PUBLISHED MONTHLY NOVEMBER 2013
Simpler. Smarter. Better.
By Judi Hellman
Who has it? We all have it… the kitchen junk drawer,
the garage work bench, the storage closet, all places where the
clutter (and sometimes really important things) go to live. It is
no different in business: the desk drawer with supplies you might need to use in 2015, the files with papers and articles
that you thought would come in handy back in 2010 and are still waiting to use, the manufacturing area that is difficult to
navigate because you keep the remains of a previous job around while you run the new job while waiting for the previous
job to come back. The next thing you know you need that one little (or big) thing to complete the next item on your to-do
list, and you have no idea where it is. And the search begins. You waste time and money, while your blood pressure is on
the rise. Welcome to the world before 5S!
What is 5S you query? It is an organizational method (some refer to it as a workplace organizational method although,
believe me, it works perfectly at home as well) based on the mantra of sort, store, shine, standardize and sustain. In a
nutshell, it is clean out the clutter, store what you keep in the most logical place now that you have a place for everything,
keep it there, standardize methods throughout, go back to sort, and start again.
Why is there a front page article about 5S? Because Lafayette has embraced the concept and it is here to stay. We are
in the process of sorting, storing and shining the offices and administrative areas. We have sorted in the production and
warehousing areas and with our renovations moving to a close we are anxious to start storing. When we are finished… oh
wait, we will never be finished! 5S is our culture. Sometimes we have to remind ourselves. We have continuous training.
We continuously go through the 5S’s listed above. We look forward to the enthusiasm of our workers, our improved
productivity and our increased customer confidence.
Why are we doing this? Because it’s good business, and good business means jobs for us. You might hear it referred to
as 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Transformation or some other term. Remember, it works in the office, in the plant,
at school and at home. Whatever term you use, if you embrace the concept, you can “live lean and prosper”.
Rob Libera
Executive Director
Tele: 636-227-5666 Fax: 636-227-9650 E-mail: [email protected] Check out our newsletter in living color at our web site: www.lafayetteindustries.com
Mission: The mission of Lafayette Industries is to provide employment
opportunities to persons who are developmentally disabled / mentally retarded and persons with other disabilities who are 18 years or older.
Goals: To provide a meaningful and productive work experience to persons
who are disabled To maintain a safe and pleasant work environment To teach and to train persons with disabilities to acquire better work habits To
enhance self-worth and dignity through employment To provide high-
quality business service through packaging, light assembly and commercial mailings To operate the center in a professional, fiscally responsible manner
To provide fair wages and good benefits
REMINDER TO EVERYONE CONCERNING HIPAA LAWS: We just want to give a heads-up and reminder
to everybody concerning the HIPAA laws. Due to these laws we cannot give out addresses and telephone numbers
anymore. It’s the law. We are not punishing anybody and it’s not to make your lives more difficult, but these laws
are in effect now and for the foreseeable future. It all revolves around privacy regulations, identity theft, etc. So
please remember next time you call the office – it’s not to punish you that we cannot give you any information, it’s
the law!
THINGS NO ONE EVER TOLD ME By Eric Klein
Chinese takeout containers are actually made to fold
out into plates. The containers actually are meant to
unfold into a makeshift plate, which you can easily
reassemble into a box for storing leftovers.
Soda tabs double as straw holders. Turn the tab
around so that it acts as holder that can stop the straw
from raising out of the can as the soda fizzes.
2013 NORTH HOT DOG DAY By Sheryl Hardy
September 20
th Lafayette North celebrated the end of safety week with our Annual Hot Dog Day. Our free lunch was
“ Hot Dogs “, baked beans, chips and lemonade provided by Chris’ Cakes. After lunch we moved the tables back and
started the real fun with Karaoke, dancing and smiles all around!
The rain threatened to put a damper on the rest of our celebration. However we made it under the wire, and managed
to pull off the day without a hitch.
Many were anxiously awaiting the arrival of Berkeley Fire Department with their fire trucks and ambulance. There
was time for exploration of the vehicles and pictures in the fire truck. A great time was had by all, and everyone was
already talking about next year as they boarded their rides home.
Tracy Cooper training on fire extinguisher North staff training - putting out fire with fire extinguishers Laird Simpson is a real hot dog!
John Sturgeon on Berkely fire truck Jerry Phillips & Uloncka Jackson, Patriots Jennifer Doerr, Barbara Hall, Eddie Brown & Uloncka Jackson
waiting for turn on karaoke.
ST. JOHN’S UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST HOLIDAY PARTY FOR LAFAYETTE WEST
St. John’s United Church of Christ in Mehlville has done a wonderful Christmas party for Lafayette West for
many years now that includes lunch, crafts and singing solo Christmas carols. Please understand – THIS IS NOT
LAFAYETTE WEST’S HOLIDAY PARTY!! Last year we had 30 workers show up without reservations (we
believe that some parents and staff confused it with the annual Christmas Party given by Lafayette at Evangelical
Free Church). This made for a great deal of confusion. We will be putting out a flyer with the information about St.
John’s Christmas party as we get closer to the date, along with a reservation form. PLEASE DON’T SHOW UP IF
YOU HAVEN’T SIGNED UP IN ADVANCE!
Mark the date – Sunday, December 8th, 1:00-3:00 p.m . We hope you will be able to attend. They look forward
to having us. We just need to let them know how many ahead of time. Thanks, everyone!
NOTE: The Annual Lafayette West Christmas Party at Evangelical Free Church will be on Friday, Dec. 20th
this
year.
THE SEVEN THINGS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS SAY TO CUSTOMER SERVICE
By Dan Rechtien
Dealing with customer service can be an intimidating experience. However, there are ways to
facilitate a positive outcome. You must try to enlist the call taker at customer service to assist you in resolving your
problem. To do so, remember to say the following:
1. What is your name? This is the most important question you can ask. Using the agent’s name during the
conversation keep things friendly and reminds him or her that you know who they are. The more you can
learn about the agent the better; where are they located, how many years of service, hobbies. Write down this
information. In later talks with that company, you can say you spoke to _________ on a certain date at a
certain time and ____________ told you he has four grandchildren, your statement cannot be dismissed out of
hand.
2. Be calm. Say this to yourself throughout the conversation. No matter how frustrated you are, remember of
you act irrationally, you give the agent and the company to note you in their files as a “crazy customer”. Also,
any mention of your years as a customer, particularly a satisfied customer in the past, is appropriate.
3. We. Enlisting the agent in your cause by statements such as “I am sure we can find a satisfactory solution…”
creates teamwork and dilutes adversarial feelings.
4. My Goal is. Be specific and realistic about what you want. Asking for reimbursement for your time, letters of
apology, or punitive damages is not going to happen. State your needs clearly, such as “If you can ship me a
replacement within a couple of days, I will be satisfied”. The more the agent believes you are willing to accept
a reasonable solution and get off the line, the happier the agent will be, and you will be closer to your goal.
5. I’m not going away. This is not a threat, simply a statement you will not give up easily. Agents are trained to
throw out stock phrases such as “It is our policy” or “There is nothing I can do” in the hope you will accept
without questioning authority. When you do not hang up and reply that you are not satisfied and wish to
continue to resolve the issue the agent is forced to continue to deal with you.
6. Escalate. This is customer service jargon for “I want to speak to your manager”. Using professional language
shows you are a knowledgeable consumer. Tell the agent that if he/she cannot help further, you wish to
“escalate” the call. Every time the agent is forced to bump up a call to a supervisor, they lose points. So let the
agent know they have one last chance to satisfy your request before you go over their heads. Once speaking to
a supervisor, let that person know if your conversation with the agent was professional. Stress that though you
disagreed with the agent’s conclusion, the agent performed properly.
7. Thank you. The agent is human. You will enhance your position if you express gratitude for the agent’s
efforts. This positive reinforcement doesn’t mean the agent is correct and you are wrong. People are more
likely to help those who are civil and pleasant to them.
2013 ST. CLEMENT
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
TOOTSIE ROLL DRIVE
VOLUNTEERS By Helen Roder
Many thanks to all the Lafayette employees and family members who volunteered generously to raise money for the
St. Clement (Des Peres) Tootsie Roll Drive. Thanks to the following: Becky Stillwell, Karen Van Berkel, Rob
Libera, Mary Beckerle, Judi Hellman, Dan Libera, Marilyn Watson, Janet and Dan Zeller, Shirley Ennis, Sue Berg,
Mike and Helen Roder and Fred Gaglio. If we want St. Clement to continue to support Lafayette with a generous
donation, we must volunteer to help collect donations. Thanks again – See you next year!
FRIENDS OF LAFAYETTE INDUSTRIES NORTH By Judy Way
For Calendar:
The November Knights of Columbus Dance at Valley Industries is scheduled for November 8 (second Friday in
November).
The next meeting of Friends of Lafayette Industries North is at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 13, in the Lafayette
North conference room.
Special Thanks . . . to the family and friends of the Fortus family who have made significant monetary donations to Friends of
Lafayette Industries North in memory of Ralph Fortus. Laura Fortus, Ralph’s daughter, is an employee at Lafayette North and
her mother, Janet Fortus, has been a member of Friends of Lafayette Industries North for several years. We are very grateful for
the family’s support of our organization.
Tootsie Roll Drive: We want to thank all the volunteers who helped the St. Ann and Fatima Knights of Columbus Councils
with their Tootsie Roll Drives. Lafayette Industries shares in the proceeds from these drives and we appreciate all those who
helped out this year.
Christmas Party Planning: As mentioned last month, plans are coming together for this year’s Christmas Party for Lafayette
North employees. Decisions have been made regarding our lunch, employees’ Christmas gifts, and entertainment. Watch your
mail around November 14th for details.
Officer Nomination Reminder: Just a reminder that we’re still seeking nominations for the office of Vice President of our
group. Our current Vice President’s term is ending at the end of this year and we are looking for potential candidates. Please
give some thought to joining our executive committee in that position. If you’re interested or just have questions, please contact
Laurie Dent (314-495-0600), Pat Gill (314-434-8323), or Carline Buchanan (314-721-0965).
LAFAYETTE INDUSTRIES CONTRIBUTIONS September 2013
Grants Purses With Purpose Event FY2013 Purses With Purpose Event (Cont.)
First Presbyterian Church Sarah Aasted Brenda Ernst
Robert & Julie Antry Ann Ferguson
Matching Jodi Apter Sam & Mary Ferranto
Tracy Dillon Carol Barnes Lisa Fetters
Mari Heida Deborah Barrios-Goodman Tommye Fleming
Shirley Johnson Dominica Basinger Rose Frueh
Wayne Marek BATHROOM BLING Michael & Marilyn Gaffney
Lynn Morrow Patricia Bay Gary & Carol Gage
Douglas & Mary Beckerle Fred & Sandy Gaglio
Other-General Jeanne Behan Ralph & Agnes Gaona
Karen Castaner Jeanine Bermel Ron & Diane Gentile
Michael Corwin Robert & Boots Berry Janet Gerritzen
Susan Drath Linda Bezold Doug & Laurie Gill
Patricia Eggert Bob & Cathy Bindbeutel Richard & Pat Gill
Mary Felts Dolly Bischoff Liz Gingerich
Kristine Gardner Mary Bischoff Agnes Gioconda & Paul Davis
Give Direct-Federal Campaign Rebecca Blase Christi Gleason
Cheryl Henson Margaret Bradt Howard & Rosella Gleason
Linda Herzig Margaret Brandt Joan Gleich
Paul Huensch Maria Briggs Marianne Gleich
Michelle Kaufmann Bart & Ellen Brnjac Marie Gomez
David & Linda Kronmiller Jennifer Brooks Patricia Good
Brent Lancaster Kathy Brown Debbie B. Goodman
Michelle Lansfersieck Carline Buchanan Sylvia Gordon
Barbara Leclere Stephanie Buechler Mary Gosney
Amanda Lutz William & Jean Burnett Judy Graham
Edgar Martin Sandra D. Byrne Pamela Graves
Catherine McClain Tom & Janet Cerneka Carol Gregerson
METLIFE Janet Clark Jacqueline Gregerson
Judy O’Leary Carrie Collins Ron & Lori Gregerson
Marie Reitzell Jill Comely Teri Griege
Mark & Linda Stephens Tiffany Cornejo Jill Grossman
Tamara Sulze Mary Corsair Millicent Guerri
Stephanie Zorn Gary & Janice Crawford Susan Gummersbach
Vicki Cross Marilee Hacker
In Honor of Eric Freeman Mary Curran Jan Haines
Leonette Freeman-Rung Bonnie Cutler Alesia Hanners
Jane Walker Ed & Margaret Davies Bob & Bev Hanson
Laurie Dent Sherley Hari
In Honor of Ralph Fortus Betty Diemer Mike & Alison Helgeson
Mary Barutio Dennis & Tracey Dillon Judith A. Hellman
Sally Hanson Katherine Dowling Debbie Hemmersmeier
S. A. Leeds Faye Eckrich Christine Hepler
Kathy Ehrhard Jane Herrmann
In Honor of Suzanne Imig Bob Eichelberger Sandy Herrmann
Mike Morrell Mary Ely Tom & Anne Herrmann
Chuck & Pat Emde Charlotte & Patricia Hodges
In Honor of Ed Simpson Jim & Jane Eppel Linda Hoffmann
Parkway School District Jessica Erfling Sandra Holtmeyer
Lafayette Industries Contributions (continued) September 2013 (continued)
Purses With Purpose Event (continued)
Susan Norner Patricia Newell James C. Sparks
Robert & Marilyn Hosenfelt Debbie Newman Rita Helen Springer
Mae Hudson Holly Nylander & Mary S. Ferranto
Husch Blackwell Sue Ogier Debbie Stegeman
Patricia Hutton Dan & Kathy O’Keefe Elizabeth Stern
Lisa Jaacks Jane W. Oliver Margaret Stewart
Jim & Linda Jandro John & Diane Ortlip Rita Stritzel
Beverly John Carolyn Owen Kathleen Sullivan
Linda Johnson Tim & Elizabeth Oxler Roger & Joy Sulzer
Russell & Alvina Jones Mary Piccirilli Joan Sutterer
Gloria Jones Randy & Rebecca Pierce Margaret Talluto
Terri Goslin Jones Susan Piontek Elizabeth Taylor
Richard & Ruth Kallemeier Susan Pippin Nancy Taylor
Tal & Heidi Kaufmann Carol Powell Paul & Betty Taylor
Frank Keller Ray & Margaret Prinzen Barbara Thach
Helen Kleine Mary L. Proctor Patti Theil
Helen Klohmann Rebecca Rahm Angelita Thompson
Koob Auto Sales Rebecca Ram Cathleen Tow
Joy B. Krieger Kristine Ramsey Mary Tront
Mary Kruger Richard & Marilyn Reilly Jane Turner
Linda Lamers Ginger Reinert Chuck & Bonnie Udell
Bertha Larez Nancy Reis Karen Van Berkel
Dick & Susan Lederich Eugene & Lynn Springer Roberts Frank & Reggie Vanek
Jacqueline Leonhardt Alesia Roccia Cheryl Verde
Robert Libera Lynette Roccia Karen Vinyard
Janie Lotz Helen Roder Erica Wagner
Bobbie Luber Karen Roth Chris & Jeff Watson
Joan Lunt Carol Rucker Susan Weber
Kimberly Mandrell Mike & Polly Rutherford Carolyn & William Wefel
Jeanne Manley Fred & Patty Salerno Carol Weinhold
Wayne & Gloria Marek Connie Scheppers Katherine Weinhold
David & Sheri Markham James Schmid Leslie Kay Wertley
Sheri Markham Carolyn Schmittgens Janet Westphal
Sherri Markhamm Diane Schwarz Danielle Whelehon
Wendy Martin John & Jamie Schwarz Jean Whelehon
Elizabeth Mathieu Mary Schwarz Mary Whiteaker
Monica McCarthy Jean Scott Ashlen Whitman
Robert & Ethel McLuen Carolyn Sherman Kaylyn Whitman
Jean Melenbrink Michelle Sherman Deb Wilhelm
Vera Meyer Pam Shumake Betty Winkler
Carl Miller Karen Siebenberger Robert & Trudy Wojciechowski
Judy Miller Amy Simeone Marilyn Wombacher
Michelle Millonas Sitek Marketing/Communications Inc. Gail Worley
Lisa Moehlenkamp John & Cheryl Sitek Karen Ziegler
Linnie Morgan Martha Sittser Lori Zey
Lynn & Margaret Morrow Cynthia Smith Sheila Zigrye
Jim & Christy Mudd Soft Surroundings
Margaret Nekic Laura Sokolowski
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR NOVEMBER FOLKS!
WEST NORTH
DEHUMIDIFIER RECALL By Ann Kelly
(Ann Kelly, one of our parents, found out that there was a dehumidifier recall on a large swath of the
ones that are in use in houses currently. There was one manufacturer, but about 12 brands that were
affected. You might have guessed – origins of the products were in China. Please take time to use the
link below to the recalls and read what she found out about the process of getting some cash back for
your dehumidifier.) http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2013/Gree-Recalls-12-Brands-of-Dehumidifiers/
Above is a link to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website and lists the 12 brands of dehumidifiers
that are currently being recalled due to fire hazards they pose.
Mine was on the list (5 years old), and I will be getting a check from the manufacturer after I complete some
verification requirements.
I’m sure lots of people have these in basements. If there are other parents that you might know, just be sure to get
the word out to them. It was the first time I had heard of the recall, and I wanted to be sure that you knew about it.
SIGMA DELTALUNCHEON: On Saturday, October 30th
the ladies from Lafayette met at Salem-in-BallwinUMC
for Sigma Delta’s luncheon. They had a nice dinner, made the rounds of the wonderful bakery, the great silent
auction and then ate a great meal. We were entertained by The Gershwin Girls from Manchester UMC. Then they
gave a brief talk about the reason for the luncheon, ladies collected the silent auction items they had one, and we were
on our way. Thank you to the Sigma Delt’s who have always been loyal supporters of Lafayette’s. They are always
there, and we appreciate their efforts on our behalf so much. See you next year, Ladies!
Far left: Angela displays some of
the bakery items that they had.
Immediate left: Lafayette’s group – Reggie, Angie, Karen, Ethel,
Becky, Boots, Gloria, Pat, Fritzi
and Kate.
Jeff Murley 1 Claire Gardiner 16
Keith Veselsky 1 Dan Libera 16
William "Sam" Williams 1 Michelle Watson 16
Carmen Dockett 2 Jon Munoz 17
Todd Thornberry 2 Joe Payne 17
Ken Kolker 4 Jason Rice 17
Suzanne Myers 6 Joe Wombacher 18
Kenneth Lederich 7 Michael Woolverton 18
Mary Ellen Witte 8 Tod Lomax 22
Jeffrey Hall 9 Dennis Richter 24
Warren Joyce 9 Alexander Deutsch 25
Cynthia Jackson 10 Michelle Albers 26
Timothy O'Leary 10 Kristin Kallansrud 29
Andrew Furrer 11 Twana Blue 30
Timothy Gregerson 12 Goldie Panhorst 30
Yvonne "Cherie" Maloney 12
Cynthia Behan 2
Kadie Gallo 9
Jerry Ring 12
Pam Burton 14
Samuel Sullivan 14
Gary Arnold 17
Alice Gibson 21
Gary Killibrew 23
Michelle Lee 25
James Hawkins 26
Carolyn Eller 27
Please don’t retouch my wrinkles. It
took me so long to earn them. – Anna
Magnani.
2013 HALLOWEEN PARTY By Tricia Walters
Fun was had by all at the Lafayette Halloween Party held at the Evangelical Free Church on October 25
th. A
delicious dinner was catered by Callier’s Deli. Everyone enjoyed Sunburst Bowtie Chicken Pasta, Pasta Primavera,
salad, rolls and Halloween Cupcakes. Dance music was provided by John Lipka of Soundsational. He sure knows
how to get everyone up and moving. While we grooved to the music, popcorn and soda was served. Take a look at
the pictures and check out those dance moves and festive costumes!
Thanks to all of the volunteers, who made this night so special for our Lafayette Employees!
Waiting for dinner to begin Strong men can dance! Friends hang out waiting for the next dance!
Line dancing is something the Lafayette folk are good at! Is this a waltz? Is anyone dancing better than me? Nope!
King for a day! Everyone cuts loose with their best moves!
NOVEMBER 2013
SUN MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT
Veterans Day – Monday, November 11th
1 All Souls Day
2
3 Daylight Savings
Time Ends
4 5 General Election
Day
6 7 8 North
- Knights
of
Columbus
Dance -
Valley Ind. –
7:30-10:00
9 West - Knights
of Columbus
Dance –
St. Clare
of Assisi
School -
7:00-10:00
10 11 PAY DAY
12 13 9:00 a.m. -
Friends of Lafayette
Industries North
meet in the
Conference Room at
Lafayette North
14 15 Annual Meeting 16
17 Full Moon
18 19 20 (no Board of
Directors this month)
21 22 Free Lunch –
West only
23
24 25 PAY DAY 26 27 Both Workshops
close ½ hour early!
28 Thanksgiving –
Both workshops
closed!
Chanukah begins
29 Shopping Day! –
Both workshops
closed!
30