Getting Creative

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

Bronzella Cleveland, Editor - bcleveland@masonrymagazine.com

  It is official, it is barbecue season, and so how many have you hosted or been to? I have to say, I’m guilty of getting out of the house and grilling as much as I can because there is something about the smell of the grill, the fruit salads, and all the trimmings. Plus, the weather can’t be any better, who doesn’t love a cool breeze?  Dan and I always compare cooking notes, as I’m sure we have said once before. It is all about trying new things and getting creative with the dishes. The same can be said about the masonry industry, every day I see something new that pertains to masonry, the creativity and options are endless. We have about two months or so to get creative and try something new, be it on the grill or cooking or in your everyday life. But that’s enough talk from me about food and getting creative.   Let's jump into what you will find in this month’s issue. Following my note, you will find a contractor Q&A focusing on employee onboarding. Since that is such an essential part of the hiring process, we decided to talk with three contractors to get their opinions and experiences on the topic. Be sure to stop and read this informative article and if you have any topics or questions you would like answered, feel free to send them our way.   Our cover story focuses on historic mortar restoration while providing a look at an example case study featuring a historic building in Chicago, IL. Discover more about this process, it may all begin with a camera. You will also find our recap from this year’s Legislative Fly-In, so if you didn’t get to come out this year, be sure to check out the talking points and the tours that were taken while in Washington D.C.   There is a Technical Talk on brick efflorescence, a case study highlighting the restoration of Cincinnati’s Music Hall, an update on anchor bolt provisions in masonry code, a look at innovations in work wear, and a workforce development article focusing on the next steps to growing this industry’s workforce.   This issue is packed with tons of good stories for you to check out. As always, if there is something you would like to see in the magazine or if you have any questions feel free to reach out to me or Dan.   Until next time, get out there and be creative!  
 0
2024 Architectural Awards: Excellence In Masonry Winners

The Masonry Advisory Council held the 2024 Excellence in Masonry Awards on Saturday, October 26th at 167 Green St., Chicago, Illinois. Honoring 80 projects from over the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area. The Awards program celebrates outstanding ar

By: Ashley Kelly
Read More
NSI and ISFA Announce Silica Exposure Literature Review

NSI and ISFA are proud to present a literature review that summarizes the growing library of studies related to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposure. Completed by Yale Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the study covers 34 publications and d

By: Amy Oakley
Read More
La Maison Franchère: How Masonry Turns Functional Buildings Into Timeless Beauty

La Maison Franchère, or the Franchers’ House, stands as a notable relic of stone architecture in Saint-Mathies, a small Quebec town on the edge of the Richelieu River. Unlike the neighboring homes, this towering, two-and-a-half-story mansion immediately c

By: Vera Autushka
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast Episode 5 Recap: Zach Everett

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Masonry Strong podcast! Today, we have a very special guest, Zach Everett, sharing his journey and experiences in the world of safety within the masonry industry. From humble beginnings to becoming a vital

By: Justin Stengel
About: Featured
Read More