From the Corner Office

As we start the New Year, we reflect on past accomplishments and our goals for the future.  Many people make New Years resolutions.  Yet how many of us stick to these personal challenges? 

Every Tuesday, some of us in the office receive an e-mail from a motivational speaker named Dr. Alan Zimmerman.  He has given seminars to some of us at Frattalone Excavating.  A couple of weeks ago, there was a  “Tuesday’s Tip” titled, “When you throw dirt, all you do is lose ground.”  Just the title made me think that it was perfect for the first “Frattalone Scoop” of 2002.

It is amazing how far we have come as Americans in technology, yet when it comes to the history of human relations, we’ve hardly taken a step.  People are still rude and difficult at times, at work.  In fact, studies show that incivility has increased in the last decade, which really hurts productivity at work. 

Unfortunately, we are forced to work with difficult people.  That’s life.  Even though we may not like certain people or the situation they put us in, there are some things we can do.

The first thing you need to do is take an honest look at yourself.  If you find something that you do that may be annoying or disruptive to others, change it.  As you change, your co-workers will change.  If people around you are difficult, take a moment to look at the situation.  Could it be possible that you are doing something that contributes to their difficult behavior?  Don’t automatically assume that you are innocent and they are to blame.  It is so easy to react to a difficult behavior.  We can judge people’s methods, but we need to be careful about judging their motives.

Instead of wasting your energy on being annoyed or getting defensive, focus on the lesson that can be learned when you’re working with difficult people. Next time you run into a difficult situation, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this person?” Maybe that person was put on your job site to teach you patience or to give you a chance to practice your communication skills.  Sounds crazy, but it is a great philosophy and can be very helpful.

What ever the situation is, make sure that you take time to think before you respond to a difficult person.  Before you say or do anything, figure out if it is really worth it.  How much time and energy do you want to spend on that person and their behavior?  You don’t need to get pulled into an argument, going back and forth with that person as to who did what and who is to blame. Worrying about what is right is more important than about worrying who is right.

So, as the New Year starts, think about yourself and the people you work with.  Select a person that you have had difficulty with as a personal challenge.  Find a way to connect with that person in a positive way.  You don’t have to become great friends or spend a lot of time together.  Just find a way to work together that is positive and productive for everyone.

Have a great winter.  
Dylan Larson  

Safety Column

Training, Training, Training! 

Why do we need so much training?  Most of us as parents spend a lot of time and money on educating our kids.  We do this to make sure they have the right academic tools they will need to succeed in whatever career they may choose.  In addition, we as adults need to continue to educate and train ourselves in our careers to be able to keep up with the ever changing work climate. 

We are very fortunate that Frattalone Excavating supports the training and educating of its employees.  This keeps us on top of our game and keeps us #1 in the industry.  The company managers are very excited about the feedback and the positive responses we have been receiving from the employees on the new training program.  A well-trained and knowledgeable employee is a safe and productive employee.

In regards to the Safety Committee, we would like to recognize and thank Taryn Peterson, Gregg VanGuilder, Damion Fitterer and John Goshey for their input and enthusiasm during their two years of service.  We are excited to welcome Joe Herkenhoff, Tom Kruger, Rodney Peterson and Jeff Anderson as our new members.  We are looking forward to another productive year with our Safety Program. 

Together we are going to keep Frattalone Excavating #1! 

Stay healthy and safe,

Steve Buche
Field and Safety Coordinator

Training

I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation with the required training classes we have set up this season.  A lot of time and effort was taken to ensure everyone receives this benefit.  If you have already attended classes, I look forward to talking with you about your experience, be it positive or negative.  If you have not been to a class or may have more classes to complete, now is the time to ask to clarify any questions that you may have.  Dates for some classes have yet to be scheduled.  Letters will be sent out informing everyone of these classes as soon as they are available.  Your input is needed for me to adequately evaluate these classes for next year.

Also, remember the classes you are attending are based on the total time spent in the classroom.  You need to give yourself plenty of time to insure prompt arrival.  Please take time to double check the date and times of your classes in advance.  Be safe and I’ll see you in the field.

Steve Kohler
Personnel Trainer  

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 that Frattalone Excavating will be closed for the holidays:

• Memorial Day –
  Monday, 5/27/02

• Fourth of July
  Thursday, 7/4/02

• Labor Day
  Monday, 9/2/02

• Thanksgiving
  Thursday, 11/28/02 &
  Friday, 11/29/02

• Christmas
  Tuesday, 12/24/02 &
  Wednesday, 12/25/02

Christmas Gifts

For those of you that couldn’t join us for the Christmas party, you can pick up your gift in the office.  Please check with the front desk.

Bible Study Group

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

Frattalone Company Picnic

The company picnic will be on June 29^th, 2002 at Spooner Park in Little Canada.  Invitations will be mailed the first week in June.  The famous 100’ slip-n-slide will be present along with other games and great food! 

Retired Employees

Tom Steichen and Fred Dubbles hung up their hard hats for the last time this past season.  Tom worked for Frattalone Excavating as an operator for 16 years.  Fred  worked for Frattalone Excavating as an operator for 4 years.  We will be having a party in honor of their retirement on Thursday, May 16^th at 6:00 p.m. in the back shop. 

New Employees

Andy Sprado has joined Team Frattalone as a Project Manager.  He will be working in the office with the estimating department.

Toys For Tots

2001 marked the 5^th year that Frattalone Excavating promoted the Toys-for-Tots program.  We collected many toys for children that are less fortunate than us.  Thanks to all who contributed.

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.

From the hook ...

Remember that the Frattalone Fishing contest goes throughout the winter!  In fact, it doesn’t end until March 31^st!   The tournament is open to employees and their immediate families.  The winners will be awarded at the company picnic on Saturday, June 29^th.   

Prizes: (in each division)

1^st Place  -            $75.00
2^nd Place -            $25.00
3^rd Place -            t-shirt or hat
Also, every tenth entry receives a t-shirt from the Frattalone Store.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Shelly Boss or Dean Law.

Here are the tournament results as of 1/25/02…

For the "Health" of it ...

• Take 15 minutes (your morning break?!) each day to daydream, stretch or just close your eyes. Totally relaxing can relieve the stress load.
• Bury the hatchet and repair damaged relationships. Research on forgiveness suggests that it can lead to better health. On the other hand, holding a grudge can be bad for your heart.
• Start a new hobby, take a fun class or revisit old favorite pastimes. Keeping your mind activity boosts your overall sense of well-being.
• Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Choosing low fat products, lean meats and eating more fish along with an exercise program can help lower both.
• Take a walk every day. Walking can be done pretty much anywhere, be it outside, at the mall, or on a treadmill. Not only does it aid in losing weight, but it is also good for your heart, lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease, strokes and cancer. So…lace up!
• Slow down! Don’t be in such a hurry! Allow enough time to get to appointments, work, school, etc. Set realistic deadlines at work. Stop and listen when friends or family want to talk. You’ll enjoy this next year of your life much more if you can slow down.

Recipes from the ...

Ingredients:
½ c. (1 stick) butter, softened
1 ½ c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
(to sour milk: use 1 TBSP. White vinegar plus milk to equal 1cup)
2 TBSP. Red food coloring
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/3 c. Hershey’s cocoa
1 tsp. Salt
1 ½ tsp. Baking soda
1 TBSP. White vinegar
Vanilla frosting
1 ½ c. mini chocolate chips

Directions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour 13 x 9 inch baking pan, heart shaped pan or line muffin pan with cupcake liners.
• In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar; add eggs and vanilla, beating well. Stir together buttermilk and food coloring. Stir together flour, cocoa and salt; add alternately to butter mixture with buttermilk mixture, mixing well. Stir in baking soda and vinegar
• Pour into prepared pan and bake 25-35 minutes (depending on pan used) or until tooth pick inserted in center comes out clean.
• Cool completely, frost and sprinkle cake with chocolate chips or as desired.

Ingredients:
½ lb. Kosher salt
1 gallon water, divided
4 lb. Beef brisket
3 bay leaves
4 black peppercorns
½ onion, chopped
½ head cabbage, quartered
½ lb. Carrots, sliced
½ turnip, chopped
½ tsp. Fresh cilantro, chopped
4 potatoes, peeled & cubed

• In a large stainless steel or cast iron pot, combine salt, water and brisket. Cover and let sit for seven days in the
• refrigerator. Note: Brisket must be completely submerged, so add more water and salt if necessary.
• After seven days, drain brine and add ½ gallon of fresh water, bay leaves and peppercorns. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 ½ hours.
• Add onion, cabbage, Carrots, turnip, cilantro and potatoes and continue to simmer 45 minutes longer, or until vegetables are tender.
• Serve with lots or green beer, of course!!!