Local 19’s Santa Claus

For many years, Local 19 Retiree Hal Bowser has thrilled the retirees, members and families of Local 19 as Santa for the Local’s annual holiday parties.

Bowser joined Local 19 in March 1977 when he began working at the Kroger North Coast Bakery in Solon, Ohio. In 1990, the Schwebel Baking Company bought the Kroger bakery and thanks to a solid Union contract, all Local 19 members kept their jobs and maintained their seniority.

During his 46 years at the bakery, Bowser worked nearly every job in the facility as well as serving as a shop steward and Local 19 Executive Board member. Throughout his many years of proud Union membership and into retirement, Bowser has volunteered regularly for many of the Local’s important events including the Cleveland Blood Bank, Union rallies and the annual Christmas parties where he enjoys sitting in for Santa Claus.

According to Local 19 President Paul LaBuda, “Even in retirement Hal remains very active with the Union and is always available when needed. He is very much appreciated by the Union’s Officers and the many coworkers and friends that he has met during his long union career at the bakery.”