April 2010: For The Record

Words: Dan Kamys

April 2010

For The Record

JenniferThe Value of Restoration

Jennifer Morrell Editor jmorrell@lionhrtpub.com

I am writing this editor’s letter on my laptop from a small “hospitel” room at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Ga. My mother, sister and I are bunked in this dark, but cozy, guest suite with two twin beds and a rollaway – sort of a hotel within the hospital – while my father begins his recovery from open-heart surgery. My father has always been a strong, healthy man. To me, he has always seemed invincible. But he had a murmur that motivated his doctor to take a close look at his heart in December. Yesterday, he received a new aortic valve, and a few inches of his aorta were replaced.

“Afraid” doesn’t even scratch the surface of how our family and friends felt yesterday as my dad underwent several hours of an extremely invasive surgery. And “relief” hardly explains how I feel today. My dad’s heart has been restored. He has a lot of years left in this world, and a lot left to do – grandchildren to hoist into the air, hugs to give, hunting trips to take, rides on his Harley. This is the value of restoration. The next time you look at a building that isn’t as young as it used to be, remember the value of restoration. As amazing as current strides and advances in technology and construction are, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to replace the history and character of more mature buildings, schools, houses of worship, and other various masonry structures. Rehab and restoration are vital functions of our industry, because we save the lives of opulent structures all over the world and keep the integrity of communities intact. Restoration projects also create new opportunities for masons who may be struggling in such a harsh economy. Diversification of your skills and talents can be the key to survival. Rehabbing and restoring are ways of keeping history alive. And, as I’ve learned, it works for people, too. We get to keep my dad. Return to Table of Contents
From Idea to Jobsite: Inside EZG’s R&D Process
May 2026

In the masonry industry, equipment is rarely developed in isolation. The most effective tools are shaped by real jobsite challenges and refined through contractor feedback. At EZG Manufacturing, research and development is a hands-on, iterative process th

Abigail Spung
MAP Partner
Read More
Announcing The MASONRY STRONG Network™
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is proud to announce the MASONRY STRONG Network, a video-first multimedia platform. This marks the next chapter for the Association’s MASONRY, the brand that has informed and connected the trade for over

Dan Kamys
Read More
Manufactured Stone Veneer or Thin-Cut Natural Stone: Which One is Right for Your Next Project?
May 2026

Stone continues to be a go-to material in both residential and commercial construction, used for its texture, depth and ability to elevate a façade or interior space. For masons, general contractors, builders and design professionals looking for lightweig

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Read More
Celebrating Craftsmanship and Country
May 2026

The 250th anniversary of the United States is more than a date. It is a reflection of centuries of progress, innovation, and determination. STABILA has chosen to mark this milestone with a product that mirrors those same qualities. The Patriot Series Maso

Elsa Bueno
MAP Partner
Read More