"Bowling for Gold" a Shining Success

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)From the Bricklayer's "Bowling Stones" to the United Mine Workers' "Coal Strikers," nearly 100 teams from across the metro area labor community came together to strike down pins and raise money for the Community Services Agency’s Emergency Assistance Fund yesterday at the 20th annual Bowling for Gold bowling tournament. In addition to many long-standing teams like the IBEW 26 Retirees' "Castaways" and the Print Craft and Teamster teams, there were brand-new teams from the DC Young Trade Unionists and political allies including the "Baker's Dozen" team from Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker. Baker (at right being high-fived by Metro Council President Jos Williams) himself dropped by the event -- which is held at the Crofton Bowling Center in Anne Arundel County -- to bowl a few frames and show his support for the union movement. “This is one of our most fun events," said Metro Council president Jos Williams, "It's especially great to see so many rank and file union members and their families in attendance, along with local leaders and political allies who understand the importance of the local labor movement." Watch Union City for updates on the overall winners of the tournament and links to team photos online. - report by Julia Kann; photo by Chris Garlock