Invention Convention

Several LandmarkJCM staff had the opportunity this weekend to volunteer at the Hagley Museum Invention Convention.

The Convention is a neat opportunity for kids to explore and disassemble old computers, appliances, and other donated goods that no longer function. Then they worked to create their own inventions. Under the watchful eyes of mom or dad, or grandmom or granddad. Plus lots of other science activities and events. Our staff members Bruce Tease, Joe Irato and Howard Fortunato helped out at various times Saturday and Sunday.

The Invention Convention runs thru today January 16, 2012. Info at http://www.hagley.org/. Perfect event for the kids if they are home from school today.

Ted Williams Joins College of Fellows of ACEC

Ted C. Williams, P.E., FACEC, principal and EVP of LandmarkJCM, has been inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Council of Engineering Companies, an elite group of engineers who have made significant contributions to the engineering profession through their experience, knowledge and networking abilities.

Ted (second from right) was reconized by (from left) David Raymond, President and CEO of ACEC, Everett Cowan, Chairman of the Committee of Fellows, and Terry Neimeyer, Chairman of ACEC, during their Fall Conference held October 19-22, 2011 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ted currently serves as ACEC Chairman-Elect and will succeed Terry Neimeyer, who began his one-year term as ACEC Chairman in March, 2011.

ACEC is the voice of America's engineering industry. Council members – numbering more than 5,000 firms representing more than 400,000 employees throughout the country – are engaged in a wide range of engineering works that propel the nation's economy, and enhance and safeguard America's quality of life. The Council's mission is to contribute to America's prosperity and welfare by advancing the business interests of member firms.

Kent County Courthouse Grand Opening

Following its grand opening in June, the Kent County Courthouse sits in the heart of the historic City of Dover's Capitol Complex and will serve as an expansion and modernization of the justice system for Central Delaware.
LandmarkJCM performed the Site Engineering services for this project which was completed ahead of schedule and under budget. Areas of design included stormwater management, sanitary sewer systems and a pump station with force main. With offices in Dover, New Castle, and Georgetown, LandmarkJCM is well positioned to provide engineering, environmental and surveying services statewide.
Solomon McCloskey, P.E., Project Engineer

First Master Certified Green Professionals at HBADE!

We are proud to congratulate and announce Dave Blackwell and Don Yoos as the FIRST Master Certified Green Professionals that are members of the Home Builders Association of Delaware!

Dave and Don are with J.S. Hovnanian and Sons. Not only are they the first Master CGP's, they are a member of our HBADE Green Building Council. We at LandmarkJCM are proud they are our client in the National Green Building Certification Program, which is powered by the NAHB Research Center.

The Master CGP goes beyond the standard CGP and is available exclusively to experienced builders and remodelers. The Master CGP curriculum digs deeper into green building science and methods and strategies for selling green. This is a brand new designation which just became available this Spring. Don, Dave and J.S. Hovnanian are early adopters!

Congrats once again to Dave and Don!

Philadelphia's Green City Stormwater Solutions

Philadelphia recently kicked off an initiative to help solve their stormwater system problems by incorporating use of porus pavement and rooftop gardens. See this link:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110601/ap_on_re_us/us_philadelphia_water_2

Addressing creative solutions to stormwater management and low impact development is what LandmarkJCM is all about. For incorporating such measures in your project, contact Keith Rudy, head of our Water Resources Division, 302-323-9377.

Mick's Critters Demonstrate LMJCM at Milton Festival

Mick, our Senior biologist and critter expert, and his band of critters - local snakes, toads, frogs and turtles - delighted attendes at Saturday's Horseshoe Crab / Shorebird Festival in Milton Delaware.

Under ideal spring weather conditions, an estimated 1500 people stopped by to look at, learn, ask questions and even hold a live snake. It's always fun to see how some people, initially squeamish about snakes, quickly become fascinated to learn and feel that they are indeed not slimy.

Joining Mick to answer the more involved science questions was fellow envirnomental scientist Amy. The easier questions were fielded by fellow LMJCM'ers Bob from Dover office, his wife Bonnie, and Howard from New Castle office.

We even had a handful of visitors who asked about LMJCM, and we were able to tell them about our other services - pond management, engineering, sciences, and green building. We even impressed one volunteer with the League of Women Voters, when we explained how we helped improve land use decisions for the private sector and govenment bodies. She take special note of us and our services.

As always the case, it was a fun volunteer day to help the cause, and have a pleasant day meeting the public while making additional contacts in the community.

Home Appraisers Starting to Appreciate Green

Looks like the appraisal industry is putting in place guidelines so that appraisers can properly value green homes.

See this article: http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2011-05-16/Front+Page/3.html

We are working to get further and emerging details about this. If you have any questions about it call Howard Fortunato at LandmarkJCM at 302-323-9377

Family Activity Fun this Sunday

Make plans to stop by the North Coventry Woods Festival, this Sunday May 22, 2011 starting at 1pm and running to 5pm.

The Festival is near Pottstown, PA and will include informal demonstrations and lectures about native critters - by our own Environmental Scientist John Phelps and Senior Biologist Mick McLaughlin. They really know their stuff and the kids will be fascinated to get up close with the frogs, turtles and other critters.

See the link for more info: http://www.northcoventry.us/

Free food, games and fun for the entire family. While you're there say hello to John and Mick!

Triple Net Zero - Energy, Water & Waste

That is the goal of 2 new planned commercial buildings in Portland and Seattle. Interesting read of sustainable green off the charts!

Take a read:

http://newsfeed.time.com/2011/05/17/green-wars-two-living-buildings-battle-for-sustainable-supremacy/

Thanks to our engineer Solomon McCloskey in our Dover office for providing this link.

Happy 24th Anniversary LandmarkJCM!

LandmarkJCM is celebrating its 24th Anniversary today.

The Delaware firm was founded on May 18, 1987 by five civil engineers. LandmarkJCM has successfully grown to 58 registered and graduate employees that range from surveyors and civil engineers/designers to environmental scientists, biologists, hydrogeologist, GIS and green building specialists...doing business in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Congratulations to principals Tom Prusak, Bruce Tease, Ted Williams, Joe Charma, Jim McCulley, Mark Parker and Keith Kooker.

Keep up the good work, guys!