WLF to harvest Oak Tree to Mayflower II

Framingham State University has agreed to donate sections of a large white oak on campus to Plimoth Plantation to help repair Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the original Mayflower that sailed to Plymouth in 1620. The University was already planning to remove the tree this summer to make room for a new science building that will provide students with access to 16 state-of-the-art laboratories. The project is being undertaken by the Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. “We’re thrilled that this beautiful tree is being put to good use and will live on as part of Mayflower II,” said Framingham State President Timothy J. Flanagan. “Plimoth Plantation is a wonderful living museum that provides thousands of families each year with a fantastic learning experience.” Mayflower II is currently undergoing extensive renovations at the shipyard in Fairhaven. The 56-year-old wooden sailing ship requires very specific and often difficult to find wood to complete her repairs. "We are very grateful for this timely and generous gift," said Ellie Donovan, Executive Director of Plimoth Plantation. "This tree will become part of Mayflower II's living story of faith, courage and perseverance. This donation makes it possible for the Ship to continue to inspire and educate for generations to come." Sections of the white oak will be used to replace Mayflower II’s planks and frames. The contractors removing and transporting the tree later this month are Barr & Barr Construction, from Framingham; W.L. French Excavating Corp. from North Billerica and R.J. Cobb Land Clearing, Inc., from Bellingham. The tree will be transported to Plimoth Plantation. People can follow the progress of Mayflower II’s renovation on the Captain’s Blog at http://blogs.plimoth.org/captns-blog/. Framingham State University will preserve a cross-section of the White Oak to be developed into a commemorative piece of art by Communications Arts Professor Derrick TePaske. Moving forward, the University will be planting 99 new trees and 128 new bushes as part of its landscaping efforts following the completion of the new science facility. By Dan Magazu Framingham State University has agreed to donate sections of a large white oak on campus to Plimoth Plantation to help repair Mayflower II, a full-scale replica of the original Mayflower that sailed to Plymouth in 1620. The University was already planning to remove the tree this summer to make room for a new science building that will provide students with access to 16 state-of-the-art laboratories. The project is being undertaken by the Massachusetts Department of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. “We’re thrilled that this beautiful tree is being put to good use and will live on as part of Mayflower II,” said Framingham State President Timothy J. Flanagan. “Plimoth Plantation is a wonderful living museum that provides thousands of families each year with a fantastic learning experience.” Mayflower II is currently undergoing extensive renovations at the shipyard in Fairhaven. The 56-year-old wooden sailing ship requires very specific and often difficult to find wood to complete her repairs. "We are very grateful for this timely and generous gift," said Ellie Donovan, Executive Director of Plimoth Plantation. "This tree will become part of Mayflower II's living story of faith, courage and perseverance. This donation makes it possible for the Ship to continue to inspire and educate for generations to come." Sections of the white oak will be used to replace Mayflower II’s planks and frames. The contractors removing and transporting the tree later this month are Barr & Barr Construction, from Framingham; W.L. French Excavating Corp. from North Billerica and R.J. Cobb Land Clearing, Inc., from Bellingham. The tree will be transported to Plimoth Plantation. People can follow the progress of Mayflower II’s renovation on the Captain’s Blog at http://blogs.plimoth.org/captns-blog/. Framingham State University will preserve a cross-section of the White Oak to be developed into a commemorative piece of art by Communications Arts Professor Derrick TePaske. Moving forward, the University will be planting 99 new trees and 128 new bushes as part of its landscaping efforts following the completion of the new science facility. Related Topics: Framingham State University, Mayflower II, and Plimouth Planation

Lee Kennedy, Co. Awards WLF New Site Project At The Winsor School

WLF has been awarded a $3.9 million contract by Lee Kennedy Co. for the proposed Center for Performing Arts and Wellness at The Winsor School located near the Longwood Medical Area in Boston. The scope of work includes erosion control, site demolition, site grading for a new parking lot, relocation of existing utilities including by-pass pumping of an existing sewer main, 23,000 CY of mass excavation and soil disposal for a below grade parking garage, installation of internally braced soldier piles with lagging to support foundation excavations up to 25 feet deep, installation of bracket piles to support existing utilities that will be suspended over the garage excavation, installation of new water, sewer and drainage piping and structures. Work is scheduled to begin in late May and be completed in 2014. WLF is in the final stages of completing a $3 million site work contract with Lee Kennedy for the new Library and Learning Commons at Salem State University. For more information about this project please visit Lee Kennedy's project information page at: www.leekennedy.com/project/the-winsor-school/

Work Commences At The Galvin Middle School

Wakefield, MA Work has begun on the Galvin Middle School in Wakefield, MA. WLF was awarded this $4.4 million site work contract by Bond Brothers. The scope of work includes erosion control, tree protection, site demolition, removal of 20,000 gallon underground fuel oil storage tank, site grading including disposal of 23,000 CY of excess soil, foundation preparation for a 102,000 SF building addition, installation of 2 miles of water, sewer and drainage piping ranging in size from 6” to 30” diameter, installation of 2 – 20” insertion valves and 2 – 20”x8” tapping sleeves on the existing 20” water main in Main Street, 20 foot deep braced excavations for installation of oil/water separators, construction of an athletic field, 3.5 acres of bituminous concrete paving, and 1.5 miles of curbing. Student safety is paramount on this project. The work is being completed in 4 phases in and around an occupied middle school and is scheduled to be completed in 2015. WLF recently completed a $500,000 contract with Bond Brothers at the South Cove Community Health Center in Quincy, MA.

CWC Builders Awards Site Contract To WLF

Newton, MA CWC Builders of Newton, MA has awarded WLF a $1.4 million site work contract for Summer Place an assisted living facility located in Watertown, MA. The scope of work includes site demolition, installation of an engineered dewatering and groundwater treatment system, 8,000 CY of mass excavation and soil disposal for a below grade parking garage, installation of soldier piles and wood lagging, installation of new water and sewer utility services and drainage, site improvements including bituminous paving and curbing. For more information on CWC Builders please visit their website at www.cwcbuilders.com

UML - Blasting Video

Lowell, MA Video depicting controlled rock ledge blasting at the University of Massachusetts - Lowell campus in 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHiv37_O4aE&feature=youtube_gdata_player Filmed By Maine Drilling & Blasting

Boston, MA

Photo of WLF Truck No. 93 taken by Maurice Gallager from the East Pier Project Site.

Snow Business Magazine Recognizes Staff

December 2012 Snow Business Magazine and GoPlow.com has recognized WLF employee, Chris Paulino as a "2012 All Star of Snow & Ice." Transcript and link to the article can be found below. Over the past few years, W. L. French Excavating Corp. has grown its business in part by developing its salt/sand sales and distribution. According to owner Bill French Jr., a key contributor to the company’s success is Chris Paulino, who oversees business development and the day-to-day management of this important profit center of the business. Whether he is managing the proposals, finalizing contracts, placing orders or following up to ensure prompt delivery and client satisfaction, Paulino has a hand in it all. “Chris is the underdog of the snow season,” French says. He is not in the field doing the work, but he is pricing jobs constantly, reaching out to new business, coordinating trucks, and tracking the delivery of thousands of tons of salt and sand.” Client relationships are important, and French says Paulino works hard to establish and build long-term relationships with clients His dedication, organization, communication skills and desire to make clients happy help make that happen. “He cares about the client, the job, the product, and he understands how greatly the product is needed during serious winter conditions. Clients call on the fly, and Chris makes sure their needs are met. He is hands-on and follows through to make sure the sand/salt portion of our business runs on all cylinders. Chris is more than dedicated; he loves his job and it shows. We are proud to have him as an employee,” French says. http://goplow.com/business/2012-all-stars-w.l.-french-excavating-corp.html