A big welcome back to Ron Hall who has recuperated fully from his foot surgery. Also welcome back to Ashley Morris our switchboard operator who had emergency gall bladder surgery but has made a full recovery.

Get well to….

Thomas White, delivery driver, Herman Buckingham, delivery driver, Clarissa Meinhardt, our operator for the summertime, and to David Henson, sales at Ransom Motors

Condolences to out to Jimmy Goddard whose grandmother passed away in July. Also to the family of David Butler, former Brandywine employee who was killed in an accident in late July, and to Robbie Baden whose aunt passed away

WELCOME ABOARD TO OUR NEWEST EMPLOYEES!

• Daniel Proctor, Ransom Motors and Brandywine
• Miseal Avalos, dismantler at Compact Auto Parts
• Troy Smith, clean-up for the summer at Compact Auto Parts
• Daniel Vickers and William Debrel, dismantlers at Eden Used Auto Parts

We’re glad you joined us!

Here’s a recipe for a simple pound cake. It comes out perfect every time and takes ingredients most of us have in our pantry:

SAND MOUNTAIN POUND CAKE

2 ½ cups self-rising flour 2 cups sugar
4 eggs 1 ½ cups oil
1 cup chopped pecans (can be omitted) 1 cup coconut
½ teaspoon coconut flavoring 1 teaspoon vanilla
1 small can CRUSHED pineapple and juice

Mix all ingredients well in large bowl. Pour into greased large bunt pan or pound cake pan. Cook @ 325 for 1 hour and 20 minutes (be sure to preheat your oven)

GLAZE:
1 ½ cup sugar
3 teaspoons coconut flavoring
¾ cup hot water
Boil all 1 minute. When cake is done, pour glaze over cake while still in pan and return to oven for 3 minutes. Let cake cool completely in pan before removing.

And here’s a couple of photo ops we couldn’t pass up!

Here is Joe Yates and Walter, snapped right before Joe was taking his son to see his new college and attend orientation. You must be so proud, Joe!

Here’s Arthur Ivey, Save More delivery driver, assisting Steven “Smitty” Smith with loading a part on to his truck. Two long-timers, both Smitty and Arthur have been with Save More for 28 +/- YEARS!!! Wow, congratulations to you both!

This photo, shot about 30 years ago, is a photo of somebody special’s wedding. The groom and best man still work at Brandywine, anybody know who these handsome guys are???

A big THANK YOU goes to Tucker Connick who is an avid gardener every summer and who brought us a bunch of yummy vegetables again this year, thanks Tucker!

And thank you to everyone for another great month! We’re slowly winding down on the clunkers and wish to thank everybody once again for all the hard work. We are successful but wouldn’t be where we are today if not for our employees. Thank you from the Meinhardt family.

Meet Mrs. Bret Middleton, our own Cylinda, who was married on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Congratulations and many years of happiness together!

STORK WATCH……
Congrats to Joe Mike Tippett and Lisa who are expecting their first child in January, also Danny Howe, Brandywine Delivery and his wife Nikki are expecting as well. Congratulations to the new parents-to-be!

Kevin and Lisa Squires must be so proud of daughter Amanda who graduated from high school and received a partial scholarship to St. Mary’s College. Amanda will be majoring in education and hopes one day to be a teacher. Way to go Amanda!

Chidi Onyejiekwe who works as a dismantler for Brandywine Truck Parts will be graduating from Lincoln Tech on July 16th with a 4.0 average. Congratulations Chidi! We’re proud of you.

WELCOME ABOARD TO…..
Tom Bryant has joined us as the new manager for Brandywine Glass Shop
Welcome back to our summer kids Clarissa, Samantha, Evan, and Katherine Meinhardt.

Brandywine Truck Parts and Auto Parts welcomes James Flynt to their inventory department.

Brandywine Rentals welcomes Randy Johnson

Welcome aboard to Dewayne Bell at Brandywine Two

WHO SAYS WE DON’T HAVE FUN AT WORK!
Brian Wilson has never had a day with a frown on his face and, although he jokes about a lot of things, he’s pretty serious when it comes to selling parts. He’s been our top salesperson month after month, WOW!

HATS OFF to Bernardino Reyes who visited his native country of the Philippines and somehow brought all of these hats (and more hats and straw bags, too) back on the airplane for all of his co-workers at Compact Auto Parts.

Left to Right: Kenny Alvey, Matthew Proctor, Mark Dolesh, Jodie Johnson and Wayne Alvey.

At Brandywine, a great deal of work is performed outside in the elements by parts pullers, yard foremen, sales staff, etc. The Summer has just begun even though June had a record 19 days over 90 degrees already! Here re some tips to avoid heat exhaustion and overexposure while working or just being outside during extreme heat:

The higher temperatures associated with summer can quickly break down the body’s normal responses, causing fatigue, dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stoke.

During heat illness, the body’s cooling system shuts down and the body temperatures rises. At first, the symptoms of heat exhaustion include thirst, fatigue and some cramping in the legs and abdomen. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heat stroke. These more serious symptoms include dizziness, headaches, nausea, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, decreased alertness and a high body temperature. In the most severe cases, internal organs may be damaged, and death may even occur.
The risk of heat illness increases during physical exertion, as well as when certain health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease are present. Certain medications, including antihistamines, and those taken for high blood pressure, and liver and kidney conditions also increase the risk as they interfere with your ability to sweat. People 65 and older and the very young are especially vulnerable.

While medical experts agree there is a lot you can do to treat heat related health problems, protection and prevention in the first place is always the best:

• Monitor weather forecasts on TV and radio. These reports describe hot and potentially dangerous weather in terms like ‘heat watch’, ‘heat warning’, ‘heat wave’, or ‘air-quality advisory’.

• Always wear a hat and avoid direct exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Remember to carry a water bottle, especially when travelling or exercising. Dehydration is among the most common heat-related dangers. Be sure to plan strenuous activity early in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.

• If you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, asthma, drug or food allergies, a heart condition, or are taking certain medications, you should wear MedicAlert identification. It informs others about your condition, and reminds you to take necessary precautions.

So, enjoy those long, lazy days of summer. Just remember to take extra care to protect yourself from the heat and follow the hydration tips below.

Keeping Hydrated in Summer Heat
We’ve all experienced it at some point when working out or on the field – fatigue sets in, your mouth feels dry and your legs are heavy. These are all common signs of dehydration.

When an athlete works out, body fluid is lost through sweat. If the fluid lost through sweat is not replaced, dehydration and early fatigue are unavoidable. Losing even 2% of body fluids (less than 3.5 pounds in a 180-pound athlete) can impair performance by increasing fatigue and affecting cognitive skills. Since many athletes lose between 5-8 pounds of sweat during a game, it’s easy for them to become dehydrated if they don’t drink enough to replace what is lost in sweat.

Dehydration can be prevented
When to drink: Drink before you get thirsty. By the time you’re thirsty you are already dehydrated, so it’s important to drink at regular intervals – especially when it is hot outside.

What to drink: Research shows that a lightly flavored beverage with a small amount of sodium encourages people to drink enough to stay hydrated. The combination of flavor and electrolytes in a sports drink like Gatorade provides one of the best choices to help you stay properly hydrated.

What not to drink: During activity, avoid drinks with high sugar content or carbonation because fruit juices, soft drinks and energy drinks are high in sugar which slows fluid absorption by the body.

Everybody have a safe and happy summer!

Our condolences go out to Tammy Windsor on the passing of her grandmother who died May 5, 2010

Get Well Wishes to Ron Hall who had foot surgery at the end of May. Take care Ron and make sure you follow Doctor’s orders!

Welcome back to Greg Neil of Ransom Motors who returned to work on June 1 after recuperating at home from surgery. Glad to have you back!

Congratulations go out to Jimmy & Becky Goddard who are once again expecting a visit from the stork!

Our flag was ordered to fly at half-staff in memory of Marine Cpl. Kurt S. Shea of Frederick, Maryland, who died on May 10, 2010 while supporting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Welcome Aboard to…..

Jimmy Forsyth who joined our crusher crew this summer to help out with the clunkers
Orlando Almond, Brandywine Auto Parts
Sean Smith, Brandywine Installations
Cheyanna Waul, Brandywine Investment Properties

We’re glad you joined our team!

HATS OFF TO… Robert Caporaletti who was promoted to counter sales at our Bowie Store. Good luck to you Robert!

Ah, the challenges that our Brandywine customers face when they need a part but want to pick it up themselves….


And here’s another….

CONGRATS GO OUT TO ALL OF OUR GRADUATING KIDS IN 2010!

Heather Adkins, daughter of Dawn Bland, will be graduating one year early at 17! She’ll be attending Cosmetology school in the Fall.

Nick Houser, son of Dianne Houser in Accounting is graduating from La Plata High and will be entering Valley Forge Military Academy in preparation for the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

David Meinhardt’s daughter Clarissa is graduating from Chopticon High School and will be attending Culinary School in Baltimore in the Fall.

There are probably no prouder parents than Henry and Christine Meinhardt who celebrated Hank’s graduation from Wesley College in Delaware. Hank graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in business management. Hank, who is a fourth generation Meinhardt, has worked in several capacities since he was 12 and he is excited, once again, to join in the family business. Welcome back Hank!

Congratulations and best wishes to you all!


DOUBLE CONGRATULATIONS go to Ashley Baker, daughter of Terry and Connie Baker of Savemore, on her graduation from Bowie State with a double major in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, on May 21, 2010, THEN seven days later she became Mrs. David Valenzuela. This is a May we’re sure Terry and Connie won’t forget! Congratulations and best wishes to the bride and groom.

AAAACO Update:

We’re on the move still trying to finalize our permits but the equipment has been delivered as well as the building. The guys have been busy moving all of the engines and transmissions out of the pole building that has to be knocked down. Hopefully next month’s newsletter will be full of photos of the grading and landscaping. We can’t wait!

ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations to all of you and thanks for your dedicated service to Brandywine

Quick Recipe by Carol Waites

This is an easy way to fix a desert when I don’t want to do a pie crust or I don’t have one on hand…..It consist of ingredients I always have on hand…..It’s called Crazy Crust Apple Pie…

1 cup self-rising flour
2 tablespoons sugar
¾ cup water
2/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 egg

Filling:
1 can (lb. 5oz.) apple pie filling*
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon apple pie spice or cinnamon

Oven at 425 degrees

No need to sift flour: measure by lightly spooning into cup and leveling off. In small mixer bowl, combine flour, sugar, water, shortening and egg. Blend well at lowest speed; beat 2 minutes at medium speed. Spread batter in 9 or 10- inch deep dish pie pan. Carefully spoon filling into center of batter. Do not stir. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes at 425 until crust is golden brown.

For fresh apple pie: combine all ingredients in mixing bowl.

Fresh Apple filling: Combine 2 ¼ cups peeled sliced apples and 1 tablespoon lemon juice with 1/3 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour and ½ teaspoon apple pie spice or cinnamon. Pour into center of batter. Do not stir. Sprinkle filling with 1 to 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Bake at 400 for 35 to 40 minutes.

*You can substitute cherry pie filling as well. Just omit the lemon juice and spices.

Welcome aboard to the following new employees:

Donte Gray, Compact
Brian Williams, Compact
Joe Duley, Welcome back to Real Estate
Philip Chow, Compact
Bud Barnes, Welcome back to Foreign Car Parts

We’re glad you joined us!

Our Best Get Well wishes go out to…..

Sherri Bowling from our Accounting Department

Greg Neil, Ransom Motors

Congratulations are in order to Brian White Foreign Car Parts on his marriage to Natalie Zador on April 10, 2010.

On a sadder note, our condolences go out to our employee John Summers from Southern Maryland Auto Parts whose father passed away on April 9th after a lengthy illness.

Condolences go out to the family of Widolf “Gunther” Knittel, former Economy Parts employee, who passed away April 23, 2010 after succumbing to cancer. Gunther gave it his best shot, travelling to Pennsylvania for experimental treatments as well as some traditional remedies. We won’t forget you Gunther and our prayers go out to the family.

Graduations

Congratulations to Nick Houser, son of Diane Houser in Accounting, who is graduating June 7th from La Plata High School. Nick has decided to attend the Valley Forge Military College prep school program for 10 months on the USNA Foundation Scholarship and then transfer to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Congratulations to Nick, way to go!!

For all you chocolate lovers out there, here is a great recipe contributed by Carol Waites in our HR Department. With adult supervision this is a great way for kids to make something sweet for Moms on Mothers Day!

Simply Sensational Truffles
Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
Makes: 18 servings, 2 truffles each

2-1/2 pkg. (8 squares each) BAKER’S Semi-Sweet Chocolate (20 squares), divided
1 pkg. (8 oz.) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
Decorations: chopped PLANTERS COCKTAIL Peanuts, multi-colored sprinkles

MELT 8 chocolate squares. Beat cream cheese with mixer until creamy. Blend in melted chocolate. Refrigerate until firm.
SHAPE into 36 balls. Place on waxed paper-covered baking sheet.
MELT remaining chocolate. Use fork to dip truffles in chocolate; return to baking sheet. Decorate, then refrigerate 1 hour. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Many of you have seen the Brandywine flag flying at half-mast from time to time. We belong to an automated e-mail messaging that notifies us when either the State of Maryland or Office of the President of the United States dictates when the flags go down. Our most recent half-mast was for Army Sgt. Anthony A. Paci of Rockville, Maryland, who died on March 4, 2010 in Afghanistan while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Our sincere thanks go out to all the men and women serving the county to keep our freedom alive.

Welcome aboard to the following new employees:

Brandon Kelley - Eden Auto Parts
Tri Huu Thai - Foreign Car Parts
James Thomas - Savemore Auto Parts

Congratulationsto the following employees on their years of service!