Local Compass
March - April 2003
Local 3 New York Member Portrays Custer
Local 3 NY member David J. Schmidt’s
passion for the Civil War and painstaking research helps
bring history to life. Wearing the garb and accessories
of the era, Schmidt portrays Union General George A.
Custer in Civil War reenactments up and down the East
Coast. “It all started with my love of American
history,” said Schmidt in a recent interview with
a local newspaper. “I started out by researching
the Indian Wars. I then became heavily interested in
the Civil War.”> After becoming involved with the Civil War
Heritage Foundation, Schmidt assumed the role of Custer
at the group’s Civil War reenactments. The group
scrutinizes the historical details at their events,
including the interactions of soldiers, politicians,
doctors, nurses, and civilians. “We’re a
living history organization,” says Schmidt.
Texas Member Proud of Gold Card
Beginning his career as a Union tile setter
and bricklayer in 1947, Local 1 TX/LA/NM member Pete
Gomez worked his way from tile finisher to foreman on
jobs in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. After retiring in
1995, Texas Stone and Tile Company called Gomez out
of retirement to help train a new generation in the
dry mortar method of laying brick pavers. “I’ve
spent over fifty years in a trade that I have absolutely
loved. My advice to the younger generation is to be
proud of your work. If you have to take a few more minutes
to do the job right, then do it,” says Gomez.
Local 2 Alberta Members Honoured
Local 2 AB Business Manager Peter Homan and Executive Committee members Brian Sinfield, Chris Siever, Lyle MacPherson, and Walter Meznaric recently presented service awards to members of the Calgary-based Local Union. From left, Sinfield, 25-year member Les Pruden, Ron Siegmund (representing his father, 40-year member John Sigmund), 40-year member Karl Brau, Siever, 25-year member Heinz Lauper, MacPherson, 40-year member Frank Ambrosone, 40-year member Valentino D’Orazio, 40-year member Mike Pockar, and Meznaric.
Local 4 Alberta President Crafts Custom Patio
Local 4 AB President Herb Kind built this custom-crafted
patio fireplace complete with glass block walls and
lighted piers last summer.
Local 1 Oregon Presents Service Awards
From left, Local 1 OR Business Manager John
Mohlis, 50-year Gold Card member Bill Bogh, 25-year
members John Weihl, Dale Shiprack, and Mark Bader, and
40-year member George “Bob” Schell.
Local 9 Pennsylvania Honors the Swidzinski Family
The officers of Local 9 PA recently honored
three members of the Swidzinski family for their service
to the Local and the union masonry industry. Frank Swidzinski,
right, received his Gold Card and a gold watch for 50
years of service. His son Dale, left, received his 25-year
pin and Dale’s son Brian, center, holds a plaque
honoring his win at the Local Union’s recent apprentice
contest. The Swidzinski family owns and operates Swidzinski
Masonry in Butler, PA..
|
