Summer 2007

 PRESIDENTIAL NOTES

     We are in the midst of a 28,000 flight deck jerseys order.  We have shipped out 14,000 jerseys with the remaining 14,000 to be shipped at the end of July and August.  The Navy neckerchiefs order is currently being shipped after a long wait in getting the material necessary to produce the garments.  In today’s economy, it appears that no one has material inventories available for immediate shipping to vendors, such as us.  We have received an order for the flight deck jerseys, but it sometimes takes six to eight weeks to receive the material from the vendors.  The vendors will not knit the fabric until we have a contract for the garments.  Then and only then, will they prepare the cloth.  The significance of what I’m telling you is that it puts a strain on my budget and the employees.  We have deadlines to meet regarding delivery shipments; however, a lack of a time period hinders us in having the adequate time to make the garments.  Normally, we produce four hundred pieces a day, however, when the fabric is late, we may need to produce six hundred a day, requiring employees to work overtime and resulting in lost revenue.  God forbid that our deliveries are not on time!  It is a very inefficient way to operate a business.  Luckily, we have our material for the flyers kit bags which we will begin producing as soon as we complete the jerseys.  The nine thousand flyers kit bags are to be delivered in shipments of 3,000 in each of the following months, August, September and October.  We have been notified that a new flight deck jersey order is on its way.

Lawrence J. Helkowski

President /CEO

 

EMBROIDERY DEPARTMENT

      Big news in the Embroidery Department.  We are moving!  Our whole department will be moving to the side of the building to occupy the free space left from the Greensburg Martial Arts area. We will have our own entrance, and will be totally separate from the previous lower level space we occupied for many years.  Our address will remain the same, along with our present phone number.  We hope to be re-located and up and running by the end of the month.  At which time we would like to hold an Open house for all to see the new location and the products and embroidery capability we have to offer.

     We continue to produce contract work for Scott Printables as we make all the necessary changes for the move.  Please keep us in mind for all of your advertising needs.  What a great way to advertise your business, with an embroidered item to wear and/or share.                                                                                 

Call Sue @ 724-837-1250 xt. 28.                             Sue Henderson                        

 

NEWS FROM THE WORKSHOP

     The workshop is up and running in full swing.  We are currently working on a contract of 28,000 Flight Deck Jerseys.  We are also under contract to produce 9,000 Flyer’s Kit Bags.  Everyone is giving their best and we are on schedule.  

     Smithcot Stretchers are always being produced.  We are working on them periodically just to keep some inventory for when they are needed.  That goes the same for the Mattress covers which we produce. 

    Good news!  Gale Cummings, one of our workshop employees, will be receiving a corneal transplant at the end of this month.  Everyone keep Gale in your prayers for a successful operation and a speedy recovery. 

     More to Celebrate!  John Crawford has celebrated his 80th birthday this month.  John’s birthday was July 11th, and his family was kind enough to bring cake & goodies in to celebrate with all of the old gang from the workshop.  We miss you John, Happy Birthday and take care of yourself.

                                   HAPPY

                               BIRTHDAY

                                    JOHN!!

Connie Panko

 

FUNDRAISING NEWS

  Let me start by saying “Thanks” to all of those who helped in the success of the 5th Annual Golf Outing, which was held on June 22, 2007 at the Norvelt Golf Club.  The weather was as good as it gets, and everyone had a great time.

First of all, thanks to the Staff of W.C.B.A.  Jeff, Lissa, Tim, Sandi, Donna and John. Thanks so much!

Second, the devoted Board Members which included Paula Pedicone, Tony Saulle, Kent Platos, Dom Acalotto, Jack Cherubini & Mark Tintori.  Thank you!

Third, the family and friend volunteers who spent the day with us, helping tremendously:  Kaaren Tintori, Carol Hutchins, Sharon Spiaggi, Janet DeFelice, Amy and Stacey Booley, Beth Grec and Kristen Miller. Thanks so much for all of your  help.  The day runs so smoothly with great help from wonderful people like you!

Thanks to the Lions Clubs and all of our Sponsors, your involvement is also crucial to our success.

Thanks to Copier Corporation who has been our Corporate Sponsor for all of our five years.  A special thanks to Nelson Mayer who does so much for our outing.  Printing registration forms, tee signs, program books and gathering up foursomes and prizes for us.  Thanks so much Nelson!

Thanks to Bob Davis who spends so much time and energy rounding up so many prizes for our door prize give aways.

 Our next project will be in the fall.  Nothing has been decided upon as of yet, so feel free to give me a call if you have an idea.  We may be looking at another Casino Night???

Karen Booley

  

WORK ACTIVITY CENTER  

     It is summer time and we have our employees attending camp at Beacon Lodge.  Some have already  been there and returned, and said they “have had a great time”!  There are some who are waiting anxiously for their turn to make  the trip. We want to thank all of the Lions clubs for their donations in making the transportation and camper ships available to our employees.  Some would not get to go, if it weren’t for the help of the Lions clubs.  Have Fun Everyone!!

     The annual trip to a Pirate Baseball game had to be cancelled this year, due to weather.  This was the first time we ever had to cancel a Pirate Game trip.  I am trying to see if we can get tickets for another game.  But in the meantime, we are scheduling a “Beeper Ball” game for our employees at Red Devil Field once again this year.  I hope to get it scheduled for August.  If anyone would like to come along and play “Beeper Ball” with our clients, please call and let us know.  It is a great time for all who go.  

      I would like to welcome 3 new employees to the Work Activity Center.  Our new driver for the Shredding business is James Criner.  You’re doing a great job Jim!  Brenda Spor is one of the new Floor Supervisors hired to aid with the employees in the work activity center.  Jennifer Permuko is also a Floor Supervisor in addition to being the Supports Coordinator.  Both ladies are doing an excellent job and are a valuable asset to the work activity center.  Everyone enjoys working with them.

     September 13th will be our annual “Day of Caring” through the United Way.

It is our intention to once again have local company volunteers take our employees of the WAC area, fishing.  We normally venture to Mammoth Park where the clients get to enjoy the outdoors, by fishing, taking walks, just getting to picnic outside.  This is always a great day for our clients. 

                      Who will be the one to catch  the biggest fish this year?

( Let’s hope the weather participates for this outing. )

     The work activity center is doing a phenomenal job keeping up with our shredding business as it continues to grow.  Thank you to all for your continued hard work! 

Lissa Glass

 

LOW VISION PROGRAM

   Patients continue to be examined  here at our facility each Monday morning by Dr. Chris Cakanac, O.D., F.A.A.O. who is a low– vision specialist.  Dr. Chris sees four patients each Monday and our list of patients has grown tremendously in the past 3 years.  The doctor has been able to see well over 500 patients since he has been located at our building.  Providing them with a comprehensive vision screening and suggesting the low-vision aids that may be able to help the patient to get the most out of the remaining eyesight they have.  We then offer the patient the opportunity to take the aids home for a two week trial period, to see if they will actually use the aids and/or get some quality improvement with their vision.  Thank you for your involvement with this wonderful program, Dr. Chris Cakanac.  It is a pleasure to be here to work with you.

Karen Booley and Sandi Foreman

 

SPACE AVAILABLE

     Beginning in September 2007, we will have space available for renting.  This space is located in the basement of our building.  Since early 2006, this space has been occupied by a company called:  Spreadshirt.   Spreadshirt has grown tremendously and feels the need to move to a facility of their own. The space they have occupied is 12,000 square feet and has its own parking area,  dock doors, and is fully isolated from our business.   If you know of any business looking to re-locate, please pass our information on to them.   Our available space will be listed with the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation.  You may contact Joe Sisley @724-830-3061 for any additional information. 

 

UNITED WAY—”DAY OF CARING”

     On September 13th, United Way will be holding their annual “Day of Caring”.  Once again we will have local business volunteers come to our facility and paint.  Our W.A.C. employees will also be taken fishing at Mammoth with more kind volunteers.  Lets all plan for a day full of fun!

 

We are sponsoring our first

ANNUAL HEALTH SCREENING

(through Multiphasic Blood Testing)

Provided by: PA Automated Services, Inc.

39 Test Profile for Only $35.00

Date:  Saturday, October 6, 2007

Time:  7:00 a.m.—10:00 a.m.

 Location:  911 S. Main Street, Greensburg, PA  15601

 (Francis E. Wall Banquet Room)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL:

PA Automated Services Inc. at 1-800-524-3414

Please come out and help the blind ~ while helping yourself. 

  

PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS PROGRAM

     With school being out for the summer, the program is at its slowest period.  But come September, we’ll be out on the road again, traveling to schools to perform the vision screenings for pre-schools and kindergarten classes.  If you know of a pre-school or kindergarten class location that may be interested in our service, feel free to let me know. We will be happy to add them to our list. 

     At this time of year, we are attending local Senior Health Fairs.  These are usually sponsored by a local politician, which invites the local agencies with services that pertain to the Senior Citizens to come and display their information and answer any questions a Sr. Citizen may have about the services available to them.  We attended the Robert Regola Senior Citizens Expo in May and we’ve just participated in the Tom Tangretti - Sr. Citizens Fair held at Kirk S. Nevin Recreation Center on July 18, 2007 from 9:00 a.m. thru 1:00 p.m.

                                                                                                   Karen Booley

RECORD MANAGEMENT/ FILE STORAGE:

     One of the newest ventures about to happen at our facility is the Record Management/File Storage Service.  Our storage space is 10,000  square feet, located on the upper floor of our facility.  We are able to store your files in a safe, easy accessible location, for a minimal monthly fee.  If you have the need to access your files, you may come down and do so, but if you are not able, we will locate your file requested and get it to you for an additional minimal fee.  Do you know of anyone looking for space to store files?  Feel free to pass the word!

For more information and pricing, please contact Tim Miller @ 724-837-1250

 

Consider Giving a Truly

Lasting Legacy

     From time to time it is a good idea to review your will, especially if you have new children or grandchildren, have remarried, inherited property or other assets, or if recent law changes affect your estate planning.

     A bequest in your will can help assure future services here at W.C.B.A.   Another way to give is through a  trust that can give you and/or a loved one an income for life and may provide you with an immediate tax advantage and ultimately may reduce estate taxes.  Deferred gifts of life insurance, real estate, appreciated securities or other properties could be an ideal way to give.

     Won’t you consider including us in your estate planning?  Your tax accountant and lawyer can help you with an appropriate way.

     Please remember that however you choose to help the Westmoreland County Blind Association, we are very grateful for your generosity.                                                                                          

Thank you.

 

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