One Man’s Way to Find Harmony on the Jobsite
by Karen M. Scally
August 10, 2011
Have you seen that YouTube video of the singing construction worker in New York? (If you haven’t, you can scroll down to find a link to the video below.)
Gary Russo, who is working on the Second Avenue Subway project in Manhattan, is quickly becoming the latest Internet hit. Dubbed by some media outlets as the “Second Avenue Sinatra,” Russo sets up a mic and karaoke machine during his lunch hour and serenades the crowds. A sign behind him reads, “Forget all the noise, traffic and the impact of the 2nd Ave subway. Enjoy the music.”
Russo told the New York Post he realizes the subway project, with its jack-hammers and heavy equipment, has been a disturbance for those who live and work nearby. With his singing, Russo has found a novel solution to help soothe those who may be disrupted by the work.
Construction projects are the livelihood for those in the site preparation industry. But on the flip side, even though the projects ultimately benefit those in the surrounding community, they can often have adverse effects while they’re underway. Routes are closed. Lanes are blocked. Businesses may be forced to shut their doors. Let’s face it: to many people, construction is just a pain in the neck.
I’m not saying we should all be out singing on street corners during our lunch breaks--that could result in more harm then good! But we could all benefit from applying Russo’s attitude to our lives and put the thoughts and needs of others before ourselves.
What are some ways you can be considerate of others, whether on the jobsite or in the office? What are you doing to spread goodwill in the community? Post your comments below.
Karen M. Scally
scallyk@bnpmedia.com
Karen M. Scally is the editor of Site Prep.
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Title: Nice job
By: Jeanne
Posted: August 20, 2011 9:01 AM
Encore! Encore!
Awesome, that's what NYC is all about!