January 2013: From the Editor

Words: Dan Kamys From the Editor

I write this column with heavy heart, in light of the horrid events that occurred in Connecticut Dec. 14, 2012. Twenty-six people lost their lives in the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings and, as we know, 20 of them were children. Six of them were adult heroes.

I attended my daughter’s classroom Christmas party this week - a room full of 1st graders. I tried (unsuccessfully) to hold back tears as they sang Christmas carols for all of us parents. Tears of joy that I would get to tuck my little girl into bed that night, and tears of sorrow for the many parents who, for whatever reason, would not again. As they stood before us, dressed in their Christmas best and smiling through snaggled teeth, I could only think of what a treasure our children really are. What a blessing.

As we kick off a new year, we have a new opportunity before us: to make 2013 better than the year before. How do we do that? Some of it involves circumstance that we cannot control, and how we react to it. Some of it, however, will be based on our own decision making. This applies to everything in our lives. Each decision, big or small, has an impact. How you run your business, how you treat your employees, and even how you respond to a stranger on the street - all of it matters.

Let’s vow to make the most educated, thoughtful and productive decisions we can in 2013. Let’s take this turning economy by the horns and make noted progress. And, most of all, let’s remember how short life can be. Shorter for some, than for others. Leave nothing on the table, and nothing left unsaid. A new year and a fresh start, backed by the wisdom we’ve garnered through this point.

Return to Table of Contents

Helical Beaming: Strengthening Masonry from the Inside Out
February 2026

In the world of masonry restoration and retrofit, the goal is always the same: preserve the character and craftsmanship of historic structures while ensuring their long-term stability. But anyone who has worked on century-old brick or stone buildings know

A Practical Guide to Modern Masonry Restoration
February 2026

THE MYTH: Masonry Lasts Forever It’s strong, yes, but movement, moisture, and time still take their toll. Common Causes Why Masonry Fails: - Differential movement - Thermal expansion & contraction - Moisture intrusion & freeze–thaw - Corrosion of steel

The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction
February 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America is thrilled to announce the 2026 Annual Online Auction, the masonry industry’s premier event for scoring the best equipment at a fraction of costs. Whether you are looking to expand your equipment stockpile or

CMU Partitions: How Much Reinforcement Is Actually Required?
February 2026

Walk onto almost any job site and you’ll find masons laying out interior partitions much the same way they did decades ago. The work looks straightforward: stack the units, strike clean joints, and keep the wall plumb. And the function of these partitions