January 18 was a bitter cold and windy day near the shore, but this did not deter Local 79 apprentices-in-training and staff members from Local 79 and LECET from carrying out a service project at Idlewild Park Preserve in Queens.The service project, organized by the New York City Parks Department, involved removing all manner of debris–tires, discarded rugs and furniture, building materials, and mountains of bottles, cans, and trash–from sensitive wetlands The volunteers also received a lesson about wetlands and their importance in maintaining coastal ecosystems and absorbing storm surges. “We always look forward to having our apprentices-in-training carry out service projects like this,” said Mason Tenders’ Training Fund Apprenticeship Coordinator Timmy Warrington. ‘Members of Local 79 are involved in volunteer work throughout the year in their communities, and it is important that our apprentices not only get the necessary skill training to be Laborers, but also understand the importance of giving back to their community.”
