Special Release to the Pittsburgh Business Times
Awards & Recognitions: Construction Category
THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF OPERATING ENGINEERS LOCAL 66 AND JOINT APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAM RECEIVED THE PAUL STACKHOUSE AWARD FOR LABOR-MANAGEMENT COOPERATION
WESTERN PA – January 26, 2010 – Among the list of six recipients of the 2009 Paul Stackhouse Award for Labor-Management Cooperation is the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66 and Western PA Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program(JATP).Honored in November 2009 at the Lexus Club Room at PNC Park, Steve Columbus, accepted the award on behalf of Local 66, its members and JATP. Presenting the awards was the Western Pennsylvania Labor-Management Alliance.
The Stackhouse Award is named after Paul Stackhouse, Sr. who was involved in the labor movement from 1937 until his death in 1997. He was a labor leader who had the respect of elected officials and politicians locally, statewide and nationally. This Award is significant to all recipients as it signifies his commitment to enjoining both labor and management together for a common purpose.
James Doyle, 96 years old and a resident of Plum Boro, enjoys watching the Pittsburgh Steelers in his retirement years. He started as an oiler and only operated equipment as opportunities became available. One of his most memorable jobs sites included the US Steel Building; fortunately he survived the "lost brakes" incident on a cherry picker. He tells this to young people contemplating a career with Local 66, "The work and pay is good, but do not spend all of your money, and save some money for slow periods."
Paul O’Block at the age of 94 resides in Plum with his daughter. When he began his career, there "was no formal training," as he remembers, "just on the job experience." His first job was operating a crane for North Bessmer. He worked many days and years on highway projects including Route 6, Route 22, and Route I19.
Elmer Wolf, 92 years of age, resides in Ross Township. He grew up on a family farm and recalls that the start of his career was operating the farm equipment. Once an operating engineer, every day was a different experience for Wolf. He recalls some of his most recognizable projects as those that involved the construction of our schools today – Shaler High School, North Hills High School and North Catholic High School. He tells young apprentices, "you’ll be operating expensive equipment, take good care of it, and give your employer a good day’s work."
Milfred Jarvis, 92 years of age and a resident of Belpre OH, started out as a handyman, and as Jarvis best describes his training, it was "learn as you go." His first assignment was the New Cumberland Lock and Dam project. "I became an operating engineer because of the opportunity to make a higher salary. I do think that I would do it all over again," said Jarvis. His best advice to someone contemplating a career, "always go to work every day and wear your hard hat!"
Frank Capobianco, age 91, is a resident of Penn Hills with his wife Mary. He learned the trade through his father and brother starting when he was just 10 years old. His first job was operating the bull dozer and high lift for Honky Tonk Corporation and some of his most memorable projects included the New Kensington Highway and Heinz Building. "I would do it all over again as I met a lot of wonderful friends and I would recommend this trade to everyone."
Dino A. Parisi, is being honored for 70 years of service with Local 66. He is a resident of Austintown, OH, where he lives with his wife Aggie. In 1939 he was first employed by J.D. Fowler Construction Company (and worked for this company 40 years) for the pay rate of $.55 per hour. He served the US Army from 1941-1945 and worked on the Alaska-Canadian Highway during this time. One of his most memorable experiences was working on a new building at Youngstown State University. When digging a hole for a junction box, a 60,000 volt power line was dug up, causing a blackout on campus. "I would tell any young person that being an operating engineer can be a very satisfying and rewarding career. I was able to take care of my family financially." Parisi also gives some words of wisdom, "Be very careful!"
Nicholas Viglione at the age of 87 now volunteers at a hospital for veterans. He started his work as a labor construction contractor but his love for heavy equipment kept him asking questions and he joined Local 66 in 1940 operating a highlift. His first job on this machine was for the USS Steel Mill in Homestead. As quoting himself as a "good operator," Viglione would do it all over again because he enjoyed working to the best of his ability. Some of his prominent projects over the years included working on Pittsburgh’s Gateway Center, I80 Highway, and the PA Turnpike.
Clarence F. Keslar, resides in Addison Township, Somerset, with his family. At 89 years of age, he fondly remembers his 37 years working for Pittsburgh Bridge and Iron in Rochester, PA. He first "oiled" for the operators for three years, and then began training to become an operating engineer. His career and work spanned over eight states before retiring in 1982. "I loved it, and would recommend to young people to be a good union man or woman, and do a good job."
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Marshall Bisker, 88-years of age, resides in Tionesta Boro, PA. His training started at one of the most early of ages, 8, when he worked with his father in the oil fields. There was no formal training when he started his career. His first job was the Kinzu Dam in the 40s, and his most memorable project was working on the Emlenton Bridge. He would do it "his career with Local 66" all over again and recommends that any young person contemplating a career with Local 66 take advantage of any and all training programs available to them.
Stanley A. Chadish, 68-year member resides in Moon Township.
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Guy Esposito, 67-year member San Diego, CA.
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Glenn Groves, 69-year member Monaca, PA.
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Gregor Peterson, 67-year member Chartiers Township.
