For everyone still waiting on their 2010 W-2, they were mailed in mid-January – if you haven’t received yours yet, give Carol in Payroll a call for a duplicate.

Our condolences go out to our co-workers who recently lost a loved one:

Ricky McDonald of Central Small Car Salvage lost his sister, Carlton Adams of Save More lost his brother and Jimmy Richardson of Southern Maryland Used Auto Parts lost his mother-in-law. Our prayers are with you all.

Randy Whitley had surgery in early January, has been out recuperating, and has returned fully to work as of January 31st. Glad you’re back Randy! We’re sure Wanda is, too!

Our flag was flown half-staff last month in memory of those who served and those we’ll remember; we will never forget the victims of the tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, flag flown half-staff on Saturday, January 8, 2011.

In memory of Officer William H. Torbit, Jr. of the Baltimore City Police Department, who was killed in the line of duty on Sunday, January 9, 2011.

Mark Falkenhan, a firefighter with the Baltimore County Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company (Station 30), a part of the Baltimore County Fire Department, who died on January 19, 2011 in the line of duty

In memory of Marine Lance Cpl. Maung P. Htaik of Hagerstown, Maryland, who died January 1, 2011 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

In memory of Sergeant Shriver, the founding director of the Peace Corps and a lifelong public servant.

Funnies from the Switchboard…..

Good Afternoon, Brandywine Auto Parts, how may I help you? …….I’d like to enroll my daughter in the Head Start Program…….Sir, our salvage yard doesn’t have a head start program….(should we??)

Welcome aboard to our new hires! We’re glad you joined us.

Who’s this little guy?

If you think you know who this is, please call Carol in payroll with the answer. The person making the correct guess will win a $25 Wawa gift card. If there happens to be a tie all names will be placed in a hat. Let’s give a little hint….he sits on the counter somewhere…..salesman? Maybe or maybe not. Take a guess, can’t hurt!

The following comment was spotted on www.yelp.com from Mike D., Brandywine, MD
I didn’t normally buy used used auto parts, but I figured I’d do my part for the planet and save a few bucks. (Ok actually I couldn’t get the part anyplace else) I needed a bolt. 1 lousy bolt. 1 lousy bolt that nobody makes and such an odd size I could not get a substitute. AND I HAVE AN AMERICAN CAR!!!! Anyway, I asked about the availability of the part in question, and was invited to “wander around the yard and see what you find” Well I found what I was looking for, 2 actually. So I happily returned to the counter to pay for my bolts. “That’s it??” I was asked. “Yep” I replied “a stupid bolt”. “Hmm, well have a nice day”. That was that. I got my bolt for free. I was so proud of myself. But I have to say it was nice of the guys at BAP to give me a bolt. May seem like just a bolt, but it holds the brake caliper on the front wheel. So a rather important bolt at that. Ok, so that was a nice experience. I decided to go back and see if I could get an A/C compressor. I looked around for a new one but at $450, I thought…”Hmm…Used??” And sure enough I inquired about the part, and 10 mins later a mechanic comes out, puts it in a bag, explains a few intricacies, and sends me on my way for $75. Well, I put it in the car, and it works fine. Now I’m considering this used parts thing…save the planet, save some money..not a bad combination. Ok. the guys at BAP are cool, they can answer any question about just about any type of car, and if they don’t have the part, they can locate it anywhere in the country and for a reasonable price. Oh, yes they do warranty their parts for 101 days from purchase. Just keep your receipt. So now I’m thinking used first..maybe you should too.

Thank you Mike D. We appreciate your comments!

“Big” Danny Howe of Brandywine Delivery and his wife Nichole became proud parents of Daniel A. Howe, Jr. on January 31, 2011. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 9.4 oz and 21 inches. Mom and baby are doing just great! We have two Dannys working in delivery and the nickname “Big” was given to this Danny because of his size. Well, hate to tell everyone that hasn’t seen Danny in a few months, the “Big” won’t be appropriate much longer, because he has lost a total of almost 150 pounds, that’s a whole person. Congratulations Danny, keep it up, you’re doing great!

And in other baby news

Mommy Cylinda Middleton of our Wholesale Department isn’t shy about her baby belly any more, she’s gearing up for baby #1 and man! Is he going to be SPOILED!

On Thursday, February 3, thanks to Julie and Lisa of our Title Department, the ladies at Headquarters got together and had a baby shower for Cylinda. Little Henry Walter Middleton (or “Hammy” as great-grampa Walter is calling him) is due to make his appearance on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2011. We can’t wait to meet him!