The Frattalone Scoop - Summer 2000 - Vol. 7 Iss. 3

• A Message from Dave: Hang Up and Listen!
• The Safety Corner
• Fishing Contest: From the Hook
• Company Meeting
• Holiday Schedule
• Bible Study
• Golf Tournaments: Frattalone & CLC
• Retirement Party: Jerry Huberty
• New Employees
• Frattalone Christmas Party
• For the "Health" of it...A-a-a-a-choo!

A Message from Dave: HANG UP and LISTEN!

It has become a matter of increasing debate whether it is sensible (or safe) to drive a car while talking on your cellular phone. Not long ago, the legislature for the state of New York passed a law that will restrict that practice. Most recently, a university conducted research lead by a group of those brain-studying neurologists, to determine whether the human brain is capable of levels of concentration that would allow driving and yapping on the telephone to be done simultaneously - with optimum and equal concentration. They concluded that the area of the human brain responsible for concentration is rather small, and therefore cannot concentrate with the same intensity on more than one thing at a time. While this may seem yet another money wasting study to reach an obvious conclusion, I would nonetheless concede that those neurologists probably have an ample supply of that which they study. Based on all the attention this subject is receiving I think it is a safe prediction that, in the not-too-distant future, laws similar to the New York effort will be common across the country.

While I have said enough about automobile safety and the cell phone, what's really on my mind is the ill practice of talking on the phone and trying to listen to somebody sitting right next to you. It stands to reason, that if you can't effectively drive and talk, you can't listen and talk at the same time either.

How many times have you attended a meeting and someone's phone starts ringing, and they actually answer it and begin a conversation? How rude is that? It seems to me that this happens more all the time. How on earth can someone be actively participating in a face-to-face conversation when they have a phone to their ear? What message are those folks sending to the others attending the meeting? A few come to mind: 'I'm so important! I'm more important than anyone else in the room…this meeting is not important to me…' etc., etc. 

Considering that almost everyone has voice mail as part of their cellular service program, shutting off your phone is a very viable option - instead of offending your business colleagues, listen to them.

Outside of work, I see people at parks and beaches pretending to be spending quality time with their children while talking on their cell phones constantly! I wonder what message these kids are getting?

I was remembering this morning on my drive to the office of that summer day in 1984, when in the bottom of the last inning, my son struck out with the bases full of teammates. And what if, in the middle of dad's soft tones consoling him, my phone started ringing?

Dave Grimsrud

The Safety Corner

How long can we stay out in this heat until heat stroke sets in? What are some of the warning signs and what can we do to prevent it? With the terrible news of the death from heatstroke of Vikings right tackle Korey Stringer, many people are asking these questions. And, seeing that 90% of our workforce is out in this heat, we thought you should be aware of some of these facts.

When it is going to be hot: 

• Pay attention to the heat index, not just the temperature. 
• Keep drinking water or a sports drink through out the day, before you get hot, even if you're not thirsty. 
• If you feel dizzy, overheated or cold, stop working and get out of the sun. 
• Get fluids into you and on you.

The people at highest risk are: 

• People who are overweight
• Elderly
• Infants 
• People who use antihistamines or certain anti- 
  depressants.

Warning signs include: 

• Disorientation, confusion and staggering, bouts of vomiting, 
• Hot and dry skin with decreased sweating, body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit,
• Rapid and irregular heartbeat and seizures or coma.

What to do: 

1. Move the victim to a cool, shady area. 
2. Place on ground and raise feet about a foot. 
3. Cool using water spray (make sure not to spray victims face because it can cause their blood pressure to drop even more), ice (on the neck area) and a fan, or by placing victim in a cool bathtub or pool. 
4. Give victim water or sports drink.
5. If vomiting or other symptoms continue, call 911 immediately.

Remember: It's your body and you need to listen to what it's telling you when the temperature is extremely hot. Simply slow down when it is hot and allow your body to cool off. 

Be Safe!

Fishing Contest: From the Hook

Our 2001-2002 fishing contest is well on its way, as you can see from all of the entries. 

Rules. The same rules apply as in years past. Employees and immediate family members are automatically eligible. Entries must be verified at a bait store and include the name and phone number of the person who weighed the fish. Turn in all entries to Dean Law or into the office. 

Divisions: There are 5 divisions: 

• Walleye
• Northern
• Bass
• Crappie 
• Sunfish

Prizes:

• 1st place (in each division) $75.00
• 2nd place (in each division) $25.00
• 3rd place (in each division) t-shirt
• Every tenth entry will receive a t-shirt. 
• There will also be one drawing for entries that did not place.
  

Results:  (as of 7/31/01)

Company Meeting

The fall all company safety and informational meeting is scheduled for...

• Date: Thursday, 10/25/01. 
• Time: Dinner will be served at 4:00 p.m. followed by the meeting at 4:45 p.m. 

Company Meetings are a very important part of keeping you informed of company policies and procedures. Attendance is mandatory.

Holiday Schedule

Listed below are the days Frattalone Excavating will be closed.

Bible Study

Due to popular demand, we will be continuing the Bible Study group. The meetings are held every other Thursday evening in the office lunchroom. For more information, please contact Dean Law.

Golf Tournaments

Frattalone: The 3rd Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, September 9th at Gem Lake Golf Course. The tee times start at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch and cocktails during the Vikings game at the clubhouse. The sign up sheet will be posted on the lunchroom door within the next couple of weeks. Keep in mind that you don't have to be an avid golfer to participate in the tournament. 

CLC: Frattalone Excavating held the 3rd Annual Central Lakes College Golf Tournament on Tuesday, July 17th. The tournament has been a huge success, raising over $44,000.00 for the Heavy Equipment Program at the College located in Staples, MN. Thanks to all who participated and sponsored this event.

Retirement Party

Jerry Huberty "hung up his work boots" on March 1, 2001. He dedicated 20 years of service as a dozer operator for Frattalone Excavating. We will be having a retirement party for Jerry on:

Thursday, August 9th at 6:00 p.m. 

Food and beverages will be served.

Congratulations, Jerry! 

New Employees:

Welcome Aboard!

Frattalone Christmas Party

O.K., I know it's hard to think Christmas in July, but I know everybody likes to get that date on their calendars! The Christmas Party will be on Saturday, December 8th at the Maplewood Community Center again this year.

For the "Health" of it...A-a-a-a-choo!

Hay fever: A severe, acute allergic reaction in the upper respiratory system and eyes. Sounds pretty nasty, huh? Well, if it, or just plain allergies are getting the best of you this summer, here are some interesting facts that you may find helpful in your quest for a cure.

• Cleaner air can help.
  It is now thought that large, polluted urban areas may be worse for asthmatics because of the presence of particulate in the air. So moving away from air pollution may help asthma sufferers.
  
• Plant allergies?
  Although moving to a new home may relieve allergies temporarily, new allergies to local plants can develop quickly. Infact, most allergy-provoking grasses are widespread throughout the world. To help such allergies, try to schedule outdoor activities when pollen count is low - in the morning, after a steady rain or on a cloudy, windless day.
  
• Living with pets …
  Continuous exposure to pets will not decrease pet allergies. If removing the pet from the home is not an option, keep the pet out of the bedroom, bathe your pet twice a week and brush as often as possible.
  
• Antihistamines in advance.
  The ideal time to take an antihistamine, which blocks allergic reaction, is before symptoms surface. Most prescription antihistamines don't cause drowsiness, but many over-the-counter varieties do. 
  
• Hay Fever sufferers…
  Should wash their hair at night. This removes any pollen and keep 
  It from settling on pillows and bedding. You should also try and avoid common irritants like tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, hair spray and perfume.
  
• Is it allergies or not?
  As many as 20% of Americans believe that they have a food allergy, but less than 1% actually do. Most food "allergies" are actually signs of digestive problems, food poisoning or stress.
  
• A Solution to Dust Mites.
  If you are allergic to dust mites and suspect your area rugs make you sneeze and itch: Place the rug outdoors in direct sunlight for a few hours. Airing out rugs and other household items dries and heats them, exterminating mites.