Matthias Wholley: Three Great Places to Kayak in Connecticut

A former first lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard, Matthias Wholley is an outdoor sports enthusiast. From mountaineering to backpacking and kayaking, Wholley takes advantage of his home near Hartford, Connecticut, to explore the Northeast, where he has several kayaking spots to choose from.

For an easy, beautiful afternoon on the water, individuals can head to Lake McDonough in north-central Connecticut. The lake is split in two parts by the Saville Dam, and there’s little development around the water to obstruct the view. The water is extremely clear, and there are several islands and inlets to explore.

For a more challenging experience, individuals can check out Lake Waramug, the second-largest natural lake in Connecticut. Unlike Lake McDonough, there are private houses with private docks and beaches along the water’s edge. The biggest challenge, however, is the wind. At 600 acres, the wind gusts can often get quite strong.

Finally, if someone’s primary motivation is to explore the local wildlife, consider a trip to the Bantam River. It’s best to go after a few days of rain, as the river is not very deep. The river winds through gorgeous wetlands, and visitors are likely to see herons, turtles, geese, and occasionally swans or otters.

Matthias Wholley: Tips for Improving Operational Productivity

Recently an operations manager for FM Facility Maintenance in Hartford, Connecticut, Matthias Wholley oversaw general day-to-day operations and worked diligently to improve efficiency and overall productivity. He also ensured that stated objectives and goals were met, as outlined by management.

Regardless of the business category or industry in question, operational efficiency may be the most important component of establishing business success while creating profit for future growth and stability. While this means different things for different businesses, there are a number of common tactics to help keep productivity at its highest levels.

1. Allow seamless collaboration by making it easy for employees, suppliers, and others to connect. Whether this means investing in enhanced IP communications, an interactive calendar, or various video or data systems, entire organizations can reap major benefits from systems like these.

2. Strive to maintain a high level of employee satisfaction to retain trusted and knowledgeable employees. The better your business’s retention rate, the more powerful a workforce it will have.

3. To reduce unnecessary travel time and trips, try taking advantage of online meeting software and other easy-to-use communication tools.

Matthias Wholley: The United States Coast Guard – A Brief Overview

Involved with the United States Coast Guard for nearly ten years, Matthias Wholley remains proud of his contributions to the organization. Today, Matthias Wholley uses his experience and expertise in myriad ways, and enjoys hiking and mountain biking in his free time.

Operating as an armed force unit within the United States government, the U.S. Coast Guard secures and protects the nation’s maritime environment and interests around the globe. The U.S. Coast Guard retains jurisdiction both domestically and abroad and, in peacetime, operates under the Department of Homeland Security. At times of war, congress or the president may hold authority over this organization.

The U.S. Coast Guard was established in 1790 and now retains over 7,000 employees and over 40,000 active personnel. Committed to maritime stewardship, safety, and security, the U.S. Coast Guard oversees 3.4 million square miles of sea and coastline. Honor, respect, and devotion to duty remain the core values of this armed service branch.

Matthias Wholley: Kayaking in the Norwalk Islands

About Matthias Wholley: A graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, Matthias Wholley held several commanding positions during approximately 10 years with the Coast Guard and received several distinctions for his service. Now he acts as the operations manager for FM Facility Maintenance in Connecticut. In his leisure time, he enjoys kayaking.

For natives of Connecticut and visitors to the state, Norwalk offers excellent kayaking in Long Island Sound, an estuary of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, more than 23 islands known as the Norwalk Islands provide kayakers with beautiful views and places to explore.

The Norwalk Islands encompass a variety of opportunities. Grassy Island and Shea Island include campsites for people who wish to extend their stays with prior reception of a permit from the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Department. Sheffield Island retains the original 1868 lighthouse, which serves as a museum. Other islands act as wildlife preserves and offer viewing of rare shorebirds.

Most kayakers in the area launch their boats from Calf Pasture Beach, approximately a mile from the islands. Visitors must pay a fee to use the area, but Norwalk residents receive free access. This beach offers the most convenient launch point for kayaking to the islands.

Matthias Wholley on Scenic Petersburg, Alaska

An operations manager with FM Facility Maintenance in Hartford, Connecticut, Matthias Wholley is a former officer in the United States Coast Guard. He patrolled the waters off the coast of southeast Alaska on a 110-foot vessel homeported in Petersburg. In addition to performing his law enforcement and search and rescue duties, Lieutenant Wholley enjoyed the region’s pristine waterways, abundant wildlife, and endless outdoor activities.

A lively Alaskan fishing community, Petersburg sits halfway between Juneau and Ketchikan on the north end of Mitkof Island. Located where the Wrangell Narrows meet Frederick Sound, the borough boasts a unique blend of Alaska native Tlingit and Norwegian heritages. Surrounded by striking mountainous terrain and the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness Area, Petersburg entertains visitors with extensive hiking trails, glacier adventures, and water activities. Whale watching is one of the most popular excursions in the area, because hundreds of humpback whales migrate to Frederick Sound each summer. Visitors can also join the locals as they fish for the plentiful salmon and halibut or charter a flightseeing trip to gain a bird’s-eye view of all Petersburg has to offer.

Matthias Wholley: What to Know Before You Join the USCG

Matthias Wholley served in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for 10 years, and he holds a degree in government from the Coast Guard Academy. As a longtime officer in the service of the Coast Guard, he has a lot of practical knowledge about the enlistment process. He has listed his tips and pointers for people considering a career in the Coast Guard.

1. The Coast Guard is a branch of the military. Only citizens between the ages of 17 and 27 are normally accepted, and a reasonable level of physical fitness is required, as well as completion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test at a satisfactory level. Eight weeks of boot camp await new recruits.

2. Swimming and water are parts of the job. People who are afraid of water or unsure of their swimming skills should look into overcoming those limitations before enlisting with the Coast Guard.

3. Candidates generally have two ways to enter, and multiple ways to advance. People can enter the Coast Guard through acceptance to the USCG Academy to earn a four-year accredited degree, before being discharged into active service with the rank of Ensign. Regular enlistment skips this process and leads to a non-officer position. From there, ranks can be earned through time, hard work, and additional education. Special branches of the USCG include pilots and rescue swimmers.

Matthias Wholley: Cost-Saving Measures for Facilities Managers

Matthias Wholley serves as Operations Manager for FM Facilities Maintenance in Hartford, Connecticut. In this role, he oversees the team that maintains the Stop & Shop and Giant supermarket chains for the international supermarket company Ahold.

To cut costs in building maintenance, one can first look at the money spent on heating and cooling. If the building is kept at a standard temperature throughout the day, including when the building is unoccupied, owners may be losing money. A simple way to create savings is to reduce the heating or cooling overnight. Some who have done this have seen savings of up to 2 percent per year, which accounts for a significant amount, considering the cost of heating and cooling a large building. Additionally, use of fluorescent lighting can reduce the amount of energy used when lights are on.

Managers can also cut costs by securing a competitive contract with vendors. This includes energy suppliers, who may provide multiyear contracts to regular customers. Similarly, a careful review of purchasing can reveal areas in which buying can be scaled back or transferred to a less costly supplier. For instance, switching trash pickup from daily to every other day can reduce that particular cost by half.

Admission Requirements for the U.S. Coast Guard Academy

Matthias Wholley graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 2002. Since that time, he has helped many prospective students and their families navigate the admissions process.

Located in New London, Connecticut, the United States Coast Guard Academy prepares young men and women for careers as officers in the U.S. Coast Guard. Admission to the Academy is highly selective. While 5,000 young hopefuls apply each year, only 300 receive the coveted acceptance letter. These individuals usually present a strong academic history, particularly in the sciences and in mathematics. They have also completed significant community service and intend to devote their lives to serving their country and the world. They have held leadership positions in their schools and communities and have participated extensively in organized athletics.

Students can apply to the Academy, cost-free, provided they are unmarried U.S. citizens between the ages of 17 and 22. Applicants must also possess their high school diploma or general equivalency degree (GED) by the time of entry, must carry no debt, and must have no dependents. To apply, students must fill out an online application that includes essays, transcripts, and teacher recommendations. Students must also complete either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) and must pass a physical examination.