December 2011 - Jertyne Christmas Charity

 

2011 ended on a good note for Jertyne as we supported our local YWCA which does tremendous work for, and with women who are in tough places in their lives. We brought them toys for the kiddos and personal items for the ladies along with a few new tops and robes.

The young lady from the YWCA, Linnea said “That’s so great, everyone here will get a present for Christmas now!” It brought tears to my eyes, because it really is better to give rather than receive. Feeling like you’ve made a difference in someone’s life is a great feeling and gratefulness is one of the greatest gifts of all.

Many thanks to Robert and Lorie Legault, as we wouldn’t have made such a difference without their generosity. I understand also that the Calgary Home Builders Foundation also contributed a great deal to this worthy cause in 2011 by remodeling 15 rooms for the YWCA - Mary Dover House.

Great organizations giving back to the community they live in and serve is always good business and joyous as well.

Cheers everyone, here’s to a great 2012 year and a little “mud in yer eye” as the saying goes (drywall mud that is!). This is an old toast and it originates from the bible. It’s the story of Jesus healing the blind man, by putting mud made from spit and dust in his eyes. It became common in WW1 trenches, as mud was everywhere and in everything, including the drinks.

As we wind down 2011 and look forward to the new-year let’s all keep safety in mind, drive defensively and carefully, drink responsibly and come back alive, rested and happy.

See you all next year!

December 2011 - Spencer Speaks

Every day we wake up and live our lives following the same routine. We get up at the same time, eat the same breakfast and kiss our spouses goodbye as we leave for work. On our way we fill our lives with fleeting thoughts about dinner, our jobs, or obligations later in the day.

My name is Spencer Beach and I learned that sometimes tragedy chooses you for no reason at all. On a day like any other, just doing my job, I found myself suddenly engulfed in a flash fire. It came with a whistle and a bang changing my life within the blink of an eye. Forever. Within twenty seconds, I received third and fourth degree burns to 90 percent of my body. I fought through the fire to escape, to live even though I thought I was going to die. Holding onto the fading thoughts of my wife and the developing child within her womb gave me the courage to find a way out. But I had no idea of what survival meant.

Experience my struggle through the fire and for survival, first hand. A journey that began on an average day and carried me to the brink of death. A journey that continues to this day. Relive with me the flames from an explosion, and the fourteen months in hospital as I overcame a 5 percent chance to live. Learn from my pain and hardships, from my disabilities and from my recovery; and most importantly, learn how simple mistakes can lead to tragic events changing many lives in the process... mistakes that can be easily avoided.

This is a presentation you will never forget; based on experiences I will always remember.

November - 2011 - Carlas Thermography Camera

Jertyne Interior Services has an in house thermo graphic camera and a certified technician.

The ultra – sensitive thermo graphic camera is an incredible tool. It is an in-fared technology that can detect all temperatures changes within a room. With significant pseudo-colour visualization, the thermal image enables fast detection of   problematic areas on a building like insulation faults, air leakage and areas of dampness and problems with electrical installations. It can x-ray an entire house to ensure the insulation is where it is supposed to be, it detects moisture pockets in the walls just by pointing and clicking. Within moments you have x-ray vision and can see behind the drywall and look between the studs and roof joists to discover any hidden problems that in the past you would have had to take down walls to discover.

 

Our technician and thermo graphic camera are available to our builders. We have several  thermo imaging packages available. Starting with a thermo graphic image, then adding a report to a full report, photo graphic images and a return visit, this incredible technology will virtually save a lot of time and headaches.  In the past we have been able to detect heat loss, uneven drywall boards and moisture issues for builder clients without having to destroy walls and ceilings. With this technology we are able to detect substandard workmanship quickly saving builders and their clients more time and added expense.

These photos reveal that no insulation was used behind these walls in a newly renovated basement.

October 2011- Spreading the Safety Message

This past fall in October 2011, Jertyne Interior Services booked the grand ballroom at the Deerfoot Inn & Casino and held their 5^th annual builders health and safety meeting. In attendance were 143 invited guests made up of trades people, builders safety personnel, and a representative from the ACSA, as well as special guest speakers, Rob LuRozic from Occupational Health and Safety and Spencer Beach, a National Construction Safety Officer with an incredible personal story of surviving a very nearly fatal work related injury.

Jertyne’s health and safety manager, Chris Bowyer was the coordinator of the event. The construction industry is notorious for serious on site injuries and Chris believes that the younger we educate construction workers the more likely we’ll have fewer incidents and more consistent success in the future. Working for a company that is as committed to your safety as you are is fantastic motivator says Chris, who coordinates and advises the company on all safety matters, He also sits on various safety committees including the  CRSC and CHBSC. With his many years of experience and his commitment to the management of health and safety issues Chris provides an excellent perspective on how far safety in the construction industry has come in the past 5 years and how it still needs improving. It’s a repetitive process that requires continual education and vigilant reminders. He believes both the employer and the employees need to “buy into” the health and safety program in order for it to not only be effective but for it to become a life time commitment.

One of the hot topics of the day was Rob LuRozic’s talk on silicosis, which is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling silica dust. In the past few years the research being done on silica and silicosis has increased the need for more education and safety awareness around the air born crystalline silica contaminants (which are often quart particles). Silica is an unseen health and safety risk that workers need to become more aware of. Intense exposure to silica can cause disease within a year, but it usually takes at least 10 - 15 years of exposure before symptoms occur. People who work in jobs where they are exposed to silica dust are at risk. These jobs include: abrasives manufacturing: glass manufacturing: mining: road and building construction: sand blasting: stone cutting.

Silicosis has become less common since the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created regulations requiring the use of protective equipment, which limits the amount of silica dust workers inhale. Wearing a proper breathing regulator while working with silica and also following manufacturer’s warnings are a larger part of the protection in keeping workers safer.

In retrospect it was a very successful event with the biggest reminder of all coming from Spencer Beach with his amazing true life story of surviving a horrendous work related fire that burned 90% of his body. His big message was wear your safety gear, work safe and go home to the ones you love in the same way you left them in the morning, or you will put them through hell. You can contact Spencer or read about his incredible story that details his 5% chance of survival to his present life of speaking and spreading his very important safety message at Spencer Speaks.com.

Thanks to Chris Boyer and Jertyne for their commitment to health and safety and thanks to Rob LuRozic and Spencer Beach for their information and inspiration.

Congratulations Sterling Homes!

Drake Landing Solar Community of Okotoks Alberta won the overall World Golden Energy Award at the Globe Foundation Annual Awards held this November in Austria. The awards were open to nations around the world and Drakes Landing was judged the best of 800 projects world wide. Drakes Landing also won the Energy Globe National Award for Canada and was the winner of an Award in the Fire Category.

Drake Landing is the first North American implementation of seasonal solar thermal energy storage. This process gathers solar energy in the summer and stores it underground and then it is used for heat in the winter. The solar heat is collected and stored in the neighborhood energy building that has a pair of 120,000 litre short-term storage tanks. Beside the energy building there is a park that is about the size of a baseball field and underneath it is the long term energy storage system.

There are 52 two-storey houses of roughly 1600 sq.ft and the solar panels are located on the rooftops of the rear garages. The houses were built by Sterling homes and are certified to Natural Resources Canada’s R-2000 program as well as the Built Green Alberta program. The program has three distinct levels and these homes were built to the highest gold standard. The homes are 30% more efficient than conventionally built homes. The upgraded insulation and vapor barrier system eliminates drafts and allows for more consistent heating and cooling cycles was supplied by Calgary’s own Jertyne Interior Services. Jertyne are renowned for their stringent installation protocols in the insulation and drywall industry and are chosen by the best builders in the area.

Although the idea came from Natural Resources Canada the technology was highly subsidized by various levels of government and the energy sector. Ottawa granted $2 million for the project, with Alberta adding $635,000. The Federation of Canadian Municipalities granted the project $2.9 million. With four local Alberta participants including builder Sterling Homes, utility operator Atco Gas, developer United Communities and the Town of Okotoks the project was started in 2003 and completed in August 2007.

The project will supply 90% of its own energy by the end of 2012.

July 2011 - Featured Builder: Augusta Fine Homes - THE STEWART

Our Featured Builder for July is Augusta fine Homes and their beautiful home known as The Stewart.

Augusta Fine Homes feels uniquely qualified to build your home. Augusta Fine Homes blends imagination and creative originality together to create distinct architectural spaces. They emphasize design philosophy and adhere to its core principles. 








An abundance of window glazing allows natural light to adorn interior features:

• Grand flared staircase to lower level
• 12' & 10' vaulted great room and dining room ceilings
• Dual islands with sinks and eating bar
• Two sided fireplace feature, Large private study
• Executive master suite with spa bath & fireplace 
• Open concept entertaining area in kitchen for gourmet
• Massive walk through pantry to spacious laundry & mudroom

To view their brochure, click here:
http://www.augustafinehomes.com/Crestmont_showhome_brochure.pdf

June 2011 - Featured Builder: Augusta Fine Homes - THE WILSON

The Wilson 
http://www.augustafinehomes.com/pdf/Model_B_Floorplan.pdf

• Private study - Formal dining room compliments great room and kitchen space for gatherings
• Larger master suite with sumptuous spa ensuite for the ultimate in relaxation
• Light filled kitchen nook allows for natural lighting 
• Main floor living laundry
• Family room and flex room on lower level enhance your living options
• Exercise room designed to accommodate every lifestyle workout
• Well appointed, light infused  bedrooms on lower level

June 2011 - Featured Builder: Kingsmith Homes - WESTPOINT MANOR

At Kingsmith Homes we have been building both homes and community in the Cochrane area for over 30 years - I guess you could say it's personal.  Besides the extra care and attention you and your home will receive from us, you will notice that we are very invested in the Cochrane community and the surrounding area.

June 2011 - Featured Builder: Kingsmith Homes - JUMPING POUND TERRACE

Simply put, we love it here in Cochrane.  Almost all of our staff and trades are locally based and we take great pride in our craftsmanship and the ongoing relationships we have with the people that build with us.  If you want to build a home- we won't disappoint.

June 2011 - Featured Builder: Janssen Homes - Fire Side

From the foundation to the faucets, every part of each home we build gets our full attention. And so do our homeowners. In fact, we've been awarded The Alberta New Home Warranty Program's Annual Service Award every year since the program began in 1974. Initiated by a group of builders, including Janssen Homes, the New Home Warranty is a means of protecting homeowners - building trust between customers and contractors. And we take that pretty seriously.

Our dedication to quality started back in 1964 and continues to drive us today. And while we've kept several traditions with us through the years, we've never been afraid of change. From our founder, Gert Janssen, to Conrad Janssen, our current president, we've always been proud to offer spectacular new designs with the integrity of generations gone by.

We've learned a lot along the way and we're still innovating. One thing that will never change is the importance we place on our business relationships. We believe that honesty, trust and respect are crucial for empowering our employees, working with our trades people and earning the business of our customers. That's a distinguishing feature of Janssen Homes - one that we'll continue for many years to come. So if you're looking for a traditional commitment to quality in an original and fresh design, you've come to the right place. Welcome home.