AVAIL NEWS - The Availian
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Message From the Directors |
We Did It Again!
We must be doing something right. For the 2nd consecutive year, the Central Penn Business Journal has selected Avail Technologies the Best Place to Work in the medium-sized business category.
How many people can honestly say: “I love my job!” Avail is a great place to work. Our compensation and benefits are better or comparable to any medium-sized business. However, pay and perks alone does not make a workplace great.
There is no magic or mystery into developing a workplace where all employees feel valued. We will not rest on our laurels; Avail will continue to abide to the basic principles that contribute to a healthy and productive place of work, specifically:
Mutual Trust
- Employees trust managers to direct a healthy, dynamic and growing company that looks out for its people.
- Managers trust employees who will make decisions that support both the business and its customers.
- Managers and employees regard each other as “family” who “have each other’s back.”
Clarity and Communication
- Manager and supervisors actively seek feedback on workplace culture and practices. Managers are easily reached and open-minded.
- Communication is constant. Conversations between managers and employees take place regularly. Employees seek feedback from their peers.
Supportive culture
- Managers provide a workplace that encourages trust, rewards employee’s effort, and ensures employees know their work is meaningful
To reiterate the obvious, great workplaces are made up of great people. Avail values positive, hardworking, committed, and loyal employees. All of you contribute to making our company a terrific workplace.
Thank you for making and keeping Avail the Best Place to Work.
Oh, and in response to my earlier question: How many people can honestly say:
“I love my job!” I do! And, I sincerely hope you can say the same.
-David Mugica
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IndyGo (Indianapolis, IN) |
PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Splendid CRM modifications
- Minor upgrade
NEXT STEPS:
- BRT Headway/Driver Behavior feature improvements
- SAT
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MCAT (Manatee County, FL) |
PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Transitioning their operations to take ownership and close project
NEXT STEPS:
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NORWALK TRANSIT (Norwalk, CA) |
PROJECT PHASE:
- Core First Article Testing (Pilot)
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Remote weekly meetings in October
NEXT STEPS:
- Preparations for Pilot Phase, Training, Pilot installs, Dry Runs and Formal Pilot Testing
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CityLink - GPMTD (Peoria, IL) |
PROJECT PHASE:
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Completed Pilot training, Pilot installs and Formal Pilot Testing
NEXT STEPS:
- Adoption Installs, Adoption Training, Introduction of SOPs and Systems Acceptance Testing
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PROJECT PHASE:
- Statewide implementation (Round 2)
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Completed CATA Meadville Reassessment on 10/6
- Completed RVT’s Reassessment on 10/20
- Completed specification testing with PennDOT and York the week of 10/26
- Completed Pilot installs at MMVTA on 11/2
- Completed SAT with STS the week of 11/6
NEXT STEPS:
- MMVTA Pilot the week of 11/16
- ATA Pilot installations 11/9 – 11/20
- Submit STS’s Closeout Report by 11/20 and transition to M&S
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Grand Rapids, MI – The Rapid/ITP (BRT, 4G) |
PROJECT PHASE:
- BRT – Burn-In Testing
- 4G – Project Closeout
- BI – Project Closeout
- Kentwood Signs – Installation
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- BRT – System Monitoring and Systems Acceptance Testing (SAT) Completion
- 4G – Finalizing Installs, Training
- BI – Completed Installation, Training
- Kentwood Signs – Signs Delivered
NEXT STEPS:
- BRT – Laker Line BRT Project Closeout
- 4G – Project Closeout
- BI – Project Closeout
- Kentwood Signs – Installation and Project Closeout
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PROJECT PHASE:
- Revamping the schedule now that the project has started again
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- All maintenance modules fully installed
- Avail assisted COLTS in recovering from two server hacks (ransomware) followed by a server outage
NEXT STEPS:
- Claims and safety and service desk going back to accounting
- Planning schedule now for other modules
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AMTRAN ERP Implementation |
PROJECT PHASE:
- Accounting Live - Supporting October End of month close
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Maintenance pre go live
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Accounting Live
- Bluebird scanners ordered
- Maintenance training nearing end
- Payroll discovery done
- HR discovery done
- Scheduling discovery done
NEXT STEPS:
- Data Import: PR, HR, and scheduling
- Maintenance Go Live
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St. Cloud ERM Implementation |
PROJECT PHASE:
- Payroll, Human Resources and Timekeeping
- Conversion testing and parallel entry
- Review of custom needed for requirements
- POS and order processing custom
- Done
- Module Installs (CS, SD, BM, CM, FA)
- Done
RECENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
- Payroll, Human Resources and Timekeeping
- Traoeze interface complete
NEXT STEPS
- Payroll go live January 1
- HR Development
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Differentiated Instruction:
Hello, fellow Availians. This article discusses a basic tenet of teaching and training. However, I think if you choose to read it, you will find the information useful, if for no other reason, then it may provide you with a new perspective with which to see and work with others in your professional and personal lives. Enjoy!
As trainers we are faced with a number of unique challenges. Finding the best way to express ideas and deliver content in order to reach a broad audience is among the greatest challenges we face. Within a group of trainees we may find a diverse population of attendees, from those with very little formal education to those with post-doctoral degrees. This is a challenge faced by teachers in schools across the country every day. Students vary in culture, socioeconomic status, language, gender, motivation, ability, learning style, personal interests and more, and teachers must be aware of these factors and plan accordingly. In education circles the term used to describe the framework for effective teaching within such diverse classrooms is Differentiated Instruction.
This same philosophy can be used for the effective training of adults in an industrial or corporate setting. In practice, the trainer sets different expectations for the completion of tasks. An administrator with a graduate degree may be able to simply listen to the instructor while seeing a demonstration in order to gain an understanding of a concept, whereas someone with less education or motivation may need to hear the instruction and see a demonstration and follow up with a hands-on session to walk through a process step by step, in order to achieve the same level of understanding. Education level is only one factor that must be taken into account. There are numerous other variables at work as well but these too can be addressed through the application of the principles of differentiation.
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Train the Trainer
Kaitlyn Weaver was on site last month at Schuylkill Transportation System and trained Krista and Michele on Avail's Train the Trainer program for In-Vehicle Operator Training.
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FSA/DCAP Open Enrollment
Open enrollment (your time to select your participation for 2021) for your Medical FLEX Spending (Med-FSA) and Dependent Care (DCAP) program is from 11/09/2020-12/11/2020. If you want to participate in 2021, YOU MUST ENROLL DURING OPEN SEASON. If you miss this opportunity to enroll through Dec 11,2020, a qualifying life event must occur (marriage, divorce, adoption, birth, or employment changes) and reported within 30 days of the event for you to be able to make a change to the 2021 plan year elections.
Below are the following documents:
- Summary Plan description which provides a full description of the features and services of both plans.
- Enroll Online: Instructions on how to enroll online
- Flex Brochure
- Mobile App: How to use your smart phones (I-phones & Android) to manage your account
- DCAP Brochure
What are FLEX-SPENDING and DCAP?
Flex-Spending allows you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for most medical, dental, and vision expenses.
Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP): Expenses that are for the care of your “qualified dependent.”
What is the limit in participation for each?
Flex-Spending – As of 11/06/2020, employees can set aside up to $2,750. This may go up; if you elect the maximum amount, and IRS decides to increase the maximum amount, you will have the opportunity to increase your total amount.
DCAP – Up to $5,000 ($2,500 if you are married and filing a separate return)
In addition to the information attached, printed material will be available on the kitchen bulletin board.
What do you need to do?
If you are currently participating in FSA/DCAP and wish to continue your participation, you can log in to your account at www.flextoday.com and make your election for 2021 between 11/09/2020-12/11/2020.
Action item for all staff currently NOT enrolled in FSA/DCAP:
- If you want to enroll, please send Vijaya an email by 12/11/20. Include an intent to participate, name of the plan (FSA and/or DCAP) and the amount elected. We will need to add your name in the Flexonline system in order for you to go in and create your own account.
- If you do not plan to participate, and you do not contact Vijaya by 12/11/20, it will be assumed that you are not interested in participating for 2021
Informational sessions on FSA/DCAP are available on the FlexToday website:
If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Vijaya or Gail Keller.
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Toys For Tots
In past years Avail has always supported the annual Toys for Tots campaign by having collection boxes in our lobby for your donations. This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the fact that most of us are currently working from home, we will not be collecting toys.
However, if you do want to participate this year, there is another way that you can help. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation needs to replenish their sub-account for Centre County. If anyone wishes to make a monetary donation (they spent over $25,000 at the beginning of October with wholesalers that make the dollars go further), below is a QR code that directly links to the donation page for Centre County at the Toys for Tots website.
Please consider helping to bring a happy holiday season to the kids in our area.
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Rowland Creative (the Marketing group we work with) submitted some of the work our teams have done this past year to the [CP]2 award ceremony and took home some hardware! Some quick background about the ceremony:
The Central PA Creative Professionals, [CP]2, is an organization of Creatives in the central PA area who meet monthly for various continuing education programs and networking. Every year, there is an award ceremony, the Bracket Awards. Experts in marketing from cities across the country meet (this year virtually). This year they had nine judges with careers ranging from a former Art Director of the New York Times to those involved in the UI/UX world.
The judges reviewed many pieces and then decided what was worthy of an award, rather than a 1st, 2nd, 3rd type style. The work they did for us took home:
- Gold Tier Award - Introducing MyAvail Animation
- Gold Tier Award - MyAvail Login Screen
- Silver Tier Award - Avail Technologies Website
- Judges Award (Best in Show) - MyAvail Login Screen
It is very exciting to know our marketing efforts are not only making a difference, but to know they are also award-winning!
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Customer Holiday Gifts
For your information, Christmas gifts for our customers will be shipped early December. They should be receiving an assortment of Cheryl's Cookies for their agencies (a requested favorite). Please let Christine David know if you receive any feedback (positive or negative) about these gifts. She will have tracking numbers available to investigate, if necessary, any delivery concerns you may suspect.
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Newsletter Submission Deadline
If you would like to share any content or information in the December newsletter please submit to Christine no later than Friday, December 11th. Thank you! |
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Hello Fellow Employee Owners!
Thanks to all those who participated in ESOP month. The winners of the ESOP crossword puzzle contest are below:
- 1st: Greg Kilbride
- 2nd: Brian Farabaugh
- 3rd: Todd Beaumont
We held our first Avail Academy ESOP 101. We had a great turnout with about 70 employees in attendance. We got a lot of positive feedback and a few suggestions for ESOP 201 next year.
Below are the new ESOP flags proudly displayed in our offices.
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Questions regarding retirement payout:
Q. When can you expect your payout?
A. Are you retiring before or after “Normal Retirement Age (65)”?
On or After – may begin receiving payments one year after the Plan year in which you terminate
Before – may begin in the sixth year after the Plan year you terminate unless you attain Normal Retirement Age during this period
Q. Is it a lump sum, converted to another retirement platform or do you sell shares back to the company/employees?
A. Payments are made in installments over a five-year period. You may rollover to another plan. Shares are sold back to the Plan for redistribution.
NOTES: Balances under $1,000 are paid in full during the year after termination Payments are made on vested balances
Q. When will shares of former employees who have terminated be purchased and redistributed in the plan?
A. Assuming Forfeiture – there is a “break in service” period of five years – at this point your unvested shares are forfeited and redistributed to plan participants
Survey Feedback
Q. When will the original ESOP loan be paid off?
A. The first ESOP loan was paid off in 2019. The second ESOP loan will be paid off in 2021.
Q. What happens when the loan is paid off?
A. Avail is working with Apple and Crowe in what is called a Repurchase Obligation Study. The results of this study will help the trustees decide what course of action to take
Q. Will additional shares be available for employees to purchase in the future?
A. Diversifications, terminations and retirements, and forfeitures will supply some of the shares to be redistributed. The Repurchase Obligation Study will provide the trustees with other options. Shares are not available for purchase
NOTE: Shares will free up for distribution when Dorsey retires
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L.A. Metro head Phil Washington to oversee Biden's...
President-elect Joe Biden has tapped a familiar California figure to run his transportation transition team. Phil Washington, the chief executive of Los Angeles County's transit agency, will oversee a panel of experts tasked with advising Biden...
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ktla.com
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The top 25 most sustainable fleets | Greenbiz
However you look at it, 2020 is a turning point for fleets. Thanks to converging forces - including supportive policies, dropping battery costs and aggressive climate goals - transportation leaders at large and small organizations are...
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Referring to a Brand or Entity as 'They'
A business is not plural, therefore, the business is not 'they.' It's 'it.'"
So, what's the problem with this sentence?
To keep up with their changing audience, Southwest Airlines rebranded in 2014.
The confusion is understandable. In English, we don't identify a brand or an entity as "he" or "she" -- so "they" seems to make more sense. It's just not accurate. A brand or an entity is "it."
To keep up with its changing audience, Southwest Airlines rebranded in 2014.
It might seem a little strange at first, but once you start correctly referring to a brand or entity as "it," the phrasing will sound much more natural than "they."
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Agency Comings and Goings |
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COMING
Stever Schipper - new Chief Operating Officer at The Rapid
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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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NOVEMBER
- 18 - 19 - California Transit Association Fall Expo - VIRTUAL
FEBRUARY
- 17 - 19 - Transit Bus Summit - VIRTUAL
- 21 - 24 - SWTA Freedom Through Transit Conference
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Lauren Amicone
How long have you been working at Avail?
November will mark the 11th month of working at Avail. Almost a year crazy enough
What's your title at Avail?
Software Engineer I
So tell us, What does that mean you do here?
I work in the drenches of code in our product. My main priority is making sure that current projects get the fixes or features they need to close out. I jump around to a lot of different areas of our product, but mainly I focus on the backend development.
What's your favorite thing about your job?
There’s something so satisfying about a good fix. Problem solving is what drew me to my major in the first place. I get to see immediate results that I put my time and effort into which makes it all worth it. Now I will say, it never ends up being perfect, but to see the steps and progress of my work is great.
How did you get involved with Avail?
I ran into Avail during a job fair at my junior year of college, dropped off a resume as a shot in the dark. That leap of faith landed me a chance to intern the following summer of 2019, which followed into a job offer. I was ecstatic to get the chance to come back and work full-time after I graduated.
Why do you believe in Avail?
Work is work, it varies from place to place and day by day, but in its core it doesn’t change dramatically. Now there’s certainly great merit in enjoying and loving the work you do. Nevertheless, people are such a large influence of a company and what it accomplishes. Avail is a company that invests in the growth and success of its employees, and the result is a team that pushes and strives for greatness.
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What's your favorite beverage and why?
I typically only drink water, but when I want to spice things up, I’ll have to go with a Tom Collins. It’s like a gin and tonic, but better. Lemonade, but grown-up. You get the gist.
What are your favorite websites, books, places and why?
I used to read a lot more, but I fell off so I haven’t discovered anything new. There is this trilogy, The Staff and The Sword by Patrick W. Carr, that I enjoy. Honestly, it is linear, well balanced, and takes its time to actually develop its characters effectively. So, no giant plot twists or anything left field, just solid writing.
Choosing a favorite place is hard because I travel a lot, but I will say that Vancouver has a special place in my heart. I loved exploring the city and what it had to offer, there are a lot of parks and trails close by to choose from. The food is pretty good too, which is always a plus.
What's your favorite season and why?
I’ll have to say fall. The transitional seasons are my top two solely because I have little tolerance for extreme weather. The fall definitely beats out spring since I have less allergies. Also, my fall wardrobe is superior to my spring/summer. Sweaters are just great.
What do you do for fun?
I play a lot of video games, specifically pc games, I’m trash at console. I recently taught myself how to crochet, I call it my quarantine skill. When I have lots of energy I’ll go on a hike or a general adventure outside. My favorite thing to do with friends is to go to a local coffee shop and spending hours just talking. I also love travelling, but that involves a little more planning and intention.
What do you consider the greatest human invention of all time?
There are so many mind-blowing inventions left and right, that honestly, I can’t just choose a single one. The first great invention that I thought of, so I’ll pay ode to it, was the lightbulb. It completely changed the way we use energy in buildings. It makes me think of other energy inventions like powerplants, appliances, and electric motors.
What's your weirdest quirk?
I am always moving or fidgeting with something. My grandma always complains about my forever tapping leg, tells me I’ll lose all of my change. The only times I’m still is either when I’m dead asleep (probably, I can’t actually verify) or completely focused on a task.
What's your personal goal?
I want to start traveling more! Greece was on the books for this past summer, but alas the world told me no. Europe and Asia are big on my wish list, there are still so many states I haven’t been to or even places here in PA I want to explore.
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Virtual Bingo
more information to follow
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Recruiting a "FEW" Good People |
Each year the FEW Crew recruits a fresh set of Availians to help plan the next year's fun and enjoyable activities. For those who aren't familiar with serving on the FEW Crew, it's a great opportunity to plan things like bus trips, picnic type events, and even the Christmas party activities. You really are a part of the team that's in the driver's seat when it comes to planning all the fun things that we Availians like to do.
Keep in mind we will be hosting virtual events until at least Q1. We would love to have more participation from remote employees! Look for a survey being sent out soon.
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If you have any questions about these events please contact the FEW Crew.
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Milo Thomas - 11/03
Sean Andrews - 11/06
Krishna Hill - 11/08
Ryan Harshbarger - 11/12
Ivan Sykovatitsyn - 11/14
Rebecca Lundin - 11/15
Carly Doublodky - 11/17
Tim Wilson - 11/18
Nicole Auman - 11/19
Jim Frost - 11/20
Ryan Sweitzer - 11/21
Lauren Amicone - 11/23
Lovada Walker - 11/25
Gina Hess - 11/30
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13 Years
Paula Glenn
4 Years
Jere Warner
2 Years
Brittany Harris
Christine Szymarek
Dan Ring
Ethan Wawrynovic
1 Year
Shannon Haney
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Karen Minnick - 12/06
Clive Newell - 12/07
Nick Krueger - 12/13
Ryan Eisenhower - 12/16
Patricia Dodd - 12/19
Ken Leap - 12/22
Neb Aberra - 12/26
Reece Bly - 12/27
Lisa Jiminez - 12/28
Travis Caro - 12/30
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12 Years
Tim Glenn
5 Years
Sean Andrews
2 Years
Diana Bonson
Krishna Hill
Neal Castles
1 Year
Darin Dodson
Tom Turner
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November 17 | Customer Portal Training Webinar
November 18-19 | CTA Fall Expo
November 20 | Monthly timesheets due
November 23 | Expense Reports Due
November 26-27 | Company Holiday - Happy Thanksgiving!
November 30 | Pay Day
December 3 | Best Places to Work in PA Awards Ceremony
December 8 | Expense Reports Due
December 11 | December newsletter content due
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Cranberry Pecan Stuffing
This Cranberry Pecan Stuffing blends whole wheat and country croutons with sweet-tart cranberries, toasted pecans, and herbs. Use vegetable stock for a vegetarian Thanksgiving side dish.
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INGREDIENTS:
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1 pound loaf country white bread
- 1 pound loaf whole wheat bread
- 1 cup pecans (shelled halves)
- 1 cup celery , finely diced
- 2 cups onion , finely diced (1 large)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves , chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves , chopped
- 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt , plus additional to taste
- 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper , plus additional to taste
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves, , chopped
- 3-4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 large eggs , lightly beaten
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INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Cut breads into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes, leaving crusts on. Spread into an even layer on two baking sheets. If there's room, divide the pecans between the two sheets (if not, place them on their own small baking sheet).
- Bake 20-25 minutes, until bread is lightly-toasted and dry throughout. Remove pecans after 5-10 minutes, when they are slightly darkened and aromatic (watch carefully so they don't burn). Rotate pans halfway through baking time. Let croutons and pecans cool completely at room temperature. Coarsely chop pecans when cool enough to handle.
- Raise oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Butter a 3-quart gratin or baking dish.
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until foaming subsides. Add celery and onion and cook, stirring frequently, until onions are softened and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in 1-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, sage, and thyme. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until herbs are fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix together croutons, onion and celery mixture, dried cranberries, pecans, and parsley. Add 3 cups chicken or vegetable stock and stir until croutons are moistened (it might take a few minutes for the croutons to soak up the liquid). Season to taste with additional salt and pepper.
- Add beaten eggs to the stuffing mixture and stir to combine. If the stuffing seems dry, add some of the additional stock. The broth should permeate the croutons, but the mixture should not be "mushy" or soggy.
- Transfer stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish and cover with a piece of foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for 15-20 minutes, until edges are crispy and center reads 165 degrees F.
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PREP TIME: 40 minutes
SERVINGS: 12
COOK TIME: 1 hour 30 minutes
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*If you would like to share your favorite recipes in upcoming newsletters please submit to Christine.
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John visited his 90-year-old grandpa who lived way out in the country. On the first morning of the visit, John's grandpa prepared a breakfast of bacon and eggs. John noticed a film-like substance on his plate, and asked, "Are these plates clean?"
His grandpa replied, "They're as clean as cold water can get them. Just go ahead and finish your meal."
For lunch, Grandpa made hamburgers. Again, John was concerned about the plates, as his appeared to have specks of dried egg on it. "Are you sure these plates are clean?" he asked.
Without looking up, Grandpa said, "I told you before, those dishes are as clean as cold water can get them!"
Later, as John was leaving, his grandpa's dog started to growl and wouldn't let him pass.
John said, "Grandpa, your dog won't let me get by!"
Grandpa yelled to the dog, "Cold Water, go lie down!"
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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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