Greg Opinski is a second-generation construction executive and the president of commercial real estate development company OP Development, Inc. Prior to this role, Greg Opinski founded a construction company focused on public works projects, and was responsible for building the Castle Science and Technology Center at the University of California, Merced.The Castle Science and Technology Center (CSTC) serves the Merced community as a museum and place of hands-on learning exhibits for K-12 students. Listed below are three of the most interesting science experiences and exhibits on display at CSTC.1. View Space. The View Space exhibit teaches students about the latest space mission developments and astronomy through computer-driven display. Other interesting space programs at CSTC include a planetarium, rocket construction exhibits, and simulated space flight.2. Planet Polluto. This exhibit, hosted by the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control District, is meant to bring students’ attention to the dangers and effects of smog. The interactive exhibit is especially poignant since the San Joaquin Valley and the city of Fresno struggle to control air pollution.3. Informational scavenger hunt. Students from grades 1 through 8 begin their experience at CSTC with a scavenger hunt. All scavenger hunt questions are written to align with the California state science and reading standards appropriate for each grade level.
A respected Merced, California, entrepreneur, Greg Opinski served as the head of Greg Opinski Construction, Inc., and completed more than 350 total projects. Having started piloting as a way of reaching projects quickly, Greg Opinski enjoys flying in his free time.One of the most challenging aspects of piloting a light aircraft is landing when crosswinds are a factor. One strategy for doing so is the crab method, which involves turning the airplane into the wind at an appropriate degree.This allows the plane to maintain centerline as it approaches the runway. Just before touching down, the pilot can step on the rudder, which brings the nose into alignment with the runway as aileron flight-control surfaces on the wings are activated to avoid drifting. While 737 pilots commonly rely on the crab method, the main issue for pilots of smaller aircraft is that failure to time this maneuver precisely can result in the nose bouncing and jumping on the runway.A less variable crosswind landing strategy is the wing-low method, which involves positioning the aircraft by positioning ailerons in one direction and the rudder in the opposite direction. This cross-controlling technique helps ensure that the nose is stably aligned with the runway during landing and not drifting.
In his former role as project manager and estimator for Greg Opinski Construction Inc., Greg Opinski leveraged his extensive background in construction to provide services for large-scale public projects. Today, as the president of OP Development, Greg Opinski focuses on commercial work in addition to rehabilitating distressed properties. OP Development provides a wide array of master planning services for large projects, including school renovations.School construction projects that occur while buildings are occupied require construction teams to be mindful of air quality concerns. The US Environmental Protection Agency has provided guidelines that aim to protect the health of those in school environments.There are four main causes of indoor air problems during a renovation:1. The release of toxic materials such as lead, asbestos, and mold.
2. Construction dust and fumes.
3. Designs that interfere with ventilation systems.
4. Off-gassing that occurs when new materials are installed.In order to reasonably protect a building’s occupants, construction crews should take several precautions. First, they should test for harmful substances. If they are aware of the presence of lead, asbestos, or mold, they can take appropriate measures for containment. They should also complete work during off hours, such as school breaks or weekends, when possible. When work cannot be completed during off hours, managers should include temporary barriers such as plastic sheeting to help contain pollutants. In addition, they should work to keep the site relatively free of debris, dust, and scraps to lessen risk of exposure and injury.Building officials can also help by keeping occupants away from the construction zones and reducing the likelihood of exposure to harmful airborne items.
Real estate developer Greg Opinski is a proven construction project manager and estimator. To complement his professional work, Greg Opinski learned carpentry skills that were essential to his responsibilities as a contractor. Carpentry is an essential part of construction work. Carpenters require a number of skills to perform well at their job. Two of the most important are eyes for detail and mechanical skills.Good carpenters have an undeniable eye for detail. Work such as skirting boards and putting finishing touches on kitchen surfaces requires a keen eye. On top of that, carpentry itself requires precision. Carpenters work with architects and engineers to develop structural plans that need to be accurate up to the millimeter. An eye for detail will assist carpenters to get exact measurements for roof and window frames, and other home wooden structures.Mechanical skills encompass the ability to work with tools and to read technical drawings. Carpenters often work with tools such as laser levels, framing boards, power sanders, and power saws. Therefore, they need to have the mechanical skills to operate these construction tools in their craft while following technical instructions from blueprints and diagrams drawn in collaboration with architects.
