PC Construction Company Blog

CELEBRATING A NEW FUTURE FOR SHELBURNE MUSEUM

May 17, 2012

Today marked a key moment for Shelburne Museum in Vermont. Joined by PC Construction and Ann Beha Architects, the museum celebrated the beginning of construction for their new 17,000 square foot Center for Art and Education. The new facility, which is expected to achieve LEED accreditation, will provide year-round public access to the museum’s collections for the first time in the Museum’s 65-year history. It will house galleries, display space, a modern classroom, and a 130-seat lecture and performance auditorium. The community will benefit from the expanded public programs, improved year-round access, lectures, classes, symposia, and film presented by the museum in the new facility.

With construction expected to be in full swing throughout the Museum’s 2012 operating season, many measures are being taken to ensure the most pleasant experience for patrons. Construction barriers were installed using green fabric to help camouflage the construction scene. Six viewing windows were incorporated in the perimeter of the fence for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the construction activities. In addition, temporary shuttle roads bypass the construction project and the wheels of all construction equipment leaving the site will be washed before exiting onto Route 7.

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CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF THE UNITED WAY OF CHITTENDEN COUNTY

May 16, 2012

Angelo Pizzagalli presents the United Way with the funds from our first campaign in 1966

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the United Way of Chittenden County’s Annual Dinner. There was a lot of excitement in the air surrounding the United Way’s 70th anniversary in Chittenden County.

The United Way has always held a special place in the heart of PC Construction. In 1966 we kicked off our first United Way campaign which resulted in $106.50 in employee donations that were matched by the company. While that initial $213 contribution may seem small, we fast-forward 46 years to our current campaigns which average nearly $40,000 per year – it is amazing what a half century can do! Continue Reading →

A WHOLE DIFFERENT WORLD

May 3, 2012

If someone had asked me ten years ago to help renovate a school in Uganda, I might have had some reservations. But as I begin to transition here at PC Construction and peer forward to what the next phases of my life might be, I decided to expand my comfort zone and seize the opportunity, hoping for an eye-opening journey and life-changing event. Toward that end, as they say – mission accomplished! Continue Reading →

SPECIAL PROJECTS IRENE RELIEF

April 16, 2012

In the wake of Tropical Storm Irene, PC jumped in with a $100,000 underwriting of the Phish Benefit Concert in Essex, Vermont, which allowed all $1.2 million raised to go directly to the flood recovery efforts. And we were also there to help our clients rebuild and get their businesses running again. Just one of many of these efforts was at the Rochester School in Vermont where we helped them recover from the devastating damage left behind.

Students, faculty, and staff were distraught to learn of the hit their school had taken, with up to four feet of standing water remaining after the storm. PC’s Special Projects Group, working with the Vermont School Board Insurance Trust, was able to make the needed repairs to the auditorium stage and seating, the art studio, and common and classroom spaces to help get those areas of the school open again. Repairs were completed in the early part of January, and as the video shows, the students couldn’t be happier.

VHES DESCENDS ON SOUTH BURLINGTON

March 12, 2012

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PWCSA ART CONTEST

February 7, 2012

I had the pleasure of joining PC Senior Superintendent Mike Franzoni on January 31 as a judge for the Prince William County Service Authority Water Art Invitational.

The Water Art Invitational is an annual art contest hosted by Prince William County Service Authority where high school students are encouraged to submit artwork created around a specific theme related to safe treated drinking water and consumption. This year’s theme is “How public water improves the quality of our lives every day.”

This event is one I enjoy participating in for many reasons. It is so important to get the youth of today involved in topics of importance in the world around them. Continue Reading →

INTERESTED IN AN INTERNSHIP OR CO-OP?

February 2, 2012

One of the best ways to try out a potential career and improve your chances for consideration with a great company is to obtain an internship or a co-op – preferably at least two or three during your college career. While some schools make this a mandatory requirement, others do not. Employers, however, look for relevant experience, especially internship or co-op experiences. If you are a Civil Engineering or Construction Management student, try to gain some field experience in roles such as a carpenter, mason, or other craft in addition to office experience working with a project management team on a large construction project. Continue Reading →

GETTING IS FUN, GIVING IS PRICELESS

December 21, 2011

Since 2005, I have had the pleasure of participating on the board of the Northern Vermont Chapter of the American Red Cross. This organization is particularly important to me because in a crisis the Red Cross is often the first agency on site providing aid and assistance to those in need. This was never more apparent to than during Tropical Storm Irene.

One of their events I really enjoy is the Bears and Friends campaign. During the holiday season, Mary Meyers stuffed animals are offered for sale with all funds raised supporting the mission of the Red Cross. When I decided to launch this campaign at PC Construction last year, Maureen O’Brien, our Controller, had a great idea. She suggested we give people the option to keep their purchased bear or donate it to the Lund Family Center – supporting two causes with one good deed!

Our employees really embraced the giving spirit. This year 88 bears were purchased and Maureen delivered 50 of those to the Lund Family Center yesterday. In response to the delivery, Kitty Bartlett of the Lund Family Center said, “With these stuffed animals, we will have enough to match each child being adopted in the next year with an adoption day gift.”

Thank you to everyone for your support. Happy holidays to you all and best wishes for a safe and healthy New Year.

Photo provided by the American Red Cross

YELLOW RIVER TEAMS UP WITH GWINNETT COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

December 15, 2011

PC Construction has worked for Gwinnett County on several large treatment plant projects over the last decade, most notably at F. Wayne Hill WRF, Crooked Creek WRF, and Yellow River WRF. The current team on the Yellow River WRF construction project decided that it was time to give back to the local community by pitching in to help Gwinnett County Habitat for Humanity. They were seeking professional help on multiple projects. The Yellow River team, under the direction of PC’s Project Executive Rick Fisher and Senior Project Manager Bob Huie, selected a 1960s block home not far from the Yellow River jobsite. Continue Reading →

MAKING WISHES POSSIBLE

November 17, 2011

A couple of months ago, I received a call from two old friends who do volunteer work with the Make-A Wish Foundation of Vermont. They asked for my assistance to install a large therapeutic whirlpool tub in a house in Burlington, Vermont, so that a developmentally-disabled little girl could bathe while receiving greater therapeutic benefit. With the enthusiastic support of PC Construction and our company president, this project got underway last week. Required work includes a complete rebuild of the bathroom, including wall and tile flooring work, new structural beams and column supports, and plumbing and electrical work.

PC has been fortunate to be joined by the team of Avonda Air Systems, Bates & Murray, Dubois & King, and Vermont Gas, who are all donating labor and material for this project. Bob Avonda, Albie Bourne, and Tim Dall, in particular, deserve a huge “thank you” for stepping up and taking on this project despite their current workload. Neil Durda, Office Engineer with PC Construction’s Special Projects team has been invaluable in helping get this project off the ground. In addition, TFM Construction is providing carpentry work at reduced labor rates.

It was great to see all of us pull together to get this project done for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and, most importantly, for the family whose lives will be greatly enhanced by the outcome.

Installing drywall during the renovation of a bathroom involving the installation of a large therapeutic whirlpool tub

BEFORE AND AFTER: TROPICAL STORM IRENE

October 14, 2011

WHERE WERE YOU?

September 11, 2011

I have heard this question so many times in the past few weeks and everyone seems to instantly understand the reference. Even more, we all remember right where we were and exactly what we were doing when we heard about or witnessed the dreaded attacks on September 11, 2001.

For me, I was just entering my second month working at PC and was deep in concentration typing a letter. Someone mentioned that a plane had crashed into a building in New York but, at that point, the true magnitude of the situation had not yet come to light. The hours that followed were heart-wrenching. Continue Reading →

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“STRONG LEGS RUN SO THAT WEAK LEGS MAY WALK”: HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION (PART 3)

August 9, 2011

“STRONG LEGS RUN SO THAT WEAK LEGS MAY WALK”: HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION (CONTINUED)

August 2, 2011

“STRONG LEGS RUN SO THAT WEAK LEGS MAY WALK”: HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION

July 27, 2011

Many of you have heard of the Shriners Hospitals and the tremendous work they do for children across the country. One of the many ways they raise awareness and funds to support of their efforts is through the playing of All Star Football games. One of those games exists in Vermont and it is called the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl and it pits the finest graduating seniors of Vermont against those from New Hampshire. It occurs annually on the first Saturday in August and this year marks the 58th playing of this classic. It is considered quite an honor to be selected as one of the 36 players from each state, just as it was for me to be selected to coach Vermont’s defense in this year’s classic.

In preparation for the August 6 game, I will spend ten days in a prep school dormitory with the 36 young men and my fellow coaches, practicing three times a day in between classroom and lecture time. The highlight for the team is a trip to Shriners Hospital in Springfield, Massachusetts. From what I am told, this trip is a life-changing experience, one that helps the team fully understand what they are working so hard for and brings to light the meaning of the Shriner motto – “Strong leaks run so that weak legs may walk”.

This year we are certainly hoping to bring an end to Vermont’s eleven-year losing streak but what we are really putting our effort into is helping provide hope and help to sick children during their times of need. Over the past 57 years, the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl has raised over $4.5 million for Shriners Hospitals for Children and we are excited to add to that this year.

I will provide some updates through the week, especially after the visit to the hospital. If you are in the area and in the mood for a good game, stop by the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl in Windsor, Vermont on August 6 at 2:30 p.m. Admission goes towards this tremendous cause.

Coach Kevin McCarthy and Assistant Mike Yesolonia

“Strong legs run so that weak legs may walk”: How I spent my summer vacation

Kevin McCarthy, Senior Vice President at PC Construction, shares a laugh with the team

LENDING A HELPING HAND

May 2, 2011

Team members at the Yellow River WRF project in Georgia recently pulled together to help Rick, the plant’s electrician. While battling an illness, it became difficult for Rick to leave his home for medical appointments and just to enjoy the outdoors. Recognizing this challenge, the group pulled together and spent two weekends designing and constructing a ramp at his house. Rick is now able to use the new ramp to leave his home independently, providing some welcome relief during difficult times.

We are proud of Jose Salaz, a PC Construction equipment operator, who joined others in an effort to give Rick a little help in a time of need.

Rick's volunteers pose with him on his new ramp

This blog was published with Rick’s approval.

A COLD DAY ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN YIELDS BIG SUCCESS FOR THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS OF VERMONT

February 17, 2011

February 5 was a balmy 31 degree day with a water temperature of 33 degrees – what a great day for a dip in Lake Champlain and what great idea to do it in support of the Special Olympics of Vermont. Director of Purchasing Chris Moran, Human Resources Assistant Kara Besaw, and I gathered our wits and participated in this wonderful event.

At the start of the event, every participant is designated to a pod. The pod assignment basically determines the time you can expect to jump in the lake. It takes a maximum of four minutes for each pod to run down to the water, jump in, catch their breath, lose feeling of their bodies, and run back up to the heated changing tents.

Chris, on his 4^th year with Team Harrison, was in pod number 15, meaning he was able to jump in within 30 minutes of the event. Team Harrison was also the number one fundraising team, raising $18,500. Kara and I, along with our supporters, danced to the music and cheered for all the pods before ours. Since we were number 71, there was a lot of cheering to be done! We were able to see teams from elementary schools, businesses, colleges, and many others throughout northern Vermont, along with solo plungers – all who joined together to support the Special Olympics’ year-round commitment to sports training and competition in Olympic-type events to support children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

This year was a record-breaker with 1,150 plungers – that’s 200 more than last year! For me, the most astonishing moment was seeing all the people who came together – plungers, supporters, sponsors – to raise more than $360,000 for the Special Olympics of Vermont.

Penguin Plunge Benefits Special Olympics of Vermont

Sara Page and Kara Besaw join other plungers in the icy waters of Lake Champlain to support the Special Olympics of Vermont

MAKE-A-WISH RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY SUPPORT

February 14, 2011

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to attend the Make-A-Wish Recognition Dinner to celebrate the generosity and dedication of the volunteers, donors, and supporters throughout the State of Vermont who help to make the organization’s mission a reality.

The evening began with the story of Andrew, a 16-year-old from Eden, Vermont. He suffers from IgA Nephropathy and Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome. Combined, the two kidney conditions cause severe pain and an unknown future for Andrew due to the rareness of the conditions. For his wish, Andrew chose to meet the Jonas Brothers. Since his diagnosis, Andrew has relied on music to get him through and he has always looked up to the Jonas Brothers and feels a connection to Nick Jonas through his Song “A Little Bit Longer.” When he learned that his wish was going to come true, Andrew and his dad made a guitar especially for the Jonas Brothers as a gift to give back. Andrew’s wish was so special to him because “it has inspired [him] to keep making his music.”

It was very moving to hear Andrew’s story and made me proud to be part of a company that supports organizations who reach out to those in need.

Make-A-Wish Recognizes Community Support

Andrew's wish to meet the Jonas Brothers was made possible through the support of local individuals and organizations

PC CONSTRUCTION PADDLERS IN ACTION

August 13, 2010

Paddles up! Ready, Ready, take it away!

The Burlington, Vermont, Waterfront was buzzing with excitement on Sunday, August 8 as I participated in the 5th Annual Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival and races. An enthusiastic crowd looked on as 75 teams raced all day long to raise money for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta and Dragonheart Vermont. This was my second experience as part of the PC Construction team.

It’s an important event for me as cancer has touched the lives of several of my family members and friends. Not only does this event raise money to help those diagnosed with cancer, but it’s also a great way to bond with your co-workers and give back to your local community.

The PC Construction Paddlers finished 24th out of all race teams, with our best finish of the day at 00:58.16. Our team also took a 1^st place award for the Best t-shirt design. And most importantly, we are extremely proud to have ranked 14th on the donations leaderboard with a total of $2,324 raised before the event (and donations are still trickling in!).

The PC Construction Paddlers in action at the 5th Annual Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival

A DAY IN THE LIFE IN RADIATION ONCOLOGY AT FLETCHER ALLEN HEALTH CARE

August 10, 2010

With PC Construction’s $9.5 million Radiation Oncology project at Fletcher Allen Health Care now undergoing the finishing touches, the hospital is anticipating treating their first patients in the new department within the next few weeks. The new facility houses dosimitry and treatment planning, patient exam room space, gendered changing areas, patient registration, and a comfortable waiting room, as well as three new linear accelerator vaults. Continue Reading →

NAWIC: SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF CONSTRUCTION

July 27, 2010

Why would you want to be a member of one of the greatest non-profit organizations in America? Being a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. My favorite part about NAWIC is the education, specifically the grade school competition.

Our education process starts with young children as we introduce them to construction through an annual Lego competition. Given guidelines and limited materials, it is amazing to see the imagination these precious children have and the energy they put into constructing their best masterpiece. We know that education at all levels is crucial for the construction industry. High school students participate in a CADD drafting competition. College students attaining a construction-related degree are supported through scholarships to local colleges with funds raised by NAWIC. And as members, we advance our own education through the NAWIC Education Foundation. Our mission is to promote the employment, education, and advancement of women in the construction industry. And every member does just that.

Please check into your local NAWIC Chapter or visit us online. There you’ll find an organization with a supportive and caring group of women working to better the future of the construction industry.

NAWIC’s core purpose is “to enhance the Success of Women in the Construction Industry.” We pledge “as material for the construction of our building, the agility of our hands, the ability of our minds and the integrity of our heart.”

NAWIC: Supporting the Future of Construction

A student uses her creativity while constructing her masterpiece for NAWIC's annual Lego competition

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: IT’S PERSONAL

July 16, 2010

One thing I really like about PC Construction is their attitude about giving back to the community, especially that they encourage me to take a day away from my regular work to help out on a Habitat for Humanity home. Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity has been a passion of mine for years. It allows me to share in a family’s dream for home ownership that otherwise may never be fulfilled. You can see and feel the genuine excitement and energy that emanates from the proud homeowner while working with them side-by-side on THEIR home. It’s a little like paying it forward – to give of your talents to others who somehow haven’t gotten the same breaks in life. Everyone has their own way to give back to the community. For me, it is a privilege to be involved with Habitat for Humanity.

Staff Estimators Marty Brooks (left) and Joe Daigneault (right) at a Habitat for Humanity work site with the brother of the proud new homeowner

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PC CONSTRUCTION VEHICLE GOES TO A GOOD CAUSE

July 13, 2010

TEAM NATALIA MARCHES FOR BABIES

May 6, 2010

If you ask people why they believe in or support a cause, most will say it is because they or someone they know were profoundly affected by it. That is certainly the case for me and my family. In 2009, my daughter was born 15 weeks premature. Weighing just 1 pound 10 ounces, we watched her struggle through her 105-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. During that time, the March of Dimes provided my family with support, education, and even basic necessities that helped us through each day. When we left the hospital with our daughter in our arms, we vowed never to forget those who helped us make it through such difficult times.

On Saturday, May 1, we had our first opportunity to give back. My husband and I, joined by our 8 team members, including fellow PC Construction employees Stacy Tomko and Sara Stromme, walked a four-mile route in downtown Burlington, Vermont, for the annual March for Babies. With corporate support from PC Construction as well as donations from over 40 PC Construction co-workers, and countless friends and family members, our team raised over $4,300. It was especially gratifying to give back to an organization that gave so much to us.

To find out more about the March for Babies, visit www.marchforbabies.org.

: Team Natalia at the completion of the March for Babies

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION

April 30, 2010

PC Construction was invited to participate at the Winooski Middle School’s Career Carnival, an opportunity to reach out to young people and help them establish a vision beyond school and find purpose in their studies. So how do we get a group of energetic, active middle school students to learn about careers in construction in 15 minutes? Give them something to do.

We split them into small groups and gave each group a series of aerial photographs of PC Construction’s current project at Stowe Mountain Lodge in Vermont. Their job was to look for clues to arrange all of the photos in chronological order. The students were actively engaged, identifying clues such as the number of stories completed, the progress on the roof structure, the amount of equipment on site, and even the season of the year. As they searched for clues, we pointed out careers associated with the images: Do you see how the materials are close to the site but still stored out of the way? The superintendent is responsible for managing the site and must think ahead. See that orange fence around the crane? The safety engineer is responsible for keeping everyone safe and complying with all of the safety laws. Is it harder to work in the winter? The project manager has to make sure that there is enough money to pay for snow removal and heating.

The activity was a success. The students had fun and left with a better understanding of the wide range of career opportunities in construction, each with its own set of responsibilities, skills, and level of education.

Special thanks to PC Construction Staff Estimator Joe Daigneault, Project Manager Ev Howard, and Senior Project Engineer Kyle Nadeau for preparing and presenting the activity and to the teachers and staff at Winooski Middle School.

Middle School Students Learn about Construction Careers

Bob Correll, PC Construction Training and Development Manager, works with Winooski Middle School students during their Career Carnival

HIGH SCHOOL HONOR STUDENTS RECEIVE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

April 23, 2010

On April 13 I had the privilege of being the Honorary Guest Speaker for the National Vocational Technical Honor Society Induction at Plymouth Regional High School in New Hampshire. As a 2001 graduate of PRHS and their vocational program, I felt it was important to share my story and a history about how I stumbled upon the trades and used the school’s resources to help realize my dreams.

I shared with the students how my interest in construction grew through the opportunities available in the vocational program. I was able to explore my interests and gain confidence in choosing a career path in construction. I picked a college that was right for me and found PC Construction during my senior year of college. I hired on with PC Construction right out of school and they have given me the chance to explore the many aspects of both water treatment and buildings and facilities construction projects.

I reminded the students that they are among the best in their classes. They should set high goals, pursue their interests, and take advantage of the endless career opportunities available to them after graduation.

This experience was exciting for me because I was able to see and reflect with many of the teachers and advisors that helped me chase after my goals. It felt good to tell them that I now work for such a reputable construction company in the industry.

Listen to an excerpt: Joe Daigneault Offers Words of Encouragement to High School Honor Students

Joe Daigneault estimating at PC Construction

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

April 20, 2010

On April 10, I attended a seminar sponsored by the Connecticut Chapter of Professional Women in Construction. The panel discussion, Meet the Construction Chiefs, featured several of our national construction management colleagues.

These knowledgeable panelists answered questions ranging from mergers and acquisitions among national firms to maintaining your firm’s identity in a growing field of competition and, most relevant to PC Construction, discussed market trends and market-specific growth. Though there was an across-the-board acknowledgement of the difficult economic climate we are facing, all noted emerging construction activity on the water treatment, energy, and health care markets throughout New England.

PC Construction is pleased to participate in these events at the invitation of the Professional Women in Construction Connecticut Board of Directors, which is comprised of several of our long-standing design partners. We look forward to the next event, Getting What You Bargained for in a Tough Economy, on May 4, which will address both legal and practical options to ensure payment and performance on construction projects.

Professional Women In Construction Panel

The panel at the Connecticut Chapter of Professional Women in Construction's April 10 seminar

PC CONSTRUCTION SUPPORTS MAKE-A-WISH GALA

April 14, 2010

The Sheraton Burlington Hotel in Vermont was the place to be on April 10 as over 500 people turned out for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Vermont’s 20th Anniversary Silver and Blue Gala, a black-tie fundraiser to help grant wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. With a per-wish cost of nearly $10,000, the event helped raise money for the Founders Fund which guarantees a wish in perpetuity each year for a Vermont child.

I attended the event both on behalf of PC Construction Company, a Silver Sponsor for the gala, and as a member of the Board of Directors for the Vermont Chapter of Make-A-Wish. Also joining me for the evening were two of my co-workers and their spouses.

Through the hard work of many dedicated volunteers, Make-A-Wish Vermont grants over forty wishes every year to children throughout the State. The Silver and Blue Gala was a keystone event for the chapter and provided much-needed funding. Many socialites showed their support for the event, including Governor Jim Douglas and screen actor Luis Guzman. The evening was filled with heart-warming stories from “Wish Kids” on how the power of a wish helped them through a very difficult time in their life. The Gala proved to be very successful and will provide hope for many children in the years to come.

Read more about Keith’s association with Make-A-Wish in our community album.

PC Construction Supports Make-A-Wish Gala

August, a four-year old “wish kid” who was granted a wish this year, dances with Hattie Johnson, the Development Director for Make-A-Wish of Vermont at the Make-A-Wish Gala

PC CONSTRUCTION HONORED BY GOVERNOR JIM DOUGLAS

April 13, 2010

Every year, the governor of Vermont celebrates extraordinary volunteerism by recognizing individuals, families, groups, and companies who go above and beyond in their volunteering efforts. PC Construction was one of two companies in the state to be recognized with a 2010 Governor’s Award for Outstanding Community Service. I was pleased to accept this community service award from Governor Jim Douglas at a ceremony held in Montpelier on April 10. Continue Reading →