Month: September 2019

On Saturday, September 21, carpentry apprentice Brandon Thomas took first place in ABC Keystone‘s Annual Craft Competition. As the top scorer in the ABC Keystone competition, Brandon earned the opportunity to move on to the 2020 ABC National Craft Competition to be held on March 26 in Nashville.

The timed competition followed a similar format as the upcoming National Competition, and apprentices were challenged to follow plans to craft projects that tested their skills, knowledge and attention to safety. The competition has two components: the written test, which counts for 25% of their total score; and the practical “hands-on” competition, which counts for 75% of their total score. In addition to showcasing their top-quality work, the competitors must also adhere to strict safety standards. They are challenged throughout the day by having to maintain focus in a busy environment with spectators just as they will be at the National Competition.

“We are very proud of all of the apprentices who competed in this competition,” said G. David Sload, President-CEO, ABC Keystone. “Their commitment to high-quality craftsmanship and safety will serve them well as future craft professionals.”

The Keystone Chapter’s PA-registered apprenticeship program offers education in seven trades and focuses on hands-on training under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Congratulations to Brandon on his well-earned first-place finish!

Warfel Construction’s Inaugural Golf Tournament, held on September 7, raised $23,808 for the Lancaster Recreation Commission, a local non-profit agency providing neighborhood-based recreation and learning opportunities for all ages. With generous sponsorships and donations from more than 100 Warfel team members, trade partners, vendors, and clients, the event marks the largest employee-driven fundraiser for a community benefit organization to date.

“Warfel Construction has been such outstanding community partner,” said Heather Dighe, Executive Director of Lancaster Rec. “They’ve gotten to know us as an organization, and they’ve learned about the community we serve. They really show they care, and they are so invested in the community. We are humbled that they worked so hard to plan a great golf outing. We were so shocked by the amount raised for Lancaster Rec! The support from the golf outing will go such a long way for our community. It will help us provide scholarships to families in need. More than 600 children will now have the chance to learn ballet, play basketball, be on a baseball team or learn to swim thanks to their support.”

The Lancaster Recreation Commission (Lancaster Rec) is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency formed by a partnership agreement between the City of Lancaster, School District of Lancaster and Lancaster Township. Programs include youth and adult instructional sports programs and leagues, senior centers, fitness and wellness classes, summer playgrounds and day camps, full-day childcare for infants through age 5, club activities, before and after school care, preschool education and seasonal family events.