From the Editor

A Season for Giving

Jennie Farnsworth, Editor
jen@lionhrtpub.com

December — a time for giving — seems an appropriate month to discuss the various opportunities our readers have to contribute to the lives of others.

The following information is just a miniscule taste of the charitable opportunities that are in need of masonry expertise or volunteer services.

Local Schools
Schools are a great way to give back to the community and boost the industry.

Carl Schuler, retiree and CEO of Carl Schuler Masonry Construction Co. in Waterloo, Iowa, completed two charitable acts in one by assisting a local school, while also educating an apprentice.

When the local middle school was slated to be demolished and replaced with a newer building, school officials wondered how they were going to save the rows of limestone finials and large, decorative stone carvings. A stonemason at heart, Schuler stepped in, helped to carefully remove the stonework, and replaced them in the new building — all the while, showing an apprentice how it's all done.

Local and State Masonry Associations
Most local and state masonry associations have several charity, fundraising and educational events throughout the year.

For instance, the North Carolina Masonry Contractors Association (NCMCA) sponsors several golf tournaments that help raise funds for various projects.

"Our annual tournament provides funding for two purposes," says Lynn Nash, Executive Director of the NCMCA. "Half of the money goes into general projects, which include a number of vocational education programs, and the other half goes specifically to fund a scholarship at the N.C. State University School of Architecture."

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International helps provide affordable houses for those without shelter. With the help of volunteers, they have built over 50,000 houses in the U.S. since 1976.

In November 2002, Habitat for Humanity and The Masonry Industry Council (MIC) — which is an umbrella organization that includes several groups, including MCAA — signed a memorandum of understanding that greatly expands the cooperation between the two organizations.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity or to find a local chapter, visit www.habitat.org.

National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded, non-profit organization that provides leadership, education and advocacy to save America's diverse historic places and revitalize our communities. A vast majority of the historic buildings that this organization is trying to preserve are made out of brick, block or stone. Although they do not need masonry services provided, since each groups' goals cross many of the same concerns, this organization is well-suited for volunteers from the masonry industry.

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org, or for statewide and local partnerships call Elisa Cavalier, Associate Director of the National Trust, at (202) 588-6216.