 |
|
|
|
|
Articles
|
|
|
|
|
On This Page >>>
Have something
you would like to see published in the Frattalone Scoop?
If so, please contact
Shelly in the office.
A Special "thanks"
to all of the drivers, operators, mechanics, laborers and
superintendents who help out with the dome events that
Frattalone Companies contracts in the winter. All who work these
events put in a lot of hours and do a tremendous job. THANKS!
|
|
|
|
|
1. From the Corner Office
| On January 31st, I had the honor of attending a luncheon and awards presentation hosted by the Association of Minnesota City Engineers. At this function, we, along with the City of Columbia
Heights, were presented their highest award, the 2006 Project of the Year. There is only one project throughout the state given this award annually and this year they awarded it to our Huset Park Project. |
|
Husset Parkway
City of Columbia Heights |
Prior to the redevelopment of this property, the 29-acre area consisted of older run down businesses and homes that had an estimated property value of $5 million. Upon completion, the same area will appraise for over $125 million, drastically increasing the tax base and usability to the City of Columbia Heights and their residents.
All phases of our company services were performed in completing this project. We demolished over 400,000 square feet of buildings, installed 9.45 miles of new sewer and water utili-ties throughout the site, removed and replaced over 250,000 yards of contaminated soils and excavated and graded an additional 200,000 yards of material.
This award is one we, as a company, should be extremely proud of. In addition to this award, this project was also selected as the 2006
Brownfield Project of the Year given by Economic Development Association of Minnesota to the
State’s best environmental clean-up. There are several people that deserve recognition for this accomplishment from Estimators Jim Wutzke and Cory Van Engen, to Project Managers Larry Langer and Jim Wutzke, to Field Superintendents Todd Olund, Bob Bruley, Todd Johnson and Dan Sumption, and to all our Field Personnel who made this an exceptional project. Congratulations and thank you all.
As the cold weather is upon us, I hope you all are staying warm and healthy, becoming eager to get back into the swing of things this spring. With the current work on hand and
our estimators working hard in securing additional work, I look forward to another busy and
successful year.
Best Regards,
Nick Frattalone,
Chief Financial Officer
2. Safety & Training Corner
Hello friends and family of Frattalone Companies! I have officially
been a part of the Frattalone Team for three months and couldn’t be
more enthused. It was pleasing for me to see the pride members of this
team at our Holiday Party. I always kind of knew Frattalone Companies
was a unique group, but the speeches and awards presented at the party
said everything. Speaking of the Holiday Party, Josh Dickhausen was
the winner of the 2006 4-wheeler drawing. Congratulations Josh!
During the past three months, we have been busy finishing work, starting a few demo and pond
jobs, bidding, and of course getting everyone up to speed with respect to training for 2007. Some
classes have already been held at our office and the union training centers. February is our big
month for MSHA training. |
|
MSHA Training at Frattalone Companies |
This year the dates are set for February 12th, 27th and the 28th. You
should have received a training requirement sheet
from me in late December. If you did not receive one, please call me at 651-248-9127. I did not
forget you on purpose! Some of you have already
called me because you had a class previously. If that is the case, again call me so I can get updated
on your completed trainings. Upon completion of any training class you attend this winter, please
forward a copy of your certificate or updated union training card to me so I can
update your training file. Some files are outdated.
In closing, enjoy the few remaining months of winter and be safe. I look forward to seeing all
of you this coming spring and hearing your ice fishing and snowmobile stories. Pictures are
always fun too!
Josh Bernhard, Safety and Training Director
3. Safe Winter Driving Tips
1. Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights.
2. Pay attention.
3. Leave plenty of room for stopping.
4. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows.
5. Know the current road conditions.
6. Use brakes carefully.
7. Watch for slippery bridge decks.
8. Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions.
9. Don’t get overconfident in your 4 x 4 vehicle.
10. Do not pump anti-lock brakes.
11. Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do.
12. Remember that trucks are heavier than cars.
13. Go slow!!
Tommy Frattalone and one of the new quad axles.
4. Project: A Ride for a Reason
During the last full week of January, a group of us rode in the Northland
300 snowmobile ride for the Special Olympics of Minnesota. The weather
cooperated temperature wise but, unfortunately, not in the snow department.
However, once we were in Ely, everyone was impressed with the trails, even with the minimal
amount of snow.
The Northland 300 involves riding from Two Harbors to Ely and then back
to Two Harbors after an open day to ride in Ely. This year there was not
enough snow to run over 100 sleds both ways, so everyone was forced to
trailer up to Ely for a couple of days of riding. On the way home to Two
Harbors 5 people rode their sleds back. After they hit some SLOW trails
(lack of snow), rivers, minimum maintenance roads, ditches, and the shoulder of roads they were able to make it
the whole way with the minimal snow.
Our team “Orange II” consisted of: Tony Frattalone, Mike Schwab, Paul Pearson, Ben
Eiler, Cory Van Engen, Mike Hansen, Shane Van Engen, Joe Freichs, Pete Olson, Chris
Resner, Matt Rebhein, Carrie Lund, Kyle Mohs, and Dana Anderson.
Together our group raised over $10,000 for the Special Olympics of
Minnesota including the Frattalone Companies donation. This was done by selling raffle tickets,
which many of you bought! This year one of our tickets landed a lucky person 2 airfare tickets to
Vegas!
There were also other awards handed out. Tony got an award for the most used cell
phones donated (83) and for being a bronze sponsor. Cory Van Engen also won the “Tough
Luck Award” for mechanical issues with his sled. (The one award everyone tries to avoid.)
The Northland 300 was a great time with a great bunch of people. Hopefully next year there
will be a little more snow. Next year’s Northland 300 will be the 20th
anniversary ride. In those 20 years the Special Olympics have raised over
2 million dollars from this event alone. If anyone is interested in riding in
next year’s Northland 300 (January 23rd thru 27th) with team Orange
II, talk to Tony or Paul early to secure your spot.
Paul Pearson Havel
Project Manager
5. Bible Study
All are welcome to join the Bible study meetings which are held every
other Thursday at 5:30pm in the office lunchroom. The next meeting will be held on March 1st. Feel free
to contact Dean Law at 651.248.7606 with any questions.
6. Holiday Schedule
Listed below are the days that Frattalone Companies will be closed this year:
- 05/28 -- Memorial Day, Monday
- 07/04 -- Independence Day, Monday
- 09/03 -- Labor Day, Monday
- 11/22 -- Thanksgiving Day, Thursday
- 12/25 -- Christmas Day, Monday
- 01/01 -- 2008 New Years Day!
7. Harley Ride
|
The annual spring Harley ride is scheduled for the weekend of:
June 29th,
2007
We will be changing up the ride this year and heading south on the Wisconsin side to La Crosse, then down
to Iowa and back up on the Minnesota side.
We will be leaving in the morning on Friday, June 29th and heading back home on Sunday morning, July 1st. If you are interested, please contact Tony Frattalone in the office. Hope you can join us!
|
8. Congratulations!
Employee of the Month
Each month the superintendents nominate an employee whom they feel deserves the title of
“Employee of the Month”. The person chosen receives a gift certificate for $100.00.
Congratulations to the following:
• October 2006 - Mark Krause
• November 2006 - Nate Banaszewski
• December 2006 - Mitch Larson
• January 2007 - Joe Herkenhoff
New Arrival
Cameron Frank Frattalone, son of Nick and Christi Frattalone was born on February 17th,
2007. He weighed 7lb. 4.5 oz. and was 21" long.
9. Company Meetings
Following are the dates for the all company safety and
informational meetings for 2007. These meetings are a very important
part of keeping you informed of company policies and procedures.
Attendance is mandatory.
- Thursday, 04/19 <<< safety shoe
trucks
- Thursday, 08/02
- Thursday, 10/11
All meetings will start at 4:00 p.m.
The safety shoe trucks will be at the spring start up meeting in April. Frattalone
Companies will contribute up to $50.00 for safety shoes (purchased at the Spring meeting
only) for each employee.
10. NADC & MUCA Scholarships
Frattalone Companies 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, who
are eligible, to participate in their scholarship program. These
scholarships are awarded annually. For an application, please see
Shelly Boss in the office. Thanks.
11. Recipe Request:
Tortellini Soup
From the kitchen of: Darlene McLaughlin
1 lb. sausage made into small balls
2 - onions chopped
1 - 28 oz. can diced tomatoes with liquid
7 cups - beef broth
2 tsp. - dried oregano
2 - medium zucchini sliced
1 - 12 oz. package of cheese tortellini
2 cloves minced garlic
2 Tbp -dried basil
4 - 6 carrots
1/2 cup - chopped fresh parsley
Seasonings to taste
Grated parmesan cheese to serve Brown sausage in pan, drain (reserve
approx. 1 tsp. drippings) and put into large cooking pot. Sauté onions
and garlic in drippings until soft. Add to pot along with tomatoes, beef
broth, basil, oregano and carrots. Cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring occasionally until carrots are tender (about
15 minutes) Add zucchini, parsley and tortellini. Cook, stirring occasionally until tortellini
is tender (about 20 minutes). Serve with parmesan cheese and crusty bread.
|
