There is something special about teamwork.  When you succeed by yourself, there is a great sense of accomplishment, but when you succeed at something as a team, there is somehow an added sense of achievement due to the collective effort.  I think this is because others are able to bask in the glory with you.  They know your struggle and know how much you put into it, and how much they contributed to it as well.  It’s a collective sense of accomplishment, which is a powerful thing!

Recently, at Humboldt Storage and Moving Company, two of my co-workers and I were the recipients of one of the four annual awards the company gives out.  The award was “Power of Team.”  We were given this award because of our hard work on the company newsletter (the Humboldt Herald), which I am thrilled to say, is at its one year anniversary this month! 

For those of you who work at a moving company, or in a sister industry, you probably know that bridging the gap between departments is a never ending battle that can sometimes add stress to the workplace.  Well, at this Boston moving company, we have set out to bridge that gap, and ultimately do our small part to remove some of that stress!  We wanted our crews and the Owner Operators out on the road, to know what was happening in the office, and we wanted the office staff to know what was happening on the road.  If one of our Van Operators was given an award by United Van Lines, we wanted to make sure everyone knew about it (and let me tell you, our Van Ops win United Van Lines awards all the time!) and if something changed in the office or someone went above and beyond, we wanted our crews to see that accomplishment.

Getting the “Power of Team” award this week was a very nice reminder that our hard work is not only noticed, but doing good throughout the company.  Sometimes, we get stressed out when a deadline is looming and we are still waiting on an article or missing an important photo, but having others along side you, fighting that battle and staying positive about the project, reduces that stress so much.  And knowing that the entire team at Humboldt is behind you, makes the rest of that stress melt away!

So, if I may be so bold as to take a little space in this blog for my own purpose, I would like to thank everyone at Humboldt for their support on our project.  But most of all, I would like to thank the other 2 members of the Newsletter team (Scott & Jamie!).  The three of us make a powerful team!

Scott, Jamie & Corin = A Powerful Team!

There is one question that comes my way repeatedly.

“We’re moving in and the house is empty but it’s still pretty dirty. What’s the best way to clean it?”

My first reaction is to laugh. The home is, after all, “broom-swept.” After viewing enough of these kinds of places, I can state with absolute conviction that “broom-swept” does not mean “completely clean.”

More than likely, the home is rife with dusty baseboads, a grimy stove, window sills that resemble a contaminated landfill, ceiling fans that were last swabbed down when Bill Parcells was coaching the Patriots and bathrooms that appear to have been cleaned by a team of four-year-olds.

It is daunting to face that kind of work. However, with a little effort and a plan, the house can sparkle and shine within 6 hours or so.

Here are a four tips to ease the strain while providing a general framework for what needs to be done. You can start high and end low.

I. LOOK UP. Most folks do not look up when entering a room. But looking at the lights and the corners will most likely reveal cobwebs and some dust. Almost any cleaning implement — from a wet rag to Lysol Wipes — can quickly eliminate the problem. If there is a ceiling fan in the room, clean it first. Wet rags on the blades will produce levels of unprecedented grime. Any hard surface cleaner can get the other parts of the fan to sparkle.

II. VACUUM AND DUST THE SILLS. If time is short and you are unable to wash the windows, at least wipe down the sills and frames. Open the window six inches or so and vacuum the inside of the sill. The bees and insects that died a decade ago will never bother you again. Wipe all around the window frames, especially the top portion. Dust has been building up there for a long time.

III. WIPE DOWN WALLS NEAR ELECTRICAL SOCKETS. Dust collects in these spots because they’ve been covered up by appliances, electronics or furniture. While your at it, wipe down all the switch plates, too. You’ll be stunned at how clean the plastic will become.

IV. BASEBOARDS. Boy, do these things collect dust. A wet rag, combined with some elbow grease (done on your hands and knees) will get these clean but it’s going to be mildly difficult.

Now that you are low to the ground, look up and around once again. This vantage point will provide a fresh perspective on the work you’ve just done.

Now you are ready to clean the carpet or floor. And once that job is complete, the empty room will both look and smell cleaner.

Ultimately, there is one easier (though more expensive) way to sanitize an empty home before the Humboldt guys move your belongings in.

Hire a professional.

Michael J. Ryan is the president of Lucky Clean, a Massachusetts-based janitorial services company. He can be reached at info@luckyclean1.com

The nation’s capital hosted one of the most exciting finishes in sports history. However, it surely went unappreciated by many and unseen by more. The NCAA men’s ice hockey national championship was an up and down stress rollercoaster for fans players and alumni from both institutions. Miami (OH) University battled with Boston University for 59 minutes with Miami as the victor. If only hockey was played for 59 minutes, Miami would have been skating around the arena hoisting the trophy.

With 59.5 second remaining in the third period Boston University scored to bring them within one. As there fans breathed out some of there stress the Miami fans quickly inhaled the stress. With the goaltender out of the net Miami had an opportunity to ice the game with a clear path to the net. However, Matt Gilroy proved why he was named the Hobey Baker award winner (College hockey’s version of the Heisman.) when he made a beautiful move around a Miami defender to complete a pass to Nick Bonino who one timed the puck in the back of the net. As the mesh from the netting wrinkled the BU faithful cheered in jubilation.

As a Boston College fan I found myself with mixed emotions. On one hand Boston University is the archrival of BC, yet on the other hand it was important to keep the trophy in Boston and Hockey East (BC was the champion in 2008). When Miami potted the go ahead goal with just under 10 minutes remaining I assumed I would be excited; however in reality I was disappointed. Deep down it appeared that I truly wanted BU to win. Furthermore, when Miami took a 3-1 lead with just over four minutes remaining I turned to my dad and said “it looks like Boston is not the Achilles heel of Miami anymore” seeing BC had eliminated Miami from the national tournament the 3 previous years. Not a moment to soon did I open my mouth that Boston University made one of the greatest comebacks in Boston sports history, if not all of sports history. As the third and tying goal went in I found my self clapping and excited for the local team, knowing that Hockey East now had an opportunity to conclude a banner year with a national champion.

Yet, the comeback was not complete, these two goals only forced overtime, and if Miami were to come out and score the hard work and determination by the Terriers would have gone by the wayside and as if it had never happened. Legendary coach Jack Parker had to find a way to corral the emotion during the intermission to have his team remain intense going to overtime, but also be focused to complete the task at hand. With many end to end plays Sophomore defenseman Colby Cohen stepped up a blast a shot towards the Miami net, a Miami defender went down to block the shot which they had down so well throughout the game (which also could be the most underrated play in hockey) and the puck took a deflection off his pad and flutter for what seemed to be an eternity over the shoulder of a screened Miami net minder into the open net.

Pandemonium struck as the BU benched cleared and the team created a pig pile in front of the BU fan and family section. As the BU team reeked of satisfaction, Miami equally perspired of stress and disappointment. As a college hockey fan and a sports fan in general the unimaginable comeback made by Boston University created a fan frenzy equal to no other. The raw emotion by these student athletes and there fans far surpasses any pro sport. These athletes play for the love of the game and the passion and pride show while on the ice, while the professional ranks at the end of the day it is still a job and a business and therefore the pride and passion can not compare to the college game.

Many people have seen the replays over and over on ESPN, and the local news in the Boston area. This was one game from the first faceoff to the last goal that provided non-stop action. It is exciting that the fans have been able to appreciate the fantastic finish by Boston University, but it is equally disappointing that everyone who did not watch the entire game does not understand how well and how hard Miami University battled.

If you are like me and you are sick of hearing all the terrible stories that are on the news and in the papers everyday, then you will like this posting…

Awhile back, we at Humboldt (the Boston moving company) started out on a mission to find and recognize outstanding individuals who have gone above and beyond to reduce the stress for those around them. At Humboldt we believe the key to living an enjoyable life is through the limitation of stress and the embracing of a healthy, relaxed life style. This belief is precisely why we wanted to find someone who has improved the lives of those around them. Plus, we were tired of hearing about only the bad things happening in the world and wanted to bring to light some of the great things that individuals do every day.

After receiving and reading many outstanding nominations from all over the country, we have narrowed them down to the top 5, and this is where you come in:

1. 1. Please take a few minutes and read each person’s story below:

• Cara Jordan
• Chris and Myra Morneau
• Corinne Fitz-Marquez
• Meredith Coleman
• Susan Paige Thompson

1. 2. Once you have read each story, please choose a favorite. 
2. 3. Then, return to this page and cast your vote in the instant poll at the bottom of this posting (only 1 vote per computer allowed). You will be able to see the current voting results immediately after you submit your response.

The person with the most votes by  April 15, 2009 will get to choose one of the following:

• Day at the Spa for 2
• All Inclusive Golf Foursome at a Local Course 
• Admission for 4 to an Amusement Park
• In-Home Catered Dinner for up to 8 people
• Weekend Get-Away for 2

As you read about these outstanding acts of kindness and caring you will see that, regardless of who gets the most votes, all of these people are “winners”. Through their dedication to the various causes, individuals and families, these folks are literally changing the world, one person at a time… and we salute them for this.

Nominee: Cara Jordan

Hometown:Bellingham, MA

Organization: Clarke School for the Deaf

Nominated by: Clarke School

How they reduced stress for others (as explained in the nomination form):

Cara Jordan is the School Director at Clarke School East, a satellite program of Clarke School for the Deaf. She independently established the Boston area satellite program in 1995. Throughout the first year of the program, prior to having a school building, Cara worked out of her car all day, driving from location to location across Eastern Massachusetts to meet with children and their families. The school site was then established, first in Newton, and then shortly there after in Canton. Cara found the site and had a heavy hand in all of the planning and prep work that it takes to build a school, particularly one specific for deaf and hard of hearing children with the specialized acoustics and technology equipment needed.
The satellite program continues to grow and Cara’s leadership continues to foster a positive and inspirational working environment for staff, students and their families. Currently, Clarke School East works with more than fifty children and has a staff of thirteen highly trained professionals. Cara continues to work countless hours and travels across Massachusetts to ensure that deaf and hard of hearing children are provided with the specialized care and support that they need.

Message from the Nominee:

I am so honored to be chosen as a finalist for Humboldt’s Citizen Stress Reliever Award. Worry and stress are things that we all have to deal with in our lives, and it has been a life-long goal of mine to help others to face these challenges and successfully work through them. Through my professional work, I am able to help people access the tools and resources they need to ensure that children who are deaf or hard of hearing can reach their fullest potential. When a family receives news that their child is deaf or hard of hearing, the path they thought they had carefully laid for their child diverges. They are forced to learn about a world they likely never knew existed. They need to make choices for how to best parent their child with little or no experience in how to proceed. How should they communicate with their child? Where should they look for care and education for their child? How do they navigate this uncharted territory? How do they use the technology that their child needs to access sound? This places tremendous stress on the entire family. We are fortunate in the Boston area to have wonderful hearing care professionals and families can access quality programs with the whole range of communication philosophies including American Sign Language options, spoken language options and a combination of both. Clarke offers a quality spoken language option for these families in which children learn to listen and speak using high tech hearing aids and cochlear implants.  Clarke offers an option for families who would like spoken language to be their child’s primary mode of communication. It is not easy and requires intensive work on the child and the family’s part. This is where I come in. Working with these families is very rewarding as I have the opportunity to share in their successes along the way and help them meet the unseen challenges ahead. There is no greater gift than to experience a parent’s excitement at their child’s first word or first sentence when they had almost given up the hope that it would happen.

Many of the children in our program enter their local schools at the kindergarten or first grade level with the skills needed to participate fully in mainstream education. Each child is an individual and may require various support services to succeed academically and socially. The local schools may not have the skills and services already in place when they begin to work with our alumni. I have the wonderful opportunity through Clarke to work directly with these professionals, teachers, speech and language pathologists, support staff and administrators to again help to reduce stress and anxiety about how to best support these children. This is another area of my work that is hugely rewarding to me. When a young child transitions to their local school, is able to access the curriculum and develops close friendships with peers, all of my work feels worthwhile.

I recently had an intern come to work with us at Clarke. She was my first student who used a cochlear implant, now a senior in college.  Although it was hard for me to believe that a student of mine could be 21 years old today, working with her during her internship brought my life’s work full circle. This child, this family whom I had a relationship with so many years ago, are exactly where I had hoped they would be years later. She is entering adulthood with the confidence, skills and capabilities that we worked so diligently together to develop. She is meeting her fullest potential as a young adult who happens to be deaf. This is why I entered the field, and why I come to work at Clarke’s campus in Canton every day. Thank you so much for recognizing me!

READ THE NEXT STORY

Nominee:Chris and Myra Morneau

Hometown:Fairhaven, MA / Coco, FL

Organization: N/A

Nominated by: Cathy Sullivan-Cohen

How they reduced stress for others (as explained in the nomination form):

We lost Jack’s dad two years ago and have been struggling with his mom’s Alzheimer’s. As a couple in our early 50’s it’s hard to know exactly what the right thing to do is on any given day when you’re trying to balance what is best for an aging and often confused parent. As our lives became more involved, sometimes the stress could be pretty great. ENTER: My sister-in-law Myra and her husband Chris who rearranged their lives to come to Florida to help share the responsibilities of caring for elderly parent. They do this with a loving heart and they brought quality of life back to my husband and I. We share the burden of responsibility with them; the sadness, the joy and the laughter which enables us to maintain my mother-in-law ’s dignity. They have helped us keep our sanity and, above all, they have my mother-in-law’s best interest at heart. Myra and Chris touch every one’s life they help and they do it unselfishly for so many people. Maybe they aren’t the Rockefellers or CEO’s of Bank of America…BUT they are such unselfish examples of giving. They hold our family together.

Message from the Nominee:

READ THE NEXT STORY

Nominee: Corinne Fitz-Marquez

Hometown: Hull, MA

Organization: Massachusetts Department of Children and Families

Nominated by: Kevin Fitzgerald

How they reduced stress for others (as explained in the nomination form):

Corinne (Cory) is the person public officials call in the middle of the night to protect, house and comfort children that are found to be in unhealthy and dysfunctional environments. Very often there are no responsible family members or adults around for these children to depend on, instead they are being abused, neglected or abandoned by their own family. Cory steps in as an advocate, counselor, parent and friend to children that have no one to turn to no where to go. For the next 24 hours Cory will usually try her best to feed, clothe and comfort infants and teenagers alike who never deserved the stresses they live with every day. As long as Cory is involved with these kids she shows and teaches them that they are wonderful people and that they are worthy of good decisions for themselves. She has done this about 100 times that I know of and has a heavy commitment to help those that can’t help themselves.

Message from the Nominee:

Hurt people, hurt people. But kindness can touch everyone. Commit a random act of kindness today.

READ THE NEXT STORY

Nominee: Meredith Coleman

Hometown:West Boylston, MA

Organization: Thom Marlboro Area Early Intervention

Nominated by: Geoff and Kate Stanton

How they reduced stress for others (as explained in the nomination form):

I am writing this to you to nominate Meredith Coleman as someone who has reduced the stress in our family’s life. Our two and half year old daughter has had Early Intervention come to the house since she was just one year old. Hailey, our daughter, had low muscle tone throughout her body and needed Physical & Developmental Therapy. This is when Meredith stepped in. Meredith came twice a week and worked with Hailey through good times and through times where Hailey was tired, frustrated and ready to give up. Thank God Meredith was not ready to give up on her. She had the patience, determination and endurance to work with Hailey and get her to be the child she is today. Just last week Hailey had a 6 month review and ended up passing her evaluation. Hailey no longer qualifies for services, which is both a good and bad thing. Good, because of the great progress Hailey has made. Bad, because it means that we no longer get to have such a wonderful person helping our family.

Message from the Nominee:

As a Developmental Specialist in Early Intervention I have the pleasure to get to know families with children from birth to three years old who have a developmental delay or diagnosis.  These families have constant stressors that no parent should have to face.  Our job is to show the families how to create fun, unique learning tasks for each child to develop to their greatest potential. 

It has been a pleasure working with the Stanton’s and they should be proud of themselves for following through with all of our suggestions and raising such a wonderful, funny little girl. 

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Nominee: Susan Paige Thompson

Hometown: Scituate, MA

Organization: South Shore Mental Health- Foundations Program

Nominated by: Debra Quigley

How they reduced stress for others (as explained in the nomination form):

Susan is the parent liaison for the Foundations Program within DMH. She has always gone above and beyond expectation. She has the most communicative and interpersonal skills that I have ever seen in the field. Our son suffers from mental illness. We were referred to the Foundations Program three years ago and it has completely turned our life around. From feeling like we were dangling on life’s edge, Susan pulled us back into the loop with empathy and consideration and understanding. We are on track now. Not perfect, but on track. We owe so much to her and the Foundations Program.

In fact, we have since graduated from the Foundations Program but Susan has kept in phone contact and email contact and keeps me in the loop with all essential information. My stress level has reduced immeasurably.

Message from the Nominee:

I am so honored to have been able to relieve the stress of one of the family’s I worked with at my job as a parent coordinator for South Shore Mental Health and the Department of Mental Health. 
Once I could see my way clearly through my own son’s challenges I was able to take everything he taught me and bring it into my job. My son’s are my heroes and are my inspiration at work. When I meet a parent for the first time I see all the possibilities ahead because I was were they are now and know how far they can go. 

READ THE NEXT STORY

According to a recent article in the New York Post, 48% of American say they are more stressed out today than 5 years ago. And when you factor in the tanking economy and the escalating unemployment rate, its no stretch to think that number is on the rise. So the real question is, “What is the best way to lower your stress level?”

I personally look for physical releases to overcome stress (although after a long day in the office thinking about the moving business it can be tough to find the motivation).  I find that going to the gym or playing hockey reduces my stress level tenfold. I think that as you exercise your body is so focused on the physical action that your mind is allowed to relax, which lets you step back from the stresses in life.

Stress reduction is definitely one of those things that is unique to the individual though. I want to know what you do to help manage the stress of your daily life?