Masonry Magazine November 2003 Page. 45
MCAA News
Obituary
Turner H. Smith, Jr., 73, of Houston, Texas, died peacefully on Saturday, October 4 at home.
Mr. Turner was a Master Builder, be it family, friendships, organizations or structures-he built them all!
As an active member of the Masonry Contractors Association of Texas, Masonry Contractors Association of America, Bricklayers Welfare & Pension Fund, United Methodist Board of Missions, and most importantly as a trustee of the United Methodist Men Foundation, Mr. Turner held various leadership positions at local, state and national levels. Mr. Turner was also President of Masonry & Concrete Consultants for over 20 years and a long time Affiliate Member of The Masonry Society, chairing the Construction Practices Committee for a number of years.
Services were held Wednesday, October 8t, at First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to Hospice Care Team, 540 Normandy Street, Houston, Texas 77015, or First United Methodist Church of Pasadena Building Fund.
MCAA sends their deepest condolences to the Smith family.
Local, State and Regional
Chicago
Reported by The Daily Southtown, "Local digest: New homes must be brick," October 1, 2003:
All new homes in Richton Park will need to be made of brick rather than concrete, according to a change in the village's zoning ordinance.
Mayor Rick Reinbold said brick will be best for homes in the long term.
"Brick is easier to maintain, it would bring more in resale value, insurance would be less, and easier property maintenance is an advantage," Reinbold said.
The amendment describes an acceptable exterior as brick, stone, stucco and other similar masonry materials. It does not include materials such as painted or unpainted concrete or plain concrete blocks.
Michigan
The Michigan Mason Contractors' Association (MMCA) held its annual meeting at the Amway Grand Plaza in Grand Rapids, Mich., September 5-7th. Ray Bostwick, Ed Davenport and Jim DiGiovanni were re-elected to the Board of Directors. Officers were also re-elected: Jim DiGiovanni, chairman; Brad Leidal, vice-chairman; and Ed Davenport, secretary-treasurer.
Preparations are underway for the Region C Masonry Skills Challenge for apprentices. The MMCA will host this event on November 8th.
The next scheduled general membership meeting will take place in conjunction with MCAA's Masonry Showcase in Las Vegas, March 21-25, 2004.
New York
Reported by WORK-TV 13, Rochester, N.Y., "Contractors Cope with Higher Plywood Prices," September 1, 2003:
New construction of bigger and more expensive homes is a sign the economy is recovering, but it is also putting a strain on lumber supplies, especially plywood. While in some areas, builders can't even find it, in the Rochester area, many contractors said they can get it, but it costs a lot more.
Last January, plywood sold for an average of 59 per sheet. On Monday, the price is $16-$21, and it will likely go up on Tuesday.
The continuing higher prices play havoc on estimates.
Contractors are bracing for similar increases in commodities like dry wall and masonry brick that may also be shipped to Iraq in the near future.
North Carolina
Reported by The Business Journal, "Home builders hit with rising product costs, interest rates," September 29, 2003:
Triad home builders have added rising material costs to the growing list of challenges they face.
Regional News continued on page 44
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November 2003
Masonry
43