ANNOUNCEMENTS

After 15 years, Melissa “Missy” McConkey resigned to pursue another line of work.  She worked at Central as counter sales and inventory – good luck Missy, we’ll miss you!

Junior Williams has left Brandywine Two and moved to Florida to be near his ill relative and we hope to see him back here soon!

Jorge Orantes – retired – June 2, 2009 after 19 years at Foreign Car Parts – Jorge will dedicate his life to volunteering at his Church and enjoying his family. Jorge was presented a specially-designed Brandywine watch as a retirement gift.  We will miss you, Jorge!

Paul Baden has been promoted to Glass Shop Manager – Congratulations, Paul!

Matt Menseck has been promoted to Assistant Manager at Bowie Truck and Van – Congratulations Matthew!

Andrew Gray – son of Brian Gray Jr in Wholesale – Perfect score on math and reading on the Md Achievement Testing.   Andrew is in the 2nd grade.

Welcome back to Randy Whitley from his hip replacement surgery

A big welcome Aboard to the newest members of the Brandywine Team:

Robert Simpson – June 5 – Ransom Motors.
Thomas Strong – June 12 – Inventory for Brandywine Auto Parts and Ransom Motors
Terry Goodwin – June 22 - Delivery

We’re glad that you joined us!

Upcoming holidays & closings

Closing Saturday July 4th only.

Training

Once again Bowie Truck & Van and Eden Auto Parts is 100% on Safety Training.

ANNIVERSARIES – Employees

Phillip Pallo – 20 years – July 20, 1989 – Savemore
Luis Sanchez – 15 years – July 23, 1994 – Savemore
Christina Handy – 10 years – July 22, 1999 – Brandywine Truck Parts
Steve Hollis – 10 years – June 7, 1999 - Accounting

The Brandywine Family, proud sponsor of  Will Kivett’s Supercomp dragster would like to congratulate Will, Brandywine Installation Division GM, on winning the Speed Unlimited ET Series $5k to Win Race at Maryland International Raceway at Budds Creek on June 13th.  He had to outlast a field of 190 cars, 8 rounds of racing, to be the top finisher in this event.  Featured L to R is Steve Clontz,  Candace Derry, Barbara McVeigh, Track Owner Royce Miller, Mike Mears,Will, Bob Patton and Wayne Campbell. Will would like to give a special thanks to Woody Meinhardt and the Brandywine family for their support.

The stalled car syndrome, more noticeable on our roadways than in our driveways, has been with us for generations. But it becomes more critical with increased population. Beyond missed appointments or being late for work it also results in the condition known as road rage. Not only can a disabled vehicle have an annoying “ripple effect” that goes beyond the immediate scene: it can be disastrous for the driver who is left vulnerable to roadside crime or to the elements.

Don’t blame your car, it can’t drive itself to the repair shop and ask for an oil change or new spark plugs. An old battery or badly worn tires has its way of forewarning us that its going to let us down, but we tend to wait for the inevitable.  Don’t wait; I can’t stress enough the importance of periodic check ups. This not only helps prevent traffic jams due to mechanical break-downs, but also ensures the optimum safety and efficiency of our vehicles.

Barbecue season is upon us. This means many people will be enjoying cooking and eating grilled food. It also means people will be injured and thousands of dollars of property damage will result because of carelessness. Even people who use combustible products safely at the worksite will make mistakes and ignore safety practices once they are at home. The following are a few tips we should keep in mind to help us have a safe barbecue season:

• After purchasing a barbecue, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions for assembly and use.
• Don’t use your barbecue indoors. Fire and carbon monoxide poisoning are a real threat. Keep the barbecue a safe distance (10 feet) from your house. If there is a fire, you don’t want it to spread to your house.
• Keep your barbecue’s propane tank in an upright position. If it’s not in an upright position, the tanks relief valve may not work properly. Also make sure the burner ports are clear of rust and dirt.
• Check for leaks by putting a soapy solution on the connection of the tank and hoses. Where you see bubbles, tighten the connection. If you can’t stop the bubbles, don’t use the barbecue - it’s leaking propane. Never use a match to check for leaks.
• When lighting a gas barbecue, keep the lid open to avoid gas buildup and light the barbecue as soon as you turn on the gas. Keep your face away from the grill. Make sure the flame is visible from the burner ports.
• A barbecue lighter with a long handle is safer to use than matches. It provides the extra reach that reduces the chance of singed hair or a burn to your body.
• When finished barbecuing, turn off the burner and the tank valve.
• Never use gas to light a charcoal barbecue. Always use barbecue lighter fluid and let it soak for five minutes before lighting. Read and follow the directions on the can.
• Make sure coals are cool before you dispose of them.
• Avoid wearing baggy sleeves when cooking over a barbecue. They could catch fire.
• Remember, the entire barbecue assembly is hot. Keep children away.

Have a safe and happy Summer from Brandywine Auto Parts!