Giving BACk
JOURNAL: ISSUE 2 - 2013
From time to time, the Journal highlights the range and scope of the incredible array of charitable and service-related activities performed by BAC members, Locals and ADCs helping those in need. We salute the selfless volunteers whose good deeds appear in these pages and countless other brothers and sisters whose service enhance the lives of so many.
Local 1 New York
Raising Awareness and Funds to Cure, Treat Neuromuscular Disease
 From left, MDA officials and Committee members, MDA Goodwill Ambassador Chris, Diane Dougherty, Local 1 NY Vice President Anthony LaCava, and Lynn Pombonyo. |
Earlier this year, Local 1 New York Vice President Anthony LaCava was honored by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), the world's leading nonprofit health organization dedicated to researching the causes and treatment of neuromuscular diseases, for his longstanding support of MDA's fundraising efforts. Brother Lacava, along with his fellow MDA Committee members, raised more than $17,000 on the night of the event.
"Under the leadership of President Jerry Sullivan, Local 1 remains committed to these great causes," Brother LaCava said. "Our annual golf outing donates to MDA and also supports the Local's Scholarship program. We recently hosted our 12th annual golf outing on June 3rd and to date have raised more than $720,000 for both these worthy causes."
Brother LaCava added, "Being involved in these functions is very rewarding. I am blessed to have two healthy children and realize how fortunate I am."
Local 1 Oregon
BAC-Built Barbecue Beautifies Fish Hatchery
When Tillamook Anglers, a non-profit organization that protects and enhances fishing habitats, decided to build a permanent barbecue at the Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery in Tillamook, Oregon, they posted a request online. Local 1 Oregon Business Manager Matt Eleazer saw the post and responded, "I fish, most of our members fish, and we know how to build brick barbecues…We'd love to help because it's our way of giving back to the community."
On February 7th, Brother Eleazer, Local 1 OR Business Agent Mike Titus and Apprenticeship Coordinator Shawn Lenczowski made good on Matt's promise and, with the help of a half dozen volunteers, completed the barbecue. With the Hatchery drawing upwards of 120,000 visitors annually, the barbecue will add immeasurably to its capacity as both a natural resources education center and special events site.
 From left, Local 1 OR Business Manager Matt Eleazer, Apprenticeship Coordinator Shawn Lenczowski, and Field Representative Mike Titus build a barbecue at Whiskey Creek Fish Hatchery in Tillamook, OR. |
 The finished barbecue. |
Local 3 Massachusetts/Main/New Hampshire/Rhode Island
Honoring Veterans
 Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI members Mike Gilson, left, and Field Representative Chris Medeiros lay brick at the Iwo Jima Memorial in honor of veterans. |
On Memorial Day 2013, a crowd of more than 500 people gathered around the Iwo Jima Memorial at Bicentennial Park in Fall River, Massachusetts to remember and cherish those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
At the bottom of a 30-foot-high bronze replica of this renowned World War II monument, hundreds of brick have been laid by Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire/Rhode Island Field Representative and 30-year member Chris Medeiros and 13-year member Michael Gilson. Sold by the Greater Fall River Veterans War Council at $50 per brick to help support various veterans' programs, each brick is engraved with the name of a veteran either living or dead.
Introducing Craft Skills to Middle Schoolers
 Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI member Steve Ahern demonstrates bricklaying to students. |
Steven Ahern, a 28-year Local 3 MA/ME/NH/RI member, volunteered to demonstrate his craft skills for students at Narragansett Pier Middle School's annual Career Day in Narragansett, Rhode Island. The purpose of this event is to give students the opportunity to explore a variety of career choices.
"My Dad is also a proud Union bricklayer," Brother Ahern said. "And I am glad that I can introduce our Union work to the students and our next generation."
Local 7 Kentucky
Restoring a City's Signature Focal Point
 From left, Willie, Richard and Carmen Moon. |
A five-foot tall brick base for the flagpole on Judd Plaza in Ashland, Kentucky was completed in May thanks to the generous craft skills contributed by five members of the Moon family who are also members of Local 7 Kentucky.
Local 7 KY bricklayers – Richard Moon, his sons Willie and Carmen, his cousin Brian and nephew Justin – didn't hesitate to answer the call for reconstructing the brick flagpole base as soon as they knew the work required skilled bricklayers. "My grandfather, Carmen Moon, started bricklaying back to the 1950s, so bricklaying has been a family thing for us," said Willie Moon. "Our community always took care of us, and it is our way of giving back." Together, the five Moon members represent over 77 years of BAC service.
The City of Ashland supplied the materials and the Union members provided the labor and expertise. Since the previous base was deteriorated by bad weather, the volunteers put a seal on the new base to protect it from the elements.
The flagpole is a signature element of Judd Plaza in downtown Ashland; completing this project makes the area more appealing and welcoming for residents and visitors. Mayor Chuck Charles expressed his appreciation to the Union in a letter, writing, "The City has had a great working relationship with the Bricklayers Local 7, and it is the City's desire for a continued positive relationship for the development and growth of the community."
 From left, Willie, Justin and Brian Moon reconstruct the brick base for the flagpole. |
 Local 7 KY President George "Mac" Mellert, left, receives a letter or appreciation to the Local from Ashland Mayor Chuck Charles. |