Nazareth Easter Egg Hunt Page 14
The Home News Your Local News
APRIL 13-19, 2017
50 cents
Ashley Kunsman Honored Page 10
The recipients of TPA Post L Lehigh Valley’s 2017 Altruism Award gather at the Northampton Community Center.
–Contributed photo
Cement Worker of the Month - Jack R. Santo
By ED PANY Mr. Jack R. Santo was reared in Nazareth. His family has a long history in the cement industry.
– Contributed photo
Many relatives worked at the Penn Dixie Dement Co. Jack graduated from Nazareth High School in 1973 where he played both baseball and basketball. He continues to follow the motto of Tony Relvas, his basketball coach: “Never give up, if you work hard you will benefit.” After attending Northampton Community College, Jack started his cement career of 43 years at Coplay Cement Co. in Nazareth on May 20, 1975. The plant later became Essroc, and is currently Lehigh Heidelberg. “I was hired by Mr. Dean Sandbrook who was president of Coplay. Dean was highly respected in the industry. My first job was a conveyer tender when the plant had eight kilns. To-
day we have one.” “In 1978 there was a massive layoff when Coplay constructed a new, ultra modern facility. I then worked as a route driver for Mrs. Smith’s Pies until 1980 when I was recalled to work in the new plant. I was back as a laborer, truck driver and equipment operator and later was promoted to the maintenance gang. Old timers who shared skills with me were Charlie Corroll, John Rundle, George Reenock, Dan Creyer and Dan Mason.” The maintenance team consists of 19 skilled men who keep the plant operating safely and efficiently. Supervisors are Mike Sonka, George Radecsky and Jeff Cabrera, all fine men. Mr. Santo said, “We continue
to update the plant to stay competitive. We have two outages each year to service each section of the plant. The work is challenging for there are always new additions to service.” “Safety is stressed, safety is 100 percent better than it was 40 years ago. Each day we have a brief safety meeting before each shift, our Safety Director is Brad Davis.” The workers are represented by the Teamster’s Union, the local president is Mr. Cliff Rose. Santo said, “I enjoy working with my co-workers and have spent countless hours and days working with them. The cement industry has been good to me and my family by Continued on page 2
Northampton Egg hunt Page 12
Pet Page Page 20
76th Year, Issue No. 15 www.homenewspa.com
USPS 248-700 Moravian College 275TH Anniversary
Creating Cutting Edge Designs Over 40 Years
1742-2017 #PA017086
Landscaping/Hardscaping/Excavation/Landscape Products • 610-759-6214