What We are Thankful for in 2021
Rock J. Vitale, CEAC, Technical Director of Chemistry/Principal
I am grateful for having an amazing and loving tight-knit family, AND I’m double-blessed because I thoroughly enjoy the daily challenging work that I’ve been doing for the last 34 years. Finally, a big THANK YOU to all of our clients and colleagues, and cheers to an amazing 2022!
David R. Blye, CEAC, Principal Chemist
I am thankful for time with my family. 2021 brought many joys and a bit of a change back to some sense of normalcy. My best memories in 2021 were being able to do a fall fishing trip with my wife Mary where we caught about 30 beautiful smallmouth bass. Of course, she out-fished me, but I was on a conference call for about an hour. I was filming her drag the fish in for the meeting attendants – hint, hint … time to get done with this call. Time with my family is always cherished, but spending time with my granddaughter, Isla Rose Bently, always puts a smile on my face. Wishing my extended family of colleagues and clients a joyful Holiday Season!
Gerry L. Kirkpatrick, Managing Partner
From our Charlottesville family to yours, we hope you enjoy a peaceful holiday season and a healthy 2022. Thank you to all of our clients, vendors, and employees for your support and hard work over these past many months. We appreciate the trust everyone has placed in us and don’t take for granted that you have chosen us to help you with your environmental concerns.
Daniel P. Claycomb, P.G., Principal Geoscientist
Back in the early part of this year, I found out I was going to be a grandfather for the second time, what excitement our family had! It was a little more than halfway through my daughter’s pregnancy when we found out that the baby had a heart defect and that he would need surgery shortly after birth. The remainder of my daughter’s pregnancy was considered high risk and she had to take many precautions, including moving to Philadelphia for a couple of weeks prior to her due date so that she would be close to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in case she went into labor early. The day finally came, and the scheduled delivery was performed at CHOP on October 18, 2021. About a week later, our little guy underwent surgery, during which, doctors performed two separate heart procedures. Following surgery, he spent time in the Cardiac Critical Care Center at CHOP, and during that time, they monitored him very closely with wires connected to every part of his body – that was a hard sight to see. But he recovered quickly and within a week was transferred to the main Cardiac Care Center. They estimated it might be Thanksgiving before he would be able to go home … but they underestimated our little guy! He improved so quickly that he was able to go home in early November. My picture was taken just a couple days later as I gazed at him in amazement! I am so thankful that my grandson will grow up to be a happy and healthy boy, thanks to the amazing doctors, nurses, and advanced technology available at CHOP. We are so lucky to be so close to such a wonderful hospital. I am thankful for the strength of my daughter and son-in-law to persevere though such a challenging time and for the love and support of our family and friends. Happy holidays everyone, we all have lots to be thankful for, I know I sure do!
Kevin P. Renninger, P.E., Vice President/Principal
I am extremely grateful that social venues are reopening, and that environmental professionals are gathering and renewing relationships at in-person events, like the Pennsylvania Environmental Council Annual Partnership Dinner recently held in Philly!
Stephen D. Brower, P.G., Director of Geosciences/Principal
I am thankful for the cohesive and dedicated staff at Environmental Standards for pulling together during the pandemic.
Michael R. Green, Ph.D., MBA, CPEA, Senior Advisor / Principal
This past year has provided opportunities to reconnect with family and friends for which we are very grateful. In early January, we acquired a lake home in Vilas County, Wisconsin, which we refer to as “The Place Up North.” The home needed a lot of maintenance; however, our family gathered and worked collectively to restore the home that we hope to all enjoy for many years to come. It has provided a very positive outlet for our pent-up energy during the craziness associated with the pandemic.
As shown in my photos, we look across to the natural wilderness that is part of the Lac Du Flambeau Indian Reservation. Nature provides an assortment of beautiful views, and some of our favorites are the sunsets, which can be quite spectacular.
We wish all of you the very best in 2022!
Lydia M. Work, LRS, Principal Chemist
I am thankful for a family willing to share adventures with me!
Erin E. Rodgers, Principal Chemist
This year and every year, I am thankful for my family and our time spent exploring together, whether we are hiking, kayaking or enjoying time at the beach. Additionally, 2021 has once again shown that I am forever grateful for science and blessed to be able to serve our clients’ needs.
Shaun M. Gilday, CPEA, PMP, EHS Principal
We welcomed our daughter Lucy into the world in 2020, at a time when things were a little unsettled to say the least. So, for 2021, I am most thankful for a healthy family and grateful to our extended family and friends who have helped support that reality! We are also very thankful for the many successes Environmental Standards has continued to enjoy, and we wish you all the very best and hope you may also enjoy success and healthfulness! Happy Holidays from the Gildays!
Jacob G. Gruzalski, Principal Geoscientist
I’m thankful for my family, loved ones, friends, and bikes!
Jennifer N. Gable, Principal Chemist
Reflecting on 2021, I am reminded how valuable and limited our time is with those around us. So, this year, I am most thankful for the time I have with my family, friends, and my amazing co-workers who make each day special and memorable. Happy holidays to you and yours!
Amy L. Evans, Chief Financial Officer/Principal
As the holiday season commences and a new year approaches, I can’t help but reflect on the achievements and failures, good and bad moments, and what I want to carry with me into the upcoming year. What I am most thankful for in 2021 is good health, lessons learned, my growing family, and pushing through personal barriers to discover new adventures and possibilities. Loss has taught me to not take people, or the time spent with them, for granted. Life has taught me to live each day to the fullest, and a small kindness to others travels far. My wish for others is to live, learn, and find bright spots even in the darkest of days.