The folks who help build Northwest Indiana gathered, Saturday evening, at Avalon Manor, to celebrate the 43rd Annual Carpenters Local #1005 Service Recognition Banquet. Members and contractors were treated to dinner, drinks, and live entertainment in the form of a five-piece orchestra.
To see more photos from the event, click here!
Recognized at this years banquet were the Apprentice of the Year, Contractor of the Year, as well as a pin ceremony observing the varying years of service union members have put forth. Journeyman first receive pins which commemorate their ten year anniversary, then they are given one for every five years of service after that. One Journeyman celebrated his 75th year of service this year having been initiated in 1940.
“We wanted celebrate our members and the sacrifices they have made,” said Steve Toth, President of Local #1005 and the over 1500 carpenters in the region. “We celebrate the hours spent away from our families to make an honest living, the blood and sweat that we have left on the job, and the tears we’ve shed with the loss of fellow members this past year. This is for the spirit and longevity that our members have had to make it through. When we put our minds to it and stick together we can accomplish anything”
Local #1005 also recognized the apprentices and the apprenticeship program which is where future Journeymen complete their training over a four year period in both a classroom and workplace setting. “It’s been four long years of vigorous work schedules and classes day and night for these guys,” Toth continued. “They balance work, school, and family while keeping their eyes on the journeymen to see how they act and react to all sorts of different situations and challenges they will face on the job.” The union looks to them to be the next generation of Journeymen and women. “We know they’ll take all the good skills that they’ve learned and pass that on in the years to come. We’re counting on them,” said Toth.
Each year Local #1005 honors one apprentice who goes above and beyond what is expected of a future Journeyman. The award winner displays the highest grades in the classroom, attends the most meetings and union events, and doesn’t hesitate to help his brothers in any way he can.
This year's Apprentice of the Year was Jason Faraday, who will be initiated in September.
“I just want to thank the carpenters who have helped me come along through the program,” Jason said. “My dad just taught me that whatever I do, do to the best of my abilities, and that’s what I’ve tried to do throughout my apprenticeship. I’ll continue this as I work to become a Journeyman.”
Also receiving awards during the banquet were: Chris Mahlmann - Community Leader Award, Thomas Collins, Jr. - Friend of Labor Award, and for the Contractor of the Year Award - Speciality Construction. The Contractor of the Year Award is given to the contractor who employs the most Local #1005 Journeymen as possible.
