The Frattalone Scoop - Fall 2001 - Volume 8 Issue 4

• A Message from Nick: What does September 11th mean  to you?
• The Safety Corner: Learn to Prevent Back Injury
• Fishing Contest: From the Hook
• Frattalone Christmas Party
• Company Meeting
• Holiday Schedule
• Bible Study
• Golf Tournaments: Frattalone & CLC
• Births & Marriages
• New Employees
• Frattalone Christmas Party
• Recipe: "Oh, Deer!" Pan Fried Venison Steaks
• Scholarships
• For the "Health" of it... Six Steps for Better Sleep

A Message from Nick: What does September 11th mean to you?

September 11th, 2001 is a day not many Americans will forget. Not only was it the first time in recent history that an act of war occurred on U.S. soils, but the events that happened that day have changed the way we live our lives here in the United States of America. How much more time does it now take to board an airplane? Can the economy come back from such a devastating blow? How many parents changed their kids' plans for Halloween? The uncertainties could go on and on.

Now, take a moment to look at some positive answers to the questions listed above. Does it actually affect me that much if I wait an extra hour at the airport a couple times a year? I don't know about anyone else, but I would much rather be searched more thoroughly as a possible terrorist than to be sitting next to one while up in the air. And the economy? Did anyone notice that the DOW (Dow Jones Industrial Average) closed higher last week than it was on September 10th? Or that six months after eight major terrorist attacks, the DOW had a 10.2% average increase. We live the in 21st Century and although we hate to admit it, there are some very dangerous people in our society, so being extra cautious at times only reminds us to be more proactive than reactive. 

I'm sure if everyone were to sit down and write out how they would like to see their obituary, it would include phrases such as; lived his/her life to the fullest each and everyday, had no regrets, etc. Take this time to reflect on your life. Ask yourself the tough questions, call an old friend, or just simply spend some extra "quality time" with the people you love.

To me, this date serves as a very tragic reminder of what kind of world we live in. It reminds me that life IS so very short and that I should be taking full advantage of every single day that is given to me. We are fortunate to be survivors of this reminder and should take advantage of its lessons. 

"Live each day like it was your last because someday, it will be."

Nick Frattalone 
Executive Vice-President

The Safety Corner: Learn to prevent Back Injury.

Preventing a back injury is much easier than repairing one. Because your back is critically important to your ability to walk, sit, stand and run, it is important to take care of it. Most back pain arises from using your back improperly, so learning a few basic rules about lifting, posture and proper exercise can help keep your back in good shape.

• Position yourself correctly in front of the load
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Set the load down correctly
• Get help if needed.
• Maintain good posture
• Plan your lift
• Position yourself correctly in front of the load

Fishing Contest: From the Hook

Remember that the Frattalone Fishing contest goes throughout the winter! In fact, it doesn't end until March 31st. The tournament is open to employees and their immediate families. So, keep fishin'! 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Shelly in the office.

Results:  (as of 11/12/01)

Company Meetings

Following are the dates for the all company safety and informational meetings for 2002. These meetings are a very important part of keeping you informed of company policies and procedures. Attendance is mandatory.

• Thursday, 4/25/02 @ 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, 8/8/02 @ 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, 10/24/02 @ 4:00 p.m.

Holiday Schedule

Listed below are the days Frattalone Excavating will be closed.

Bible Study

Bible study/work support group sessions are being held every other Thursday from 6:30p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in the conference room. The first session was on 10/25/01. All are welcome. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dean Law. 

Golf Tournaments

Frattalone: We had a beautiful day for the Frattalone Golf Classic this year! The winners this year were Dave & Dan Grimsrud with one under par. Thanks to all who joined us!

Births & Marriages Congratulations!

Births

• Jacob Maxwell, son of Jeremy & Debbie Carlson was born on July 10th and weighed 7lbs. 13 oz. 
• Isabella Sheryl, daughter of Nick & Christi Frattalone was born on September 1st and weighed 8lbs. 6oz. 
• Kayley Marie, daughter of Lee & Dawn Gass was born on September 8th and weighed 7lbs. 4oz.
• Caitlin Christine, daughter of Cara & Scott Anderson was born on September 17th and weighed 6lbs.12oz.
• Megan and Hailey, twin daughters of Kim & Todd Hurley were born on Thursday, October 4th. Megan weighed 5lbs. 11oz. and Hailey weighed 5lbs. 4oz.

Marriages

• Jeannie Heyn and Dale Gamboni were married on July 7th on a beautiful day at their home in North Branch.

New Employees:

Welcome Aboard!

Frattalone Christmas Party

Just a reminder that the Frattalone Christmas Party will be on Saturday, December 8th at the Maplewood Community Center. Look for your invitation in the mail soon.

NADC and MUCA Scholarships

Frattalone Excavating is a member of the National Association of Demolition Contractors, as well as the Minnesota Utility Contractors Association, which entitles any employee and their family members eligible to participate in their Scholarship Program. These scholarships are awarded annually. For an application, please see Shelly in the office.

Recipe: "Oh, Deer!"

By now, many of you deer hunters have already shot that "trophy buck". (or maybe it was an "almost spotless doe"!?!) What ever the case, here is a recipe you should try after visiting that butcher…

Pan Fried Venison Steaks

Needed: 

Venison steaks, ½" - 1" thick

Ingredients per steak: 

2 TBSP. - butter
1 diced green onion
1 TBSP. - Worcestershire sauce
¼ oz. - Brandy 
salt & pepper to taste

How to cook:

1. Melt butter in heavy pan. Add steaks and green onion.
2. Cook over medium heat, turning once. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Remove steaks, when done to your liking, and place on serving platter or plate.
4. Add Worcestershire sauce and Brandy to browned butter and onion. Heat on Medium for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
5. Pour sauce over steaks and serve.
   * The alcohol from the Brandy will evaporate during cooking, but a non-alcoholic cooking sherry may be substituted.

For the "Health" of it...6 Steps to Better Sleep

According to a new report from the National Sleep Foundation, seven out of ten adults report problems sleeping. But you don't have to live with daytime drowsiness. Here are steps that you can take to get longer, deeper and more restful sleep.

1. Set your body clock. Go to be and rise each morning at the same times - even on weekends. (easier said than done.)

2. Exercise, but earlier. Physical activity can help you sleep better - just be sure you work out before dinner. You'll give your body more time to wind down before bedtime.

3. Stay stimulant free. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine at least four hours before bedtime. (If you are sensitive to caffeine, cut it out completely.) Note: Alcohol may make you feel sleepy, but it is known to interrupt sleep once you've nodded off.

4. Try a bedtime snack. It's hard to fall asleep on an empty stomach - and on a full one. So, as you don't tend to get heartburn or stomach "reflux," try eating something light before bed. (No, a "Heggies pizza" at Gordie's doesn't qualify as light!) 

5. Don't toss and turn. If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get up and do something else that may make you tired.

6. Talk it out. New evidence suggests that a talking therapy, known as cognitive behavioral therapy can help. Under the guidance of a therapist, therapy combines education and practice exercises to alter the thinking, beliefs and behavior that lead to sleeplessness.

Still can't sleep? Got Milk? Some research indicates that tryptophan, a substance found in milk, may help bring on sleep.

Happy z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z's!