Developing Skills That Will Last A Lifetime-
The District School Board of Niagara – Specialist High Skills Major in Construction program sees students spend an entire semester out of the classroom and on the job site, learning all aspects of home construction.
When teacher Ken Willms approached Association builder members for a partnership for the 2012 semester, Ed Lenchyshyn of Parklane Home Builders’ didn’t have a moment’s hesitation. “What are we waiting for?” were his first words. So on February 1, 2012 the partnership started in Stevensville at 3395 Rivertrail, Unit 7.
The 19 students from 10 different schools are on site Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 3:00pm and earn 4 high school credits. This is their classroom for the semester finishing the end of June. The schools involved are: Beamsville District Secondary, AN Myer, Stamford Collegiate, Governor Simcoe, Laura Secord, Eden, Fort Erie Secondary, Eastdale, Kernahan Park and Thorold.
Parklane Home Builders’ provided the basement in the house next door for the on site classroom during the first 2 weeks of the semester where students learned all the safety rules and received many safety certifications including Fall Protection, CPR, First Aid, WHMIS, PPE, Ladder training, Electrical Safety and Energy Star certification as well.
The students have been able to get “hands on” for all the framing, trusses, roofing, insulation, vapour barrier and drywall boarding with the assistance of the framer during the construction. As well, they gain familiarity with electrician, plumber and HVAC trades through observation, demonstrations and questions.
With a few weeks left, students are completing the trim, flooring, siding and paint.
“It is always enjoyable when Ed shows up at 8:00 am with encouragement and excited to see what the students have accomplished”, Willms said. “This has been the most organized, on time, productive semester I have had with a group of students so far.” Willms and the students express “Thank’s to Ed and all his staff and trades.”
Ed Lenchyshyn, Parklane Home Builders strongly encourages participation in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) so students can continue their careers in construction.
Ken Willms, District School Board of Niagara, facilitator for SHSM Regional Construction can be reached at 905-327-1244 or ken.willms@dsbn.org
GOLF CLASSIC 2010…The Niagara Home Builders’ Association recently presented Health & Rehabilitation Foundation with a donation for the purchase of two items from the capital equipment list. From the 2011 Golf Classic proceeds, an “Arm Ergometer and height adjustable table” for use by patients with a lower limb disability, spinal cord injury, or post recover from foot or leg surgery, and, a “ portable Vital Signs Monitor Blood Pressure Station” that displays and records vital signs of patients as they proceed with their therapy.
Pictured with the cheque is Co-Chair Jim Dove, Regional Doors & Hardware; Brian Kon, Executive Director HDSF; Joe Katzman, Dufferin Concrete; Jon Whyte, Mountainview Homes,
BLITZ BUILD 2010…Award Winners!
The story TVCOGECO did for “Blitz Build 2010” won a TVCOGECO Star Award for best short documentary at their annual Awards Gala for Ontario a few weeks back. Habitat Niagara, Niagara Home Builders’ Association and Niagara Construction Association are very excited that TVCOGECO were equally honoured for such an amazing project.
Honoured for “…outstanding generosity and commitment to our mission demonstrates your belief in making a difference…not simply a donation”, Habitat Niagara presented the FOUNDATION AWARD to the Niagara Home Builders’ Association and the Niagara Construction Association.
Alastair Davis states “We are so proud of the Blitz Build and the outstanding performance of all partners including the award winning production by TVCOGECO. Habitat Niagara won a national award for affiliate excellence and Stephen Kaiser was honored by both Habitat Niagara and at our National Habitat Conference for his outstanding contribution and commitment—this combined with as Association of the Year sure highlights the amazing capabilities and leadership of Niagara in Canada.I was also very honoured to present our Habitat Foundation Builder Award to and NCA…our partnership and teamwork is of immeasurable success and impacts so many peoples lives.”
BLITZ BUILD 2010…WE DID IT!
Team Leaders, Skilled Trades and Support Volunteers from the Niagara Home Builders’ Association and Niagara Construction Association began construction of an 1100 square foot home on Frazer Street in Welland on Friday May 14th at 7:32am. Building materials, supplies and equipment were donated for the skilled trades, working together throughout the weekend, to complete the build in 49 hours & 20 minutes!
Donated to Habitat for Humanity Niagara, the Dedication & Key Turning Ceremony was held Sunday afternoon and the home presented to the Acaster family. Members of the Niagara Home Builders Association are responsible for 80% of the new homes build in the Niagara area and by joining forces with the Niagara Construction Association whose members build in the industrial, commercial, and institutional markets – the entire construction sector is represented in Blitz Build 2010! Together we made an unbeatable team!…giving back to the community!Blitz Build 2010 web
BRING DINO HOME
Pym & Cooper Custom Homes commitment to finishing renovations to the Sabic Family home to accommodate their son Dino, injured in a diving accident. BringDinoHomeDec2010
CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR BIG BROTHERS & BIG SISTERS
The morning following the Association’s Christmas Party, Executive Directors for Big Brothers and Big Sisters Niagara greeted committee members delivering donations of unwrapped gifts for teens collected at the annual Christmas Party. The gifts are distributed throughout the Niagara Region to teens participating in the mentoring program. 
Left: Barb Van Der Heyden – Executive Director South Niagara; Gerry Ducharme – Regional Doors & Hardware; Jon Braithwaite – Executive Director Niagara Falls;
Right: Bill Klingender – Burnstein Brick; Geri Morrone-Meridian Credit Union; Dale Davis-Executive Director St. Catharines-Thorold & District;
Absent: Lynn Clancy-Leenaars, Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln.
Construction Hockey Night with the Niagara Ice Dogs
featuring a lively game against the Mississauga St. Mike’s Majors, was enjoyed by Association Members and their families and friends March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day. During the first and second periods, the members of the Niagara Home Builders’ Association and the Niagara Construction Association faced off for a SHOOTOUT CHALLENGE.
NHBA Goalie John Fracchioni and NCA Goalie Wes Hummel both claimed victory after facing 5 shots and a play-off shot during the Construction Shoot-Out Challenge before a sellout crowd. Shooters for the NHBA Team, wearing Green Shirts for St. Patrick’s Day included – Jason Disher, Ted Brown, Mike Kennedy, Helmut Friesen & Chuck McShane. The challengers, sporting Falcon WarmUp Shirts included – Ron Grossi Jr. Rob Grossi, Marcus Franken, Rich Heikoop & Sean Oaks. Players sighted ice conditions the deciding factor in the results.
“I want to thank these guys for pulling on the skates “, says Chuck McShane, President of the Niagara Home Builders’ Association. “Some of us haven’t skated for a number of years and it was great to get together in the Jr. B Falcon dressing room and share some memories”.
