Category: Elevator Constructor

Brothers and Sisters:

All of the applicants for the Local 17 Apprentice list have received their slotting. The Local received over 300 applicants with 200 eligible for the interview. There are currently 24 apprentices in class with one in his final semester. In the fall there will be 25 enrolled in the program with RC200 and RC700 the most likely classes taught. Six apprentices have complete their Mechanics Review and are ready to schedule their tests. Best of luck to all moving forward in the best trade in the trades.

As this is being written, the International delegates are meeting in Washington DC to vote on ratification of the new five-year NEBA agreement. All signs right now point to a prosperous term for the incoming contract with ratification highly likely.

Work has been very good in Cleveland with several large projects kicking off or scheduled to come out of the ground soon. The outlook appears steady with little in the way disruption on the horizon.

Where are they working?

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a mod at St. James for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Brendan Teets at Meridian doing a three-car mod for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at Fairview Hospital doing a three-car mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Justin Swain at Shoreham Apartments doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Shane Huff and Luke Schnitzler doing a mod at Parma Park Apartments for Otis,

Ken Bowles and Kyle Rozenkrantz doing a two-car mod at Marine Towers for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsky and Pat Kelly at VA Wade installing a car for Otis,

Tom Peska and Matt Ramser at Market Square installing for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Joel Reyes in North Olmsted installing a car for Schindler,

Don Yoho and Adam Klein at Waterford Place installing a car for Schindler,

Shawn Yatsko and Brandon Light at Owl’s Nest doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Lem Hurd at Berkshire Apartments doing a mod for Schindler,

Gary Thompson and Jason Mays at Lake County Court House doing a mod for Schindler,

Rob Timko and Mike Bowles doing a mod at 55 Public Square Parking Garage for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing at two-car door mod at Vista for Schindler,

Matt Weingart, Lucas Janke, Joe Sumph, Aaron Reed and Mike Bowles doing a mod at UH Main Campus for Schindler,

Dan Varga and Matt Carlton at JoAnn Fabrics in Akron doing a freight car mod for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Dan Quigley doing a four-car mod at Euclid Beach Villa for Schindler,

Andy Mesko and Jarret Adams at Westfield Insurance in Akron doing a mod for Schindler,

Brian Bond working in Akron for Schindler,

Todd Ross, Drew Williams, Russell Barrows and Scott Franesangeli at 55 Public Square doing a mod for KONE,

Brendan Hyland and Mike Miller Jr doing and escalator mod at Kohl’s Parmatown for KONE,

Joe Gauker, Rob Geilarowski, Mike Carson and Eric Schaffran installing 12 cars at Ahuja for KONE,

Tim Narowitz and Chris Sipos doing a two-car mod at St. John’s for TK,

Anthony Metcalf and Brad Skotko doing a two-car mod at Blair House for TK

Kevin Thomas and Sean Canning doing a mod at Merrill Building for TK,

Mitch Klemp and Brian Owens at CMHA Cedar Extension doing a kid for Gable,

Marc Carollo and Wing Lui at Wynwood Apartments doing a mod for Gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Tino Chabai doing a mod at St. Augustine’s for Gable,

Chris Trauger and Trevor Rutherford with United Drilling cleaning a 41’ hole at NASA.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families Brother Tom Reitz who passed away January 15 and retirees Don Tretera who passed away January 19, Jim Agnew who passed away January 21 and Phil Steyer who passed away February 21.

As of this writing there are two mechanics on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

In a first for Local 17, the February union meeting normally held in the main hall downstairs was called off to the general membership as the area immediately around the hall was struck with a blackout.  Because the business of the Local still needed to be conducted, the officers met upstairs and held the meeting by flashlight.

Congratulations to Sister Andrea Rodriguez who was sworn in at the meeting as the new Warden and is the first woman to hold an elected Local office.

On Friday, May 20 Local 17 will be honoring its retired members at Harry’s Steak House, 5664 Brecksville Road, Independence.  Drinks at 5:30 pm with dinner at 6:30 pm.  The cost is $50 at the door for active members with retirees attending for free.  Please get your reply into Business Manager John Driscoll Jr at the hall no latter than May 10.  You can call John at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

Where are they working?

DJ Spring and Devon Shields doing a mod at Southpoint Hospital for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Brendan Teets at Meridian doing a three-car mod for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at Fairview Hospital doing a three-car mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Justin Swain at Shoreham Apartments doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Shane Huff and Luke Schnitzler doing a mod at Parma Park Apartments for Otis,

Ken Bowles and Kyle Rosenkranz doing a two-car mod at Marine Towers for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsky and Nick Ward at the VA Wade Park installing a car for Otis,

Pat Kelly and Carl Turner bouncing between Bay Village Library and Brecksville School installing cars for Otis,

Tom Peska and Matt Ramser at Market Square installing for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Joel Reyes at 10 Pins Bowling Alley installing a car for Schindler,

Don Yoho and Adam Klein at Lincoln Apartments installing a car for Schindler,

Dion Yatsko and John Smith running two cars at Metro Hospital for Burkshire,

Shawn Yatsko and Brandon Light at Owls Nest doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Gary Thompson, Felix DeJesus, Lem Hurd and Jason Mays doing a soda t Erieview for Schindler,

Rob Timko and Jason Mays doing a mod at 55 Public Square Parking Garage for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing a two-car door mod at Vista for Schindler,

Matt Weingart, Lucas Janke, Aaron Reed and Mike Bowles doing a mod at UH Main Campus or Schindler,

Dan Varga and Matt Carlton at JoAnn Fabrics in Akron doing a freight car mod for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Dan Quigley doing a four-car mod at Euclid Beach Villa for Schindler,

Brian Bond working in Akron for Schindler,

Dave Gnagy and Jay Carlson at Bentley Park doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Todd Ross and Scott Francesangeli at 55 Public Square doing a mod for Kone,

Brendan Hyland and Chris Boggess doing an escalator mod at Kohl’s Parmatown for Kone,

Tim Narowitz and Dave Ford doing a two-car mod at St John’s Hospital for Thyssen,

Anthony Metcalf and Brian Owens doing a one-car mod at Blair House for Thyssen,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a mod at Wilson Tower for Thyssen,

Jason Fredricks and Chris Sipos doing a two-car mod at Addison Tower for Thyssen

Kevin Thomas and Sean Canning doing a mod at Merrill Building for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Brad Skotko at Cedar Extension going a mod for Three-Phase,

Marc Carollo and Wing Lui at Richmond Park Apartments doing a mod for Three-Phase,

Jim Ehrbar and Tino Chabai dong a mod at St Augustine for Three-Phase.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Brother Tom Reitz who passed away January 15, Honored Retiree Don Tretera who passed away January 19 and Honored Retiree Jim Agnew who passed away January 21.

As of this writing there are two mechanics on the bench.

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

When searching  for the most traded commodity on earth, one is always close to the top on every list:  coffee.

My coffee journey started in my early years as a fascination over this hot, fragrant brew my elders seems to crave in the morning, occasionally during the day and finally with a cigarette after dinner.  At social events, other than the beer fridge, the stainless steel coffee urn was not only the most visited fixture, it produced with no doubt the best iteration of the brew.  More over, it seemed most gatherings ended in the kitchen with great conversation over a cup or two of coffee.

In an effort to see what all the fuss was about, I found myself seeking the last little “kiss” at the bottom of the cup and soon was enthralled by the bitter sweetness of what I would later describe as a “small two and two”:  small coffee, two cream, two sugar.  

At somewhere around twelve, I developed my own taste for the caffeine-laced concoction which was so heavy on the cream and sugar I am surprised I ever slept.  By high school my taste refined to the two and two formulation which lasted through college. 

Collegiate coffee was the way to stay awake for an all nighter, sober up for class with a chocolate-cream filled doughnut chaser and write an editorial sure to anger the administration.

When I became a father and my children were about four years old, I taught them how to make a pot for dad.  It wasn’t about the drink, whose quality might be sketchy at best, it was about teaching them something they could do on their own to give them confidence in themselves.  Coffee had become a teacher.

In my previous lives, I used coffee for a number of different applications:  warming up while working in a freezing warehouse, a substitute for a lunch I could not afford, a way to assuage the boredom of a mind-numbing cubical existence.  Coffee, a substitute for happiness.

When I entered the trade, coffee was a habit every bit as strong as someones after dinner cigarette and the pre-union meeting beer.  Mechanics I worked with and admired would religiously stop work at the appointed hour, walk or drive to the spot and sit with a steaming styrofoam cup in various shades of brown, a stir stick and napkins.  Lots and lots of napkins.  On those napkins they worked out problems, illustrated ideas on how to move the generator up an impossible flight of stairs and taught relay logic.  There is no doubt in my mind every possible problem has been solved over a cup of coffee and millions of napkins.

My three favorite coffee spots are the Brecksville McDonald’s, the Lemon Tree in the old Huntington Building and The Market at 9th and Chester.  What made these places special had little to do with the location and everything to do with the people.  

While working the mod at Huntington, Big Bob held reign every morning and God help you if you sat in his seat.  I listened, learned and studied for my mechanics test while drinking coffee there.  The Brecksville McDonald’s had a cliche of old men who talked like they ruled the world before returning to their wives who ruled the roost.  After taking the job at CSU I found myself gravitating to coffee at The Market, not because of the quality or Wa’s always upbeat nature, it was the guys.  

I miss Pat, Al and Dave and our conversations fixing elevators, our companies and the world.  I miss the guys who would drop by for a cup when in the neighborhood or make a special day trip.  I miss Jerry and we all will miss Tom.  

The next time we all are together, let’s raise a cup to those that are here, those that are not and those we wish were.

Until next month,

Work safe, work smart and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

Happy New Year to the International community and the families of Local 17. To say the past two years have been a challenge is an understatement. Local 17 has been working continuously since the pandemic was declared in March 2020 with no let up in sight.

The rumor as of writing is that Schindler has been awarded the Sherwin-Williams HQ project on Public Square. The plan is for between 18 and 28 elevators in a 38 floor building. Otis and TK have mostly mods on their books, Gable has about a dozen mod and construction jobs planned while KONE has three good size jobs at Van Aken, Circle Square and Ahuja. This is a very fortunate circumstance as many localities shut down for significant times costing members valuable pay and pension hours.

We have also seen face masks and hand sanitizer become company issued PPE and the controversies over mandatory vaccinations and vaccination status become a political wedge to divide a nation. It’s sad. Using the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people all over the world as a political bludgeon to advance a divisive ideology is, in my mind, criminal and those advancing these issues are not the patriots they present themselves as.

Let’s pray that in 2022 cooler heads calm this fiery discourse.

Spring Semester starts the week of January 17th. There will be 14 apprentices in RC100 and eleven in RC400 with one apprentice doing RC200 on home study. The likely date for an orientation class will be Wednesday, January 19 with our new Area Coordinator Jordan Miller.

If everyone passes their classes as scheduled, Local 17 will have six test-eligible apprentices after the Fall semester. Good luck to those ready to take their next step in the trade.

Ross Elevator was bought out by KONE and owner Jim Ross retired along with mechanic Doug LaFontaine. Gable Elevator was bought out by Canton, Mass-based 3Phase Elevator. 3Phase has operations in New England, the Mid-Atlantic and Florida. This will be their farthest western office.

At the November meeting, the Local 17 delegates to the 32nd General Convention gave reports on the committees with which they were involved. John Patton sat on the Constitution and By-Law Committee, Bill Lynsky was on the Resolutions Committee, Tim Narowitz was on the Health Committee and John Driscoll Jr was on the Pension Committee. Of the hundreds of resolutions discussed by the different committees, 20 passed on the floor covering safety topics. Thirteen need to go to the bargaining table because they deal with issues in the Collective Bargaining Agreement and seven were integrated into the International Constitution and By-Laws on November 1.

On November 6th Brother and Sister Ernie and Andrea Rodriguez held a fundraiser at Herman’s Pub in Brunswick for Andrea’s daughter, Grace Shank, who was diagnosed in August with brain cancer. Grace was living in Madison, Wisconsin at the time of her diagnosis and successful surgery. According to Andrea, prior to her becoming ill Grace was an active young lady who, among other interests, rode motorcycles with a group from IUEC Local 132 (Madison, WI) as well as playing multiple string instruments. The money raised will go to offsetting living expenses not covered by the IUEC health benefits.

The January meeting will be a mandatory meeting for the installation of officers. Those not in attendance will be fined accordingly.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of Honored Retiree Jim Koberling who passed away and Brother Bill Dudas who lost his sister.

As of this writing there is one mechanic on the bench.

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

Apprentice pay raises were effective with the first paycheck in September.  Several signatories have been having issues with making a correct payout for hours worked.  At the October meeting, Business Manager John Driscoll Jr said that if these issues continue he will instruct our members to go to the office and wait for their checks.  If you have any issues with your check contact John at 216-431-8088 or email him at JEDriscoll@iueclocal17.org.

The August issue of the Cleveland Labor-Citizen featured an article on Local 17’s new classroom facility on Engle Road.  There is also the article for the October issue of the Elevator Constructor, with photos, available on the local’s website, iueclocal17.org.

The December 10, 2021 and January 14, 2022 meeting are mandatory called meeting for the election and installation of officers.  Fines will be assessed for non-attendance.

Where are they working?

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a mod at Southpoint Hospital for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Brendan Teets in Painesville installing one car for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at Ridge Tool doing a two-car mod for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at Shoreham Apartments doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot working Akron on a mod at AMHA for Otis,

Ken Bowles and Shane Huff at Mercy Hospital doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsky and an Akron apprentice at Lordstown Battery installing a freight for Otis,

Pat Kelly and Carl Turner at Westwood in Elyria installing one car for Otis,

Tom Peska, Ernie Rodriguez, Andie Rodriguez, Joel Reyes, Matt Ramser and Adam Klein installing six 11-stop 5500’s at Market Square for Schindler,

Bob Myer, Chris Boggess and two Houston mechanics installing cars at Metro Hospital for Schindler,

Dion Yatsko and John Smith running two cars at Metro Hospital for Berkshire,

Shawn Yatsko and Brandon Light at Owl’s Nest doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Gary Thompson and Jason Mays doing a mod at Erieview for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Lem Hurd doing a mod at Commodore for Schindler,

Matt Carlton and Rob Timko doing a mod at CSU for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing door mods at Akron General Hospital for Schindler,

Matt Weingart, Lucas Janke, Aaron Reed and Mike Bowles doing a mod at UH for Schindler,

Joe Sumph, Dan Varga, Andy Mesko, Tom Holian, Jarrett Adams and Tristan Coughlin doing a mod at Forest Hills for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Don Yoho at Bendix in Avon adjusting three cars for Schindler,

Brian Bond and Tito Mike doing a two-car mod at Euclid Hill Villa for Schindler,

Dave Gnagy and Jay Carlson at Erieview doing a two-car mod for Schindler,

Todd Ross, James Hirz, Drew Williams and Russell Barrow at 55 Public Square doing a mod for Kone,

Tim Narowitz and Dave Ford doing a one-car mod at Acacia-on-the-Green for TK,

Anthony Metcalf and Brian Owens doing a one-car mod at 75 Public Square for TK,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a one-car mod at Slovene Home for TK,

Jason Fredrick and Chris Sipos doing a mod at Case 49 Building for TK,

Chris Scholle and Jason Saunders installing a car at Box Storage in Columbus for TK,

Kevin Thomas and Sean Canning installing a car at Berkshire School for TK,

Scott Hicks, Marc Carollo, Wing Lui and Brad Skotko at K&L buildings across from NASA doing a mod for Gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Tino Chabai doing a two-car mod at 11811 Shaker Blvd for Gable.

The Brothers and Sister of Local 17 send their condolences to retiree Dennis Dixon whose wife and mother both passed from complications of Covid-19.

As of this writing there is one mechanic on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety,

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

There is a lot to report…

Local 17 is fully moved into its new school building and waiting on white boards, projection screens and a new printer. At the orientation meeting, Matt Jaworski for the Cleveland Labor-Citizen, the oldest labor newspaper in the country, cover the event. Photos and the article are available in the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades blog at cbctc.org/blog as well as a separate article on the Local 17 website iueclocal17.org.

Congratulations to Brother Jason Tischler on passing the Mechanics Exam. Remember that this is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge as an elevator mechanic you will ever have in your career.

The November 12 and December 10, 2021 and January 14, 2022 are mandatory special called meetings for the nomination, election and installation of officers. Those not in attendance are subject to fines.

Where are they working?

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a mod at Carnegie Towers for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Brendan Teets at Lubrizol installing a car for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at the Carlyle in Lakewood doing a mod for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at the Cleveland Clinic main campus doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot working in Akron doing a mod for Otis,

Ken Bowles and Shane Huff at Mercy Hospital doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Jerry Szmerekovsky, Pat Kelly and two Akron apprentices at the Lordstown Battery plant installing a freight car for Otis,

Tom Peska, Ernie Rodriguez, Andie Rodriguez and Matt Ramser installing sis 11-stop 5500’s at Market Square for Schindler,

Bob Meyer, Chris Boggess and two Houston mechanics installing 14 cars at Metro General Hospital for Schindler,

Dion yatsko and John Smith running two cars at Metro for Berkshire Construction,

Gary Thompson and Jason Mays doing a mod at Erieview for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Lem Hurd doing a mod at Commodore Apartments for Schindler,

Matt Carlson and Rob Timko doing a traction mod at CSU for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing a door mod at Fenn Tower for Schindler,

Matt Weingart and Aaron Reed at Skylight Office Tower doing a mod for Schindler,

Joe Sumph, Dan Varga, Andy Mesko, Tom Holian, Jarret Adams and Tristan Coughlin doing a mod at Forest Hills for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Don Yoho at Bendix in Avon adjusting three cars for Schindler,

Lucas Janke and Mike Bowles doing a mod at UH for Schindler,

Brian Bond and Tito Mike doing a two-car mod at Euclid Hill Villa for Schindler,

Dave Gnagy and Jay Carlson st Bentley Park doing a two-car md for Schindler,

Bill Sellers and Joe Walter replacing hoist machines at Pine Ridge for Schindler,

Drew Williams and Russell Barrows at Rockside Park doing a mod for Kone,

Tim Narowitz and Dave Ford doing a one-car mod at Acacia for Thyssen,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a one-car mod at Slovene Home for Thyssen,

Anthony Metcalf and Brian Owens doing a mod at 75 Public Square for Thyssen,

Jason Fredrick and Chris Sipos doing a mod at Case 49 Building for Thyssen,

Chris Scholle and Jason Saunders installing one car at John Carroll for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Sean Canning installing a freight car at 75 Public Square for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Tino Chabai at the Center for patrol Care installing one car for Gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Wing Lui doing a two-car mod at 11811 Shaker Blvd. for Gable.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the families of retired Brother John Sopochak who passed away in September and retired Brother Dave Zepeda whose wife passed away in July.

As of this writing there is one mechanic on the bench.

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

In the August issue of the Elevator Constructor, NEIEP Director John O’Donnell  wrote about the brand new national training center NEIEP opened in Warwick, Rhode Island across from TF Green International  Airport. The dedicated facility for training instructors has been a long project for NEIEP and the COVID-19 pandemic gave them additional time to be sure they had everything right.

In many ways NEIEP and Local 17 were on parallel courses.  In May 2020, the Joint Apprenticeship Committee was informed that the building it was renting on Superior Avenue in downtown Cleveland was sold and it would have to find a new home for the school.  While that may have been bad news in some Locals, that was not necessarily the view in Cleveland.  The space was in a part of town that is transitioning from a commercial/residential neighborhood to an attempt at gentrification.  There were ongoing issues with after hours safety of persons and property and the space was also not conducive to the growing educational needs of the Local.  

After searching the downtown Cleveland area, Business Manager John Driscoll Jr, with the help of a local real estate agent,  found a building previously used as a credit union across from the Ford Engine Plant near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Brookpark, a southern suburb of Cleveland.

Once the lease was signed on the Engle Road facility, it took several months of work to refurbish the former credit union building into the training center.  “We are very excited to be in the building” Driscoll said.

“This building is a major upgrade from our Superior location” said NEIEP Area Coordinator Wally Wuelling.  “Everyone is happy we are back in the classroom.”

On August 9th, IUEC Local 17 opened its new training center with an apprentice orientation.  This was the first event in the building because the Covid-19 outbreak kept instruction online for all of last year.  

The center, which is four times larger can the previous classroom space on Superior Avenue, features a two classrooms upstairs, two downstairs, two restrooms and multiple storage options for labs and materials.

Photos from the day and the facility can be seen on the IUEC Local 17 website, iueclocal17.org.

As you receive this issue, the International will be holding their convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Conventions are not big parties just thrown together at the last minute for the purpose of socialization.  Conventions are where the direction of the International for the next five years is debated, argued and wrestled over point by point.  It is where the priorities for the upcoming contract negotiations are hammered out.   

If history is any indication, the priorities coming out this gathering will help prepare the union as a whole for any eventuality, good or bad, foreseen or unforeseen, which may arise.  On behalf of the Brothers, Sisters, officers and delegates of IUEC Local 17, congratulations on a successful convention and upcoming contract negotiations.

Until next month…

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net 

Brothers and Sisters:

Over the last several months, my YouTube feed has been suggesting job-oriented videos. The themes range from how to identify a toxic work environment, bad bosses, five signs you should quit your job right now, negotiating a salary… Hmmm.

Is the cosmos trying to tell me something?

After clicking on several of these videos a common theme seemed to emerge that is appropriate for the trades — career planning.

Career planning is not something limited to the corporate world, it has a direct application to what we in the field do everyday. We all started in this trade as probationaries with a skill set brought from our previous work experience. As we progressed in the trade, we identified areas where our skills directly applied and we could be an asset to our job and also identified areas we needed assistance.

For me, I was stronger in mechanical systems where I could see the interactions of parts and the result of their work. I also knew enough about electricity to know that I did not know enough. I knew this was an area I would need to concentrate on if I was going to be successful in this business.

I tackled Basic Electricity and finally understood exactly what was going on in AC and DC motors, came to grips with inductance and capacitance, tried to stay awake through transformers and reveled in circuit tracing. I developed skills I applied to my daily work experience. Work was easier and fun.

Along the way I had opportunities to interact with guys from other companies and saw through their stories how different offices worked, or didn’t. I also saw several of my peers take the plunge into management or jobs with different aspects of field support. For someone focusing on the day-to-day tasks at hand, it was very expansive. I knew enough about myself to know that being a superintendent was not for me but, there might be other jobs I could do that would make a difference.

In November of 2006 I was going to my truck to get my phone prior to a union meeting when Mike Moennich asked if I would be interested in running for the correspondent to the Journal. Mike knew from our time working together I had a background in journalism. I agreed and was elected at the December meeting. That put my feet on the path I am today.

As a newly elected officer, it did not take long for me to realize that union meetings are a conversation and in order to understand what was going on it took many months to see how the conversation progressed. I did my best to keep the Journal readers up to date on happenings and eventually found my voice within the Local.

In 2010 the sixth issue of Lift Magazine showed up in my mailbox. I read through the issue and the back issues I had saved and thought it was interesting. They contained a lot of good information and background on a variety of subject written by people who spent at least part of their careers working in the field. On one of the pages was a box asking those interested in writing for Lift to email NEIEP and I did. A few months later I received an email and it opened up a new opportunity to apply my editorial skills to a project where I could make a positive impact on the trade. That lead to becoming an instructor and meeting some of the best people from around the country. All of them dedicated to making the trade a little bit better.

It’s strange how life puts you where you are supposed to be. I never thought that initial short conversation in the parking lot would lead me to where I am today. I don’t know where the rest of my time in the trade will take me but I just have two things to say: thank you Mike Moennich and enjoy your retirement. You’ve earned it.

Until next month,
Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don
DKnapik@windstream.net

Brothers and Sisters:

On June 12, Local 17 held its golf outing at Hickory Nut Golf Course in Columbia Station.  This is the only event we were able to hold last year due to Covid and the first this year given the relaxation of restrictions due to the pandemic.  Taking home the Green Jacket is the team of Brother Rob Hansen and his son Robbie, Brother Mike Wickham and Chris Peterson who carded a 12-under par 60 for the 18-hole event.

For more photos of the event go to the Local 17’s website, iueclocal17.org.

After the Spring semester finals, Brothers Brandyn Alley, James Hirz, Deven Shields and Jason Tischler are eligible to take the mechanics exam.  Congratulations and good luck in the home stretch.

Apprentices will be back in the classroom again August 9th for an orientation meeting with NEIEP Area Coordinator Wally Wuelling in our new classroom building at 5145 Engle Road in Brookpark.  Apprentices will be taking 100 and 300 classes as well as having the opportunity to take the 500 Pipe and Wire Lab and the Hydraulic Controller Lab.  These are not mandatory but highly encouraged.

The work situation in Cleveland is strong.  Within the previous two months, Schindler picked up at least eight probationary apprentices.  The company currently has the lion’s share of the work but other signatory companies are picking up as well.

As of right now, Local 17 recruitment will be held after the first of the year.  Please watch this space as well as the Local’s website for updates and links as they become available.

The Elevator Licensing Bill (HB 107) passed the Ohio House 81-9 and is currently sitting in the Senate awaiting a vote.  The Bill as introduced, would establish licensing requirements for elevator constructors in Ohio.  This puts constructors on par with other skilled trades, medical and dental professionals as well as other licensed professionals doing business in the state.

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to the family of Brother Kevin Driscoll whose father passed away.

As of this writing there are two mechanics on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net  

Brothers and Sisters,

Many months ago I encouraged readers of this space to take the time during the pandemic to evaluate their perspective on life looking forward rather than backward.  As we move to the end of this period of reflection, what have you learned?  Have you learned a new skill, made a new Zoom friend or taken up a hobby?  What about your relationships?  Are they better for this time or are some fractured?  

Once again this is a time to see where you stand.  What changes has this time of reflection made in your perspective on all facets of life and relationships.  What changes will you maintain and what will you jettison?

Moving forward is never easy, remaining static is a poor option.  The future favors the bold.

NEIEP has announced that apprentice training classes will resume in-person instruction for the Fall semester starting in August.  This is the first time since March of 2020 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that face-to-face teaching will take place.  In response, this has given Local 17 the time to complete the renovation of our new school building on Engle Road across from the Ford plant.  Plans are to have the building ready for the start of classes.

Congratulations to Brothers Sean Canning, Brian Chambers, Shane Huff, Cory Ptak, Brian Seither and Rob Timko on passing the Mechanics Exam.  This is the only unbiased evaluation of your knowledge of the trade you will ever have.  Make the most of your time in the trade to make things better for you having been here.  Another large thank you to Rick Myers for assisting the new mechanics in their review of the material.  

There are four test-eligible apprentices and 18 in the program.  The plan is to have those apprentices in 100 and 300 classes.

Where are they working…

DJ Spring and Deven Shields doing a mod at Carnegie Towers for Otis,

Craig Nolty and Dan Koprowski at Eastland Heights installing a car for Otis,

Jim Thompson and Matt Dinko at the Carlyle in Lakewood doing a three-car mod for Otis,

John Logue and Pat Pollock at CFC Main Campus doing a two-car mod for Otis,

Matt Pinchot and Ken Bowles working in Akron on AMHA modernization jobs,

Jerry Szmerekovsky, Pat Kelly and two Akron apprentices at Lordstown installing a freight for Otis,

Bob Meyer, Dion Yatsko, Matt Ramser, Ernie Rodriguez, Joel Reyes, Chris Boggess and four Houston mechanics installing 14 cars at MetroHealth for Schindler,

Gary Thompson, Dan Varga, Rob Timko and Andy Mesko doing a mod at Erieview for Schindler,

Felix DeJesus and Jason Mays doing a mod at Terrace Towers for Schindler,

Matt Carlton and Dave Gnagy doing a three-car mod at CSU for Schindler,

Pat McCann and Ric Supinski doing a door mod at UH Main Campus for Schindler,

Matt Wiegart, Lucas Janke, Shawn Yatsko, and Brandon Light at Skylight Office Tower doing a mod for Schindler,

Joe Sumph and Brian Bond doing a mod at Euclid Hill Villa for Schindler,

Ryan Todd and Brian Seither doing a four-car mod at Winton Place for Schindler,

Joe Simcic and Jay Schaffer at Brooks Bio installing one car for Schindler,

Drew Williams and Russell Barrows at Rockside Park doing a mod for Kone,

Todd Ross and Morgan Armstrong installing one car at Cedar Road Parking Garage for Kone,

Anthony Metcalf and Sean Canning doing a mod at CMHA Stokes for Thyssen,

Bill Dudas and Andrew Daniels doing a mod at CMHA Wilson Towers for Thyssen,

Tim Narowitz and Dave Ford At Baldwin House in Berea doing a two-car mod for Thyssen,

Jason Fredericks and Chris Sipos doing a mod at Case 49 Building for Thyssen,

Chris Scholle and Brian Owens doing a one-car mod at 75 Public Square for Thyssen,

Kevin Thomas and Sebastian Ricco installing a freight car at 75 Public Square for Thyssen,

Scott Hicks and Marc Carollo at J&M Advisors doing a mod for Gable,

Jim Ehrbar and Wing Lui doing a mod at Citiview Nursing for Gable. 

The Brothers and Sisters of Local 17 send their condolences to Brother Pat Zubal whose father passed away.

As of this writing there are two mechanics on the bench.

Until next month,

Work smart, work safe and slow down for safety.

Don

DKnapik@windstream.net