Masonry Magazine November 2001 Page. 46
masonry news
MASON CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN HOSTS REGIONAL MASONRY SKILLS CHALLENGE
On September 15, contractors from Michigan and Ohio sent apprentices to compete in the Region C Masonry Skills Challenge hosted by the Mason Contractors Association of Michigan. The competition was held at Best Block in Canton, Michigan.
Seventeen apprentices in three skill levels, first year, second year and third year, competed for the right to represent the region in the international Masonry Skills Challenge, which will be held in Phoenix on February 9, 2002. Each of the contestants had three hours to complete their designated project. These projects were then judged on ten criteria including plumb, level, correct design and aesthetics.
The first place winners from this competition were first year - Steve Koontz, Crest Masonry; second year Jerry Twining, Peterson Construction Co.; and third year - Darrell Patterson, Spartan Construction Co.
Jerry Twining from Peterson Construction puts the finishing touches on his first-place finishing project in the Region C Masonry Skills Challenge.
REGION A MASONRY SKILLS CHALLENGE HELD
For the third year, the MCAA Nation's Capitol Chapter hosted the Region A Masonry Skills Challenge. Apprentices representing contractors from all over Virginia and Maryland traveled to Supreme Concrete Block in Winchester, VA for this year's competition.
First year apprentice Armondo Ramero from L.F. Jennings in Falls Church, VA; second year apprentice Dennis Keadle from KaRon Masonry in Beltsville, MD and third year apprentice Thomas Hercek from Campitelli Masonry in Westminster, MD all took first place honors in their skill levels. All three of these apprentices now have the opportunity to compete in the international Masonry Skills Challenge next February 9 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Many suppliers in Region A donated materials and funds and deserve thanks for their assistance. These suppliers include SPEC MIX", INC., Supreme Concrete Block, Potomac Valley Brick, Betco Block, United Concrete, Capital Brick, Lafarge and Lehigh Cement. Without their support, this competition would not have been possible.
Third-year apprentice Thomas Hercek from Campitelli Masonry works on his project. Hercek took first place in the Region A Masonry Skills Challenge.
CMCA PROVIDES SUPPORT
The Board of Directors of the Canadian Mason Contractors Association (CMCA) at their September 29 Board meeting approved a five thousand dollar donation to the families of New York firefighters and police who died in the tragic events of September 11.
"We wish to express our sincerest sympathies to all of the families and friends that have been touched by this most terrible ordeal," said CMCA Executive Director John Blair. "It is said that adversity will often bring out the very best in character and that necessity will lead to innovation. We are very proud of the manner by which our American "brothers" have responded to this situation and confident in your resolve to weather this terrible storm."
46 MASONRY NOVEMBER, 2001