Two chimney inspectors talk about their profession

12:00AM / Wednesday, September 19, 2001Print Story | Email Story

Larry Bates and Kurt Collins feel strongly about their profession. Called in to inspect, clean, repair and otherwise care for peopleâ€™s chimneys, they see their job as much more than a person to call at the last minute when itâ€™s time to light the first October fire. To talk to Larry Bates of Great Barrington is to learn about national and state codes and also about the ancient lore in Europe and the role of the chimney sweep. According to German tradition, he says, the chimney sweep is the first guest invited to the home after the New Year. Itâ€™s good luck he brings. In Finland, tradition has children circling the chimney sweep after his or her work is done. He talks about the chimney care person as someone who has a relationship with the family, who has conversations about lots of things besides chimneys, including related things like the kind of wood to burn, and the condition of the roof (he sees it firsthand). Bates knows lore and also knows about the modern stuff of chimney care: codes and materials and maintenance. He takes it seriously and urges homeowners to do the same. In other words, he says, donâ€™t call the chimney inspector on your cell phone in November the week before you expect him to come. Instead, Bates says, think of him or her as you would your doctor or dentist: every year you have an appointment. He or she takes care of what needs care and tells you when things need help. Kurt Collins of New England Chimney Care in North Adams agrees with Bates when it comes to the seriousness of the business, and also with warning people about chimney care people who are either not qualified or who donâ€™t care quite as much as they should about the safety of their customers. Both men suggest that the building inspector would be a good source of referrals for the annual chimney services and Bates also mentioned the local fire department. Bates, who has been doing this work for 20 years, has recently semi-retired and only services long-term customers. Collins suggested asking for references, but warned that of course the person would give only good references. Both men suggested one potential measure of professional ability is state certification. But Bates agreed that there could very well be people out there who are competent and ethical without the certification. Collins said his company doesnâ€™t charge for inspection. When he cleans or performs some other service he charges; a cleaning is usually about $85. He also suggests that while a visual inspection is free of charge, a more thorough video inspection is not. The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) can be reached at 800-536-0118. Their web site is www.csia.org. CSIA suggests the following: â€¢ Have the chimney checked each year to make sure it is clear in order to allow it to vent hot toxic gases and carbon monoxide. â€¢ Burn only well-seasoned hardwoods. â€¢ Install a carbon monoxide detector to warn of harmful gasses that may be entering your home because of a blocked or damaged chimney. â€¢Have your chimney sweep/inspector ensure that your chimney has an appropriate liner.

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McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:32PM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Landon LeClair and Superintendent James Brosnan with Landon's parents Eric and Susan LeClair, who is a teacher at McCann.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Superintendent's Award has been presented to Landon LeClair, a senior in McCann Technical School's advanced manufacturing course.

The presentation was made last Thursday by Superintendent Jame Brosnan after Principal Justin Kratz read from teachers' letters extolling LeClair's school work, leadership and dedication.

"He's become somewhat legendary at the Fall State Leadership Conference for trying to be a leader at his dinner table, getting an entire plate of cookies for him and all his friends," read Kratz to chuckles from the School Committee. "Landon was always a dedicated student and a quiet leader who cared about mastering the content."

LeClair was also recognized for his participation on the school's golf team and for mentoring younger teammates.

"Landon jumped in tutoring the student so thoroughly that the freshman was able to demonstrate proficiency on an assessment despite the missed class time for golf matches," read Kratz.

The principal noted that the school also received feedback from LeClair's co-op employer, who rated him with all fours.

"This week, we sent Landon to our other machine shop to help load and run parts in the CNC mill," his employer wrote to the school. LeClair was so competent the supervisor advised the central shop might not get him back.

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