Monthly Member Spot light December

 Danielle McKenna

I grew up, as an only child, in Parker, Colorado. I did not venture far from home to attend the University of Denver where I received a BSBA degree in Marketing and a MBA in 2009. I was involved in several student and professional organizations, held internships at a marketing/advertising agency and a law firm and volunteered for multiple organizations supporting abuse victims. However, the highlight of my college experience was studying abroad in Seville, Spain.

Although I never considered insurance as a career path, a friend recommended I apply at the company she was working for; Lockton Companies, a global insurance, employee benefits, surety and risk management brokerage. Of Lockton's many diverse departments, I was fortunate to be asked to join the Construction Department. Lockton was formed in 1966 as an insurance brokerage dedicated solely to the construction industry, allowing me to learn of from colleagues with incredible depths of knowledge and experience in both the insurance and construction industries. As Lockton works with many major corporations on some of the world's largest construction and infrastructure projects, I am motivated daily by opportunities to identify unique risk exposures, negotiate cost effective solutions for clients and provide day-to-day account service.

Since beginning my career at Lockton, I have been most surprised and grateful for the support I receive not only from my colleagues but from clients. Not only was I introduced to NAWIC by a client, I continue to be amazed by the community of women in construction who want to expand their networks, share best practices, give back to the community, and help one another succeed.

Outside of work you will likely find me at the gym, on a tennis court at Wash Park, on the ski slopes, or playing on a kickball league at City Park. I continue to volunteer through DU's alumni association, with RAINN, and with the Denver Rescue Mission. My study abroad experience only increased my love of travel; I especially enjoy trips that include warm beaches! Of course, I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, usually over a meal at a restaurant we have not tried before.  

By:   David C. Ruddy

Whether the snow is on your doorstep now or you expect it soon, stay safe this winter!

Here are some safety tips to remember throughout this winter to ensure that you are able to enjoy all the fun that the season brings to us:

Snow & Ice Removal Clearing snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks is hard work! Prevent possible injuries from slips and falls, back injuries from shoveling heavy snow, and temperature related illness by following these safety tips:

• Dress warmly, paying special attention to feet, hands, nose and ears.
• Shovel snow when it is fresh and easier to remove than wet, packed-down snow.
• Take a few minutes before you start your shoveling workout to do some warm-up exercises and stretching before shoveling and take frequent breaks. 
• Avoid shoveling snow if you are out of shape. If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel snow unless your doctor says it's okay. 
• If possible, push snow in front of you. If you have to lift it, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs, not your back. Remember your safe lifting practices! 
• Avoid twisting and turning with your back as you are tossing the snow, use your whole body and turn with your legs. Do not toss snow over your shoulder or to the side. 
• If available, apply rock salt or de-icing compounds to remove ice from steps, walkways, and sidewalks. 
• If you use a snow blower (also called a snow thrower), follow these safety guidelines:
• Read the owner's manual before starting your snow blower. Make sure you understand all the recommended safety steps.
• Make sure all people and pets are out of the way before you begin.
• Do not put your hand in the snow blower to remove impacted snow or debris. Turn the machine off and wait a few seconds. (Control the hazardous energy source just like you would for lockout/tagout of equipment at work!) Use a stick or broom handle to remove the material.
• Do not leave the snow blower unattended when it is running.
• Fill up with fuel before you start, when the engine is cool.

Watch Your Feet! Walking in icy, snowy weather can be dangerous and result in serious injury. Follow these tips to control and prevent injuries this season:

• Dress in layers and wear shoes or boots with nonskid soles, avoid wearing heels.
• Walk on sidewalks and plowed areas if possible. Be aware that those areas may still be slippery. If handrails are available, use them.
• Take slow, cautious steps when getting in and out of your car and to your destination. Take time to plan your safest route before your start.
• Don't wear a hat or scarf that blocks your vision.
• Before you step off the curb, make sure any cars nearby have come to a complete stop.
• Wipe your feet when you get inside. Watch out for slick, wet floors!

Wintertime Driving Snow, ice, and extreme cold can make driving treacherous. Follow these safety tips to ensure that you have safe driving experiences this winter:

• Before winter arrives, have your car tuned up, check the level of antifreeze, make sure the battery is good, and check your tire tread or put on snow tires.
• Keep emergency gear in your car for everyday trips:
• Cell phone,
• Flashlight,
• Jumper cables,
• Sand or kitty litter (for traction),
• Ice scraper, snow brush, and small shovel,
• Blankets, and
• Warning devices (e.g., flares, reflectors).
• Avoid driving in snow or ice storms. If you must travel in bad weather, drive slowly.
• If your car is parked outside, make sure the exhaust pipe and the area around it are free of snow before you start the car. Snow packed in or around the exhaust pipe can cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the car.
• Don't sit in a parked car with the engine running unless a window is open. Do not let your car run while parked in a garage.
• If your car stalls or gets stuck in the snow, turn your hazard lights on right away. Stay in your vehicle until you can get help. You are safer in your vehicle with other cars sliding than if you were walking on the road to another location.

Lastly, please follow these other safety tips this winter:

• Ensure that you are controlling your heaters and heating equipment and maintaining them in a good, safe condition.
• Do not leave personal space heaters on unattended. Especially pay attention to turn off any space heaters at work when you leave for the night or weekend.
• Keep combustibles such as cardboard boxes, paper, blankets, etc. away from heaters and other heat sources.
• Let someone know if and where you are going to participate in some wintertime fun such as skiing, snowshoeing, or even sledding. Always try to have fun with friends and avoid being completely alone.
• Remember that the sun can even be harmful in the wintertime. Wear sunscreen on sunny, snowy days to avoid painful sunburns.

And remember, have a fun and safe winter.

 Please take a look inside for our communities job postings!

Job Center

Our chapter takes the month of December off from our typical meetings to devote our time to volunteering and to show the local community that the construction industry cares and get the word out about NAWIC. Below are three events that we have either participated in the past or have been recommended by one of our members.

If you have your own organization that you would like to commit time too we encourage you to volunteer with whatever you are passionate about so please do not feel limited to only these events. Also, if you have any events that you will be participating in that would like to share with our members, please let me know and I will send this out to the group as well!

We just strongly encourage you to volunteer with at least one organization this holiday season.  I personally plan to volunteer at the Larimer County Christmas party and have done so for a few years and find it absolutely humbling and hope to see some of you there.  

Christmas Party for Foster and Adoptive Families -

When: Party is December 17th  4:30 - 8:00 PM 

Where: The Ranch - Larimer County Fairgrounds - Thomas McKee Building - off I-25 and Crossroads Blvd.

What will I be doing: NAWIC usually hosts the Santa photo booth but there are plenty of booths that need help!

Or...

When: Tuesday December  13th - 6:00 PM- end when we get finished

Where: (3543 S. Lincoln Ave) - Construction Supply House

What will I be doing: Prepare the stockings for the kids starting

Women's Bean Project Lutheran Hospital Fairs -

Throughout the course of the year (and especially during the holiday season: October - December), WBP is invited to share information on our program and sell our products. Volunteers staff our tables and act as Bean Project representatives while selling our bean soups and baskets. This volunteer opportunity is by far our greatest need. As you can imagine, the holiday season is the busiest for off-site events. During the rest of the year, sales are much slower, with an average of two to four events per month.

Lutheran Hospital Fairs

Monday, December 5  Diamond Hill Office Building.  2480 W. 26th Avenue/Bldg. D, Denver
Shifts Needed: 8:30am - 12pm  2 volunteers needed 
                      12pm - 2:30pm - 2 volunteers needed
Email Diana to sign up


 

Habitat for Humanity -

There are quite a few dates in December that still need volunteers! This is a very fun experience (which may seem intimidating) but they find a task that you are comfortable with so please do not be deterred if you do not know how to build things! J

Sign Up to Volunteer

You can sign up through Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver's online registration system.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me. Thanks,

Amy Powell, LEED AP

Project Engineer

Golden Triangle Construction, Inc.

Mobile: 720-208-6346, Direct: 303-532-0004

Main Office: 303-772-4051, Fax: 303-776-6525

www.gtc1.net