I would like to say goodbye to the membership of Local 802. I retired on Sept. 23 and by the time this issue is in your hands, I already expect to be located in my house in a little backwater town in Florida.

When I signed on to be President Tino Gagliardi’s assistant in December 2009, I expected to stay throughout his first term in office or until I felt that the Local 802 membership was completely in good hands. Retiring was a very difficult decision for me to make. But I am satisfied that you are in very capable hands.

I have been representing Local 802 musicians and organizing for 22 years. It’s a hard habit to break. I would like to leave you with my overall thought regarding you and your union. Get active and take responsibility for helping your union to better represent you. Thank you for the privilege of serving you.

This story originally appeared in the October 2011 issue of Allegro, the magazine of the New York City musicians’ union (AFM Local 802). For reprint requests, send an e-mail to editor Mikael Elsila at Allegro@Local802afm.org.