AVAIL NEWS -
The Availian
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Message From the Directors
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As you know, in 2019 Avail Technologies made the list for a second time as one of the “Best Places to Work in PA.” An award like this doesn’t happen by accident, it’s a direct reflection of who we are: Positive, hardworking, committed, and loyal employees.
We are all in pursuit of, and need, constructive work in a good workplace. Truth is, we all contribute to a productive and pleasant place to work. With that in mind, we should all think about what it means to continue to improve workplace values, attitudes, and behaviors to promote a culture where individuals care about themselves and each other.
Here are a few basic workplace topics for your consideration:
FLEX TIME AND PUNCTUALITY: Being punctual shows that you are respectful and value the other person’s time. Example: Start/end meetings on time, when possible don’t double book meetings, etc.
OPEN DOOR POLICY: Stop by for a chat about workplace issues only when the door is open. If it’s closed, book an appointment. If there’s an emergency, knock on the door if it’s closed. Be prepared to detail the issue properly – who else does it affect, how long has it been going on, what departments, ideas for solutions, etc.
RESPONDING TO EMAIL: There’s no reward for replying within seconds every time you’re asked for something. However, a quick reply saying that you’re on it and giving a estimated timeline of when it will be done will reassure your manager that he or she can trust you to get things done—and prioritize well.
SELF MOTIVATION: Self motivation is a power that drives us to keep moving ahead. It encourages continuous learning and success. Self-motivation is a primary means of realizing our goals and progressing. Strive to be the very best that you can be.
DO YOUR SHARE: Cleanliness in the workplace not only creates a healthier environment for employees but also helps us to become more efficient and productive. Cluttered desks, leftover food and waste paper are just some of the most common items that contribute towards a messy work space.
REMOTE WORK/TELECOMMUTE: If you’re going to work from home, you need to put systems in place to be successful—
dedicated home office space, clearly defined work schedule, and
clear boundaries (friends and family need to respect your time, space, and work obligations). Avail supports employees working remotely or telecommuting with following basic guidelines: get your work done, be available and over-communicate (keep your boss informed of all your work activities).
Bottom line: self-reflection is always a positive thing. Do my workplace attitudes and behaviors need some tweaking? There is always room for improvement.
Let’s make "Best Places to Work in PA" in 2020 and beyond!
David Mugica
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IndyGo (Indianapolis, IN)
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PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
NEXT STEPS:
- February site visit with Executive Team
- Fixed Route SAT
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MCAT (Manatee County, FL)
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PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
NEXT STEPS:
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NORWALK TRANSIT (Norwalk, CA)
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PROJECT PHASE:
- Factory Acceptance Testing close out
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- FAT sign off with Customer in January
NEXT STEPS:
- FAT phase close out and preparations for Pilot Phase
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CityLink - GPMTD (Peoria, IL)
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PROJECT PHASE:
- Requirements Review, Preliminary Design Review
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Discovery Recap, Weekly meetings
NEXT STEPS:
- Weekly calls with Peoria Project Team, Schedule Data Export, Requirements Matrix and Preliminary Design Review
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MetroBus (St. Cloud Minnesota) ERP Installation
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PROJECT PHASE:
- MetroBus installation is complete on most of their modules. The modules left are related to HR and payroll
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Several Requirements are now complete
NEXT STEPS:
- HR and payroll Discovery and training
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COLTS (Lackawanna County) ERP Installation
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PROJECT PHASE:
- Maintenance is in discovery and Finance is in training
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Accounting Discovery is done. Maintenance Discovery part 1 is done. HR/Payroll demo is done. Maintenance Discovery is done. Server access has been granted.
NEXT STEPS:
- Accounting training is week of February 10. Maintenance training soon to follow.
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ATA (Area Transportation Authority) Phase 1 - Accounting (AP,GL,AR) Install
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PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Transactions are now being entered in the live system
NEXT STEPS:
- Monitor transactions and continue to answer questions. Transition to support after January close
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COLTS (Lackawanna County) ERP Installation
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PROJECT PHASE:
- Maintenance is in discovery and Finance is in training
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Accounting Discovery is done. Maintenance Discovery part 1 is done. HR/Payroll demo is done. Maintenance Discovery is done. Server access has been granted.
NEXT STEPS:
- Accounting training is week of February 10. Maintenance training soon to follow.
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PROJECT PHASE:
- Quick Start Implementations
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- MCTA Avail-TSI Metadata Beta Test 2/5/2020
- Began discussions with subcontractors on Statewide Implementation SOW
NEXT STEPS:
- Obtain sign-off from agencies and PennDOT on all recently submitted reports
- Continue discussions with subcontractors on Statewide Implementation SOW
- Continue to work on process improvements prior to Round 2 beginning
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Production/ Shipping News
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We are working on a process that will help everyone that needs things shipped out. This is for ANY thing that needs to be shipped out that is
NOT already on the purchase request site.
Example: There are time when and SSD card is being shipped out due to other things than what the purchase request site can offer. In those cases we need to have some form of documentation showing what was shipped, how it is to be shipped, who is the requester, where it is to be shipped etc.
Darin is working hard at coming up to speed in his new position but it is going to take him time to get use to all the customers we have and the places things need to be shipped to. In efforts to make sure we are shipping the items out to the correct location he needs our help to make sure this happens. Many times there is something left at his area with a sticky note with little information on it or it is verbally said to him with all that is going on it would be easy to forget who brought what and where it was to go. To get a better handle on shipping we are asking you to fill out the shipping request form. I have attached it to this email and it will also be available on the door to the stockroom. Please keep in mind this is only for items that are
NOT on the purchase request site.
This will include anything that is not defined on the purchase request site that Darin would not have the correct information to be able to perform is job. If we as a team make sure we give all the correct information up front will help make things run more efficient for everyone. This will also help eliminate errors leading Avail to success with our customers.
Please also keep in mind if this form doesn’t accompany what needs to be shipped there is no guarantee your material will ship the day you are requesting it to ship.
We also are asking to please try and look ahead for things you need to have shipped. It must be to the shipping department no later than 3:00 pm to be guaranteed it will go out the same day. We realize things will arise and need to go but this really shouldn’t be happening on a daily basis. We also are trying to cut back on expediting everything as those cost effect the entire company.
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Business Intelligence Beta Project Overview
We're onto month two of 2020 and already our Engineering Team has been making exciting progress on the upcoming Business Intelligence (BI) solution. The project scope and timeline for the BI Beta Initiative have been outlined and we're ready to to share the news!
The initial BI product for the myAvail ERP solution will be comprised of 12 executive dashboards focused on the following business areas:
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- Executive Leadership
- Maintenance
- Finance
- Human Resources
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- Fixed Route Operations
- Payroll
- Planning
- Information Technology
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- Procurement
- Customer Service
- Marketing
- Safety Management
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These dashboards would be comprised of 4-6 individual widgets capturing the key performance indicators (KPIs) for each department.
At this stage the focus will be on defining those KPIs and delivering a consolidated, simple view of overall department performance. Future iterations would expand the depth of reporting and add any specific purpose-built reporting tools. (At this stage think budget performance not a complete budgeting tool with drill down to subsidiary journal capabilities). Self-service reporting would be configured on the data sets used in the dashboards above.
BI Beta Project Participation
We’ve been working with our beta partner agencies to develop the BI tool. Although not all agencies will be able to contribute with hands-on testing of the beta product, all agencies will be invited to provide input throughout the process.
Project Timeline
The project will be segmented into 3 phases, each including dashboard development for 4 business units from the bulleted list above. Each iteration will include a kick-off call prior to development.
The three phases will continue throughout the spring with completion in early summer. During June's National Users' Conference in State College, Avail will demonstrate the 12 finalized dashboards, with the initial product release sometime in the third quarter of 2020.
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ERP Product Knowledge Webinars
After getting feedback from our customers about the Financial Management webinars we incorporated their suggestions into the remaining training.
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What's the Same?
- Future webinar installments will still be presented by ERP Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
- Overview of the myAvail ERP product and workflows
- Diagrams and documentation to aide in learning
- Question and answer opportunities
- Video recording of each training session available after course
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What's different?
- More in-depth training of the ERP modules
- On-demand video training via a permanent library accessible to all customers - More details coming soon!
- Participate in training at your convenience
- New content added monthly
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We are planning to host webinars at the end of March. We will cover the following subject areas:
- Asset Management
- Capital Planning
- Customer Feedback
- Human Resources
- Maintenance
- Materials Management
- Payroll
- Service Planning & Operations
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Avail Wellness Program
This year, Avail implemented a Wellness Program, administered by WellWorks. The Avail Technologies, Inc. Wellness Program is a voluntary wellness program available to all employees and their spouses enrolled in Avail’s health plan. Basically, this was implemented to track wellness visits for employees and to help you better understand your health. Higher participation in primary care engagement usually leads to lower overall claims and claims cost impacts premiums at renewal time.
- If you choose to participate in the wellness program, you will be asked to complete a Physician Results form, which will include test results of blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, BMI, lipid panel, and glucose.
- You are not required to participate in the Wellness Program; however, we encourage both employees and spouses to visit your primary care doctor annually for a physical exam and biometric screening (blood pressure, cholesterol etc.). The annual physical check-up is a preventive care visit including the lab work and will not be subject to deductible responsibility. If the physician orders additional tests outside of what is required, then there may be deductible responsibility. The information from your results will be used to provide you with information to help you understand your current health and potential risks.
Protections from Disclosure of medical information:
Although the Wellness program and Avail may use aggregate information it collects to design a program based on identified health risks in the workplace, your personal information
will never be disclosed to your employer.
If you choose to participate, the deadline to complete the paperwork is 04/1/2020. Details, including physician form, can be accessed in the Wellness subfolder in the
SharePoint HR Benefits folder.
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Newsletter Submission Deadline
If you would like to share any content or information in the March newsletter please submit to
Christine no later than
Friday, March 13th. Thank you!
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Introduction to ACE - Availians Celebrating ESOP
Hello fellow Employee Owners!
We’d like to introduce ourselves. We are ACE – Availians Celebrating ESOP!
Who are we?
ACE Squadron: Dietter Aragon, Zafer Batmaz, Diana Bonson, Frank Casertano, Kerry Couch, Christine David, Gail Keller, Chris McClellan, Corey McKay, Mark Pryor, Caleb Selders, Mike Shuey, Jill Thumma, Tom Turner and Jere Warner.
Team structure: ACE Chair is Mike Shuey and ACE Vice Chair is Tom Turner. Each year the chair rotates off and the vice chair becomes chair. Next year Tom will become Chair and Frank Casertano will become vice chair. Implementing this rotation will provide leadership opportunities to Avail employees and a fresh outlook for the team each year.
What are we working on?
Team Branding/Company Marketing Materials, Vision statement, ESOP SharePoint page, ESOP Teams page, ESOP Video for on-boarding, ESOP one-pager for on-boarding, ACE member pin for Avail Academy banner, ACE member desk signage, All-Hands meeting content and Availian Newsletter content. (We’ll go into more detail at the next All-Hands meeting.)
We encourage all Availians to check out the
I ❤ My ESOP
posters throughout the building. There are 3 on the second floor and 3 on the third floor. Each poster has a different company or ESOP fact listed.
*Be sure to remember these facts as they will be part of a final contest for ESOP month in October.
*We’ll explain more at the next All-Hands meeting.
Here are the posters for off-site folks to print out for your office and/or save to your computer (hint: everyone can use this link for the final contest):
https://conta.cc/39lzMjp
What should you expect for the next All-Hands meeting (tentative agenda)?
- ACE Intro
- Winners of the newsletter trivia (Yes, there is an ESOP trivia question in the Availian newsletter. Also part of final contest)
- Overview of what we’re working on
- Who are our fellow ESOP companies?
- The economic impact of employee ownership
- Close with a video
Thank you for your time and we are excited about providing you ESOP content for the foreseeable future
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Palm Tran Celebrates Beach Bus Extension in Ribbon-Cutting
With the 1.2-mile extension, residents and visitors of Palm Beach County can now be dropped off steps away from the sandy shores of Lake Worth Beach without worrying about the parking and traffic hassle.
Read more
www.masstransitmag.com
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Statement by APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas
Washington, D.C. - "The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and its 1,500 member organizations were pleased to see President Donald J. Trump speak about the need to rebuild America's infrastructure in last night's State of the Union ...
Read more
www.apta.com
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HART board fires chief executive after investigation of...
TAMPA - Hillsborough's transit agency voted Friday to fire its chief executive officer after a three-month investigation found he violated eight agency policies. Ben Limmer, 41, was chosen to head the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority...
Read more
www.tampabay.com
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How transit agencies can leverage new mobility
At first glance, tech-enabled mobility disruptions may seem to be the enemy of public transit. In 2017 - the moment when new mobility options began to appear on the scene en masse - transit ridership was down in 31 of 35 major metropolitan areas...
Read more
www.metro-magazine.com
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APART vs A PART
APART
: an adverb which means "separated, with distance between by virtue of time, space or circumstance." It can also be an adjective, meaning "not together, in pieces." It can additionally function as a preposition when paired with “from.” “Apart from” means "with the exception of, besides."
A PART
: "A part" is two words; “a” is an article which is a noun marker, and “part” is the noun. A PART means "a piece of something, an amount that is a portion of a whole."
For example:
"They spend decades APART
before
they saw each other again."
"He took the toy APART in no time."
"APART from this cookie, I haven't eaten anything all day."
"Local historians play A PART in preserving history."
"May I have A PART of your sandwich?"
Tip
: APART can be several things but not a noun. A PART can only be a noun. If it's not a
noun
you need your sentence, you need APART.
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Agency Comings and Goings
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*If you know of any agency's staff comings or goings please submit to
Christine for upcoming newsletters. Thank you!
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FEBRUARY
- 17-19 - Transit Bus Summit - Austin, TX
- 23-26 - SWTA Freedom Through Transit - Shreveport, LA
MARCH
- 8 - Tampa Bay Regional Bus Roadeo (Sponsoring) - Tampa, FL
- 15-17 - APTA Legislative Conference - Washington DC
APRIL
- 3-8 - Texas Transit Association Expo - McAllen, TX
- 3-4 - FPTA Roadeo (Sponsoring) - Orlando, FL
- 20-23 - PPTA Spring Expo
- 22-24 - CALACT 35th Anniversary Spring Conference & Expo
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Diana Bonson
How long have you been working at Avail?
I started at Avail December 1st, 2018, so it's been 1 year and 2 months.
What's your title at Avail?
Purchasing Agent (with a lot of titles under that lol).
So tell us, What does that mean you do here?
I purchase everything from the Toilet paper to the equipment we use on our systems, basically everything. When I started, I didn’t realize there was no one monitoring the janitorial supplies and we ran out of toilet paper 2 times before I realized to keep a close eye on it, LOL Last thing we need is no toilet paper…I also work closely with our PM’s and production to make sure we are getting the material we need in a timely manner. That has truly been a challenge. In the beginning I was getting so many emails it was hard to keep track of who needed what or what needed order etc. that is when I created the purchase request site. This has been a work in progress, but I think it has made a difference for everyone.
I also manage our inventory, which I was told when hired we didn’t have inventory to later discover we had over ½ million dollars in material that was sitting here at Avail not being used. Since then we have been using up as much material as we can to help save the company money.
Shipping and receiving of material are also another part of my job. The material coming in is now managed with putting into inventory and having a manual system to track the material we are using. I also make sure the material going out is also charged out to the proper project through the new inventory system that I put into place when I first started. Along with this is the RMA’s making sure we are getting these parts out to the customer in a timely fashion.
I have been tasked to be part of the Dynamics core team to help with the integrations to the new system I am sure we all can’t wait to be using. That has been taking up a lot of my time but truly think we all are going to be pleased with what it will do for Avail.
I am part of the new committee for our ESOP and look forward to learning about our companies Employee Owned Stock and to help teach others.
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What's your favorite thing about your job?
I would have to say the challenge of meeting deadlines. I work best under pressure. I have to say...This past year was too extreme. LOL. I have been purchasing for 25+ years and have come to be or at least seem to be aggressive and that is not my intention but do feel that when under this much pressure it tends to make one feel that way. LOL SO if I seem like that, look past it, as I am one that will help anyone if I can.
How did you get involved with Avail?
I was looking for something where I could grow. The only reason I left my old position there was no room for growth. I am very passionate about what I do, and I love to see when improvements are made. I do still help with my previous employer getting them parts if they can’t find them or helping with their cost saving methods.
Why do you believe in Avail?
I believe in Avail because the employees seem to be passionate about the company and where it is going. Seeing a team of managers, directors and executives work together to make the improvements is not something you see at every company. This is a dedicated team to help make our workplace better for everyone not just certain individuals. That tells me there is hope for a better future. Avail is striving for excellence not only with its product and service to their customers but to its employees, which can only lead the company to many more successful years.
What's your favorite beverage and why?
Coors Light pony bottles and mulled apple spice wine. The pony bottles just make it seem like I am not drinking as much cause the bottle is smaller. LOL You just can’t look at how many of the bottles one drinks. LOL
What are your favorite websites, books, places and why?
I love Pinterest, getting ideas to making things myself. I may be old but “Green Eggs & Ham” I read to my grandchildren and that is their favorite too. LOL
What's your favorite season and why?
Fall is my favorite season. The weather is not too hot and the colors are amazing. I love to take pictures from the many places we go just to see the leaves change. It is the best time to have gatherings outside for soup cooks and pig roasts and of course the Coors Light pony bottles.
What do you do for fun?
Campfires, dancing, spending time with family and friends. I love having family gatherings at my home. I enjoy making all the different foods that my mother use to make when we gathered for family events. I was raised with a large family that always spent time with aunts, uncles and cousins. Today seems like the world is getting away from that. It truly is important to me to be around family.
What do you consider the greatest human invention of all time?
I think there is too many to choose from. LoL…
What's your weirdest quirk?
Being defensive most of the time…I have always felt like I need to defend myself even when there isn’t something being questioned. Truly need to work on that. LOL
What's your personal goal?
My personal goals are to always gain knowledge, doesn’t matter what the subject is I like to learn new things. I want to become a better communicator not just at work but at home as well. I have a hard time saying NO and sometimes this disrupts things to the extent getting things accomplished seem to get pushed aside.
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Its almost March and you know what that means: MADNESS. Be on the lookout for a link from the FEW Crew to set up your basketball bracket for March Madness. There will be no cost for entry; simply fill out your bracket and cross your fingers, its going to be a long month! All Availians will be in the same poole, and the Availian with the most points at the end of the tournament will receive a $150 gift card!
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If you have any questions about these events please contact the
FEW Crew
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Mary Ellen Hurley - 2/06
Janet Rohrbaugh - 2/11
Michael Poust - 2/21
Michael Froehlich - 2/23
John Roth - 2/25
Mike Shuey - 2/26
Paula Glenn - 2/26
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12 Years
Brian Farabaugh
8 Years
Todd Taylor
3 Years
Ryan Eisenhower
2 Years
Jill Thumma
1 Year
Cassidy Houtz
Tim Wilson
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Nate Weaver - 3/01
Steve Lewis - 3/01
Anthony Agnone - 3/03
Paul Everhart - 3/04
Ryan Robertson - 3/05
Jeremy St. Clair - 3/10
Kevin Becker - 3/11
William Bown - 3/16
Justin Barber - 3/17
Walt Timblin - 3/22
Vic Kumar - 3/24
Kyle Sunseri - 3/25
Sue Warner - 3/25
Frank Casertano 3/27
Stacey Wance - 3/30
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15 Years
Gina Hess
5 Years
Seth Hainsey
2 Years
Brian Thaler
Ken Bachman
1 Year
Debra Flaharty
Janet Bright
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Hank Fifield - Director of Finance
Neb Aberra - IT Specialist I
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February 17-19 | Transit Bus Summit
February 18 | Central Pennsylvania Employment Consortium
February 21 | Expense Reports Due
February 23-26 | SWTA Freedom Through Transit Conference
February 25 | Weekly timesheets due
February 28 | Juniata College Career Fair
February 28 | Pay day
March 6 | Expense Reports Due
March 8 | Tampa Bay Regional Bus Roadeo
March 13 | Content for March newsletter due
March 15-17 | APTA Legislative Conference
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Mike Shuey's 'Award-Winning' Cheeseburger Soup
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Winner of 2020 Avail Annual Soup Cook-off
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YIELDS: 2 1/4 quarts
SERVINGS: 8 servings
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INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 3/4 C. chopped onion
- 3/4 C. shredded carrots
- 3/4 C. diced celery
- 1 tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
- 4 T. butter, divided
- 3 C. chicken broth
- 4 C. diced, peeled potatoes
- 1/4 C. flour
- 2 C. cubed American cheese
- 1 1/2 C. milk
- 3/4 tsp. salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 C. sour cream
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INSTRUCTIONS:
- In a 3-quart saucepan, brown beef; drain and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, saute onion, carrots, celery, basil and parsley in 1 tablespoon of butter until vegetables are tender; about 10 minutes.
- Add broth, potatoes and beef; bring to boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
- Meanwhile, in a small skillet, melt remaining butter. Add Flour; cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes or until bubbly. Add to soup; bring to boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cheese, milk, salt and pepper; cook and stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat; blend in sour cream.
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*If you would like to share your favorite recipes in upcoming newsletters please submit to Christine.
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A man was driving down the road when a policeman stopped him. The officer looked in the back of the man’s truck and said, “Why are these penguins in your truck?”
The man replied, “These are my penguins. They belong to me.”
“You need to take them to the zoo,” the policeman said.
The next day, the officer saw the same guy driving down the road. He pulled him over again. He saw the penguins were still in the truck, but they were wearing sunglasses this time. “I thought I told you to take these penguins to the zoo!” the officer said.
“I did,” the man replied. “And today I’m taking them to the beach.”
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Contact Marketing:
Please contact us if you have any content that you would like to include to upcoming newsletters.
Many thanks to everyone for the great submissions we've received to date! We appreciate all of your contributions!
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