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

rlibera@lafayetteindustries.com

Tele: 636-227-5666 Fax: 636-227-9650 E-mail: lwc@lafayetteindustries.com 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