Guardian Nurses

Guardian Nurses is a healthcare advocacy company that started in 2001. Their nurses help patients navigate the healthcare system by visiting patients in hospitals, at appointments, or in their homes and providing support and expertise. Currently, three of Guardian Nurses staff work directly with our members through the mobile care coordinator program and the retiree program: Nurse Samantha Salerno, Nurse Jennifer Kenny, and Nurse Christina McCarrick.

Mobile Care Coordinators provide care management and care coordination over the phone and in person. Nurse Salerno, Guardian Nurses’ acute nurse, meets with members in the hospital and assists with acute healthcare issues like surgeries, hospitalizations, and new diagnoses. Nurse McCarrick assists members with complex health needs like diabetes, heart disease, and lung issues. Nurse Kenny works specifically with Local 19’s retiree population to address their unique needs.

Mobile Care Coordinators provide a variety of services. They meet with patients at doctors’ appointments, visit them in hospitals, and advocate on their behalf by asking questions patients might not know to ask, assisting them with securing better quality care, and even hospital transfers if needed. They also provide at-home follow-up, ensuring patient safety and coordinated care. They can use their expertise and connections in the medical system to speed up appointment wait time for specialists, access paperwork and medical records, and do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to help keep our members healthy and provide the best care possible. 

The services Guardian Nurses provide help our members navigate a very complicated healthcare system, improving their healthcare experience and outcomes. This benefit is free to members and is confidential. Members can access these benefits by visiting SMARTLU19.org/Benefits or visiting the Guardian Nurses’ website at GuardianNurses.com. Active members can also reach them by phone at 484-800-5626 or 484-800-2932, and retirees can call 484-635-4754.

 

Sheet Metal Workers Local 19: Revitalizing Broad Street Market’s Historic Legacy

Established in 1863 by the Verbeke family, the Broad Street Market has been a cherished fixture in Harrisburg’s Midtown neighborhood for over a century. As one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the United States, it holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

However, tragedy struck on July 10th, 2023, when a devastating fire engulfed the market’s historic building, leaving vendors displaced and the community in shock. In response, the City of Harrisburg swiftly proposed a temporary solution—a tent to house the displaced vendors while plans for reconstruction took shape.

The Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, known for their expertise and commitment to community service, stepped up to the challenge. Led by Jon Dellinger, Mike Ford, James Atti, and Mike Guigley, these skilled craftsmen played a pivotal role in transforming the tent into a functional space ready for vendors to resume their businesses.

Local 19 members installed two 12-foot kitchen exhaust hoods within the tent’s kitchen area. These hoods, essential for maintaining air quality and safety standards in a commercial kitchen, were hung to ensure compliance with regulations and provide a conducive environment for vendors to operate.

In addition to the exhaust hoods, Local 19 members also installed two exhaust fans and a fresh air unit on the tent’s exterior wall. These components, vital for ventilation and climate control, were seamlessly integrated into the temporary space, thanks to the expertise and dedication of the Sheet Metal Workers.

Furthermore, the Central Pennsylvania Training Center played a crucial role in the project by crafting and donating two exhaust duct sleeves to facilitate the safe venting of kitchen fumes through the tent’s exterior wall. This collaboration between the trades ensured that the market’s temporary setup met necessary safety standards and regulations.

Additionally, G.R. Sponaugle and Jeremy Ferree showed their support for the project by fabricating and donating ductwork and accessories for the fresh air unit. Their generosity and expertise contributed to the swift completion of the project, allowing vendors to return to the market and resume their livelihoods as soon as possible.

In the face of adversity, the Sheet Metal Workers Local 19, alongside their partners in the Central Pennsylvania Building Trades and the broader community, exemplified the power of solidarity and collective action. Through their tireless efforts, they not only restored a market but also preserved a piece of Harrisburg’s legacy, ensuring that the Broad Street Market continues to thrive for generations to come.

2024 Mid-Atlantic Apprentice Competition: A Showcase of Talent and Dedication

In Suitland, Maryland, the SMART Local 100 headquarters recently hosted the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Apprentice Competition, drawing participants from across the region. Among them were apprentices from Local 19, representing Philadelphia and Central Pennsylvania.

The competition, held annually, provides a platform for apprentices to demonstrate their skills in sheet metal work. Challenges ranged from ductwork installations to welding tasks, testing participants’ knowledge and precision under pressure.

 

Representing Local 19 Were: 

2nd year Esteban Lopez-Silva (Local 19 Philadelphia)

3rd year Evan Menkevich (Local 19 Philadelphia)

4th year Kevin Bachowski (Local 19 Philadelphia)

 

2nd year Chase Allen (Local 19 Central PA)

3rd year Savion Terry (Local 19 Central PA)

4th year Georg Hoefer (Local 19 Central PA)

 

Despite the competitive atmosphere, camaraderie among participants was palpable. Seasoned professionals and mentors provided guidance and support, emphasizing the industry’s commitment to nurturing talent. Networking opportunities allowed apprentices to connect with industry leaders and explore new technologies, enriching their experience beyond the competition.

At the awards ceremony, apprentices from Local 19 received recognition for their hard work and dedication, highlighting their contribution to the industry’s legacy of excellence.

 

2nd Year Apprentice Chase Allen placed second in the second-year competition. 

2nd Year Apprentice Esteban Lopez-Silva placed third in the second-year competition. 

4th Year Apprentice Georg Hoefer placed second in the fourth-year competition. 

 

Local 19 Central Pennsylvania took first place in the Group Competition for the 5th time in the last 6 years bringing home the trophy to Local 19.  

 

The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Apprentice Competition showcased the resilience and expertise of sheet metal workers, reaffirming their pivotal role in shaping the future of the trade.

HT Lyons Inc.: Elevating Air Quality Standards and Empowering Local 19 Sheet Metal Workers

HT Lyons, Inc. has long been recognized for its leadership in engineering and construction solutions, but one of its most crucial yet often unsung divisions is dedicated to the specialized field of Controlled Environment testing and certification. This division, responsible for HEPA filter testing, biosafety cabinet certification, fume hood testing, and decontamination services, plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of environments that rely on uncontaminated air and precise airflow. In doing so, the division not only serves industries such as health care, pharmaceuticals, biopharma, and semiconductor manufacturing but also benefits the local workforce, including members of Local 19 Sheet Metal Workers, by offering collaboration and opportunities to improve essential HVAC systems.

The services provided by HT Lyons are extensive and highly technical. From the certification of Biological Safety Cabinets to ASHRAE 110 testing of chemical fume hoods, the division is responsible for ensuring that cleanrooms, pharmacies, and sensitive industrial equipment function according to the strictest safety and performance standards. In environments where precision is critical, even the slightest malfunction could result in contamination or compromised safety, making HT Lyons’ work indispensable.

One of the cornerstones of this division’s services is HEPA filter testing, which is vital to maintaining air quality in controlled environments. HEPA filters are designed to capture airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns, with a required efficiency of 99.97%. HT Lyons’ technicians carry out rigorous testing procedures to verify that these filters perform as expected, ensuring the protection of both personnel and products from harmful contaminants. These filters are used in places like hospitals, cleanrooms, and pharmaceutical laboratories, where a compromised air system could have severe consequences.

Alongside HEPA filter testing, HT Lyons offers certification and testing of chemical fume hoods, a service crucial for maintaining safety in labs and industrial settings. By following established ASHRAE and NSF standards, the team ensures that these essential safety devices function correctly, protecting workers and the environment from harmful chemicals and fumes.

The technical expertise that HT Lyons brings to the table is enhanced by the sophisticated tools and equipment they use. Particle counters, thermal anemometers, micromanometers, photometers, and other advanced instruments allow the team to provide precise, reliable data. Reports generated through CAD are thoroughly reviewed by a dedicated Quality Assurance department, ensuring that every certification and test is accurate and up to industry standards.

For Local 19 Sheet Metal Workers, this division’s work is particularly beneficial. The testing and certification processes often reveal issues with airflow and ductwork that require correction—tasks ideally suited for skilled sheet metal workers. By working closely with HT Lyons, Local 19 members play a critical role in fine-tuning these systems, ensuring they function properly and efficiently. This collaboration has not only strengthened the relationship between HT Lyons and Local 19, but it has also created more opportunities for sheet metal workers to apply their expertise in environments where air quality and safety are paramount.

Looking ahead, HT Lyons has ambitious plans for growth within this division. Currently, the team includes three full-time certification technicians and two technicians who also support their balancing team. However, the goal is to expand to eight full-time technicians, enabling the division to take on even more projects and serve a broader range of clients in the health care, pharmaceutical, biopharma, and semiconductor industries.

Client feedback underscores the high quality of HT Lyons’ work. One client expressed gratitude for their dedication and flawless execution during a critical project, stating, “Senior leadership described this shutdown as being flawlessly executed, which is all due to your dedication and excellent customer service.” Testimonials like this reinforce HT Lyons’ reputation as a reliable and effective partner in maintaining safe, clean, and efficient work environments.

For those interested in learning more about the division’s services or seeking consultation, HT Lyons offers a wide range of support through their website and email. They provide not only testing and certification but also consultation services for pharmaceutical and biopharma companies, ensuring that their clients can meet regulatory requirements and maintain optimal operational standards.

HT Lyons Inc.’s specialized testing division is a crucial component of the company’s broader mission to deliver quality and safety to its clients. By ensuring the air quality and safety of critical environments, the division supports industries that depend on precision, while also creating opportunities for collaboration with Local 19 Sheet Metal Workers. This partnership has proven to be mutually beneficial, strengthening the capabilities of both the company and the local workforce. As the division continues to expand, the impact on both industries and the workforce will only grow, reinforcing HT Lyons’ role as a key player in the field of air quality testing and certification.

Local 19 Members Make Ramps for Retirees

It is comforting to know that whenever a member needs a helping hand, Local 19 is always ready to answer the call.

So, it comes as no surprise that when two of your retired brothers needed ramps built at their homes, the third-year class of apprentices jumped right in.

The eight apprentices – James H. Costello, Michael F. Gresko, Jason Halczak, Shawn M. Lyle, Mark Maguire, Brandon T. Mau, Alex Meredith, and Gerald N. Smith III – constructed ramps at the residences of William Auge and Henry Hilt. Both relied on wheelchairs to get around, and the ramps would enable them to maintain the freedom to come and go as they pleased.

To get the ball rolling, Training Coordinator Donnie Smith traveled to both sites to take measurements so a proposal could be made to the executive board for approval.

Once the executive board approved the projects, the apprentices, under the direction of instructors Ron Deichert and Robert McFadden, went to work, starting with Auge’s home in Blackwood, NJ in April.

Both installations took one day and this project turned out to be the simpler of the two. It required building a wood deck over the steps, flush with the front doorway of the ranch-style house, and connected to the pre-manufactured ramp that ran over the existing walkway to the driveway.

Sadly, Mr. Auge passed away two months after it was built, but the ramp will still benefit his wife, Rosemary, who is experiencing her own mobility issues.

 “She has some hip issues,” said Smith who said Rosemary was very inspirational in advocating for William initially. “Doctors have told her she would probably need a ramp because she is not going to be able to make it up and down the steps.”

The second project, Hilt’s home in Mickleton, NJ, was a little more complicated. Since it was a split level they couldn’t use the front of the house so they built the ramp off the rear deck. First, they had to install a small ramp from the sliding glass doors down onto the existing deck. Then they installed a longer ramp along the back of the house. At the end of the house, they added another shorter ramp to connect to the driveway.

“The second one was more involved,” Smith said. “We had to install one set of ramps out onto the deck and another from the deck down onto the driveway. We had to put pavers down to support the ramp along the path to get to the driveway.”

Smith credited Jim Hampton, a retiree and close friend of Hilt’s, with advocating on his behalf. Smith also wanted to acknowledge President/Business Manager Bryan Bush and Assistant Business Manager/Business Agent Luke Gordon for their whole-hearted support of the projects as well as Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates who reached out in support.