McCOURT

McCOURTCONSTRUCTIONCOMPANY

VOLUME 10 No. 1

A NEWSLETTER OF McCOURT CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

SPRING/SUMMER 2005

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EMPLOYEE NEWS

Employee News continued on pg.2

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-Sch les s inge r-Smal l r idge -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

ROSE KENNEDY GREENWAY, THE NORTH END PARKS

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.

The Big Dig uncovered many archaeological treasures detailing Boston's rich past according to Ellen B e r k l a n d , B o s t o n ' s c i t y 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

thbespoke 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?

WHAT’S IN YOUR PRIVY?

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.

Christmas Revelry

EMPLOYEE NEWSFoundations 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.

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 GUYSThere 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-BeDeb 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.

BabiesDerek Hanson and his lovely wife Heather

are the proud parents of a new baby boy. Carter thJeffery 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.

Drain Brains

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.

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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 BellsOur 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 LobsterthMcCourt will again celebrate the 4 of July

at the Gazebo at the Adams Inn in Quincy this thyear. 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.

NEW EMPLOYEEScontinued from pg. 1

EQUIPMENT NEWSEach 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.

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IN THE FIELDRock Excavation at Mile 101.4 MasspikeBeginning the New Year with renewed vigor, Rob Horne and his all-star crew have 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 AirportMike 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 AirportDerek 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

8 weeks remaining to completion, which should coincide nicely with the start of their next project: Runway 4L-22R Safety Area Improvements at, where else, Logan Airport!

Runway 14-32 and Associated Taxiways– Logan AirportAfter 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 0308We 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

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

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.

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.

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

McCOURTCONSTRUCTIONCOMPANY

Editor...Ginger McCourtPublished 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

continued on pg.4

#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).

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IN THE FIELDNorth End Parks – C32A1We 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 AvenueThe project will continue with the brick roadway circle at Brigham Circle along with granite and brick crosswalks throughout.

By Mike Murphy

CA/T C17AAThe 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

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!

T eh k A a dNic y w r

continued from pg. 3

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1. Type of Measure3. Filled with ______7. Contract Change9. Bit Conc10. Road Edge12. Unit Blast13. What Soil Does When

Excavated16. Sidewalk Material21. Amount of Units22. Pertains to Circles/Arcs23. Part of 15 Down25. Give To27. Photo Medium29. Pride and _________30. Land Elevation Survey (ABBR)

Across Down

Construction Crossword

Submitted By S. Frick, PM (Puzzle Master)

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Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation, Dan Grabauskas, took time out of his busy schedule to address the nearly 300 CIM (Construction Industries of MA)

thmembers 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

stthroughout 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.

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.

GOING GLOBAL WITH YOUR INVESTMENTS

NEWS FROM THE TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

congestion in the sky

“I strongly believe that by investing

in our transportation

network, we are investing in our

economy and improving quality

of life.”– Dan Grabauskas

*According to financial adviser Robert Kreitler, using data from MSCI through November 4, 2004.

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,

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 ServiceRRTES – 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!)

j

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FROM THE CHICKEN COOP

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 endingJune 30, 2004

Superintendents: Mike Cedrone, Paul Trubiano, and Manny Vivieros.

Foremen: Norman Amaral, Joe

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

rdJob during the 3 quarter:Octavio Sousa, Russ Yee and Al

DaSilva.

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.

SAFETY PAYS!

ON AND OFF THE JOB!

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.”

Conversations with Children

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 chunks8 cloves garlic, peeled1 cup 1% low-fat milk1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil1 (10-oz.) package frozen spinach or 4 cups individually quick-frozen spinach¼ tsp. salt, or to tasteFreshly ground pepper to tastePinch 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) servingsPer Serving: Calories: 180. Fat: 3 grams. Saturated fat: 0.5 grams. Sodium: 160 milligrams. Fiber: 3 grams. Carbohydrates: 32 grams.

R E C I P E

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Rebuilding the seawall at Fort Point Channel.

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:

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.

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.

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, h o s p i t a l s a n d l a r g e corporations in the area.

Richard McCourt, who i s is fourth generation, is the current CEO and he has set the bar high for the company and the dedicated staff has responded by c o m p l e t i n g q u a l i t y projects, within budget and on t ime. 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.

FRONTPAGENEWS

Summer Sun

S M A R T SUNCARE TIPS

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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!

WE'RE IN FOR A BUSY SEASON

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McCOURTCONSTRUCTIONCOMPANY

McCOURTMcCOURT

McCourt Construction CompanyBuilding America Since 1893

Finding the right contractor shouldn’t be one of them.

Life is full of mysteries.

60 K Street, South Boston, MA 02127

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

Health Corner

Dancing at least several times a week may help lower the risk of dementia, says a study that tracked more than 450 people aged 75 and older for five years. Those who read, played board games or musical instruments frequently, rather than once a week or less, also had a lower risk.

What to do: it's possible that people who don't dance, read, etc., have a greater risk of dementia because they already are in the early stages of the disease. However, this study suggests that keeping the mind active protects your brain more than keeping your body active. Dancing may do both.

Shall We Dance?

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