Blogs

Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, has been busy this fall with lab packing projects, company events, and other updates. Here's a glimpse into what's been happening.

On the chilly evening of Saturday, October 26th, the streets of downtown Hamburg, PA, came alive with the King Frost Parade, an annual tradition that has been captivating locals for over sixty years. With around 20,000 spectators in attendance, this event is more than just a parade—it's a celebration of community and the arrival of fall. This year's parade featured an impressive lineup of vehicles from two of our affiliates: Delaware Valley Contractors (DVC) and Elk Environmental Services (Elk). DVC had three vehicles alongside a mini-excavator and a tractor from Elk. The star of the show was King Frost himself, who was joined by the Phillie Phanatic. The parade boasted five divisions, showcasing 130 floats and five marching bands, all weaving through the heart of Hamburg. The DVC service truck, adorned with cobwebs, balloons, and chains, led the way, with Terry Wentzel at the wheel. The highlight of their float was “Mr. Skellington,” a half-skeleton perched on the roof, making his debut in style. Following closely was the DVC roll-off truck, carrying a mini-excavator that featured mischievous skeletons, driven by Stew Rivers. Nick Olivieri took charge of the Elk tractor, while another DVC service truck, driven by Jason Moffett, rounded out our parade presence. Our walkers, dressed in costumes ranging from Captain Marvel to a skeleton princess, won first place in the Walkers Category! Congratulations! They spread joy by handing out candy to the excited crowd. We had a blast this year and can’t wait until next year's parade! A big thank you to everyone who helped make this event special: Terry Wentzel and family Dominick Wentzel Tommy Wentzel and family Stew Rivers Nick Olivieri Jason Moffett Russ Oswalt Apologies if anyone was missed!

Every fall, employees of Empire Group eagerly anticipate the Annual Fishing Rodeo and Picnic, and this year did not disappoint! Held on Saturday, October 12th, at the picturesque farm of Todd and Karen O’Neill, the event was a resounding success.

It was a special year for Northern Berk County National Night Out! The event was held at a new venue – the Berks County Fairgrounds in Leesport. Each vendor had plenty of space for their vehicles and tables, a welcome change from last year's crowded setup at Schuylkill Valley High School. A New Gathering It was exciting to see employees from DVC, Empire Group, and Berks Transfer all together at the event. DVC's Russ Oswalt and Jimmy Blatt, along with Empire Group’s Ellen Ganime and Berks Transfer’s Karen O'Neill, Lauren Bohning, and Mitzi Cote, distributed fun giveaways, including police SUV stress relievers, small toys, bracelets, sunglasses, and snacks. Despite the cloudy weather and a rescheduled date, everyone had a great time. National Night Out: A Nationwide Celebration National Night Out takes place on the first Tuesday of August in most states, with some opting for an October date. Founded in 1984 by Matt Peskin, who also established the National Association of Town Watch, this event has grown significantly over the past 40 years. It fosters connections between police departments and communities through activities, music, and food. Last year, nearly 40 million people attended National Night Out events across over 16,800 communities from all 50 states. An Exciting Vendor Lineup The Berks County Fairgrounds showcased 80 vendors this year, and we anticipate even more participation next year. Empire Group was proud to be among a diverse group of vendors, including local businesses, first responders, and non-profit organizations. The variety was impressive, featuring everything from insurance companies and car dealerships to healthcare providers and restaurants. New vendors like Spitler’s Towing, HNL Lab Medicine, and Blinds To Go added to the fun atmosphere. Attendees enjoyed delicious food options, from pizza to popcorn, while engaging in games and exploring a variety of vehicles, including a Tesla Cybertruck and two helicopters. A Spectacular Ending DVC showcased their tri-axle dump truck, while Berks Transfer displayed their roll-off truck with a dumpster. The evening concluded with brilliant fireworks, leaving everyone in high spirits. At Empire Group, we search for ways to enrich our community. Like National Night Out, we strive to connect with our neighbors. Our employees had a blast at the event and look forward to National Night Out 2025. We hope to see you next year!

This year's Golf Classic was held on September 7, 2024, at Willow Hollow Golf Course in Leesport, PA. The day began with sun peaking out of the clouds, and we had 104 of the finest golfers from Berks County playing in this fun event. There was a shot gun start at 7:00 AM and all the action was completed by 11:30 AM – just in time for the rain! Once the match was over, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch of fried chicken, cold cuts, pierogies, baked beans, potato salad and various side dishes, snacks and drinks. After the luncheon, the winners were announced. Team Winners First Place: Val Santo, Ray Plummer, Dave Albright, and Mike Wagner with a score of 17 under par – an excellent score! Second Place: Jey Newswanger, Matt Gordon, Brian Leupold, and Nick Shade. The team had a score of 12 under par – an awesome score! Third Place: Carl Sottosanti, John Sottosanti, Sebastian Sottosanti, and Giuseppe Napoli with a score of 11 under par – great playing guys! Closest to the Pin Hole Winners Kenny Freil Hole #3 – 15' Brian Leupold Hole #5 – 5' 7" Val Santo Hole #6 – 8' 7" Dave Albright Hole #9 – 4' 11" Chris Stephens Hole # 14 – 3' 6" The Longest Drive Winner Rich Reinhart Hole #16 A Big Thank You I would like to thank those who helped me put this event put together. Without them, things would not get done: Pamela Oswalt Charity Oswalt Michelle Oswalt Missy Sebio Mandy Rotkiske Makayla Rotkiske Victoria Reedy Brenda Martis Cherie Clissa Mitzi Cote Ellen Ganime If I forgot to mention you, I apologize! Once again, thanks to everyone who made this event possible and a special thanks to Todd & Karen O’Neill and Harry & Cathy O’Neill – without them we could not do this every year! Stay tuned for next year’s date! Sincerely, Russ Russell P. Oswalt, Sr. Vice President of Transportation, DVC

This summer was sizzling and Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, was busy with various projects, company events, and other updates. Here's a glimpse into what they were up to!

On Saturday, August 17th, employees and their families gathered for a fantastic Empire Group Family Fun Day at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, PA. This year's event was a big hit, with nearly 200 attendees coming together for a day filled with fun, food, and festivities.

Summer is in full swing, and our affiliates are offering a variety of services. We take pride in assisting our customers in reaching their objectives. Here are some of the exciting projects they've recently completed. 

In recent times, safeguarding against heat stress has become more crucial than ever for outdoor workers. The United States has witnessed consecutive temperature records this year, with February marking the warmest month globally across surface air and oceans. On the East Coast, states like North Carolina and Maryland have shattered summer temperature records, underscoring the severity of ongoing heat waves and the likelihood of more to come. It's imperative to prioritize protection against heat stress for yourself and your team. Understanding Heat Stress Heat stress manifests in various forms such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Some may include prickly heat (heat rash) or heat syncope (fainting), but we will not be covering them in this blog. These conditions can occur unexpectedly, particularly when engaged in strenuous activities without adequate precautions. Identifying these heat-related illnesses early is essential to mitigating their impact. Heat Cramps: They occur after strenuous activity, where the body loses fluids, salts and minerals. If only the fluids are replenished, the muscles will cramp and spasm. Heat cramps can occur in the arms, legs, stomach, and other areas after the activity (work) or at night. Heat Exhaustion: More severe than cramps, heat exhaustion results from excessive loss of water and salt through sweat. Symptoms include heavy sweating, headaches, nausea, and fainting. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent progression to heat stroke. Heat Stroke: The most severe heat-related illness, heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature regulation fails. Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke involves cessation of sweating, along with potential twitching of muscles. Prompt medical intervention is critical as heat stroke can be life-threatening. Tips for Protecting Yourself in Summer Heat Now that you understand the risks associated with heat stress, taking preventive measures becomes paramount: Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water and electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Avoid beverages with caffeine (e.g., soda), as they can contribute to dehydration. Use Sun Protection: Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to exposed skin. Wearing hats and sunglasses provides additional protection where permissible. Take Regular Breaks: Despite deadlines, taking breaks helps prevent overheating and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses. At Empire Group, we prioritize safety above all else. We acknowledge the challenges of outdoor work in every season and provide comprehensive training to minimize risks. This summer's extreme temperatures reinforce our commitment to ensuring the Elk team's safety and well-being as well as the safety and well-being of all our affiliates and the Empire Group. Whether summer or any other season, our affiliates are prepared to deliver the services you need while prioritizing safety. By following these guidelines, you can help safeguard against heat stress and ensure a productive and safe outdoor working environment for yourself and your team. Stay informed, stay safe, and stay cool!