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Message From the
Executive Team
What's Happening in
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Welcome to the Winter
Edition from Edmonton South Division! The leaves have gone, the snow is
hovering and the Halloween decorations are being replaced with Christmas trees
and tinsel …
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On October 23, 2008 we welcomed Tim Liu to the division as our new
Assistant Shipper/Floater. He will be working with Art Costa in the
Shipping/Receiving Office.
Welcome, Tim!
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On September 26, 2008, we bid farewell to Walter Yackle who retired from
his position as Truck Driver for Great Western Containers. Walter was
renowned also for having painted most of the plant during the years that
he was with us. We wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement! |
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On September 3rd,
2008,
Bruce Disney
celebrated his 50th Birthday.
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As he puts it “I’m not
getting older, just gaining experience!”
Happy Birthday Bruce!
Congratulations to Genele
and Chris McGaughey on the birth of their daughter.
McKinley
Gray McGaughey arrived safely on September 19, 2008 weighing in at 7lb 15oz
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North and South Meet for A
Bit of R&R
On September 12, 2008, the Edmonton North and South offices got together after
work at Boston Pizza for a bit of R&R.
Zep Superior Solutions Golf Tournament
On September 13, 2008, Great
Western Containers took part in the Zep Superior Solutions Golf Tournament as a
Major Hole Sponsor. In response, Zep awarded us with a plaque “in Appreciation
of our significant dedication and commitment to the ongoing support and
protection of the children through the creation of the Zebra Child Protection
Centre.
The Last BBQ of the Season
On 2 October 2008, the Edmonton South division had
their third and final BBQ of the season - this time catered by the Union!
Thanks to all the hard work they put in, the occasion was another very tasty
success!
Halloween
Walking into the office at
Edmonton South plant on October 31, 2008 brought a smile to all of our visitors’
faces as they admired our decorations, treats and costumes!
“Guy Fawkes
Night” by Kate Barclay
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As we celebrated Halloween at Edmonton South, a number of my colleagues
asked if we celebrate Halloween in England. I explained that Halloween
is celebrated there but not to the same degree as here, and that this is
possibly because we celebrate “Guy Fawkes Night” on November 5th. |
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Guy
Fawkes Night (also known as Bonfire Night) is an annual celebration on the
5th of November. It celebrates the
foiling of the
Gunpowder Plot of the 5 November, 1605
in which a number of
Catholic conspirators, including
Guy Fawkes, were alleged to be
attempting to blow up the
Houses of Parliament in
London,
England.
On the
night of November 5th, throughout England, we commemorate the capture of Guy
Fawkes with carnivals, bonfires and fireworks, and by burning an effigy of Guy.
The kids have sparklers and toffee apples and sing the song they’ve learned from
an early age…
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Remember, remember the fifth of November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
We
see no reason
Why gunpowder treason
Should ever be forgot!
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Guy
Fawkes, guy, t'was his intent
To blow up
king and parliament.
Three
score barrels were laid below
To prove old England's overthrow
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By god's mercy he was catch'd
With a darkened lantern and burning match.
So, holler boys, holler boys, Let the bells ring.
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the king.
And what shall we do with him?
Burn him!
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UNIVAR Visit
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On October 30, 2008, we were treated to a visit from
the team from Univar.
Seen here, from left to right:
Shanna Potter, Sheri Snell, (our very own Barb Noster) and Pat Webb.
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“Bring Your Kids to Work”
Day
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On November 5, 2008, Maria volunteered for her son’s “Bring Your Kids to
Work” Day and so Antonio Mancini joined us at the Edmonton South plant
for the day!
During the
day, he had a tour of the plant, and spent some time with Gerry Connell,
Tony Arruda and Rui Nascimento. At the end of the day, he decided that
he wouldn’t mind working here! He said his favourite part of the day
was going into the boiler room!
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Festival of Trees
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On Friday 21
November, 2008, the Edmonton South division decorated a Christmas tree!
Not our own office tree (that’s next month!) but one that we were
sponsoring as part of the Strathcona County Festival of Trees. As a
Silent Night sponsor, we had to donate $75 for a 71/2
foot, pre-lit Christmas tree which we then decorated using our
chosen theme. Our theme was “The Giving Tree” and having decorated |
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it,
it was then on display for the weekend at the Festival and was auctioned
off in a silent auction, to raise money for the Strathcona County. |
In this
edition, we thought we would introduce you to our team in the Shipping and
Receiving Department – Art Costa, Tim Liu and Thomas Looker.
Art is
our head shipper and controls the production of reconditioned drums. He also
controls the booking of appointment for all receiving and is in the process of
training Tim as Assistant Shipper. Art has years of knowledge to pass on. Thomas
controls the placement of products being stored and both Thomas and Tim unload
and reload products in our warehouse facility.
From left to right: Tim Liu, Thomas Looker and Art Costa
Sponsored Run by Joanne Baxter
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In September, Joanne
Baxter participated in a Sponsored Run at Hawrelak Park in Edmonton to
raise money for the Children’s Stollery Hospital in Edmonton.
Joanne seen here at
the Finish Line with her niece, Ayanna. |
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Paul, the Exotic Explorer Strikes Again…
In November, Paul
LaBissioniere packed up his bags again and set off for Peru. Here he is at
Machu Pichhu and the Floating Island of Lake Titicaca…
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Cake Decorating by Thomas Looker
Thomas Looker came
the other day with a proposal…
In the past,
the provision of cakes to celebrate birthdays in the plant has been
fairly sporadic and, as someone who takes great pleasure in decorating
cakes, Thomas proposed that he could make a cake on |
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basis, which would have everyone’s names on it who had a birthday in
that quarter. We thought it was an excellent example of “Excellence in
Relationships” and “Exceptional Service” to his fellow colleagues… |
He also
put a few words together to explain his love of decorating cakes…
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“When my
son, Riley, was born, I wanted to take up cake decorating so that I
would be ready for his 1st birthday and be confident in my
skills at it. I also had grand visions of being the Greatest Dad by
decorating cakes for each of my children’s birthdays. |
I also
do them for special occasions from time to time. I even have friends and family
order cakes from me. My only stipulation is that they give me two weeks’ notice
– I have this day job!
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It is sort of a
hobby for me and besides cash for my creation, I will also barter the
cakes for babysitting services – “if you babysit my kids, I will do a
cake for you.” I normally charge $45 per 12 serving cakes as a guide.
Depending on the challenge of the cake, I may charge more or less.”
My favourite
cake that I have ever made was the heart cake which was made for my
wife; the most difficult cake was the monkey on the desert island.”
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Guess the Object?
And that’s all folks for another edition of the Edmonton South newsletter.
Keep warm and safe until next time…
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