Local Compass
JOURNAL: ISSUE 3 - 2017
Local 2 Michigan
BAC Local 2 Michigan 75-year member Bill Maertens started his bricklaying apprenticeship in 1941. After serving in the military during World War II, he returned home and continued working in the trades with his father, two uncles and his twin brother, who were all BAC bricklayers. His twin brother George, a 72-year member of Local 2 MI, passed away at age 90 in 2011.
Brother Maerten built his brick home in 1963 with help from five of his fellow Union bricklayers. During a recent visit with brother Maerten at his home, BAC Local 2 MI President Chuck Kukawka looked at a few of the corners of the house and said, "They were straight as an arrow without any deviation. It's clear that brother Maerten and his fellow bricklayers took special pride as they worked on this home because they knew it would be a testament to their craft for years to come!"
Also known by his local fisherman friends as the Arnold Palmer of Muskie fishing, brother Maerten's home is decorated with the prize catches from his time on the water. In 2003, he caught the largest fish in the history of the Michigan-Ontario Muskie Club, weighing in at 40 pounds and 11 ounces.
BAC Local 2 Michigan 75-year member Bill Maertens, left, receives his plaque from Local 2 MI President Chuck Kukawka.
Brother Maertens with his mounted trophies in his home.
Fifty-year members of BAC Local 2 Michigan received their service awards in June. Seated from left, Gold Card members Sergio Pandori, David Angel, Chuck Regan, and Walter Daloisio. Standing from left, Local 2 MI President Chuck Kukawka, BAC Secretary-Treasurer Tim Driscoll, Gold Card members John Mason and Marvin Curtiss, and Local 2 MI Secretary-Treasurer Nelson McMath.
Kalamazoo Chapter of BAC Local 2 MI hosted a service award ceremony in July recognizing Gold Card members. From left, Local 2 MI Field Representative James Brylowski, fifty-year members Terran Amos, Bob Bloom, and John Steele.
Local 15 Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska
BAC Local 15 Missouri/Kansas/Nebraska hosted a service award ceremony in August for 70-year members Benjamin Waldo and Clark "Chic" Orebaugh, recognizing their life-long Union service.
Seventy-year members Benjamin Waldo, left, and Clark "Chic" Orebaugh, with their plaques.
Seated from left, 70-year members Benjamin Waldo and Clark "Chic" Orebaugh. Standing from left, Local 15 MO/KS/NE Field Representative Cesar Torres, Vice President and Field Representative Ed Wehrle, President and Secretary-Treasurer Craig Hydeman, 25-year member Ron Knight, brother Waldo's daughter Cathy Waldo, Organizer Rick Riley and Field Representative Jeff Peeler.
Local 13 Nevada
BAC Local 13 Nevada Gold Card member Doug Ross is recognized for his 50 years of Union service.
Eastern Missouri Administrative District Council
On June 5th, Eastern Missouri Administrative District Council (Eastern MO ADC) hosted its summer retirees' luncheon, where Gold Card members received their service awards in the presence of their fellow retirees.
Front row from left, BAC Eastern MO ADC Gold Card members Ed Titsworth, Richard Biermann, Lester Flieg, Earl Stephens and Thomas Hicks; back row from left, Local 1 MO President Mike Fox, Eastern MO ADC Secretary-Treasurer John Hopkin, Director of Eastern MO ADC Brian Jennewein, Local 1 MO Vice President and Field Representative Johnny Walker, Jr., Local 1 MO Recording Secretary and Field Representative Mark Savage, and Local 18 MO President Mike Weber. Not pictured are Gold Card recipients Joseph Gravagna, James Holt, Thomas McManemy, Jr., Eugene Miller, Orville Oldfather, and Willie Shelton, who were unable to attend.
Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky
BAC Local 4 IN/KY 50-year member Terry Hodge, left, receives his Gold Card from Local 4 IN/KY Secretary-Treasurer Steve Knowles.
From left, BAC Local 4 IN/KY Gold Card recipients Eddie Yeager, Paul Clark, and Bill Beaver.
Local 2 New York/Vermont
Local 2 New York/Vermont hosted a service award ceremony at its annual clambake event last September in Albany, NY.
From left, BAC Local 2 NY/VT then Secretary-Treasurer Pat Tirino, Gold Card members Andy Martello, Phillip Kilmartin, Joe Aragona, and Ernest Burnett, and then Local 2 NY/VT President Bob Mantello.
BAC Local 2 NY/VT Gold Card member Gerhard Busker, right, and Field Representative Luke Renna.
From left, BAC Local 2 NY/VT 40-year member Sean Holland, Field Representative Luke Renna, Gold Card member Carmelo Ragonese, and Field Representative Martin Dillon.
From left, then BAC Local 2 NY/VT President Bob Mantello, 25-year member Leroy Lacross, and then Secretary-Treasurer Pat Tirino.
BAC Local 2 NY/VT 25-year member Gyula Kiss, right, and Field Representative Luke Renna.