When Joe Met Lois

HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT

Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman (D) congratulated Lois O'Connor, AFSCME Retiree Chapter 4 secretary, for her selfless efforts as a worker, community activist and family role model. O'Connor, who retired as Council 4 president in December 1999, was honored during Lieberman's first public appearance — at the Connecticut AFL-CIO convention in Hartford — after being named Al Gore's running mate for the White House. "He's a very personable, warm person," says O'Connor of the candidate. "I told him: ‘I hate to lose you as our senator.'" She became the second person in the state to receive the Hero of the Week award. She's been involved in the labor movement for 20 years; given time and other support to United Way agencies; and raised eight children who've produced 22 grandchildren.