought violets were purple. I guess it was the "math teacher" in me. However, the CAT has poets and we all know it...at least everyone who was in attendance at Thursday's noon meeting. Cheryl Arington read her moving poem about what it means to be a teacher. Penny Farris (in abstentia) countered with a more feisty rendition of what mama might say today. Who will emerge as the CAT poet laureate? Will it be one of these two...or could it possibly be you? Gotcha!

CAIRO CITIZEN COVERAGE OF STIKE

I observed someone reading the Cairo Citizen today with the front page story on the strike. However, I did not think anymore about it until I got home and received my copy. Personally, I thought the local newspaper did a good job of reporting the story...presenting BOTH sides of the story. AND...they did print the "Letter to the Editor" that the CAT submitted on Tuesday morning. Our thanks to the management.

PS...Recognize these COOL CATs?

TOMORROW

Same old, same old...Keep on truckin' baby!