The Real Property Team

Oct 30, 2013

Dear Marcia, Jonathan, Leonard, John, and Charlie,

No, we are not having a déjà vu moment! This is actually the second time that the Real Property team has won the Team of the Quarter and the first time this has ever happened in the seven years that we have recognized our high performing teams. Given the many excellent teams we have at SPIN, this is an amazing accomplishment. But somehow I’m not really surprised because when I think about this team and all that they do to support our services to have safe, comfortable and healthy environments, it is no wonder we stand in awe and choose to recognize you.

One thing we can plan on, when you’re talking about SPIN’s buildings where thousands of people track in and out all day, wear and tear will happen. This is especially the case in the three buildings where many of the people in them are under 40 inches tall and eat two or more meals with us every day, do arts and crafts and go outside to play, just to name a few of their messy, but fun ways. Who takes care of repairing, restoring, maintaining and cleaning all that wear and tear? The Real Property Department!

So, it should be no surprise that you were nominated by the entire Children’s Services team for this recognition. Over the summer both 10521 Drummond and 1642 Orthodox were renovated adding three new classrooms in total to our Early Childhood Services. This challenging task involved moving furniture, demolition, major construction, moving furniture again (and again), installing new fixtures and a massive cleanup. You worked through it all with a positive, how can we help attitude.

According to our Children’s Services team, “No task was too small or too large or too messy for Jonathan and Lenny. Marcia and Charlie were so very helpful and great to work with.” Of course they also had a lot of Kudos for the Real Property Managers who not only support this team, but take care of designing and completing the many projects.  The really amazing thing is that you all did whatever it took to get those three rooms and all the other classrooms ready in time for when the children came in September and you did it while taking care of all the other ongoing work and maintenance that needed to happen day in and day out.

While all this was going on, Johnny was working hard at SPIN West assuring all homes, vehicles and the Vernon office were in good order. Johnny was known to begin a painting project at Vernon at 4:30 so he wouldn’t be in people’s way. He also did a fantastic job in training and transitioning many responsibilities to Valentina when she came to SPIN West.

The Children’s Services team said in their nomination, “We know the saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child but we can attest to the fact that it takes one awesome facilities team to create new classrooms and spruce up more than 25 more in just two months!

And in the true spirit of Early Childhood education, the teachers and managers of Children’s Services said, “This team deserves a gold star and the honor of being TEAM OF THE QUARTER!” And of course we all agreed!

So on behalf of everyone at SPIN including the SPIN Corporate Board, the SPIN management team, Children’s Services and all SPIN departments, the children and adults that SPIN supports,  I thank you for all you do.  It is my privilege to congratulate and name SPIN’s Real Property Team as the July to September 2013 Team of the Quarter!

In honor, gratitude and recognition,

Kathleen Brown McHale, President & CEO