They are formally known as the Main Street Maintenance Team, even though they do have a few team members also working in Governors and Greiner halls on the North Campus. They've been busy this summer cutting and installing plexiglass around campus to help keep people safe from COVID-19.
From left: Mike Heary (Maintenance Assistant- plumbing), Scott Walczak (carpenter), Alex Frase (Maintenance Assistant), Derrick Humphrey (Painter), and Vince Garland (Plumber). Not pictured are team members: Mike Coyle (maintenance assistant), Maureen Matesic (upholsterer), Billy Mullen (trades generalist), Matt Piatkowski (trades generalist), Dave Richardson (electrician), Owen Stuart (maintenance assistant) and David Tolnay (maintenance supervisor).
What do you miss most about work before the pandemic? We miss interacting with the students. We also miss normal interaction with our coworkers. It’s awkward to have conversations while wearing masks and keeping 6 feet apart.
What’s the hardest thing about working during the shutdown? For a while the hardest thing was the almost daily change in information, protocols, etc. and not knowing what the next day would bring. Now, it’s pretty much fear of the unknown –about the virus and about work.
What helps you get through the day at work now? Well, we’re basically all about self-preservation. As we’ve been at work all along, following the recommended safety guidelines is high on our list. Also, we all get along pretty well, so laughter and a sense of humor is right up there too!
Anything else you want people to know about how it is to be an essential employee working during a pandemic? We are very appreciative that we have our jobs. Being here every day can have its moments. It’s a little scary at times having to be so careful in everything we do to keep ourselves and others safe. Also, the constant evolution of, and reaction to, this crisis can be a little confusing and wearing.