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News Around New England

News Around New England
By Bill Austin
NAPS New England Area Vice President

In two good-news stories, two New England Area branches renamed their branches in order to honor members who have distinguished themselves in their NAPS careers. Boston Branch 43 recently named its branch the Jay Killackey-John Russell Branch 43 after longtime members Jay Killackey and John Russell.

Many of you know Jay Killackey as former NAPS executive vice president, 2010 to 2014. Jay also served as NAPS secretary/ treasurer, 2006 to 2010. Before serving as a resident officer, Jay served as the New England Area vice president from 1998 to 2006 and Branch 43 president from 1990 to 1998.

Jay has been a member of Branch 43 since 1979 and is one of our advocates for the NAPS Disciplinary Defense Fund. He continues to mentor another generation of Branch 43 board members.

John Russell served as Branch 43’s sergeant-at-arms from 1992 through 2015 and is a tireless advocate who still represents members in disciplinary actions in Boston. He has made a mark in his role in urging passive members to get more involved in the organization.

John always was at New Supervisor Training classes, professing the benefits of NAPS and signing hundreds of new members, no matter where they worked. He has mentored a whole new generation of NAPS members; several members have stepped up and taken leadership positions in Branch 43 due to John’s tutelage.

Southeastern Massachusetts Branch 120 renamed its branch in recognition and memory of Linda Wagner’s service. She served Branch 120 on its executive board in many positions, including vice president since 2004 until her death this year from ALS. Linda also served four terms as Massachusetts state president.

She was a tireless advocate representing our members throughout the area south of Boston and through all of Cape Cod. Linda also was instrumental in the success of the New England Area Convention every year. She retired as a postmaster after working many years as the opening supervisor at the Dedham Post Office.

It has been my honor and pleasure to work with the New England Area branch leaders. Branches 43 and 120 now will carry the names of individuals who have made their mark and a difference in the lives of NAPS members. When the roll call of branches is made at the national convention this year, these names will be called out proudly to recognize their efforts in supporting NAPS.