O'Reilly, Talbot & Okun Associates, Inc.

Wishing everyone a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!

Amelia has joined OTO for the summer. So far, she has been enjoying all the field experience this internship is providing. Amelia has been able to see real world examples of what she had only learned about in the classroom. She will be returning to Florida State University in the fall where she will continue working towards Civil Engineering degree.

Last night our environmental team had a great time at White Lion Brewing Company ( )catching up with Steve of Strategic Environmental ( ).

It was exciting to see Ashley featured in a recent BusinessWest ( ) Article, and even more exciting to see it in print.

To quote Ashley from the Article: “One of the things that we’ve done – and that I continue to do – is really invest back in people, try to give them the skills and get them the training. And not just the technical training, but also business development, project management, and entrepreneurial skills that get you even further”

To read more: https://businesswest.com/blog/firms-say-new-talent-drawn-by-mission-culture-opportunity/

As the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, we’re reminded of the endless possibilities that each new day brings. The Summer Solstice isn’t just the longest day of the year—it’s a symbol of renewal, a fresh start, and the bright future that lies ahead.

Today, even more so, we are embracing all the changes and celebrating OTO’s future.

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the Unites States, all slaves are free…” – Major General, Gordon Granger, General Orders, No 3. Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston June 19, 1865

Join us in learning more about by visiting: https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth

It looks like summer has shown up a little bit early with forecasted temperatures into the 90s and heat indexes expected to reach 106 this week. With this potential heatwave it is a good time to brush up on how to stay safe in warm weather and how to spot heat related illnesses. You can learn more here: https://www.osha.gov/heat-exposure/illness-first-aid

Whether you’re a dad by blood, a stepdad, a granddad, an uncle, a mentor, or someone who stands in as a father figure, your impact is immeasurable.
To those who nurture, teach, support, and guide; to those who provide laughter and lessons in equal measure; to those who love unconditionally.
Thank you for being the heroes in everyday life, for the big things and the small, for the seen and the unseen. OTO wishes you all a very happy Father’s Day

From the adoption of the original Flag with 13 stars and stripes on June 14th, 1777, to the official designation of June 14th as Flag Day in 1949, a lot has changed, and a lot has stayed the same. Flag Day is a good day to reflect on our history and look forward to our future.

Kaitlyn and Paul of OTO and Sahithi Rondla of ERM were pleased to present Environmental Innovation Awards on behalf of the Connecticut Environmental Forum (https://www.connecticutenvironmentalforum.org/ ) at Saturday’s Connecticut Invention Convention.

The excitement and spirit of creativity at UConn’s Gampel Pavilion was palpable. Winning selections included the "Bio-Filter”, the “Compostinator”, the “EcoDry”, the “Fungi Filter”, and the “Coastal Plastic Retriever” (“Giving CPR to the Oceans”).

Our award recipients were articulate, informed, passionate, personable, grateful, determined, and good marketers to boot! By osmosis, being around such talent and potential gives us a perspective of hope that the seemingly intractable global environmental problems will be tackled head-on by these young inventors from Connecticut!

To learn more about the Invention Convention visit: https://ctinventionconvention.org/

Proudly celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion, letting our values show our Pride and dedication to creating a welcoming workplace for the LGBTQ+ community

• Embracing RESPECT for all identities
• Championing EQUALITY in love and rights
• Celebrating the VERSATILITY of our community
• Standing in TOGETHERNESS
• Shining a light on TRANPARENCY and authenticity
• Living with INTENTIONALITY and purpose

To wrap up Mental Health Month OTO was ready to and continue to show our support to Mental Health America https://www.classy.org/team/580939

Our Values at OTO are Transparency, Respect, Togetherness, Intentionality, Versatility, Curiosity, and Equality. These values not only apply to our work but to our people as well.

Showing respect and equality to all our employees, clients, and the communities we serve means knowing mental health matters. We need to be transparent in our understanding that 1 in 5 people live with a mental health condition. Strive to let our intentionality guide us in making choices to support our employees and communities’ mental health. Use our versatility and curiosity to find ways to spread the word about the importance of caring for our mental health. By recognizing 5 in 5 people have mental health, we are all in this together.

For bravery, courage, and valor, we thank you.

Last month Ashley and Western New England University alum Kaitlyn attended the WNE 2024 Emerging Engineers Expo. They judged the 1st Year students’ projects that included their product innovations (poster and prototype).

Mid-Week Mental Health Tip

1 in 5 American adults will have a diagnoseable mental health condition in any given year

5 in 5 people have mental health, so why not take 5 minutes and consider these 5 things you can do for your mental health.

Or take 5 minutes to join OTO in supporting Mental Health America here: https://www.classy.org/team/580939

Did you know that using a portable air cleaner with a HEPA filter can help reduce asthma triggers like wood smoke and pet allergens?
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/air-cleaners-and-air-filters-home

The 3rd Friday of May, National Bike Month, is Bike to Work Day. Riding your bike today and any other day of the year is a great way to celebrate the joys and functionalities of bicycles. Not to mention it is good for your health and a good way to limit air pollution!

Everyone goes through rough periods, so it’s important to take care of yourself and have healthy coping tools on standby to use when times get tough. This , start building your coping toolbox 🛠 using MHA’s resources: mhanational.org/may

Some of us had a chance to view the aurora borealis over the weekend stepping outside to watch the colors dance and change. It was truly amazing to witness the magic of this solar symphony of a cosmic collision paint the night sky. To learn more about what causes an aurora click here: EarthSky | What causes an aurora, the northern or southern lights?

To all the incredible moms, grandmas, stepmoms, aunts, foster moms, and mother figures out there, we honor you today. 💖 Your love, strength, and resilience make the world a better place. OTO wishes you all a very happy Mother's Day

Congratulations to Leah on completing her master’s degree in accounting! OTO staff joined her in celebration by sporting the colors of their Alma maters.

Mid-Week Mental Health Tip

Having the internet at your fingertips can be a gift - you’re probably reading this on your phone or computer right now! But it’s not without its downfalls. Social media can cause FOMO, depression, & reduced self-esteem. This , try taking screen breaks when it starts to feel like too much. 💚 mhanational.org/may

Have you checked your today? Knowing the air quality in your community can help you better plan your daily activities. Learn more at https://epa.gov/aqaw

Ashley, Pierre, Kaitlyn, and Dustin attended the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Spring Geotechnical seminar in Cromwell, CT on Coastal Geotechnics & Resilience. The speakers highlighted the challenges facing costal areas and how to better adapt our approaches when evaluating, designing, and building near the coastline along with reviewing new innovations and technologies being implemented to increase the sustainability of coastal communities.

In recognition of Mental Health Month, we are fundraising for Mental Health America, please consider joining OTO in our fundraising efforts here: https://www.classy.org/team/580939

To learn more about Mental Health America and to find some resources to support your own mental health visit: https://mhanational.org/mental-health-month