Kim Frey

In spite of sporadic showers and chilly temperatures, the employees of GE Transportation/ Motor Coils and members of IUE-CWA Local 88607 pressed on with their 2006 Community Awareness project. This year’s task was to give the Grove House a much needed fresh coat of paint. Project coordinator and EHS Manager Fred Manginell came up with the idea, and set the wheels in motion to get it done.
Thirty-two volunteers, all employees or family of GE, came to offer their labor for this job, showing their true community spirit in the process. The workers painted the entire building, cut down several trees, and did countless minor repairs to the facility. Approximately 200 man-hours were put in, and over $1500 in material. Materials and extra equipment were generously supplied by South Park Supply, and paid for by GE. About 20 gallons of paint were used to cover the exterior walls, along with six bags of concrete repair material. Several employees also donated their skills with a chainsaw to remove several dead and dying trees, and trim up some overgrowth.
Lunch was provided by GE and Chef Bob McFall, and was shared with the workers and the residents of the Grove House.
Emporium Operations Leader John Rosella was very pleased with the effort, commenting “We are very happy to have this opportunity to serve the Cameron County community. This is our second community event and we are looking forward to many more. Thank you to all GE-Emporium employees and their families for contributing to this event.”
Fred Manginell, who was credited for being the driving force behind this year’s event, was also pleased with the effort, saying” These employees did a wonderful job. They worked very hard in spite of the bad weather. I am very proud of them all.”
Grove House Administrator Patsie Chmelar was on hand to admire the work, and gave a statement at the completion of the project “The Grove House is extremely grateful to the employees of GE for the outstanding job on Saturday. The painting of the building, the tree removal, and the many other jobs completed, has truly helped to make our house a home”.
Each year, the GE family makes an impact through its innovative philanthropy, committed businesses, active volunteers, engaged executives, generous employees and donated products. In all, the GE family provided more than $150 million and over one million volunteer hours in 2004 to support local and global organizations that make great things happen in communities around the world.