The local paper for the Upper er East Side
The local paper for Downtown own
The local paper for the Upper per West Side Sid
Proudly Present
The 2014
THE BUILDING SERVICE WORKERS
OF THE YEAR
ROBERT PELEGRINO
MARIBEL NOVA
STAFFORD WOODLEY
RONALD ST. JOHN
MICHAEL MACGOWAN
AZELL BOST
RICHARD BALANCIER
RICKY CANDELARIO
SHAWN THOMAS
GERTA CADET
JOHN BATTLE
LOVELL KINGSBERRY
MARILYN RIVERA
JEFF CAMACHO
FLOR CASTRO
ARIEL DEJESUS
FADILA MRKULIC
SABRINA LADSON
CHARLES DIBLASI
WILLIAM SULLIVAN
TASHA HORTON
Sponsored by The City University of New York
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SERVICES
GLENWOOD B U ILD ER O W N ER M A N A G ER
EDITOR’S NOTE Meet the people who make living in New York a little bit easier. This year’s list of Building Service Workers awardees -- the eighth such collaboration between our newspapers and 32BJ SEIU -- celebrates people who are usually happy living under the radar. They include the building super who grew up in the neighborhood in which he now works; the porter who alerted residents to a fire in the building; the school cleaner who has become a mentor for his kids. These awards give us an opportunity to say thank you, both individually to this year’s winners and collectively to the thousands of other service workers who are equally as deserving. Straus Media-Manhattan, the publisher of Our Town, The West Side Spirit and Our Town Downtown, is proud to partner with 32BJ in presenting this list. Special thanks to Hector Figueroa, president and Elaine Kim at 32BJ for their collaboration on this project. Thanks also to all of our sponsors listed in these pages, and to Mary Newman, Morgan Keller and Nicole Wynn at Straus Media. We at Straus are proud to be part of this effort, and proud to bring this new selection of neighborhood heroes to your attention. Jeanne Straus, president of Straus News Kyle Pope, Editor-in-Chief
2
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
ROBERT PELEGRINO Stadium / Theatre Cleaner
A JOB SURROUNDED BY CLASSICAL MUSIC Pelegrino and his family have conAfter spending most of his life living in tinued that tradition, and when he New York, Robert Pelegrino moved upstate isn’t working, he loves cooking Italto Dutchess County in 1994 where he lives ian food with his wife. The pair cherwith his wife Gloria. Now Pelegrino comWe like it up here, ish the time they spend with their mutes to Manhattan every day to work as and I’ve been very four children, especially since their a cleaner at the Metropolitan Opera, where son Daniel has joined the U.S. Navy. he recalls some of his favorite memories fortunate to keep They are both extremely proud of as a kid. working in New York. their kids, and love any opportuHe started working at the opera house in It allows me to have nity they can all sit down and eat November 2002. As his shift runs during the best of both together.“We make sure to make the day, he is unable to see the performancItalian gravy during family meals,” es, but he enjoys listening to the rehearsals worlds.” Pelegrino said. while he works. Pelegrino doesn’t mind the daily “As a child my father was always playing music while he cooked,” he said. “We are a big Italian commute from Dutchess County because he enjoys the family so he was usually playing Italian operas like outdoors and being able to provide his family with a Caruso.” Walking through the hallways of the Met he house and backyard. “We like it up here, and I’ve been very fortunate to often hears the same Italian operas that his father loved keep working in New York,” he said. “It allows me to so much. have the best of both worlds.”
A&A MAINTENANCE
A PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE 32BJ SEIU FOR OVER 20 YEARS
A&A MAINTENANCE
INTEGRATED FACILITY SOLUTIONS
1.800.280.0601
WWW.AAMAINTENANCE.COM
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
STAFFORD WOODLEY Super of the Year
A CAREER BEGUN ON THE HIGH SEAS Stafford Woodley began his career sailing around the world on different ships working as the second assistant engineering officer, managing boiler rooms and checking steam pressure levels. Woodley was 19 years old when he moved to New York, and put himself through Marine Engineering School. He worked for 15 years as an engineer before he was hired by the New York City Department of Buildings as an inspector. He also found the time to work a second job at the Harlem Morningside Hospital monitoring their boiler room, air conditioning units, steam pressured pipes, and heating systems. During this time he was also raising his four children, three boys and one girl. Woodley smiles widely as he talks about his family, extremely proud of his children who have gone on to their own
successful careers. Two of his sons still live in New York and his third son lives in Maryland working as a firefighter; I work with a his daughter lives in Texas great crew. All and works as a biochemical their hard work is engineer. In his spare time Woodwhat makes my ley enjoys going to movies, job so enjoyable.” spending time with his family and looking up antiques on the computer. His apartment is lined with happy family photographs and antique paintings. In 2001 Woodley was hired to work as the superintendent at 10 West 135th Street where he manages six buildings, 1,700 apartments, and an entire maintenance staff. He described his staff as the hardest working people he knows, and expressed how thankful he is to be working for such a great building. “I work with a great crew,” he said. “All their hard work is what makes my job so enjoyable.”
We proudly support 32BJ SEIU in its 8th Annual Building Service Workers Awards and are pleased to honor the dedicated men and women of the New York community
3
4
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
MICHAEL MACGOWAN Building Manager of the Year
AT WORK IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF HIS CHILDHOOD the Manhattan Resident Manager’s Native Yorkville resident Michael Club in 2003, and by the New York AsMacGowan is this year’s Building sociation of Realty Managers in 2007. Manager of the Year. He has been While walking through the halls working at 1175 York Avenue for the I began my career as the of 1175 York Avenue and through his past 14 years. handyman at the Children’s Aid organized office, MacGowan offers a “I began my career as the handywarm hello to each tenant and emman at the Children’s Aid Society Society Children’s Center on ployee he passes. Children’s Center on 88th Street,â€? 88th Street... I used to go there MacGowan enjoys working in his he said. “I used to go there as a kid as a kid so I really enjoyed being childhood neighborhood because it so I really enjoyed being able to able to help out and be around has allowed him to raise his own chilhelp out and be around the children there; sharing many of the same dren.â€? There he took care of the the children.â€? memories he had growing up. When center’s two buildings, including describing his wife of 34 years, Stathe pool, recreation rooms, and cey, and their two sons, Michael Jr. gymnasium. and Dylan, he lights up immediately, After years of working as a handyman, he was promoted to superintendent at 55 E. referencing the time they’ve spent on the baseball ďŹ eld. It seems that helping others is just a part of his character, 86th St. in 1986. He began taking some classes through the and the Yorkville community is lucky to have had him. union to increase his knowledge and ability. His hard work has not gone unnoticed over the years, as he was recognized as the Resident Manager of the Year by
We Honor 32BJ SEIU and congratulate the winners of the Building Service Workers of the Year Awards
Attorneys at Law 1370 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10019-4602 r XXX CBMCFSQJDLBSE DPN
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
THE NEW YORK YANKEES ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF THE SEIU LOCAL 32BJ AND SALUTE ALL OF THE 2014 HONOREES
5
6
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
RICHARD BALANCIER Midtown Office Cleaner
FROM CLEANER TO MUSIC PRODUCER Whe Richard Balancier wanted to find a job, “I didn’t look through any newspapers or websites,” Sometimes in life he said. He put on a suit, you just have to get took the train to midtown and walked into buildup and go get what ings inquiring about jobs. you want. “Sometimes in life you just have to get up and go get what you want.” Balancier would walk into different office buildings, look at the directory board to decide which company seemed interesting, go to reception and ask if they were hiring. He applied for a job with First Quality Maintenance (FQM) and was hired two days later. Through FQM he was contracted to work for several different buildings all over Manhattan, where he gained a lot of experience working with different companies. Once he started doing work for SL Green, they hired him to work full time.
GERTA CADET Lower Manhattan Office Cleaner
A LIFETIME OF GRATITUDE AND HAPPY MEMORIES Gerta Cadet worked very hard to move to the United States as a young woman in 1980, and has been thankful for the opportunity to make a life for herself for the past 34 years. Pride exudes from Cadet as she talks about her career, in the most gracious and thankful way. “I just feel so lucky,” she said. “I have been able to work all this time and start my family.” She was quickly hired as a home attendant, a perfect fit for her caring personality. “I was so happy to be in New York,” she said. “It really was a good change, I was excited to be working.” By 1984, she had met her husband, a chef who helped her get another job with a cleaning company. The flexible hours allowed Cadet to spend more time with her
four children, something that is very important to her. She grew up in Haiti with one brother and three I just feel so lucky. sisters, and surrounding I have been able to herself with family and good friends has always work all this time and start my family.” taken priority. “I thank god I have a good one,” she beamed when describing her husband. The two live in Brooklyn with their youngest daughter. On weekends Cadet spends her Sunday’s at church and volunteers for the union when she can. Cadet brings her positive outlook on life into work with her every day. With the loving support of her husband and children, she tries to keep her coworkers positive by encouraging them to get involved. She hopes to relay the wisdom she has gained throughout her life to both her children, and with her colleagues at work. Gratitude is one of the most important qualities in life, making sure never to take her blessings for granted.
Originally working in maintenance, he has since switched to cleaning after being hired as a temp while another worker was on vacation. It was supposed to only be a three-week job, but after the first week his supervisor offered him a full time position. One could wonder when he gets any sleep, since he also works as a music producer working to discover hip hop and R&B talent in New York. “I’ve been involved with music,” he said. “It’s been a big passion of mine since I was a kid.” Collaborating with other musicians used to be one of Balancier’s hobbies, but in the past few years he has started taking it more seriously. When he started living on his own, music was put to the side to get his feet on the ground and figure out ways to support himself. Now that his schedule allows him the time, he has started producing albums for himself and other artists. He realizes it is important to think about your coworkers. “It is so easy to get caught up in your own life when things are going well, but you can’t forget about those who aren’t being treated the right way.”
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
COL
G
E RA
E
NKINGS
COLLEG
A
R
It’s a CUNY Trifecta!
LE
NK
INGS
Rated 1, 2 3 Nationally “Best Bang for the Buck” #
#
#1 BROOKLYN COLLEGE “
T
# and
BARUCH #2 QUEENS # 3 COLLEGE COLLEGE
he CUNY schools are legendary for having educated wave after wave of first-generation students, many from immigrant backgrounds, from Jonas Salk to Jennifer Lopez. These – The Washington Monthly colleges continue that tradition.”
“CUNY colleges are nationally recognized as offering tremendous value, with our world-class faculty, low tuition, new facilities and wellearned reputation with employers, graduate and professional schools.” – Chancellor James B. Milliken
cuny.edu/value
7
8
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
MARILYN RIVERA Doorwoman of the Year
DOORWOMAN HONORED FOR TREATING TENANTS AS SECOND FAMILY
You help people. That has been the best part of what I do.”
JOHN BATTLE Doorman of the Year
FROM PLANT MANAGER TO SUPERLATIVE DOORMAN John Battle started his career as a doorman 24 years ago at 355 East 72nd Street. He landed there after the refrigeration company he worked for moved production to Texas and California; Battle was looking for something new. After growing up in Woodside, Queens with his brother and parents, he knew he wanted to stay in New York despite letting go of a job he enjoyed. During this time a family friend was working as the handyman at 355 East 72nd Street and helped line up an interview for Battle to work at the front door. Never having worked as a doorman, Battle used his natural charisma and outgoing personality to get along with the tenants. “I am a people person so this has worked out,” he said. “If you enjoy being around people, this is a great job to have.” After striking up friendships with the tenants and gaining experience working for a building, he realized how rewarding it was to help people. He even once saved the life of an elderly tenant. Battle hadn’t seen the woman in two days, which was unusual, so he called for help.
The superintendent found the woman in her apartment with a broken hip, unable to get up, and she was able to get the medical attention she needed. Battle is also a skilled multitasker, which becomes clear when he manages to chat with tenants about their families as they walk in and out, organize deliveries, and answer the phone all during the afternoon rush. His demeanor through it all is extremely laid back and unflustered, which tenants appreciate as they walk through the door. When giving advice to new building workers, Battle tells them, “The important thing here is honesty. Mistakes happen and you just have to do your best and start each day with a good attitude.“ “You help people,” he said. “That has been the best part of what I do.” Battle hopes to continue working at the same building where he began his career until retirement. His long lasting friendships, honesty, and hard working nature make Battle the 2014 Doorman of the Year.
Among the few doorwomen in New York, a petite Brooklyn native stands out from the crowd with her infectious energy and sweet personality. Marilyn Rivera is this year’s Doorwoman of the Year for her dedication to the tenants of The Windsor Court at 155 East 31st Street. Before working as a doorwoman, Rivera worked at a bank right around the corner from where she works today. With her natural people skills, she befriended a lot of the people in the neighborhood, including a former superintendent of 155 East 31st Street. While eating lunch with a friend one day, she ran into the superintendant, and he explained the benefits of working for Windsor Court, so she decided to switch careers. “Since then I have been so happy working here,” Rivera said. “Everyone is so wonderful, it is such a beautiful building. It really feels like my second family.” Immediately putting people at ease is something Rivera says she learned from her mother. “She always used to tell me that I was like honey because I attract everything,” Rivera said with a laugh. The tenants have become so comfortable knowing Rivera is there to help. She has even been known to give some of the tenants fashion advice. One resident in particular asks her
Everyone is so wonderful, it is such a beautiful building. It really feels like my second family.”
if his pants match his shirt every morning as he heads out to work. Another couple who had moved out when their children were very young came back 10 years later just to reconnect with Rivera and introduce their children to her. Despite her petite 4’11” frame, Rivera holds her own as the only female employee in the building. “I’m so small I can barely reach the counter,” she joked. What she enjoys most about her job, which began 21 years ago at Windsor Court, is watching all of the families grow, especially the children. Raising a family of her own, Rivera lives in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania and commutes to Manhattan every day. Proving her incredible work ethic, she takes a 4:20 a.m. bus to New York, arriving with enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee before the daily staff meeting at 7:30 a.m. On a recent evening, Rivera proved the genuine connection she shares with her tenants as they walked through the entrance lobby; she greeted an elderly resident in Spanish as he strolled by, laughing at his flirtatious joke, and asked another couple about their recent weekend trip, marking the comings and goings of her second family.
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
FLOR CASTRO Porter of the Year
FROM TAKING CARE OF FAMILY TO TAKING CARE OF TENANTS The oldest daughter of ten children, Flor Castro moved to New York when she was eighteen years old to help her mother take care of her siblings. Her mother had moved to the United States a few years ahead of Castro and was doing a great job raising her youngest children and finding success in America. Castro flew from Puerto Rico after her mother fell from a twostory window, breaking several bones and making it impossible to get around without help. Once her mother was better, Castro began taking classes to improve her English and earn her G.E.D. at the El Barrio Educational Program. After she finished her classes, she was hired to work as a receptionist for the school. As she began her life in New York, she started a family of her own, raising three boys and two girls. Today she is being recognized as Porter of the Year for her dedication to Dorchester Towers on West 68th Street. She began working there in 1992 as a porter. Before finding work as a porter the thought of not being able
to support her family terrified her. “I have always worked hard, and during that time I was doing anything I could to find work,” she said. At the time she was receiving welfare, and in an effort to turn everything around she participated in one of the city’s public assistance training programs. She started training at different housing complexes on the Upper East Side, where she learned many skills she still uses today as a porter. She is responsible for keeping the laundry room in order, organizing the garbage compactor and recycling area, and oversees the general cleanliness of the entire building. Helping out tenants whenever she can, she can be found buzzing around the building with a big smile on her face. “Flor is one of the most devoted porters I have ever worked with,” her building manager, Rachel Mahler explained. “Everyone loves her, she is extremely thorough, and her work is always a step up from a lot of the other workers.”
Flor is one of the most devoted Porter’s I have ever worked with. Everyone loves her, she is extremely thorough, and her work is always a step up from a lot of the other workers.” Rachel Mahler, Building Manager
ĎėĘę ĊėěĎĈĊ ĊĘĎĉĊēęĎĆđ ĎĘ ĕėĔĚĉ ęĔ ćĊ Ć ĘĕĔēĘĔė Ĕċ ęčĊ
ʹͲͳͶ ĚĎđĉĎēČ ĔėĐĊėĘ Ĕċ ęčĊ ĊĆė ĜĆėĉĘ
Formerly Cooper Square Realty
Ǧ Ǩ
ĔēČėĆęĚđĆęĎĔēĘ ęĔ Ćđđ Ĕċ ęčĊ ĜĎēēĊėĘ ċĔė Ć ďĔć ĜĊđđ ĉĔēĊǨ
9
10
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
CHARLES DIBLASI Life Saver Award
PORTER SAVES LIVES IN A FIRE BY RISKING HIS OWN I always try to do more. I believe in giving back since I have been so lucky in my life. It is important for everyone to be thankful for what they have been blessed with.”
FADILA MRKULIC Longevity Award
Charles DiBlasi began what he thought was an average day of work as a building porter at 360 East 57th Street last October, but the day ended with him helping dozens of tenants escape a fire, earning him this year’s Life Saver Award. DiBlasi says it was adrenaline that allowed him to climb up smoke-filled stairways, knock on everyone’s door to tell people to evacuate when the fire alarms malfunctioned and remained silent. “I started to see all of this smoke collecting in the stairs, so I followed it up to the former super’s apartment on the second floor,” he said. In a panic to find the source of the fire, the super ran into the apartment without considering the danger. DiBlasi waited nervously outside the door, watching as the smoke thickened. After yelling into the apartment several times, the super came running out, collapsing on his knees from smoke inhalation. After helping the super downstairs to safety, DiBlasi told his co-worker Maxwell, who was working as the doorman that day, to call 911. DiBlasi soon found himself hurrying tenants
HELPING OTHERS FOLLOW IN HER FOOTSTEPS In 1973, an eager young woman from Sarajevo, Bosnia boarded a flight to the U.S., despite being nine months pregnant. Fadila Mrkulic traveled to New York City with her oldest son and former husband. She covered her pregnant belly with a large coat. “I didn’t want them to tell me I couldn’t board the plane because I was very pregnant,” she said. “I was determined to make that flight and get to New York.” The day after arriving in New York, she gave birth to her second child. After taking a year to get settled and raise her newborn son, Mrkulic wanted to get to work. Forty years ago, she started work with 32BJ when she was hired to clean at 100 Gold Street. Three months after being hired part-time, she was offered a fulltime position. For the past five years she’s worked at the Pfizer building on 42nd St. She has enjoyed cleaning for American Building Maintenance employees, hoping to stay with them until she retires.
Mrkulic has watched New York City change over the past 40 years, but the day that will always be with her is the morning she was supposed to work on September 11th. She had never taken a sick day before, but decided to go to the doctor that morning, a decision that could have saved her life. “I remember taking the 1 train downtown, and everyone was crying,” she said. “I knew I had to find my daughter, and I knew we had to find ways to help. I believe in giving back.” After getting a hold of her family, they all ordered pizza to her apartment and figured out ways to help. They gave blood, made care packages for the firefighters, and brought food downtown to all of the volunteers. “New York is where I was raising my family, it was home,” Mrkulic said. “We had to take care of each other, and at that time that’s what we did.”
I’ve been working with my hands all my life. This has been a nice change, I’m getting older and working up front allows me to slow down a little bit during the work day.”
out of their apartments, instructing them down to the street. After “what felt like forever,” DiBlasi had inhaled too much of the smoke, which was creeping its way up to the third and fourth floors. By alternating floors with Maxwell, they were able to make it up to the top floor by climbing all 24 flights. On the way down, DiBlasi collapsed on the third floor. He was stuck with no one to help him down after putting the residents’ safety first. By that time the Fire Department had arrived, busting down the third floor apartment where DiBlasi had nearly passed out. The firemen gave him some oxygen, and sent him to a nearby hospital. He returned to work after only one day in the hospital. Now he has transitioned to working as a doorman, a change he says he was ready for. “I’ve been working with my hands all my life,” DeBlasi said of doing handywork for his entire career. “This has been a nice change, I’m getting older and working up front allows me to slow down a little bit during the work day.”
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
We salute
Building Service Workers 32BJ SEIU
11
12
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
MARIBEL NOVA Helping Hand Award
CLEANER HELPS OTHERS FIND BETTER FUTURES extremely hard that summer, something her The winner of this year’s Helping Hand supervisor picked up on quickly. By the fall Award, Maribel Nova wants to help others she was hired full time, allowing her to leave the way 32BJ helped her 16 years ago in her behind the job that was causing her so much first years in New York. I felt very proud of frustration. She even inspired one of her coAfter moving to New York City with her myself. I was really workers to apply with the same company mother at age 15, Nova found it difficult to let and the two remain great friends to this day. go of her home in the Dominican Republic. But starting to love the Now Nova has an internship with 32BJ, she watched her mother open her own busiwork I was doing.” helping to organize rallies at Newark Airness and provide a good life for their family, port. “I felt very proud of myself,” she said. full of support, hard work and laughter. Starting a family of her own, she realized how difficult it “I was really starting to love the work I was doing.” She has was to find a job making enough money to live in New York. also been involved with the political campaigns for State Unhappy in her job as a hostess at a restaurant in Times Senator Gustavo Rivera in the Bronx, and City Councilman Square, she asked the woman cleaning the restaurant how Ritchie Torres. “It is important to get the word out, so that to work for the union. It was the summer, and a cleaning ser- is what I try to do,” she said. Through her internship she is able to get even more hands on, offering a voice to those who vices company hired her to work nights. Since it began as a temporary job, Nova had to keep working aren’t always heard. as a hostess in case she wasn’t hired full time. She worked
WE CONGRATULATE
&XVKPDQ :DNHÀHOG LV 3URXG WR 6XSSRUW
%- 6(,8 :H &RQJUDWXODWH 7KH :LQQHUV RI WKH 6HUYLFH :RUNHUV $ZDUGV
RICHARD BALANCIER as you receive this year’s
BUILDING SERVICE WORKERS AWARD for all that you do with pride, integrity and a smile, WE SALUTE YOU.
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
RONALD ST. JOHN Green Award
BRINGING RECYCLING TO THE SCHOOL LUNCHROOM teaching the kids how to do this from the beginOne afternoon Ronald St. John was preparning, that way it almost becomes second nature,” ing the cafeteria at Clara Barton High School he explained. “It shows them that recycling can in Brooklyn when he began brainstorming be easy.” better ways for students to clean up after It is easier if we Growing up in Brooklyn with his two sisters, St. themselves at lunch. From his musings about are teaching John never thought about ways to help the planet. how to make the lunchroom more efficient, he Since being a part of this recycling program he has helped develop an impressive recycling systhe kids how started doing more at home. Despite owning a car, tem, earning this year’s Green Award. to do this from he takes the train the work almost every day, to After bouncing ideas around with the kitchen the beginning, avoid polluting the air. staff, they set up a recycling station that sepathat way it St. John has worked at Clara Barton for nine years rates the trays, food, garbage, and recyclables, as a handyman, cleaning the fourth floor, removing dividing paper and plastic. It may seem like an almost becomes graffiti, and preparing the lunchroom after school, so obvious way to increase recycling, but St. John second nature. It it is ready for the kitchen staff. and his co-workers were up against teenagers shows them that On his days off, he enjoys spending time with his two who didn’t want to take part at first. recycling can be sons, teaching them how to play basketball, some“We need everybody to make it work,” thing he grew up playing in Brooklyn. His 12-year-old he said. “The teachers, student aides, and easy.” son also plays in a league football team; many fall students all have to work together to make weekends are spent watching games and practices. this system work.” The school started enAs his career progresses, St. John has enjoyed improving the forcing St. John’s recycling idea two years ago, and has seen more success with each incoming class. “It is easier if we are school’s recycling program.
HUDSON YARDS LOOKING SOUTHWEST
Our sincere CONGRATULATIONS to our Officer William Sullivan for this honor!!
CONGRATULATIONS! Related is proud to support the Building Service Workers and congratulates tonight’s honorees on all of their many accomplishments
NEW YORK
|
BOSTON
|
CHICAGO
|
SAN FRANCISCO
|
LOS ANGELES
|
SOUTH FLORIDA
|
WASHINGTON, DC
13
14
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
RICKY CANDELARIO Public School Cleaner - High School
A MR. FIX-IT FINDS THE PERFECT JOB It has been a blessing to be in this position, and I respect all of [the other employees].”
AZELL BOST Outerborough Residential Worker of the Year
PAYING IT FORWARD TO NEW GENERATIONS OF WORKERS Azell Bost spent his childhood running around the rural town of Hickory, North Carolina. With a natural ability to put things together, he became a furniture builder in his home state. When work began to slow down, his mother suggested they move to the northeast in the hope that Bost would find more consistent work. After spending a short amount of time in New Haven, CT they ultimately moved to New York City, where Bost has lived for the past 32 years. On his second day in New York, he was walking around his new neighborhood in Queens, trying to get better acquainted with the area, when someone approached him about a job. “I was just walking and a guy told me that they were hiring,” he said. “So I walked in and they hired me on sight that day and the rest is history, as they say.” He has worked for the apartment complex Rochdale Village since that day in 1979, starting as a compactor, managing the garbage and keeping the grounds clean. At that time Bost was working for an outside contracting cleaning company, but Rochdale took over the cleaning and groundskeeping in 1982. In his early days he worked under his mentor Royal Hubbard, the former group manager at Rochdale. When Hubbard became too
sick to work, he appointed Bost to the position. Today he is in charge of the landscaping and managing his crew to keep the grounds looking their best. They take care of the grass, trees, gardens, and remove snow during the winter. When managing his crew he tries to provide guidance that goes beyond the job, the way Royal Hubbard did for him. He advises his crew on ways to get the most out of their jobs, encourages them to take classes through the Union, and relays his own knowledge about life. This spring he is excited to travel south to watch his granddaughter graduate from high school. Family is extremely important to Bost, and as he gets closter to retirement he hopes to spend as much time with them as possible. In the meantime he enjoys his life in New York, and feels like his staff at Rochdale has become a second family of sorts. As this year’s Outerborough Residential Worker of the Year, Bost makes a point to teach younger workers how to make the most out of their careers. Stressing the importance of inspiring younger generations, he goes out of his way to mentor anyone new to the job. “In my heart I know I’ve made a difference,” he said. “It has been a blessing to be in this position, and I respect all of them.”
even if it he can’t get to it until the end of they day. “Teachers are always so thankful when I come back and help them out,” he joked. “It just sort of my nature to keep everything working.” Working at Transit Tech is the perfect fit for Candelario because of its mechanical curriculum. Walking by the classrooms you can see students taking apart different kinds of engines, and learning what tools are the most efficient. Inside one of the larger shop areas Candelario and his six siblings grew up in the there are two old MTA subway cars suspended Bay Ridge neighborhood of Brooklyn. There he above the ground so students can learn how tried to find ways to engage his curiosity as a they run on the electric tracks. Candelario kid, realizing early on he enjoyed working with says this is one of his favorite spots in the enhis hands and fixing things. Many weekends tire school. were spent at his brother’s auto repair shop, Hoping to stay at Transit Tech until he can where he learned his way around an engine. retire, Candelario is often the go-to guy when As a junior in high school, Ricky Candelario his coworkers need advice on their cars. A began working with different summer youth great role model to the kids interested in meprograms in Brooklyn. By building relationchanics and technology, he is ships with a few different frequently sought out to give public elementary schools, he advice before anyone brings was ultimately hired because their car into the shop. of his strong work ethic and “A lot of times they will attention to detail. Teachers are always come to me describing the “I’m always fixing somesound they are hearing and I so thankful when thing,” he said. That skill has can usually tell them what is I come back and benefited the students and wrong without ever having faculty at Transit Tech Cahelp them out,” he seen the car,” he said. “I try to reer and Technical Education joked. “It just sort of help them out before they take High School in East New York, anything into a shop, this way my nature to keep Brooklyn. they won’t be taken advaneverything working.” He never forgets a request, tage of.”
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
WHERE LIFE & STYLE CONNECT
26 refined residential rental buildings across New York City 646.524.8094 stonehengenyc.com
15
16
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
SHAWN THOMAS Public School Cleaner - Middle School
A HIGH-FLIER WITH A PASSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Shawn Thomas graduated from the Meyer Levin Middle School in 1985, moving onto high school and eventually the military. After being enlisted in the U.S. Army infantry for three years, Thomas moved back to Brooklyn. Within six months, Thomas was hired to work at his alma mater by Principal Steven Heins, who was his former sixth grade teacher. Walking through the halls of his old school seemed bizarre at first but being in a familiar environment made for a surprisingly comfortable work environment. It hasn’t all been work for Thomas. In 2008, he invented a high-altitude kite that was patented and is now in partnership with the company K-power. They are working to develop a kite energy system, a less expensive way of harnessing wind energy. “Growing up I was always making kites for my friends, we would fly them all over the city,” he said. Thomas moved to New York at age nine from Grenada in 1983, right after the invasion of the country. The transition was hard for him, especially during a time when New York was filled
We have to go green. Our country needs to make the shift to wind energy for so many reasons. It will benefit the earth and create an entirely new work force.”
with crime and racial tension. He eventually came to love New York, raising his daughter here and getting involved with the wind energy business. Growing out of a childhood interest in kite flying, it has now propelled him into a cause he supports passionately. “We have to go green,” he said. “Our country needs to make the shift to wind energy for so many reasons. It will benefit the earth and create an entirely new work force.” Stressing the importance of alternative forms of energy, he described how exciting it has been to be involved with something that will benefit our future. He feels grateful for his career at Meyer Levin Middle School, describing it as a way for him to provide for his family, while also being allowed to follow his dreams. It is rare to find both, especially if your dream job is unconventional. “Looking back at my career, it feels like a piece of wood that has been turned into a diamond,” he said. “I’m making the best out of the opportunities I have.”
Congratulations to the
Building Service Workers of the Year!
675 Third Avenue New York, NY 10017 212.370.9200 EllimanPM.com
For over 100 years, management has been our focus.
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
LOVELL KINGSBERRY Public School Cleaner - Elementary School
A PRESENCE IN SCHOOL AND, BRIEFLY, ON THE STAGE Walking through the brightly colored halls of P.S. 6 on the Upper East Side, you will find a man in a hurry, waving to the kids, responding to his radio and offering to help someone downstairs. That man is Lovell Kingsberry, being recognized as the 2014 Public Elementary School Cleaner. His career began in 1990 at a public high school in Brooklyn, when his uncle Abdu Kingsberry was able to get him an interview. Previously, Lovell worked for a pharmacy, delivering medications to seniors. Kingsberry was pleased with the switch from the pharmacy because he enjoyed working in a high-energy environment, with kids running around all day. He was happy to help kids, improving their school day in any way he could. Last year, one of the teachers at P.S. 6 needed an extra hand when rehearsing the school play. Since so many of the students love him, they were excited to see him dance around the stage. “I didn’t realize it was going to be performed in front of the parents,” he said, laughing. “I thought I would just have
to dance a quick two-step for the kids. That really made them laugh, and now they’re asking me to be a part of this year’s play.” “Once you get to know these kids, it becomes so important to make the school a safe environment,” he said. Kingsberry is responsible for snow removal, keeping the playground and rooftop greenhouse in order, and helping the teachers if their classrooms need repair. “I just try to keep an eye on things, keep it all running.” Currently living in the Bronx, where he raised his two daughters, one of his favorite memories was working at P.S. 198 in the Bronx when his daughter was attending kindergarten. Being able to see her in school was something he will always cherish. Having worked at a handful of other schools, Kingsberry has loved P.S. 6 because everyone has welcomed him with open arms. “They really make you feel appreciated here,” he said. “That’s what makes coming into work so great, it creates a community and everyone feels supported.”
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS The City University of New York
GLENWOOD B U ILD ER O W N ER M A N A G ER
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SERVICES
They really make you feel appreciated here. That’s what makes coming into work so great, it creates a community and everyone feels supported.”
17
18
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
JEFF CAMACHO Window Cleaner
TEEN DAREDEVIL TURNS LOVE OF HEIGHTS INTO A CAREER
My buddy and I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was up there. On most jobs you are surrounded by more buildings but on Pine Street we could see the entire harbor.”
Last Christmas, Jeff Camacho was hired to clean windows at the popular Japanese clothing store Uniqlo. Jeff Camacho has been climbing to impressive heights to clean skyscrapers all over the city for 22 years. He became involved with this line of work when a family friend started showing him how to correctly put on a harness when he was only fourteen years old. Growing up on 177th Street in Manhattan, he was taught by one of the best window cleaners in New York, Charles Smith. Not only was Smith great at his job, he was also recognized by Mayor Koch as the first African American window cleaner to be hired by a union. Camacho explained that his line of work is an extremely tight knit community, and everyone knows one another. “Because our job is so dangerous, we have to look out for each other,” he said. “Charles taught me the right way to wear a harness, and what to pay attention to when you’re 70 stories from the ground.” Camacho has worked all over the place, but has been happy to work along Fifth Avenue for the past nine years. Although he’s always had fun working on the scaffolding, he has enjoyed the safety of cleaning retail stores on the ground level. Before working at Uniqlo, Camacho washed windows down-
town at 88 Pine Street. This one was of his favorite jobs because he had the best view to watch the sun setting behind the horizon of New York Harbor. “My buddy and I couldn’t believe how beautiful it was up there,” he said. “On most jobs you are surrounded by more buildings but on Pine Street we could see the entire harbor.” They also had a great view of a private jet parked on a rooftop next door, and would dream up scenarios about where the jetowner would be flying to next. Camacho still lives in the Bronx where he spends his days off with his three kids. His oldest son is 25 and living in New York, working in construction. His two younger children are seven and eight years old, and he enjoys spending as much time with them as he can. His eight-year-old son loves science, which was Camacho’s favorite subject in school as well. “My main motivation is being able to provide a better life for my kids,” he said. “Since my son loves science, I want him to be able to go to school and pursue a career in that.” Camacho is honored to be recognized for all his hard work, and never imagined this is where he would be when he started out as a teenager just doing it for the adrenaline rush.
CONGRATULATIONS 32BJ SEIU & Award Winners! We honor your valuable service to our community.
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
BUILDING | OWNER | MANAGER
is proud to support
The Building Workers of ofthe theYear YearAwards Awards and congratulates all of this year’s honorees
19
20
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
ARIEL DEJESUS Outer Borough Office Cleaner
FOLLOWING IN HIS PARENTS’ POSITIVE PATH People decide on certain career paths for various reasons, and recently Ariel DeJesus has realized how important his parents’ inuence was in this process. Moving from Puerto Rico, his parents were able to ďŹ nd jobs working together at the Prospect Park Nursing Home, providing a supportive home for him to grow up in. His mother cleaned for the nursing home and his father worked as an electrical engineer, both steady careers that allowed them to reach their goals of achieving success in America. Without realizing it, his parents’ unquestionable work ethic and skills were passed down to him. A few years ago he found himself unemployed, and unsure about where to take his career when a friend suggested he apply for a job with ABM Industries. DeJesus had been working as a carpenter’s assistant, but when his boss started losing business he could no longer afford to keep DeJesus on staff. For a few years, DeJesus tried picking up side work as a carpenter himself but it wasn’t providing him the kind of stability he was looking for.
I’ve been around the area for a long time and a lot of the kids know me. I try to talk to the kids and show them that it is possible to be successful by taking a positive path.�
Since 2011 he has been cleaning at the NYC Department
8th Annual
Straus Media & SEIU 32 BJ
of Health Building, working full time. As this year’s Outer Borough Office Cleaner,he takes great prides to be working in the same line of work his parents were successful in. Raising two sons of his own, and happily spoiling his fouryear-old granddaughter as often as he can, DeJesus has used this opportunity to turn his career around. Now he feels he’s really helping the community and is involved in a way he could have never imagined a few years ago. “Now I am more hands on with helping the neighborhood,� he said. “I’ve been around the area for a long time and a lot of the kids know me. I try to talk to the kids and show them that it is possible to be successful by taking a positive path.� Around his Brooklyn neighborhood, DeJesus has helped the youth understand laws like stop and frisk, by telling them that NYPD is not the enemy and it’s important to know your rights. “We are always trying to justify our actions no matter what,� he said. “No one really wants to hear the truth but I deal with every situation personally, making sure both sides are heard.�
ŽůůĹ?ĹśĆ? ĆľĹ?ĹŻÄšĹ?ĹśĹ? ^ÄžĆŒÇ€Ĺ?Ä?ÄžĆ?Í• /ĹśÄ?͘ ŽŜĹ?ĆŒÄ‚ĆšĆľĹŻÄ‚ĆšÄžĆ? ƚŚĹ?Ć? Ç‡ÄžÄ‚ĆŒÍ›Ć? Service Workers of the Year ,Ĺ˝ĹśĹ˝ĆŒÄžÄžĆ?͘
Building Service Workers Awards ĎŽĎŹĎĎ°
WK 5RDG WK )ORRU /RQJ ,VODQG &LW\ 1< 7HO )D[ ZZZ FEV FROOLQV FRP
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
SABRINA LADSON Security Officer - Higher Education Building
KEEPING KIDS SAFE AND PROTECTING THE COMMUNITY Sabrina Ladson has worked security at Fordham University for the past five years, and protecting the students is something she takes very seriously. A mother of three children she knows how important it is to keep an eye on new students, living in New York for the first time. Growing up in Harlem, Ladson was taught to give back to her community. She is heavily involved with her church community, and constantly finds new ways to volunteer. For the past several years, Ladson has started a group of volunteers called “Lady Achievers.” Together with her seven female friends they volunteer at hospitals around their neighborhood, especially during the holiday season. “I was raised by two pastors, so volunteering has always been a part of my life,” she said. They collect presents, healthy food, clothing and other materials to bring to hospital patients. They also volunteer their time to read and sing, in hopes of bringing happiness to the hospital hallways. Ladson began her career in security right out of high school when she was hired as a guard for a retail store in Manhattan. Since working at Fordham, she has moved to the Bronx, mak-
ing her commute to work a short ten-minute drive. This has also made her more familiar with the area, allowing her to give directions and point students in the right direction when they are roaming around lost. Another highlight of her job was when she was given the opportunity to work as a VIP security guard during the election for mayor. Ladson was assigned to now-Mayor de Blasio as he campaigned around the city, something she feels very proud to have been a part of. The building where she is stationed stands near a nursing home, so she is also responsible for helping them, since the school owns the building. “For me that is the best part of my day,” she said. “Helping the seniors gives me great joy.” Many stop by her desk to talk about the weather, or discuss what is happening in the neighborhood. Ladson earns praise not only for her ability to keep the Fordham campus safe, but also because she is clearly invested in the well being of the students and seniors. “Children are our future,” she said. “I love that my job allows me to protect them.”
Children are our future. I love that my job allows me to protect them.”
100 Years of Excellence
Kaufman Organization vision for the future
21
22
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
WILLIAM SULLIVAN Security Officer - Commercial
WOKING SECRETARY HELPING OTHERS
It started as something so random. But it has really turned out to be something good.”
Like so many other Americans, William Sullivan was affected by the recession and found himself out of work and worried about what to do next. This year’s Commercial Security Officer of the Year turned a bad situation into something extremely positive. Shortly after being laid off from a job in an IT department, a friend convinced Sullivan to accompany him at a REM Security class at Pace University so he didn’t have to go alone. Since the class only cost $25, and he had been unemployed for several months, Sullivan thought it could be an interesting way to spend his afternoon. Once he received the security certification, he started looking for jobs and quickly received a call back from the security company Securitas. From there he was hired to work security for UBS in midtown Manhattan. Although it was a major change from working in IT, the transition was seamless for Thomas. Sullivan grew up in Queens as an only child, in the neighborhood of Ozone Park. He still lives in the same area and is
so happy to be working again, gaining more independence. Inititally he thought that working in security would be boring, but soon realized it is anything but. He enjoys working with people, and it has given him the opportunity to help others. Years ago he was working the overnight shift and would regularly help a disabled woman leave the building and hail a cab home. “It seems simple, but I would do it every night and it felt good to make her commute home easier,” Sullivan said. Another memory that sticks with him is the time one of his coworkers didn’t show up to work after being sent to the hospital because of his diabetes. “Our account manager really wanted to fire him for not showing up, but I knew that wasn’t right,” he said. “I told him not to worry because I knew we could take care of this.” Thanks to Sullivan’s efforts, his coworker wasn’t fired. Today Sullivan is thankful he paid $25 to keep his friend company that day. “It started as something so random,” he said. “But it has really turned out to be something good.”
Congratulations! Congratulations winners of the 2014 Building Service Workers Award. Thank you for all that you have done for the New York community and making the lives of those around you a little brighter every day.
abm.com 800.874.0780 ©2014 ABM Industries Inc. All Rights Reserved
OCTOBER 23, 2014 Building Service Workers Awards
2014 Building Service Workers of the Year
TASHA HORTON Security Officer - Public or City Building
USING EXERCISE TO CLIMB THE STAIRS TO CORPORATE SECURITY Tasha Horton is being recognized for the work she does in security in a New York City Department of Finance building. She moved from the East Village to Red Hook, Brooklyn with her mother at age 16, and has remained in the neighborhood. Inspired by her mother’s hard work as a nurse, Horton knew she had to earn a college degree. After high school she earned her associates degree in communications from New York City College of Technology. After a few stints of unemployment, she knew it was time to make a career change. While raising three children in Red Hook, Horton started receiving public assistance. “That was a struggle,” she said. “I was unemployed for two years and I didn’t know what my next move would be.” To get her through the hard times she found escape through long runs and music. Running allowed her time to reflect on what she was going through, allowing her some peace to think about what she wanted to do next and setting new goals for herself. She started exploring the idea of working in security when
LUXURY RESIDENTIAL DETAILING
a training program was presented to her. Shortly after receiving her security license in 1998 she was hired by Bowl I was unemployed Corporate Services. Currently for two years and she works as a guard for FJC I didn’t know what Company in Queens, monitoring people, checking for my next move weapons, and supervising would be.” the loading dock in the back of the building. She enjoys a lot of music from the 1970s, especially Gospel and R&B. Depending on her mood she also enjoys singing karaoke with friends. Happy with the way she has turned her life around; Horton is now focused on her three kids. “They’re such great kids,” she said. “After everything I’ve been through, it’s hard to describe how great it feels to be in the place I am now.”
ARCHITECTURAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES
RETAIL
GUARD MANAGEMENT SERVICE CORP
SPECIALTY ENVIRONMENTS
BMS BUILDING MAINTENANCE SERVICES
www.bmsbuildingservices.com BOSTON t CHICAGO t MARYLAND t NEW YORK t WASHINGTON D.C. t VIRGINIA
BMS uses environmentally responsible cleaning solutions, products, and practices
23
24
Building Service Workers Awards OCTOBER 23, 2014
Congratulations to all the Nominees and Winners of the 2014 Building Service Workers
AWA R D S