27 Mar Well and Good Newsletter 2020 – Quarter 1
LETTER FROM THE CEO
Dear Friends,
The global pandemic caused by the spread of the novel corona virus has affected us all. What began as a simple recommendation to wash your hands more thoroughly has now developed into a complete disruption to our way of life. We now work new terms like “flatten the curve” and “social distancing” into our daily conversations. March Madness had to be cancelled for goodness sake! And now our government leaders are imposing stringent restrictions on even our most customary liberties. This is only the beginning of a new reality, which we will continue to define together as a community over the next several months.
I am very proud of the people at OLC for defining our reaction. Like many other businesses, we acted swiftly to protect our community from the spread of the virus. As of Friday, March 14th, our employees are working remotely. Rest assured, we are each at our desks every day, taking care of our client’s needs, without missing a beat. We have worked hard to ensure that OLC can deliver the same great design services throughout the duration of this pandemic.
I am also very pleased to announce that we’ve promoted two of our staff members. Michael St. John and Jodi Ross have been promoted to Associate Principal. Michael has 8 years of experience and is a Project Architect in the OLC Orlando office. Jodi has been involved in the AEC industry since 2000 and has been with OLC for 4 years, serving as the Director of Marketing. Not only are they great people, but both display talent, ethics and dedication, and we are so lucky to have them.
The developments over the past two weeks is perhaps the most poignant reminder in my lifetime that we human beings are all connected to each other, and that connection is very real now more than ever. Will we band together and slow the spread of the virus? Absolutely. We will persevere.
Be Well,
OUR WORK
Ken Caryl Ranch Pool and Bathhouse, the pool construction proceeds at a fast clip, now that all that snow is out of the way!
Glenwood Springs: Almost time to put up drywall on the vaulted entryway.
Glennon Heights: Once the roof is up the building shape will be set. Meanwhile, the concrete boom does its calisthenics.
OUR PEOPLE
Chili Cook-Off 2020!
We had three categories for this year’s Chili Cook-Off: Taste, Aroma and Presentation.
Congratulations to our winners, Doni Visani, Kensey Monier and Chifu Kou!
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) hosted their annual corn-hole competition this year at Raices Brewing Company, conveniently located within walking distance of our Denver office location. Our representatives, Robert McDonald, Brian Beckler, Tony Quattrini and John Thompson, played their best in an attempt to bring home the gold! Although we didn’t win, we will be ready for next year!
MEET OLC
Chifu Kou
Architect
Briefly describe what you do all day.
I participate in many phases of a project, assist with design, prepare construction documents, and communicate and coordinate with consultants and owners on construction administration.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Every project is so unique and full of challenges, but at the end I am helping others to make their dream building to come true.
What’s the best thing about OLC?
Our office culture and the working environment – open, friendly, with lots of fun!
What do you like to do when you’re not at the office?
Spending time outdoors, close to the nature, and with my family.
Fill in the blank:
I once met a moose hiding in the bushes….
If you could pick one superpower, what would it be?
Time travel, it’s just much more fun.
What is the song title that best describes your personality?
I’ll Be There by the Jackson 5
What do you do to Be Well?
Eat healthy, jogging, listen to music, and keep a clear mind.
OLC TIPS!
Working at Home with a Slow Connection? Try these tips from OLC.
Recommended router if you want a strong signal all over the home.
https://amzn.to/3bERkIq
You can also purchase these little pods for your houme and they really improve the WiFi coverage. You can plug in an ethernet cable into any of them. They simply plug into any power outlet in your home and use the wiring in your house to distribute the signal:
xFi Pods by Xfinity: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/wifi/xfi-pod-3pack
Here are some healthy ways to stay well at home.
Gold’s Gym Free Access until May 31 – 600 workouts
Everybody Fights Fee Workouts
5 Yoga Poses to relieve stress.
EAT LIKE AN ARCHITECT – RECIPES FROM THE CHILI COOK-OFF
Chifu’s Chicken Chili Recipe
Winner of Best Presentation
Ingredients:
1 pack of Colorado local Rocky Mountain Green Chili mix
2 tablespoons of oil
2 pounds of Chicken or Pork, in chunks/diced
1-2 medium chopped onions
8 ounces diced green chilies/roasted chilies
16 ounces chopped/crushed tomatos
12 ounces of corn and/or posole
Some jalapenos for the extra kick
3 cups of water
When done, added salt if you want more favor.
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients into the instant pot, cook at preset Bean/Chili setting (45 min)
Kensey’s Vegan Chili Recipe
Winner of Best Aroma
Ingredients:
2 Tbs olive oil
2 medium onions (yellow or white), chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tsp ground cumin
2 Tbs chili powder (spice blend not red chili powder or cayenne)
1 1/2 cups each of cooked kidney, black and garbanzo beans (or 1 (15oz) can of each – drained and rinsed. discard the fluid) 4 1/2 cups total
6 oz tomato paste
28 oz can crushed tomato
8 oz tomato sauce
1 cup frozen corn
1 Tbs agave syrup or sugar
Instructions:
- Sauté onions in olive oil until tender
- Add spices and cook additional 1 – 2 minutes
- Add tomato paste and stir for 1 minute
- Add remaining ingredients and heat, covered, over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30 min.
Doni’s Vegitarian Chili Recipe
Winner of Best Taste
WHAT DO OUR ARCHITECTS SAY?
Resources