Patty established McKenna Roofing & Construction, of which she served as president and has been a member of NERCA since 1999.

It is with profound sadness that the family announced that Patricia Smith (Lemois) McKenna, 66, beloved wife, mother, gigi, aunt and friend, passed away on December 18, 2024, at Hope Hospice.

Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Carole (Lucas) Lemois. Patty started her roofing career at Patrick J. McKenna roofing in the 1980s. She later established McKenna Roofing and Construction where she served as President until this year. Patty was an accomplished and recognized leader in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts roofing industry, particularly as one of the first female leaders in the industry.

Patty leaves a legacy of remarkable generosity, strength and compassion. Patty was generous with her time and love in all the communities of which she took part. She loved “giving trees” and teaching her kids the importance of giving to those less fortunate, especially the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. Her door was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay, a meal or a listening ear. If she heard someone didn’t have a place to go for the holidays, she set another place at her table for them.

Patty loved being at the beach in Rhode Island or by the pool in Jupiter, FL. She was a frequent concertgoer, especially Bruce Springsteen, or whomever one of her nieces and nephews wanted to see. She was a friend of Bill W. for 40 years.

Above all, Patty loved children. When her kids left home, she started watching three of her nieces and nephews overnight every other Friday, which grew to over 12 kids, including great nieces and nephews. The highlight of their year was the annual trips to Block Island, which they did for nearly 20 years.

She is survived by her faithful and steadfast husband, Patrick J. McKenna. Besides her husband, she leaves three children, Patrick J. McKenna, Jr. and his wife Ashley of Charlestown, Lacy Perry and her husband James of Washington, D.C. and D. Justin Smith and his wife Kayla of Lincoln; three brothers — Stephen R. Lemois and his wife Sharon of Texas; Bruce Lemois and his wife Maria of Cumberland; and Daniel Lemois of Florida.

Her greatest joy was becoming a Gigi to her five grandchildren: Julia and Jonathan Perry; Rose McKenna; and Jacob and Maya Smith.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Heather Smith, and son, Justin D. Smith, and her granddaughter, Layla Smith.

She was so loved.

Patty’s visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. in the Perry-McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 10:00am in St. Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of fowers, contributions in Patty's memory may be made to St. Mary Academy-Bay View, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, Rhode Island 02915.

With deepest sympathy, we want to inform you that Colin J. Cash Sr. passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Atlantic Equipment was founded by Colin Cash, Sr. in 1970 and has been a member of NERCA since 1982. You can read his obituary below:

Colin J. Cash, a cherished member of the Winthrop community, passed away on October 27, 2024, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was born in Medford to the late Kathleen (Hurley) and Daniel Cash, and he spent his life in Winthrop, a town he held dear to his heart.

Colin graduated from Winthrop High School in 1959 before bravely enlisting in the Navy, where he proudly served until his honorable discharge. Following his service, Colin established Atlantic Equipment in Revere, where he contributed to the local business community.

His dedication extended beyond work, as evidenced by his active involvement in the Knights of Columbus and his lifelong membership in the Winthrop Yacht Club. Colin found joy in simple pleasures, such as baseball games and bird watching, as well as the tranquility of living by the ocean.

A true equestrian, Colin shared his passion with his daughter and was a valued member of the American Horse Show Association. His love for horses reflected his gentle and caring nature.

Colin J. Cash will be remembered for his kindness, his commitment to his community and his unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life. May he sail on peaceful seas and rest in eternal serenity.

He was the devoted husband of Jeanne C. (Hines) and the loving father of Jeanine Cash and her fiance Eric Rapchuck and Colin Cash and his wife Margaret. Dear brother of Peggy Riley and her husband Leonard and the late Tom, Danny, Buddy and Eddie Cash. Cherished grandfather of Courtney, Ethan, Aidan, Nicholas, Gabby and Isabella.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the funeral home on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 9:00 AM followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10:00 AM. Services will conclude with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

To participate in the tribute wall to Colin, send flowers to his family or plant a tree in his memory, visit www.caggianofuneralhome.com/obituary/Colin-Cash.

By North East Roofing Educational Foundation.

The Trustees are very proud to be able to award 14 scholarships this year!

On June 8, 2024, the NEREF Trustees met to approve the recipients of the Annual NEREF Scholarships. The Trustees are pleased to announce that this year they awarded 14 scholarships in the amount of $3,000.00 each to the following recipients:

• The recipient of the Robert W. Therrien Sr., Scholarship is Malia Lucas of Landisburg, Pennsylvania. Malia will be entering her sophomore year at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
• The recipient of the Robert W. and Beverly G. Therrien Sr. Scholarship is Victor Canavan of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Victor will be entering his junior year at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 25th Robert F. and Marion R. Shea Jr., Memorial Scholarship is Zachary Canavan of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Zachary will be entering his sophomore year at UMass Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 23rd James A. McBrady Sr. Memorial Scholarship is Meaghan Yale of Middlebury, Connecticut. Meaghan will be entering her senior year at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire.
• The recipient of the 22nd Elevate Scholarship is Noah Santos of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Noah will be entering his sophomore year at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 21st Logie Family Trust Scholarship is Kalista Zavras of Worcester, Massachusetts. Kalista will be entering her freshman year at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.
• The recipient of the 20th North/East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Scholarship is Kara Francis of Suffield, Connecticut. Kara will be entering her sophomore year at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 18th Eastern Architectural Representatives Scholarship is Anthony DeMarco of Bethel, Connecticut. Anthony will be entering his senior year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 14th Lincoln R. McKie Memorial Scholarship is Meridith Madden of Canton, Massachusetts. Meredith will be entering her senior year at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.
• The recipient of the 12th Thomas S. Gunning Scholarship is Karissa Doerr of Blandon, Pennsylvania. Karissa will be entering her sophomore year at the University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, North Carolina.
• The recipient of the 10th James McAdam Scholarship is Jessica Coyt of Waterbury, Connecticut. Jessica will be entering her sophomore year at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 6th North East Roofing Educational Foundation (NEREF) is Jocelyn Doerr of Blandon, Pennsylvania. Jocelyn will be entering her sophomore year at the University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, North Carolina.
• The recipient of the 5th Angelo A. Gentile Sr. Scholarship is Karena Kuehl of Rutland, Vermont. Karena will be entering her freshman year at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont.
• The recipient of the 5th Richard N. Jenkins Family Trust Scholarship is Andrew Madden of Canton, Massachusetts. Andrew will be entering his sophomore year at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire.

These scolarships would not be possible if it wasn't for your continued donations. If you would like to donate to the Foundation, please visit the NERCA website!

By Anna Lockhart. 

This year’s event has a ton of exciting events in store for attendees that you won’t want to miss! 

North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) is getting ready to host their annual convention and trade show this month! From March 12 – 14, 2024, at the Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts, NERCA members and roofing professionals from across the Northeastern United States are invited to join in on the fun and exciting trade show taking place! 

This year’s convention and trade show will be sponsored by respected industry brands A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply, Beacon Building Products, Elevate and MRCA, among others! Designed to provide networking and growth opportunities for professionals across the roofing industry, this convention will provide participants with the chance to see the latest and greatest coming out of the industry this year!  

The trade show floor will be open March 13 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and March 14 from 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. The Coffee Shop crew will be at booth #503, make sure you come say hi and get some fun swag. 

Here’s what we are most looking forward to at the show:  

Empowering Roofers for the Future: Solar-Ready Roof Installation 

This special educational session on March 12 will be hosted by Greta Bajrami, CEO & founder of Golden Group Roofing, and will center around the steadily increasing interest in sustainable energy and how this impacts the roofing industry. Solar is on the rise; do you have what it takes to meet the increasing demand? Join Greta as she walks participants through the process of equipping homes and buildings with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and how to gain the skills needed to successfully navigate this steadily changing market of the future.  

Empowering Women in Roofing: Allies and Advocates Discussion 

Join the National Women in Roofing (NWiR) on March 13 for a special round table discussion about the importance of advocacy and allyship in the roofing industry. They will discuss the ways in which allies can be created and boosted within the industry and how businesses and roofing professionals can implement change in their day-to-day activities and interactions. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss with panelists the importance of making change and how to do so on their own!  

Using Contract Provisions to Enhance Safety and Reduce Personal Injury and Property Damage Claims 

Led by Stephen Phillips Esq., this special seminar on March 13 will highlight the importance of job site safety and how contractors can take better care of their crews on the job. Keeping the dangers of personal injury, property damage and other risk factors that crews can face out in the field is incredibly important for business owners, and learning how to navigate these liabilities and lower the risks can be a tremendous benefit. Join Stephen as he breaks down his top recommendations to maximizing rooftop safety, navigating OSHA standards and how to implement lifesaving practices into daily practice.  

OSHA 10 Hour Training Course in English & Spanish 

Check out this two-day training course from March 13 –14 which will walk participants through a series of OSHA standards and best practices. This training course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a jobsite safely and with the proper knowledge of handling hazards with care. During the training sessions, instructors will go over skills such as hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention. Upon completion, participants will receive their OSHA 10 Hour Certification Card from the Department of Labor. 

From the Welcome Reception on March 12 to the Latinos in Roofing Reception March 13 and all the educational sessions and networking opportunities, you won’t want to miss this NERCA Convention and Trade Show. We’ll see you there! 

Learn more about the NERCA 96th Annual Roofing Convention and Trade Show! 

By Dani Sheehan. 

Tradeshow events offer the perfect opportunity to build new relationships and add skills, products or services to your business. Learn more about reflective coatings and roofing repairs at one of KARNAK’s booths. 

KARNAK, a trusted name in the industry since its founding in 1932, is your one-stop shop for all things reflective coatings and roofing repairs. Specializing in a comprehensive range of products, KARNAK has become synonymous with quality and innovation.  

This year, KARNAK is attending a few large tradeshow events across the nation. Want a chance to meet your supplier? Stop by their booth at the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA) Tradeshow or the North/East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Tradeshow for the unique opportunity to meet the minds behind these cutting-edge products. Connect with their knowledgeable team and gain insights into the latest trends, technologies and solutions in roofing and waterproofing. Whether you are an architect, specifier, contractor or distributor, KARNAK’s diverse range of products caters to your specific needs. 

But that’s not all! KARNAK will be at the 2024 International Roofing Expo (IRE) in Las Vegas, Nevada, and they have exciting things in store for attendees. Visit their booth for a chance to win a Yeti cooler through their raffle! Additionally, they will be launching a new, no-mix silicone repair sealant, further showcasing their commitment to continuous innovation and customer satisfaction. 

Tradeshows are an opportunity to elevate your business, stay ahead of industry trends and forge connections that could grow your roofing endeavors. Mark your calendar and make it a priority to visit KARNAK’s booth at one of the following events: 

• Chicago Roofing Contractors Association Tradeshow: January 17, 2024 – January 19, 2024, Booths 401 and 403 
• International Roofing Expo (IRE): February 6, 2024 – February 8, 2024, Booth 5725 
• North/East Roofing Contractors Association Tradeshow: March 12, 2024 – March 14, 2024, Booth 509

Learn about new updates to the online wind-load calculator specifically designed for roofing professionals.

NRCA has announced updates to Roof Wind Designer, an online wind-load calculator intended to offer roofing professionals an easy way to determine roof systems’ design wind loads for many commonly encountered building types subject to code compliance.

The free web-based application has been updated to include the capability to generate reports on wind uplift pressures based on the newest version of ASCE 7, ASCE 7-22, “Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures.” Users will be able to view calculations for a wider range of building sizes and configurations, including partially enclosed and partially open buildings at basic wind speeds as granular as 1 mph increments.

Additionally, ASCE 7-16- and ASCE 7-22-based reports now include design wind-resistence capacities for gutters based on ANSI/SPRI GT-1’s G-1 and G-2 test methods.

Roof Wind Designer initially was developed with support from the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association and North/East Roofing Contractors Association. For more information, visit roofwinddesigner.nrca.net.

About National Roofing Contractors Association

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Here’s what’s been trending on RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS) this past month. 

Checking out our top articles each month is a great way to learn what is trending in the roofing industry. This month, we can see that interest in sustainable roofing systems is still going strong. One of our top articles in February was about Duro-Last's sustainable roofing products as well as their “Recycle Your Roof” program. 

We can also see that interest in the asphalt roofing industry is still prevalent. Our second most-read article highlights the winners of the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association’s (ARMA) Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program. Check out the full article below to see all the beautiful asphalt roofs who won this award. 

The 2023 International Roofing Expo (IRE) just took place and those who were there know how busy this year’s show was. We can see that excitement for the event was growing well before March as evidenced by our top articles of February. Of the 10 most popular articles last month, four were about IRE! 

Our most-read article of February was highlighting the Raise the Roof Foundation Charity Concert at IRE 2023. This annual concert is hosted by SRS Distribution where they also have a live auction to raise money for their Raise the Roof Foundation.  

Here are the top 10 articles of February 2023: 

Honorable Mention (#6-#10): 

10 - RoofersCoffeeShop® is Going to NERCA! 

9 - Raise Profits and Improve Estimation Skills by Attending These Sessions 

8 - The International Roofing Expo® — North America’s Largest Roofing Event — Returns in Dallas 

7 - Must Accidents Happen? 

6 - Stop by Air Vent Booth #6318 at the IRE in Dallas to See Attic Airflow in Motion 

Read the Top 5 articles: 

5 - Sustainable Roofing Reimagined 

4 - Holcim to Acquire Duro-Last Roofing Systems 

3 - New Owens Corning Shingle Product Packaging Goes Beyond Beauty to Offer Enhanced Access to Details and Install Directions 

2 - ARMA Announces Winners of 2023 Excellence in Asphalt Roofing Awards Program 

1 - Raise the Roof at This Year’s IRE Charity Concert! 

Stay up to date with the latest roofing industry news when you sign up for the Coffee Shop eNews.

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) is set to host its 94th annual trade show.  

This year’s North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Convention and Trade Show is expected to have a great turnout. The event is set to take place March 1 – 3 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Although the deadline for registration has passed, we are currently offering a free pass that contractors can use at the door to attend the event. 

With nearly 200 booths and quality educational seminars, this convention is great event for contractors in the northeastern United States to attend. RoofersCoffeeShop® will be there at booth 529, so swing by and say hi to Heidi Ellsworth, Karen Edwards and Tim Ellsworth. At the booth we’ll be giving out our special 20th anniversary celebratory swag! 

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) will also be there at booth 130 and they will be hosting a networking event on March 2 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Members from the NWIR board of directors and local councils will be attending and time will be devoted to discussing empowering women in the roofing industry. Register for the event today! 

Here are some other booths work checking out: 

• ABC Supply – Booth #411 

• A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply – Booth #425 

• APOC – Booth #118 

• ATAS International – Booth #226 

• Beacon Building Products – Booth #401 

• CertainTeed – Booth #301 

• DECRA Metal Roofing – Booth #125 

• Duro-Last – Booth #233 

• Estimating Edge – Booth #606 

• Flascho – Booth #127 

• GCP – Booth #326 

• Hunter Panels – Booth #612 

• ICP Group – Booth #620 

• IKO – Booth #229 

• Johns Manville – Booth #417 

• Leap – Booth #531 

• Owens Corning – Booth #114 

• Polyglass – Booth #228 

• Sashco – Booth #624 

• Sika – Booth #325 

Learn more about NERCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nerca.org.   

About NERCA 

NERCA is the founder of the NEREF scholarship. They are the regional association for roofing contractors covering the northeast part of the country.  Their territory includes: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Delaware.

By Lauren White, RCS Editor. 

Join RCA presidents as they discuss Regional Strategies for Post-COVID Success at IRE 2021. 

As we all continue to navigate the Coronavirus, many are wondering what a post-COVID world will look like and how to maintain success.  On August 10 at 7:45 a.m., Roofing Contractor Association (RCA) presidents will discuss Regional Strategies for Post-COVID Success at the International Roofing Expo (IRE).  This is a panel you won’t want to miss!  Our very own Heidi J. Ellsworth will be moderating and will be joined by Greta Bajrami, Kelly Lea and Leo Ibarra. 

Greta Bajrami, the CEO and founder of Golden Group Roofing in Massachusetts, migrated to the U.S. from Tirana, Albania when she was nine.  Her fierce leadership and female representation in the industry has gained her the respect and following of many entrepreneurs that are up and coming in the industry.  Greta is also the treasurer for the North East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA).  

Starting at the age of 13, Kelly Lea worked as a laborer at his father’s company Leaway Roofing, putting himself through college.  He earned a BS in Construction Engineering Technology and is now the general manager of Texas Roof Management.  Kelly has been on the board for the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) for over ten years and is looking forward to moving into the role of president in November. 

In 1988, Leo Ibarra started his roofing career at Saddleback Roofing.  And in 1991 he began working as an apprentice for Blue’s Roofing Company, a commercial roofing contractor in Milpitas, California.  He worked his way up to journeyman, foreman, project manager and is currently the vice president.  Leo is actively involved in the industry, serving as the president for Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) and is on the board of directors for Associated Roofing Contractors of the Bay Area Counties, Inc. 

During the panel, RCA presidents will discuss: 

• Post-COVID world 

• Material shortages 

• Regulations and advocacy 

• Safety  

• Association involvement  

Register for the IRE today and make sure to attend Regional Strategies for Post-COVID Success. 

By North East Roofing Contractors Association.  

OSHA has now started fining companies for employee outbreaks across the country, including New Jersey and the northeast.  

The recent COVID-19 citations rely on the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s general duty clause:  

Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees’ employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.  

It appears that most of the citations being issued are related to events from Spring 2020, but there is little information about them in the DOL press releases.  

For roofing contractors, who are always a target for OSHA, this means that employers must know and understand the guidance that was issued regarding their work. For many workers, simply being outdoors offers them enough reassurance to go mask less. However, employers are responsible for enforcing any COVID-19 related work guidance including social distancing and mask wearing when necessary.  

COVID-19 safety measures must be enforced just as you would if there were an employee not wearing fall protection or other personal protective equipment. Contractors should have updated employee handbooks and signage regarding the dangers of COVID-19. In addition, any workplace illnesses or transmission on site should be recorded in your company logs to be reported to OSHA. 

Belonging to your industry associations helps you stay informed about changes in the industry.  

Learn more about NERCA and the benefits of membership in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory.  

About NERCA 

NERCA is the founder of the NEREF scholarship. They are the regional association for roofing contractors covering the northeast part of the country.  Their territory includes: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Delaware. 

NERCA maintains relationships with national organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and other major roof industry players. They also host one of the largest regional trade shows in the country. Forms are available to become a member! If you need more information you can contact the association office! 

Source: NERCA Newsletter