The 2026 “Ducky Open” Honoring Our Brother James “Ducky” Kostka is officially in the books.
We were proud to see a tremendous turnout of both active Gas Workers Local 18007 members and retirees who came together in support of a cause that is deeply important to our union family.
On behalf of Local 18007, we extend our sincere gratitude to all of our hole sponsors, Friends of the Local, and the management representatives from Peoples Gas who joined us in supporting this outstanding event and its mission of promoting Mental Health Awareness.
Under the leadership of President Nick Passarelli and the Local 18007 Mental Health Committee, our union has made it a priority to break the stigma surrounding mental health and ensure that our brothers and sisters know help is available when they need it. Events like the Ducky Open help advance that mission while bringing our membership together in solidarity.
This outing was a tremendous success, bringing union brothers and sisters from across Chicagoland together to strengthen the bonds that make our Local strong.
A special thank you goes out to Business Manager Sean Gaurige, Senior Trustee Larry Carella, Vice President/Treasurer Curtis Rearden, Recording Secretary Ericka Igess, Trustee Mike McDonagh, Jorge Villagomez, Vito Johnson, “Pooch,” all Local 18007 Business Agents, and every member who volunteered their time and effort to make this event one to remember.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who participated and helped honor the memory of our brother James “Ducky” Kostka.
We are already looking forward to seeing everyone again next year. In Solidarity!
