From the Desk of... Ron Panicucci

Ron Panicucci

In this issue, LAN is introducing a new feature, a letter from an officer, and I have the privilege of being first. Since LAN's last newsletter, many of us, our families, friends, neighbors and clients have been affected by Irene and the continuing wet weather that followed. In addition, many other regions of the U.S. and the world have experienced unprecedented natural disasters this past year. Fortunately for most of us, they are events of the past. But for many, the resulting effects will continue for some time. My heartfelt sympathies go out to those of you who have been affected by these disasters.

On a positive note, this issue comes on the heels of LAN placing 123rd on the Zweig Letter 2011 Hot Firm List  of the 175 Fastest Growing Architecture, Engineering, Planning + Environmental Consulting Firms in the United States and Canada. LAN has moved up 31 spots on the prestigious list since 2010, when it ranked 154th.

LAN is especially proud of being part of the Hot Lists for 2010 and 2011 because they were difficult times in our industry. Our growth occurred during a period when a key economic indicator, the AIA Architectural Billing Index, was in negative territory from January 2008 through September 2010. When asked how LAN has managed to succeed during these difficult times, I've avoided looking at the numbers and stressed the philosophical reasons, one of which is the power of positive thinking.

Although I have not read the book The Power of Positive Thinking by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, I have read Six Simple Rules for a Better Life by David Singer, which discusses similar principles. David Singer's first two rules are Be Happy and Be Nice. By following these rules, LAN's staff is able to work with clients to solve problems, visualize solutions, eliminate negative thoughts and develop and grow lasting relationships with clients we refer to as friends. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all remember these two simple rules as we go throughout our day?

This newsletter features three articles that all relate to positive thinking: a ribbon-cutting at Ridgewood's Hawes Elementary School, another one of LAN's school addition designs where we continue to contribute to the development of new and positive learning environments; a leadership program in which our Matthew Milnamow will sharpen his skills in community leadership; and a volunteer construction project that our Erik Boe not only designed, but helped build. The positive energy developed through these endeavors, along with the countless other activities and projects with which our staff is involved, has allowed LAN to establish the relationships that have carried us through the past several years and made LAN a Hot Firm.

Ronald M. Panicucci, PE, LEED AP

CEO/Treasurer

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Held at Hawes Elementary School 

On September 14, Mr. Stephen Secora and Mr. Glenn Hinksmon  attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the completion of the Hawes Elementary School addition in Ridgewood. The project was one of four school additions designed by LAN as part of a $48 million referendum passed by voters in December 2009. The addition adds five new classrooms and a Small Group Instruction room, allowing special-education students to attend classes in the same building.

All nine of the District's schools are receiving various upgrades as part of the referendum work. Other school additions in Ridgewood include the Willard Elementary School, Ridge Elementary School and George Washington Middle School. The ribbon-cutting for Ridge is expected by the end of this month.

LAN has completed more than 180 individual projects for the Ridgewood Board of Education over the past 20 years, including window replacements, roof replacements, mechanical and electrical upgrades, and barrier-free accessibility projects. Smaller projects completed include an environmental outdoor educational space with a fish pond and landscaped courtyard for instructional use.   

Hawes Elementary School Addition

Milnamow Accepted for Leadership Orange Class of 2012   

Matt Milnamow

LAN Associates is both excited and proud to announce that Matthew Milnamow, AIA, LEED AP has been accepted into the class of 2012 Leadership Orange program. Since 1993, Leadership Orange has hand selected and trained local individuals with varying skills and backgrounds to address community challenges that stress our government, education and culture in Orange County, New York. According to its website, "Leadership Orange is a 10-month leadership program with the dual focus of providing leadership training to leaders and emerging leaders, and equipping them with a breadth of knowledge about Orange County, its challenges and its resources."

The training program focuses on topics such as education, health and human services, communications, government and politics, the environment, culture and recreation, economic development, leadership development and the judicial system.  

"Completion of the course enables participants to better understand and serve our community whether as citizens, business or government leaders, volunteers or non-profit executives," said Richie Lay, Program Chair.  

Over 500 men and women have graduated from the Leadership Orange program since its inception in 1993 and the diversity of the participants enables class members to benefit by learning directly from their peers' experiences, successes and failures.

Leadership Orange is a private, non-partisan organization that relies upon support from the business community to reach its goals. Many of the Leadership Orange graduates have developed influential professional and political roles in the Orange County community.  

Shiloh Project Offers Hands-On Experience with Volunteer-Friendly Materials

Shiloh Bible Camp in West Milford, NJ is a non-profit family-run Christian retreat center that hosts primarily church groups for weekend retreats. LAN has been working with Shiloh for a number of years, helping them through the permitting process for a proposed gymnasium/worship center building on its property. LAN's involvement with Shiloh began with a septic system design for the new gymnasium building. It was soon discovered that several DEP permits would be required, including a T1 and TWA septic permits, Wetlands and Flood Hazard Area approvals, and approvals from the West Milford Zoning Board of Adjustment. A total of 11 separate approvals were necessary. The site plans and permitting for the project were prepared by Erik E. Boe, PE, and the architectural plans were prepared by Mr. Boe and Kenneth H. Karle, RA. LAN performed these services pro bono.

With approvals in hand, Mr. Boe has overseen the construction effort. Blasting and excavation occurred in the fall of 2010, and in the spring of 2011, work began on the gymnasium with an almost entirely volunteer crew consisting of Shiloh staff, friends of Shiloh and local contractors. Crews work every Saturday and when time is available during the week. The nature of the project has allowed LAN to evaluate new volunteer-friendly materials. Construction techniques and materials were chosen that could be most easily be assembled by non-professionals, such as the foundation formwork which utilized Quad-Lock ICF (Insulating Concrete Forms).

The building itself is a pre-engineered steel building. Construction is nearly complete on the superstructure, and the staff at Shiloh hopes to have the building enclosed by winter, so that interior work can continue throughout the colder months.

Gymnasium Construction at Shiloh Bible Camp