S.U.N. Employee Newsletter - Systems Unlimited, Inc.

Random Act of Kindness-Roberta AhlrichsOn a hot and blistering day in June, I was on shiftand Damon said, “Hey, let’s go swimming.” Whata great idea; however, I explained to him that hewould have to bike, and I’d walk alongside him tothe pool (maybe a mile).We packed our gear and water and off we went.About three-fourths the way there his chain cameoff the bike and there we sat.I tried putting the chain back on, but no luck.We also both left our phones at the house. As wesat there preparing to walk home, a group of littlekids (7-10 yr. olds) came to help. They too tried tofix the bike—no luck. As we were getting ready toleave, a van pulls over and a man steps out.“Hey it looks like you’re having trouble,” hesaid.It was Todd, a man I had just met the weekbefore. Damon explained the bike situation, andTodd pulled out his toolbox to help. Needless tosay, he could not get the chain on either. We triedgetting the bike into his van but it was too big (athree wheeler).The kids offered to keep Damon’s bike at theirhouse while Todd drove us home and I couldfigure out what to do (I knew these kids—friendsof my kids). They checked with their mom, and itwas okay. So, they took the bike, and Todd droveDamon and me back home. YEAH, we weresaved from walking in the scortching heat, and mefrom pushing the bike and Damon from walkinghome using his walker!Back at home, Damon and I called a coupleof people, but no one was home. Later, we weresitting outside drinking lemonade when theneighbors came over to visit and asked whereDamon’s bike was. Damon explained the situationand they offered to go get it and bring it backto Damon’s place. AWESOME—they did it.Again, we all tried fixing that chain but it wasstuck.The next day I received a call from Bob (theman we bought the bike from) and he said, “I justgot to town, heard you needed help with your bikeand I’m on my way.” Bob took Damon’s bikehome and in one day’s time he fixed and returnedit to Damon. Then, of course, we were soonoff biking, but this time the chain did not break.Thank you, thank you to the wonderful people ofMonticello!AwardsCeremony~Cheli MorganEvery day at Systems Unlimited we celebrate theaccomplishments of the individuals we serve. That iswhy we all really look forward to the Annual AwardsCeremony where we formally celebrate and highlightthese milestones in a very special way.This year, the Awards Ceremony will take place onFriday, September 13th at the Holiday Inn Hotel andConference Center in the Kinnick Ballroom at1220First Ave Coralville.The program will begin with seating and dessert at7:00 pm and the Awards Program will start at 7:30pm. (Yes, there will be a dance following). There iseven a rumor that Elvis will be “in the house” againthis year!Staff are encouraged to complete nomination formsand share these amazing stories.Please let me know if you have any questions aboutthe Awards Ceremony or if you are interested in beingan event volunteer on September 13th.Like Us and Win!~Cory CosensAll employees who likeSystems Unlimited on Facebookbefore August 31 stwill beautomatically entered into a drawing forgift cards! All gift cards are for $25 andinclude Casey’s, Fareway, Hy-Vee, andWal-Mart.Simply log into Facebook and searchfor Systems Unlimited. We will bedoing similar drawings in the future foremployees who share our posts!

Staff Stats ~Mary BartachekNewHiresSeparationsREFERRAL BONUSNet Gain(Loss):April ‘11 27 14 13April ‘12 23 23 0April ‘13 25 21 42013 YTD 205 152 53Based on agency data as of 7/19/1314th annualIowa Sales Tax HolidayAugust 2 & 3! ~Ty GehyThe state of Iowa is offering one tax freeweekend event during 2013. It is intended tocoincide with annual back-to-school shoppingfor families.The tax-exempt savings applies only to:Clothing under $100Shoes under $100Refer a friend and you receive $200!~Cheli MorganOur Friends at KGAN TV have donated four tickets toValleyfair in Shakopee, Minnesota! If you know of anyindividuals that would enjoy going, please let me knowat extension 194, or cheli.morgan@sui.org. The ticketsare free, so this would be a fun and economical summertrip! Tickets will be on a first- come, first-served basis.Through 7/31/2013, employees who refersomeone will receive a one-time $200 referralbonus IF the referred employee remainsemployed for a minimum of 90 days. Starting8/1/2013 the referral bonus will return to $100.If someone would like to go, but is unable to afford theother expenses related to this trip, please consider theKeep On Moving Fund.Thanks!(Another) Random Act of KindnessTHANK YOU to Christy Haulk, a VocationalInstructor at ES, for helping to take ALL thepaper out of the shredding bailer when repairsneeded to be made!!– Jenna MaxsonHave you witnessed a random act of kindness in thework place or in the community while on shift? Callor e-mail Ty with the details, and and we can publiclyacknowledge the kind person for his/her kind act!

~Ty GehyMercer Park Farmer’s MarketTuesdays; 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.Mercer Park2701 Bradford Drive - Iowa CityIowa City Farmers MarketWednesdays; 5:00 - 7:00 pmSaturdays: 7:30 am - 12:00 pmChauncey Swan Parking Lot410 E Washington St - Iowa CityCoralville Farmers’ MarketThursdays; 5:00 - 7:00 pmS.T. Morrison Park1513 Seventh St. - CoralvilleFriday Night Concert SeriesFridays; 6:30 PM - 9:30 PMPedestrian Plaza, Weatherdance FountainIowa CityFreeJuly 26: Ben Soltau and The Funk GuaranteeAugust 2: Jesse White Band AND Chasing ShadeUptown Friday NightsFriday, July 26; 5:00 PM-8pmGreene Square Park - Cedar Rapids$5Jif and the Choosy MothersFamily FridaysFriday, July 26; 6:00 - 8: 00 p.m.Sycamore Mall1660 Sycamore St. - Iowa CityFeatures live music, food, soft drinks, as well aspromotional items from Sycamore Mall tenants.There will also be a variety of games and other familyfriendly activities provided from other local businessesin the IC area.ADA CelebrationSaturday, July 27; 10:00 am - 4:00 pmChauncey Swan ParkDowntown Iowa CityCelebration of the passage of the Americans withDisabilities Act (ADA) law. At 7 pm, Uptown Bill’s ishosting a concert at the coffee house, 730 S. DubuqueSt. Performers with disabilities are especiallyencouraged to be a part of the concert.Free Movie Series Presented by Ginsberg JewelersSaturday, July 27; 8:30 PMThe University of Iowa PentacrestOutside Macbride Hall - Iowa CityFreeJuly 27: Hairspray, PG, 2007, 117 minsAugust 3: Lincoln, PG-13, 2012, 150 minsAugust 10: Double Feature Night!The Princess Bride, PG, 1987, 98 mins16 to Life, NR, 2009, 100 minsSaturday Night Concert Series Presented byIowa City Downtown District & Integrated DNATechnologies.Saturdays; 6:30 PM - 9:00 PMPedestrian Plaza, Weatherdance Fountain - Iowa CityFreeJuly 27: Bonne FinkenAugust 10: House of EscherUptown GetdownThursdays; 6:00 - 9:00 pmMarion’s City Square Park7th Avenue & 10th Street - MarionFree live music, and great food for purchase.August 1: Funk DaddiesAugust 8: Bob Dorr & The Blue BandAugust 15: Well LitAugust 22: Lonesome RoadMusic in the ParkThursdays; 6:30 - 8:00 pmS.T. Morrison Park1513 Seventh St. - CoralvilleAugust 1: Sugar Daddy’s Jazz BandAugust 8: The Beaker BrothersHoover’s Hometown DaysFriday, Aug. 2 & Saturday, Aug. 3Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum and Library210 Parkside Drive - West BranchHardacre Film Festival (18 & older)August 2 & 3; 6:00 pm - 11:00 pmHardacre Theater112 East 5th Street - TiptonOpening night: $8; Saturday day: $8Closing session (includes wrap party): $8All-festival pass: $20The latest indie films from all over the world,presented by the film makers.Iowa State FairAugust 8 - 18; 7 a.m. - 1 a.m.Iowa State FairgraoundsEast 30th St & East University Ave - Des MoinesAdults (Ages 12+): $11; Children (Ages 6-11): $5;Children (Ages 5 & Under): FREEMore info: http://www.iowastatefair.org/

S.U.N. Gets Brighter~Ty Gehy & Jenna MaxsonThe SUN Team intoduces you to our newest & bubbliest member—Jenna Maxson!Jenna is from Iowa City, but spent a lot of her youth with family on the farm in WestBranch. She also lived in Cedar Rapids for two years, but then moved back to IowaCity to finish college.Jenna began working at Employment Systems in March of 2008, and has worn manyhats—as Vocational Instructor, Production Assistant, Staff Supervisor, SupportedEmployment Coordinator, and now as Employment Administrator. When she firststarted at Systems, Jenna thought it would be a temporary job, but soon becamehooked! She now insists, “The individuals we serve and the great management teamat ES make it hard to think of ever leaving.” Jenna explains her current job dutiesas overseeing supported employment, and in-building work (Jumpy Monkey coffee,Document Destruction, etc.). She also supervises direct hire individuals and makessure that ES is in compliance with DOL standards.As a new SUN Team member, Jenna hopes to bring a higher awareness of what is going on at Employment Systems as far asactivities, events, goals, etc.Jenna answered these questions, just for fun:• If I could visit any place in the world, it would be: Sweden• I am half Swedish (my dad is 100% Swedish). I have talked over the phone to family members from Sweden, but onlymet a select few on their visits here.• My favorite food is: Any seafood, you name it!• My nickname is: Thanks to BL (individual served at ES), my nickname is Jenya-Jenya.• My superstitions are: I don’t know that I am superstitious but I do believe in Karma.• People would be surprised to know:1. I was in gymnastics for 13 years, and participated in diving in High School / University of IA Club. I also coachedgymnastics for 4 years. I still like to stay current on the happenings in both sports.2. I would also like to own my own goat some day.• Dream car: 1969 Dodge Charger• When I am not working, I am: spending as muchtime as I can with my 12 week old baby, Xander.• If I had one million dollars I would: Travel as muchas possible.• I can’t imagine a week without: I can’t image ONEHOUR without my cell phone!• Final random thought/Pearls of wisdom/Words tolive by: There are no problems, only situations.Welcome to the S.U.N., Jenna. We hope this new hatfits you well!S.U.N. Team MembersBecki ReiffCheli MorganJenna MaxsonJolene SorensonMarc HinesMichelle LloydRyan SpurgetisTy GehyInterested in joining theS.U.N. Team or have anidea or contribution for thenewseltter? E-mail us atsun@sui.org.S.U.N. Team MissionThe S.U.N. Team existsto create and distributea newsletter—by andfor employees—as ameans of:• Communicatinginformation regardingthe agency• Creating camaraderieand unity across theagency• Recognizing excellentperformance byindividuals and teams• Sharing personalexperiences thatemphasize our corevalues

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