Saturday, July 19, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
Successful Review and Exam in June
On June 7, 2008 the Massachusetts Chimney Sweep Guild sponsored the annual review and exam for certification. We had a small group and the success rate was very high. Out of eight candidates, seven passed the exam. Congratulations to all of you! Please remember that if anyone needs to take the exam, I am available. We don’t have to wait for a large group to take the exam – one on one is fine, too! You can reach me on my cell phone at 401-255-0964 to schedule a time.
Rich Rua
A Traditoinal Chimney Sweep
Monday, July 14, 2008
President's Report
Well, its summer time and we all know what that means. Hot, hot, & more hot. Everyone knows that during this time of the year it is very important to stay hydrated and to wear sunscreen, but there are a few other things that you should look out for and protect yourself against. One of those things are bees and wasps. Contrary to popular belief, you are technically not "allergic" to bee stings. The venom of bees and wasps contain toxins and our body quickly overreacts with histamine production. This histamine remains in our bodies and is never released, so when your body can no longer retain the extra histamines, you have a reaction. Histamine is found in higher concentrations in the skin, lungs and stomach. It's a potent arterial dilator, and therefore some victims experience dizziness and pass out. On the skin you may experience welts or hives, if in the lungs you'll experience bronchial constriction and therefore difficulty breathing, wheezing and in severe cases respiratory collapse or anaphylactic shock.
Here are the steps to take when stung in the outdoors by a bee or wasp:
Pull stinger out.
Cool compresses or ice.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) should be given to decrease minimal allergic reactions.
If a severe allergic reaction occurs, you must transport immediately and resort to basic life support.
In addition to Benadryl, it has been shown that Cimetidine (Tagamet) and H2 blocker can also help decrease the allergic response.
The other item to look out for is Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial illness. Certain ticks found on deer harbor the bacterium in their stomachs. It is spread by these ticks when they bite the skin, which permits the bacterium to infect the body. Lyme disease is not contagious from an affected person to someone else. It can cause abnormalities in the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system and it affects different areas of the body in varying degrees as it progresses. The site where the tick bites the body is where the bacteria enter through the skin. Initially, the disease affects the skin, causing an expanding reddish rash often associated with "flu-like" symptoms. Later, it can produce the abnormalities in the joints, heart, and nervous system.
Because Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks attaching to the body, it is important to use tick-bite avoidance techniques when visiting known tick areas. Spraying insect repellant containing DEET onto exposed skin can help. Wearing long clothing can protect the skin. Clothing, children, and pets should be examined for ticks. Ticks can be removed gently with tweezers and saved in a jar for later identification. Bathing the skin and scalp, and washing clothing upon returning home might prevent the bite and transmission of the disease.
Well, there you have my "summer" lookout report. Other things to look for in this issue are "Sweep One for Mike Elliott," and my report on Sweep Fest held by the New Hampshire Assoc. of Chimney Professionals a few weeks ago and our election results. Things to look forward to are the 17th Annual New York State Guild Summer Workshop. This year they have a motorcycle ride scheduled for Wednesday, July 23rd, a golf tournament dedicated to Shawn Simboli on Thursday, and then the rest of the festivities including another performance by "The Sootprints". A registration form is in this issue but please do not delay sending in your registration if you plan on attending. Also, the NHACP is sponsoring and NFI Woodburning & NFI Pellet Review and Exam on August 6th & 7th. And don't forget to apply for your Solid Fuel Construction Supervisors License in order to be able to properly pull permits and install all those stove we are getting phone calls for all of a sudden. For more information and an application, go to www.mass.gov
Take care, stay cool and I hope to see you in New York!
Jean Jacobson, President
Here are the steps to take when stung in the outdoors by a bee or wasp:
Pull stinger out.
Cool compresses or ice.
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) should be given to decrease minimal allergic reactions.
If a severe allergic reaction occurs, you must transport immediately and resort to basic life support.
In addition to Benadryl, it has been shown that Cimetidine (Tagamet) and H2 blocker can also help decrease the allergic response.
The other item to look out for is Lyme Disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial illness. Certain ticks found on deer harbor the bacterium in their stomachs. It is spread by these ticks when they bite the skin, which permits the bacterium to infect the body. Lyme disease is not contagious from an affected person to someone else. It can cause abnormalities in the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system and it affects different areas of the body in varying degrees as it progresses. The site where the tick bites the body is where the bacteria enter through the skin. Initially, the disease affects the skin, causing an expanding reddish rash often associated with "flu-like" symptoms. Later, it can produce the abnormalities in the joints, heart, and nervous system.
Because Lyme disease is transmitted by ticks attaching to the body, it is important to use tick-bite avoidance techniques when visiting known tick areas. Spraying insect repellant containing DEET onto exposed skin can help. Wearing long clothing can protect the skin. Clothing, children, and pets should be examined for ticks. Ticks can be removed gently with tweezers and saved in a jar for later identification. Bathing the skin and scalp, and washing clothing upon returning home might prevent the bite and transmission of the disease.
Well, there you have my "summer" lookout report. Other things to look for in this issue are "Sweep One for Mike Elliott," and my report on Sweep Fest held by the New Hampshire Assoc. of Chimney Professionals a few weeks ago and our election results. Things to look forward to are the 17th Annual New York State Guild Summer Workshop. This year they have a motorcycle ride scheduled for Wednesday, July 23rd, a golf tournament dedicated to Shawn Simboli on Thursday, and then the rest of the festivities including another performance by "The Sootprints". A registration form is in this issue but please do not delay sending in your registration if you plan on attending. Also, the NHACP is sponsoring and NFI Woodburning & NFI Pellet Review and Exam on August 6th & 7th. And don't forget to apply for your Solid Fuel Construction Supervisors License in order to be able to properly pull permits and install all those stove we are getting phone calls for all of a sudden. For more information and an application, go to www.mass.gov
Take care, stay cool and I hope to see you in New York!
Jean Jacobson, President
Sweep Fest
Dan and I arrived at the homestead of Phil & Sharon Mitchell on Friday afternoon in order to help set up for the NHACP sponsored SweepFest.
We did a quick inspection of our "Presidential Suite" which was a pop- up camper graciously donated to us by the Mitchell's, and unpacked. We then attended a brief meeting in Phil's office as to the activities for the next couple of days and that was followed by dinner on Phil & Sharon's new back porch, in the rain, even though the roof had not been shingled yet. Fun was had by all.
<
The next morning I went down to the wood working shop where breakfast,sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply, had been set up and was able to meet some new and some "old" faces. That day was filled with seminars and vendor showcases, but we took a break at lunch time to consume a wonderful feast of steamers, BBQ chicken, steak, salads, and corn on the cob. This feast was prepared by Donna MacDonald and was sponsored
by Regional Chimney Supply and Saver Systems. The presentations included one on Carbon Monoxide presented by Chuck Phillips of Lindemann Chimney Supply, Temperature Studies with Heat Conduction presented by Royal Edwards, and Defensive Driving presented by Mark Putnam, and on Sunday Marketing for Small Business by Greg Polakow.
It was during our presentations that Judd Berg read a letter from Mike Elliott to all his fellow sweeps in regard to all the love and support he and Michelle have received the past month.
Dinner was pizza in the barn, sponsored by Whitecaps, which was
followed by the performance of The Sootprints.
Sunday morning, due to a problem with his flight, Greg Polakow arrived late, but that allowed us to spend more time on the Silent Auction. There was an abundance of merchandise to be had and a couple of items were donated and the proceeds were to go directly to Mike and Michelle Elliott.
When the auction had concluded and the State Guilds held there meetings, the NHACP
announced that 1/2 of their proceeds of the auction would go to Mike and Michelle as well. This came to a total of $1,467.00. THANK YOU TO THE NHACP!!
It during our meeting where the results of our elections were announced. Congratulations to Billy Sweet (Vice President), Tim Martinson (Secretary), and my newest Board members Tom Biscoe, David O'Shea (re-elected), and Joe Gilmore (if he'll have us).
Although it rained on and off most of the weekend, after our meeting adjourned the sun made a short appearance and a few were able to take a motorcycle ride down to Hampton Beach and back, returning just in time before the rain began again.
The Stroups, the Mitchell's, Dan and myself were treated to dinner that evening by Greg Polakow which ended on of the most enjoyable weekends I've had in a long time. Thanks to all of you who took part, attended, donated your time, or sponsored any portion of this weekend!!!
Jeannie & Dan Jacobson
Duxbury Chimney Sweep
We did a quick inspection of our "Presidential Suite" which was a pop- up camper graciously donated to us by the Mitchell's, and unpacked. We then attended a brief meeting in Phil's office as to the activities for the next couple of days and that was followed by dinner on Phil & Sharon's new back porch, in the rain, even though the roof had not been shingled yet. Fun was had by all.
<The next morning I went down to the wood working shop where breakfast,sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply, had been set up and was able to meet some new and some "old" faces. That day was filled with seminars and vendor showcases, but we took a break at lunch time to consume a wonderful feast of steamers, BBQ chicken, steak, salads, and corn on the cob. This feast was prepared by Donna MacDonald and was sponsored
by Regional Chimney Supply and Saver Systems. The presentations included one on Carbon Monoxide presented by Chuck Phillips of Lindemann Chimney Supply, Temperature Studies with Heat Conduction presented by Royal Edwards, and Defensive Driving presented by Mark Putnam, and on Sunday Marketing for Small Business by Greg Polakow.
It was during our presentations that Judd Berg read a letter from Mike Elliott to all his fellow sweeps in regard to all the love and support he and Michelle have received the past month.
Dinner was pizza in the barn, sponsored by Whitecaps, which was
followed by the performance of The Sootprints.
Sunday morning, due to a problem with his flight, Greg Polakow arrived late, but that allowed us to spend more time on the Silent Auction. There was an abundance of merchandise to be had and a couple of items were donated and the proceeds were to go directly to Mike and Michelle Elliott.
When the auction had concluded and the State Guilds held there meetings, the NHACP
announced that 1/2 of their proceeds of the auction would go to Mike and Michelle as well. This came to a total of $1,467.00. THANK YOU TO THE NHACP!!
It during our meeting where the results of our elections were announced. Congratulations to Billy Sweet (Vice President), Tim Martinson (Secretary), and my newest Board members Tom Biscoe, David O'Shea (re-elected), and Joe Gilmore (if he'll have us).
Although it rained on and off most of the weekend, after our meeting adjourned the sun made a short appearance and a few were able to take a motorcycle ride down to Hampton Beach and back, returning just in time before the rain began again.
The Stroups, the Mitchell's, Dan and myself were treated to dinner that evening by Greg Polakow which ended on of the most enjoyable weekends I've had in a long time. Thanks to all of you who took part, attended, donated your time, or sponsored any portion of this weekend!!!
Jeannie & Dan Jacobson
Duxbury Chimney Sweep
Olymia Chimney Supply - Newsletter Sponsor
Please click on the Olympia Chimney Supply ad below to see it in full size.Visit their website at www.olymiachimney.com
Record Sales on Stoves
Both Sweeps USA and BAC Sales have had record sales in pellet appliances in June. The feeding frenzy is similar to that of 2005. The differences this year is that the heating season started in May rather than September.
In 2005 we had a banner year of pellet and wood stove sales. Most of the Pellet stove manufacturing companies were not prepared for the onslaught of stove sales. By early November there was not a pellet stove to be had. Any truck loads of stoves that we received were sold before they were unloaded off the truck. Actually all of the stoves that we were scheduled to received were sold.
The demands for Pellet Appliances were estimated to be between seven to ten times the demands for an average heating season. Manufactures had an impossible task to meet the demand. Their assembly lines just could not keep up. They couldn’t hire experienced personnel even if they ran a second shift, and the most important deterrent to production was the lack of components for the stoves. Most require at least two or more motors to operate and they also need a control board, snap switches and other sensors. All of these components take months to fill and deliver these orders. Steel was on a roller coaster on pricing and availability.
Over the late winter of 2005 and the spring of 2006 many manufactures expanded their production facilities, and they started to build massive inventories. This was all done so when the 2006 heating season arrived, they would be ready.
Another player in this scenario was the fuel supply. Because the demand was so overwhelming supplies were limited. Pricing started off the season $125 a ton finishing at nearly $300 a ton or more there for supplies were rationed.
Now here we go into the 2006 heating season. In the Northeast we had our first substantial snow storm on January 15th 2007. Oil was in low demand so prices were relaxed because of such a warm winter.
Now here comes Murphy’s Law, remember stove inventories were at record. Many manufacturers borrowed money to improve manufacturing facilities and more important purchased steel, glass and electrical components.
The 2006 Heating season turned into a disaster for many dealers. Pellet stove sales were rare. Customers were afraid that if they bought a stove, they wouldn’t have a steady supply of pellets or the pricing wouldn’t be competitive with oil or other fuels.
This non season caused both heart ache in both manufacturing and distribution alike.
One of the largest pellet stove manufacturing companies had to sell out. Some others claimed bankruptcy.
Now for the 2007 Heating season.
As a result of poor financial situation many dealers could not survive the financial burden of carrying large inventories. This most affected the hearth shops; Most of the Sweeps do not carry an inventory of appliances.
We experience many dealers closing their doors. They just could not pay their suppliers. This added the stress to the industry. Many manufacturers were giving large discounts to lesson there inventory and even with that incentive did not relieve the stressful situation.
The weather did cooperate and we had a more normal winter. Sales did pick up moderately, but not in time for all.
Spring of 2008
Oil Speculators to the rescue. Pellet manufactures increased in numbers. Pellet prices were retailed from $175 to $225 a ton and oil prices went to $4.60 + a gallon.
People had there first oil delivery in the spring and were shocked to see that it cost them a Thousand Dollars!!!!!!
The rush is on!!!!!
Now remember many manufactures are financially stressed. So there inventories are low. There materials inventories are low and they are gun shy, afraid or unable to borrow more money to build inventories and meet sales demand.
Human nature, being what it is, people usually wait until it gets cold to think about heat. Not this year! Being that the media is painting such a bleak picture as far as oil pricing, many people started looking for alternative fuels. Electric and Gas are both predicted to have large pricing increases.
Other alternatives looked great at first, bio fuels corn wheat and other grains. The competition for alcohol for auto fuel and of course the increased demand for food has driven the price of these alternatives to record costs.
Pellet manufactures for seen an increase in demand and increased their production capabilities. New pellet manufacturer have come on line, they should be better prepared to meet this year’s demand.
New products and manufactures also have come on line. St Croix is now offering two sizes of Pellet Warm Air Furnaces. Napoleon has increase there pellet line to offer a fireplace insert. The Hudson River Stove Company is offering five new models.
Of coarse the supply currently is limited, but at least the manufactures have time to react
and build units for this heating system.
Sweeps USA and BAC Sales are offering two pellet educational programs for both sales and service. The first is on August 12th for St Croix Pellet Appliances and on August 21st
Napoleon Hearth Products will give a sales and service presentation for their complete line pre registration is a must. Seminars are limited so register early so you can get the latest information. Both Seminars will be held at BAC Sales in Hudson, NY. Feel free to call me at (800) 873 1330 Ext 235.
Sweeps Luck and a Prosperous Year
Russ Moore
Sweeps USA
In 2005 we had a banner year of pellet and wood stove sales. Most of the Pellet stove manufacturing companies were not prepared for the onslaught of stove sales. By early November there was not a pellet stove to be had. Any truck loads of stoves that we received were sold before they were unloaded off the truck. Actually all of the stoves that we were scheduled to received were sold.
The demands for Pellet Appliances were estimated to be between seven to ten times the demands for an average heating season. Manufactures had an impossible task to meet the demand. Their assembly lines just could not keep up. They couldn’t hire experienced personnel even if they ran a second shift, and the most important deterrent to production was the lack of components for the stoves. Most require at least two or more motors to operate and they also need a control board, snap switches and other sensors. All of these components take months to fill and deliver these orders. Steel was on a roller coaster on pricing and availability.
Over the late winter of 2005 and the spring of 2006 many manufactures expanded their production facilities, and they started to build massive inventories. This was all done so when the 2006 heating season arrived, they would be ready.
Another player in this scenario was the fuel supply. Because the demand was so overwhelming supplies were limited. Pricing started off the season $125 a ton finishing at nearly $300 a ton or more there for supplies were rationed.
Now here we go into the 2006 heating season. In the Northeast we had our first substantial snow storm on January 15th 2007. Oil was in low demand so prices were relaxed because of such a warm winter.
Now here comes Murphy’s Law, remember stove inventories were at record. Many manufacturers borrowed money to improve manufacturing facilities and more important purchased steel, glass and electrical components.
The 2006 Heating season turned into a disaster for many dealers. Pellet stove sales were rare. Customers were afraid that if they bought a stove, they wouldn’t have a steady supply of pellets or the pricing wouldn’t be competitive with oil or other fuels.
This non season caused both heart ache in both manufacturing and distribution alike.
One of the largest pellet stove manufacturing companies had to sell out. Some others claimed bankruptcy.
Now for the 2007 Heating season.
As a result of poor financial situation many dealers could not survive the financial burden of carrying large inventories. This most affected the hearth shops; Most of the Sweeps do not carry an inventory of appliances.
We experience many dealers closing their doors. They just could not pay their suppliers. This added the stress to the industry. Many manufacturers were giving large discounts to lesson there inventory and even with that incentive did not relieve the stressful situation.
The weather did cooperate and we had a more normal winter. Sales did pick up moderately, but not in time for all.
Spring of 2008
Oil Speculators to the rescue. Pellet manufactures increased in numbers. Pellet prices were retailed from $175 to $225 a ton and oil prices went to $4.60 + a gallon.
People had there first oil delivery in the spring and were shocked to see that it cost them a Thousand Dollars!!!!!!
The rush is on!!!!!
Now remember many manufactures are financially stressed. So there inventories are low. There materials inventories are low and they are gun shy, afraid or unable to borrow more money to build inventories and meet sales demand.
Human nature, being what it is, people usually wait until it gets cold to think about heat. Not this year! Being that the media is painting such a bleak picture as far as oil pricing, many people started looking for alternative fuels. Electric and Gas are both predicted to have large pricing increases.
Other alternatives looked great at first, bio fuels corn wheat and other grains. The competition for alcohol for auto fuel and of course the increased demand for food has driven the price of these alternatives to record costs.
Pellet manufactures for seen an increase in demand and increased their production capabilities. New pellet manufacturer have come on line, they should be better prepared to meet this year’s demand.
New products and manufactures also have come on line. St Croix is now offering two sizes of Pellet Warm Air Furnaces. Napoleon has increase there pellet line to offer a fireplace insert. The Hudson River Stove Company is offering five new models.
Of coarse the supply currently is limited, but at least the manufactures have time to react
and build units for this heating system.
Sweeps USA and BAC Sales are offering two pellet educational programs for both sales and service. The first is on August 12th for St Croix Pellet Appliances and on August 21st
Napoleon Hearth Products will give a sales and service presentation for their complete line pre registration is a must. Seminars are limited so register early so you can get the latest information. Both Seminars will be held at BAC Sales in Hudson, NY. Feel free to call me at (800) 873 1330 Ext 235.
Sweeps Luck and a Prosperous Year
Russ Moore
Sweeps USA
Sweep One For Mike
(continued)
As you may not already know, Mike Elliott suffered a serious shoulder injury a few weeks ago and has recently had surgery for this injury. This will keep Mike out of work for at least the summer and maybe longer depending on how his rehabilitation goes.
Mike and Michelle have been an intricate part of this Guild for many years; as a Board Member, Vice President, editor of the Newsletter, and delegates for the Northeast Regional Conventions, and just as Guild Members alone need our support.
If you haven’t already, you can send well wishes to their home at:
25 Merriam District, No. Oxford, MA 01537.
You may also contact them at sootguy@aol.com or sootgirl@aol.com.
What I’d like to do is to be able to help them out financially in this time of need. We have set up a fund for them through the Treasurer and beginning immediately if anyone would like to contribute a sweeping (or more if you’d like) to the Elliotts we will see that they receive all monies contributed to this fund.
Mike has also been accepted to “Sweep the White House” and the Guild hopes to offset some of these costs as well, so I’d like to continue to take donations through to the end of August.
Please make out your checks to the MCSG and mail them to Dan Jacobson, c/o MCSG, 115 Grove Street, Kingston, MA. 02364.
If anyone has any questions, they can contact Dan at 781-585-5990.
Any I thank you all for your support!!
Jean Jacobson, President
Mass. Chimney Sweep Guild
As you may not already know, Mike Elliott suffered a serious shoulder injury a few weeks ago and has recently had surgery for this injury. This will keep Mike out of work for at least the summer and maybe longer depending on how his rehabilitation goes.
Mike and Michelle have been an intricate part of this Guild for many years; as a Board Member, Vice President, editor of the Newsletter, and delegates for the Northeast Regional Conventions, and just as Guild Members alone need our support.
If you haven’t already, you can send well wishes to their home at:
25 Merriam District, No. Oxford, MA 01537.
You may also contact them at sootguy@aol.com or sootgirl@aol.com.
What I’d like to do is to be able to help them out financially in this time of need. We have set up a fund for them through the Treasurer and beginning immediately if anyone would like to contribute a sweeping (or more if you’d like) to the Elliotts we will see that they receive all monies contributed to this fund.
Mike has also been accepted to “Sweep the White House” and the Guild hopes to offset some of these costs as well, so I’d like to continue to take donations through to the end of August.
Please make out your checks to the MCSG and mail them to Dan Jacobson, c/o MCSG, 115 Grove Street, Kingston, MA. 02364.
If anyone has any questions, they can contact Dan at 781-585-5990.
Any I thank you all for your support!!
Jean Jacobson, President
Mass. Chimney Sweep Guild
Thank You to Sweepfest Sponsors
As chairperson for the Sweep Fest Auction, I'd like to thank the following vendors and persons who made generous donations.
AW Perkins
Copperfield Chimney Supply
Lindemann Chimney Supply
Mass. Chimney Sweep Guild
National Chimney Supply
National Chimney Sweep Guild
Olympia Chimney Supply
Regional Chimney Supply
Saver Systems
Ventech Industries
Whitecaps
Wholer Technologies
Carl & Stacie Shippey
Stephen Bushway
and
The Sootprints
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
And a great big thank you to Phil and Sharon Mitchell for opening up their homestead to all of us and for the “Presidential Suite” for Dan and I. Your generosity was greatly appreciated!!!
Jean & Dan Jacobson
Duxbury Chimney Sweep
AW Perkins
Copperfield Chimney Supply
Lindemann Chimney Supply
Mass. Chimney Sweep Guild
National Chimney Supply
National Chimney Sweep Guild
Olympia Chimney Supply
Regional Chimney Supply
Saver Systems
Ventech Industries
Whitecaps
Wholer Technologies
Carl & Stacie Shippey
Stephen Bushway
and
The Sootprints
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
And a great big thank you to Phil and Sharon Mitchell for opening up their homestead to all of us and for the “Presidential Suite” for Dan and I. Your generosity was greatly appreciated!!!
Jean & Dan Jacobson
Duxbury Chimney Sweep
MOC Realtor's Breakfast
On May 7th, Dan and I attended the Mass. Oil Heat Councils Realtors breakfast at the Quincy Marriott.After a presentation done by David Heiser of Prime Media (pictured above), I was allowed to address the group in regard to the NFPA 211 code for a Level II inspection to be performed when a property is sold or transferred.
We also got a chance to weigh in on a few other subjects during the presentation. David O'Shea was able to attend this same meeting in Danvers a few days later and we plan to do as many as possible.
Jeannie Jacobson
Duxbury Chimney Sweep
Solving Draft Problems with ICP
On May 14th, Bill & Rich Paynton, along with Sam MacLanahan took the Board of Directors to lunch at the East Bay Grill in Plymouth. There they discussed and used us as a sounding board in a discussion in regard to diagnosing and solving draft problems. Thank you again, Rich, Bill & Sam.
Jeannie Jacobson
Duxbury Chimney Sweep
NFI Review and Exam
Many expressed an interest during SweepFest in attaining national certification to prepare themselves and/or their employees for this season’s onslaught of increased demands for installations, and services, of woodburning hearth systems.
In response, New Hampshire Association of Chimney Professionals (NHACP) is sponsoring an NFI Woodburning Hearth Systems review & exam next month in Manchester, NH. (At the Conference Center located on the perimeter of Manchester Airport)
NFI Woodburning Review & Exam will be on Wednesday, August 6th, 8:00am -6:00pm, instructed by Bob Fish. Fee $319.00. To register, please contact Kim Stroup at (603)823-7000, or email stroupco@verizon.net
Overnight accommodations available onsite, Group Rate $99 (plus tax); contact Kim Stroup for group code and more information, (603) 823-7000, or stroupco@verizon.net.
Sorry for the short notice but we got this together as quickly as possible and sort of need your reply also as quickly as possible too - thanks in advance & look forward to hearing from you!
NHACP will also be sponsoring an NFI Pellet Review & Exam the following day.
In response, New Hampshire Association of Chimney Professionals (NHACP) is sponsoring an NFI Woodburning Hearth Systems review & exam next month in Manchester, NH. (At the Conference Center located on the perimeter of Manchester Airport)
NFI Woodburning Review & Exam will be on Wednesday, August 6th, 8:00am -6:00pm, instructed by Bob Fish. Fee $319.00. To register, please contact Kim Stroup at (603)823-7000, or email stroupco@verizon.net
Overnight accommodations available onsite, Group Rate $99 (plus tax); contact Kim Stroup for group code and more information, (603) 823-7000, or stroupco@verizon.net.
Sorry for the short notice but we got this together as quickly as possible and sort of need your reply also as quickly as possible too - thanks in advance & look forward to hearing from you!
NHACP will also be sponsoring an NFI Pellet Review & Exam the following day.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Editors Notes
This edition I'm playing around with a new format for our proposed email/online newsletter. It's called a blog and for those of you unfamiliar with blogs I'll give a breif description.
The word "blog" is short for "web log" it's a sort of online journal. The cool thing is it's free and easy. It took me 15 minutes to set this up and I'm a first time blogger.
The emailed newsletters I sent out the past few editions had a few kinks as I'm sure most of you noticed. They were large files and probably downoaded slow for some of you. The format was messy due to the use of Microsoft Word which refuses to mainain it's page breaks and some other formatting from one computer to the next.
This blog will give our new online newsletter a home on the internet and allow me to email you all a link when a new issue is ready. The past articles are all stored chronilogically so you can go back and read them anytime. The formatting should look the same on any computer.
There's a few more added benefits. You all have the oportunity to comment on articles! I hope that you will, it will help me make the newsletter better. Comments will go through me and as long as I can verify they are from a member and the contents are apropriate I will post them for all to read. In adition the blog will soon be veiwable from the Guild's website keeping everything in one place.
If you are still getting paper copies this is the last one unless you tell me specifically that you prefer paper copies. Starting with the next edition email will be the default delivery.
As always your feedback is apreciated please email or call with questions comments or concerns.
Stacie Shippey
MCSG Newsletter Editor
The word "blog" is short for "web log" it's a sort of online journal. The cool thing is it's free and easy. It took me 15 minutes to set this up and I'm a first time blogger.
The emailed newsletters I sent out the past few editions had a few kinks as I'm sure most of you noticed. They were large files and probably downoaded slow for some of you. The format was messy due to the use of Microsoft Word which refuses to mainain it's page breaks and some other formatting from one computer to the next.
This blog will give our new online newsletter a home on the internet and allow me to email you all a link when a new issue is ready. The past articles are all stored chronilogically so you can go back and read them anytime. The formatting should look the same on any computer.
There's a few more added benefits. You all have the oportunity to comment on articles! I hope that you will, it will help me make the newsletter better. Comments will go through me and as long as I can verify they are from a member and the contents are apropriate I will post them for all to read. In adition the blog will soon be veiwable from the Guild's website keeping everything in one place.
If you are still getting paper copies this is the last one unless you tell me specifically that you prefer paper copies. Starting with the next edition email will be the default delivery.
As always your feedback is apreciated please email or call with questions comments or concerns.
Stacie Shippey
MCSG Newsletter Editor
Saturday, July 12, 2008
ICP - Newsletter Sponsor
Please click on the ICP ad below to see it in full size.Visit their website at http://www.chimneycaps.com/
Whitehouse Chimneys
Mike Elliott of Central New England Chimney Sweep in Oxford, MA has been asked to be on the team that will sweep the Whitehouse chimneys this year. I'm sure this will be a true career milestone for Mike. We are very happy for him. The Elliotts have done so much for this Guild as a whole and for individual members including chairing the North East Regional Convention, editing this newsletter, planning outings, leading seminars, and on a personal note rebuilding our chimney...the list goes on and on.
In spite of his recent major shoulder injury he is looking forward to his trip to DC. His recovery is going well and he will be up to the task of representing this Guild, as well as the entire industry, as he always does, with impecible workmanship and knowledge.
If you get a chance please wish Mike the best of "Sweeps Luck".
Stacie Shippey
Cherry Valley Chimney Sweep
Website Report - 5/1/2008-6/30/2008
Month.................. Page Views... Visits....... Hits
May, 2008...............2,076...........1,516......8,868
June, 2008..............2,042...........1,488......8,509
Total(s)....................4,118............3,004....17,377
Average(s)............2,059............1,502......8,688
Search Engine......... Visits
1 Google ....................280
2 Microsoft Network. 48
3 Yahoo! ......................30
4 AOL NetFind .............6
5 Ask Jeeves .................2
6 CompuServe ..............1
7 dmoz ...........................1
8 dogpile ........................1
9 Netscape ....................1
Total(s) .....................370
Average(s) .................41
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Whitecaps - Newsletter Sponsor
Please click on the White Caps ad below to see it in full size.
Visit their website at http://www.whitecaps.com/
Visit their website at http://www.whitecaps.com/
Sweep Fest 2008
This was our first time attending the Sweep Fest in New Hampshire. What a great event!!We arrived in time to catch the end of Chuck Phillips of Lindemann Chimney Supply and Peter Cullen of Wholer giving a class on carbon monoxide. We also sat in on Royal Edwards' heat conduction study findings.
A wonderful lunch was served (sponsored by Regional Chimney Supply and Saver Systems) with rolls, salads, steak, chicken, and yummy steamed clams.
Defensive driving with Mark Putnam of Classic Chimneys was next. And although I missed it to sneak out and go shopping in Concord, Carl stuck around and perhaps it helped him get off of 495 safely during our scare on the ride home.
A nice pizza dinner was served (sponsored by Whitecaps) . Then Sootprints played as we all gathered under the canopies to escape the rain. Their performance, that night, of the Decemberist's song The Chimbley Sweep can be viewed here. The Sootprints had the whole group singing and dancing despite the rain.
When the band finished we headed back to Phil Mitchell's backyard where most of the attendees went to tents to sleep. A few of us stayed up for a fire and more talking.
For those of us who stayed up to the weee hours - the Dunkin Donuts breakfast goodies (sponsored by Olympia Chimney Supply) were especially appreciated. We ate breakfast in the Mitchell's kitchen while entertaining each other with jokes.
After breakfast we broke down camp and visited the silent auction. There were some great items to bid on and some of the bidding wars went on to the final moment. More than half the proceeds of the auction are going to Mike Elliott who recently broke his shoulder in a bike accident.
Before the auction closed Greg Polakow of Copperfeild Chimney Supply spoke to us about Marketing.
The Mass Guild provided pizza for lunch before the Guild meetings.
We enjoyed our stay at the Mitchell Homestead and want to thank every one involved in putting this weekend together.
Stacie Shippey
Cherry Valley Chimney Sweep
Reno Ramblings by Judd Berg
Here are some nutshell (or nut-case, depending on your point of view) observations from the NCSG convention at Reno NV:
Flying on Southwest Airways with its new seating procedures allowed me the luxury of aisle seats, a blessing on long flights.
Posting my flight itinerary on the ncsg-members list helped me find other sweeps during lay overs, in my case the John and Diane Pilger of New York at the airport in Baltimore. We then flew together on to Reno as seat mates. We landed on our first try amidst 50+ mph winds and a lot of praying at Reno with the plane crew getting a well-deserved ovation from the passengers. Well, they did say we'd be landing in some turbulence.
More than 400 industry professionals attended NCSG's Innovation 2008 convention, with many claiming it to be the best ever overall. Highlighting the event were a generous mix of both business and technical seminars, lots of new faces at the trade show, great food (whether part of a convention meal or obtained at one of the venue's great eateries), and plenty to do after hours.
While I'm not big into casinos, our convention site (the Grand Sierra) was located a distance away from Reno's casino strip and guests could easily avoid the slot machine symphony, definitely a plus. Unfortunately I couldn't avoid the indoor tobacco smoke that permeated the lobby, casino, and some of the restaurant areas. With apologies to my friends who indulge, but I seem to always get some sort of respiratory affliction when I'm around indoor tobacco smoke. This put a serious crimp on my after hours adventures, let alone my public speaking as I lost my voice. At the vendor breakfast I had to make some announcements regarding the auction and could barely get out the words. Good guy Tom Urban of Estoban came to my rescue with a big bag of gourmet butterscotch candies to soothe my vocal cords and throat. Thanks Tom.
I had the pleasure of taking in both the NCSG and CSIA board of directors meetings. I try to do this at each convention I attend, and I'm always surprised to see how few other convention goers show up. I still think the membership would be more involved if we could see all those "report as submitted"'s fleshed out in the on-line minutes. Might make for some good feedback.
Congratulations to new NCSG president Randy Brooks of California and thanks to outgoing President Howard Rowell of Wisconsin for all his time and effort on the job. Too bad Randy couldn't preside over an official membership meeting as a quorum could not be obtained, despite the fact that more than enough members were registered for the convention. Perhaps in the future maybe the general membership meeting could take place immediately after the keynote address or some other magnet event so we could truly have a legitimate meeting.
Congratulations also go out to President's Award winner Steve Pietila (OR), Education Award winner Bob Priesing, and Friendship Award winner Frank Dombrowski.
Seems like Pass the Pigs has taken on a new life (are we a cult yet?) outside the Northeast as folks from as far West as Oregon and California and as far East as Scotland can now be heard calling out "razorback"and "trottah" (in true Amy Andrade fashion), although the Scots have to work on those "pig out" squeals. Give a big oink for Steve Pietila, without whose assistance we would not have been able to convert so many "pig virgins". Next year in Winston-Salem we're going after the Brits.
Another after hours first for an NCSG convention was the introduction of a piano lounge, where attendees could chill out, sing, play, and listen the night away. Let's hope this can become a tradition.
Another new slightly less attended possible tradition starting event was the Bostaphblumeberg tequila -tasting night, with the Scots bringing in their own variation aptly called Scotch. Smooth.
Loureen Koubek (Eurosweep, Braintree MA) found her own after hours event, attending a Van Halen concert across town from the hotel in her free time.
Phil Mitchell, the Seacoast Sweep (NH), yearly host to Sweepfest, expressed his enthusiasm at having the MCSG summer meeting take place during this year's gathering. Here's hoping a good portion of our membership takes advantage of NH hospitality.
Despite talk of recession and business slowdowns, through the generosity of vendor and sweep donations the Reno biggest little CSIA benefit auction raised over $12,000 for the CSIA building fund.
Speaking of recessions, if they ever get short of chimney work Rich Rua and John LaBrosse can always hire themselves out as professional drivers after commandeering the NCSG van, loaded with office and convention supplies, from Indy to Reno and back. They also make great auction roadies.
At the closing banquet White House chimney sweeping project coordinator Jeff Schmittinger announced that MCSG's own Mike Elliott (Central New England Chimney Sweep, N. Oxford MA) will be a member of this year's White House sweeping team. Mike will have the privilege of standing atop our country's most famous residence in the blazing heat and humidity of a D.C. summer. Bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen, a map to the Old Ebbett Grill, some beer money, and a camera. And be ready for the thrill of a lifetime.
My wife Katie flew out to Reno for the banquet, then on Sunday we drove down to San Francisco via Lake Tahoe for a week's vacation visiting our son and his future bride. But not before we hit the casino slot machines up for $40, enough to get 10 gallons of regular in SF at the time. If you've never been to San Francisco get there sometime in your life. Then call in you Southwest Airways pre-seating early. We had bulkhead all the way home. Gotta love that extra leg room.
Sweeps luck and hope to see you in Winston Salem in 2009, Indy in 2010.
Judd Berg
Judd Berg and Sons Chimney Sweep
North Eastham MA
Editors Note: Check out NCSG's Convention Blog
Flying on Southwest Airways with its new seating procedures allowed me the luxury of aisle seats, a blessing on long flights.
Posting my flight itinerary on the ncsg-members list helped me find other sweeps during lay overs, in my case the John and Diane Pilger of New York at the airport in Baltimore. We then flew together on to Reno as seat mates. We landed on our first try amidst 50+ mph winds and a lot of praying at Reno with the plane crew getting a well-deserved ovation from the passengers. Well, they did say we'd be landing in some turbulence.
More than 400 industry professionals attended NCSG's Innovation 2008 convention, with many claiming it to be the best ever overall. Highlighting the event were a generous mix of both business and technical seminars, lots of new faces at the trade show, great food (whether part of a convention meal or obtained at one of the venue's great eateries), and plenty to do after hours.
While I'm not big into casinos, our convention site (the Grand Sierra) was located a distance away from Reno's casino strip and guests could easily avoid the slot machine symphony, definitely a plus. Unfortunately I couldn't avoid the indoor tobacco smoke that permeated the lobby, casino, and some of the restaurant areas. With apologies to my friends who indulge, but I seem to always get some sort of respiratory affliction when I'm around indoor tobacco smoke. This put a serious crimp on my after hours adventures, let alone my public speaking as I lost my voice. At the vendor breakfast I had to make some announcements regarding the auction and could barely get out the words. Good guy Tom Urban of Estoban came to my rescue with a big bag of gourmet butterscotch candies to soothe my vocal cords and throat. Thanks Tom.
I had the pleasure of taking in both the NCSG and CSIA board of directors meetings. I try to do this at each convention I attend, and I'm always surprised to see how few other convention goers show up. I still think the membership would be more involved if we could see all those "report as submitted"'s fleshed out in the on-line minutes. Might make for some good feedback.
Congratulations to new NCSG president Randy Brooks of California and thanks to outgoing President Howard Rowell of Wisconsin for all his time and effort on the job. Too bad Randy couldn't preside over an official membership meeting as a quorum could not be obtained, despite the fact that more than enough members were registered for the convention. Perhaps in the future maybe the general membership meeting could take place immediately after the keynote address or some other magnet event so we could truly have a legitimate meeting.
Congratulations also go out to President's Award winner Steve Pietila (OR), Education Award winner Bob Priesing, and Friendship Award winner Frank Dombrowski.
Seems like Pass the Pigs has taken on a new life (are we a cult yet?) outside the Northeast as folks from as far West as Oregon and California and as far East as Scotland can now be heard calling out "razorback"and "trottah" (in true Amy Andrade fashion), although the Scots have to work on those "pig out" squeals. Give a big oink for Steve Pietila, without whose assistance we would not have been able to convert so many "pig virgins". Next year in Winston-Salem we're going after the Brits.
Another after hours first for an NCSG convention was the introduction of a piano lounge, where attendees could chill out, sing, play, and listen the night away. Let's hope this can become a tradition.
Another new slightly less attended possible tradition starting event was the Bostaphblumeberg tequila -tasting night, with the Scots bringing in their own variation aptly called Scotch. Smooth.
Loureen Koubek (Eurosweep, Braintree MA) found her own after hours event, attending a Van Halen concert across town from the hotel in her free time.
Phil Mitchell, the Seacoast Sweep (NH), yearly host to Sweepfest, expressed his enthusiasm at having the MCSG summer meeting take place during this year's gathering. Here's hoping a good portion of our membership takes advantage of NH hospitality.
Despite talk of recession and business slowdowns, through the generosity of vendor and sweep donations the Reno biggest little CSIA benefit auction raised over $12,000 for the CSIA building fund.
Speaking of recessions, if they ever get short of chimney work Rich Rua and John LaBrosse can always hire themselves out as professional drivers after commandeering the NCSG van, loaded with office and convention supplies, from Indy to Reno and back. They also make great auction roadies.
At the closing banquet White House chimney sweeping project coordinator Jeff Schmittinger announced that MCSG's own Mike Elliott (Central New England Chimney Sweep, N. Oxford MA) will be a member of this year's White House sweeping team. Mike will have the privilege of standing atop our country's most famous residence in the blazing heat and humidity of a D.C. summer. Bring a hat and plenty of sunscreen, a map to the Old Ebbett Grill, some beer money, and a camera. And be ready for the thrill of a lifetime.
My wife Katie flew out to Reno for the banquet, then on Sunday we drove down to San Francisco via Lake Tahoe for a week's vacation visiting our son and his future bride. But not before we hit the casino slot machines up for $40, enough to get 10 gallons of regular in SF at the time. If you've never been to San Francisco get there sometime in your life. Then call in you Southwest Airways pre-seating early. We had bulkhead all the way home. Gotta love that extra leg room.
Sweeps luck and hope to see you in Winston Salem in 2009, Indy in 2010.
Judd Berg
Judd Berg and Sons Chimney Sweep
North Eastham MA
Editors Note: Check out NCSG's Convention Blog
Letter From Mike Elliott of Central New England Chimney Sweeps
It’s hard to believe but it’s been over a month since my crash on my road bike. I always wanted to visit the thriving metropolis of New Salem Massachusetts but not in a ditch with a broken shoulder. I worked out real hard this winter to ready myself for this years cycling season and it was very upsetting to crash on the unofficial start of the summer. I honestly thought I had separated my shoulder until the ambulance came and strapped me to the back board. It was the longest 20 minute ride I ever had and never felt so much pain in my life. When Michelle made it to the hospital in Athol the doctor was showing me the X rays and even a Chimney Sweep could see the mess. No doubt about it I’m screwed. They shipped me to Worcester where I had blood work, EKG, and a Cat scan. They told me I was going to possibly have surgery that night. Another doctor came and used words like smashed, fragments, fractures and tissue damage. It turned out that my scapular was broken in at least 8 places. They sent me home with some happy pills to manage the pain until I could see my surgeon on Tuesday. The Surgeon told me he was going to use a steel plate and screw it together. I got a couple more opinions and one Doctor told me I may not be able to sweep chimneys again. Needless to say the thought of losing the job I love had me shed a tear or two. On June 2nd I had my surgery and everything went real well.
Today is Friday June 27, 2008 and I’m able to move my arm. It feels a little crunchy but with the help of my physical therapist I think I’ll be back full force before Labor Day. I walk about 15 to 20 miles a week and started taking my spin classes again to regain some of my fitness. I tied my shoes this morning and should be able to drive again in a couple of weeks. My brother John swept some chimneys for me last week and I went on the ride along program. It was nice to get out of the house and back into the field. He’s going to work a day or two a week for me until I get going again. Michelle has been a true champ doing everything around the house and you should see her weed-wack!
I wish I could be in New Hampshire with you this weekend but I’m still having a hard time sleeping and I don’t think “Soot Prints” would stop playing after 7:30 so I could sleep. Thank all of you for your kind words, prayers and support. I’m confident I’ll be ready for my trip to D.C and promise to represent the Northeast coalition well. I hope you all had a great time at Sweep Fest and I’m sure Phil and Sharon treated you right.
Have a restful summer and remember…I’ll be back to kick all your asses this autumn.
Sweeps’ Luck!
Mike Elliott
Central New England Chimney Sweep
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