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VITAS Community Connection
Remembering Through Giving
VITAS Community Connection helps families and friends honor a loved one's life in a very local way, by donating to local VITAS hospice patients in need and supporting the mission of partners important to the community.
We provide financial assistance to VITAS hospice patients and their families, and to our community partners. Donations stay local, to maintain a "community connection."
VCC Gifts the Joy of Music
The look on David Laessig's face said it all when members of his VITAS care team in Palm Beach, Florida, surprised him with an electronic keyboard, made possible by VITAS Community Connection.
VITAS Community Connection Helps Parkinson's Patient Rediscover the Joy of Music
The look on David Laessig's face said it all when members of his VITAS care team in Palm Beach, Florida, surprised him with an electronic keyboard, made possible by VITAS Community Connection (VCC).
Gingerly at first, and then with more and more confidence, Laessig's fingers found familiar, singular notes that eventually folded into harmonious chords and evoked a broad, satisfied smile.
Members of his VITAS hospice team, executives of Hamlin Place of Boynton Beach Rehabilitation Center, and fellow residents watched as the once-withdrawn patient with Parkinson's disease rediscovered his love of music and joy in the familiarity of piano keys.
More than one onlooker wiped away silent, happy tears.
His performance unfolded on Wednesday, October 30, after weeks of planning.
'My Way' Touches a Chord
David's nurse, Maureen Dawson-Vuona, RN, and music therapy intern Monica Bonasso discovered earlier this fall that their patient had been a pianist since age 5 and spent much of his life playing classical and pop piano.
Bonasso recalled that during one of her early music therapy sessions, David—previously disoriented and bedbound—burst into tears when she began playing Frank Sinatra's song, "My Way."
During follow-up sessions, he asked permission to play her keyboard and—even with limited mobility in his hands—they began writing personalized lyrics to Barry Manilow songs together. She was encouraged that the music was drawing David out of his shell.
Team Manager Shoshanna Chambers, RN, General Manager Diana Smith and Volunteer Services Manager Gayle Stevens approached the VCC, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides support to hospice patients and families with special needs. They asked if VCC could help them purchase a keyboard so Laessig could continue his therapy, to boost his mood and improve his quality of life. VCC approved the request, and Laessig's entire team was present for the reveal.
'The Room was Filled With Love'
"It was a special moment for all of us…the reason we do what we do at VITAS," said Stevens. "To me, it was like that moment when all the heavens come together and the sun breaks through the clouds. The room was filled with LOVE. David was all smiles. It was awesome teamwork!"
Representative Jennifer Faulkner, who also joined the team for the surprise, said "it was so beautiful to hear him play. Many eyes in the room were tearing up. Moments like these are the ones we will remember for a lifetime."
Bonasso was especially pleased to see her patient come out of his shell and find enjoyment again, especially since he has no family support.
"When musicians play their instrument, there is a release of endorphins and adrenaline, creating a sense of well-being and satisfaction that they don't really get from other types of activities," she said. "Patients who have a musical history really benefit from the experience of self-expression, and it helps their health. This music is one of the only things he has. He's just all smiles to have that keyboard. It's great."
Close Story
About VITAS Community Connection
We were organized in 2010 to provide financial assistance to VITAS hospice patients and families in need, and to support our community partners. Donations received from grateful families and friends in memory of their loved ones, and from donors who believe in hospice organizations, are used to provide support through VITAS Community Connection.
VITAS Community Connection is a 501(c)3 charitable organization (Tax ID 27-4027765). All contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. 100% of every donation goes to local patient needs or as grants donated to our local community partners, who also provide aid to many VITAS patients. Donations may assist with expenses like utilities and rent or provide airfare and other patient/family needs.
VITAS is the nation's leading provider of hospice care with programs in 14 states – California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin – and the District of Columbia.
Florida disclosure statement:
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Florida registration number: CH34986
Contact Florida division of consumer services: 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com
Your donation may buy groceries, pay a utility bill or help a family member travel to see a dying loved one. We support the needs beyond patient care; no medical bills or funeral expenses are paid. VITAS Community Connection also extends support to community partners: local non-profit foundations and organizations that share our mission of assisting patients in need.
Make a Donation in Your Area
By designating the patient's location, you ensure that your donation serves the greater good of the community he or she called home.
All transactions processed by VITAS Community Connection online are eligible for a refund if the donor would like to cancel the payment. To request payment cancelation, please contact VITAS Community Connection at communityconnections@vitas.com or 888.232.6111
Please allow 7-10 business days for a refund of a donation processed through VITAS Community Connection online donation.
Stories: Helping Hospice Families in Need
For those in the last stage of life, hospice addresses physical pain. It offers support for the emotional and spiritual pain felt by both the patient and the family. But there's an invisible pain that runs rampant in families when faced with terminal illness. It's the pain of knowing there is not enough money to pay for everything. These stories show how VITAS Community Connection addresses that financial pain.
Memories and Mementos in Milwaukee Thanks to VCC
Russell wanted to see one last Brewers game. He left the ballpark with more than great memories. Read More
Enjoying One Last Baseball Game Thanks to VCC
Russell Moen smiled wide as Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun swung at the pitch and connected. A sharp thwack reverberated through the stadium, and Braun was halfway to first base before Russ caught his breath enough to join the cheering crowd.
At that moment, Russ wasn't a hospice patient accompanied by his nurse–he was somehow a younger man, jocular and full of vigor, enjoying a beautiful day at the ballpark with a good friend.
In reality, Russ was both, just as Jeremy Gwilliam, LPN, was both caregiver and friend to the older man.
After more than a year of twice-weekly care visits, Jeremy had grown used to his patient's youthfully irreverent attitude: Russ was dying of lung cancer and dependent on oxygen, but often forgot–perhaps intentionally–to wear his mask. Despite being wheelchair-bound, Russ refused to receive care in a facility.
"He's the coolest 81-year-old you'll ever meet–he even listens to hip-hop," Jeremy said of Russ. "But he wouldn't last a minute in a facility. He insists on living independently."
The Baseball Game of a Lifetime
During a routine visit, Russ told Jeremy that he'd like to see a Milwaukee Brewers game one last time. Jeremy began to make arrangements, planning to pay the bill on his own. Then he remembered VITAS Community Connection (VCC).
Christine Nelson, volunteer manager for VITAS in Milwaukee, knew her way around VCC and helped Jeremy apply for and receive funding. With that, and a donation of two tickets from the Milwaukee Brewers organization, Jeremy and Russ were set for the baseball game of a lifetime.
When Jeremy arrived at Russ' house, he found the elderly patient in alarming disarray. Russ had seemed fine during a nursing visit on the previous evening, but that morning he was slumped over, confused and short of breath, Jeremy explained.
"My first instinct was to call and say Russ can't make it, but I knew that would crush him," Jeremy said. So, he got to work.
"I got him all cleaned up, dressed him, trimmed his mustache, beard and eyebrows and–just in the nick of time–made it to the van."
At the game, the duo had a blast. Russ was ecstatic to be there, telling Jeremy again and again how appreciative he was–and how amazed he was that organizations such as the VCC even exist.
He started "the wave" in his section, cheered with each hit and groaned when his team struck out. Russ took full advantage of his $50 voucher from the VCC and bought himself a Bob Uecker T-shirt, a bratwurst and a drink. Jeremy administered pain medication and saw to Russ' other needs between plays.
A Memorable Gift
Midway through the game, Brewers staff presented Russ with the ball that Ryan Braun had hit for his decisive double. Jeremy spotted a tear in Russ' eye as he graciously received the gift and managed to snap a few photos of the emotional moment.
Two of those photos now hang framed in both Russ' and Jeremy's houses, memorializing their friendship and the joy that VITAS and VCC were able to bring to Russ despite his illness.
"The best part of the experience was seeing the twinkle in Russell's eye," Jeremy said. "I was glad to be there and, obviously, so was he. I feel very proud to work for an organization that can do this for people."
Helping Cancer Patients Focus on Recovery
Patients undergoing treatment at Florida Cancer Specialists in Palm Beach Gardens received financial support for essential living expenses, thanks to a $5,000 donation by the VITAS Communication Connection. Read More
Patients undergoing treatment at Florida Cancer Specialists in Palm Beach Gardens received financial support for essential living expenses, thanks to a $5,000 donation by the VITAS Communication Connection (VCC) to the cancer treatment center's foundation.
Deborah Totten, senior director of market development for VITAS® Healthcare in Palm Beach, and VITAS representative Michelle Law personally presented the donation in June 2019 to the nurse practitioners at the cancer treatment center's office in Palm Beach Gardens.
"The nurses were so incredibly surprised to receive this donation," Totten said. "We know the mission of the Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation aligns closely with VCC's mission to provide financial assistance to VITAS hospice patients and families in need, and to support community partners. We are glad these funds will provide cancer patients with some much-needed financial peace of mind."
The Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation, a 501(c)3 provides financial assistance to patients at its clinics throughout Florida, providing an immediate impact on cancer patients and their families by allowing them to focus on their recovery.
VCC also receives donations from grateful families and friends in memory of their loved ones, and from donors who believe in hospice organizations. Every donated dollar does important work locally, such as providing assistance to Florida Cancer Specialists in Palm Beach Gardens.
VITAS Community Connection Makes Donation in Support of Northern Virginia Veterans
VITAS Community Connection (VCC), donated $1,000 to Northern Virginia Veterans Association on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the NOVA Veterans Quarterly Membership Meeting in Manassas. Read More
Manassas, VA - VITAS Community Connection (VCC), donated $1,000 to Northern Virginia Veterans Association on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at the NOVA Veterans Quarterly Membership Meeting in Manassas.
VITAS Community Connection recognizes that past military service profoundly affects America's veterans as they age and understands their special needs, providing useful services to ensure the best possible end-of-life experience for the men and women who served our country.
"As part of our commitment to caring for our veteran community, VITAS Community Connection is proud to support the Northern Virginia Veterans Association. This donation will enhance access to much-needed community health and healthcare resources for them," said Susan Sien, Administrator for VITAS Community Connection.
VITAS Community Connection is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by law. 100% of every donation goes to local patient needs or as grants donated to local community partners, who also provide aid to many VITAS patients. Donations may assist with expenses like utilities and rent or provide airfare and other patient/family needs.
"VCC receives donations from grateful families and friends in memory of their loved ones, and from donors who believe in hospice organizations. We are proud of the fact that every donated dollar does important work locally, and that our patients' memories maintain a 'community connection,'" said Sien.
NOVA Veterans Association is a one-stop hands-on nonprofit that, at no cost, guides military families and veterans to the local community resources that best meet their needs. It provides comprehensive support to veterans from healthcare to housing to employment. The association case manages and follows up to relieve frustration and confusion so veterans are taken care of in a caring and effective way. For more information, please visit www.novavets.org.
Reeling in Memories with One Last Fishing Trip
It was a good day for fishing; but this wasn't just another fishing trip for Jeff and and his three best friends, Kevin, John and Mike. Read More
How VITAS Community Connection helped make a last wish come true
It was a good day for fishing; but this wasn't just another fishing trip for Jeff and and his three best friends, Kevin, John and Mike. As their boat motored 10 miles out from the shore of Lake Marion with Captain Boudreaux of Santee Cajon Fishing Guides at the helm, they all knew it could be Jeff's last fishing trip.
Friends through "Thick and Thin"
Diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2003, Jeff endured two bone marrow transplants and intensive chemotherapy. Mike Browning, Jeff's friend of 42 years and first roommate, and John Swallows, Jeff's long time co-worker, stepped in to help Jeff from the moment he got sick. The cancer went into remission. But when it returned, the doctor told Jeff he wouldn't survive another transplant. In 2015, unable to care for himself, Jeff moved in with Anita, his friend and "surrogate mother" since childhood, and her husband Kevin.
When Jeff became a VITAS patient, Ginnie Brooks, the social worker on his hospice team, asked if there was anything on his "bucket list" she could help him do. His answer—to go fishing one last time with his friends. "These guys have been with me through thick and thin," says Jeff. "I keep getting sicker and sicker and I worry about being a burden on everyone. I really wanted to give back to them."
Planning with a Purpose
"Jeff did all the research," recalls Ginnie. "He got all the information and I helped him fill out the application to VITAS Community Connection (VCC) of Dayton."
"Planning and coordinating this trip was challenging, but I enjoyed it so much," recalls Jeff. "I was a manager in my work and I was used to planning. This gave me a purpose. It reminded me of what I used to do."
Hospice care is designed to provide physical, emotional and spiritual care for patients near the end of life. In Jeff's case, VCC found a way to help with Jeff's emotional needs. "Before VITAS, I was becoming more and more depressed. I was just waiting to die," says Jeff, his voice thick with emotion. "This trip changed my outlook; it changed my life. My body is still sick, but I am more relaxed and happy."
"I was so glad we could do this for him," says Ginnie. "When we can make a patient happy near the end of their life in this way, it makes our job so worthwhile."
A Fish Tale
A handicap-accessible van accommodating Jeff's wheelchair was rented for the four friends to embark on the 12-hour drive from Dayton to Santee Cooper, South Carolina. They spent three days on 110-acre Lake Marion, fishing for catfish and crappie. Nights in their small cabin in the woods at the Santee Cooper State Park were filled with story-telling, reminiscing and cooking up their catch of the day along with hushpuppies and hash browns.
Spending time with his friends was "magical" for Jeff. "I had a ball," he recalls. "I was out of the house—in the van, seeing the countryside, on the lake."
Although Jeff caught just a few fish, he had fun watching his friends reel in theirs. After three days of fishing, the men had more than 100 pounds of fish, fileted and ready to eat. "We couldn't possibly eat all that fish, so we're going to donate most of it to a church or other organization for a fish fry," says Jeff.
Sometimes the best medicine is being with those who mean the most. "I am so thankful to VITAS Community Connection for making this trip happen," says Jeff. "We would never have been able to do this without them."
When hospice patients need help beyond patient care, VITAS Community Connection can help.
"The Best Christmas We've Ever Had"
For Christmas 2015, VITAS Community Connection used local donations to create holiday gift baskets for families in need of assistance in the Pittsburgh and East Bay, California areas. Read More
A Family Thanks VCC for a Gift Basket
For Christmas 2015, VITAS Community Connection used local donations to create holiday gift baskets for families in need of assistance in the Pittsburgh and East Bay, California areas.
One of the families who received a gift basket wrote us a thoughtful letter expressing their gratitude. (We've removed their personal information from the letter.)
Here's the text of the letter. It has been edited to remove personal information.
Dear Christmas sponsors,
Please forgive me for taking so long to respond. Thank you for the awesome Christmas you provided for the ... family. February 22 of 2015 I was diagnosed with ... I was given 1-30 days to live. My husband was already diagnosed with ... Doctors expected him to die within 12 months. Our medical bills are piling up daily. We had no plans to celebrate Christmas with gifts.
What our family experienced from you [on] Christmas seemed like a dream. I was waiting for someone to repossess the presents. I was expecting to receive a bill for the gifts to add to our debt of medical expense. After a period of time, the realization of this Christmas settled in. Thank God for people with big hearts that gave my family the best Christmas we have ever had. Yes we experienced some heaven on earth. The ... family is overwhelmed with the love and generosity. Words cannot express what our hearts feel. We pray that God blesses you with health and prosperity.
Helping The Warren Family
Terry Warren of Rock Falls, Illinois, defines himself as "somebody who's struggling anyway on a day-to-day basis." When his young wife was diagnosed with Huntington's disease, he became mom, dad, nurse and breadwinner; trying to keep his family together as a mountain of bills piled up. Read More
Helping a family through Huntington's Disease
Terry Warren of Rock Falls, Illinois, defines himself as "somebody who's struggling anyway on a day-to-day basis." When his young wife Jenny was diagnosed with Huntington's disease, he became mom, dad, nurse and breadwinner; trying to keep his family together as the bills piled up.
Eventually, when she needed 24-hour care, he had to place her in a nursing home. When she was eligible for hospice, he got additional care for her. But when his VITAS Healthcare social worker suggested that there was financial help for his family through VITAS Community Connection, Terry was elated.
The memory of that moment causes tears to appear as he recalls, "That was a lot of weight off my shoulders."
'This is what we do'
For Susan Sien, VITAS Community Connection (VCC) administrator, it's all in a day's work. But she too was moved by how well VCC was able to meet the Warren family's needs.
"This is the kind of thing that we love to do; it's the kind of thing we were started to do," she says. "The family had two young sons, the wife obviously in the end stages of Huntington's, and Mr. Warren wanted for him and his sons to stay with her those final weeks. He had used all his vacation time and was not able to take paid time off of work and was worried how he was going to be able to get by for those few weeks, a month—however long it might take.
"And so we were able to immediately jump in and pay his rent for the month. We paid a couple of utility bills. We were able to provide a VISA debit card so he didn't have to worry about food and necessities for his sons during that time period. We even I think paid for a pair of eyeglasses for one of the sons. It's a perfect example of what we're here for."
VCC receives donations from grateful families whose loved one was a VITAS patient, or from family and friends of patients who want to donate in the patient's name, as a kind of living memorial. VCC sees to it that money donated in honor of a patient in a certain town or city stays in that community, helping needy families coping with the end of life and other extraordinary hardships. This creates a "community connection" between the deceased and the place he or she called home.
Helping families focus on what's important
As for Terry Warren, he says, "I can't express how thankful I am to all those people that have donated and have helped me and my boys out."
For families living paycheck-to-paycheck, the diagnosis of a terminal illness puts them teetering on the edge of financial ruin. Knowing they have people who are willing to help keep them afloat financially throughout the duration of the illness allows them to focus on what's really important, spending quality time with their loved one.
VITAS Community Connection is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. 100 percent of every donation goes to local patient needs and community partners. All contributions are fully tax deductible as allowed by law.
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To contact us by mail: VITAS Community Connection, 255 East Fifth Street, Suite 1200, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Copyright 2020, VITAS Community Connection


In recent months I've had 6 players from our U16 team train and play with my U17 team at different stages. Last Friday was our first game in some time without using any of them and the quality was very poor. To highlight the difference, the previous week we played a team from the division above, a top 3 team in the country and dominated the game using 3 of the younger players.
It's at the stage now where these younger players need to be challeneged more frequently by playing against better players and a higher level.
However the flip side of this is the effect on some players within the current U17 squad. It hasn't been a case of some players not getting a chance as playing time has been very fair across all the squad (we record this). It's not just that the younger players have better technical qualities, it's the work rate, attitude to learning, coachability etc.
I've followed a young player Fosu-Mensah this season at MUFC, starting the season in the U18, then 21s and now tranining with the first team. Clearly this will be at the expense of other players.
I'm curious how others have managed similar scenarios and how to overcome the issue of the U17 players that could suffer as a result. How do I account for late-bloomers from the 17s without denying the 16s their deserved chance?
GR8 post Gary; this has happened at our school this hockey season, as the Head of Hockey decided to move the U16's almost en masse into the Seniors 1st Team. I was/am not in favour of such a wholesale import, but c'est le vie. IMHO several u17/u18 players have been demoted/demotivated as a result, and this decision possibly will have soured their school hockey experience as that comes to an end this year for the current u18's. Whilst I can see the logic of potentially having 3 seasons with these early promoted players, I cannot but question the impact on those being summarily demoted as a result. I am trying to make the season as meaningful/memorable for the demoted players as possible by working on their mental toughness alongside upskilling their technical abilities.
I look forward to hearing other coaches thoughts.
Great post and great reply from Lawrie too!
It may be a communication issue - it is important for all to understand why players are being promoted and picked ahead of others (even those left back in U16 team). My own view is that it is important for players to step up into the next level, and should act as a motivation for those already there to raise their game.
Whilst it might sour their experience within a school sport environment, within a club set up, there should be a flow between age groups at the older end.
It could be useful to find out how all the players are feeling, and could be some work around developing and changing mindsets?
A really interesting post and two good responses for far. My thoughts on this are that the promotion of younger players should be encouraged within club settings (as John suggests, the school setting is different in its make up). As well as promotion of players being promoted and accept, the playing of players in lower age groups (demotion for want of a better term - don't use this with the players) should also be an accepted process.
The environment within the club and the expectations of coaches, players, parents and other staff should be aim to be aligned to make this process easily accepted when it does occur during the season. To do this the benefits of 'promotion' and 'demotion' need to be clearly set out and explained to the players and parents (guardians/carers). These benefits may include, playing with a younger age group to increase confidence, increase game time, to match their state of maturation (late bloomers) to ease their return from injury or to work on their communication and leadership skills.
The impact of younger players playing 'up' on those currently in the squad can vary. In my experience some see it as a positive and embrace the younger player (often when they recognise their high level of ability for their age). Others challenge/test the younger player in training and potentially see this as a threat, due to reduced game time potential and risk of losing their place in the squad. In these instances it's the coaches communication to individuals in the group and to the group as a whole which will be key. This communication can help explain and give reasoning for the promotion of a younger player and reassure other players that it doesn't devalue their position in the group or club but it may mean some players having reduced game time or playing with a younger age group.
I've found players (more so than their parents) are accepting of the reasoning, even if they don't necessarily like it or agree. They do however value the honesty from me as the coach and generally look at playing 'down' as a challenge or opportunity to impress. When doing this I've always aimed to ensure that these players are clear in their mind why playing 'down' is beneficial to them (forget everyone else)....how will it make them better?...what areas of their game will it improve?...what challenges can you as a coach set them when playing 'down'?...how will they be integrated back into their normal age group (timeframe, playing time, reasoning etc)?
However the process is handled the players ultimately want to know how the situation will benefit them and if a coach can explain that playing 'up' or 'down' is of benefit to their long term development then the player is more like to buy into the idea.
Much appreciated on all the feedback!
Unfortunately the league (depsite the great reasons Gareth laid out) won't let players play down which does tie my hands somewhat.
However I am now training the 2 teams together as we look towards me taking on the U19/20 next year. I am hopeful this along with better communication will help.
This situation has definitely highlighed to me the difference between being merely a coach and that of a manager as I work with older players and their various personailities!
My club are also becoming more 'club' like whereas before it was a collection of individual teams. This is new for the players as well as coaches .
The process began last night with a very frank discussion with the player who was dropped for the last squad. I look forward to seeing how he responds.


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Onboarding Gone Wrong with $100 BN at Stake
Back to Bips List Page
Businesses develop cultures and it shocks me when this is lost on executives. In 2018, AT&T's $100 billion takeover of Time Warner was finally approved. As part of the transaction, AT&T's COO John Stankey assumed the role of CEO of Warner Media.
Soon after the transaction closed, Stankey requested a meeting with his new top Warner Media executives. They were greeted with a typed memo that ran two pages, single-spaced in length titled "Operating Cadence and Style" and asked to read it in silence.
Per an article in the NYT, the "silence stretched for what seemed an excruciating length." The document detailed how the executives should interact with their new boss, and it was a significant departure from Time Warner's previous chief executive Jeff Bewkes approach, which welcomed emailing, texting or calling openly. I found the details included in the article fascinating.
Among Mr. Stankey's dictates: 30 minutes was the "default" length for meetings, Saturdays were reserved for "quality time" with his family, and he expected to be home for dinner by 6:30 or 7. "My routine is important to me," Mr. Stankey wrote.
Although "I really, really don't like formal presentations and PowerPoint, I do like brief bullet outlines and references to working documents," he elaborated. "I prefer to reserve more formal slide decks for moments of seminal importance. I will invest to get messages right and articulated when it counts and has the opportunity to move an issue of significance."
Few details were overlooked: "Digital documents are preferred," Mr. Stankey wrote, "with PDF format the minimum standard."
Curiously, given their presence in a 12th-floor conference room, he added: "I'm not a big fan of meetings. A good meeting is purposeful, has a small number of responsible participants and closes with decisions being made.
"When everyone finished reading, Mr. Stankey asked if he had made himself clear. No one said anything. But afterward, there was a flurry of profanity-laced texts.
Less than four years later all of the top executives had been replaced, and even John Stankey chose to leave. AT&T abandoned the initiative and spun off its Warner Media assets and turned management control over to Discovery. AT&T's 71% stake in this new entity was valued at less than $20 billion, which amounted to a loss of approximately $47 billion based on the valuation of the deal when it was announced.
The memo is hardly the sole reason for such a failure, but I wonder what would have been possible if leadership had made an effort to better accommodate Time Warner's culture. Per the article, "In the eyes of former Time Warner executives, a vibrant culture of creative energy and success nurtured over decades was destroyed in months."
Click on the link below for a great read with more details.
leadership mergers and acquisitions
Source: James B. Stewart | "How Did AT&T's $100 Billion Time Warner Deal Go So Wrong?" | The New York Times | 11/19/2022 | Visit
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Leslie Young, winning trainer of Gustavian (No. 4): "Last year we opted to skip Saratoga. Not that he can't run over firm ground, but it gets a little firmer over the summer. We opted for the same plan [this year]. We freshened him up, happy and healthy coming into Belmont, a big, galloping track. He liked it last year, so we thought, 'Why not for a big Grade 1 like this?'"
"I think we benefitted a little when [runner-up No. 6 All Together] stumbled on landing [following the final jump]. Gustavian likes a fight at the finish, he likes to aim at something. He dueled throughout the stretch, and thank God his nose was longer [than All Together's]."
"If he stays happy and healthy, our next race will be Far Hills [Grade 1 Grand National, October 19]."
Paddy Young, winning jockey aboard Gustavian (No. 4): "I've ridden him most of his career. He doesn't win many races - he likes running second a lot. He loves this big, galloping track. He's a great jumper. The thing I liked about him today is that he actually chased that horse when it passed him, which sometimes he doesn't do. He stuck his head out at the right time today."
"We train him ourselves. This is the biggest win my wife and I have had together. The next biggest would probably have been the Entennmann, the novice race, here last year with him. So, he loves this course."
Xavier Aizpuru, jockey aboard runner-up All Together (No. 6): "If it wasn't for the last jump, I think we would have won. He actually was very brave after the last fence, to keep battling away after losing so much momentum. You can't help but feel like a mistake like that costs you when you get beaten by a head bob."


Republicans and Democrats in Olympia insist they want to shore up the state's failing foster care system, but major reforms could falter as they head into a special legislative session to hammer out budget and policy proposals that remain miles apart.
A recent report by the Children's Administration shows how many of the highest-needs foster children in its custody are falling through the cracks. This "placement crisis," as agency leaders and lawmakers have taken to calling it, has largely been the result of insufficient and unpredictable state budgets. A bill that would have improved funding for the state's foster care system has died in the Senate.
Will abused and neglected children in Washington's foster-care system be rescued by a $10 million reorganization of the state's state's system to care for foster children? Even if the Washington Legislature comes up with the $10 million, what will really change?


A classic by a genius Scottish Writer. What light does it show forensic science in now, over 120 years later? Does it depict the 'science of detection?'.
Newtongrange library is a friendly place where you are welcome.
Enjoy a cup of tea with us, as we exchange our ideas and insights on this seminal book, in which we meet Sherlock Homes for the first time.


Albertans from across the province are invited to share their thoughts on water as part of a province-wide conversation. Public sessions are scheduled to take place in 20 communities across the province, beginning February 19.
While Albertans are welcome to raise any water-related topic, the conversation will focus on four priority areas: healthy lakes; water use in hydraulic fracturing; drinking water and wastewater systems; and water management.
In addition to the facilitated public sessions, government will hold several targeted stakeholder sessions in communities where Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils already exist. These meetings will engage stakeholders that have a significant interest and involvement in water management. First Nations and Metis are being engaged on water issues through separate processes.


The author would like to thank Smu Anonymous, Eric Collins, David Shepheard, and Dreamer from the Spelljammer Mailing List, who contributed some of the dishes and ideas in this article.
"I'll bet I know how Celestian began his travels. He went somewhere once and discovered how wonderfully different food could be. Everywhere you go cooking is different. That's why you will find the finest gourmands and gourmets here in The Burrows. No one has a finer appreciation of food than the halfling race, and here on the Rock we get to indulge. Everyone in the Arcane Inner Flow comes through the Rock sooner or later bringing new spices, ingredients and recipes with them. Here, try this delightful caviar I just had shipped in from Chandos." – Meredyn Sandyfoot (Underbaron of Bral) to Kaolin Moly Mu (a founder of House Seven Stars and Priestess of The Wandering God) over fine ale and a good pipe.
Part of the joy, and sometimes the unease, of traveling is the food you encounter. In this first of a series of article providing atmospheric details for DM's I will share some of the standard fare characters in my Spelljammer games have come to expect.
Come and dine with us. From Rat On a Stick and raw chattur with the Scro to the expensive and dangerous Baby Puffer in Garlic Sauce served at the White Galleon on Bral. If you are lucky you might get some cooking tips as well!
Kindori Steaks — Whaling ships hunting Kindori are a not uncommon sight in many spheres. The oil, leather and ivory generate a lot of revenue. The meat is a staple in many wildspace communities. Much of the meat in the average spacehand's diet is either Kindori or scavver, with Kindori being preferred for flavor. When you see a steak of unspecified type at a Wildspace establishment it is most often Kindori.
Scavver Tartar — Freshness is always an issue in wildspace, and freshness is very important when serving raw meat. It takes great skill to prepare (Profession (cook) DC 18) and if not done properly can cause illness several hours later (1d6 hours). If poorly prepared it acts as a poison and makes whoever ate it suffer from nausea for several hours (-2 to all ability and skill checks for 1d6 hours). Shortly after the nausea sets in their vitality is reduced (1d4 points of temporary constitution damage the following hour). Some people are able to shrug of one or both of these effects (Fortitude Save DC 18 to avoid each effect).
The most common version of this dish features raw night scavver served in a spicy vinegar sauce, if available, halfling bread is served with it. This is a traditional meal for spacers returning from highly profitable ventures as well as those simply trying to impress. The White Galleon on the Rock of Bral is famed throughout nearby spheres for its version of this dish. A cheaper version of this dish made with raw grey scavver is made for poorer spacers (same DC as dishes with night scavver for both checks). Brown scavver meat is so poisonous that it is deadly if not cooked and cannot be used in Scavver Tartar.
Space Swine — The comical Dohwar have actually added much to spacefaring culture, believe it or not. These avian traders introduced space swine to the Arcane Inner Flow. Said by groundlings to taste like a tougher version of groundling boar. The most common ways of preparing it include slow baked and served with apple sauce (when available); "dohwar bacon", and of course swine chops!
Starfruit — Sweet, succulent, and highly nourishing, the fruit of the starfly plant is deemed good luck by spacers. When fully ripe they have a robust sweetness with a citrus like tang to it. Found infrequently floating in Wildspace it is greeted with high spirits when found. The only spacefaring race known that does not see it as a symbol of good luck is the scro, probably due to its association with elves. It is served amongst the void elves on a regular basis and is a staple trade good for the Sindiath Line. It is rumored that the elves grow their unique ships from the same plant.
Cured Starsalmon — Cooked at low heat and dried to a jerky-like consistency, these chewy pink strips are popular among seasoned spacehands for long trips. Like other dried meats they keep very well and provide a lot of nutrition, even though they tend to be very salty. Many spacefarers have their own "secret recipe," with which they will not part.
Jettison Stew — The staple of Lowtown Bral's poor. Basically a pot filled with water and whatever else can be found to make a soup.
Smaller spacefaring communities often count food as their greatest import. Here are a few examples of groundling dishes or ingredients that may be encountered.
Radolian Steelback Beetle Steaks — The meat from this 20′ long beetle is tasty and light. Much like the white meat of a bird, with a surprisingly non-gamey taste. A popular import due to its nutritive value as well as the sheer size of the steaks produced.
There are many races that travel Wildspace, and each has it's own idea of what constitutes a hearty meal. Here are a few things that constitute "home cooking'" for the various spelljamming races.
The void elves are renowned for their delicate and artful approach to things culinary. While the majority of their dishes are vegetarian in nature, there are a few involving meat. It is common knowledge that the one topic of conversation elves will actively engage giff in (besides military actions) is salads.
Edillian Skykine — Found at many EIN gatherings, the flesh of the Skykine of Edill (Greyspace) is the primary food animal of the dragons that live there. It is exported only to EIN or Sindiath Line customers, and that infrequently. A pale, amber colored meat it's taste has been described as delicate, resembling a mild groundling whitefish. It is a staple at EIN diplomatic functions, usually paired with Feywine.
Quinpah – a light, flaky honey pastry with a soft, buttery interior. This traditional dish is a staple dessert at elven officers' galleys. Adapted from "The Radiant Dragon" by Elaine Cunningham.
These huge mercenaries are vegetarian by nature and will happily consume a wide variety of plant matter, including straw when desperate. Being a race that has long ago lost its home sphere, they have little in the way of cultural cooking traditions besides yaneesh.
Yaneesh — A giff staple. It is made from a mixture of bitter herbs and woody plant matter, which must be buried in moist ground to "cure," for not less than 3 standard months. The resultant tofu-like substance is used as the base for a thick chutney like sauce served over leaves and noodles. Yaneesh has been found to be universally toxic to all non-giff species (Fort Save DC 22; Dam 1d4 Con + Nauseated, Secondary Dam 1d4 Con) There are tales that members of House Seven Stars on the Rock of Bral have been seen eating Yaneesh and then immediately consuming alchemical antitoxins to counteract it. Word on the streets is that it is a macho thing started by their giff Master At Arms, Ozzy.
While it is commonly thought that Grommspace (http://spelljammer.org/worlds/Grommspace/ ) has no real natural resources, the number of hadozee and grommam traveling the stars has made foodstuffs from their home world a commodity. The following dishes originate in the primeval jungle paradise of Gaya and are favorites among both of the spacefaring races that call her home.
Steamed Banya Fruit — A Grommish standard. The large purple fruit of the Banya tree look like massive eggplants, but taste similar to bananas. Usually served steamed and served with a spiced sauce made from the milk of the Otoro (a native species similar to a wild pig). The Banya fruit fetch a high price from off world Grommam, when they can get a hold of them.
Kafila — These thick fruit are used as bowls for Grommish meals. Their exact composition varies from community to community. Usually the kafila fruit is carved out in a bowl shape and then battered and fried.
Jutuboa — Pickled grubs found in the Orim trees of Gaya's jungle zones. They keep for a long time and are very nutritious. A favorite among the nomadic clans of hadozee that inhabit the jungle tops. Although the grubs taste nice to hadozee, grommams, most insect races, scalykind races and most aberrations they taste disgusting to most other races. Any other race that tries them must make a Fort Save (DC 16) or vomit them up immediately. Any member of these races who consumes them only needs to eat once a day. Rarely seen off Gaya, although the EIN seems to keep them stocked up on ships that carry Hadozee Oathpacks.
Tashrooms — Brilliant orange mushrooms about six feet across. These are poisonous until baked. Often filled with a combination of herbs, nuts, meat, and peppers that are finely ground. These are only served at Grommish religious ceremonies, venerating either Kong (their overgod) or one of the Demigods that lives amongst them. The accompanying homily is usually a long commmentary on how Kong has given the Gromm the fruits of nature as his first gift, and the intelligence to make use of them safely as his second gift. Tashrooms are usually sprinkled with holy water while baking. Needless to say, few have been seen outside of Grommspace.
Known throughout wildspace as crafters of flesh, it is not surprising that the xixchill modify some of their preferred food animals for better palatability. There is a persistent rumor going around many ports that the brown scavver was a failed Xixchill food flavoring experiment.
Antrakt'kts — Whatever natural form these small mammals once may have had has been lost through centuries of modification. Their current forms vary widely and are a favorite snack food. Much as with other chefs, xixchill continually try to outdo each other at producing the most interesting dishes. Their approach, however, involves modifying the antrakt'kts bodies to make them taste more interesting. Mostly served as squab sized dishes presented in a competitive setting, the recipes and modifications are always exotic and only rarely poisonous to non-insects.
Isopterite Gizzards — Preferred as fresh as possible, the Xixchil eat them raw with a nutty tasting sauce made from ground ticks.
Rot Grubs — Rot grubs are considered a delicacy by the Xixchill (who are also immune to them due to a quirk of biochemistry). They are usually illegal and very expensive as few wish to transport such creatures. A favorite for modification, rot grubs are altered into a variety of forms. These range from huge variants that can reach three feet in length to tiny multicolored ones that are intoxicating to insect races.
The lizard folk, or Scalykind as they refer to themselves, tend toward simple dishes, which almost always involve meat or fish. They are far less picky about the freshness of their food than many races and can subsist on that which is deemed inedible by many demihumans and humanoids.
Being herd creatures by nature, the dracon view meals as a communal experience. They gather in groups and eat from common bowls, many of which are elaborate works of art in themselves. Dracon dining has a ritualistic feel to it and seems very formal to non-dracon.
Daribba — A generic term for a wide variety of salads made by the Dracon. The flavors are rarely palatable to most races, although some elves and Giff (who are vegetarian to begin with) say that they enjoy its subtle flavors. To all others the predominant taste is described as, "slightly blander and less appetizing than straw." Usually served in a large, decorated Daribba Bowl for communal eating.
Gnomes in wildspace come in two varieties; Minoi (Tinker Gnomes), and Gnomoi (Ordinary Gnomes). Contrary to poular belief, gnomoi do not like minoi food any more than humans or halflings do. They even tend to get huffy when offered spaham fritters in good will..
Spaham — Field rations of the minoi. The meat from giant space hamsters is "processed," and extruded into small blocks. Usually found in sealed tin containers with long and improbable recipes inscribed in gnomish on their surfaces. Commonly considered to be the absolute last resort by any other than Tinker Gnomes.
These intelligent and organized "space orcs" actually have finely developed culinary skills, especially when compared to the average goblinkin. Their choice of ingredients tends towards the unpleasant but there is no denying the skill with which these dishes are prepared.
Delphinid Hearts — Among the scro, delphinid hearts are a delicacy. Served extremely rare with a variety of dipping sauces running the gamut from spicy to sweet or sour. There are usually no less than four dipping sauces with each serving. Scro formal occasions have been known to have ten or twelve.
Roast Greatswan — The scro enjoy eating the "servant races," of their elven enemies almost as much as elven flesh itself. Roasted greatswan is served with a thick berry based sauce or a wine and blood marinade.
The Liver of Mine Enemy — The scro do not just rant about tasting elven flesh, they also eat it. The liver is considered the "choice cut," second only to the heart itself. Usually it is marinated overnight in Ale (the best available), before being diced and stir-fried with sharp tasting vegetables. It is considered best to find the cutlery and plates of the elves that about to be consumed and use them when serving the meal.
While their exclusive diet of brains would seem to preclude having recipes, the illithidae are connoisseurs and have found ways to change their dining experience for the better. Since performance eating is one of their cultural artforms, it was in that arena that spice elixirs were first developed.
The flavors and sensations gained from eating a brain treated with the spices are shared with the audience telepathically.
Illithid Spice Elixirs — Even the mind flayers tire of bland food. These elixirs were developed to simply change the taste of the brain being consumed, much like other races use spices. These are consumed by the "meal," approx. 4-6 hours prior to the mind flayer eating the creature's brain. Due to the fact that most illithid meals are willing thralls, they do so willingly.
So there you have it, a smorgasboard of dining found in the Arcane Inner Flow, happy dining!
May Celestian Speed Your Way!


Inspiration: I first made this salad for a Christmas brunch with some gorgeous girls. It complemented the sweeter dishes perfectly, and is a great option for a savoury, healthy, and beautiful breakfast.
Blend first 6 ingredients to make dressing. Add filtered water as needed. Set aside.
Combine remaining ingredients in mixing bowl, first setting one avocado aside. Toss salad with dressing.
Two options now, equally tasty. Option 1: Avocado rose. My best friend's boyfriend created this gorgeous rose, complete with a tutorial in his sweet Irish accent. It's easier than it looks, but definitely best shown rather than told. There are many helpful tutorials on youtube, none as cute as Fergus' though! Option 2: Thinly slice your avocado and fan it atop your salad. Also beautiful.


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Bernadette Keogh
Sandra Lawler
Gabrielle Murphy
Consultants Panel
Alternatives Group
Our Search Model
Global Research Partners
Ireland's Economic Landscape
Working in Ireland – what you need to know
October 14, 2015	by alt_admin
Frank Gleeson (MD Aramark) dicusses the importance of innovation and thoughtfulness in his leadership style.
I was particularly keen to meet with Frank Gleeson to understand more about his leadership style and to discover a little more about one of the hidden giants in the Irish food and retail industry that is Aramark. To date, Frank's most prominent position was with Topaz Energy Group, where he spent 12 years, culminating in his role as Retail Director. He served as Vice Chairman on the Board of NACS for five years and Chairman and board member of Retail Ireland (IBEC) for six years.
Aramark is a massive $7 billion company, with 270,000 employees worldwide, based out of Philadelphia. It listed on the stock market 18 months ago with a share price that's already increased by 15% since launch. Aramark in Ireland is the largest supplier of integrated services (food services, facilities and property management) in the country. The Irish business employs 4,300 people in the food service business and about 5,500 people outside of Ireland across the European business.
Frank joined as Managing Director of their Food Services business in Ireland 18 months ago. His honest and open appraisal of doing business in the Irish economy and his own transition from Topaz to Aramark is refreshing and provides some good insight the into success factors required for great leadership.
Aramark has undergone a business transformation in recent years and is currently experiencing considerable growth. In your opinion what has been the secret to it's success?
I believe the most important factor has been the clarity of vision from the very top, provided by our global CEO, Eric Foss. Eric set a very clear vision for the organisation, to double the size of the business over xx years and to bring in the best talent to the business. I joined the company at a good time. I was ready for a career change after 12 years in Topaz so I myself have that refreshed energy that goes with a new role and it is been particularly rewarding to be part of this global transformation plan. Ireland has always had a really solid business with great clients and we continue to play an important role in the success story.
It's the first time I've seen global alignment in action. When I worked with Statoil, we weren't always fully aligned to the rest of the organisation, so one thing I found about Aramark is they are very clear about where they want to go and they empower the business units to actually be the best they can be.
The Ireland business under Donal O'Brien has come on tremendously. We've broadened our service range from being a food business to being a facilities management and a property management business. Effectively we're an integrated services provider for our clients in Ireland and in some cases they've chosen to give us EMEA business as well and we've got some really blue-chip clients.
Understanding different consumer needs is obviously a fundamental part of getting your food service offering right in Ireland. What new trends are you seeing in this area?
Let's just use the Millennials as an example. They're well-travelled and they want fast but fresh food, not just fast food. So they look for quality food, freshly served that has some health benefits and that's where we need to position our business. The biggest change I'm seeing worldwide is the general acceptance of all the different cultural food types. So, we need to serve up Northern European, Mediterranean, Asian, Latin-American and Mexican food. This is current growth particularly in Latin-American and Mexican food and huge growth in Asian food continues.
The other key aspect of our business is the shortened lunch break. You might only be taking 15 or 20 minutes to grab something quick to eat and it's no longer good enough just to serve sandwiches so innovation is key in this area.
What are the key advantages of working with a global business like Aramark?
When I was first approached to join Aramark, I didn't really understand the scale of the business. It wasn't a branded business like I was used to at Topaz where you couldn't help but see the brand everywhere you went.
When I first met the key people from the organisation both in Ireland and abroad, I was of course excited by the opportunity of working for a truly global company. My job involves a lot of travel which means I learn best practices from around the world, and I get to learn from really high performing executives in other parts of the organisation and they're always willing to help you. I always know that there's somebody somewhere that's had the same problem that may be able to give you a solution, or, there'll be some innovation somewhere that you know we'll be able to take that back into our Irish business.
The Irish business is actually very innovative and we've brought some innovation to the global organisation which is then implemented globally. We have an international business excellence team, some of whom are based here and they can connect in with the guys in the UK and the States. It means that ideas are shared and it leads to more rounded plans and consistency across the group.
What else, beyond having a clear vision and having everyone aligned across the organisation works well for the business?
One of the key things I've learned in my thirty years in business is that the leaders can have a great vision, but if nobody knows about it, you've got a problem. And then it needs constant reinforcing and you need to put the tools in place to allow people to achieve their potential.
I think that's one of the beauties about an organisation like Aramark. They have all the tools and they're willing to communicate so, getting it down to the front line is seen as paramount and then showing real leadership. I spend as much of my time out in the field as I can just alking and trying to understand what are the key messages or they key things we want delivered which have been filtered right down to the front line because that's really where the moment of truth is. We've got some great programmes, I mean..I suppose, being part of a mutinational means you don't have to think about everything. Some of the stuff is ready out of a box so you've just got to be brilliant at execution. Okay, and you need to be relentless about getting that execution right and you know, smaller companies have the challenge that they've got to come up with the ideas and have got to figure it out and have got to try and implement it, so you know there's benefits in being part of big and there's benefits in being part of small. I'd say the benefits of being part of a big organisation probably outweigh the benefits of the benefits of being smaller
What's your view on how the economic has and is affecting change in Irish business, particularly in retail?
As former chairman of Retail Ireland and current chairman of the Energy committee and IBEC, I am very committed to doing my best to support Irish business. Part of my job is to influence and to comment on what's going on from a business perspective and I think it's incumbent on all business leaders to educate our politicians and our civil servants because they can't know everything. They have their side of the story and we need to tell them the business side of the story, and what moves things along in the economy.
My biggest concern is still the domestic economy and everyone has heard me state many times that we have a tale of two economies. The export economy is flying and thankfully Aramark deal with big multinational who have been growing and investing in people and we've seen the benefit of that.
However, other businesses such as Topaz, are solely dependent on the domestic economy, and this is still under a lot of pressure. Retail particularly had a really tough time over the past six years and it hasn't really recovered, being still 20 % lower than at the height of the market. I suppose the concern we have is that there's such upward pressure on costs and some of the larger costs like rents haven't really righted themselves just yet.
I am however very positive about the future of our economy and our growth trajectory as when I look at all of the macro factors, they are all pointing in the right direction. I think the government have done a decent enough job of putting us in a position to trade our way out of this and I'd be very optimistic about the next 10 years. We've just come out of a recessionary cycle and since I was around for the 80's, I remember the last one. This one was certainly tougher and took its toll on the Irish people, not withstanding that we are amazingly resilient.
Coming from the retail environment and now being a service provider to the retail environment, how would you advise a retailer to grow their business or to shape their business for the future?
For the last seven years it's been about survival and now it's absolutely about growth and growth can only be achieved through investment and innovation. So my advice to anybody is to take a deep breath, innovate and invest in your business and, bring yourself to the place where you're better than your competitors. Competition is great and it's usually the those who have the best vision or the best execution that win out.
And what about the people at the front line, how important are they?
Crucial. A company like Aramark is right at the front line of service and we're in food service primarily which is very complex. You're judged by every single meal, every single cup of coffee so the moment of truth is every single day, every single minute and with service delivery it's non-negotiable, because customers have choice and that's the beauty and the tragedy about retail and hospitality.
You'll only do it with the right people and service and retail is not for everybody so we would typically hire for attitude and then train the expertise as a happy, smiley can-do attitude is vital. We can then develop that person into anything they want. I'm always keen to tell people that most of us in this business have probably started at the front line and worked in some sort of a service job and probably ended up being the managing director after 30 years of hard work and development. That's a key message as the opportunities are there.
So what have you learnt about Leadership over the past few years? How has your view of what it takes to be a great leader changed over the years, particularly now you're part of a truly global organisation? And has your own style changed as a result?
I still believe that the fundamental DNA of leadership is being a self-starter with high level of motivation and a can-do attitude. You rarely see leaders that haven't got some of those attributes. However, as you progress throughout your career you move from being a manager to a leader by understanding the emotional intelligence of people and that there are more ways than one to motivate somebody. My view is that 'followship' is better than having positional power. People need to believe in leaders and be willing to follow them and this is actually the key attribute to being a great leadership. Obviously you also need to have the resilience to see it through, even through difficult times and the ability to change direction if necessary.
My own style has changed hugely over the year. I would have been a classic manager with the ability to get things done, however, with a significant amount of collateral damage. As you push through and get things done, you tend to not bring too many people with you and maybe you are very abrasive and that's how I would describe my style maybe 15 years ago. I had a wake-up moment when my mentor at the time sent me on a 360 degree programme and I was horrified to see the results of how people felt about me. It wasn't who I wanted to be, but it was how I was perceived by the organisation. I can only say that it was like stepping off a cliff when I made that decision to change. I had to go out and get some behavioural training, and fundamentally I had to actually reinvent the way I did business. It was difficult but it hugely beneficial, not just in business but across my whole life as it made me much more thoughtful about the way I behaved and the decisions I made.
Do you think it's important to have career mentors and who specifically has been influential in your career to date?
I've been lucky enough to work with and learn from some great leaders in my career and I would say that I've picked up something from every CEO or boss I've had. Padraig Ryan in Statoil was the best marketer I ever met. He brought the Statoil brand into Ireland and from him I learned how to market and deliver for consumers and then, when I had the responsibility to build the Topaz brand so I brought him back to help me with it because he was such a fantastic mentor and thinker.
Internationally, Hank Armour, Global President CEO of NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores), is the most amazing guy I've ever met. He's also been an entrepreneur and every time I interact with him I learn something and he has been a great mentor for me for the last 10 years. So I think it's important to find somebody that gives you inspiration and knowledge and who isn't afraid to tell you some home truths!
Of course, the other person that gives me a different and vital perspective on things is my wife, Marion. Her perspective is a more humanistic and less clinical and she's definitely helped me change my mind on certain things that turned out to be a better decision in the end.
So how do you go about identifying the leaders of tomorrow in your own organisation and mentoring your own team for success?
I believe in a structured approach and for middle-managers up to senior managers we give them a lot of behavioural training. It allows them to understand the impact they have on themselves and others and then, if they have the makings of leadership, they need to understand the style of leadership that they need to adopt.
Another critical part of the programme is training senior managers how to review the past objectively, learn from it, draw insight from it and strategically plan for the future. Typically, managers look back and leaders will look forward. So as you progress, learning how to look forward and strategise is a critical part of leadership career progression.
The other thing we tend to do well in Aramark is work in collaborative, cross functional teams so everyone gets exposed to different viewpoints across the organisation. A lot of organisations have silos and I think breaking down these silos and having people working in effective teams is crucial.
What Career Planning insights can you share that you think are critical, even if someone doesn't necessarily want to progress into Leadership?
My first piece of advice is to keep learning so avoid getting stuck in a rut and staying too long in any one role or organisation. If the organisation doesn't match your ambition you need to make a call on it and move on before you become disillusioned.
I also believe in reinvention throughout your career. Where possible as a young manager, you should try and learn about business by working through a variety of roles. I've probably worked across most disciplines and it certainly helps my understanding of different viewpoints.
Joining associations and being involved in your industry from a wider perspective gives you a better understanding of the broader business issues which I think is fundamental today, particularly if you really want to influence things.
We've talked a lot about how important great talent is to Aramark. In your opinion, how can working in partnership with a talent organisation like Alternatives, add real value to your business?
We need to work with partners that understand our needs and then help us deliver on our challenge of finding great people. I think the more you understand about our business the better and the more connected you are when we're going through our changes the better. And then, offering us solutions and the right people with a good understanding of our business is.. well that's the ultimate.
Charley Stoney, MD Alternatives Group
This article first appeared in the September 2015 issue of Shelflife Magazine.
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LTC Eric Feteke says he wants the school to acknowledge his cadets as part of the St. John's University community.
St. John's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program is one to watch this year, according to Lieutenant Colonel Eric Feteke.
The Red Storm Battalion on the Queen's campus has led over 700 officers to the United States Army. Currently, there are 72 cadets in the program and among them, six have been recognized as Distinguished Military Graduates.
Every year, students who are ranked in the top 20 percent of Army ROTC graduates nationwide are recognized for this distinguished status. Cadets are rated on a 100 point scale based on academics, physical and leadership criteria.
Of the more than 5,500 cadets ranked in the top 20 percent, six from St. John's are part of the Red Storm Battalion. Three are included in the top 10 percent and one participant is ranked seventh out of all students nationwide.
Under the guidance of LTC Feteke, the Professor of Military Science is very excited for this group.
"We've got a large group of special talent this year," Feteke said. He is currently in his second year at St. John's with the Red Storm Battalion, having previously worked at Fordham University.
"I've never seen that many distinguished students in one program," he said about the students at St. John's.
He went on to explain how this achievement is the result of all the cadets and their hard work.
"In my three years that I've been in ROTC, I've never seen anything like that come out of Fordham's program or here," Feteke said.
The distinguished students are CDT Nick Vanslyke, Jacob Dibble, Jordin Morin, Marissa Fenn, Maria Asencio-Vargas and Tyshay McPhatter.
In the top 20 percent are cadets Fenn, Asencio-Vargas and McPhatter; with Vanslyke, Dibble, and Morin being in the top 10 percent.
CDT Vanslyke is ranked number seven in the nation on the order of merit.
All six students are graduating seniors and are contracted per their ROTC agreement to enlist. The ROTC program is open for anyone to join. In a student's freshmen and sophomore year, they are not contracted to serve, but during the junior and senior years, eligibility to become contracted arises.
Of the six students, five will be serving in active duty while one will be in the Army Reserve.
CDT McPhatter is the only one who will not be serving on active duty, as he will be in the Cyber sector of the Army Reserve. The remaining five will be in active duty but with different placements.
CDT Vanslyke will be in the Infantry, CDT Dibble in the military police with a branch detailed to Field Artillery, CDT Morin in Cyber, CDT Fenn as a Quartermaster and CDT Asencio-Vargas in Armor.
The students, along with other students who complete the ROTC program, will automatically be at officer level when they enter service since they have already been trained through their undergraduate years.
This honor sets them apart from those who enlist with just a high school diploma or equivalent.
Feteke discussed that he, along with staff Master Sergeant Jonathan Alexander and Sergeant Chris Lumpiesz, hope to have more of a presence on the St. John's campus instead of being seen as separate.
With hopes to expand the program to the Staten Island campus and other campuses in the area, Feteke sees a bright future for the ROTC program especially one that has distinguished members and national recognition.


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Nockalls
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Last name: Nockalls
This very interesting surname is English but is ultimately of Greek origins. It derives from the personal name Nikolaos, meaning 'The people conqueror'. As a personal name it is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, and as such was probably introduced by the Normans or the early crusaders, which was much the same thing. The surname dates back to the late 12th century and early recordings include John Nichole (circa 1270), in Unpublished documents in the Essex Records Office, Chelmsford, and William Nicholas, in a catalogue of Ancient Deeds, for Berkshire. The development of variant spellings commenced in medieval times, being a result of poor spelling allied with very strong local dialects. Nichols, and these variants including Knuckles, Nockalls, Nockells, Nockles, and many others are all the same name. Early examples of recordings include Mary Knuckles, who was christened at the famous church of St Dunstans in the East, Stepney, London, on May 21st 1619, Christian Necolds at St Brides Church, London, on April 24th 1660, John Nockalls who married Elizabeth Horne by civil license in London on November 11th 1666, and Christopher Nockells christened at St Andrews by the Tower, London, on January 31st 1695. A coat of arms granted to a family of the name has the blazon of a blue shield, two ermine bars, in chief three gold suns. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Waleram Nicholai. This was dated 1198, in the Curia Regis Rolls of Suffolk, during the reign of King Richard 1st, known as "The Lionheart", 1189 - 1199. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
Surname scroll for: Nockalls


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Stocks dove again on Wall Street Friday, capping a turbulent week of trading that gave the benchmark S&P index its worst weekly loss since March. TCU provides $2, grant to Parkview Huntington Family YMCA. December 3, Teachers Credit Union has provided a $2, grant from its Foundation to benefit the.


Sai Wallpaper: Shirdi Sai Baba Idol Story.
Shirdi Sai Baba Idol Story.
After Mahasamadhi, Sai Baba was worshiped by a Sai Baba Large Portrait and it was placed near the Samadhi / Tomb of Sai Baba .
The Sai Baba statue was not installed until 1954, after 36 years his Mahasamadhi.
Some white marble arrived from Italy at the Bombay docks, but no one knew anything about it who send and why ?. In the absence of a claimant, the dockyard auctioned it and the purchaser offered it to the Shirdi Sansthan (temple authorities).
Shirdi Sansthan was impressed by the quality of the marble, they wanted to use it for an idol of Baba Sai Nath and gave the commission to a sculpture from Bombay, Balaji Vasant Talim. The Shirdi Sai Baba Sansthan gave him the gigantic task of sculpting Idol of Sai baba.
He prayed to sai baba to help him for this devotional work by presenting sight of sai baba. He knew if he would make same idol as Sai baba then the idol will be more worthy and devotees felt real sai baba on it.
We all know sai baba helps each one so sai baba helped him to present himself sight in the studio while sculpting. He thanked to Sai baba and tried to make same idol . After blessings of Sai baba The beautiful Murthy is world famous. It is worshipped by devotees who flock to the Samadhi Mandir from all over the world. Caste, creed and a social status is no bar. The height of the idol is 5 foot 5 inch .
The statue was installed on 7 October 1954, on Vijayadasami day. As the main object of adoration in Shirdi, the idol is accorded all due honours. Out of their love for Baba Devotees wish to provide every comfort and respect they can.
Sai baba was served as Living person.
Accordingly, Baba is given a hot water bath in early morning, then offered breakfast, lunch and dinner, has his clothes changed four times in a day. he is adorned with a silver or gold crown for the Aarti.
At night a mosquito net is hung and the tomb is spread with a special white cloth of plain cotton, of the kind that Baba kafni was made. Each morning at 4oclock, Baba is woken up, the mosquito net is removed, and incense is offered ( this ritual in known as bhupali ). A glass of water is kept by his side. Sai baba is served as he is living among them.


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PETER HITCHENS: Back the Norway escape... or see our PM begging in Brussels
By Peter Hitchens for The Mail on Sunday
Published: 20:45 EDT, 22 September 2018 | Updated: 20:45 EDT, 22 September 2018
I have a nightmare. It goes like this. The Government abandons futile negotiations with an arrogant European Union and declares: 'Very well, we are going it alone!' Many cheer at this demonstration of Churchillian toughness.
And then the day comes for our departure, and there is chaos, because all the warnings come true – that without the Single Market almost all of our links with EU countries have no legal basis, and an impossible barrier of bureaucracy grounds planes, traps lorries and closes the Channel Tunnel.
The problem with this nightmare is that it is impossible to be sure that it will not happen at the end of March next year. Nobody really knows. What if it does happen? I will come to that.
Theresa May had to defend herself on Friday after being ambushed by EU leaders over her Chequers plan
Before anyone accuses me of spreading Remainer propaganda, I would like to point out that I have been urging a British departure from the EU since I visited Norway in June 2003. As I wrote here then: 'Norway is prosperous, happy and free. Its countryside is neat and well husbanded, its towns and cities orderly and comfortable… it runs its own affairs, trading cheerfully with the EU.
'Its fisheries and farms have not been wrecked or bankrupted, as ours have, by "Common" policies that suit France, Germany or Spain. Its supreme court is in Oslo, not Luxembourg, where ours is. Its monarchy is not menaced by a European president and its flag doesn't have to fly alongside the EU's yellow stars.'
Until then I had been vaguely hostile to the EU, but not actively in favour of quitting it.
'Mrs May was as mighty as Boadicea…but her stirring words... 'Respect our expats too!' Now May demands pledge from EU to...
After Norway, I wanted to leave, though most of those now noisily flourishing Union Jacks and demanding exit at all costs were either silent, bored, or actively in favour of staying. I still don't know what's come over them.
About the same time, I read the superb book, The Great Deception, by Christopher Booker and Richard North, by far the best account of the long story of shame and dishonesty which is Britain's involvement in the EU. Both men, like me, want us to leave. I began to notice, after reading it, the pitiful level of knowledge of the subject in our political class, and in our media.
And that disastrous ignorance is still obvious in almost everything anyone says about it from either side. I doubt most people know the difference between the Single Market and the Customs Union. Well, Christopher Booker and Richard North do, and they, like me, are deeply worried that we may be about to walk blithely into national danger. We are in a small but growing group of Leavers who are urging that we follow the Norway option while there is still time.
This might mean postponing the day of our departure, but in general it would be extremely simple. We would stay in the Single Market, so avoiding the threatened chaos at our borders, but leave the Customs Union, so allowing us to trade freely around the world.
The great council house con
The PM has started to be nice about social housing, or council housing as we used to call it. She says: 'I want to see social housing that is so good people are proud to call it their home… Our friends and neighbours who live in social housing are not second-rate citizens.'
Good, though anyone who recalls the council housing of the 1960s and 1970s (I was myself briefly a council tenant in the 1970s) would say that most council house residents were house-proud and often very pleased to have a secure well-maintained place to live.
I am sick of people saying the great sell-off of council homes was a good thing. It flooded the housing market with taxpayers' money and sent prices spinning upwards forever. It broke up communities. And it began the expensive, wasteful disaster of housing benefit which, the last time I looked, cost more than the RAF every year.
I don't know if we can ever put this right again, but admitting we made a mistake by breaking up the old council estates would be good.
WE would get back control of our farms and fishing grounds, dump the Luxembourg court, shake off three-quarters of EU interference in our laws, and significantly reduce our payments to the EU. We could also exploit a loophole allowing us much greater control of immigration than we have now.
Perfect? No. But perhaps best of all, it requires no lengthy negotiation. We stay in the European Economic Area (we already belong to it) and seek to return to the European Free Trade Association. The arrangement can be lifted off the shelf and will work. No crises, no lorries parked for miles on the M20.
Yet so many Leavers are against this. I don't really see why.
For years people have said they were quite happy with a European free trade area (which is what many think they voted for back in 1975) – they just didn't want the political interference.
The Norway option gives us exactly that arrangement.
Do they really think that 40 years of close and intricate integration with the EU can simply be pulled out by the roots overnight? Do they think Britain is so big, so rich and so brilliant at exporting that it can suddenly launch itself out into the world without a backward glance, like a superpower?
What if our brave exit in March goes wrong ? What if the nightmare is real? I can, alas, see it now. The tottering Government, the closed factories and the queues at the shops, the snap Election.
And the new Prime Minister taking a rusty ferry to Ostend and then on to Brussels, there to beg to be allowed back, as smiling Eurocrats explain that, yes, we are welcome to return, but only if we abandon our own currency, our own legal system and become at last what they have always wanted us to be – truly, fully, horribly European.
Wouldn't the Norway option be better than even the chance of that happening?
Stupid people keep saying that supporters of railway renationalisation can't remember what British Rail was like. Oh, yes I can.
And if BR had been given the money poured into the pockets of the privatised rail pirates, it would now be running far, far better services than we currently have.
On Friday, I was late for work because it had been windy the night before – and this on a line where privatised operators have had the benefit of more than £1 billion in modernisation. Parts of this have already cost three times what was planned, everything is years behind time and will probably never be finished. Nationalised BR completed a similar scheme only eight weeks late and within £15 million of its predicted budget.
I am going to keep saying this. Most of the supposed Islamist terror attacks in Europe (and many of the non-Islamist massacres elsewhere) involve people who have been taking either marijuana, steroids or so-called 'antidepressants'.
The inquest into the Westminster outrage shows clearly that the killer Khalid Masood, a violent criminal, took steroids and suffered from the terrifying 'roid rage', which apologists for these dangerous drugs claim is a myth.
Other mass killers who took steroids include the very non-Muslim Anders Breivik.
Jodie Comer in the new BBC series Killing Eve, which is witty and refuses to treat viewers as idiots
I didn't expect or even want to like the new BBC series Killing Eve, starring Jodie Comer, pictured, as a distractingly beautiful embodiment of pure evil.
The trailers put me off. But the programme itself is an unexpected joy, looking and sounding witty, refusing to treat viewers as idiots, and, actually, a lot better than the overrated Bodyguard.
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Back the Norway escape... or see our PM begging in Brussels - Mail Online - Peter Hitchens blog