February 16, 2026
Welcome to the twelfth issue of our newsletter.
Usually our newsletter releases at the end of the month, but we have a lot of important messages for you in this issue, so we wanted to share them as soon as possible. As always, if you have a project that you would like to feature in the next issue or know someone that would be interested in receiving our monthly newsletter, let us know.
Thanks for reading,
Ravenna Gemignani
Editor in Chief
Media Consultant
Project Spotlight
This month, we worked on a house for Sang Sur in Old Tappan, NJ. This beautiful home features two stories with a finished attic and basement. It has a traditional French Country-style exterior and a modern, contemporary interior with high ceilings. The beautiful coffered ceiling in the dining room and wide arched windows make this home truly unique!
Spotlight on Your Favorite Employee at Louis & Sons
In this section, we hope to get you familiar with some of the great people we have working here
Oscar has been in Peru for the last couple of years to get his US citizenship, but now he is finally back. Originally, he started at Louis & Sons in 2004 and was trained by Dean, installing batt insulation. Then, when we opened Gemini Spray Foam Systems in 2017, he helped out with spray foam insulation and was one of the core members of the crew. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his wife, Elizabeth, and going to parks and restaurants. We are so glad to have Oscar back on the Louis & Sons and Gemini team.
News
Energy Star Emerges Stronger after US Environmental Protection Agency Attempted to Eliminate It
In 2025, the US Environmental Protection Agency tried to end or privatize the government’s Energy Star program, but now Congress has passed a bipartisan bill that will give dedicated funding to the energy program and strengthen it. Lawmakers have allocated over $33 million to the Environmental Protection Agency for Energy Star, an increase from the 2024 fiscal year. For the first time in ten years, the government has increased funding for this department instead of reducing it.
Source: npr.org
News
U.S. House votes to pass Housing for the 21st Century Act
On February 9th, the House voted to pass the Housing for the 21st Century Act, a bipartisan affordability package endorsed by The National Association of Home Builders. This legislation would push to improve housing affordability and serves as the counterpart to the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act. Both of these bills plan to increase housing supply and modernize federal housing programs. Additionally, the Housing for the 21st Century Act seeks to reduce barriers for developers and limit any redundant environmental reviews. The US Department of Housing and Urban development will develop model zoning frameworks and would require the Government Accountability Office and the US Comptroller General to lead a study to evaluate standardized federal building codes with attention to cost efficiency and construction timelines.
Source: housingwire.com
Mike’s Message
Happy Winter Everyone!
As predicted, we are getting more snow than usual this year. Please have your jobs’ driveways and paths cleared out to make way for deliveries. The drywall delivery companies are having a terrible time with this last snow storm even weeks later. If we can’t get to the house, the project will stall so please make arrangements in advance to avoid any delays. Thanks.
As the song goes, “February made me shiver with every paper I’d deliver. Bad news on the doorstep. I couldn’t take one more step.” — Don McLean, “American Pie”
Good luck getting that out of your head today.
In addition to the cold weather, ICE raids are increasing in our area. We have lost one very important person close to us and I am hearing the same story from other builders. I’m really at a loss as to what to do other than to stay vigilant and extend my prayers to my workers and their families. They are all reporting to me the fear they have even going about their daily routines. They are continuing to work because they have to provide for their families. I hope we can get through this.
My most hopeful wish is for everyone to stay safe this winter season. Be careful out there. Take care when shoveling, use plenty of salt on your walkways, and remember, spring is right around the corner. Even though the groundhogs have predicted six more weeks of winter.
Thank you for everything and we will get through this together.
Thanks,
Michael Gemignani
President
Cartoon
Caroline’s Corner – Words of Wisdom
Anyone who has met or talked to our Office Manager will know that she is the most positive, optimistic and wonderful person you will ever meet. She often has quotes and stories that get us through our tension-filled days. Here’s a story that she would like to share about her grand-nephew, Mack
“You’re the peanut butter to my jelly… and the reason my jeans don’t fit.”
Happy Valentine’s Day! xo
Jokes
Two blood cells met and fell in love. Alas, it was all in vein.
Did you hear about the guy who came from a family of failed magicians? He has two half-sisters.
What’s Cupid’s favorite band? KISS!
Quotes
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.”
― Paulo Coelho, Brazilian lyricist and novelist
“Knowledge is good, but only experience gives you wisdom.”
― Sean Maguire from Good Will Hunting, Played by Robin Williams
“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.”
― Lucille Ball, American actress
Louis & Sons Drywall, Inc. 