Community BAC Craftsmanship
Penny Mason
Local 1 Michigan

In the summer of 2005, Local 1 Michigan member Penny Mason plunged into the tile and mosaic scene with professional grace and a brilliant splash of color. Sister Mason had only been working with mosaics for two years when a jury selected her design for the “Car Tunes on Parade” international art exhibition. After the design caught the eye of Jeep and Truck Design Vice President Rick Aneiros, the Daimler Chrysler Corporation selected her for a $500,000 sponsorship.

Mason’s “CC Rider” came to life with nearly 20,000 pieces of intricately cut glass. Working from sheets in at least 20 color families, she used nippers and a ring saw to achieve her pieces’ sharp angles and gorgeous curves. The mosaic was set with latapoxy 300 adhesive from LATICRETE INTERNATIONAL, INC. and grouted with LATICRETE® SpectraLOCK™ PRO Grout. The sculpture itself is 7 feet long, 4 feet tall and 3.5 feet wide. 

A veritable mosaic of talent and skill herself, Sister Mason’s superior skill and artistry have made Local 1 Michigan proud to have her as a member of their team and as a member of the Union.

Outstanding Public Service by an Individual
John Negulis
Local 6, Northern Ohio
Administrative District Council

Though officially retired in 1990, John Negulis continues to service to his Union and his community. This 58-year Local 6 Ohio member served as president until 2001 and stayed active in the Local’s apprentice program until 2005.

Over the years, Brother Negulis has donated countless hours building brick signs for schools, repairing steps for seniors, and making handicap ramps for families. He has volunteered in local schools to give talks about bricklaying and to encourage students to excel in their studies. He has also given his time and energy to organizations and initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity and the Domestic Violence Project.

Beyond the scope of the trade, Brother Negulis has been an exemplary citizen and community member, helping neighbors with rides in the winter, cutting their grass, and helping with expenses. To these acts he brings a generous and postive attitude that continues to improve the lives of those around him.

Outstanding Public Service by a Local Union
Local 1 New York

Under the leadership of President Sid Lanzafame and Secretary-Treasurer Jerry Sullivan, Jr., Local 1 New York has set a new standard for public service through the Local’s involvment in charitable fundraising - which has a particular focus on victims of muscular dystrophy and the countless children who still go to bed hungry every night.

Since 1997, Local 1 officers have donated both time and money to the Jerry Lewis Muscular Distrophy Association Telethon, and other events to raise funds for MDA. They have canvassed Shea Stadium, Giant Stadium and sold raffle tickets to benefit the MDA. Prior to Mets and Jets games alone they have raised $75,000 in donations. In addition, during the past four years, they have sponsored their own Local 1 Golf Outing, which has raised over $200,000. All together, Local 1 has raised upwards of $500,000 in kind for MDA.

Another innovative project to benefit from Local 1’s support is Canstruction, a design competition that allows teams headed by architects and engineers to showcase their work using only canned foods as building materials. At the end of the competition, these canned goods are donated to local food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, geriatric centers, and day cares. In the past five years, Local 1 has donated $50,000 to this organization.

Outstanding Union Service by an Individual
Frank O’Lone
Local 67 Illinois

Frank O’Lone began his career with Local 67 Illinois as a ceramic tile finisher apprentice in 1969 and continued on to serve as Chairman on the Local’s Executive Board for Finishers as well as Head Apprenticeship Instructor for Finishers. In 1979, Brother O’Lone became a ceramic tilesetter, later serving on the Local’s Ceramic Tile and Terrazzo Executive Board for five years.

In 1990, Brother O’Lone was appointed Business Agent and within four short years, he was appointed Secretary-Treasurer. Five years later, he became the Local’s Business Manager.

When Terrazzo Local 89 merged with Local 67 in 2000, Brother O’Lone responded by immediately implementing a DOL-regulated Apprentice Program. He also ensured that the Terrazo Finishers Health & Welfare, Pensions and Annuities were upgraded, and he did the same in 2002 when Local 67 took in the Ceramic Tile Finishers.

In 2003, Brother O’Lone was elected to the office of Secretary-Treasurer for the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades. Though he had to leave his post as Business Manager, his new position has allowed him to become a more powerful lobbying force for today’s Union as well as future generations. 

In addition to these functions, Brother O’Lone is a former BAC Executive Council Craft Vice President for Tile Setters, and served as a member of BAC’s Apprenticeship & Training Task Force, Tile Study Group, and TMT Labor-Management Craft Committee.

Brother O’Lone has given decades of distinguished service and dedication to BAC, the members of Local 67, and the labor movement.

Photo courtesy of Tammy Crockett - Timeless Images by Tammy

John B. Scola Outstanding Instructor
Thomas L. Murphy, Jr.
Local 3 Massachusetts/Maine/New Hampshire

Throughout his 33 years with Local 3, Thomas Murphy, Jr. has repeatedly proven himself to be an exemplary Union leader and gifted instructor.

Brother Murphy has worked for over a decade as the Field Operations Manager for the Chapman Waterproofing Company, one of the most prominent masonry restoration/waterproofing contractors in the New England area, where he oversees approximately
200 PCC members working on numerous projects.

Since 1989, Brother Murphy has been the lead PCC instructor in the Local 3 Apprenticeship & Training Program and holds training certifications from IMI, the American Air Barrier Association, and OSHA. He is a licensed gasfitter, trainer for aerial lifts, Massachusetts State Supervisor, and City of Boston Builder.  

Since the inception of the PCC craft as a component of the apprentice training program, Brother Murphy has been instrumental in designing a thorough curriculum and diligent in updating the program to include new materials. The 10-Hour OSHA course led by Brother Murphy has resulted in the safety certification of more than 1,400 journeymen and apprentices. 

His professional experience, approach to learning, and his teaching style make Brother Murphy a vital asset to BAC and the PCC industry.

Outstanding Local Officer
Lawrence J. Correa, President/Business Agent
Local 1 Hawaii

Through his dedication to his members and high standards of craft training and excellence, Local 1 Hawaii President Lawrence J. Correa has earned the respect of members, signatory contractors, building trades leaders and public officials.

Brother Correa came from the field in 1990 to serve as a Training Coordinator. Within three years, he became a Local Business Agent and by 1999, his leadership abilities were clear when he was unanimously elected as President.

In this office, he has shown a “no-nonsense” approach and demonstrated the values of efficiency and professionalism. Members appreciate that he handles grievances in a genuine, warm, and timely manner, expressing concern for the lives of members and their families that extends beyond their careers. He truly believes in going the extra mile.

Brother Correa has proven himself to be a reliable, capable leader who guides his “Union ship” ably through both stormy seas and calm waters by keeping his rudder true.