John Lennon said "So this is Christmas, and what have you done? Another year over and a new one just begun."  That song and those words play over and over in my head.  So it is the Christmas season again.  Yes, indeed, I said Christmas.  OK, so I am not politically correct by saying "Holiday" Season.  This season has attracted so much controversy and, of course, has also been used to manipulate us into emptying out our wallets so the latest and greatest could be placed under the tree.  I must admit, I am guilty of this.  But it is also a time for spiritual awakenings.  A time when we thank GOD in our own way for all the blessings in our lives.  A time to show appreciation to friends and family or perhaps give to those who are less fortunate.  I mean, this should be a time of year when we are a little kinder, a bit more patient and perhaps more tolerant towards one another.  It should not matter what religion we practice or who we are.  At the end of the day, we are all human with the same basic needs. 

Saying that, I offer you a challenge.  There is an organization that I would like all of us to be a part of.  It is called the Random Act of Kindness Foundation.  There is no fee, no application to fill out - just practice Random Acts of Kindness. Such as when you spontaneously give a stranger the bouquet of red carnations you had meant to take home to your own dinner table, or when you anonymously put coins in someone else's parking meter because you see the red "EXPIRED" medallion.  So, pick a day, a week, a month, or even a season and see what you can do.  Some suggestions might be as simple as giving another driver your parking spot or helping someone put groceries into the car.  You could offer to help your neighbor do some yard work.  How about telling your employees or boss that they are doing a great job.  Not only will those around you feel the good will and kindness, you will benefit as well.

I came across these words that I found fitting to close this year. 

May you always find:
 Enough success to keep you eager,
 Enough failure to keep you humble,
 Enough joy to share with others,
 Enough trials to keep you strong,
 Enough hope to keep you happy,
 Enough faith to banish depression,
 Enough friends to give you comfort,
 Enough determination to make each day a better day than yesterday.

Ozinga Concrete Products, Inc.
2521 Technology Dr. # 212
Elgin, IL 60124
Phone: (847) 426-0940
Fax: (847) 426-0941
Supplier
     Aaron Ozinga, Vice President
     Dave LaPointe, Treasurer
     Todd Wilke, Sales Manager
Ready Mix concrete, aggregates, material hauling and concrete accessories.
Sponsor: Gerry Dumalski, Boller Constructions
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Full Inside Page Black & White Only $400
1/2 Inside Page Black & White Only $250

And since the production schedule for these pages is shorter, the deadline for ordering your ad will be December 15. The deadline for artwork (camera ready or digital) is Friday, December 29, 2006.

The LCCA Directory is distributed to members, engineers, architects, building commissioners, developers and many others looking for construction supplies and services. To make sure you get in, contact the LCCA Office ASAP.

Education - Tim Staples, Camosy, Inc. - The Education Committee is active in member employee development, providing seminars and training courses for supervisory personnel. They also work with Apprentice programs and schools to ensure a future supply of quality employees.

Finance - Lyle Ehlers, Boller Construction - The Finance committee is responsible for keeping the association financially healthy. They oversee budgets and advise on investments.

Government Relations - Steve Dalbec, Jos. J. Henderson & Son - Government Relations looks at all things political. From Truth in Employment in Springfield, to County Board makeup locally, all politically controlled issues are their focus.

Labor Policy - Micky Day, DK Contractors - Our Labor Policy Committee looks after all labor relations issues – negotiations, grievances, benefit funds and much more. They also meet with local union officials to improve communications and seek solutions to problems.

Membership - Rick Grabowski, Pickus Construction & Equipment - The Membership Committee is charged with building and retaining membership in the association.

Program & Entertainment - Mike Ryan, H.H. Holmes Testing Laboratories -  This committee is responsible for all LCCA meetings - Membership Meetings, Golf Outing, etc. They select speakers, locations and other arrangements.

Safety - Fred Rodheim, Abbott Laboratories - The Safety Committee reviews current safety issues and arranges for safety training and other products to assist members in meeting their safety goals.

Winter Workshop - Allan Pickus, Pickus Construction & Equip. -  LCCA offers a 10-14 day Winter Workshop to a sight-seeing destination. This committee handles all arrangements for the trip.

Registrations so far include:
Julie Berger & Mark Chamberlin, Berger Excavating
Micky & Dick Day, DK Contractors
Gary & Sandy Dowty, LCCA
Gerry & Kathy Dulmalski, Boller Construction Co.
Marc & Kate Gilman, Jos. J. Henderson & Son
Barry & Debby Heinrichs, Burris Equipment
Larry Hoffman, Lenny Hoffman Excavating
Craig Jones, Blue Boy Portable Toilet
Mary & Larry Kenar, Campanella & Sons
Don & Sheila Mors, Pipe Freezing Services
Mike Ryan & guest, H.H. Holmes Testing
Tim & Mikey Staples, Camosy, Inc.
Suzanne & Kevin Zupec, Campanella & Sons

To register, call Heidi at the LCCA Office soon!

Material Testing Laborer 1 $21.55/hr.
Material Testing Laborer 2 $26.55/hr.

Details of the agreement are included with contractor newsletters.
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Fritz Landscaping, Wauconda, IL
Del Toro Landscaping, Dundee, IL
Monahan’s Landscape, Arlington Hts., IL
Scott County Fence, Davenport, IA
Chiattellos Construction & Roofing, Dolton, IL
McAdam & Associates, Rock Island, IL

The website provides more information including when their debarment ends. Check before using them on a Prevailing Wage job.
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