Apprenticeship Today

From the President’s Desk

On Saturday, April 6, 2002 the Brick and PCC had their Local JATC contests. It was the first year for the PCC members to have a local contest. Troy Garland put one together this year and hopes it will grow to be bigger and better in the years to come.

The PCC members were very pleased to have their first contest. There were eight contestants. They were chosen first by their attendance, and second by their total school hours. All contestants were scored from 1-10 with a possible 40-point total, in the case of a tie, knots would have decided the outcome. The PCC apprentices started their projects at 8:45 am and at 1:00 pm the judges had them put down their tools. The judges for the PCC contest were Justin Garland and Vince Schneider. They did a great job and deserve a big thanks When they were done with the judging, the 3rd place winner was Francisco Avina, in 2nd place Roberto Garcia, and in 1st place Ramon Mejia. Congratulations from all of us at BAC Local 3 on a job well done.

The apprentices were given a 15 ;minute break at 10:45 am and at 1:00 pm Mike blew his whistle to put down their tools and let the judging begin. A great lunch was waiting for them. The Mason and Builders Association donated the funds to purchase marinated Tri-Tips, thanks Mason and Builders Association. Bob Keeles and Ron Bennett, both JATC Trustees did a great job barbequing them, they were great.

Some of our Masonry Contractors were in attendance as well as contestants wives, children, family members and some our BAC members. The weather was perfect for the competition. There was some fear of rain earlier in the week, but the weatherman came through. Our Fresno instructor, Larry Buranen was also there with the winners from the Fresno run-off contest.

When the judging was all done we gathered to announce the three top winners. 1st Place went to Miguel Cabrera, 2nd Place was Jason Mower and in 3rd Place we had Delvon Morgan. From all of us at BAC Local 3, a big congratulations. There will be a total of twelve apprentices going to represent Local 3 at this years Western States Brick & Tile Contest being hosted by Locals 4 & 18 in Anaheim, CA.

The other nine contestants going are Nicholas Thompson, Jose Cabrera, James Brumley, Doug Thompson, Jerry Turley, Calvin Chess, Jack Pimentel, Jimmy Smith and Steve Hanley. I want to wish all twelve apprentices the best of luck from all the members of BAC Local 3. I want everyone to remember that it’s not just about winning, but about doing your best and having fun.

I also want to congratulate all the apprentices who competed in the contest. Remember to keep up the good attendance, and the hard work on the slab because there is always next year. So work hard and keep sharpening your skills. In a short four years, you’re going to be known as a BAC Local 3 Journeyperson.

Other great news to report is on Saturday, September 14, 2002 there will be a 1:00 pm T-Off at the Brentwood Country Club. This will be the 1st Annual Don Sullivan/Sara Kraw BAC Local 3 Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament. We will keep you posted and send out a notice as the date closes in, so keep an eye on the mail.

Someone once said

While this may be true to our basic life expectancy, it certainly wasn't a principle that our friend, the late Don Sullivan adhered to. While it is true that we no longer have the privilege of Don's vigilant guidance as a trustee, the brothers and sisters in this union can look forward to the future due to Don's lifelong commitment to our industry.

Don once professed his earliest efforts to obtain a place to hold apprenticeship classes by going hat in hand and door to door. That was almost fifty years ago. We've come a long way since then and will continue to progress due in great part to a man’s selfless efforts to improve the lives of people in the craft he loved, and we now all share.

Don will be missed by all who knew him, and by all those less fortunate that did not. For the gift of humanity, ethics and morals he lived by have become the good thing in us that we will continue to share, that will not end.

From all of us, Thank you and God Bless you Don!

Words of Wisdom

Don Sullivan passed away on 19 February, 2002. His contributions to our apprentice program and all aspects of the masonry industry reach beyond anything you could ever imagine. You will be hearing his name spoken with respect for many years to come.