VOCATIONAL SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT
pUTnAM ACAdeMy hoSTS ColliSion repAir AdviSory bbQ On June 16, more than 200 people gathered at the Automotive Collision Repair Technology Department at the Roger L. Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy in Springfield for the Third Annual Collision Repair Advisory BBQ. Held to thank the members of the program’s Advisory Board, as well as to foster stronger relationships between tomorrow’s repair professionals and the companies that will employ them, the event attracted students, vendors, educators, Committee
members (including Chairman and AASP/MA member Craig Gridley), state representatives and Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Daniel J. Warwick. The fun-filled gathering included a DJ, special raffle prizes and tables of delicious food, mostly prepared in the smoker provided by AASP/MA Board member Gary Cloutier. Brief presentations were given by Allan Smith of I-CAR and Bill Johnson of the Massachusetts Auto Body Appraiser Licensing Board
(ADALB), while AASP/MA member Steve Creanza of West Springfield Auto Parts received a special award for his exceptional efforts in support of the Academy’s Collision Repair program. Additionally, Kevin Lombard of Lombard Equipment was on hand to demonstrate current aluminum welding techniques and answer any questions from attendees regarding this new technology. The evening also included the AASP/MA Statewide Meeting, which was held
Putnam Sheet Metal instructor Les Gauthier (far left) and student Justin Montos (far right) present a gift to Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Daniel J. Warwick in honor of his family's Irish heritage as Putnam Collision Repair instructor John Kennedy looks on.
Putnam’s own Ken Downes helped serve up the fun.
Putnam’s Collision Repair class now boasts a Motojig motorcycle straightener. AASP/MA Board member Gary Cloutier’s smoker kept the food coming. 36 August 2015
New England Automotive Report
The festivities drew more than 200 members of the automotive community.