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.

After the water main was installed a few months ago we have finally gotten started on moving our stock and getting the land ready for grading….watch out for more photos next month! Grading will take approximately two to three months to get the land ready for the building construction but we’re making progress!

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!

Kevin Squires and Buzzy Griffin are our crushers going way back. If anyone hasn’t seen the crusher in action, you’re missing out. The photos below were of a Chevy Van weighing in excess of 5000 pounds and after Kevin was done it was a little higher than a desktop computer. Before a vehicle is crushed all of the fluids must be drained, radiator removed, wheels, batteries, etc. After crushing, it’s then picked up by a scrap dealer for further processing. At the very end of it’s life, this van might be a guardrail in it’s next lifetime.

Although grading is scheduled to begin in a couple of weeks, our employees are working hard to move what needs to be moved and it is one HUGE undertaking….

This is the spot where we had up to ten box trucks filled with parts.

Hard to believe this was taken about six weeks ago after our SECOND record snowfall. Our employees had a rough go of it, trying to get parts off of vehicles for our customers. The snowfall was so bad that no inside parts were able to be pulled, couldn’t get vehicle doors open! In a week or two the snow had melted enough that everyone was in “hustle” mode trying to fulfill customer orders and everyone without exception stepped up to the plate. Thanks go out to everybody for a job well done!!!

Storm season is right on our heels. Whether it’s a major thunder storm or hurricane, here are some safety tips to get you through the season.

Pre-season Preparation
• Enter the season prepared.
• Know all evacuation routes if you live close to the coast.
• Make sure your home meets building codes for withstanding hurricanes, and they have storm shutters.
• Have proper tools, supplies, and a first aid kit.
• Have plenty of batteries and flashlights
• Always have plenty of non-perishable foods on hand.

When a Watch or Warning is Issued
• Leave low lying areas.
• Protect windows with plywood boards, or storm shutters.
• Secure outside objects.
• Make sure you have plenty of fuel and water.
• Have several days supply of food and water for each family member.
• If called to evacuate, do so immediately.

Before the Storm
• Be ready to put your plan and preparation into action.
• Pay attention to local weather reports on radio, television, or the internet.
• Have house boarded up, or have storm shutters in place.
• Have plenty of food and water.
• Make sure all your tools, supplies, and first aid kit available for use.
• Have a secure room available.

During the Storm
• Stay in Secure Room.
• Stay away from windows.
• Do not use the phone, or candles.
• Monitor Weather and Civil Service Bulletins on either regular or NOAA radio.
• Have supplies on hand.
• Remain indoors when the eye moves over your area because the storm will resume shortly.

After the Storm
• Make sure that all is definitely clear outside, and the storm has completely passed before going out.
• Report downed power lines, and stay away from them.
• Use stored water and food.
• Be patient. Things will take a while before they get back to normal.