We’re proud to welcome our newest signatory contractor, D&S Masonry and Concrete LLC, owned by members Don Garner and Shawn Crowe.

Don and Shawn both came from a nonunion contractor, and once they saw firsthand the value and benefits of union membership, they didn’t just join; they took it a step further by starting a union company of their own.

Their story shows what solidarity can build: better wages, better benefits, and a stronger future for everyone on the job. Please join us in congratulating Don and Shawn and wishing D&S Masonry and Concrete great success!

Food Pantry

Local 23’s North Shore Chapter is going strong! Local 23 is partnering with Holy Redeemer Church’s Cabrini House Pantry in Cleveland and St. Bede’s Helping Hands Pantry in Mentor to help support working families and neighbors in need.

Both pantries gratefully accept monetary donations, but they’re also in need of essential items, including:

• Hygiene products: Body wash, shampoo, wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, feminine hygiene products, hand sanitizer, mouthwash, shaving cream, and razors.
• Cold-weather clothing: Coats, gloves, hats, thermal socks, long underwear, and blankets.
• Non-perishable food: Canned soup, vegetables, fruit, tuna (easy-open cans preferred), boxed mashed potatoes, boxed rice, peanut butter, jelly, pasta sauce, noodles, and ramen.

Do you want to double your impact? BAC Local 23 is pledging to match any monetary donation to the drive – that means you can DOUBLE your money. Donate $10 –> $20 goes to the drive.

Members can drop off donations at the union hall or give them to one of our field representatives. We will be accepting donations through November 13, at which time everything collected will be delivered to the pantries.

Blood Drive

Local 23’s Blood Drive is officially scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Valley View Hall, located at 9525 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View, OH 44125.

We are looking for 50 members to sign up as donors. If you are interested in donating, please email or text Field Rep. Dave Greer at (440) 752-2821 or dgreer@bac23.org to reserve your spot.

Giving blood is a simple way to put union solidarity into action. Every donation can help a patient in need – from someone recovering from an accident to a family facing a serious illness. When we come together as a union, we have the power to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors and strengthen the community we call home.

Halloween is just around the corner, and Local 23 is opening its doors for two nights of family fun! Our Trunk or Treat / Haunted Hall events are a great chance for members, families, and friends to get together, enjoy the season, and celebrate the union family we share.

Kids can trick-or-treat their way through a lineup of decorated trunks and then brave the Haunted Hall, if they dare! Costumes are encouraged for kids and grown-ups alike, so dust off your best disguise and come ready for a frightfully good time.

We’re hosting two events so members on both sides of town can join in:

• Monday, October 26, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
  Valley View Hall, 9525 Sweet Valley Drive, Valley View
• Wednesday, October 28, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
  9437 Hamilton Drive, Mentor

Whether you’ve got trick-or-treaters at home or you just want to enjoy the Halloween spirit with your union brothers and sisters, everyone is welcome. Bring the whole family, grab a friend, and come celebrate with us!

Photo from the IMI Augmented Reality Workshop in Columbus! Photo credit: Dave Burke for SOM