Giving BACk
JOURNAL: ISSUE 4 - 2012
| From time to time, the Journal is gratified to highlight the range and scope of the vast number of charitable and service-related endeavors undertaken by BAC members, Locals and ADCs to extend a helping hand to those in need, near and far. We salute both the selfless volunteers whose good deeds appear in these pages and the countless other brothers and sisters, whose service and contributions enhance the lives of so many. |
Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois
Working Together for Hunger Relief
 ADC 1 of IL volunteers lend a helping hand to members hard hit by the economic downturn. |
In winter 2012, volunteers from the Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois distributed food to about 200 members that have been financially affected by the sustained downturn in the construction economy.
Held at District Council Training Center, the ADC-funded event was coordinated by Recording Secretary Pete Culver in conjunction with the Northern Illinois Food Bank (NIFB), a non-profit organization based in Geneva, IL.
The lingering effects of the worst recession since the Great Depression made hunger an unwelcome reality for many hard-working adults and the children and seniors in their households.
"We are always looking to find ways to help fellow Union members in need," said Jim Allen, ADC 1 of IL President. "This time we are working together with the NIFB to fight hunger in our community." Allen added, "It's a 100 percent community effort."
Every year, NIFB distributes donated and purchased food for an estimated 502,400 different people in 13 northern Illinois counties. To learn more, visit: www.northernilfoodbank.org
Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky
Honoring a Community's Bravest Public Servants
 At left, members of Local 4 IN/KY set granite in place of the Police/Firefighter Memorial in Fort Wayne, IN. At right, the completed Memorial. |
It took six years and $250,000 in contributions, including labor donated by Local 4 Indiana/Kentucky's Chapter 2 members, to complete the Police/Firefighter Memorial in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Construction began in 2005 with donations of materials, cash and labor. Delays with lights and concrete, not to mention periodic funding shortfalls, resulted in many challenges along the way but the projects' hundreds of volunteers never gave up. "The heart and soul they put into this effort was just as important, if not more so, than the money and building materials they raised and donated to finish this project," said Local 4 President Ted Champ.
With the skilled assistance of Local 4 apprentices, Local 4 Field Representative Glenn Head and Apprentice Instructor Ken Reiter spearheaded the installation of footer block, engraved black granite, and carved Indiana limestone.
"Everyone is happy to see the completion of this Memorial after six years of hard work," said Head. "So many people in our community had a hand in this project; it is a true labor of love."
Late last year, more than 1,500 men and women including city and county leaders, law enforcement and firefighter representatives, and the project volunteers assembled to dedicate the Memorial in honor of the police and firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
The structure is one of only seven combined police and firefighter memorials in a major city in the U.S.
Courthouse Cornerstone
 Local 4 IN/KY members Jim Hummel, left, and Todd Landess finish setting and securing the cornerstone following the renovation of the Randolph County Courthouse in Winchester, IN. |
Hundreds gathered from across the state of Indiana in Winchester to observe the cornerstone laying ceremony of the Randolph County Courthouse, hosted by Masonic Lodge 56 of Winchester on July 7th. The 136-year old Courthouse recently underwent an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion.
Local 4 IN/KY Field Representative Patrick Rowles said the setting of a building's cornerstone doesn't happen much nowadays, and requires the skilled, creative craftsmanship to make it a success. Because of this, Rowles said the Local was honored to be part of the ceremony.
The Local's 62-year member Jim Hummel and 23-year member Todd Landess performed the actual setting of the stone. Other members who participated in the ceremony included Dean Demuyt, Dana Koontz, Kenny Linsday, Tom Passmore, and Derrick Abel.
Local 5 Tennessee
"Tuesday Crew" Renders Decades of Service to Columbia Academy
 Local 5 TN Life Members Darrell Connelly, left, and Monroe Lovell repairing the sidewalk of Columbia Academy. |
In the heart of Columbia, Tennessee, a beautiful 67-acre plot of land is home to Columbia Academy, which houses 700 students from preschool through 12th grade. Originally built in 1890 as the Columbia Arsenal, the campus was repurposed in 1905 as the Columbia Military Academy, and again in 1979 as Columbia Academy.
Seven of the original nine masonry buildings of the Columbia Arsenal remain in use, as does a brick sidewalk dating back to 1892 that still provides a walkway for students on campus.
The root of this longevity can be traced to two remarkable members of Local 5 Tennessee. "Over a quarter of a century ago, two brick masons [Darrell Connelly and Monroe Lovell] helped to organize a group of members to do weekly volunteer work at the Academy," says Andrew Williams, Chief Financial Officer of Columbia Academy. "Since that time, they, along with the volunteers in the 'Tuesday Crew' have provided a tremendous service to our school and students."
Both Life Members of Local 5, Brothers Connelly, 88, and Lovell, 84, have dedicated their Tuesdays to maintaining the campus and its historic buildings for more than two decades. They not only initiated the volunteer program, but extended it to a group of retired craftworkers who contribute their time every week to the school.
"Mr. Lovell and Mr. Connelly exemplify everything that Columbia Academy is about," Williams said. "Their example of hard work, service, and selflessness is seen and admired by everyone."
Local 5 Ohio
Volunteering in West Africa
 Local 5 OH member John Crouse, second from left, with the local workers in Liberia, constructing a house with hand-made, sun-baked bricks. |
John Crouse, a 25-year member of Local 5 Ohio, has served as pastor of a rural church south of Cleveland for seven years. A proud Union bricklayer, Brother Crouse is always ready to lend a hand to communities, regardless of location. That commitment recently brought him to Liberia, West Africa on a mission trip to help a community there build a bunkhouse and water tower-generator house.
"My trip was an amazing experience," Brother Crouse said. "As you would imagine, safety is a huge concern and yet the workers did the best they could with what they had. I was surprised by how much they can accomplish with so little."
Mindful of the local workers' limited resources, BAC donated construction tools, lines, pins and shirts, conveyed to them via Brother Crouse. "I want to thank my Union for the generous donation; my African friends are very appreciative too," Crouse added. "The work and craftsmanship are done with pride. It made me even more grateful to be an American and a Union craftsman."
Local 4 and 13 Wisconsin
New Dugouts Advance High School Baseball Program
 Local 4 WI members Mark Graf, left, and Jim Dersnah volunteer their time on September 13th to build a baseball dugout for an area high school. |
As part of an effort coordinated by Camosy Construction and the Southeastern Wisconsin Building Trades, BAC members donated their time and craft skills to upgrade the baseball facilities of Tremper High School in Kenosha, WI in September.
Forty-year member Jim Dersnah of Local 4 WI and 25-year member Mark Graf of Local 13 WI joined the volunteer team in the baseball field to build new dugouts. Thanks to their help and the completion of the dugouts and other facility improvements, the school now has the capability to host tournaments.
Local 5 New Jersey
Habitat For Humanity Gets a Helping Hand
 From left, Local 5 NJ Vice President Joe Pillo, members Philip Merlock, James Allen, David Minsky, Theodore (Ted) Clay, Allen Guilford, Ogren Construction Superintendent Joe Santini and member Jason Jakubek. Not pictured are members John Belfi and Donald Knight who also worked on the project. |
In response to an appeal for volunteers, members of Local 5 New Jersey headed out to a Cumberland County residential construction site sponsored by Habitat for Humanity in October. After several evenings on the job, their donated time and craft skill yielded an impeccably constructed foundation of a new home slated for a deserving family.
"It is our commitment to serve our community," Local 5 President Donald Engelhardt said. "Our members worked hard to finish the foundation of the home in time, so the organization can be better prepared for winter."
Local 1 Missouri
St. Louis Building Trades Create Homebuying Incentive Fund
In February 2012, Local 1 Missouri and eight sister St. Louis building trades established a $600,000 stimulus fund to provide cash incentives to homebuyers ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.
The incentive program, called "Neighborhoods Build by your Neighbors," was made available to people purchasing homes built by members of the St. Louis Union Homebuilding Partnership. Each union's contribution was based on the percentage of trade hours it takes to build a home. The average incentive was roughly $5,000 per home depending on its price, which was presented to the buyers at closing.
"It is a win-win strategy in this tough economy," said Local 1 MO Business Manager Don Brown. "The program has not only provided financial support for home buyers, but also created work for our members."
The program has generated positive results. According to the St. Louis Labor Tribune, 120 homes were sold and more than 168,000 union construction work hours created.
Wisconsin District Council
Mission Possible in Mexico
WI DC Director Jeff Leckwee lays blocks for a school administration building in Leona Vicario, Mexico. |
Since 2007, Jeff Leckwee, Director of the Wisconsin District Council, has made several mission trips to Leona Vicario, Mexico with members of the First Presbyterian Church in Lodi, WI.
During his visits to Leona Vicario, Brother Leckwee helped build a school administration building and more classrooms for the local school. From planning the project to laying the foundation, from drawing blueprints to pouring cement, Brother Leckwee did it all. His construction know-how and strong work ethic made him irreplaceable to the project coordinators, who also credited his sense of humor with keeping morale up. In the evenings, Leckwee and other volunteers conducted a Vacation Bible school for local children.
 At left, Brother Leckwee pours concrete office floors, and right, fills in the foundation of the administration building. |