Spring - Summer, 2005 - McCourt Construction

McCOURT
McCOURT
CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY
A NEWSLETTER OF McCOURT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
VOLUME 10 No. 1
ROSE KENNEDY GREENWAY,
THE NORTH END PARKS
As you may have heard on the radio or
read in the newspapers recently, McCourt
Construction was the low bidder and has
been awarded the contract to construct the
North End Parks. This is the first of three
projects which will transform and beautify
the footprint of the old Central Artery.
There has been much anticipation in
Boston about what would happen to the
new open space created by the removal of
the elevated highway. Many hours of
planning were spent to find the best way to
use the land to unite the city and create an
atmosphere that could be used and enjoyed
by all.
Numerous proposals were submitted
by architects to design the parks and
Crosby-Schlessinger-Smallridge-
Gustafson-Guthrie-Nickol LTD was
chosen. Their design looks wonderful and
we are excited to be working with them to
complete it.
The North End Parks are the parks to
be constructed on the two parcels between
Sudbury St. to the North and North St. to
the South that are divided by the new
Hanover St. connector in the footprint of
the old Central Artery. The work includes
the construction of park elements
including: granite, concrete and stabilized
crushed stone walkways, granite veneer
walls and curbs, lighted water features
including controls, pumping systems and
water treatment systems in underground
vaults, steel pergolas with lighting, lawns
and plantings, site furnishings (including
benches, tables, and trash receptacles) and
site lighting. Special features, in addition
to the pergola and water features, include
design elements referencing the site's
history including an inscribed bronze strip,
inscribed bronze leaning rails and
engraved granite on the site of Katherine
Nanny Nailor's privy. (see below)
The North End Parks promises to be
very user friendly and we know that
Bostonians and visitors alike will enjoy
them for years to come. McCourt
Construction is pleased to continue to be
part of making Boston a better place.
WHAT’S IN YOUR PRIVY?
The Big Dig uncovered many
archaeological treasures detailing
Boston's rich past according to Ellen
Berkland, Boston's city
archaeologist. She relished being part
of a crew “digging privies, exposing
sites for the first time in hundreds of
years.” One of the richest privies in
the path of the Big Dig belonged to
Katherine Nanny Nailor. While
Nailor's privy contained items that
th
bespoke the everyday life of a 17
century Boston woman, she was
not your typical Puritan. Through
documentary research, Berkland
discovered that Nailor had petitioned
for divorce. “She supported two
children (as a seamstress) after her
husband impregnated a servant. I
found a reference to a letter asking her
to send his clothes (after he moved
away with the servant).” What will
archaeologists find in your privy 200
years from now?
1
SPRING/SUMMER 2005
EMPLOYEE NEWS
Christmas Revelry
The Christmas party at K Street was, as
usual, a fun time for all. The Silent Chef
again provided us with wonderful food and
cheer. The Christmas donations that were
collected this year were matched by
McCourt Construction and the total given to
The Lee Iacocca Foundation for Diabetes
Research in the name of Frannie Coffee.
Most of you will remember Frannie, our
congenial and top-notch bartender at the
party for many years. Frannie passed away
suddenly this year at 59. We all miss him.
The Christmas party for the office staff
took a different twist this year. The night
started early at Lucca's Restaurant in the
North End with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres
and an exciting surprise. The Red Sox World
Series Trophy arrived. It was delivered by
several staff members from the Sox and we
all had pictures taken with it, of it, around it
and all together with it. After we recovered
from that, we went over to the Improv
Asylum for a special show geared to
McCourt Construction. A number of people
were called to the stage to perform with the
actors. We definitely have some talent in the
crowd including Steve Carlstrom, Carlos
Monte (who would have guessed?), Paul
Buco, Paul Trubiano, and Ryan McCourt
without his little red truck.
Then it was back over to Lucca's for one of
the best Christmas dinners we've ever had.
After Richie McCourt's rousing speech,
Kevin Cleary was given the “Nicky Award”
and the raffle produced two winners who
will get to bring a group of friends to see the
Red Sox play this season.
Paul Buco and Rich McCourt Basque in the Glory of the
Red Sox World Series Trophy at the Company Christmas Party.
Employee News continued on pg.2

continued from pg. 1
Foundations
Ryan McCourt has been named to the Board of
Directors for The McCourt Foundation. The
Foundation's goals are to raise awareness and
funds to support research and cures for Multiple
Sclerosis and Alzheimer’s. Immediate plans
include a Gala in May at the Boston Harbor
Hotel which will feature dancing, dining and a
silent and live auction. This has proven to be a
night of fun and excitement in the past. Also in
the plans is the annual Cape Cod run held in June
in Harwichport, MA. This is a 5K run that brings
out the fun-loving, as well as the competitive
runners. Anyone interested is welcome to join in
the fun for these worthy causes.
Drain Brains
Congratulations go to Mike Cedrone and
Octavio Sousa for obtaining their City of
Boston Drain Layers License. With the
experience they both have in this city, I am sure
they passed with perfect scores.
Who Needs Arnold!
Derek Hanson has taken on a new
assignment with staggering responsibilities. He
has now been named Richie McCourt's
bodyguard serving whenever needed in various
negotiations. Relief is sweeping the nation.
LUCKY GUYS
There were two winners in the Christmas
raffle this year and my guess is that they both
have a lot more friends than ever before. Bob
Kourafas and Art Silveira were the lucky
winners of tickets to see the World Champion
Red Sox play this season. Each will receive 10
tickets for an upcoming game in a suite with
food and libations provided. I've noticed around
the office that most people are being extra nice to
them, myself included.
Mothers of the Bride-to-Be
Deb Trudeaus's daughter, Mindy, will be
tying the knot next September. The festivities
should be warm and wonderful. It's taking place
in the Dominican Republic.
Dianne Jack's daughter Sarah is also
getting married soon. She'll be celebrating the
big event this May at a garden wedding on Cape
Cod.
EMPLOYEE NEWS
The wait and the guessing are over...It's a BOY!
Yes, after nine very long months (especially
for her) Eileen Fleming has a bouncing baby
boy. Little Jack was born on April 5, 11 days
later than expected. (Steve, is that classified as a
change of conditions or a delay claim?) He is in
great shape, weighing in at 8lbs. 6oz. and
measuring 22 inches long. We hear that Eileen
has already signed him up for kick boxing!
Congratulations Eileen and Bill. We all can't
wait to meet him.
Wedding Bells
Our own Josh Palen will be marrying his
special someone, Adrienne, in September on
Long Island. Adi has been to numerous McCourt
get-togethers and we all approve heartily.
Red, White, Blue and Lobster
th
McCourt will again celebrate the 4 of July
at the Gazebo at the Adams Inn in Quincy this
th
year. The party will be on Friday, June 24 from
4:00pm to 7:00pm. As usual, there will be lots of
great food with the addition this year of (you
guessed it ) LOBSTER! So, come and join the
fun. Help us celebrate another good year.
Everyone's welcome.
EQUIPMENT NEWS
Each year McCourt purchases some new equipment to
help projects we're working on run more smoothly and
efficiently. A highlight this year is the Caterpillar 385CL
Hydraulic Excavator pictured here, the largest excavator in
the McCourt Fleet. Others of note are:
•Caterpillar Front Loader model 980H with forks.
•Caterpillar Motor Grader model 140H and dozer blade.
•Caterpillar Bull Dozer model D6R LGP Series II.
•Dynapac Vibratorysoil roller model CA602.
NEW EMPLOYEES
Nicole Flynn has taken over the front desk
at K Street. She started with us as a temp, but we
just couldn't let her go. She's doing a great job
coordinating a lot of different schedules.
Michelle Donahue is the new office
manager at McCourt/Obayashi. She comes with
a wealth of organizational and administrative
skills that will help to keep the office running
smoothly.
Matt McCourt is back. Matt worked for us
during the summers while in college. Then went
on to become an associate consultant for Bain &
Co. here in Boston and then a senior analyst for
Gateway out in sunny California. But he's back
now with McCourt/Obayashi helping to resolve
claims and changes.
Judine Pihl recently joined the accounting
staff in the offices at K Street. She has several
years of experience with Reliant Mortgage and a
BS in Finance from Salem State. Judine will be
helping to keep track of the numbers for the
Logan and Turnpike projects.
Also, new to the staff at McCourt/Obayashi
is Stephanie O'Neill. Stephanie is from
Weymouth and will be coordinating activities at
the front desk.
Babies
Derek Hanson and his lovely wife Heather
are the proud parents of a new baby boy. Carter
th
Jeffery Hanson was born on December 14 and
weighed in at 9lb. 7 oz.
Art Silveira is glowing from ear to ear. He
is expecting his first grandchild soon. Daughter
Dana is due to deliver her firstborn in August.
I've heard there is nothing better than being a
grandparent.
2

IN THE FIELD
Rock Excavation at Mile 101.4
8 weeks remaining to completion, which should
Masspike
coincide nicely with the start of their next
Beginning the New Year with renewed vigor, project: Runway 4L-22R Safety Area
Rob Horne and his all-star crew have Improvements at, where else, Logan Airport!
completed all the blasting and rock removal in
the Masspike job. With only some drainage
and beautification remaining, it won't be long
before Rob can pull down the “Caution Falling
Rock” sign and head back east…where there is
plenty of work awaiting him at Logan Airport.
Upgrade of Runway 4R-22L Lighting
Systems– Logan Airport
Mike Cedrone and Russ Yee, along with
foremen Norman Amaral and Manny Agiuar,
successfully completed the installation of
over 200 in-pavement lights, 30 elevated
lights and over 10,000 feet of conduit last
year. This year, to complete the project, Russ
must remove the old light bases (from the
middle of the runway) and patch the runway
each night. Hopefully he didn't get too used to
daylight while moon-lighting at Melcher
Street.
Terminal E Apron Rehabilitation–
Logan Airport
Derek Hanson (C.O.T.Y.), with foremen Herbie
Moniz and Frank Martinez, so impressed the
Massport ramp operations personnel and
airline managers with their neat work and
aggressive schedule (apparently this was
much different than what these people had
experienced with past contractors) that a
potentially difficult project, logistically, has
gone smoother than anyone could have
expected. Now, back at it again, they have only
Runway 14-32 and Associated Taxiways–
Logan Airport
After thirty years of court battles, Massport has
finally received permission to construct a new
runway along the southern end of the field…and
who better to build it than McCourt
Construction. This project includes: the
installation of over 10,000 feet of RCP, 13,000
feet of duct bank, 60,000 yards of bit. conc.
Excavation, 20,000 yards of concrete
excavation, 240,000 yards of unclassified
excavation, the placement of 65,000 yards of
base course and 150,000 tons of bit. conc.
pavement. The runway is relatively short, at
5,000 feet, and will be available to only smaller
aircraft for landing from the east or taking off to
the east. The location of the Hyatt Hotel
prohibits runway usage to of from the west. The
construction of (most likely) the last runway to
be built at Logan will be in the capable hands of:
Art Silveria, Mike Cedrone, Rob Horne (hurry
up with that rock) Steve Carlstrom and Russ Yee
(hurry up with those lights). By Kevin Garity
Fort Point Channel – Job 0308
We have just recently come to a financial
understanding with the (Central Artery)
concerning their redesign of approximately 130
Lf of seawall foundations. This change included
the excavation and placing of approximately
300 Cy (3.5 Ft. high 20-0 deep and 130 Ft. in
length) of tremie concrete 5-0 Ft. below low
watermark. It also includes placing up to
1300 tons of lightweight aggregate backfill.
The first 3 Ft. will be placed below the low
watermark and will continue up 15 Ft. in
height while working with a 10 Ft. tide.
This work has added 220 days to our
completion date. On June 30, 2005 all major
work will be completed within the seawall
area as well as final acceptance of the project
as a whole.
continued on pg.4
McCOURT MISSION
“Team McCourt intends to be the general
contractor in New England providing the highest
quality work at competitive prices to our
customers. We will do this by fostering
communication at all levels to achieve progress
and resolve management problems on projects.
As individuals, we will be
focused on carrying out all our
responsibilities with concern for
our customers and costs. As a
result, we will be profitable and
proud of who we are.”
McCOURT
McCOURT
CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY
Editor...Ginger McCourt
Published for the employees
of McCourt Construction
located at 60 K Street,
South Boston, MA 02127
MCCOURT CONSTRUCTION NAMED
“CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR”
BY MASSPORT...again
The Massachusetts Port Authority has named McCourt
Construction “Contractor of the Year” in the General Contract
Category for the work completed in 2003 on Contract L255-C1. In
order to be considered for the award, a contractor has first to be
nominated by a Massport Project Manager and then reviewed by a
selection committee in detail based on the following criteria: The
quality of their construction work, adherence to schedule, cost
containment, safety, conformance to operational constraints,
supervision and project management.
“2003 was again a very challenging year for the Massachusetts
Port Authority and Capital Programs Department. Many important
and difficult construction projects were undertaken. There were over
$221 million of construction improvements accomplished through
its Capital Programs and Logan Modernization last year. The
authority was fortunate to have many competent and qualified
contractors working on the many projects completed in 2003, which
varied in size and scope and included construction at various airport,
seaport and bridge facilities. Your firm was nominated for the fine
3
#
McConstruction (L to R) receives the Award for Contractor of the Year from
Massport. Rich McCourt, Ryan McCourt, Kevin Garity, Christopher Gordon
(Massport), Derek Hansen, Steve Frick and Helen Mao (Massport).
work performed on Contract L225-C1, Surface Reclamation
and Improvements Phase 1, Under Viaduct Paving and Landscape
Terminal Area Roadways. After careful evaluation of each contractor
nominated and its work based on the above criteria, the Capital
Programs Department selected and is proud to recognize McCourt
Construction as our General ‘Construction Contractor of the Year’ for
their excellent work on the above mentioned Contract.
Congratulations!”
An award ceremony was held at Massport to recognize the great
work and effort our staff has put in to help build a better Logan.
This was the second time McCourt Construction has received
this prestigious award. In 2001, McCourt was named Massport's
Construction “Contractor of the Year” for their excellent work on the
Logan Taxiway K North Overlay Project.

Th
e
Nicky Award
Nick Freitas worked for McCourt well over
thirty years. His service was without equal and
he is truly missed by those who knew him. In
early winter 2000, Nicky passed away
prematurely and the Board of Directors of
McCourt Construction initiated “The Nicky
Award” in his memory.
At this year's Christmas Party, the Fifth
annual “Nicky Award” was presented to Kevin
Cleary. The Nicky Award leather jacket was
unavailable at that time and was presented to
Kevin a short time later at K Street under the
guise of an all hands meeting. (Kevin was not
fooled)
The jacket fit perfectly and we were all
allowed a second applause for Kevin's
accomplishments.
The Executive Committee considered
dedication, cooperation, attitude, energy,
honesty and technical ability in choosing Kevin
Cleary for this year's award. Kevin has helped
the company grow and prosper over the last 12
years as an employee.
The award symbolizes an employee who
has Nick's sense of company pride, honesty,
commitment and dedication to all of the
McCourt employees, both in the field and in
management; someone who can carry out the
McCourt Mission Statement and help us be
profitable while creating satisfied clients.
Congratulations and
Thank You Kevin Cleary!
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
11 12
13 14
27
22
20 21
9
16 17 18 19
25
26
10
28
23
IN THE FIELD
continued from pg. 3
North End Parks – C32A1
We have received our notice to proceed for
the project and we are actively seeking
office and lay down areas with the hope,
provided the weather will allow, of a mid-
April start.
The North End Parks are the parks to be
constructed on the two parcels between
Sudbury St. to the North and North St. to
the South and Haymarket to the West and
the North End (Hanover St.) to the East.
The work includes the construction of
park elements, including: granite,
reflecting pool, pergolas with lighting,
lawns and plantings, site furnishings
(including benches, tables and trash
receptacles) and site lighting. Special
features, in addition to the pergola and
water features, include design elements
referencing the site's history including;
inscribed granite map in the pavement,
the outline of the Mill Pond called out by
an inscribed bronze strip, inscribed
bronze leaning rails and engraved granite
on the site of Katherine Nanny Nailor's
privy. This is the first park to be
constructed along the old Elevated
Roadway Corridor.
Huntington Avenue
The project will continue with the brick
roadway circle at Brigham Circle along
with granite and brick crosswalks
throughout.
By Mike Murphy
15
24
CA/T C17AA
The Tunnel Finishers project continues to
chug along. We have finished our work to
tie the southbound tunnel to the Dewey
Square Tunnel and as a result the final
southbound configuration was opened to
the public. This was the last major traffic
configuration change which will occur in
conjunction with the tunnel. This change
opened southbound highway to four lanes
of travel through the city. We continue to
work on the South Bay Mall / Mass Ave
interchange extra work order as well. We
opened the new on-ramp to I-93 south and
closed the temporary ramp.
With the winter weather breaking, we are
preparing for the big push to complete the
contract work on this project. We have
significant work in the RT Ramp and four
of the North Washington Street ramps.
We plan on pushing through this work very
quickly and reach substantial completion
in June or July of this year. In addition to
the contract work we still remain a favorite
contractor of the Central Artery and we
continue to get a great deal of extra work
from the project. We still have a good deal
of work in the South Bay Mall extra work
order and we continue to work on various
other extra work orders on a daily basis.
The next time the news letter comes out
we hopefully will have reached substantial
completion of this monster 6 year long
project. I would like to thank everyone who
worked on the project in advance for a job
well done from beginning to end.
By Ryan McCourt
Construction Crossword
Across
1. Type of Measure
3. Filled with ______
7. Contract Change
9. Bit Conc
10. Road Edge
12. Unit Blast
13. What Soil Does When
Excavated
16. Sidewalk Material
21. Amount of Units
22. Pertains to Circles/Arcs
23. Part of 15 Down
25. Give To
27. Photo Medium
29. Pride and _________
30. Land Elevation Survey (ABBR)
Down
29
30
Submitted By S. Frick, PM (Puzzle Master)
4

GOING GLOBAL
WITH YOUR INVESTMENTS
There hasn't been a single year since 1970 in which the US
was the best performer among the world's 23 largest stock
markets. In 2004, the US ranked eighteenth*. Many investors
know that foreign stocks provide valuable diversification. Yet
few of us keep 20% to 25% of our long-term portfolios in foreign
stocks, as many advisers recommend.
One reason: Costs. Commissions for foreign stocks can be
hefty. Also, before purchasing them, you must convert dollars
into the foreign currency and pay an exchange transaction fee.
Another hurdle: The typical minimum purchase amount is
$20,000 per foreign stock.
There is a cheaper, easier way for investors who want to own
individual stocks to buy foreign shares American Depositary
Receipts (ADRs). These US securities represent a fixed number
of foreign shares. Brokers create ADRs by buying foreign shares
and depositing them in American banks. ADRs of more than
2,000 foreign companies trade on US exchanges. Such
companies must meet US accounting standards.
Buying an ADR is as easy as purchasing a US stock. You pay
standard commissions, and there is no need to exchange
currency. Dividends are paid in dollars. Foreign taxes withheld
from dividends can be recovered each year via the foreign tax
credit on your income tax return.
Remember: If you're interested, always talk to your financial
planner to see if this is a good move for you.
*According to financial adviser Robert Kreitler, using data from
MSCI through November 4, 2004.
congestion
in the sky
The professionals who manage our air traffic have their own glossary of terms to
help them keep us safe in the sky and on the ground. There are over 80 in all. Here is a
short list of them to help you understand the complexity of their jobs (comments
added by the editor and her friends):
AAR – Airport Acceptance Rate or Airport Arrival Rate. The number of arrivals an
airport is capable of accepting each hour.
ADZY – Advisory.
ATC – Air Traffic Control. A service operated by appropriate authority to promote the
safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic. (Huh?)
ATCSCC – Air Traffic Control System Command Center. (We think it would be easier to
just call it the Command Center)
CDM – Collaborative Decision Making. Cooperative effort between the various
components of aviation transportation, both government and industry, to exchange
information for better decision making. (WOW does that really happen?)
EDCT – Expected Departure Clearance Time. Time issued to a flight to indicate when
it can expect to receive departure clearance. EDCTs are issued as part of Traffic
Management Programs, such as a Ground Delay Program (GDP) (This is about when
little Johnny says “Mommy, Mommy, are we there yet?)
EMERG – Emergency (Duh!)
EQUIP – Equipment (Double duh!)
GS – Ground Stop. Ground Stops are implemented for a number of reasons. For
example: flights that are destined to an airport affected by weather are held at their
departure point for the duration of the ground stop. (We've all been there)
MULTI-TAXI – Many aircraft trying to taxi at once, creating congestion. (Another place
we've all been)
NAVAID – Navigational Aid. Any visual or electronic device, airborne or on the surface,
NEWS FROM THE
TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT
Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation, Dan Grabauskas, took time out
of his busy schedule to address the nearly 300 CIM (Construction Industries of MA)
th
members attending the State of the Industry Dinner held on Feb. 17 in Newton. The
Secretary spoke of the changes implemented within the transportation agencies
over the last year, discussed current initiatives, and highlighted future ones.
Grabauskas described the changes to the various transportation agencies in
the State. “Taking our cues from Governor Romney, we made great strides this
past year modernizing the fragmented state of the Commonwealth's transportation
agencies. As part of a restructuring effort that was enacted by the Legislature,
MassHighway has eliminated its antiquated commission structure. The Registry of
Motor Vehicles has been transferred to the Executive Office of Transportation
(EOT) and the EOT Secretary will become Chairman of the Massachusetts
Turnpike Authority Board and a member of the Massachusetts Port Authority Board
in 2007. One of the benefits of this reform is that it will be easier for each of the
agencies to work together to avoid unnecessary duplication and complications. For
example, it will be easier for MassHighway and Construction Industries of
Massachusetts (CIM) to standardize contractor prequalifications applications and
requirements across the various transportation agencies and
authorities. CIM deserves a great deal of credit for being a
driving force to make this last improvement. The
restructuring legislation also created a new independent
Transportation Finance Commission, which is tasked with
creating ways to finance the tremendous number of
construction projects that are before us. The Commission
includes CIM's John Pourbaix as one of its members.”
Grabauskas also commented on the Record Funding
Levels achieved. “On the state Level, Governor Romney
and I strongly believe that by investing in our transportation
network, we are investing in our economy and improving
quality of life. The Governor is dedicated to spending at least $450 million per year
on MassHighway's road and bridge program through 2012. Last fiscal year, we
spent $456 million on roads and bridges, exceeding the previous $400 million
benchmark that was set. We have heard loud and clear from CIM that so-called true
construction spending is what is truly important to the construction industry. In
2004, MassHighway set an all time record of true construction spending of $423
million (which does not include other costs such as right-of-way and design). That
is almost $40 million more than 2003.”
The Executive Office of Transportation has also developed a new web site
that will be a clearing house for information about transportation in the state. “The
site will have detailed highway project information including real-time status
reports on projects in design and construction. Other valuable information such as
advertisements, bid opening dates, hearings and the status of permits will also be
available per project. The new site will allow easy access to transportation reports,
maps, news releases, and schedules for buses, boats, planes and trains. Users of the
portal will be able to do everything from renewing a driver's license, to getting an
overload trucking permit, to checking on traffic conditions via cameras we have
st
throughout our highway system. The new web site will be online by March 1 at
www.state.ma.us/eot.”
We see Secretary Grabauskas's comments as a positive sign for the future of
Transportation Construction in Massachusetts.
5
“I strongly believe
that by investing
in our
transportation
network, we are
investing in our
economy and
improving quality
of life.”
– Dan Grabauskas
which provides point-to-point guidance information or position data to aircraft in flight. (Attention
passengers, has anyone seen the Captain’s glasses?)
OTS – Out of Service
RRTES – Reroutes (Better than OTS)
SVRWX – Severe Weather (Go ahead, try and pronounce it)
SWAP – Severe Weather Avoidance Plan. An approved plan to minimize the effect of severe weather on
traffic flows in impacted terminals and/or ARTCC areas. (Why isn't it SVRWXAP?)
WND – Wind (Why WND-it's not any shorter)
And finally......ZULU Zulu Time. Another term used to designate Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the
standard time common to every place in the world. Formerly and still widely called Greenwich Mean
Time. UTC nominally reflects the mean solar time along the Earth's prime meridian. (We've all been
living in Zulu time and didn't know it!)

R E C I P E
FROM THE CHICKEN COOP
There's nothing like a good old chicken dinner but what makes it even
better is a side of garlic mashed to dip it in! Here's a healthy recipe for
creamy garlic mashed potatoes (with or without greens) that will make
your mouth water and your stomach growl for more!
2 lbs all-purpose potatoes, such as Yukon
Gold (6-8 medium), peeled and cut into
2-inch chunks
8 cloves garlic, peeled
1 cup 1% low-fat milk
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 (10-oz.) package frozen spinach or
4 cups individually quick-frozen spinach
¼ tsp. salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Pinch of ground nutmeg
Place potatoes and garlic in a large heavy saucepan. Cover with lightly
salted water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover and reduce heat to
medium-low. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook spinach according to package directions; drain well.
Combine milk and oil in a glass measuring cup or small saucepan; heat until
steaming.
When potatoes are tender, drain and return to saucepan. Shake the pan
over low heat, uncovered, for a minute or so to evaporate excess moisture. Off
the heat, mash potatoes and garlic with a potato masher. Gradually add
enough of the hot milk mixture to make a smooth puree. Stir in spinach, salt,
pepper and nutmeg. Serve hot.
Yield: 6 (3/4-cup) servings
Per Serving: Calories: 180. Fat: 3 grams. Saturated fat: 0.5 grams.
Sodium: 160 milligrams. Fiber: 3 grams. Carbohydrates: 32 grams.
SAFETY
PAYS!
The Safety Incentive Awards for the
nd
rd
2 and 3 quarter of 2004 have been
determined and the following employees
are the winners: (Safety should require
no incentive, but the following
employees are being recognized for their
increased efforts):
Period ending
June 30, 2004
Superintendents: Mike Cedrone, Paul
Trubiano, and Manny Vivieros.
Foremen: Norman Amaral, Joe
ON AND OFF THE JOB!
Costa, Al DaSilva, David Demelo,
John Duarte, Mike Kreager, Herbie
Moriz, and Carlos Monte.
Period ending
September 30, 2004
Superintendents: Mike Cedrone, Paul
Trubiano, and Manny Vivieros.
Foremen: Norman Amaral, Helio
Baptista, Howie Cunningham, Carlos
Monte, and Jorge Pereira.
In addition, the following supervisors
received a SHARE award for work
performed on a Central Artery/Tunnel Project
rd
Job during the 3 quarter:
Octavio Sousa, Russ Yee and Al
DaSilva.
6
Conversations
with Children
The children were lined up in the cafeteria of a
Catholic elementary school for lunch. At the head of
the table was a large pile of apples. The nun made a
note, and posted it on the apple tray: “Take only
ONE. God is watching.” Moving further along the
lunch line, at the other end of the table was a large pile
of chocolate chip cookies. A child had
written a note, “Take all you want, God
is watching the apples”.
One day a little girl was sitting and watching her
mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She
suddenly noticed that her mother had several strands
of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette
head.
She looked at her mother and inquisitively asked,
“Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?”
Her mother replied, “Well, every time that you do
something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one
of my hairs turns white.”
The little girl thought about this revelation for a
while and then said, “Momma, how come ALL of
grandma's hairs are white?”
The children had all been
photographed, and the teacher was
trying to persuade them each to buy a copy of the
group picture.
“Just think how nice it will be to look at it when
you are all grown up and say, 'There's Jennifer, she's a
lawyer,' or 'That's Michael, he's a doctor.'
A small voice at the back of the room rang out,
“And there's the teacher, she's dead.”
And to those of you who did not receive
an award this time, don't give up. Many of
you were very close to receiving an award.
Working safely should always be a top
priority in our work. Zero accidents are
possible, the above-recognized winners are
proof of it. Stay alert! Let your workers
know when they are using risky behavior.
Thank them when they alert you of a hazard.
Keep your tools and equipment in good
operating condition. Reducing accidents and
claims helps to keep the company
competitive and puts us in a better position to
bid future jobs; the jobs that will keep you
and our crews working!
The Safety Department: Ray Breton,
Safety Manager; Scott Gorman, Safety
Representative; Josh Palen, Safety
Representative.

FRONT
PAGE
NEWS
The McCourt Construction Company was recently
featured as the Cover Story for Commercial
BUILDER/ARCHITECT, a business magazine for the
commercial construction industry. The theme of the
article was Pride and Quality Spanning Five
Generations. It was written by Amy Beaumont.
The article covered the history of McCourt since
its inception in 1893 when John McCourt, a foreman
for Boston Gas, left his position and launched his own
utility company. Since then the company expanded and diversified and became one
of the most successful heavy and highway contractors in New England. The firm has
also proven its expertise as one of the top providers of installation and maintenance
for all types of network, cable and fiber optic systems. The company has built and is
currently building many of the wonderful parks you see in and around Boston. It has
worked on every runway and taxiway at Logan Airport and has been a positive
contributor to the Big Dig.
McCourt has also worked at
many of the universities,
hospitals and large
corporations in the area.
Richard McCourt, who
is fourth generation, is the
current CEO and he has set
the bar high for the
company and the dedicated
staff has responded by
completing quality
projects, within budget
and on time. Ryan
McCourt, Richard’s son,
came on board in 1995
and has made McCourt
one of the only 5
generation family run
construction businesses
in the nation.
If you would like to
read the whole article,
please call the office at
K Street (617) 269-2330
for a copy.
i s
Summer
Sun
Yes, summer
is on its way
and that means people who work and play
outside need to be more careful with their
skin. Skin cancer is the most commonly
occurring form of cancer in the U.S.
For adults over 40, men are more likely
to develop melanoma than women. Here
are some smart sun care tips from
Coppertone:
S M A R T
SUNCARE TIPS
1. Apply sunscreen daily. Use a broad spectrum
sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at
least 15. Apply before you go outside. Give
maximum application to the parts of your body
that get the most exposure: your face, hands,
forearms, shoulders, ears, back of the neck, and
top of the head.
2. Reapply often. When outdoors for long periods
of time, or after toweling off, excessive
perspiration, prolonged swimming or vigorous
activity, remember to reapply.
3. Wear a sunscreen every day, all year round.
This is true even on cloudy or overcast days, since
80% of the sun's rays can penetrate light clouds,
mist and fog.
4. Know the Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
appropriate for your skin type and intended time in
the sun. The SPF number indicates how many
times longer a person can stay in the sun before
beginning to burn when using a sunscreen, than
they would without using any sunscreen at all.
SPF numbers generally range from 2 to 50.
5. Wear a hat and protective clothing. Hats with
wide brims provide additional sun protection as do
tightly woven, dark colored shirts and pants that
keep the sun out.
6. Don't forget sunglasses. Whenever outdoors,
wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
7. Be extra careful near highly reflective surfaces
such as sand, concrete, water or in winter, snow.
7
Rebuilding the
seawall at Fort
Point Channel.
8. If you are taking medication, check with your
physician or pharmacist. Before going into the
sun, be sure that it is okay. Some medicines can
make your skin sensitive to the sun.
9. Moisturize skin after exposure. Look for after
sun products that contain moisturizers, such as
vitamin E and aloe to replenish lost moisture after
sun exposure.

WE'RE IN FOR A BUSY SEASON
A loud round of applause goes to our
Estimating Department for their recent
successes in the world of competitive bidding.
They have been successful in both the public
and private sectors by submitting the lowest or
best quality estimates on the following projects:
• Massport Authority, Logan Airport New
Runway #1432 $45,000,000.
• Central Artery/Tunnel, Rose Kennedy
Greenway North End Parks.
$12,300,000.
• Massport Authority, Logan Airport
Runway Safety Improvements #4L22R
$1,100,000.
• Boston College, Campanella Drive
Phase II Site Work and Improvements.
• Boston Convention Center, Temporary
Parking and Improvements.
We're going to be busy and proud of it!
ACROSS
1. Unit
3. Pride
7. Mod
9. Mix
10. Curb
12. Shot
13. Fluff
16. Concrete
21. Quantity
22. PI
23. Rip
25. Submit
27. Film
29. Quality
30. TOPO
Crossword
Answers
Health Corner
The Pre-Diabetes Epidemic
Roughly one out of ten middle-aged Americans has
diabetes. Among people 60 or older, it's nearly one out of five.
There is also more diabetes in children today than ever before.
But that's not what worries experts the most. Add to those numbers another one in
five who has what doctors call pre-diabetes and you've got a nation at risk.
What's Your Risk?
Most people with pre-diabetes don't know they have it. The only way to find out
is to get you blood sugar tested (at least every three years starting at age 45). Your
risk is higher if you:
are age 45 or older
are overweight
are African American, Hispanic/Latino American, Asian American,
Pacific Islander or American Indian
have a parent, brother or sister with diabetes
have high blood pressure (above 140/90)
have low HDL (“good”) cholesterol (less than 40 for men; less than 50 for
women)
have high triglycerides (250 or higher)
have had diabetes when pregnant or gave birth to a large baby (over 9
pounds)
are active fewer than three times a week
Source: Adapted from the National Diabetes Education Program from Nutrition Action Newsletter
DOWN
2. Toe
3. PPES
4. I’m
5. Dirt
6. EX
8. DRB
10. Cost
Shall We Dance?
11. Plan
Dancing at least several times a week may help lower the risk of
14. FCN
dementia, says a study that tracked more than 450 people aged 75 and older
15. RAP
for five years. Those who read, played board games or musical instruments
17. Claim
frequently, rather than once a week or less, also had a lower risk.
18. Entity
19. Extra
What to do: it's possible that people who don't dance, read, etc., have a
20. Fill
greater risk of dementia because they already are in the early stages of the
24. Pipp
disease. However, this study suggests that keeping the mind active protects
26. Buoy
your brain more than keeping your body active. Dancing may do both.
28. Go Source: From Nutrition Action
McCOURT
60 K Street,
South Boston, MA 02127
McCOURT
CONSTRUCTION
COMPANY
Life is full of mysteries.
Finding the right contractor
shouldn’t be one of them.
McCourt Construction Company
Building America Since 1893
8