Hands-On With The Next Generation of Bricklayers!

Last week, Canton Field Rep. Drew Fernandez and Akron Field Rep. Tom Dieringer took a trip to the Portage Lakes Career Center and spoke with the junior class about Local 23 and a future career in bricklaying. They laid brick and block with them for a few hours, all while talking about the industry and the benefits of being union strong. Juniors and seniors from four area high schools (Green, Manchester, Springfield and Coventry) attend Portage Lakes Career Center and the Construction Class that they offer. Students learn all the trades, but have spent the last couple weeks learning how to lay brick and block.

Fernandez and Dieringer are not alone in their outreach to young bricklayers! Canton member, Jeremiah Unklesbay, has been going to the Career Center on his own time once a winter for years and working with the young people. He also does the same with Buckeye Career Center in New Philadelphia.

“It’s really rewarding to be able to spend time with these young students and teach them about the work we do and about our union. A huge shoutout to the class’s instructor, Adam Irwin, for letting us join in and work with the students and thank you to Jeremiah and Beaver Constructors for donating 144 new blocks and a bulk bag of mason sand to the class. This is how we build our trade and our union: together,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez will be joining Unklesbay in January at the Buckeye Career Center to teach even more young people about the union.

The holiday cheer continues at Local 23! Holiday parties are continuing on with members gathering all over to celebrate the season and spend time with their union family. There are many more parties and celebrations on the horizon so take a look at the times and locations below to find the party for your chapter! For up-to-date information, you can always reach out to the BAC Local 23 office at 440.986.3000 or email frontdesk@bac23.org to get connected with your field rep. And be sure to follow us on Facebook for updates and photos!

Don’t forget: All members should keep an eye on their mailboxes in the next few weeks. A special surprise from Local 23 will be coming your way! 🎅

Upcoming Holiday Parties:

Northeast OH Canton Christmas Party

When: December 16 @ 6pm

Where: Ironworkers Local 550, 618 High Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44703

Northeast OH Youngstown Christmas Party

When: December 16 @ 6pm

Where: Operating Engineers Local 66, 291 McClurg Rd., Boardman, OH, 44512

Valley Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 18th @ 6pm

Where: Theo’s Restaurant, 632 Wheeling Ave. Cambridge, OH

Northern West Virginia Chapter Holiday Party

When: December 19th @ 6pm

Where: 19 Middletown Rd. White Hall, WV

James Brown with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the Mansfield Kids Christmas Party

BAC Local 23 is interested in hiring a Field Representative for the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky area. All resumes should be sent to frontdesk@bac23.org.

James Brown receiving his 75 year plaque at the Mansfield Kids Christmas Party last week. Brother Brown was surrounded by loved ones including his great-grandchildren