Message from the President (May 2016)

GARY HAMER
President

This month we are celebrating Mothers.

Loving mothers come in all types: birth mothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, godmothers, grand and great-grandmothers, mothers-in-law, as well as many others. They help mold each of their children until they can handle life on their own, and depending on the child, I’m sure their methods spanned the spectrum from a tight rein and firm hand, to a long line with plenty of room to grow and mess up. And certainly, loving mothers are always there to pick up their children when they fall and to help keep them on the right path.

My mother and father made it a point to share their experiences and answer our questions as best they could, but beyond putting in rules to keep us from getting seriously harmed or harming others, my brother and I were free to explore the world, emboldened to pursue our interests, and encouraged to learn from our many, many mistakes. The lessons learned from those mistakes were the ones that stuck the most!

Now as a father, I see all of the ways that my wife has become a wonderful mother to our children. Her craziness usually comes in the hustle and bustle of getting them dressed, fed, and off to school, bathed, brushed and into bed, and juggling everything in between – all of which I am very grateful and thankful for. But the wonderful part is how she hones their interests and helps them stay excited about life and learning.

I’m certain that every Champion in the company has many things to say about the wonderful mothers in their lives, and I encourage each of you to do just that when you celebrate with them this Mother’s Day – I know that I certainly will!

In this issue, we decided to spotlight several of our own Champion mothers who have experienced the joy and challenges of raising kids and juggling life, so I hope you all enjoy their memories and advice – and dads take notes, cause they have lots of good ideas. I want to thank all of our Champion mothers for being such awesome and amazing people. Lastly, on behalf of every Champion, I’d like to tell all of the loving mothers we have, that we truly love you and thank you for being in our lives.

  Happy Mother’s Day,

This Month in History (May 2016)

MAY

May 5th: Cinco de Mayo isn’t just about all-day half-price margaritas and bottomless chips and salsa. If you just so happen to be celebrating, take a moment to remember the Battle of Puebla (1862). Although they were outnumbered three to one, Mexican troops lead by General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the invading French forces of Napoleon III.1

May 17, 1875: “And They’re Off!” The first Kentucky Derby horse race took place at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The first winner was a three-year-old Chestnut Colt named “Aristides” ridden by jockey Oliver Lewis.2

May 10, 1908: Show Mom some appreciation on May 8th this year! Anna Jarvis, a social activist, founder of Mothers’ Day Work Clubs, and a community-focused citizen from West Virginia, created the American version of Mother’s Day, which became an official U.S. holiday in 1914.34

May 20, 1927: Charles Lindbergh, a 25-year-old aviator, took off at 7:52 a.m. from Roosevelt Field, Long Island, in the Spirit of St. Louis attempting to win a $25,000 prize for the first solo nonstop flight between New York City and Paris. Thirty-three hours later, after a 3,600 mile journey, he landed at Le Bourget, Paris, earning the nickname “Lucky Lindy” and becoming an instant worldwide hero.5

May 20, 1932: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. She departed Newfoundland, Canada, at 7 p.m. and landed near Londonderry, Ireland, completing a 2,026-mile flight in about 13 hours. For her accomplishment, Earhart received the Distinguished Flying Cross from Congress, the Cross of Knight of the Legion of Honor from the French Government, and the Gold Medal of the National Geographic Society from President Herbert Hoover.6

May 6, 1937: Why don’t we use zeppelins as commercial transportation anymore? Not only did none of them survive WWII, this mode of transportation fell quickly out of favor with the public after the Hindenburg caught fire and crashed in Lakehurst, N.J. Radio announcer Herb Morrison immortalized the disaster in a famous on-the-scene description in which he emotionally declared, “Oh, the humanity!”78

References
1 http://www.historyplace.com/specials/calendar/may.htm
2 https://www.kentuckyderby.com/history/churchill-downs-history
3 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Jarvis
4 http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day
5 http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/may.html
6 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amelia_Earhart
7 http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-hindenburg-disaster
8 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindenburg_disaster

Celebrating Mother’s Day – Employee Spotlights

TERYLON BOOTH
Baton Rouge Automation
Office Assistant
Champion for 3 years, 4 months

Clockwise-from-Top-Left: Kaitlyn (daughter), Jaylon (son), Terylon and London (daughter).

 

Favorite Mother’s or Mother’s Day memory.
My favorite Mother’s Day was three years ago after my husband changed jobs, which meant money was tight. We didn’t have much for an extravagant celebration, so we celebrated with lunch at a Burger King. Looking back on it now, it was the best celebration ever.

Any advice for other Mothers on being a working Mom?
The best advice I could give to a working mother is: it’s okay if you don’t get it all done in a day. Also, you deserve “Mommy Time.” Take it— without guilt.

KRISTA BARDEN
New Orleans Automation
Office Administrator
Champion for 2 years, 2 months

Favorite Mother’s or Mother’s Day memory.
The kids made breakfast for me. The boys, at the time, were ages 6 and 2. This chef-inspired breakfast consisted of hand written cards decorated with scribbles and a few sticky finger prints, toaster strudels, and re-heated beignets from the day before. My husband slipped in an omelet and coffee ☺. We spent the rest of the day home just enjoying the day.

Any advice for other Mothers on being a working Mom?

No advice! The world is full of suggestions on how we should live our lives. What may work for one mother may not work for another. We’re all in this together.

All the Bardens together. Left-to-Right: Eli (son), Brodie (son), Krista, Ron (husband), and Emmy (daughter).

Left-to-Right: Eli (son) and Emmy (daughter).

TIFFANY EVANS
Lake Charles Automation
Office Administrator
Champion for 3 years, 8 months

 

Favorite Mother’s or Mother’s Day memory.

Left-to-Right: Drake (son), Chad (husband) and Ali Grace (daughter), and Tiffany.

Chad and the kids always have something up their sleeves for me on Mother’s Day, but the most memorable gift I’ve gotten had to be my mother’s ring. It’s a simple reminder of my two little blessings. On a side note, since most of my Mother’s Day weekends are spent at the ball park, my family will clean my house and cook for me the following week (once a year … I’ll take it, lol).

Any advice for other Mothers on being a working Mom?
Since we do so many activities outside of our home, preplanning for meals is a must or we will live at restaurants. A working mother is one of the hardest things to adjust to, and how we manage all of it baffles me. I wouldn’t change it for the world though!

Left-to-Right: Lynne (daughter), Laurie, MJ (son), and Mark (husband).

LAURIE FIRMIN
Headquarters / ASSIST
Recruiter / HR Generalist
Champion for 1 year, 6 months

Favorite Mother’s or Mother’s Day memory.

I will go with the most recent which would be our cruise last year in May. Although we were celebrating Mothers’ Day, this was also a going away for my son who was going off to the Peace Corps for 2 ½ years. The family time we spent on this cruise ship was priceless. For 7 days we did everything together. I guess we all knew it might be a while before we could be together as a family again. Having your two adult children wanting to spend all of their time with you was pretty awesome, and exhausting, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Any advice for other Mothers on being a working Mom?

Make a schedule and stick to it. Each month I would get together with my kids and we would come up with a monthly schedule: Movie night, Saturday park day, bike riding, pizza night, etc. Schedule these things around your work schedule. Include time with your kids into your time management. Never cancel something, just move it to another day. I volunteered at the school cafeteria once a month. The kids loved seeing me there. My kids are not babies anymore, but we still make sure to schedule some fun activities together every chance we get!

KELLI JONES
Lake Charles Automation
Office Assistant
Champion for 6 years, 8 months

Favorite Mother’s or Mother’s Day memory.

Jones family at the Houston Zoo. Left-to-right: Eden (daughter), Rodney (husband), Lily (daughter), Kelli, and Oakley (son).

Every Mother’s Day I request a day of nothing. That’s it! My family and I are on the go so much with recreational activities, etc. that it’s so nice to have just one day of nothing scheduled to spend with my family. That’s not too exciting, but it’s what I love!

Any advice for other Mothers on being a working Mom?
My advice for working mothers is to just make sure that you turn it off when you are at home and make your family a priority. I know for me, being at work all day I want to go home and cook dinner, clean, etc. because I am not home all day to get those things done. It’s hard to make yourself just step back and say, “Okay, those things will still be there when the kids go to bed.” Just try to shut off the “working mom” part of your brain and free yourself for a little while to let loose with your family!

JENNIFER NEZ
Houston Telecom
Office Assistant
Champion for 1 year, 1 month

Favorite Mother’s or Mother’s Day memory.
My favorite Mother’s Day memory is from last year when my oldest was in Kindergarten and was just learning to write. He made me this crazy book about how he sees my life. It was really sweet, but the picture he drew of me was huge and had a frown on her face. I asked him why, and he said I always have a baby in my belly and am complaining my back hurts! It was so funny and a little sobering about the way he viewed me.

Any advice for other Mothers on being a working Mom?

I don’t have any great life changing advice on being a working mom, but I do try to remind myself that I can sleep/clean house/do adult-centered activities when they are grown. They are only little once and it is flying by. I don’t want to look back and regret missing out on their lives because I chose to do something that doesn’t really matter in the big scheme of things.

Left-to-Right: Jennifer, Ryko (son, 6), Harper (daughter, 1), Mark (husband), Ryder (son, 3) and Ryson (son, 5).

Left-to-Right: Harper, Ryko, Ryson, and Ryder.

ROSALYN SCOTT
Baton Rouge Automation
Office Administrator
Champion for 5 years, 2 months

Favorite Mother’s or Mother’s Day memory.

Rayona M. Parker and Rosalyn M. Scott Manchester, New Hampshire Verizon Wireless Arena

May 2015, my daughter and husband accompanied me to my graduate commencement ceremony. Having the ability to show my adult daughter that anything is possible empowered me to be the best mother, wife, coworker and friend I could possibly be. This year, Rayona is taking me to another chapter in becoming a grandmother (Nana). My daughter is the smile on my face and the beat of my heart.

Any advice for other Mothers on being a working Mom?
Be proud of your ability to juggle through life. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, take a step back and look at all you’ve achieved. By managing it all, you become an amazing role model for your children.

LINDSEY PECOT
Lafayette Automation
Automation Engineer II
Champion for 1 year, 2 months

Favorite Mother’s or Mother’s Day memory.
No one memory comes to mind. I’m fortunate to have many memories with my boys, my mother, and my grandmothers. My favorite thing about Mother’s Day is receiving the gifts my boys make for me at school/daycare which normally include foot and hand prints.

Any advice for other Mothers on being a working Mom?

Mothers are amazing creatures capable of unimaginable feats BUT, if you can, share the load, and let the small stuff slide. There are not enough hours in the day to do it all, and that’s okay. Most moms are their own toughest critics, so cut yourself some slack and enjoy the time you do get to spend with your family. It would be impossible for me to travel like I do for work without my wonderful husband and help from my mom, sister, aunts and in-laws.

Top row: Brad (husband), Jude (son), Patty (aunt).  Middle row: Blair (sister), Linda (grandmother), Rick (step-dad). Bottom row: Lindsey, Gabe (son), Tate (son), Kim (Mom).

Left-to-Right: Traci and Ryan (sister-in-law and brother-in-law), Jude (son, 5), Leslie and Kirby (step-mother-in-law and father-in-law), Gabe (son, 8), Brad (husband), Lindsey and Tate (son, 2).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CURRENT EVENTS (May 2016)

May 5

CELEBRATE CINCO DE MAYO
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican culture, achievements and fortune of the Mexican Americans living in the US. Mexican Americans honor their ethnicity and remember the defeat of the French army from the Mexican army during the Battle of Puebla, Mexico in 1862.

May 8

CELEBRATE MOTHER’S DAY   
Happy Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate our mothers and how important they are in our lives. This Mother’s Day, treat her to a celebration, without breaking the bank. For fantastic ideas to celebrate Mother’s Day, click here.

May 26

HOUSTON OFFICE SUMMER TRIP
May 20-22 – Summer Trip to Port Aransas, Texas. The perfect getaway and vacation destination, located along the Gulf of Mexico, “Port A” offers a variety of activities such as worldclass fishing, boating excursions, great dining, nightlife and more.

Jun 19

CELEBRATE FATHER’S DAY
Happy Father’s Day. Father’s Day started in the early 20th century in the United States to celebrate fatherhood and to complement Mother’s Day. Creative ways to express love and appreciation to the special dads in your life, click here.

Jun 19

HONEYWELL USERS GROUP (HUG) AMERICAS SYMPOSIUM
June 19-24 – event will be held at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort & Spa in San Antonio, TX. Developed by customers for customers. For more info about the Symposium, click here.

Jun 27

SIEMENS – 2016 AUTOMATION SUMMIT
June 27-30 – event will be held at the Aria Resort in Las Vegas, NV. The Summit offers interaction with Siemens experts, demonstrations of the latest technologies – hardware and software and more. For more info about the Summit, click here.

 


MAY IS NATIONAL PHYSICAL FITNESS AND SPORTS MONTH

Here are just a few benefits of physical activity:

  • Children and adolescents – Physical activity can improve muscular fitness, bone health, and heart health.
  • Adults – Physical activity can lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
  • Older adults – Physical activity can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills).

Make a difference: Spread the word about fun ways to get moving!
Learn more about the benefits of physical activity at
https://healthfinder.gov/nho/maytoolkit.aspx

Grilled Jerk Chicken Recipe

Sweet, savory and spicy all at once.

This jerk marinade is absolutely addictive. Try it on pork loin, firm white fish or even goat if you can find it. The wood chips are optional if you’re grilling, but they add an authentic, subtle flavor to the chicken. Serve with a slightly sweet side dish, such as sweet potatoes or cornbread, to balance the heat.

4 servings | Prep Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 3 hours (including 2 hours marinating time)

INGREDIENTS:

  • 4 6-ounce bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed, trimmed
  • 2 12-ounce bone-in chicken breasts, skin removed, trimmed and cut in half crosswise
  • 1 cup wood chips, such as apple or hickory, for smoking (optional)
NUTRITION:

Per serving: 351 calories; 14 g fat (3 g sat, 7 g mono); 137 mg cholesterol; 9 g carbohydrates; 3 g added sugars; 45 g protein; 2 g fiber; 704 mg sodium; 466 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C & Zinc (20% daily value)

PREPARATION:

  1. To prepare Jerk Marinade: Place scallions, onion, chile pepper to taste, lime juice, oil, brown sugar, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and thyme in a blender. Process until smooth. Place chicken in a nonreactive baking dish (see Tips & Notes). Rub 2/3 cup of the marinade onto both sides of the chicken. Transfer the remaining marinade to a small bowl, cover and refrigerate. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 2 to 24 hours.
  2. Twenty minutes before you’re ready to grill, soak wood chips (if using) in a bowl of water. (No grill? See broiler variation).
  3. Smoking on a gas grill: Place soaked wood chips in a smoker box or an aluminum drip pan. The wood chips must be added before the grill is preheated in order for there to be enough heat to make them smoke. (The more wood chips you add, the more pronounced the smoke flavor will be.) Remove the cooking grate and place the smoker box or drip pan on the far left hand corner of the grill, on top of the flavorizer bars or ceramic briquettes. Replace the cooking grate, turn all the burners on high, and preheat the grill. When the grill is preheated and the chips are smoking, configure the burners for indirect heat.
  4. Grill the chicken, turning and basting with the reserved marinade occasionally (discard any unused marinade), until just cooked through, 20 to 30 minutes total, depending on the size.

Broiler variation: Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler to high. Line a broiler pan with foil and coat with cooking spray. Place the chicken on the pan and broil for 10 minutes. Turn, brush with some of the reserved marinade, and broil until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone registers 165°F, about 10 minutes more.

TIPS & NOTES:

  1. Make Ahead Tip: Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hrs.
  2. Kitchen tips: One of the hottest chile peppers, Scotch bonnets come in vivid shades of red, orange and green and are used throughout the Caribbean. Though they look similar to habaneros, Scotch bonnets have a citrus note that makes them undeniably different. You can control the heat of a dish a little by discarding the membranes that hold the seeds, which are the spiciest part of chile peppers, along with the seeds themselves. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling hot peppers or wear rubber gloves. If you can’t find Scotch bonnet peppers, habaneros can be substituted.
  3. A nonreactive dish or pan—stainless steel, enamel-coated or glass—is necessary when marinating foods in acidic ingredients, such as lime, lemon or vinegar. The acid in the marinade can react with “reactive” dishes or pans, such as aluminum and cast-iron, and impart an off color and/or off flavor in the prepared foods.