Get documents about "Yankee Engineer
Document Sample
BUILDING STRONG®
Yankee Engineer Volume 45, No. 4 January 2011
District makes permit determination, record of
decision on Cape Wind wind energy facility proposal
404 of the Clean Water Act, which Service (MMS), is the lead federal
by Timothy Dugan
regulates the discharge or fill of agency in the environmental
Public Affairs Office
material in United States waters, review, as required by the National
After reviewing the Federal including wetlands. Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Environmental Impact Statement The Corps completed its BOEMRE released its Final
and Record of Environmental Impact
Decision on the Statement (EIS) in
Cape Wind, LLC January 2009 before
wind energy facility making its Record of
proposal to construct Decision (ROD) in
130 wind turbines April 2010.
in Nantucket Sound, The Corps of
Mass., that was Engineers has been
compiled by the one of many federal,
Bureau of Ocean state and local
Energy Management, cooperating agencies
Regulation and in the environmental
Enforcement review process. The
(BOEMRE), the BOEMRE website
New England with the EIS and
District has made its Record of Decision
determination under is available at:
Section 10/Section http://www.boemre.
404 jurisdiction to gov/offshore/
issue a Corps permit RenewableEnergy/
for the proposal. CapeWindFEIS.htm.
The application Information on the
for the Cape Wind Corps of Engineers
wind energy facility Record of Decision and
federal permit was permit determination is
filed with the District The Nysted Offshore wind farm off the coast of Denmark. available on the Corps
in compliance with website at http://www.
Section 10 of the Rivers and Section 10/404 permit review nae.usace.army.mil. Select “Proj-
Harbors Act, which provides for and Record of Decision on Jan. 5 ects” and then “Cape Wind permit
federal regulation of any work in, and issued a Corps permit for the application” or go directly to the link
or affecting navigable waters of proposal. BOEMRE, formerly at: http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/
the United States; and with Section called Minerals Management projects/ma/capewind.htm.
2 YANKEE ENGINEER
January 2011
Yankee
Voices
Sheila Winston-Vincuilla, Tom Rosato,
Bob Gauvreau and Evamarie D'Antuono
Evamarie D’Antuono Receives Chief
Sympathy
of Engineers Award For Second
… to Wendy Gendron, Engi-
neering/Planning, on the passing
Straight Year
of her father, Richard S. Corbin,
New England District’s Deputy
Nov. 22. He proudly served our
for Small Business, Evamarie
country in the U.S. Navy aboard
D’Antuono, has received the Chief of
the USS Ranger during the Viet-
Engineers Award for Small Business
nam War.
Program Specialist of the Year for
a second straight year. Lt. Gen.
…to Ruthann Brien and her
Robert L. Van Antwerp, the Chief of
husband, Paul Minken, both
Engineers, presented the award to Ms.
of Regulatory, on the passing
D’Antuono in early December at the
of Ruthann’s grandfather, Dale
2010 Society of American Military
Stovall, Dec. 14 in Virginia.
Engineers (SAME) Annual Small
Business Conference in Grapevine,
...to the family of Operations
Texas.
retiree Lionel E. Chauvette,
The award recognized Ms.
who passed away, Jan. 2. Mr.
D’Antuono’s leadership, dedication and vision in advancing the Small
Chauvette was a veteran and
Business Programs within the Corps of Engineers. To have received
worked for many years at the
the award two years running is indeed a special honor and testament to
New England Division Water
her professionalism and dedication to the Small Business contractors
Quality Laboratory. He retired
involved in working with us to successfully execute our many missions.
as Assistant Project Manager,
Ms. D’Antuono also very successfully filled the added role of Lead
Tully Lake.
for the North Atlantic Division regional small business team in Fiscal
Year 2010 and has been asked to continue that role for Fiscal Year 2011.
… to Steve Patchkofsky,
Naugatuck River Area Office
Environmental Compliance Words Worth Repeating
Coordinator, on the passing of "Know what your values are and then stick with them. Don't let
his grandmother, Mrs. Julia people talk you out of what you know is right."
Patchkofsky, Jan. 17. - Flip Saunders
YANKEE ENGINEER is an authorized unofficial Army newspaper under provisions of AR 360-1 published monthly. Views and opinions District Commander: Col. Philip T. Feir
expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army. Contributions from readers are solicited, but publication depends on Chief, Public Affairs: Larry B. Rosenberg
judgment of the editor. No payment will be made for contributions. Published by the Public Affairs Office, New England District, U.S. Editor: Ann Marie R. Harvie
Army Corps of Engineers, 696 Virginia Road, Concord MA 01742-2751, 978-318-8777. Printed by the offset method on recyclable paper Media Relations Officer: Timothy J. Dugan
by the Defense Printing Office in Boston, Mass. Circulation 1600. The YANKEE ENGINEER can be found on the World Wide Web Public
US Army Corps Affairs Specialist: Sally M. Rigione
at http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/news/yankee.htm of EngineersWeb Content Manager: Andrew Stamer
New England Divisi
YANKEE ENGINEER
January 2011 3
Union, Management sign new Collective Bargaining
Agreement built on employee concerns
The New England District management team and that there will be a Union Representative present on all
the NFFE-IAMAW, AFL-CIO Local 1164 Union the boards – the Awards Board, Selection Board, etc.
signed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with – as well as at the biweekly staff meeting. “If there’s
a signing event held on Dec. 13, 2010 in the Gridley an issue that needs to be addressed, it can be brought
Conference Room. up at the meeting,” said Casoli.
“Everyone involved did a great job,” said Col. Philip “There was also a complete rewrite of the whole
Feir, New England District Commander, at the signing grievance procedure,” said Chamberland. “It places
event. “It’s a better product than we had before. I ap- more responsibility on the supervisors to be proactive
preciate the contributions made by both sides. The give in working with Bargaining Unit Members to resolve
and take made it a grievances.”
better document.” According to
“With this Casoli, telework
new contract, and time and at-
everyone has tendance were
a voice,” said also negotiated
Union Vice Presi- in the new con-
dent Tom Cham- tract. “With this
berland. “This new agreement,
contract is all it’s all based on
about the people. trust and commu-
We’re always Members of the NFFEE-IAMAW, AFLC-CIO Local 1164 Union (Bob Casoli, Dr. Ian Os- nications,” he said.
going to have a gerby and Tom Chamberland) and New England District (Col. Philip Feir, Lt. Col. Steven “If you treat people
few bumps in the Howell, Theresa Negron and Tony Mackos) sign a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. like professionals,
(Photo by Brian Murphy.)
road, but now we they’ll act like pro-
can sit down and talk.” fessionals.”
The signing ushered in a new way District Man- Another difference between the new contract from
agement and the Union negotiate contract agreements. the old one is the size. The superceded document was
Before formal negotiations began, members of the over 50 pages long whereas the new contract is just
Management Negotiation Team and the Union Nego- over 20. The reason is the District policies have been
tiation Team traveled to Maryland to attend special moved to the appendices, which will help keep the
negotiation training. new contract more like a living document. “A policy
Once the training was completed, Union members change will not negate the new contract,” said Dr. Ian T.
sent out a survey to employees to see what issues were Osgerby, Union Negotiator. “That’s why we put them
important to them so they could bring those issues to in appendices. We can just switch out the old policy
the negotiating table. About 85 percent of those given with a new, approved policy.”
the survey responded. According to Bob Casoli, Chief The Management Team that participated in the
Steward and Negotiator for the Union, that’s a stagger- Contract Agreement signing included Col. Feir, Lt. Col.
ing amount of participation. “That survey gave us a Steven Howell, Deputy Commander, Tony Mackos,
lot of information,” he said. “We knew what we were Theresa Negron with Kim Kaminski-Donaher serving
going to negotiate based on those answers.” as the Management Team's recorder.
Negotiations for the new contract only took two The Union Negotiation Team consisted of Bud
months, in sharp contrast to the five years of talks it Taylor, Ian Osgerby, and Bob Casoli with Tom Cham-
took to get the old contract signed. “It was a mutually berland serving as recorder for the Union team. After
agreed upon contract,” said Casoli. “We negotiated it completing negotiations for the Bargaining Unit Mem-
in good faith and this contract represents everybody.” bers, Bud Taylor ( Chief Union Negotiator) left to serve
One of the biggest changes in the new contract is the Corps and the nation in Afghanistan.
4 YANKEE ENGINEER
January 2011
District ends the year with holiday celebrations
The New England District celebrated the holiday season with two parties in December.
Hundreds of New England District employees and members of the Community Based Health
Care Organization (CBHCO) attended the fun-filled events to end the year on a positive note.
The night time holiday party available. Tables at the entrance of Regulatory headed the efforts to
took place, Dec. 3 at Hanscom Air the cafeteria were filled with meats, arrange this year’s celebration.
Force Base’s Minuteman Club, with cheeses, olives, vegetables and other Both encouraged everyone to enjoy
about 41 people turning out for the delicious pickies. themselves during the party and
festivities. Party organizers did At noon, party participants wished everyone a happy and safe
things a little differently this year, moved to the Massachusetts and holiday season.
adding an informal sit down dinner Connecticut conference rooms to Activities abounded during the
that featured Lemon Garlic Half select their lunch from a large vari- holiday party. Event organizers ar-
Chicken. Partygoers danced the ety of luncheon delights to include ranged a holiday trivia contest with
night away to tunes played by the spinach ravioli with pesto, squash participants breaking into groups
District’s favorite new DJ, Regula- ravioli with sage butter sauce, lin- to see which team could answer
tory’s own Greg Penta. guini with clam sauce, chicken pic- the most questions correctly. The
The daytime holiday party was cata, eggplant parmesan and more. winning team of Paul Sneeringer,
held at noon, Dec. 17 at the Concord Delicious desserts that included a Joe Buckley, Barbara Newman,
Park Headquarters. Over 175 people Finnish log, canolis and cookies Mike Riccio and Dan Vasconcelos
clamored into the District cafeteria ended a fabulous lunch. each won gift certificates to a local
to partake of gourmet appetiz- Col. Philip Feir, New England restaurant.
ers such as spanakopita and mini District Commander, and Bob De- A Karaoke contest was held in
quiche. Lt. Col. Steven Howell’s Sista, Acting Chief of Regulatory, the theatre. A number of employees
famous minuteman brew was also welcomed attendees to the party. were brave enough to step up to the
Photos by Brian Murphy
Members of the CBHCO arrive in costume at the daytime holiday celebration to get everyone into the spirit.
YANKEE ENGINEER
January 2011 5
microphone. They included Col.
Feir, Laura Lally, Helen Newcomb,
Karen Wolfe and Cynthia Wright.
Karen Wolfe walked away victori-
ous with a gift certificate.
The WE Committee held their
annual basket auction during the
party. This annual favorite earns
money for the WE Committee’s
activities during the year and al-
lows employees to pick up a special
holiday gift. Regulatory Division,
Resource Management, Human
Resources and Real Estate Divi-
sion all made up baskets of varying
themes and donated them to the
Mrs. Tara Feir and Col. Philip Feir hang out with Santa and his helper.
event. The winners were Ruth Ladd,
Bill Walker, Karen Wolfe, and Zina
Cassulo-Henderson.
In the midst of all the fun and
frivolity that the holidays bring,
New England District employees
and members of the CBHCO re-
membered the little ones at risk of
not having a good holiday. By do-
nating 371 toys – the most toys the
WE Committee has ever collected
for the Toys for Tots Program – they
made sure that hundreds of children
would have a holiday gift to open
this year.
Retirees who attended the day
time party were Amal Gurguis,
Forrest Knowles, Steve DiLorenzo, The Concord Park cafeteria was transformed into a winter wonderland.
Alexine Raineri, Chiway Hsuing,
Marie Pinede, Buz McDonald,
Bob Gauvreau, and Joe Bocchino.
Bocchino also attended the night
time party.
(From left) Terry Negron, Raushanah Mu-
Party goers play Guitar Hero in the theatre.
hammad and Tina Krawczyk sit and relax at
the daytime holiday party.
6 YANKEE ENGINEER
January 2011
Patchkofsky honored with Interpretive Awards
by Marci Montrose
Park Ranger, Hop Brook Lake
Steve Patchkofsky, Environ-
mental Compliance Coordinator
for the Naugatuck River Basin,
was recognized by Col. Philip Feir,
New England District Commander,
at January’s Park Ranger Confer-
ence as the New England District’s
(NAE) 2010 Interpreter of the Year.
In the fall, he also received a plaque
for winning the North Atlantic
Division’s (NAD) 2010 Hiram M.
Chittenden Award for Interpretive
Excellence.
Patchkofsky received his recog-
nition as the NAE’s 2010 Interpreter Photos by Brian Murphy
of the Year and the NAD’s 2010 Steven Patchkofsky demonstrates the fine art of donning a life jacket to Joan Gardner.
Hiram M. Chittenden Award due tended his services on all levels. He had solar panels installed on the top
to his hard work, determination and is a member of the National Water of the trailer, thereby allowing all
willingness to assist when needed. Safety Team and the North Atlantic electronics to be operated by solar
He has proven his commitment to Division’s Water Safety Team repre- power. He had a small hole made in
educating his fellow Corps members sentative. This position allowed him the side of the trailer and installed a
and the public. The fact that he to not only supply USACE Rangers flat screen television with a cover to
works on local, District, division with knowledge and tools for their protect it. An awning was installed
and national levels indicates that own interpretive programs, but to and a VCR/DVD combo player was
he knows no bounds and is willing interact with the public, providing connected to the TV.
to do whatever it takes to make them with first-hand, up-to-date Inside the trailer is a plethora of
certain that everyone he meets is Water Safety information. water safety brochures, pamphlets,
armed with useful knowledge and One of Patchkofsky’s largest coloring books and other hand-outs
is comfortable with performing the endeavors has already proven to be for all to use at whichever event
skills needed to keep themselves and a very worthwhile and sought after they have the trailer at. Water
the public safe and well informed. tool for many projects throughout safety videos are also provided to
Patchkofsky does not fit the the New England District. This use with the TV, DVD/VCR and
mold of what may be thought of brainchild of Patchkofsky’s is different styles of life vests, safety
as the typical interpreter. He is not what’s known as “the Water Safety rings, throw sticks, whistles, lights
a Park Ranger who has continual Trailer.” His planning began prior and flares are available as interac-
interpretive opportunities handed to 2009, however, most of his work tive teaching devices. A Bobber the
to him. He is an Environmental and the completion of the trailer Safety Dog costume comes with the
Compliance Coordinator whose job occurred in 2009. Patchkofsky trailer, and if requested, Seamoor
does not normally entail interpretive basically took a small landscaping the Water Safety Dragon is also
opportunities; therefore, he creates trailer that one of the projects was available.
his own interpretive opportunities not using and turned it into an energy Patchkofsky also made a spin-
and performs them willingly and efficient water safety interpretive ning wheel trivia game to use when
effectively. tool on wheels. This trailer is en- awarding items such as flying discs
Patchkofsky repeatedly ex- ergy efficient because Patchkofsky or zipper pulls for correct answers
YANKEE ENGINEER
January 2011 7
to questions. ence in Washington, DC where he a booth at a Memorial Day Weekend
He also included in the trailer was given the task of trying to entice event in Bristol, Conn., alongside
another game that he had made in young prospective applicants to the staff members from Thomaston
a past year but perfected in 2009. USACE booth during the career fair. Dam. Patchkofsky greeted many
This game is a shower-like system Using his ability to think outside of the 600 attendees who passed
made of PVC piping with small the box, he utilized Seamoor the by their booth. His efforts helped
holes drilled into it at certain in- Water Safety Dragon as a creative to educate people of all ages in
tervals. This system hooks up to a tool to speak with the fair attendees regards to the Corps, the Flood of
hose. The water flows through the and persuade them to come to the 1955, what we do and why we do it.
piping and drains out of the holes. booth where representatives from He also staffed the 2009 Naugatuck
The person who goes through it is the Corps could interview them. River Race, a kayak race, in Beacon
allowed to travel through the water While attending a Water Safety Falls, Conn., with Thomaston Dam
maze normally without getting wet. Team meeting in Texas, the team members.
Then they are given a set of goggles Patchkofsky travelled to
which blurs their sight. The person Colebrook River Lake on
must navigate through the maze, weekends to assist the staff
again, without getting wet. This with boat safety/visitor as-
game helps to educate the public sistance patrols. He realized
on the dangers of drinking alcohol the two staff members that
when in the presence of water. It Colebrook has are extremely
is a very effective tool that is both busy with administrative
educational and fun, especially on duties and rarely have time
a very hot day. to meet with the public or
Since its maiden voyage on conduct boat patrols, so he
May 9, 2009, the trailer has been volunteered his weekends
used at several events hosted by to help them out. In doing
the Cape Cod Canal, some Mer- so, Patchkofsky was able to
Steven Patchkofsky receives his award from Col. Philip
rimack River Basin projects, Hop Feir. assist several stranded boaters,
Brook Lake and Thomaston Dam. carry out safety checks and
Patchkofsky also travelled to the attended an interpretive event for a perform many impromptu inter-
Summer Ranger Visitor Assistance local inner-city school being held pretive programs explaining the
training in Southbridge, Mass., with by area Corps staff. The purpose history of the basin, to include the
the trailer and conducted a training of the event was to watch them Flood of 1955 and other areas of
session for the summer rangers on and critique their interpretive skills natural resources management and
how to use the solar power in the involving water safety. environmental education.
trailer, where everything is in the Instead of standing in the back- Patchkofsky was and continues
trailer, how to store things and how ground, Patchkofsky, among others to be a First Aid/CPR/AED, pepper
to assemble and use the games and in the group, worked side-by-side spray and boat instructor. As the
also how to use Seamoor and Bob- with the staff. By doing this, he only First Aid/CPR/AED instruc-
ber properly. assumed several interpretive roles, tor in the Naugatuck River Basin,
Patchkofsky’s vision is a highly one was as a traditional educational therefore, he certified all NRB
successful tool that has already interpreter with the local inner-city personnel. His trainings were fun
proven its worth and practicality to school children and the other was as and informative.
the District and will only continue a mentor/trainer to the local staff. These may not be thought of
to grow in popularity and necessity On a more local level, Patchkof- as typical interpretive opportuni-
for those who host events. sky was and continues to be a reli- ties, however, by his involvement
In addition 2009 was the second able source that the entire Naugatuck and mentoring, Patchkofsky made
year Patchkofsky attended the Black River Basin has come to depend on. a direct positive impact on anyone
Engineer of the Year Awards Confer- He volunteered to staff and support he has trained.
8 YANKEE ENGINEER
January 2011
Dredging up the past . . .
Col. Earle Richardson (center) signs the 1995 NFFE Union Agreement on Nov. 28,
1995. Participants were (from left) Dave Wilbur, Human Resources, and Farrell Mc-
Millan, Engineering, representing management and Jerry Nunziato, Contracting, and
Vicki Voltz Engineering, representing the Union.
Meter Code 40
Permit No. 494 Concord, MA 01742-2751
Concord, MA 696 Virginia Road
Paid U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
U.S. Postage New England District
First Class Public Affairs Office
