Masonry Magazine July 2003 Page. 47
MCAA News
NCMCA Convention
NCMCA Speakers Present
and Future
North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association President Red McAdams (fourth from left) greets the speakers and presenters at NCMCA's Annual Convention at Myrtle Beach, S.C., during May. Left to right: Professor Patrick Rand, AIA, of North Carolina State University and president of the Masonry Society; Marian Marshall, MCAA's Director of Government Affairs, Washington; Damian Lang, inventor of the Grout-Hog and president of Lang Masonry in Ohio; McAdams, and Alan Griffin, Griffin Contractors, Morganton, N.C., who is president-elect of MCAA and will address the 2004 NCMCA Convention in Asheville, N.C., as MCAA President.
Local, State & Regional News
California
Reported by The Sacramento Bee, 'Well-chosen structures or plants can help you keep your yard to yourself." May 17, 2003:
"Nobody likes the idea of neighbors watching them in the garden or inside the home," says Sacramento landscape architect David Gibson. Walled courtyards have gained popularity the past few years and are selling points in some new home developments. Masonry walls are hot, too.
"We're doing lots more masonry walls around properties," says Gibson. "It's one of the great changes I've seen. More people are tiring of board fences."
Cincinnati
Reported by The Cincinnati Enquirer, "Kids tutored on building trades jobs," June 1, 2003:
In the back yard of the oldest brick building in downtown Cincinnati, inner-city children will get hands-on knowledge of the building trades industry from professionals.
Through a summer program known as "Bond at the Betts House," children age 10-18 will learn how to mix mortar, lay bricks, pound nails, measure, cut and nail wood and work with blacksmiths and stone carvers.
"They get a chance to experience these trades with a professional as well as build awareness of building trades and a respect for the built environment," says Duncan Muir, executive director of the Betts House Research Center, which sponsors the program.
"Each trade is presented in its historic context and with a view to opportunities in the future for skilled craftsman," Muir says.
"It is dedicated to the study of building materials through a permanent exhibit demonstrating the construction of the house and temporary exhibits, including bricks and ornamental ironwork," Muir says.
Support organizations include Great Oaks Institute of Technology and the Tri-State Masonry Institute.
Florida
The Florida Masonry Association's 6th Annual Convention was held at the Wyndham Resort & Spa, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., May 15 through May 18, 2003. The events of the convention included educational and informational seminars, many social events and the honoring of the industry's top building projects around the state. In addition to the festivities and honors, the top apprentice masons from eight separate apprentice programs throughout the state competed for awards and the honor to represent Florida in the regional competition, to be held this year at the University of Florida in Gainesville.
The winners of Florida's Best Apprentice Contest were:
1st Year
1st place Jeff Leach, Lon Manucy Concrete - Jacksonville
2nd place Keith Brandel, Brandel Masonry-Fort Lauderdale
3rd place Fidencio Suarez, Ervin Bishop Construction - Tampa
MCAA News continued on page 46