Happy Holidays to our Colleagues, Family, and Friends

The holiday season is upon us once again. It is during this time of year more than ever that our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our success throughout 2009 possible. It was a year filled with many challenges that tested us in every way. But, it was also filled with as many blessings for which we are very grateful.

In warm appreciation of our associations during this past year, and with great expectancy of what the new year will bring, we extend our very best wishes to you and yours for a very happy, safe, and peaceful holiday season.

From all of us at,
Juliano Associates, LLC

Jeanne-Claude, Wife, Partner and Collaborator to Christo, Dies at 74

Jeanne-Claude, the extroverted red-head and the wife of environmental artist, Christo, died Wednesday from complications of a brain aneurysm. She was 74.

Born in Casablanca, Morocco to a French military family, Jeanne-Claude met Christo in October 1958 in Paris when he was commissioned to paint a portrait of her mother. They were married soon after.

Jeanne-Claude and Christo created numerous environmental art projects together. One of their most notable works is “The Gates” in New York City’s Central Park. Their work has been visually impressive, often-times controversial, and always ephemeral. “Do you know that I don’t have any artworks that exist? They all go away when they’re finished. Only the preparatory drawings and collages are left, giving my works an almost legendary character. I think it takes much greater courage to create things to be gone that to create things that will remain,” said Christo. But, they have repeatedly contended that their work never meant anything more than the immediate aesthetic. According to Jeanne-Claude, “Our art has absolutely no purpose, except to be a work of art. We do not give messages.”

A statement on the couple’s website explains that although Christo is deeply saddened by the passing of his wife, partner and collaborator, he is committed to honoring the promise they made to each other many years ago: The art of Christo and Jeanne-Claude will continue.

Christo is dedicated to completing their current works in progress: Over The River, Project for the Arkansas River, State of Colorado, and The Mastaba, Project for the United Arab Emirates, as Jeanne-Claude would wish.

It's a Wrap! Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Project Finishes With an Extreme Party

Local Businesses Come Together to Show Volunteer Appreciation at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Springfield, MA - An emotionally charged and long awaited finish to an exciting week in Suffield, CT ended for many on Sunday, June 28th, as the Hill Family's new home was revealed for the first time to them and thousands in their front yard. However, the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition project was not over for hundreds of construction, electrical, plumbing and corporate volunteers and members of the West Springfield, MA and Avon, CT based Pecoy Signature Homes. Pecoy Companies staff and lead team members who helped build the new home finally had a chance to exhale and unwind as volunteers joined the ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition cast and crew at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA for the "It's a Wrap" party. From 8pm till just after midnight on Sunday, June 28th, the event was a welcome 'thank you' for the team leads that worked 24/7 for the past week to provide a new home the Hill family deserves.

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The party, produced by West Springfield based full-service marketing firm, Market Mentors, would not have been possible without several area businesses stepping up to the plate to donate their services, staff and time. Pazzo Restaurant, contributed all of the food for the event. From butlered hors d'oeuvres and multiple food stations to a tantalizing array of desserts. Max's Tavern graciously donated their bar service, tables, linens and staff. Thanks to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the event was held in the impressive Center Court, plus all guests including ABC's cast and crew, were able to tour the museum. In addition, ABSOLUT Vodka was donated by Horizon Beverage Company. The wine was provided by Fettes Wine & Spirits of Springfield, MA and M.S. Walker, LLC. A variety of locally brewed beer was on tap from Opa Opa Brewing Company of Williamsburg and Southampton, MA. Other sponsors that enabled this large event to run smoothly included: Appleton Management Corporation, Valet Park of America, Formal Indulgence and Go Graphix of East Longmeadow, MA.

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The event would not have been complete without live entertainment. Springfield based "Original" 80's Dance Party Band, "Orange Crush" had hundreds on the dance floor along with the area's most requested DJ service, Marx Entertainment. All audio visual was provided by Zasko Productions of Chicopee, MA and sound by West Springfield-based ATC Audio. An emotional slide show produced by Robert Charles Photography of East Longmeadow, MA and Video Experts of East Windsor, CT was shown to recap the week-long project.

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The build started with the knock on the door of the Hill home on Sunday, June 21, 2009, progressed with demolition and rebuild, and was finally revealed to the Hill family on Sunday, June 28, 2009. The Hill family was sent on an all expenses paid trip to Disney and returned on Sunday to see celebrity cast member and construction lead, Ty Pennington, yell with thousands at the site, "MOVE THAT BUS!" Every item and service for the build was donated by thousands of regional residents and business. More information about this particular build, the 146th for ABC, is on http://www.extremepecoy.com/. The segment aired in October from 8:00-9:00 pm, ET on ABC.

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About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

The Emmy award winning reality program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," is now entering its 7th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It's executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 pm, ET on ABC.

Sustainable Landscapes

Making buildings more energy efficient and sustainable helps protect the environment, reduces operating expenses, and improves human comfort. But, just as important is the landscape that surrounds the building.

The Sustainable Sites Initiative defines sustainability as it relates to the landscape as, “Design, construction, operations, and maintenance practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Expanding on that definition, sustainable landscapes are stable and productive ecosystems that conserve the physical and biological processes occurring within those environments. These ecosystems, when functioning properly, not only provide humans with the basics for survival—food, water, air, plant materials, etc.—but also with intangible benefits that promote our health and well-being through our interactions with nature.

Any landscape, whether it is a large subdivision, a park, a commercial property, or a single home, has the potential to provide some or all of these benefits and, therefore, holds inherent value. When we perceive landscapes as being valuable to our well-being, we are motivated to protect and care for them in a way that ensures their viability not only for the short term but well into the future.

Design and construction of sustainable landscapes includes strategies in five key areas: soils, vegetation, hydrology, materials, and human health and well-being. The following are some of the strategies that can be incorporated into any existing landscape to increase its level of sustainability and, therefore, its overall value.

• Use native plants
• Preserve and restore soils
• Put the right plant in the right place
• Avoid invasive plants
• Limit high-maintenance lawn areas
• Use plants with long life spans
• Provide opportunities for outdoor physical, mental, and social interaction
• Promote diversity within landscape plantings
• Conserve building energy usage with plants
• Reduce runoff, retain stormwater on site
• Capture rainwater for reuse
• Preserve and restore native wildlife habitat
• Use least-toxic/organic methods for maintenance
• Conserve energy and water usage for landscape maintenance
• Recycle organic matter by composting
• Reduce water usage
  
  

1st Multi-Family Development Project Approved in the Newly Modified Tracy Zone in Wallingford, CT.

Last Tuesday night, Christopher Juliano, PE/LS, Principal in Charge of Juliano Associates, LLC, successfully represented the first multi-family development project to win approval from the Planning and Zoning Board related to the newly modified section of the zoning regulations permitting such development in this area of town.

On September 14, 2009, the Planning & Zoning Board approved the new Section 4.22D of the zoning regulations to make multi-family development a permitted use in the Tracy zone, a sub community within the town of Wallingford. This modification to the zoning regulations will create additional housing and development opportunities in this zone, and is consistent with the Plan of Conservation and Development adopted by the town.

The project on Old Colony Road consists of 20 housing units on approximately two acres of land. The buildings were designed by George Fellner, AIA, LEED AP, of Fellner Associates Architects in Higganum, Connecticut. The site layout promotes the preservation of open space along the rear of the lot saving many valuable trees, and the landscape design includes mostly native trees and shrubs with an emphasis on providing adequate yet natural screening from the adjacent residential homes to the north and south of the property.

This project received at great deal of support from the Town staff and the Commission since it is looked at as a catalyst of other neighborhood improvements for this long-neglected section of Wallingford.

Sustainable Sites Initiative to Release Rating System

As stewards of the land involved with the surveying, engineering and design of landscape and site development projects, we are excited to see that the Sustainable Sites Initiative will be releasing the first full national rating system for sustainable landscapes as part of their “Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009” report.

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building rating system is the benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of buildings in an environmentally friendly way. While the Green Building rating system does include a section for the site and landscape portion of a construction or development project, there are no comparable standards that are as comprehensive for sustainable landscapes. In response to this need, the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center joined together to create the Sustainable Sites Initiative in 2005. After three years of tireless research and work by a group of very dedicated professionals, this rating system specific to the landscape will finally be released on November 5th.

This point-based ranking system of 15 prerequisites and 51 credits covers the entire range of design and construction phases of landscape and site development projects including appropriate site selection and pre-design assessment and planning, to site design, construction, and maintenance. These landscape-specific standards will eventually be rolled into the current LEED system.

It has been our philosophy for 36 years to approach our design solutions from an environmentally friendly perspective. We look forward to continuing these sustainable practices and helping future generations experience the same opportunities to enjoy the environment as we did. For more information on the Sustainable Sites Initiative, please visit their website at www.sustainablesites.org.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Air Date Announced!

It’s confirmed by ABC. The Hill Family, Suffield, Connecticut, episode featuring the Pecoy Company builders will be airing on Sunday, October 11, 2009, at 8/7p central on ABC.

Juliano Associates, LLC is proud to have been one of thousands of sponsors of this build donating the landscape design for the Hill Family. Tracy Van Rye, lead designer for Juliano, created a landscape environment that included hundreds of native, low-maintenance trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials that will provide the family with beauty and color throughout the year.

The Extreme Pecoy coordinators have also created a special program for the “Ideas for Living” Fall Home Show at the Eastern States Exposition November 6th thru November 8th, 2009. As the main feature for the November event, an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Special Exhibit is being created to highlight sponsors, activities and information about the project. Photos and video of the build, along with interviews with Kent Pecoy and his team, will happen throughout the weekend. Stop by the New England Building during the Big E to see how it really was possible to build such a beautiful home for the very deserving Hill Family in such a short time frame.

Juliano Contributes to a Great Cause

On Thursday, September 17, 2009, NeighborWorks New Horizons of New Haven hosted their first annual golf tournament to support their housing development and enrichment programs for community members.

NeighborWorks New Horizons is a non-profit organization that constructs and operates hundreds of affordable housing units throughout New Haven, New London and Hartford Counties. Their mission is to “develop and operate permanently affordable quality housing that builds strong, healthy and vibrant communities through active resident and community participation and leadership.”

Juliano has enjoyed a long working relationship with NeighborWorks providing quality land surveying, civil engineering and site design services for many of their projects. So, naturally, when we were invited to participate in the golf tournament, we were happy to send one of our staff, Scott Katin from the survey department, to tear up the course. The tournament was held at the beautiful Laurel View Golf Club in Hamden, Connecticut, as a scramble format with no handicaps. Scott enjoyed a beautiful day on the course with his team. Their 4 under par wasn’t enough to win, but they had fun contributing to a great cause. We are already looking forward to next year’s “Swing into Fall” classic.

Juliano Gets on the Bus with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Juliano Associates, LLC was Part of Build

The Emmy-award winning hit ABC television show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was in the region recently with an extreme home makeover of the Hill family home in Suffield, Connecticut. Juliano Associates, LLC played an important role in the project by providing a landscape design that included hundreds of native, low-maintenance trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials that will provide the family with beauty and color throughout the year.

Western New England builder Kent Pecoy, of Pecoy Signature Homes was chosen by the show to build the home in the span of just one week. As part of the build, Juliano was invited to provide the Hill family with a landscape design that compliments their breathtaking new home. Pecoy Signature Homes as well as other subcontractors and vendors, including Juliano, provided services and materials on a donated basis as part of the build.

According to Tracy Van Rye, lead designer for Juliano, “This is a remarkable opportunity for our organization to be part of something that will change the lives of a very deserving family. We are honored to have played a role in creating a timeless and beautiful landscape environment that the family can enjoy for years to come.”

Heading into its seventh season, the show’s theme will be “get on the bus” inspiring community to join the extreme team in making a difference all across the country. The home build occurred the week of June 21, 2009. The lucky area family was surprised on June 21 by a visit from Ty Pennington, team leader for the show, when the family’s identity was made public. The show’s cast “revealed” the new home on Sunday, June 28 when Pennington recited the show’s signature phrase, “move that bus!” Stay tuned for show air date!

In addition to transforming the lives of hundreds of families and individuals, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition has inspired millions of people in this country and beyond. The show has been aired in 69 countries, translated into 58 languages and viewed by a billion people worldwide. The Emmy award winning reality program “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” is now entering its 7th season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It’s executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8:00-9:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

New Landscape Division at Juliano Associates!

Juliano Associates recently announced the formation of our new Landscape Division. Complete landscape design and consultation services will be offered to residential, commerical and industrial clients.

Tracy Van Rye has joined the company as Director of the Landscape Division. Tracy is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science degree completing a double major in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture. She graduated summa cum laude and was awarded the ASLA Certificate of Merit for Excellence in the Study of Landscape Architecture.

She has extensive experience in collaborating with a full team of design consultants including architects, engineers, and attorneys in the design and overall coordination of a wide variety of projects in Connecticut. Her project experience includes commercial, multi-family, corporate, institutional, residential, waterfront, and streetscape and downtown revitalization projects. As a project designer, she has been involved in all phases of the design and planning process including predesign, municipal review and approvals, design development, bidding, construction drawings, and construction administration.

Along with her extensive horticultural background, Tracy brings a high level of creativity and motivation to the firm. She is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Welcome Tracy!

Wallingford School System Honors Juliano Associates.

Juliano Associates was honored by the Wallingford School System for participation in the Wallingford School-to-Career Program.

The School-to-Career program focuses on developing the academic competencies, technological skills, and employability attributes essential to successful employment, career development and lifelong learning in a culturally diverse and technology driven global "world of work".

Juliano Associates at Clinton Chamber Business Expo!

Juliano Associates recently sponsored a booth at the Clinton Chamber of Commerce Business Expo held at the Town Hall. Ron Hurlburt and Bob McKenzie greeted Expo visitors throughout the day and showcased the engineering and surveying services available to businesses and residents of the Connecticut Shoreline.

Juliano Associates Receives Honors at Anniversary Celebration!

Juliano Associates recently celebrated their 35th year in business at an event held at the Hawthorne Inn with over 200 people in attendance. Proclamations were received from Governor M. Jodi Rell and State Senator Len Fasano.

At the celebration, announcements were made that Christopher Juliano has been named President of the company succeeding David Juliano who is entering "semi-retirement."

Employment Opportunities

Civil Engineer:

Juliano Associates is currently seeking both entry level and experienced engineers to join our growing firm. We are actively seeking dynamic self motivated individuals with strong technical and communication skills. Experience in land development practices and AutoCAD is preferred, but we are willing to train the right individual.

Surveyor:

We are currently seeking both surveyors and survey technicians to expand our survey capabilities. Candidates should have strong mathematical skills and have a clear understanding of Topcon instruments and the TDS/HP48 data collection system.

Landscape Architect:

In an effort to offer more services to our clients, Juliano Associates is currently searching for the right individual to help start a landscape architecture department. This is an exciting opportunity for either an entry level or a recently licensed landscape architect to develop a reputation and build an impressive portfolio.

Contact Us for more information.

203-265-1489

info@julianoassociates.com