Merry Christmas From Kaplan Construction!

Photo Credit: Katrinitsa Compfight cc

“Our many different cultures notwithstanding, there’s something about the holidays that makes the planet communal. Even nations that do not celebrate Christmas can’t help but be caught up in the collective spirit of their neighbors, as twinkling lights dot the landscape and carols fill the air. It’s an inspiring time of the year.”

— Marlo Thomas

Kaplan Construction Helps F&M Bank Get into the Holiday Spirit

Friday, December 2, 2016

When the historic location of Farmer’s & Merchant’s (F&M) Bank on Pine Avenue in Long Beach, California was ready to share their holiday spirit, they called upon Kaplan Construction to help them kick off the season.  Their challenge – getting an enormous 15 foot Christmas tree weighing more than two hundred pounds into the building’s lobby. 

As you can imagine, moving a Christmas tree of this size is not as simple as “strapping it to the top of the ole car and then dragging it through the front door”.  Moving this majestic giant called for planning and help – and a lot of it. Which is why F&M Bank CEO and Chairman of the Board Daniel Walker recommended the bank contact Bob Kaplan. F&M Bank’s relationship with Kaplan Construction dates back to 2000 when the general contracting company orchestrated the historic restoration of the circa 1922 Pine Avenue building.

Photo: F&M Bank on Pine Avenue in Long Beach, California

Always willing to help, Kaplan agreed to move the tree on December 2nd. Knowing he would need additional hands – and strong backs – to safely bring the tree inside the building, Kaplan called on volunteers from the California State University Long Beach (CSULB) Rugby team to assist. A former CSULB rugby alumni himself, Kaplan has been a volunteer coach for the university since 1989.

On the big day (no pun intended), Kaplan and his crew assembled scaffolding in order to safely hoist the tree up and over the teller cages while bank staff watched in fascination. His crew and the “Beach” rugby team then carried the behemoth to a display platform located at the center of the banking floor.

“Kaplan Construction is always up for a challenge and helping with small handyman services like this is just one of the things we do to go the extra mile for our clients,” says Kaplan. Over the years, Kaplan Construction has been called upon to help aging clients dispose of their Christmas trees, replace light bulbs on high ceilings, hang holiday lighting and even secure a partially downed tree to protect a house from damage. Kaplan continues, “While not a part of our typical construction services, our relationship with our clients goes far deeper than just a home remodel. We consider our clients family.”

Photo: Kaplan Construction and the CSULB Rugby Team

In lieu of payment for services, Kaplan suggested F&M Bank make a donation in support of CSULB Rugby, which they graciously did -- donating $1,000 to the program. 
Be sure to check out the Christmas tree at F&M Bank on 3rd Street and Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach. And if this is the type of personal, caring construction service you want from your general contractor be sure to contact Bob at Kaplan Construction. 
Happy holidays!

Happy Holidays from Kaplan Construction!

Be Green: 9 Ways to Recycle Your Christmas Tree

Now that the holiday season is coming to an end, what will you do with your Christmas tree? For those who have a fresh tree, here are some ways from www.care2.com to recycle your tree.

Photo Credit: elgourmet via Compfight cc

1. Living trees, with the roots still intact, can be planted in your backyard after Christmas. (A Christmas tree for next year!)
2. Use the tree as a bird feeder in your backyard.
3. Cut off the branches and use the trunk as an edge for your garden.
4. Use the evergreen boughs as post-Christmas home decor.
5. Check if your community has a Christmas tree recycling program. See the National Christmas Tree Association for more information.
6. The trunk of the tree can be used as firewood for your fireplace.
7. Use the needles to make potpourri.
8. The trunk and branches can be used by woodworking hobbyists.
9. If allowed, burn the branches and spread the ashes in your garden. This will help yield better flowers and veggies as the branches have lots of nutrients your garden can benefit from.

For more information on the different ways of recycling your Christmas tree, click here.