GRAND TIMESPublished for Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures Associates

Grand Casino Hinckley Edition

December 18, 2015

In This Issue...

Associate Interest 2

Events & Promotions 3

Associate News 4

Service Recognition 6

Learning & Development 7

Associates and their families attended the 2015 MLCV Associate Holiday Party, Grandyland, on Tuesday, December 15 from 2 pm - 7 pm in the Convention Center at GCHK. You could hear the sleigh bells ringing as you entered the party. The F&B team fed approximately 1,100 a traditional Christmas dinner. Many visited Santa to tell him their Christmas list. The kids, and kids at heart, enjoyed a coloring contest, crafts in Santa's Workshop, and a game room. Hourly drawings and random grand prizes were given away. Some of our Associates showed off their baking skills at the Cookie and Fudge Baking Contest. Associates could even shop for Christmas gifts! Mrs. Claus’ Closet Clean Out had sales totaling $9,785. Any items not sold and leftover will be donated to Pathways and Savers. A big thank you to the teams that helped: Asset Disposal Team, Ops, HR, Facilities, Accounting, Admins, Tour and Travel, Housekeeping, Purchasing, and F&B. If we missed you, your assistance was appreciated. The biggest seller was luggage. There was something for everyone! We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Pictures continued on page two.

2015 MLCV Associate Holiday Party

2 Grand Times

ASSOCIATE INTEREST

Welcome New AssociatesDaniel Dean Jr. Security Officer

Jackie Drake Hotel Room Attendant

Donald Janaszak Buffet Host/HostessSeth Little Systems Technician IIJessica Sasse Spa Massage TechnicianErica Van De Mark Grand Rewards RepAnjelica Winsor Hotel Room Attendant GNI

PTO DONATION DRIVE FOR ASSOCIATES: These Associates will be out of work for an extended amount of time due to medical conditions. They have exhausted most of their PTO and will be facing many large medical expenses and missed work due to their medical conditions. We are collecting PTO donations to help Arthur, Ashley, Steven, Jon, and John this week and next! Any PTO donations would be greatly appreciated! If you are interested in donating PTO, you may fill out a PTO Donation Form. Please contact Kristine Rote at extension 4917 or Tammy Morse at extension 4913, if you have any questions.

ARTHUR DRAGER ASHLEY FEINE STEVEN HAYES JON MAACK JOHN WILLIAMS SR.

Last Chance: Turkey & Ham

Coupons Expire 12/18 GCH Associates must use their coupons by Dec 18th.

Grand Times 3

EVENTS & PROMOTIONS

Upcoming Silver Sevens Acts

December 15 - 20Not Guilty (R&B/Variety)

December 22 - 24The Mixx (Variety)

Upcoming Concerts - Events and Convention CenterDate & Time Performer Ticket Prices

Friday, January 22 - 7 pm Grand Friday Night Fights $35, $50, $100, $600

Friday, February 5 - 7 pm Legacy MMA Fighting Championship $35, $50, $100, $600

Saturday, February 27 - 4:30 pm The Grand Minnesota Taste-Together $48

December Beer of the MonthLeinenkugel’s Snowdrift Vanilla Porter $5, 16 oz. glass

Holiday Drink Specials $4.50Chocolate Flame

Choco-Peppermint Shake Creamy Brandy Alexander

Midnight Snowstorm

December Drink Specials $4.50Afterburner Crawdaddy

Jaq’ed Up Screwdriver Purple Russian Gonzo

Salisbury Special

Upcoming PromotionsFri, Dec 18 Sat, Dec 19 Sun, Dec 20 Mon, Dec 21 Tues, Dec 22 Wed, Dec 23 Thurs, Dec 24Ham & Pie Giveaway

(Pie - 20 pts) (Ham - 50

pts)

Bonus Cash/Grand

Play(kiosk)

Pick Your Package

Any Given Sunday

Mystery Money (mailer/kiosk)

Bonus Grand Play

(kiosk)

Match & Win Kiosk (kiosk)

Senior

Wednesdays

Holiday Cash

Christmas Eve

Grand Makwa Cinema Got a Minor Renovation

If you haven't stopped in to watch a movie in our theatre, you should. The Grand Makwa Cinema got brand new seating and carpet in all its cinemas. Also, tickets can be purchased in advance at the Gift Shop in Grand Casino Mille Lacs. Don't forget about $5 Tuesdays!

4 Grand Times

ASSOCIATE NEWS

Santa’s HR Elves Were Hard at Work

Santa’s HR Elves were hard at work last week stuffing hundreds of children’s goodie bags for the Associate Grandyland celebration.

Prize Winners

Grand Prize Winners:$250.00 Dinner & Movie Package: Ann Bellach & Brandon Treske $250.00 Utility Package: John Campbell & Bruce Campbell, $250.00 PTO Winners: Matt Binkowski & Andrea White $250.00 Wal-Mart Winners: Chasity Fanfulik & Jody Bean $250.00 Quality Home Center: Barbara Vork & Karen Brown.

Mystery Cash Drawing Winners: Winners won amounts from $100 to $500Winners:Todd Norby, Terry Swanson, Cindy Dehkes, Kathy Mensing, Jason Bonger, Joel Sundin, Brittani Larsso, Mike Kimm, Marna Roszak, Ginger Ziesmer, Fawn Dwyer, Cindy Miller, Aaron Patterson, Charlie Wederath, Linda Sivigny Murray, Linda Hanson, Mary Johnson, Andrea Elliott, Richard LaFave, Timarie Jones, Vicki Burton, Steph Dahl, Kristina Nielson, Cassandra Griffin, Janette Nash, Beldonna Brown, Tara Raese, Alle Summer, Robert Roatch, Ricky Seasholtz

Baking Contest Winners:Fudge : Wanda Cameron, Laura Petry & Natalie Goldman Cookies: Penny Campbell, Sara Hejny & Doris Vork

All prizes MUST be picked up in HR by 2 pm on Wednesday, December 23rd.

Ojibwe Language Class Tuesdays January 19th through March 15th

2 pm - 4 pm

Larry Smallwood will be teaching the Ojibwe language as well as enhancing cultural knowledge for all Mille Lacs Band Members that are employed by MLCV. This class will be limited to the first 20 participants that register. This 10-week course will be held on Tuesdays from January 19th through March 15th at 2 pm - 4 pm in the training area of the Learning and Development Center in the Sunrise Room at Grand Casino Hinckley. If you are a Mille Lacs Band Member and are interested in learning and or enhancing your Ojibwe language, please contact Vicki Kroschel, Learning and Development Specialist, at exten-sion 4930 or email vkroschel@grcasinos.com, no later than December 28.

AARP 55+ Drive Alive CourseGrand Casino Mille Lacs Thursday, January 14, 1 - 5 pmGrand Casino Hinckley Thursday, January 21, 1 - 5 pm

Events and Convention Center $15 FOR AARP Members$20 FOR NON-Members

Tailored for drivers age 55+, this valuable course provides defensive driving skills and an update on Minnesota’s newest rules of the road. Plus, you will qualify for a 10% automobile insurance discount by completing the course. Space is limited. Register now by calling Tina Bartheidel at 800-472-6321, extension 4808. No written or driving tests required. Just be an active participant.

Grand Times 5

ASSOCIATE NEWS

Associate Holiday Sale 50% OffThe Associate Discount will increase from 25% to 50% for the dates of Monday, November 30th through Friday, December 25th. Valid in both Hinckley gift shops and at the Grand Harmony Spa (retail items only - services not included). After this time, the Associate discount will revert back to the standard 25% off discount. Thank you!

Food and Beverage Holiday Hours of OperationAs the holiday season is upon us, the Food & Beverage team will be adjusting hours of operation in the Grand Buffet, Grand Grill Americana, The Winds Steakhouse, Cherries, Cherries Italian & BBQ, Grand Perks, and Room Service. Cherries and Grand Perks will have regular hours and feature their regular menus. Room Service hours will be 6 am - 10 pm on Christmas Eve, and New Years Eve. Room Service hours on Christmas will be 6 am - 12 pm. Room Service hours on New Years Day will be 6 am - midnight and will be serving the regular menu.

Grand Buffet Grand Grill Americana The Winds Steakhouse

Cherries Italian & BBQ

Christmas Eve Thursday, Dec 24

11 am - 3 pm Lunch Buffet $9.99 4 pm - 8 pm Seafood $23.99

7 am - 10 pm Regular Menu & December Shrimp Special $7.77

4 pm - 9 pm Regular Menu

11 am - 5 pm Regular Menu

Christmas Day Friday, Dec 25

10 am - 3 pm Grand Traditions $16.99 4 pm - 10 pm Seafood $23.99

Regular Hours 7 am - 12 am Regular Menu & December Shrimp Special $7.77

4 pm - 9 pm Regular Menu

5 pm - 2 am Regular Menu

New Year's Eve Thursday, Dec 31

11 am - 3 pm Lunch Buffet $9.99 4 pm - 10 pm Seafood $23.99

7 am - 11 pm Regular Menu 4 pm - 11 pm New Year's Eve NYE Prime the Grand Way $14.99

Closed Private Event Only

11 am - 2am Regular Menu

New Year’s Day Friday, Jan 1

10 am - 3 pm Grand Traditions $16.99 4 pm - 10 pm Seafood $23.99

7 am - 12 am Regular Menu 4 pm - 11 pm Jan Special Prime the Grand Way $7.77

5 pm - 11 pm Regular Menu

11 am - 2am Regular Menu

Grand New Year 2016 Weight Loss Challenge

January 4 through February 26

Weigh in starts Monday, January 4th through Friday, January 8th in Human Resources between the hours of 7 am - 5 pm. $10 to join. Then you will weigh in weekly in Human Resources. If you gain weight, you will have to pay $1 per pound higher than your previous weeks weigh in. You will also receive a Salad Bar Discount Coupon for 50% Off starting January 11, 2016. The final weigh in will be the week of February 22nd. Prizes:

• 1st Place will receive 60% of money.• 2nd Place will receive 40% of money.• 3rd Place will receive a random prize.

Over Time Available in the Banquet

DepartmentThe Banquet Department is looking for rate two bartenders, servers, dishwashers, and food runners for New Year’s Eve. If interested and not already working in your home department, please contact a Ban-quet Captain at extension 4914.

Associate Holiday Sale December 15 - 31

All MLCV Associates may receive 20% Off one Eddy’s logo item in The Marina Gift Shop. Thank you!

6 Grand Times

SERVICE RECOGNITIONGuestNet Shout - Outs

Beverage Service:

Troy is the best in my eyes. He has a great attitude in his work. I always like to see him when I’m on the slots .Thanks from Silver Brooks Alpacas Ranch in Moose Lake, MN.

Central Reservations:

I had asked for a non-smoking handicapped room. I needed to call back with my credit card, and did not receive a reserved handicapped room. When I arrived, Val handled the issue and got me a handicapped room. Thank you, Val!!!

Grand Buffet: Edward was our waitor and he was very kind and attentive!

Host Reservation

Elaine took care of everything and booked me the exact room I was looking for. Not only that, my mom and I were coming up for our birthdays and Elaine gave us a dinner comp at the Winds and that was really appreciated! I like feeling special.

Hotel Front Desk: Vallerie was excellent, and made me feel very welcome. A pleasure doing business with her.

Hotel Room: Tina did an excellent job.

Hotel Room: Derrick was excellent!

Room Service: Pat with room service was very efficient and friendly! And the food was excellent!Silver Sevens Lounge: Dawn and Jessica always do such a great job! We look forward to seeing them.

Slots: Her name was Eve and she was very helpful! She went and got me a new card when mine wouldn’t work. She went above and beyond what I expected!

Winds Steakshouse: The best restaurant in any Casino. The service is great and hats off to Heidi; she is a keeper.

Slow Cooker Apple French Toast Submitted by Andrea Bloom for the Crockpot Recipe Contest. Ingredients: ½ cup butter4 tart apples (cored and chopped, peel if you want)¾ cup chopped walnuts¾ cup packed brown sugar½ cup pure maple syrup1 ½ loaves day old French bread (cut into cubes)6 large eggs2 cups milk 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon¼ teaspoon nutmeg1 tablespoon vanilla pinch saltconfectioners’ sugar

Instructions: 1. Melt the butter in a medium saute pan. Add the apples, walnuts, brown sugar, and syrup in the saute pan for about 10 minutes, stirring often. 2. Put mix into your crockpot. 3. Put bread into a large bowl. In a medium sized bowl, combine the eggs, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the egg mixture over the bread and stir to coat. 4. Add the bread mixture to the crockpot and stir. 5. Cook on high for two to three hours. Sprinkle with confectioners sugar. If desired, drizzle some additional maple syrup on top. NOTE: To make it easier, use a crockpot liner to prevent sticking.

Grand Times 7

L&D On-line Resources

LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT

Upcoming in

Learning & DevelopmentAll MLCV Associates Are Welcome

Tuning In Wednesday, January 13 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Participants develop effective listening strategies by identifying preferred listening approaches, recognizing and appreciating other listeners’ approaches and by under-standing the focus, motivation, and behavioral indicators of the five different listening approaches. Each participant will leave with a personal development plan to improve their overall listening communication skills.

Psychology of Winning (11 Week Series Jan 14 - Mar 24)

Thursday, January 14 Thursday, January 21Thursday, January 28

1 pm - 3 pm 1 pm - 3 pm 1 pm - 3 pm

Participants learn the ten qualities of winners: self-awareness, self-esteem, self-control, self-motivation, self-expectations, self-image, self-direction, self-discipline, self-dimension, self-projection and how to implement the principles at work and in their personal lives. Participants develop behavioral skills that build, reaffirm, and reinforce those qualities and characteristics that help actualize their talents and abilities.

Click here, or contact your supervisor or Tina Bartheidel (extension 4808) to register!(Personal and Career Development Classes count as one WHIP choice.)

A Guest's Random Act of KindnessEvents happen all around us that restore our faith in humanity and remind us of the generosity of others. An inspiring Random Act of Kindness took place on Thanksgiving at Grand Casino Hinckley.

Mike, a Diamond Rewards Player, used his own comps to buy other Guests’ meals. He paid for an entire section at the Grand Grill Americana, several Guests at the Buffet, and spent four hours waiting for Guests to come in so he could pay for their meals. Along with this gentleman's generosity, many Guests happily tipped Associates what they would've paid for their meals. The accounted for tips were much larger than normal. The Guests and Associates were both moved by this man's generosity. Mike also stated that GCHK was responsible. He shared the credit with us when it was his own goodwill.

Don't forget that Random Acts of Kindness aren't just for the Holiday Season and let's try to instill in our hearts all year round kindness and goodwill toward men.

This gentleman wanted to remain anonymous, so we will respect his wishes. To the many Associates that did work that day and saw the generosity of this man, please thank him for all of us. He reminds us that it is better to give than receive.

For more information, or to submit articles for the newsletter, e-mail the Grand Times, or utilize the Grand Times drop box in the Associate hallway.

DAILY SPECIALSDecember 18 - 20

Friday: Bake Cookies DayBreakfast: Two Eggs, Breakfast Meat, Hashbrowns, Toast Lunch: Chicken Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Country Gravy, Veggies

Saturday: Look for an Evergreen DayBreakfast: Backwoods BreakfastLunch: Tortellini w/ Alfredo or Marinara & Breadsticks

Sunday: Go Caroling DayBreakfast: Taco Omelet, Hashbrowns, Toast Lunch: Beef & Cheddar Sandwich, Tatter Tots, Veggies

Sandwich of the Week: Pizza Burger Wrap of the Week: BLT Ranch Wrap

December 21 - 25

Monday: Humbug DayBreakfast: Country BreakfastLunch: Shrimp & Fries

Tuesday: National Date Nut DayBreakfast: Western Eggs, Hashbrowns, ToastLunch: Hot Turkey Sandwich with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (Substitute Veggies instead of bread, add 50 cents)

Wednesday: Festivus DayBreakfast: Mexican ScramblerLunch: Chicken Fajita, Spanish Rice, Refried BeansHealthy Choice: Chicken Caesar Salad

Thursday: National Egg Nog DayBreakfast: Two Eggs, Breakfast Meat, Hashbrowns, Toast Lunch: Chicken & Dumplings

Friday: Christmas DayBreakfast: Stuffed French Toast with Breakfast Meat Lunch: FREE Meal 10 am - 4 am: Salad, Honey Glazed Ham, Au Gratin Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Veggies, & Dessert

Sandwich of the Week: Pork Fritter Sandwich Wrap of the Week: Chicken Strip Wrap*Menu is subject to change. Lunch special is available 10:30am – midnight; Breakfast special available midnight to 10:30am.

BirthdaysDecember 18

Nicole Santini Hannah Jensen Richard LaFave Kyle Klasen Deborah Blowers MIchelle Thomas Tonja Miller Terry Swanson Vicki Maul Andrew Gechas Amanda Olson

December 19Ryan Evers Aubrey Davidson Michael Grove

December 20Shannon Scheuermann Vicki Burton Cortney Gackstetter

December 21Maynard Jensen Catherine Olson Kelly Serbus Brittany Olson Tammy Jorgenson

December 22Cassandra Roberts Dale Greene James Williams Kelly Kunze Patrick Osgood Jill Bonn Eric Strelow Lucas Walker

December 23Kari Johnson Eve Peura Carole Swanson Rita VonRueden Gordon Matrious Nathaniel Mofle

December 24Rebecca Niles Christine Stubbs Ashley Kurtz

AnniversariesDecember 18

James Conway 9 years

December 19Andrew Anderson Darwin Church Amy Volenski

21 years 4 years 4 years

December 20Robert Holden Lawrence Hart

21 years 11 years

December 21Thomas Granlund 6 years

December 22Jerry LaFontaine Dale Greene

18 years 9 years

December 23

December 24

MLCV Connect: How to Create an

App Icon on an iPhone

• On your phone, go to mlcvconnect.com.

• Click on the link to open in your phone browser.

• Click on this image .

• Click on “Add to Home Screen.”

• A new screen will come up. Click “Add.”

If you need assistance, please contact an L&D Specialist.