Episode 11: In this episode of MBNA Monument Matters, host Mike Johns sits down with Jerry Mascola of Granite City Tool and retired conservator Tom Podnar of McKay Lodge Conservation Laboratory to explore the fascinating history, craftsmanship, and challenges surrounding white bronze—or zinc—memorials. Learn why these 19th-century monuments are considered an example of American ingenuity, how to identify them in cemeteries, and what not to do when restoring them. Whether you're a monument builder, preservationist, or history enthusiast, this episode offers expert insight into a rare and often misunderstood memorial material—and emphasizes the importance of knowing when to call in a pro.

• (00:00:08) - Monument Matters: Episode 1
• (00:02:29) - Zinc Monuments: Their History
• (00:06:37) - Why Do Zinc Monuments Look Blue?
• (00:14:06) - Zinc Monument Conservator
• (00:20:11) - Importance of monument repair
• (00:25:44) - Restoration of Old Bridges
• (00:29:45) - How to Fix a Bronze Monument
• (00:33:39) - How to Fix a Monument That's leaning backwards
• (00:38:23) - Zink Monuments: Do They Need Restoration?

In Episode 10: Go behind the scenes at the 2025 School of Hard Rocks with host Mike Johns and guests Bobby Mattos, Houston Gordon, and Aaron Faehnle. Discover how hands-on stone carving, mentorship, and creative freedom are shaping the next generation of memorialists in this unique, immersive experience like no other in the monument industry. Explore how carving, collaboration, and creativity come together under the guidance of seasoned mentors. Hear how first-timers and veterans alike make lasting connections—and lasting art.

• (00:00:01) - Monument Matters
• (00:02:03) - Interview
• (00:04:00) - How Much of What You Experience at Hard Rocks Does Affect Your Monument
• (00:04:48) - Rock Camp
• (00:07:33) - The Hard Rock Art Exhibition
• (00:09:57) - Alumni as instructors at the workshop
• (00:11:23) - At the Art Institute of Alberton
• (00:15:07) - Carving at the Ames
• (00:21:30) - Hard Rock Granite Workshops
• (00:28:09) - A Taste of Hard Rock Camp
• (00:30:25) - The Lucan Award
• (00:31:46) - The School of Hard Rocks

In this inspiring episode of Monument Matters, host Mike Johns, Jr. speaks with Eric Gunnoe and Eden Griesheimer-Smith of Chillicothe Monument & Hardy Memorials about their Aspire Award-winning project: restoring Soldiers’ Circle, a veterans’ cemetery that hadn’t seen a cleanup since 1928. What began as a local observation turned into a major community effort, uniting nearly 100 volunteers to honor forgotten heroes. Eric and Eden share how they organized the event, uncovered meaningful veteran stories, and sparked renewed interest in memorialization. Their work exemplifies the spirit of MBNA’s Aspire Awards and serves as a blueprint for community impact through memorial care.

• (00:00:08) - Monument Matters
• (00:01:23) - Chillicothe Monument
• (00:04:04) - Member Interview
• (00:06:51) - Honoring Veterans: Memorial Day Cleanup
• (00:12:05) - Local volunteers clean graves at Greenlawn Cemetery
• (00:19:25) - Monument Matters: June 2017