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
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Silent Auction
The silent auction put together by Jeannie Jacobson had many great items donated by vendors and members. Watch for a complete report on the auction in the next few days.
The Sootprints
This years entertainment at the Holiday Party was exceptional. A performance from the Sootprints was a great after dinner treat. The all chimney sweep band played all the favorites including the Decemberists "Chimbley Sweep". Thanks guys. We know you'll rock them down in Winston-Salem at the National Convention!
Chimney Sweeps Decked out for the Holiday Party
Mike and Michelle Elliot
Mike's Chimney Sweep B
ling!
Mike's Chimney Sweep B
ling!Mike Elliott, Charles Koubek, and Anthony Glew dressed and ready to party.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Member on TV News
If you missed it you can still watch online. WBZ4 aired a short interview with Loreen Koubek of Eurosweep. Loreen did a great job of hitting on important points. She even got the MCSG a plug. Check out the links on the page below and you'll notice that MCSG is there 3 times throughout the story. Nice job Loreen!
http://wbztv.com/curious/chimney.dangers.heating.2.820860.html
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Mike Elliot in the News - again
Read the story in the Webster Times
Keep them coming. There's bound to be a lot of stories out there about the local chimney sweep who went and swept the Whitehouse Chimneys with the team picked by the NCSG.
Keep them coming. There's bound to be a lot of stories out there about the local chimney sweep who went and swept the Whitehouse Chimneys with the team picked by the NCSG.
Friday, August 29, 2008
NCSG Launches a New Contest
I love being a chimney sweep because...
VIDEO CONTEST
Watch the contest intro from Mark McSweeney, NCSG's Executive Director.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3DJ4zTaP68
Stereotypes about chimney sweeps abound and videos found on YouTube aren't helping. Sure it's cute to think of sweeps as guys who sing and dance on rooftops, but we know that there's so much more to being a chimney sweep than clever choreography.
OUR CHALLENGE
Break the stereotype of the Disney-esque chimney sweep.
THE FIRST STEP
Create a video completing the statement: "I love being a chimney sweep because..."
THE GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Entrants must own or be employed by an NCSG member company.
2. Videos should be no longer than 1 minute in length.
3. Entries must close with the NCSG trademark and URL(www.NCSG.org).
THE OFFICIAL RULES
By submitting video, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the official contest rules found here.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Send your video (.wmv, .avi, .mov or .mpg only) with title, your name and company name via email to mheeke@ncsg.org by the end of day September 30, 2008 with "NCSG Video Contest" in the subject line.
WHAT'S ON THE LINE
Winners will have their videos posted on the NCSG website and will be announced in the October issue of eNewslink. Of course, the winners also receive bragging rights and the knowledge that they're making a difference in the way chimney sweeps are viewed today.
Grand prize
One year NCSG membership, NCSG Innovation 2009 convention registration (Winston-Salem 2009), "Best Picture 2008" trophy and accolades online at www.NCSG.org
1st Runner Up
NCSG Innovation 2009 convention registration (Winston-Salem 2009), mention in Sweeping and accolades online at www.NCSG.org
Honorable Mention
Mention in Sweeping and accolades online at www.NCSG.org
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Melissa Heeke, NCSG Director of Communications & Marketing at mheeke@ncsg.org
YouTube is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries.
VIDEO CONTEST
Watch the contest intro from Mark McSweeney, NCSG's Executive Director.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3DJ4zTaP68
Stereotypes about chimney sweeps abound and videos found on YouTube aren't helping. Sure it's cute to think of sweeps as guys who sing and dance on rooftops, but we know that there's so much more to being a chimney sweep than clever choreography.
OUR CHALLENGE
Break the stereotype of the Disney-esque chimney sweep.
THE FIRST STEP
Create a video completing the statement: "I love being a chimney sweep because..."
THE GENERAL GUIDELINES
1. Entrants must own or be employed by an NCSG member company.
2. Videos should be no longer than 1 minute in length.
3. Entries must close with the NCSG trademark and URL(www.NCSG.org).
THE OFFICIAL RULES
By submitting video, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the official contest rules found here.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
Send your video (.wmv, .avi, .mov or .mpg only) with title, your name and company name via email to mheeke@ncsg.org by the end of day September 30, 2008 with "NCSG Video Contest" in the subject line.
WHAT'S ON THE LINE
Winners will have their videos posted on the NCSG website and will be announced in the October issue of eNewslink. Of course, the winners also receive bragging rights and the knowledge that they're making a difference in the way chimney sweeps are viewed today.
Grand prize
One year NCSG membership, NCSG Innovation 2009 convention registration (Winston-Salem 2009), "Best Picture 2008" trophy and accolades online at www.NCSG.org
1st Runner Up
NCSG Innovation 2009 convention registration (Winston-Salem 2009), mention in Sweeping and accolades online at www.NCSG.org
Honorable Mention
Mention in Sweeping and accolades online at www.NCSG.org
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Melissa Heeke, NCSG Director of Communications & Marketing at mheeke@ncsg.org
YouTube is a registered trademark in the U.S. and other countries.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Saturday, August 23, 2008
MA State Position on Chimney Inspection?
http://www.mass.gov/Eeops/docs/dfs/osfm/pubed/flyers/hhs_oct07_trifold.pdf
The above flyer put out by the state talks about having an annual inspection of the chimney flue by a "qualified mason" and having the chimney cleaned. It never mentions chimney sweeps or CSIA or any other certification.
I researched this after reading this article in the Metrowest Daily News. Which although mentions chimney sweeps as workers who can be found through word of mouth and should be associated with a national trade association, never mentions certification. Also it says that the state plans to make a list of masons available online so homeowners can contact them for chimney inspections.
I think it might be important in the near future to revisit the guilds Power Point presentation and start taking it out to Fire Departments, Home Inspectors, Realtors, and Town Building Inspectors.
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are educated and tested on different levels of chimney inspection. They see, daily, the condition of chimney flues after use. This makes them uniquely qualified to perform chimney inspections.
I'd like the BOD to consider appointing an Outreach Committee to contact, visit and educate the above mentioned professionals. Perhaps even a brochure mailing to Fire Cheifs and Building Inspectors with an invitation to meet with a Guild representative could be an immediate step to start the process.
Just like with advertising in our businesses, if we stop our outreach education people will forget who we are and what we do.
Stacie Shippey
Newsletter Editor
Cherry Valley Chimney Sweep - Leicester
The above flyer put out by the state talks about having an annual inspection of the chimney flue by a "qualified mason" and having the chimney cleaned. It never mentions chimney sweeps or CSIA or any other certification.
I researched this after reading this article in the Metrowest Daily News. Which although mentions chimney sweeps as workers who can be found through word of mouth and should be associated with a national trade association, never mentions certification. Also it says that the state plans to make a list of masons available online so homeowners can contact them for chimney inspections.
I think it might be important in the near future to revisit the guilds Power Point presentation and start taking it out to Fire Departments, Home Inspectors, Realtors, and Town Building Inspectors.
CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps are educated and tested on different levels of chimney inspection. They see, daily, the condition of chimney flues after use. This makes them uniquely qualified to perform chimney inspections.
I'd like the BOD to consider appointing an Outreach Committee to contact, visit and educate the above mentioned professionals. Perhaps even a brochure mailing to Fire Cheifs and Building Inspectors with an invitation to meet with a Guild representative could be an immediate step to start the process.
Just like with advertising in our businesses, if we stop our outreach education people will forget who we are and what we do.
Stacie Shippey
Newsletter Editor
Cherry Valley Chimney Sweep - Leicester
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Friday, August 15, 2008
Regarding the Future of the MCSG
To all MCSG members:
Below you will find an email sent through the Chimney Forum a few days ago, indicating the disbanding of the Southern Chimney Sweep Assoc. The reasons noted where due to economic conditions as well as the lack of participation from sweeps at conventions and workshops.
The reason I am bringing this to your attention is that although we have a substantial amount of money in our treasury and at our disposal to provide many benefits to our membership, due to the lack of participation of members to be on the Board, an Officer, or even to help out with the Holiday Party or the Summer Picnic, I'm afraid that one day we will be sending out the same email to our fellow sweeps on the east coast.
It was just on Wednesday that the Guild sponsored a Thermocrete and Smoktite seminar of which there were only 5 persons in paid attendance and one of them was my husband Dan and another Board member.
Prior to that, we had a fair, but not a very good showing of members to the NH Sweep Fest (mainly due to the fact the the SootPrints played and they are all MA sweeps), where I incorporated our annual membership meeting.
We've hosted seminars on disability and accidental insurance, an OSHA safety course, a web site seminar and one on drafting issues as well. The people who give these seminars give of their time as well, for the Guild, in order to provide us with information and education.
Attendance at other general membership meetings (other that the Holiday Party) are again fair at best. I continually hear "what does the Guild do for me?" when we asked you to renewal your dues each year. Well, as far as I'm concerned the old saying "you get what you give" applies to this organization just like any other. We have two openings on the Board of Directors despite recent elections. Will no one in our Guild give of their time to see that I don't have to send out the email below??
I know that we all have our own businesses to run and lives to lead, but so do I and the others who have in the past served as your Officers and Board members. We have all taken our positions very seriously in order for our Guild to be a successful and respected organization.
Starting at the next general membership meeting scheduled for September 15th, nominations will be opened for President, Treasurer, and 3 or 4 Board seats. Nominations will be taken again at the Holiday Party meeting and then only once more at the March 2009 meeting. I have served two terms and was appointed to a one year interim term which means I've served as President for 5 years. This is not the only time that has happened as well and I would like to see that it doesn't happen again. I will not lie, this has not been an easy job at times, but I take great pride in what we accomplish as a Board and sincerely appreciate all the hard work done with all of them.
That being said, I would again at this time like to ask that you ask yourself if you could possibly give a few hours of your time every 60 or 90 days to help this Guild stay strong. We are in the process of developing some really intense seminars, however I am afraid that the Guild will be wasting its time and resources if no one attends what we have to offer. If you haven't seen us offer anything you'd like to see, then as we've said in previous newsletters, let us know. We are here for you, but if you don't communicate with the Board then we can't help you.
We'd also like to see our membership increase. Dan has sent out renewals for 2008/2009. Take the time to fill it out in full and return it as soon as possible. Also, look in your local phone book. Find a sweep in your area that you know is not a member and see if you can't get them to join. The Guild is going to sponsor a membership drive where for every member you get to join you get a credit towards your next membership. (The amount has yet to be determined).
This would benefit the Guild with "new blood", and you as well.
Again, the next General Membership meeting will be held on September 17th, and as usual we are currently trying to incorporate some type of seminar to the meeting to make it worth the trip. So please, look at your calendars before you get too busy, cross out the 17th and please plan on attending. A notice of where the meeting will be help will be out soon. Please open all mail sent from the Guild in a timely fashion so you don't miss out on what we have to offer.
Sincerely,
Jeanmarie Jacobson, President
Duxbury Chimney Sweep and
Mass. Chimney Sweep Guild
Below you will find an email sent through the Chimney Forum a few days ago, indicating the disbanding of the Southern Chimney Sweep Assoc. The reasons noted where due to economic conditions as well as the lack of participation from sweeps at conventions and workshops.
The reason I am bringing this to your attention is that although we have a substantial amount of money in our treasury and at our disposal to provide many benefits to our membership, due to the lack of participation of members to be on the Board, an Officer, or even to help out with the Holiday Party or the Summer Picnic, I'm afraid that one day we will be sending out the same email to our fellow sweeps on the east coast.
It was just on Wednesday that the Guild sponsored a Thermocrete and Smoktite seminar of which there were only 5 persons in paid attendance and one of them was my husband Dan and another Board member.
Prior to that, we had a fair, but not a very good showing of members to the NH Sweep Fest (mainly due to the fact the the SootPrints played and they are all MA sweeps), where I incorporated our annual membership meeting.
We've hosted seminars on disability and accidental insurance, an OSHA safety course, a web site seminar and one on drafting issues as well. The people who give these seminars give of their time as well, for the Guild, in order to provide us with information and education.
Attendance at other general membership meetings (other that the Holiday Party) are again fair at best. I continually hear "what does the Guild do for me?" when we asked you to renewal your dues each year. Well, as far as I'm concerned the old saying "you get what you give" applies to this organization just like any other. We have two openings on the Board of Directors despite recent elections. Will no one in our Guild give of their time to see that I don't have to send out the email below??
I know that we all have our own businesses to run and lives to lead, but so do I and the others who have in the past served as your Officers and Board members. We have all taken our positions very seriously in order for our Guild to be a successful and respected organization.
Starting at the next general membership meeting scheduled for September 15th, nominations will be opened for President, Treasurer, and 3 or 4 Board seats. Nominations will be taken again at the Holiday Party meeting and then only once more at the March 2009 meeting. I have served two terms and was appointed to a one year interim term which means I've served as President for 5 years. This is not the only time that has happened as well and I would like to see that it doesn't happen again. I will not lie, this has not been an easy job at times, but I take great pride in what we accomplish as a Board and sincerely appreciate all the hard work done with all of them.
That being said, I would again at this time like to ask that you ask yourself if you could possibly give a few hours of your time every 60 or 90 days to help this Guild stay strong. We are in the process of developing some really intense seminars, however I am afraid that the Guild will be wasting its time and resources if no one attends what we have to offer. If you haven't seen us offer anything you'd like to see, then as we've said in previous newsletters, let us know. We are here for you, but if you don't communicate with the Board then we can't help you.
We'd also like to see our membership increase. Dan has sent out renewals for 2008/2009. Take the time to fill it out in full and return it as soon as possible. Also, look in your local phone book. Find a sweep in your area that you know is not a member and see if you can't get them to join. The Guild is going to sponsor a membership drive where for every member you get to join you get a credit towards your next membership. (The amount has yet to be determined).
This would benefit the Guild with "new blood", and you as well.
Again, the next General Membership meeting will be held on September 17th, and as usual we are currently trying to incorporate some type of seminar to the meeting to make it worth the trip. So please, look at your calendars before you get too busy, cross out the 17th and please plan on attending. A notice of where the meeting will be help will be out soon. Please open all mail sent from the Guild in a timely fashion so you don't miss out on what we have to offer.
Sincerely,
Jeanmarie Jacobson, President
Duxbury Chimney Sweep and
Mass. Chimney Sweep Guild
Southern Chimney Sweep Assoc. Disbands
The Southern Chimney Sweep Association wants to say thank you and goodbye to all the volunteers, instructors and suppliers that have helped us to educate sweeps and supported us over the last 15 years. We are calling it quits due to the ever changing economic conditions of our country and region, along with the lack of participation from sweeps at our last three conventions and our recent workshop.
We want to thank all of our founding members who saw the need to from a group to educate the sweeps of the Southeastern United States. This group started out as the Southeast Chimney Convention & Trade Show, with committee members from North & South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. Then the group saw the need to have a more formal group with structure and changed its name to the Southeastern Chimney Sweep Association and adding the Southern Association of Chimney Professionals (SACP) and Virginia to it's group.Then finally becoming a legal corporation under the name of the Southern Chimney Sweep Association with its member states being Florida, Georgia, Virginia and the SACP.
We would like to thank the past Committee Chairman of this fine organization for their years in serving as its chairman, Jerry Isenhour (1) NC, Mark Hudson (5) FL, Kevin Cowan (1) SC, Blume (1) SC, Jay Walker (1) FL, Ken Craig (1) SCAP, George Anderson (2) VA.We would also like to thank all of the past committee members who also served on this committee during it existence , Tom Stave(GA), Tom Doty (FL), Mike Wilcox (GA), Chris Holland (GA), Rob Meehan (FL), Wayne Van Houdt (VA), Jim Bostaph (VA), Roger Westerman (SACP),Mark Stoner (SACP),Cleveland Pope (SACP), Jim Robinson (SACP), Mike & Karren Duke (VA), Donny Rogan (VA), Roy & Gay Murry (NC), Bob Priesing (NC), Ron and Renne Brigman (SC), Paul & Connie Anderson (SC), Ron Rust (SC), Jay Walker (FL), Jeff Curry (FL), Phillip Martin (GA), John Su Song (GA), Dave Gallici (FL), Herb Fulmer (SC), Lucky Dale Meisinger (SC), Joe Honea (SC), Larry & Meola Snyder (SC), Steve Actman (GA), Benny Thompson (NC), Tom Albert (NC), Jeff Barger (NC),Curtis Daniel (GA), John Storch (VA), Barry Belyeu (GA), Matt Coggins (NC), Dennis Dobbs (SACP), Jim Johnson (FL), Craig Nelson (GA), Roger Whitman (NC), Jeff Jones (NC), John Handler (NC), Len Boucher (GA), Peggy Florentz (VA), we apologize if we have missed anyone.
We would also like to thank the following Supplier members that served on the committee, Bob McQuary, Cathy Rocque, Jeff Wiles, Gary Chambers and Robert Hutta.
The committee wants to encourage all sweeps to become members of NCSG and their state guilds or associations and to attend their educational opportunities. Remember education isn't cheap and can't be justified without the participation of the sweeps.
Thanks to everyone whoever attended a SCSA Convention or workshop.
Sweeps Luck to All,
Mark Hudson
We want to thank all of our founding members who saw the need to from a group to educate the sweeps of the Southeastern United States. This group started out as the Southeast Chimney Convention & Trade Show, with committee members from North & South Carolina, Florida and Georgia. Then the group saw the need to have a more formal group with structure and changed its name to the Southeastern Chimney Sweep Association and adding the Southern Association of Chimney Professionals (SACP) and Virginia to it's group.Then finally becoming a legal corporation under the name of the Southern Chimney Sweep Association with its member states being Florida, Georgia, Virginia and the SACP.
We would like to thank the past Committee Chairman of this fine organization for their years in serving as its chairman, Jerry Isenhour (1) NC, Mark Hudson (5) FL, Kevin Cowan (1) SC, Blume (1) SC, Jay Walker (1) FL, Ken Craig (1) SCAP, George Anderson (2) VA.We would also like to thank all of the past committee members who also served on this committee during it existence , Tom Stave(GA), Tom Doty (FL), Mike Wilcox (GA), Chris Holland (GA), Rob Meehan (FL), Wayne Van Houdt (VA), Jim Bostaph (VA), Roger Westerman (SACP),Mark Stoner (SACP),Cleveland Pope (SACP), Jim Robinson (SACP), Mike & Karren Duke (VA), Donny Rogan (VA), Roy & Gay Murry (NC), Bob Priesing (NC), Ron and Renne Brigman (SC), Paul & Connie Anderson (SC), Ron Rust (SC), Jay Walker (FL), Jeff Curry (FL), Phillip Martin (GA), John Su Song (GA), Dave Gallici (FL), Herb Fulmer (SC), Lucky Dale Meisinger (SC), Joe Honea (SC), Larry & Meola Snyder (SC), Steve Actman (GA), Benny Thompson (NC), Tom Albert (NC), Jeff Barger (NC),Curtis Daniel (GA), John Storch (VA), Barry Belyeu (GA), Matt Coggins (NC), Dennis Dobbs (SACP), Jim Johnson (FL), Craig Nelson (GA), Roger Whitman (NC), Jeff Jones (NC), John Handler (NC), Len Boucher (GA), Peggy Florentz (VA), we apologize if we have missed anyone.
We would also like to thank the following Supplier members that served on the committee, Bob McQuary, Cathy Rocque, Jeff Wiles, Gary Chambers and Robert Hutta.
The committee wants to encourage all sweeps to become members of NCSG and their state guilds or associations and to attend their educational opportunities. Remember education isn't cheap and can't be justified without the participation of the sweeps.
Thanks to everyone whoever attended a SCSA Convention or workshop.
Sweeps Luck to All,
Mark Hudson
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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