News  :  June 2000

Music and Musings from Jim ...

One of my favorite blues artists is the harmonica player Sonny Boy Williamson. I often play along with his recordings on the drums or with my harmonica. I hope you seek out some of his music to enjoy.

Born Rice Miller, Sonny Boy Williamson was known throughout the blues world as a legendary harmonica player, , songwriter, vocalist, and live performer.

In the 1950’s and ‘60s, Sonny Boy recorded dozens of extremely influential blues records including the titles "Help Me", "Nine Below Zero" and "One Way Out". Many of his songs have since been rerecorded by such bands as the Allman Brothers, Led Zepplin, and The Rolling Stones. Sonny Boy Williamson was an incredible harmonica blues player for almost half a century.

Apprenticeship program going on fourth year

Three apprentices continue education at HVCC

Fronhofer Tool in its quest for excellent employees decided training employees was the best strategy it could undertake. So in 1996 some employees began attending Hudson Valley Community College’s machinist program while working. The shop will pay full tuition for students who agree to certain terms plus the employees receive full-time benefits. The schedule is demanding, most apprentices work 35+ hours a week and take between 3 to 20 credits at the college. The students receive a hands on education where they are responsible for completing projects through self motivation. At the end they receive a two year degree in machining.

Currently there are three apprentices continuing in the ‘00-’01 school year, Dana Brennan, Scott Austin and Reynante Racaza.

Dana is in her 4th and final year in the program. After being laid off from a retail position, she took a test at the employment office, hoping for new opportunities. The test showed she had good mechanical and industrial abilities. “I’ve always liked working with my hands,” she said. So she decided to give it a try.

Scott has another year and a half in the program. Machining has a family connection with his great uncle owning a shop and his older brother, Rick, working here at Fronhofer Tool. He started at BOCES in high school and found machining to be an interesting field.

Rey is beginning his second year in the apprentice program. He also was a BOCES student and came to Fronhofer on a summer program. Rey came to the U.S. 5 years ago from the Philippines and finds the schooling very helpful.

The program has been very successful from both the employee and employer viewpoint and plans are to continue.

(Photo is Scott Austin and Bill Ellis.  Scott says "Whatever you do...DON'T press the red button!")

Shop Sights

Marty Bishop welding AES EMO parts.

Employee Announcements

Contributors to the first Fronhofer Tool Quarterly were Paul Fronhofer, Heidi deJong, Jim Graham, Leonard Fronhofer V, Mary Simon, and Colleen Converse. If you would like to contribute to the next issue the deadline is August 14th. Please talk to Heidi about your idea prior to the 14th.  Thank You!                                                                                              

 Page 1    Page 2     Page 3                        News

Send mail to fronhofertool@albany.twcbc.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: November 08, 2007