The First Facility Management Blog

Over $8,000 in entry fees from the 2009 AHR Expo Innovation Awards Competition is being given to HomeAid Chicago to help rebuild the HVAC system in a domestic violence shelter.

This donation is part of charitable support contributed annually by AHR Expo to local communities where the world’s largest HVAC/R trade show is being held. Total contributions have exceeded $50,000 during the seven years the program has been in existence. In years past, the Innovation Awards entrance fee has gone to technical schools for use in their HVAC/R scholarship funds. 

Working with HomeAid Chicago, and WINGS Program, Inc., the show’s donation will be used to assist in providing a complete climate control system reworking for a 1960s single family home in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. The WINGS Program will be rebuilding the second floor to create five private bedrooms, as well as one shared bathroom, and upgrading the HVAC system to accommodate the new rooms. The result will be a safe, comfortable, and modern living environment where women and their dependent children can live. Once renovations are complete, up to 20 individuals may reside in the house at one time, depending on family size, and it will provide between 4,000 to 7,000 nights of shelter per year.

Natalie R. Ashton, executive director, HomeAid Chicago, thanked AHR Expo saying, “Support from AHR Expo is imperative right now, as we see the need grow every day for dignified housing where homeless families and individuals can rebuild their lives.”

Since 1985, WINGS has provided housing and supportive services for families who are homeless or are fleeing the devastating effects of domestic violence—the main cause of homelessness among women and children. 

“We are happy to assist with such a great cause,” said Clay Stevens, president of International Exposition Company, which produces and manages the show. “We enjoy giving back to the communities that host the AHR Expo by providing them with contributions from our Innovation Award entry fees.”

Now in its seventh year, the AHR Expo Innovation Awards Competition represents the best submissions from the thousands of products on display at the 2009 show and is sponsored by ASHRAE, AHRI, and the International Exposition Co. Honorees span the industrial marketplace in a total of nine product categories ranging from the latest developments in green technology to the newest building automation tools.

The 2009 AHR Expo will be held January 26-28 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center. The world’s largest HVAC/R trade show will offer attendees the chance to see new products and technologies for the first time. The industry’s trade associations will also have over 70 educational sessions and workshops available to attendees. The topic will range from achieving sustainability and energy efficiency to best practices and the latest trends and techniques in the HVAC/R industry.

When Cancer Care Ontario wanted to refurbish its offices with Allsteel, Inc. furniture, the Canadian cancer services agency preferred to find a new home and more sustainable solution for the used furnishings it was replacing instead of sending them to a landfill. Summerlee Office Solutions, the Allsteel dealer responsible for the new sale, found the answer, albeit unexpected, thousands of miles away: four schools in Belize that were in desperate need of supplies and furniture.

Summerlee was able to find the schools thanks to Green Solutions North America, Inc., a Nova Scotia-based organization dedicated to repurposing and recycling used office furnishings and supplies. Through Green Solutions and its School in a Box program, Summerlee loaded a 40 foot container with Cancer Care’s castoffs plus various supplies and donations from others, and shipped it to the Cayo District of Belize, a rural area of farmlands and rugged mountains. But the donation didn’t just supply furnishings for the needy school children. The holiday season came early for 75 kids who also received backpacks filled with school supplies and an American dollar, courtesy of Summerlee and Allsteel. 

The project, which began a year ago, involved more than 100 hours of volunteer time from the Summerlee staff, with added help from Allsteel’s Market Manager for Ontario, Peter Livingstone. Summerlee also covered the shipping costs for the project.

“Working with Summerlee and Green Solutions on this project was truly rewarding, and it’s great that Allsteel now has its own active partnership with Green Solutions,” Livingstone said. “It’s fantastic to witness how we can have a positive impact not only on the environment but also in extending a helping hand to our fellow man.”

This past fall, Allsteel became the first American manufacturer to officially partner with Green Solutions North America, Inc., having had the direct experience with the Belize project. 

This year, Firestone Building Products Company, LLC collaborated with a number of its licensed roofing contractors to assist their local communities through the Firestone Community Service Program. Qualified Firestone contractors are awarded with material credit for Firestone roofing products installed as part of a donated labor community service project. Those eligible for participation in the community service program are recipients of Firestone’s esteemed Inner Circle of Quality Award or Partner in Quality Award—distinctions recognizing exceptional roofing professionals for their commitment to quality installation and outstanding roof performance.

This past year, the following roofing firms took part in this program:

• Greenberg Roofing of Fargo, ND donated labor and time to re-roof the 640 square foot roof on the Fargo Salvation Army building. The crew installed 60-mil fully adhered Firestone RubberGardTM EPDM. Fargo Salvation Army provides counseling, housing, clothing, meals, emergency disaster relief, and spiritual ministry to local residents.
• Herzog Roofing in Detroit Lakes, MN re-installed Firestone ISO 95+TM polyiso insulation and ballasted 45-mil Firestone RubberGardTM EPDM on the 41 square foot roof of the REACH volunteer center. The REACH center provides family support, nonperishable food from their food pantry, reusable items, and counseling services to local residents in Hawley, MN. 
• Houck Services, Inc. of Harrisburg, PA re-roofed a home of the winning family in WHTM Channel 27’s Midstate Home Makeover Contest. The crew installed 1,500 square feet of Firestone ISO 95+ TM polyiso insulation and 60-mil RubberGardTM EPDM. The home makeover contest awarded the grand prize to the Litschi family of Myerstown, PA. The Litschi’s have 12 adopted children, many of whom are mentally or physically disabled.   
• Nordmann Roofing Co. from Toledo, OH donated a portion of a new roof to Rossford High School in Rossford, OH for the school’s press box. The 1,000 square foot project replaced the old leaky roof with 1” Firestone ISO 95+TM polyiso insulation and 60-mil fully adhered Firestone RubberGardTM EPDM. 
• Plescia Roofing, Inc. in Norwood, NJ installed a 160,000 square foot roof on the Holy Family Catholic Academy in Norwood, NJ. The crew replaced a 20 year old leaky roof with 60-mil fully adhered Firestone UltraPlyTM TPO roofing system. This project is one of several service projects the firm has donated to Holy Family. 
• Richard L. Sensenig Company of Lancaster, PA donated labor and materials to install a new roof on the Twin Valley Bible Chapel in Narvon, PA. The crew installed 800 square feet of Firestone Tapered ISO 95+TM polyiso insulation fully adhered RubberGardTM EPDM.  
• S.G.O. Roofing and Construction, LLC of Lakeville, MN installed a roof on the new American Cancer Society Twin City Hope Lodge in Minneapolis, MN. A crew of 15 put in the 9,100 square foot Firestone 60-mil ballasted RubberGardTM EPDM roofing system with 1” ISO 95+TM polyiso insulation and DensDeckTM insulation. Hope Lodge provides free housing to out of town cancer patients and their families while patients are undergoing treatment.  

“Firestone is pleased to partner with a growing list of contractors who are enthusiastic about giving back to their local communities,” said Mike Gorey, president of Firestone and chairman, CEO, and president of Bridgestone Firestone Diversified Products. “This unique and worth while program has led to more than 60 local community service projects since its inception nearly 10 years ago, and we applaud the contractors who are dedicated to aiding public, private, and non-profit organizations in need.”
 
The Firestone Inner Circle of Quality Award recognizes a group of contractors who demonstrate a strong commitment to long term quality roof performance. Award recipients must achieve Master Contractor status, install at least four warranted roofs in each of the past five years, maintain at least two million square feet under warranty, and achieve an annual QIR of 2.0 or less.

The Partner in Quality Award acknowledges Firestone licensed contractors who maintain at least one million square feet under warranty and demonstrate the same qualities as the Inner Circle winners.  

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. of Newport Beach, CA recently completed reconstruction of the Ronald McDonald House Family Room inside Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) at Mission Hospital. Approximately $225,000 in construction work and materials was donated by McCarthy and numerous other companies to complete the 852-square-foot remodel.

The renovated Family Room includes a windowfront sitting area.

CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital is housed in a state-of-the-art medical facility on the 5th floor of Mission Hospital’s patient care tower. While it operates as a separately licensed pediatric facility with its own medical staff, CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital is linked to Mission Hospital’s regional trauma center, high-level obstetric and perinatal program, and ancillary services. The 48-bed “children’s hospital-within-a-hospital” is part of CHOC Children’s regional healthcare network and serves as the only dedicated pediatric health care center for families in the communities throughout South Orange County, coastal areas and North San Diego.

Donated Time And Materials
The project, which began on August 25, 2008, included demolition and reconstruction of two sleep rooms, a kitchen area, and family room. Contractors gutted the space and installed new lighting, drywall, carpeting, ceiling tile, casework, and paint. Construction was completed earlier this month, and the renovated space was then furnished with new chairs, couches, lamps, toys, books, artwork, and an existing 42 inch flat panel television.

McCarthy Building Companies also donated two new computers for volunteer and visitor use.

With architectural design by RBB Architects Inc. of Los Angeles and interior design provided by Correy Design Group of Huntington Beach, the renovated Family Room predominantly features wood cabinetry that divides the space into different areas for volunteer activity, dining, watching television, computer use, relaxation, and children’s activities.

Two remodeled sleep rooms, a kitchen, and bathroom with a shower are located adjacent to the main family room. The kitchen and bath areas were updated with matching wood cabinetry, new countertops, sink fixtures, lighting, and appliances.

The new Family Room is a place for patients' family members.

“Parents simply can’t be in their child’s hospital room all of the time,” said Deborah Levy, Orange County Ronald McDonald House executive director. “The Ronald McDonald Family Room makes all the difference in coping with what otherwise could have been an unbearable experience. The design of the new Family Room now functions more effectively and provides crucial amenities for parents to nap, shower, grab a bite to eat, yet still be down the hall from their hospitalized child.”

Spearheaded by McCarthy I.S. Engineer Ray LaTour, McCarthy volunteers helped with the project through the McCarthy Heart Hats, a volunteer community outreach group which enables the company’s employees to dedicate time and resources to community involvement on paid workdays. Through its relationship with subcontractors and vendors, McCarthy was also able to secure additional volunteers and donations from companies such as Appolo Electric, ISEC Inc., PCI, Martin Integrated, Hasson Inc., Johnson and Turner Painting, Premier Tile, and Minka Group. RBB architects, KPFF Engineering, and Correy Design group also donated services for this project.

Ronald McDonald House additionally received donations for carpet and installation services from Shaw Carpet and Universal Flooring.

All of the audio visual and sound equipment were donated and installed by Genesis Audio.

“We could not have done this renovation project without the support of McCarthy Building Companies,” said Levy. “McCarthy took the leadership role in securing thousands of dollars worth of donations for the project. They also helped guide us through the complex process of building something inside of a hospital and were true miracle workers! McCarthy Building Companies will leave a lasting legacy on thousands of families they will never meet who will utilize the Ronald McDonald Family Room inside of CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital.”

Since 2006, McCarthy’s Heart Hats have provided construction and other services and donations to six Ronald McDonald Houses or facilities in California. “Ronald McDonald House is a charity close to our hearts,” said LaTour. “McCarthy builds many children’s hospitals and some of the children of our employees have experienced first-hand the wonderful and caring services these hospitals provide. We hope our most recent efforts remodeling the new Ronald McDonald Family Room inside of CHOC Children’s at Mission Hospital will help ease the daily tribulations and struggles of families with seriously ill children.”

Crestron hosted the first Eagles Program dedication ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital recently, unveiling the new home theater donated to provide comfort and entertainment for America’s heroes recovering from injuries sustained during combat overseas. The Crestron Eagles Program was conceived by Crestron president George Feldstein in order to honor the service and sacrifice of wounded warriors returning home from battle.

“This theater system represents the largest single donation any military hospital has ever received,” explained Pete Baca Jr., USMC Ret., CTS. “They may get a $1,000 or even $5,000, but they were amazed when I told them what we wanted to do.”

The home theater means so more than mere entertainment to these men and women who are undergoing long term physical and occupational therapy. “We treat the person rather than the injury,” said Colonel Terrence McKenrick, Commandant of Walter Reed. “These warriors in transition receive physical rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and professional education so they are fully prepared to re-enter society.” The emotional aspect of recovery cannot be underestimated. Colonel McKenerick explains that socialization is vital for emotional health and a complete recovery.

“Before the theater was installed, soldiers would stay in their rooms all day with the doors closed—shut off and withdrawn from life,” recalls Col. McKenrick. “This gets them out of seclusion and reconnected with the outside world.”

The ribbon cutting was a simple celebration. The community room was transformed into a state of the art digital home theater, adorned with banners, flowers, and balloons to mark the special occasion. The more than 40 “warriors in transition,” including five brave soldiers who had recently received their Purple Hearts and Bronze Stars, were overwhelmed by the technology and the donation of Crestron and its partners.

Crestron donated an Adagio^® home theater system, CEN-IDOC interface for iPod, TPMC-8X Isys i/O WiFi touchpanel, and a 52” HD plasma. Chris Wildfoerster, director of business development at Crestron, called upon partner companies to contribute to complete the system. “It took just one phone call to each partner,” said Wildfoerster. “Once I explained what we were doing, everyone wanted to help.” LG Electronics, Velodyne, Triad, and Marshall Furniture each contributed to this gift. Jose Rodriguez of Dal-Media and Kevin Busza of ICD Systems donated their time and talents for the system installation and programming.

“We really appreciate the support and kindness that Crestron and their partners have shown us,” said Command Sergeant Major Jeffrey Hartless. “This theater makes a huge difference in the lives of our wounded warriors.”

Everyone who participated in and contributed toward the Crestron Eagle Program donation at Walter Reed was inspired by the troops and humbled by the gratitude they expressed. After Vin Bruno, director of marketing at Crestron, presented the Eagles plaque to Colonel McKenrick, Crestron was proud to receive a certificate of appreciation from the Warrior Transition Brigade that read: 

For exceptional support and dedication to our wounded, injured and ill warriors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Your generosity and caring attitude makes a positive impact on many Warrior’s lives. Thank you for your outstanding support!

The next hospital scheduled to receive a home theater center is The Wounded Warriors Battalion East at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. “I believe that every company in the private sector should do whatever they can to support and honor the men and women who have selflessly sacrificed so much to defend our country,” said Mr. Feldstein.

About Walter Reed
The Walter Reed Army Medical Center is the hub of the Walter Reed Health Care System which provides comprehensive health care for more than 150,000 soldiers, other service members, family members and retirees. It provides a wide range of acute and general hospital services to people of all ages.

The Warrior Transition Brigade provides command and control, primary care, and case management for service members receiving treatment for wounds suffered deployed in the war on terror. The unit works to “promote their timely return to the force or transition to civilian life.”