JOURNAL: ISSUE 4 - 2013

Following a four-year hiatus, the International Union's venerable Craft Awards program  came roaring back with the presentation of the 2013 awards in 17 categories to BAC craftworkers, officers and Union contractors at special ceremony held at the BAC Executive Council Meeting in Philadelphia on September 22nd.

In his tribute to the assembled honorees, BAC President James Boland described the sum of their work and service as the "gold standard of collaboration between skilled journey-level workers and their employers and a training system second to none." Added Boland, "Our crafts are what make it possible for us to point out a school, a church, a home, or a high rise to our family and friends, and say, 'I built that' with the kind of pride that doesn't come with just any job."

According to BAC Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer, who oversees the program, the next Craft Awards cycle will be launched in mid-2014 with an awards ceremony slated for Fall 2015.

 

 

Outstanding BAC Craftsmanship

Dave Holman

LOCAL 5 OKLAHOMA/ARKANSAS/TEXAS

There is no higher tribute for a BAC craftworker than receiving the Outstanding Craftsmanship Award, and no one is more deserving of that honor than Local 5 OK/AR/TX bricklayer Dave Holman.

Spectacular examples of Brother Holman's fine craftwork, ranging from special brick shapes and patterns, brick sculptures, dimensional stone, structural CMU to large precast panels, are plentiful throughout Oklahoma, where he has worked in the trade for more than 39 years  His contributions to numerous award-winning projects include the Gaillardia Country Club, Wagner Hall on the campus of the University of Oklahoma (see inset) and the Oklahoma State Capitol dome, the signature work of his longtime employer, Advanced Masonry. Brother Holman's skills allowed them to lay out an 80-foot diameter with 16 segments and the pie shape that created the dome. All of this was accomplished with such precision that none of the pieces had to be cut or relayed.

Local 5 President Raymond Palacios, says that Holman is the most knowledgeable bricklayer he knows. This is because Brother Holman is constantly studying and researching whatever is needed for each project.

 

Best Brick Project

Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island

NELSON FITNESS & COLEMAN AQUATICS CENTER BROWN UNIVERSITY 
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND

Signatory Contractor: 
Grande Masonry 
Providence, Rhode Island

Architect/Designer: 
Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP
New York, New York

Peter Aaron/OTTO

Nineteen members of Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI and employer, signatory contractor Grande Masonry, were recognized for unparalleled craft excellence in the construction of Brown University's Nelson Fitness and Coleman Aquatics Center.

This stunning addition to Brown's built environment – renowned for its 18th and 19th century brick buildings – features extensive use of decorative and historic brick details, all requiring world-class skill and craftsmanship. Local 3 members also installed solid brick cornices, functional brick arches and surrounds, thin brick within stucco systems, in addition to CMU backup and air/vapor barrier systems.

The recently completed Center preserves Brown's architectural character while incorporating another masonry tradition from the surrounding area, namely the City of Providence's robust, classical industrial structures.

The Nelson Fitness Center, a 10,000 square-foot multi-purpose fitness loft, is adjacent to the Coleman Aquatics Center, which features the largest hybrid solar-powered electrical and heating installation in the United States, generating enough power to light the building and enough thermal energy to heat the million-gallon pool.

Peter Aaron/OTTO

Peter Aaron/OTTO

Contributing BAC Members: Frederick Astle; George Delisle; Michael DeQuattro; Mark Ethier; Kevin Hanna; George Hansen; Domenic Iannetta; Timothy Lambert; Vincent Lizotte; Richard Marshall; Raymond Menard; Timothy Menard; Michael McNichols; Michael Nepini; Bradley Parris; Lee Somma; Michael Sullivan; Eugene Tomczyk; Jim Vardo.

 

 

Best Terrazzo Projects

Local 15 Missouri/Kansas

FLINT HILLS DISCOVERY CENTER MANHATTAN, KANSAS AND
CHILDREN'S MERCY EAST CLINIC
INDEPENDENCE, MISSOURI

Signatory Contractor: 
Desco Coatings, Inc. 
Olathe, Kansas

Architect/Designer: 
Verner Johnson, Inc.
Boston, Massachusetts and
HMN Architects
Overland Park, Kansas

Hodnett Photographics LLC

Hodnett Photographics LLC

Members of Local 15 MO/KS and employer Desco Coatings were a winning team on not just one but two exceptional projects featuring their skilled installation of terrazzo flooring: the Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan, Kansas, and Children's Mercy East Clinic in Independence, Missouri.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is a tribute to the tall grass prairie and the flint hills that cover more terrain than the total area of some states. The 6,000 square foot floor depicts wind, rivers, and a map of the region's cities, lending context to the area's unique topography and geography. Thirteen colors of epoxy were used in the floor, along with natural marble, mother of pearl, and glass. The curving zinc strips help depict the prairie winds as they swirl through the entrance gracefully guiding visitors to exhibits.

At Children's Mercy East Clinic, the fairytale landscape of giant otters, birds and flowers creates a peaceful, cheerful, and reassuring environment for young patients.Twenty-one colors of epoxy were used to create the fictional animal world under exacting conditions because no ventilation was allowed to control dust; the terrazzo animals were fabricated off-site and transported to the clinic. Metal work outlining the animals was water-jet cut to appear as brush strokes of varying widths. Natural marble, mother of pearl and synthetic chips lend even more vibrancy to the floor.

The flawless installation of these unique, colorful designs exemplifies the endless potential of epoxy terrazzo systems in the hands of skilled Local 15 craftworkers.

Steve Puppe Photography

Steve Puppe Photography

Contributing BAC Members/Flint Hills Discovery Center
Saul Melendez; Jeremy Neff; Jeff Rice; Richard Rojas; Theodore Rojas; Joey Unger.
Contributing BAC Members/Children's Mercy East Clinic:
Saul Melendez; Jeff Rice; Richard Rojas; Theodore Rojas; Andrew Soto; Casey Snodgrass; Joey Unger.

 

 

Best Concrete Masonry Unit and ICF Project

Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island

OFFICERS TRAINING COMMAND QUARTERS, NAVAL STATION
NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND

Signatory Contractor: 
Spino Brothers, Inc.
Smithfield, Rhode Island

Architect/Designer: 
Tetra Tech Architects
Seattle, Washington

Brock McNally

Brock McNally

An inspired design by Tetra Tech Architects and extraordinary execution by Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI members working for Spino Brothers, Inc. earned the Officers Training Command Quarters Naval Station in Newport, RI  a 'Best Project' designation featuring CMU and ICF construction.
The Station consists of three stories and three wings. The exterior wall was constructed in brick and precast veneer with ICF backup. The stairwells and the elevator shaft were also ICF. The interior partitions were reinforced CMUs grouted solid in all cells.

Local 3 members installed 62,500 square feet of ICF, 173,000 CMUs, 196 tons of rebar and more than 1,600 cubic feet of grout. This impressive new naval Training Quarters was completed in ten months and provided Local 3 members with 43,000 work-hours.

Brock McNally

Contributing BAC Members:
Grant Adams; Robert Amaral; Miguel Berrios; Peter Consigli; Jason Daniel; Colin Dawson; Armando DeDona; Mark Ethier; Christopher Fontes; William Gileau; Michael Gilson; Derek Gingras; Thomas Harrington; Domenic Iannetta; Kevin Kinney; Frederick Krueger; Richard Marshall; Raymond Menard; Timothy Menard; Manuel Mourato; Daniel Nawn; Michael Nepini; Emanuel Oliveira; Matthew Paquette; Francisco Pereira; Glenn Perrotta; John Rivard; Frederick Roberts; Carlos Santos; Kenneth Savard; Robert Stringer; James Vaudreuil; Perry Vicknair; Derek Yaun.

 

 

 

Best Marble Project

Local 13 Nevada

THE SMITH CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

Signatory Contractor: 
Superior Tile & Stone
Las Vegas, Nevada

Architect/Designer: 
David M. Schwarz Architects, Inc. 
Washington, D.C.

The timeless elegance of The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas utterly befits a world-class performing arts center. Its Art Deco style incorporates 1930s motifs, drawing inspiration from the design elements of the region's iconic WPA project, the Hoover Dam.

The 385,000 square-foot structure in the heart of downtown Symphony Park is the first performing arts center of its size and scope in the U.S. to be LEED-certified. Every detail of construction was carefully considered such as dispatching representatives to Italy to search for the perfect marble. Light and dark polished Fior Di Pesco were selected for the large concert hall and theater floors, displayed in an alternating pattern. The walls are a mixture of polished Rosso Asiago and Rosa Verona installed in both book matched and diamond matched patterns.

The complexity of this project is immediately apparent; the level of detail it demanded produced an extremely tight range of color, texture and grain, with smooth masculine lines. The success of the project hinged on the quality of Superior Tile & Stone's talented engineering team, and the accurate fabrication and skill of the Local 13 marble masons and finishers who installed the stone.

Contributing BAC Members:
Brandon Aipoalani; Donald Alexander; Adrian Andrade; Irvin Araque; Ulises Ferman Avelar; Jose Avila; Robert Avina; Raden Baldogo; Dustin Ballenger; Juan Carlos Barajas; Jason Bennett; Roberto Betancourt; Francisco Bolanos; Nelson Bonilla; William Bowmer; Carlos Brambila ; Randy Buchanan; Jonathan Cacal; Edwin Cardona; Genaro Ceniceros; Edgar Cifuentes; Mark Cornish; Baltazar Cortez; Ronnie Crandall; Matildo Cristales; Greg Davis; Clayton Downie; Jose Duran-Serrano; Robert Edwards; Kelii Enomoto; Pedro Esquivel; Horacio Ferman; Sergio Leonel Flores; Jose Galaz; Oscar Garcia; Enrique Godinez; William Gomez; Victor Gonzalez; Matthew Grat; Gerardo Guzman-Posadas; Brad Hale; Alberto Hernandez; Carlos Hernandez Sr.; Luis Hernandez; Celestino Herrera; Thomas Judge; Michael Kahale; Chad Kalilimoku; Chad Kapanui; Dale Keen; Kenneth Klingebiel; Filifaiesea Lauvao; Leroy Lebron; Bryson Malendres; Jonathan Malendres; Michael Mamhot Sr.; William Mcmillan; Erick Membreno; Omar Mendoza; Ruben Mendoza; Sergio Mendoza; Isaul Michel; Fernando Montano; Moses Mora; Scott Mungaray; Jake Myers; Josue Ortiz; Gonzalo Padilla; Jose Patino; Abel Penaloza; Candelario Pulgarin; Nathan Ridley; Omar Rios; Joseph R. Robinson; David Rodriguez; Michael Rodriguez; Ricardo Rodriguez; Filiberto Rodriguez-Herrera; Jaime Ruano; Mark Sandage; Jeffrey Serrano; Kevin Stanton; Juan Padron Steele; Claude Stewart; Patrick Sullivan; Samuel Torres; David Tufele; Joe Utt; Jose Valencia; Francisco Valenzuela; Dean Weir; Corey White; James Wilborn; Jose Angel Zavala; Marcial Zavala-Pavon; Yenmor Zelaya.

 

 

 

Best Tile Project

Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island

WAR MEMORIAL ATHLETIC CENTER
CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS

Signatory Contractor: 
West Floor Covering, Inc.
Pembroke, Massachusetts

Architect/Designer: 
HMFH Architects, Inc.
Cambridge, Massachusetts

The craft superiority of Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI members surfaces at once in the renovation of the War Memorial Recreation Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Cambridge War Memorial Recreation Center is a 107,700 square-foot, two-story facility located on the campus of the city's public high school. With its three pools, a gymnasium, a field house and multi-purpose rooms, the structure serves 1,900 daily and is the central community athletic facility in Cambridge.

With a significant portion of the Center's main level occupied by the pool area, locker and shower rooms, ceramic tile was the perfect material choice for floors and walls in such a wet, humid environment. The ceramic tile's colorful patterns help establish and continue the Center's beautiful aquatic theme and are designed to suggest splashing water.

Contributing BAC Members:
Paul Budukiewicz; Christopher Callahan; Michael Carbone; Daniel Hazen; Erik Jennings; Michael Lentini; Andrew McDevitt; Robert Medeiros; Sheena Mezmar; Christopher Williams. 

 

 

 

Best Plaster Project

Local 9, Michigan

PRIVATE RESIDENCE 
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN 

Signatory Contractor: 
Hoffman Plastering 
Saline, Michigan

Architect/Designer: 
Norman Tyler Architecture 
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Norman Tyler

Norman Tyler

Norman Tyler

Local 9 MI, now part of the newly consolidated Local 2 MI, and signatory contractor Hoffman Plastering were recognized for their stellar renovation of a private residence in Ann Arbor.

Built in 1846, the single-family residence is located in the city's historic downtown. During the course of the past 160-plus years, the structure's exterior had badly deteriorated, exposing the brick substrate. The original stucco was removed and Hoffman Plastering and BAC plasterers brilliantly restored this architectural gem.
Guidelines for the restoration were set by the Ann Arbor Historical Society. One requirement was that the process and appearance of the original exterior be duplicated in the restoration. Hoffman Plastering carefully researched the methods from that era, after which BAC members precisely installed 3/8-inch rope and parging as a means of scoring the stucco to the exact varied dimensions of each individual panel.

These legacy craft processes resulted in a completed project that exceeded the owner's expectations. Today, this stately home maintains its well-deserved historic designation.

Contributing BAC Members:
Jeff Abbott; Doug Hoffman; Rick Hoffman; Bill Hurst; Josh Nichols; Chad Ryan; Andy Straub.

 

 

 

Best Restoration/Rehabilitation/ Maintenance Project

Local 1 Oregon

OSWEGO FURNACE RESTORATION 
LAKE OSWEGO, OREGON 

Signatory Contractor: 
Pioneer Waterproofing 
Tigard, Oregon

Architect/Designer: 
Miller Constructing Engineers, Inc. 
Portland, Oregon

Susanna C. Kuo

Built in 1866 at the confluence of Oswego Creek and the Willamette River, the Oswego Iron Furnace was the first of its kind on the Pacific Coast and the state's largest 19th century manufacturing enterprise. After it closed in 1885, an attempt to dynamite the furnace stack left gaping holes in the interior. In 1974, the Furnace was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains the only iron furnace west of the Rocky Mountains.

Signatory contractor Pioneer Waterproofing, Tom Fowler of Miller Engineering, and Local 1 Oregon collaborated on repairing the damage and restoring the Furnace to its original glory. The 32-foot high stack resembles a medieval tower. It has four openings surrounded by masonry arches. Over the years the furnace had partially collapsed. Its instability along with extensive deterioration, displacement and cracking of the brickwork made it unlikely that the structure could withstand a future earthquake.

Members of Local 1 installed ground protection and shored the interior to allow for rehabilitation. Quarry stone was used to match the original basalt and rebuild portions of basalt interior of the flue. Members also rebuilt the four Gothic arches using salvaged brick that matched the original brick in color, size and texture. This provided seismic stability to the entire structure. A lead-coated sheet metal roof cap was installed to prevent further moisture penetration. The Furnace's overall restoration and preservation will protect this historic landmark for decades to come.

Susanna C. Kuo

Susanna C. Kuo

Contributing BAC Members:
Gary Beck; Greg Bordal; Jim Carney; Jose Cervantes; Kirk Clark; Jeff Dick; Josh Dick; Aaron Jensen; Josh Jensen; Steve Johnson; Bryan Lyons; David Lyons; Rafael Ochoa; Cameron Orvin; Mike Sanders; Art Stubbs; Tim Surprenant; Jim Watson.

 

 

 

Best Stone Project

Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island

STOKES HALL AT BOSTON COLLEGE 
CHESTNUT HILL, MASSACHUSETTS 

Signatory Contractor: 
Fred Salvucci Corporation
Burlington, Massachusetts

Architect/Designer: 
Tsoi/Kobus & Associates 
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Robert Benson Photography

Robert Benson Photography

Robert Benson Photography

The Boston College is synonymous with quality Collegiate Gothic design and construction. Members of Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI, working for the Fred Salvucci Corporation, embraced this construction methodology in their work on Stokes Hall.
The 183,000 square-foot exterior stone walls are self-supporting. The full weight of the wall is carried continuously from its base to its top. Granite blocks were chosen individually at the quarry by the design and construction team after cutting into each stone to judge its color and texture.

The design and construction process on this project celebrates the role of the artisan, and the capacity of the human hand in shaping a facility for the educational community it serves. The skill of Local 3 members ensured that every component of their work contributed to the strength and beauty of a project worthy of its architectural heritage.

Contributing BAC Members:
Brian Annino; Ilir Begolli; Vincent Belmosto; Roberto Bento; Corey Black; Jose Borges; Alfonso Cacciatore; Joseph Casella; Luis DeMedeiros; Antonio DeOliveira; Brian Griffen; John Holmes; Robert Humphrey; Paul Keddy; Adam Marazi; Amadeau Martins; Michael McCauley; Anthony McGarrigle; Martin McGowan; Richard Pinard; Jorge Pinhancos; Jose Carlos Pinhancos; David Reed; Erasmo Santos;  Jose Soares; Erik Spero; Eric Vergato.

 

 

 

Don Cochran Photography

Best Use of Masonry Materials

Local 3 New York

MEIER HALL AT ELMIRA COLLEGE
ELMIRA, NEW YORK 

Signatory Contractor: 
Welliver McGuire, Inc. 
Montour Falls, New York

Architect/Designer: 
QPK Design 
Syracuse, New York

The work of Local 3 NY members on Meier Hall at Elmira College in Elmira, NY is a testament to the variety of textures, color and detailing that exemplifies remarkable masonry construction.

Local 3 members, employed by Welliver McGuire, installed a wealth of materials on the 64,000 square-foot dormitory and newest addition to the school's "picture perfect campus", which boasts a number of Gothic style buildings dating back to the mid-1800s.

The exterior of the building relies heavily on load bearing masonry for its structural integrity. Local 3 members were responsible for the installation of more than two million pounds of the raw limestone quarried for the project and 128,000 modular brick laid in English Bond.

Inside, the largest of the five Rumford fireplaces has a limestone façade decorated with two hand-carved limestone eagles. More than 14,000 square feet of custom-made tile were used in the bathrooms, 3,000 square feet of Serpeggiante marble and black granite were used in the entrance corridor, and 7,000 square feet of black epoxy terrazzo distinguish the hallways.

The project produced 32,000 work-hours for Local 3 members whose amazing levels of quality and productivity transformed a QPK Design into a symphony of masonry for Elmira College.

Don Cochran Photography

Don Cochran Photography

Contributing BAC Members:
Roger S. Abbott; Daniel L. Anderson; John M. Barner; Shawn R. Brann; Brian L. Coddington; Jonathan C. Coots; Timothy A. Coots, Sr.; Timothy A. Coots, Jr.; Timothy P. Dunlap; Stephen J. Ebner; William A. Edwards; David M. Ferris; Michael R. Gambino; David J. Jamison; Schuyler S. Jamison; Nick T. Jaramillo; Danny W. Klimaszewski; Timothy M. Lando; Kevin J. Lee; Floyd P. Lynch; Bryan S. Merola; Irving E. Reynolds; Christopher J. Schickling; Joshua C. Scott; Justin A. Summerfield; Loren M. Smith; Richard J. Stewart; Scott G. Stringer; Justin A. Slofkosky; Matthew E. Swartwood; Ezra L. Thornsbury; Shawn D. Tiffany; Samuel P. Van Der Heide; Duane A. Vorhis; Derrick L. Vorhis; Edwin J. Wolverton; Shane T. Woodin.

 

 

 

Most Innovative Use of Masonry

Local 1 Connecticut

YALE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES CENTER
NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT 

Signatory Contractor: 
Joe Capasso Mason Enterprises
Middletown, Connecticut

Architect/Designer: 
Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects 
Atlanta, Georgia

The Yale University Health Services Center in New Haven, CT is a brilliant showcase of the craft knowledge and capacity for innovation as demonstrated by the members of Local 1 CT and signatory contractor Joe Capasso Mason Enterprises.

This ingeniously designed building is another fascinating example of how masonry can satisfy both artistic form and creative function. The building is sited strategically on the southeast portion of a thoroughly contemporary Yale campus block, making it possible for the building plan to take on a triangular silhouette. This shape provides a generous perimeter wall to floor area ratio, allowing maximum daylight into the space that gives the building a cheery and positive feel. The triangular plan is also extremely compact and efficient, a great asset for a health services facility.

The small modular unit of brick allowed for the complex non-linear warping geometries to be formed using a segmented linear backup structure. The small units of brick smoothed the transition from geometry to geometry and allowed for curved and canting forms to be achieved.

In addition, the building form, with its soft edges in both plan and section, captures the spirit of the work of the late architect, Eero Saarinen. The eased forms address a sensuous, less institutional impulse, as brick veneer walls corbel out and rake back at various angles within the same wall plane to create subtle cascading curves.

Contributing BAC Members:
Howard Alger Jr.; Kenneth Barrett; Harry Bogue; Gifford Campbell; Brett Cayer; William Console; Mariusez Dabrowski; David Delbuono; Richard Delbuono; Joseph Demarchis; Steve Dibiaso; Andrea Ditommaso; Michael Duke; Carlos Esteves; Amato Feola; Carmelo Fidelio; Francesco Fortuna;  Kreshnik Hoxha; Joseph Izzo; Chris Johnpiere; Douglas Johnson; Scott Kenyon; James Kiernan; Richard Labranche; Patrick Lynch; Corrado Magliocco; Salvatore Manna; Ricardo Mariqueo;  Lenarr Massenburg; Jonathan Peabody; Dan Pinedo; Bryan Pulaski; Bill Quinn; Laszlo Quinn; Cronstan Royal; Michael Sarro; Salvatore Scata; Peter Syme; John Velardi; Salvatore Vernali; William Watson.

 

 

BAC Code of Conduct Award

Exemplary Safety Record, 17+ Consecutive Years

SAVANNAH RIVER SITE 
AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

Local 33 Georgia/North Carolina/South Carolina

From left, Local 8 SE President Ed Navarro, member Beverly Jackson and Vice Chairperson James Stringer with the BAC Code of Conduct Award.

The 2013 BAC Code of Conduct Award was presented to the BAC cement masons of Local 33 GA/NC/SC (now part of the newly established Local 8 Southeast) for their exemplary safety record of 17-plus consecutive years at the Savannah River Site in Aiken, SC, the best record among all the construction trades. Also cited were the contributions and dedication of Local 8 member Beverly Jackson for her ongoing work to promote the Self Awareness for Employees Team (SAFE-T) program.

Established more than 18 years ago, the success of the SAFE-T is due in large measure, says Local 8 President Ed Navarro, "to workers' active participation in the construction safety program."

The BAC Code of Conduct Award, part of the International's Craft Awards program, recognizes BAC members, Local Unions and/or signatory contractors whose work best reflects the Code's objectives, which include maintaining the highest levels of skill, knowledge, and respectful, productive comportment on the josbite. That describes BAC cement masons and Sister Jackson on the job at SRR to a "T".

 

 

Outstanding Union Service by an Individual

Richard Nagy

LOCAL 7 OHIO 
OHIO-KENTUCKY ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT COUNCIL

Craft Award winner Richard Nagy, second from right, with wife Donna and OH-KY ADC Field Representatives Noah Carmichael, far left, and Jack Green, far right.

When Richard Nagy joined Local 7 OH 56 years ago, BAC gained not just another member, but an individual who would dedicate his skills and experience to advancing the interests of his fellow members, his Local, the bricklaying trade and his community.

After serving his apprenticeship, Brother Nagy was employed as a journeyman bricklayer, then as a Union contractor with Pro Masonry Inc. after which he became the masonry instructor for the Maplewood Career Center. When he retired, he volunteered to work with Local 7 apprentices and the OH-KY  ADC  to help those 'coming up in the trades' to develop their masonry craft skills. Most recently he helped apprentices get ready for a national masonry skills competition in Las Vegas. The top three spots in the competition were awarded to the OH-KY ADC apprentices, one of whom was Local 7 apprentice Jeff Price.

Brother Nagy has never been one to hide his love of the trades. Over the years, he has developed an extensive collection of historical masonry memorabilia dating back one hundred years or more (see Issue 2, 2013 Journal article: "Two Decades in the Making, a Collection Built Brick by Brick"). "If there was an Ambassador of Bricklaying, Rich would be confirmed, hands down," says OH-KY ADC Director Ken Kudela.

 

 

Outstanding Public Service by an Individual

Todd Dexter

Vice Chairman
Local 1, Connecticut

KILLINGLY HIGH SCHOOL CONCESSION AREA
DAYVILLE, CONNECTICUT

Todd Dexter dedicated countless hours in both the planning and construction of the concession area at the new Killingly High School in Dayville, CT. The community service project followed the successful completion of the school under a Project Labor Agreement (PLA).

The 1,600 square-foot concession stand, complete with handicap accessible restroom facilities, is the result of Brother Dexter's tireless coordinating efforts that brought together donations by trade unions and their respective contractors, including equipment and materials, and of course, volunteers from Local 1.

Local 1 CT Vice President Todd Dexter and his wife Barbara, following the Craft Awards presentation September 22nd.

The Killingly Town Council and the Permanent Building Committee were convinced that a PLA presented the best path forward to ensure that the school would be completed on time, on budget by highly skilled trades workers. Their decision resulted in the hiring of 60 union construction workers, many of whom were residents and taxpayers of Killingly.

This concession stand is a valued addition to the high school on the heels of a PLA that has been extremely beneficial to the community. Brother Todd Dexter's service was invaluable in bringing it all together to produce a positive outcome for all.

 

 

Outstanding Public Service by a Local Union/ADC

Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois, District Council Training Center, and Local 74 Illinois

BURR RIDGE VETERANS MEMORIAL
BURR RIDGE, ILLINOIS

In seeking to honor those who served their country, the Burr Ridge Veterans Memorial Committee envisioned a well-planned site with multiple features and structures. Design and fundraising for the memorial would take more than ten years.

In 2009, President Greg Posch of Local 74 IL of ADC 1 of IL received an appeal regarding the possibility of Union bricklayers and stonemasons donating their labor to build the memorial. With the support of the ADC 1 of IL and the District Council Training Center, Brother Posch moved forward, ultimately spending countless hours on the phone with Committee members reviewing plans, ordering materials and making arrangements for members to donate their time.

From left, BAC Secretary-Treasurer and Local 74 IL member Henry Kramer with ADC of Illinois President Jim Allen and Local 74 IL President Greg Posch, who accepted the Outstanding Public Service award on behalf of the Chicagoland members who volunteered on the Memorial as well as the ADC, the DCTC Training Center and Local 74.

The Memorial is a showcase of masonry materials co-existing in harmony. There is ruble limestone in the fountain, a paving brick serpentine walkway, and a central open-air rotunda with smooth Indiana limestone benches for visitors. The center section supports a twelve-foot circular piece of polished black granite, which supports a sculpture of a fallen soldier's boots, his rifle and helmet. The circular wall has four ruble limestone piers with Indiana limestone panels.

Members of Local 74 and other ADC 1 Locals donated more than 1,500 hours to create this powerful place of remembrance, which opened in June 2010.

Contributing BAC Members:
Robert Arnold; Anthony Clemens; Janusz Chwalek; John Flynn; Andrew Gasca; David Naprstek; Greg Posch; Robert Rudis; Robert Tiedt; Juan Vazquez; Donald Walker; David Wysocki.

 

 

 

John B. Scola Outstanding Instructor Award

Don Hunt CSI, CDT

TRAINING DIRECTOR 
LOCAL 15 MISSOURI/KANSAS APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINING

In 2003 after working in the field for 26 years, Don Hunt accepted the position of Training Director for Local 15 MO/KS. Since that time, Brother Hunt has taken a decidedly "hands on" approach to his duties, as illustrated by the numerous masonry classes he teaches. And while expanding apprentices' craft skills and knowledge is an important part of Don's program, his development of the popular "Masonry-How We Do It" seminar series gives added dimension to the industry by improving Midwest design and technical skills.

Outstanding Instructor Craft Award recipient Don Hunt, second from left, with (from left) BAC Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer and Executive Vice Presidents Gerard Scarano and Tim Driscoll.

Don's close work with IMI as well as local chapters of the Construction Specifications Institute to provide continuing education programs are focused in part on ensuring future work opportunities for BAC newcomers. Reaching out to them is the Union's lifeblood, and Don and his staff have always been active at the high school level with job fairs, in addition to their involvement in the "Crayons to CADs" program with younger students.

Don was appointed to the Kansas Apprenticeship Council in 2005 and currently serves as Chairman. In 2009, he was recognized as one of the founding steering committee members for the Building Enclosure Council, Kansas City Chapter and serves on a number of industry councils. Last year, Don was one of three BAC craftworkers selected by IMI, in collaboration with National Geographic, to study and replicate construction techniques used on Brunelleschi's Dome in Florence, Italy.

Don's hard work and unwavering dedication to the Local 15's apprenticeship and training program has made it one of the strongest BAC programs anywhere.

 

 

Outstanding Local Officer

Dan McCall

PRESIDENT
LOCAL 8 ILLINOIS

Outstanding Local Officer recipient Dan McCall, second from left, who, until his recent retirement served as President of Local 8 IL from 1995 to October this year, with (from left) BAC Secretary-Treasurer Henry Kramer, and current Local 8 President Dave Toenjes and Secretary-Treasurer Pete Spence.

For more than 27 years, Dan McCall served as President of Champaign-based Local 8, which covers most of east central Illinois. In presenting the Union's highest leadership award, BAC President James Boland said: "The best craftworkers in North America depend on, and deserve – the best in Union representation. And the members of Local 8 and BAC as a whole are privileged to have had the benefit of Brother McCall's leadership for nearly three decades…" Brother McCall's lifelong dedication to strengthening and improving our great Union is the reason we honor him today.

McCall began his bricklaying apprenticeship in high school. After graduating, he followed his father and uncle into the trade. As a BAC officer, he tirelessly pursued work opportunities for his members that included securing Project Labor Agreements with area school districts and the University of Illinois. He expanded the health and welfare and pension plans to encompass every Local 8 chapter, supervised the formation of pre-apprentice classes, and facilitated the membership's community involvement through programs such as Habitat for Humanity and local food banks.

The Award could be considered the culmination of Brother McCall's distinguished Union career.

Although Dan retired on September 27th, his brand of selfless, members-first leadership will long be remembered with respect and esteem.