Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/377629
SAGAFTRA.org | Summer 2014 | SAG-AFTRA 39 T he Muriel Moore/Danny Nelson SAG-AFTRA Conservatory kicked off its third year with its best- attended event. On June 2, more than 185 performers attended Ric Reitz and Friends Unplugged. Each year, the conservatory provides one community-directed event open to all. This year's symposium saluted our sister unions with a panel including unit production manager Jim Sedlak of the DGA, directors of photography and camera operators Allen Facemire and Richard Cantu of IATSE's Local 600, and gaffer Marivee Cade, sound mixer Whit Norris and script supervisor Dea Cantu, all of IATSE. Local President Ric Reitz hosted and moderated. The panel provided protocols, anecdotes and examples of the do's and don'ts that get the job done and get you invited back. By understanding the tools the crew works with and having respect for the job they do, collaboration makes it possible to create the best product. Community and professionalism — the twin goals of the conservatory — were the buzzwords for the evening. Atlanta Local President Ric Reitz addresses the panel. WILLIAM COLQUITT MEMBERS ROCK PATIENTS' WORLD T he Washington-Mid Atlantic Local's Recording Artists & Singers Committee, known as the "RASCals," enjoyed a congratulatory and entertaining meeting on June 6. The RASCals have forged a productive relationship with Musicians On Call, including a musical showcase at the Hard Rock Cafe and opportunities to network with other music industry organizations. The RASCals contributed to MOC's Rock a Patient's World Room Sponsorship Program, which brings comfort to hospital patients in the form of bedside musical performances. This uplifting and therapeutic work is an honor to support. MOC D.C. directors Katy Epley and Michelle Hughes were guest speakers at this recent meeting and made a special plaque presentation to the RASCals. Collaborations such as this one highlight the commitment to the community by SAG-AFTRA and its members. SAG-AFTRA members and staff with Musicians On Call staff and volunteers. Washington- Mid Atlantic Atlanta PHOENIX RISING Arizona- Utah MEMBERS VOLUNTEER AT FOOD BANK U nion pride was evident on June 7, as several members of the SAG-AFTRA Portland Local gathered at the Oregon Food Bank to put in a shift helping the state's neediest folks put food on the table. Nearly five tons of food were processed, enough to supply 7,771 meals — and members had a blast doing it. "It just felt awesome to be able to give back to our community, to this great state which we all love," said Local President Duane Hanson. Pitching in that day, along with Hanson, were Chrisse Roccaro, Michele Mariana, Mary Bicknell, Jamie Vandevert and wife Emily, Wrick Jones, Mike Dunay, Steve Enfield, Bill Rossman, Jerry Bell and Amy Mills. "The team-building aspect was terrific, but the real benefit for us all was lending a hand to those in need," said Hanson. Members and friends volunteer at the Oregon Food Bank. Portland T he members in Arizona demonstrated their keen interest to learn as they crowded into a standing-room-only Arizona-Utah Local membership meeting in Phoenix on April 26. They enjoyed lively discussions on auditions, headshots and resumes, along with the business of the local and the union as a whole. PANEL DISCUSSES ON-SET SURVIVAL