I hope that this newsletter finds you all happy and healthy so far in this New Year. 2008 was a year of extreme highs and lows, i.e., gas & oil prices, the stock market, and the sale and installation of solid fuel appliances, but before we look forward to 2009, let's take a look back at 2008 for a moment.
Early in the year we had one of the most profitable NortheastRegional Conventions in Mystic, CT. Due to several business factors, the committee chose to disband, however this convention netted our Guild $14,639.00. Soon after, we lost a fellow sweep in New York, Shawn Simboli, in a horrible snowmobile accident. Soon spring broke and as we all scrambled to get our businesses back up and running, the summer brought us Sweepsfest in NH, and theNew York Summer Workshop. It was at this workshop that we celebrated the life of Shawn as well as others who had passed in our lives. Although somber at times, and wet as usual, a great time was had by all, especially those of us that took part in the motorcycle trips that were planned by Tom Biscoe, Paul Deveny and Greg Polakow. Summer was also when Mike Elliott suffered serious injuries in a bicycle accident, and as you all know, we had a "Sweep One for Mike" campaign. This allowed us to send a check to the Elliotts for $2,500.00. Mike eventually recovered from his injuries well enough to go to Washington, DC to "Sweep the White House" and we couldn't have been happier for him.
It wasn't very long after that, that we saw gas prices reach over $4.00 a gallon and heating oil there as well. Due to this, the sale of pellet and wood stoves sky rocketed and so did the stove installations. But as soon as those prices went down, so did the phone calls, however based on the rest of the economy these days, I can't complain.
The Guild sponsored a Thermocrete seminar in July, and as you can see by Billy Sweet's report, we plan on having a great deal of seminars in2009, so look for that information soon.
Last, but not least, we had our annual Holiday Party at the Radisson Hotel in Hyannis. Once again, I found the accommodations, the food, and those who attended made for one heck of a weekend for Dan and I. I'd like to thank the Sootprints once again for playing for us that night as well as the generosity of those who took part in our auction which netted the Guild close to $2,500.00. If you do business with any of the distributors that donated to the auction, please thank them the next time you place an order. I have sent out "thank you" certificates, but a little extra thank you never hurts!
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but that brings my 2008 wrap up to and end. Now, what to look forward to in 2009. Well, for immediate starters, I looking forward to the snow to stop! Although a little snow in the winter is nice, I think Mother Nature has taken it a little too far already.
Dan and I plan on attending the National Chimney Sweep Guild Convention in Winston-Salem, NC at the end of February. I will be attending as Guild President, and Dan is attending as a band member. The Sootprints were hired to play at the banquet, as well as a social function and we're really excited about going down. I'm hoping to be able to see John & Lisa Prodreca who "migrated" down there a few years ago from Mattapoisett.
In March, we will be having the last General Membership meeting before the elections in June. As I have indicated previously, it is imperative that you take a good look at what you can do for the Guild, not what it can do for you. You cannot have one without the other. This Guild does not run by itself and if you could find it in yourself to donate a few hours 5 or 6 times a year to keep building this Guild and its potential, then I guarantee you will not be disappointed. We are currently looking for people to run for President, Treasurer, and 3 Board seats. If you would like to be nominated, but cannot attend the March meeting, just contact any Board of Director, Officer or myself and we'd be more than happy to do it for you, but please take the nomination seriously and if you take a position, please be ready to serve.
Well, that's it for now. I'll be writing up only one more report before my term as President ends, so I'm going to keep my self positive and hope that the last report is full of wonderful things that have happened to the Guild, this industry and hopefully for the entire economy.
My best for a healthy and Happy New Year
.Jean Jacobson
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Vice President’s Report
January 8, 2009
Hello MCSG members!
I hope you had a busy and profitable season, and I pray we all have a happy and successful new year.
That being said, well the phones ring a lot less this January than last January. And the weather is having a big impact on our ability to get out to work. Still, we are trooping along.
Alan Kline, of Lynn Ladder would love to host a ladder and scaffolding safety seminar for us. He wants to have it at his facility in Lynn, and we will be scheduling shortly. I’ll have most if not all of my people there as he does a great job and I always learn a lot. Stay tuned into the MCSG website for more info.
Jeff Wright of Chimneysavers in Saugus has had quite an experience with OSHA. He is willing to talk to us about it and answer questions. I was shocked (really, no kidding) when I heard all he had to deal with. All I could think was there but for the grace of God go I. It could happen to me, it could happen to you. You will want to hear what he has to say, and consider it in light of your own best practices. I can think of no greater contribution this Guild can make to you than to prepare you for what to do if it happens to you. Jeff is smart, articulate, careful, and he has good people working for him. Yet OSHA has been a huge drain on his resources and his profitability this year. Don’t miss this opportunity to become aware of the consequences of a little mistake gone wild. This too we will be scheduling soon, check the MCSG website.
Jeff Ludlow of August West has a similar story to tell, perhaps we can combine them in one presentation with lunch. Again, check the website.
Some of you may want us too seek out presentations on something, or know someone who can teach us. Please contact me should you have an idea you want to discuss. You can reach me at my office at 781-593-2333.
Good luck in the new year!
Respectfully,
Billy Sweet
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep
Hello MCSG members!
I hope you had a busy and profitable season, and I pray we all have a happy and successful new year.
That being said, well the phones ring a lot less this January than last January. And the weather is having a big impact on our ability to get out to work. Still, we are trooping along.
Alan Kline, of Lynn Ladder would love to host a ladder and scaffolding safety seminar for us. He wants to have it at his facility in Lynn, and we will be scheduling shortly. I’ll have most if not all of my people there as he does a great job and I always learn a lot. Stay tuned into the MCSG website for more info.
Jeff Wright of Chimneysavers in Saugus has had quite an experience with OSHA. He is willing to talk to us about it and answer questions. I was shocked (really, no kidding) when I heard all he had to deal with. All I could think was there but for the grace of God go I. It could happen to me, it could happen to you. You will want to hear what he has to say, and consider it in light of your own best practices. I can think of no greater contribution this Guild can make to you than to prepare you for what to do if it happens to you. Jeff is smart, articulate, careful, and he has good people working for him. Yet OSHA has been a huge drain on his resources and his profitability this year. Don’t miss this opportunity to become aware of the consequences of a little mistake gone wild. This too we will be scheduling soon, check the MCSG website.
Jeff Ludlow of August West has a similar story to tell, perhaps we can combine them in one presentation with lunch. Again, check the website.
Some of you may want us too seek out presentations on something, or know someone who can teach us. Please contact me should you have an idea you want to discuss. You can reach me at my office at 781-593-2333.
Good luck in the new year!
Respectfully,
Billy Sweet
Billy Sweet Chimney Sweep
News from MOC - Citizens Energy Program Back On
Massachusetts Oilheat Council
Legislative & Regulatory NewsletterJanuary 7, 2009
Citizens Energy Program Update
Citizens Energy Program Back On
MOC reported in a Legislative & Regulatory Update yesterday on an announcement made by former Congressman Joe Kennedy on the indefinite suspension of this years Citizens Energy Oilheat Program. The announcement was spurred by Kennedy's concern over the possible loss of oil donations from Venezuelan government-owned CITGO.
Today, however, CITGO and Citizens Energy announced that the program would continue as planned despite major budget concerns for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Chavez relies on oil revenue to fund the country's numerous social spending programs, and concern over funding these programs was mounting as a result of major oil revenue losses suffered since prices began their free fall following record highs this past July.
At MOC we strive to keep you up-to-date on the issues that directly affect your business. The following is the latest legislative and regulatory news concerning the Massachusetts Oilheat industry and its consumers.
In the statement made today by CITGO Chief Executive Alejandro Granado it was explained that, despite a funding crunch, donations to the Citizens Energy Oilheat Program would not be rescinded. The decision to continue the program "is the result of a strong commitment and a big effort on the part of Citgo and our shareholders in light of the current global financial crisis and its impact on the oil industry in general" said Granado.
The announcement came as a great relief to Joe Kennedy, employees of the Citizens Energy Program, low income advocates and low income residents alike. MOC played a major role in the creation of the Citizens Energy Oilheat program and is pleased that it will continue uninterrupted this season. The program is set to begin January 19th, 2009.
Click here to read Joe Kennedy's official statement.
Click here to read the Boston Globe story.
Legislative & Regulatory NewsletterJanuary 7, 2009
Citizens Energy Program Update
Citizens Energy Program Back On
MOC reported in a Legislative & Regulatory Update yesterday on an announcement made by former Congressman Joe Kennedy on the indefinite suspension of this years Citizens Energy Oilheat Program. The announcement was spurred by Kennedy's concern over the possible loss of oil donations from Venezuelan government-owned CITGO.
Today, however, CITGO and Citizens Energy announced that the program would continue as planned despite major budget concerns for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Chavez relies on oil revenue to fund the country's numerous social spending programs, and concern over funding these programs was mounting as a result of major oil revenue losses suffered since prices began their free fall following record highs this past July.
At MOC we strive to keep you up-to-date on the issues that directly affect your business. The following is the latest legislative and regulatory news concerning the Massachusetts Oilheat industry and its consumers.
In the statement made today by CITGO Chief Executive Alejandro Granado it was explained that, despite a funding crunch, donations to the Citizens Energy Oilheat Program would not be rescinded. The decision to continue the program "is the result of a strong commitment and a big effort on the part of Citgo and our shareholders in light of the current global financial crisis and its impact on the oil industry in general" said Granado.
The announcement came as a great relief to Joe Kennedy, employees of the Citizens Energy Program, low income advocates and low income residents alike. MOC played a major role in the creation of the Citizens Energy Oilheat program and is pleased that it will continue uninterrupted this season. The program is set to begin January 19th, 2009.
Click here to read Joe Kennedy's official statement.
Click here to read the Boston Globe story.
Don't Wait Until the Last Minute!
Register Today For Discounted Registration
Just a few weeks remain until discounted rates are no longer available for NCSG Innovation 2009 registration. Discounts at the NCSG host hotels are available through January 23. The Embassy Suites block is full and the inquiries at the Marriott keep coming in. Don't be left behind! Make plans to attend today! Registration is open at www.ncsg.org/innovation or just give us a call at (317) 837-1500.
Registration discounts end on January 30. Hotel discounts end on January 23.
Check out the complete schedule online at www.NCSG.org/innovation.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Pictures from Thermocrete Workshop
"All About Chimneys and Ventech Industries Inc. sponsered an informative seminar for MA Guild members to introduce them to the Thermocrete and Smoktite line of products. This revolutionary ceramic spray was designed to quickly and easily repair damaged tile liners, but also can be used to coat and seal unlined flues and unlined smoke chambers. David O'Shea of All About Chimneys has been using this product since its inception in North America and has found it to be a valuable addition to his services.
More information on Thermocrete can be found at www.thermocreteusa.com."
More information on Thermocrete can be found at www.thermocreteusa.com."
Monday, January 12, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Slide Show
I'd be happy to add more pictures to this slideshow. If you have pictures you'd like to see here just send them over. If you have a lot of pictures in a public album online I might be able to post another slideshow from that.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Member in the News
It's 'flue' season: Chimney sweeps can help prevent house fires
By Dan O'Brien / The Daily Item
Dave O'Shea was startled but not shocked when he read an Item article Jan. 2 about a house fire in Marblehead that firefighters said began in a chimney flue.Lots of house fires begin in poorly maintained chimneys, but firefighters said the New Year's Day fire occurred in a chimney that was inspected only two days earlier.John and Joanne Nestor of 32 Beverly Ave. suffered about $50,000 worth of damages after fire spread from the chimney through the walls.O'Shea, a Marblehead chimney sweeper who is on the board of directors for the Massachusetts Chimney Sweeping Guild, said there is no law in Massachusetts that requires chimney sweepers to be licensed."What boggles my mind is that painters have to be licensed, but not us," O'Shea said. "We're looked at as having a quaint, 'Dick Van Dyke' image but we're very skilled at what we do."O'Shea is the co-owner of All About Chimneys, of 4 Beringer Way, Marblehead, and warns homeowners to only hire chimney sweepers proven to be certified by the Mass. Chimney Sweeping Guild or the Chimney Safety Inspectors of America, who take rigorous exams on chimney inspection every three years.
= 1208322000) && (nAdsysTime = 1187326800) && (nAdsysTime = 1228716000) && (nAdsysTime = 1228284000) && (nAdsysTime = 1226642400) && (nAdsysTime = 1227160800) && (nAdsysTime
The Mass. Chimney Sweeping Guild's Web site (http://www.mcsguild.org/) provides a list of reputable sweepers on the North Shore.The guild has been fighting for the state legislature to require all chimney sweepers in Massachusetts to have a license, O'Shea said."We have fought for licensing for many, many years," O'Shea said. "We've gone before the legislature and said, 'Please, license us.'"O'Shea said this season he's observed more "fly by night" companies that aren't reputable and taking advantage of homeowners in tough financial times.
"There's no recourse for the home owner," he said. "I think because of the economy there are a lot more fly-by-nighters. We have little to combat that because there is no official licensing."Experienced sweepers first do a close visual inspection of the chimney, including its flues and liners, on the first visit to make sure there are no cracks or other damage, O'Shea said. A second inspection would require cameras to take a closer look while a third inspection might require taking the chimney apart to thoroughly examine it."There can be a lot of hidden defects nobody knows anything about until something bad happens," he said.The two non-profits mentioned are going to do everything they can this year to pass a law allowing licensing of sweepers before another house fire occurs, considering the seriousness of working with gas and oil heat while inspecting a chimney, O'Shea said."If those aren't working properly a homeowner could have serious problems with loss of property of life," he said.
= 1208322000) && (nAdsysTime = 1187326800) && (nAdsysTime = 1228716000) && (nAdsysTime = 1228284000) && (nAdsysTime = 1226642400) && (nAdsysTime = 1227160800) && (nAdsysTime
The Mass. Chimney Sweeping Guild's Web site (http://www.mcsguild.org/) provides a list of reputable sweepers on the North Shore.The guild has been fighting for the state legislature to require all chimney sweepers in Massachusetts to have a license, O'Shea said."We have fought for licensing for many, many years," O'Shea said. "We've gone before the legislature and said, 'Please, license us.'"O'Shea said this season he's observed more "fly by night" companies that aren't reputable and taking advantage of homeowners in tough financial times.
"There's no recourse for the home owner," he said. "I think because of the economy there are a lot more fly-by-nighters. We have little to combat that because there is no official licensing."Experienced sweepers first do a close visual inspection of the chimney, including its flues and liners, on the first visit to make sure there are no cracks or other damage, O'Shea said. A second inspection would require cameras to take a closer look while a third inspection might require taking the chimney apart to thoroughly examine it."There can be a lot of hidden defects nobody knows anything about until something bad happens," he said.The two non-profits mentioned are going to do everything they can this year to pass a law allowing licensing of sweepers before another house fire occurs, considering the seriousness of working with gas and oil heat while inspecting a chimney, O'Shea said."If those aren't working properly a homeowner could have serious problems with loss of property of life," he said.
Need CSIA Certification?
We're having a CSIA Certified Chimney Sweep review on January 23!
It will be held at:
Publick House - Historic Inn & Country Motor Lodge
Route 131, P.O. Box 187
Sturbridge, MA 01566-0187
Phone: (508) 347-7323 Sleeping Rooms – Inn ($99); Hill ($79)Both include coffee and pastry in the morning at the Tavern.www.publickhouse.com
Thanks in advance! :)
Happy holidays!
Melissa
Melissa Heeke
Director of Communications & Marketing
Chimney Safety Institute of America
www.csia.org
Office: (317) 837-5362 x 105• Fax: (317) 837-5365
It will be held at:
Publick House - Historic Inn & Country Motor Lodge
Route 131, P.O. Box 187
Sturbridge, MA 01566-0187
Phone: (508) 347-7323 Sleeping Rooms – Inn ($99); Hill ($79)Both include coffee and pastry in the morning at the Tavern.www.publickhouse.com
Thanks in advance! :)
Happy holidays!
Melissa
Melissa Heeke
Director of Communications & Marketing
Chimney Safety Institute of America
www.csia.org
Office: (317) 837-5362 x 105• Fax: (317) 837-5365
Mass. man dies when raccoon blocks furnace exhaust
December 22, 2008
SANDWICH, Mass.—Sandwich police say a 62-year-old man has been found dead in his home, apparently the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a dead raccoon blocking his furnace exhaust.
The Cape Cod Times reports that police went to the man's home Sunday morning to perform a well-being check.
When they entered the home they found him dead. The fire department found high levels of carbon monoxide when it took readings inside the home.
The man's name was not immediately released.
Investigators found that a raccoon had crawled down the flue to the gas furnace and died, blocking the exhaust.
Officials say there were no carbon monoxide or smoke detectors in the home.
------
Information from: Cape Cod Times, http://www.capecodonline.com
© Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
SANDWICH, Mass.—Sandwich police say a 62-year-old man has been found dead in his home, apparently the victim of carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a dead raccoon blocking his furnace exhaust.
The Cape Cod Times reports that police went to the man's home Sunday morning to perform a well-being check.
When they entered the home they found him dead. The fire department found high levels of carbon monoxide when it took readings inside the home.
The man's name was not immediately released.
Investigators found that a raccoon had crawled down the flue to the gas furnace and died, blocking the exhaust.
Officials say there were no carbon monoxide or smoke detectors in the home.
------
Information from: Cape Cod Times, http://www.capecodonline.com
© Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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