ANNUAL CRECHE INSTALLATION A GIFT FROM THE UNION TRADES

For over 10 years, Pittsburgh has been blessed with the opportunity to view the world's only authorized replica of the crèche erected in front of Saint Peter's' Basilica in Rome. In what his become a family tradition, thousands of visitors come to Downtown Pittsburgh each Christmas season to view, meditate and be inspired by the life size replicas of the Holy Family, mary, shepherds, and angels which gathered in a Bethlehem" stable more than 2,000 years ago to celebrate the birth of the Christ child.

The erection of the magnificent creche and installation of the standing sound and lighting systems are made possible each year through the generous contributions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union #5 and the Greater Pennsylvania Regional Council of Carpenters. This year will be no exception. Beginning in early November, approximately 15 to 20 carpenters and several skilled electricians will join forces to erect the creche at the USX Tower along Grant Street.

"This wouldn't be possible each year without their very generous assistance," said Father Ron Lengwin, coordinator of the creche project sponsored by the Christian Leader FelIowship. "The Carpenters and Electricians and others who erect and then take down the creche each year give testimony to their many unknown acts of generosity to this community. Without their spirited cooperation and work, the creche simply wouldn't exist.

" In addition to union carpenters and electricians, major contributors of the creche installation and display include Brand Scaffolds Co., Astorino, All Crane Rental, I.E. Scenic Technologies and Winthrop Management.

“This wouldn’t be possible each year without their very generous assistance.”.

-Father Ron Lengwin, coordinator of the creche project sponsored by the Christian Leaders Fellowship.

Thousands of visitors come to Pittsburgh each year to view a replica of the crèche of Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome, erected and installed locally by local union Carpenters and Electricians.

LABORERS GIVE BOOST TO MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION

As a long-time supporter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Laborers' District Council of Western Pennsylvania upped its efforts another notch this year when President-Business Manager Paul Quarantillo volunteered to serve as a Muscle Team Coach for its annual fundraising event to benefit MDA's summer camp and research efforts.

Through sponsorships and other activities, the Laborers' District Council raised more than $60,000 prior to this year's event, which was held at the Lexus Club at PNC Park. An auction at the event raised enough money to send more than 30 children to MDA's summer camp. All together, over $300,000 was raised for MDA thanks in large part to Paul's involvement and support.

In 2009, union building trade workers will again show their support to help fight muscular dystrophy. Among those leading the charge as a Muscle Team Coach will be James Kunz, Business Manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No. 66.

Haley KlIias is flanked by Muscle Team Coach Paul Quarantillo, right, and Michael LaQuatra of the Laborers' District Council of Western Pennsylvania.

“We are so proud to have the Union
members as our friends.”

L. Frye, Coordinator of Volunteer and Mentoring Services, Auberle.

Members of the Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania took part in the 22nd Annual Festival of Fun at Auberle, a non-profit agency in McKeesport that helps troubled children and their families. From left to right are Walter Schnelbach, Bill Brooks, Rich Urlbacher, Curt Bevilacqua, John Duffy, Mike Laquatra, Dennis Mazzoni and Matt McHugh