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Metters Matters
Summer Spectacular!
Metters Summer Spectacular!
Staycations - How to get away from it all without going far!
Green Tips - Save money this summer
Strawberries - Enjoy summer’s tastiest fruit!
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In This IssueExecutives
Contributors
Founder and Chief Executive OfficerDr. Samuel Metters
Executive Vice President, Corporate AffairsKim Metters
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerDavid Thach
Chief Operating OfficerSanto LaTores
Vice President of Program DevelopmentTimothy Lowman
Mona CollinsKimberly GehrdesBob LeDouxPatricia SansoneCasey ShawEric WangLaura Youngs
3 Executive Corner
4 Metters News
5 Metters attends the 2011 GSA conference
6 Staycations
8 Going Green
9 Summer Strawberries
10 The Metters Family
11 Dress up your burgers
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Executive Corner
Respectfully,
Dr. Samuel Metters, P.E.President and CEO
Greetings,
During the past several editions of Metters Matters, the views and visions presented in the “Executive Corner” have been insightful as well as informative. Hopefully the concept of rotating authors gives our readers some insight into the many and varied approaches to confronting workplace challenges. I also hope the casual observer has gained exposure to the writing styles of each of our key executives. Further scrutiny will reveal strong indicators of their leadership style and to some degree, their personality traits.
Our corporate directors will entertain us during the next series of “Executive Corner” presenters. For those of you who are predisposed to a bit of trivia, note the similarities and differences between the writing styles of various levels of management. My sense is that the directors’ view of the world will focus more on the “trees than the forest.” Most importantly, I hope that sharing the views of our executive staff will demonstrate the efficacy of teamwork and power-sharing --- both of which help define our company’s core values and corporate culture.
Enough about the “Executive Corner.”
I think you will be pleased to know that our year-end, unaudited financial report indicates that the company had a good year in spite of the downturn in the national and global economy. Our year-end earnings were used to enhance our talent pool of seasoned business developers as we transition from a Small to a Large Business entity. Currently, we project a growth rate of 25% for Fiscal Year 2013 (calendar year 2012).
This year the company celebrates its 30th anniversary. Our success is due, in no small measure, to the quality of our employees, the
company’s concern for the health and welfare of its employees, and the environment of the workplace. Our company ranks as one of the most diverse and user-friendly workplaces in the Washington, D.C., community. The recent small business awards and recognitions support that fact. Our theme – “Our Employees Are Our Customers Too” – resonates well during dress-down Fridays and provides further evidence that our employees are valued.
Finally, we are acutely aware that unlike manufacturing or retail companies, for example, for which “widgets” are their most valued assets, professional service companies’ (such as ours) most important assets are its employees. Fair play, respect and a deep concern for the well-being of our employees will help us keep a healthy and enjoyable workplace.
Have a safe and fun-filled summer.
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Metters NewsOrlando office receives Games for Training contractMetters’ Orlando division recently made the first set of contract deliveries for the Games for Training, Training Support Packages contract with the U.S. Army PEO STRI. The contract involves developing support material for the Army’s virtual gaming system, Virtual Battle Space 2 (VBS2). VBS2 can be used for training everything from civilian interaction to offensive/defensive force response to various
situations. One part of this support effort is focused on e n c o u r a g i n g the use of VBS2 by the soldiers. To this end, Metters is developing a series of online graphic novels to teach basic
lessons, explain background scenarios, and introduce the training tasks. The picture here shows a couple of panels from a graphic novel focused on a task called “Conduct a Route Reconnaissance”.
Metters DMARTS team meets with DHS to discuss automation projectMembers from the DMARTS Team (Jennifer Evans, Adrian Myrie, and Steve Waide), under the leadership and guidance of Serene Al-momen, met with the FEMA Individual Assis-tance –Technical Assistance Contracts (IA-TAC) Team on June 23rd, to discuss future requirements for the IA-TAC Sys-tem. For those who are not familiar with IA-TAC, this system supports FEMA’s implementation of the agency’s Individual Assistance, Direct Assistance programs as authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Contracts processed in IA-TAC provides support for small, mid-size, large, and catastrophic disasters or incidents as de-fined by FEMA. The size and scope of the contractor’s task or mission may vary based on the geography, scale and mag-nitude of damage, type of incident, impact on the national security, and the projected number of displaced individuals and households, as well as the availability of resources (hous-ing, personnel, supplies, and materials).
FEMA’s external contractors provide support for all types of hazards (man-made or natural), including floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, earthquakes, tsunamis, and Incidents
of National Significance as defined or indicated by FEMA.
This support includes, but is not limited to, performing or supporting the following functions or tasks:
• Site assessments for potential group sites and placement of temporary housing;
• Site inspections for potential placement of temporary housing on a disaster applicant’s property;
• Resources tracking, monitoring, inventory management, transportation, and unit upkeep and maintenance for temporary housing units and/or structures;
• Installation, deactivation, and removal of temporary housing units;
• Group site/facility design services for addressing tempo-rary housing;
• General construction services (e.g. temporary housing of disaster workers or applicants, refurbishment of exist-ing housing units);
• Program implementation support and management;• Limited maintenance of temporary housing units;• Housing strategy support (e.g. gather, analyze, and issue
recommendations related to short, medium and long term housing solutions);
• Technical support staff (e.g. assist in identification of housing needs/solutions) to include but is not limited to facility and shelter set-up and/or management services.
The focus of the June 23rd meeting was to not only discuss the latest IA-TAC release, but to also take the opportunity to propose a new project which focuses on automation. As Jen-nifer presented the idea to the IA-TAC Team, supported by screenshots to assist with visualization, the teams eyes lit up. The mood in the room changed from one that was mellow to a sense of sheer excitement. The IA-TAC team was very anxious to hear more about the “automation project”. They were relieved that this idea was finally turning into some-thing tangible that they could envision. This vision couldn’t come at a better time since the DMARTS contract has been extended for several more months. With this automation project in the pipeline, FEMA and DMARTS will go hand in hand contributing to the successful “marriage” of DHS and Metters Industries.
The Metters Headquarters picnic will be July 16th in Fort MyerThe Metters HQ annual picnic will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Spates Community Club and Conference Center in Fort Myer, VA. Some events to expect at this years picnic: potato sack race, egg race, water balloon toss, bake-off, raffles, and last but not least — an executive dunk tank. Employees who make a donation of $5 of more to the Wounded Warrior Project will have the opportunity to dunk one of the Metters executives. Tim Lowman, David Thach and Santo LaTores will all be available to dunk!
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Metters attends the 2011 GSA Conference and Expo By Bob LeDoux
The 17th Annual GSA Conference and Expo was held from May 10-
12, 2011, at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. In addition to Metters, attendees included multi-level acquisition and procurement professionals from federal, state and local government, as well as the military. The conference is GSA’s premiere customer outreach event and the ideal venue for companies like Metters to exhibit their latest product and service innovations.
Opening the morning of May 11, more than 700 exhibitors showcased their latest product and service innovations, including new sustainable products, interactive technologies and e-tools. This year’s keynote speaker was Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Inc. Wozniak addressed the opening general session, describing the moments of inspiration that led to the Apple revolution, and the creative and technological vision that forever changed the way we live.
Supporting the Metters booth was Bob LeDoux and Linda Garcia.
Bob Ledoux and our GSA VETS GWAC contracting officer Janna Babcock
Linda Garcia and Tony Elleand, our GSA Men-tor Protégé Manager
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When you can’t vacation, staycation! By Laura Youngs, Casey Shaw, Eric Wang and contributors
With busy schedules, tightened budgets and rising fuel costs, “staycations” have become popular
among Americans of all ages and income brackets. No matter where you reside, there are plenty of great places you can visit within a reasonable distance of your home. We’ve compiled some great ideas from some of Metters’ offices. DC, Maryland, Virginia (for almost free):Also known affectionately as the DMV, the Washington, D.C., vicinity is rife with history, culture and entertainment. A popular tourist destination, there are an overwhelming number of monuments, museums and historical sites. So it is understandable that visitors and even residents often overlook some of the local gems. The best part? Admissions to these destinations is (almost) free!Rock Creek Park (http://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm), in Northwest D.C. is more than twice the size of Manhattan’s Central Park? The park is a popular venue for joggers, cyclists and casual hikers. It offers guided tours, a golf course, picnic areas, a sports complex and the only planetarium to be managed by the NPS. While you’re there, don’t forget to visit the National Zoo, just south of the park. Also a part of the Rock Creek Park network is Meridian Hill Park between neighborhoods of U Street and Columbia Heights. It is one of the most interesting parks in DC, with a simple cascading fountain and a set of long Spanish steps. On Sunday afternoons between 3 and 9 p.m., you can experience a local tradition by listening to the drum circle that brings people of all different backgrounds together. Mount Sepulchre Franciscan Monastery (http://www.myfranciscan.org/) is located in Northeast D.C. in the Brookland neighborhood. It includes gardens, replicas of shrines throughout Israel, a replica of the catacombs in Rome, an archive, a library, and bones of Saint Benignus of Armagh, brought from the Roman Catacombs and originally in the Cathedral of Narni, Italy.
The Millenium Stage at The Kennedy Center (www.kennedy-center.org/p r o g r a m s / m i l l e n n i u m /schedule.html3). Every evening at 6, The Kennedy
Center offers a free live music performance at
the Millenium Stage. The acts include orchestra symphonies, jazz, rock and R&B.Eastern Market (www.easternmarket-dc.org, www.easternmarket.net), in Southeast D.C. in Capitol Hill, offers fresh produce, meats, and arts and crafts. Sundays are your best bet; the outdoor flea market is only open on Sundays and features live music in the afternoon. Afterward, head over to one of the coffee shops or Barracks Row for milkshakes and gourmet pop-tarts at Ted’s Bulletin. Outdoor adventuresHome to one of the most iconic sceneries in Virginia, Great Falls of Potomac River (www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm) and its jagged rocks, the park offers hiking and mountain biking trails. All picnic areas are on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get there early if you plan to have a little snack or lunch in the shade. Friday through Monday, the park offers guided tours and special events with the park rangers. For a day trip, hop on I-66 West toward the mountains for wine tasting. There are plenty of wineries in the Shenandoah Valley. At www.virginiawine.org, you can enter search criteria and find the winery that fits your desires.Another option is tubing on the Shenandoah River. At Shenandoah River Outfitters (www.shenandoahriver.com), located in Luray, VA, you can rent canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes for river excursions. Adults and kids alike can enjoy blissfully floating or paddling down the Shenandoah River.For more information, check out “100 Free (and almost free) things to do in DC” (http://washington.org/visiting/browse-dc/attractions/100-free-things-to-do).
Deep Creek Lake (www.visitdeepcreek.com) is a western Maryland mountain destination with activities including boating, biking, go-karts, kayaking,
camping, white water rafting and horse-drawn carriage rides. You can visit Deep Creek Lake State Park, check out the local towns and bed and breakfasts, and attend movies, concerts or
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museums.
Chesapeake Beach (www.chesapeake-beach.md.us) is a southern Maryland bayside community offering beaches, waterfront restaurants, seafood, water park events, a veteran’s memorial park, a railway museum and boating.
Assateague Island (www.assateagueisland.com) is on the Eastern Shore. Visitors to this island can see wild ponies and go on sightseeing and kayak tours, or try crabbing, bird watching, fishing and biking. And of course, there is the beach. Alabama:Huntsville, Ala., is perfectly situated in North Alabama for a variety of interesting day trips. With so much to choose from (and this is only a sprinkling) you might want to make it a week!The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (www.ussrc.
com) is recognized as one of the most comprehensive U.S.-manned space flight hardware museums in the world. Also home to Space Camp and Aviation Challenge!The Early Works Museums (www.earlyworks.com) offers three great
history-based, kid-centric museums in downtown Huntsville: Alabama Constitution Village, Huntsville Depot and Museum, and Early Works Children’s History Museum.The Point Mallard Water Park (www.pointmallardpark.com) is home to America’s First Wave Pool. Complete with an Olympic-sized pool with diving platforms, as well as water slides, this park offers fun for kids of all ages.
For the golf enthusiast, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (www.rtjgolf.com/hamptoncove) offers a picturesque golf course in Huntsville at the Hampton Cove community. This course offers 36 championship holes along with an 18-hole short course. The Jack Daniels Distillery (www.jackdaniels.com) offers tours of the U.S.’ oldest registered distillery complete with stories and folklore. Complimentary cocktail at the end!
North Carolina:
While this requires a slightly longer drive, the Orlando office offers some mountain retreats that provide relaxation, outdoor activities and wine tastings.
Try Watershed Cabins (www.watershedcabins.com) in Bryson City, which is in close proximity to rafting (www.wildwaterrafting.com), hiking and many other outdoor activities at the Nantahala Outdoor Center.
For a little bit of history, visit The Biltmore Estate (www.biltmore.com) in Asheville. This late 19th-century, 8,000-acre estate built by George Vanderbilt includes gardens and wine tours. You can also tour the house – which is modeled after 16th century French architecture and includes 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces, as well as a bowling alley, gymnasium and swimming pool.
Missouri:
The famous Gateway Arch is the tallest national monument in the U.S. at 630 feet. You can take a tram
car to the top of the Arch, where you will see unforgettable views of the city and the Mississippi River. On the Arch grounds, you can browse the Museum of Westward Expansion, view the latest exhibits at the Historic Old Courthouse or take a sightseeing cruise.
The St. Louis Zoo is the third largest zoo in the U.S., located at Forest Park (site of the 1904 World’s Fair). You can take a train ride through 90 acres with 700 species of animals, or visit the Insectarium, the Children’s Zoo, the Missouri History Museum or the Art Museum
Road trips can be a great way to get a break from everything and these are just some ideas to consider. Be sure to check out the city, county or tourism websites for areas near your home for more information on staycation options.
Have fun this summer, get your car tuned up, be safe, and don’t forget the sunblock and water!
Staying safe when the weather heats up• Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will
help keep you safe when the temperature rises. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• If you must be outside during very hot days, limit your activity to the early morning or late evening when the weather is a bit cooler.
• Use sunscreen. Sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and a label that says “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” is the most effective.
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Going Green work. But the next time you clean out your closets, consider donating anything still usable. You might hate those shoes or that sweater, but someone else might love them. Bottom line: there’s less stuff in the landfills or floating in the ocean. And bonus – you can check out Goodwill’s aisles for books, jewelry, clothes, and ap-pliances. If you can’t drop off your donated goods or furniture, pick-up services are often available through organizations such as the Vietnam Veterans of America (including Virginia, D.C., Maryland, Florida and Illi-nois) or the Salvation Army. And proceeds help vets, job training programs and people in need. Save moneyCarpool/public transportation: Gas climbed quickly and steadily this year. Even though it’s starting to fall, it still hovers near $4 a gallon in many places, and well over $3 in others – which makes driving to work ex-pensive. Research public transportation options to see if you can find a good bus route or train, even for a few days a week (as a bonus, you can read the paper while you commute). For errands, walk for short trips if it’s pedestrian friendly and when driving, group trips to-gether to cut down on gas use. Talk to coworkers who live in your area to see if you can coordinate carpooling (which means you can use HOV lanes), or check out ridesharing programs, which allow you to connect with others in your area for carpooling. Check your thermostat: If you have to put on a sweat-shirt to stay warm in the house this summer, you can probably push your thermostat up a few degrees. Heat-ing and cooling can get pretty expensive – the DOE reports that 43% of a utility bill typically goes to heat-ing and cooling. The DOE recommends setting it to 78 degrees in the summer, and increasing by 10 to 15 degrees when you’re away from the house – which can save about 10% annually if you turn it back during an eight-hour period. If you’re can, install a programmable
Being green doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive – it can even save
you money, which feels nice after you pump $65 worth of gas into your car. In addition to checking windows and faucets for leaks, there are some fairly simple steps you can take to cut waste, lower your electricity bill or give your wallet a break this summer. You can also find more tips and tax credit information (for energy effi-cient products) at www.energysavers.gov (the U.S. De-partment of Energy’s site) or with your state’s website. Reduce wasteRecycle: These days, a wide range of products can be recycled, from milk containers and paper to soda cans. Check with your local waste department to see if it offers curb-side recycling and bins and what kinds of products it can handle (make sure to wash out food containers). If you don’t have curb-side service, consider investing in bins and making periodic trips to the recycling cen-ter (wait until you have a carload to save on gas). Also check out your waste department’s website for informa-tion on how to recycle batteries, appliances/electronics and other materials that can potentially leech hazardous chemicals into the ground. Ditch the disposable plates: It’s tempting to buy dispos-able plates, cups and utensils to avoid doing the dishes after cookouts, but these products add up in the landfill and cost you extra money. If you don’t want to use your good plates or containers, but want to save money long-term, invest in picnic sets or plastic plates/utensils/con-tainers that can be tossed in the dishwasher and reused. It will require a little more elbow grease, but cuts down on waste, especially for a larger crowd. Try reusable bags: Let’s face it. Even if you reuse plastic bags as trash can liners or lunch containers, eventually they build up and take over the entire cabinet. Reus-able lunch totes and shopping bags can run as little as $1 a pop. Not to mention, some areas, such as D.C. and Montgomery County, Md., now have a five-cent per disposable bag tax. Pick a few up reusable bags, reduce the clutter, and cut down on the amount of plastic you throw away. For food storage, try reusable plastic or other containers, instead of sandwich bags, which tend to fall apart and be thrown away faster. It’s also one less thing you have to pick up at the store. Go to Goodwill: Okay, so this one takes a little more
By Laura Youngs Proposal Developer
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Strawberry Salad
Leaf lettuceRed onion sliced thinStrawberries
Dressing:
2 Tbs balsamic vinegar2 Tbs red wine vinegar1/3 cup vegetable oil1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt1/3 tsp salt2/3 cup of Splenda or sugar1 Tbs poppy seeds2/3 tsp dry mustardPut all ingredients in a jar and shake until smooth. Extra can be kept in the fridge.
June through August is the prime time to find sweet, ripe strawberries in your local grocery store. Strawber-
ries are a wonderful summer food, and at just 45 calories a cup they provide an excellent, low-calorie source of Vita-min C and antioxidants.
Picking out strawberries at the grocery store or farmer’s market is simple. Remember that buying locally grown strawberries will yield the best flavor. Typically, the local season for strawberries is only three to four weeks long. Check online to see when the local strawberry season is for your state.
When choosing strawberries, the best rule of thumb to follow would be to use your nose. Ripe strawberries will smell very sweet, and they will be bright red in color with healthy looking green stems.
Tips to keep your strawberries fresh include:• Do not wash your strawberries until right before you
plan to eat them. • Rinse your strawberries under cold water and pat dry
to prevent excess absorption of water, which can de-grade strawberries’ texture and flavor.
• Eat strawberries within three days of purchase in or-der to enjoy the most health and flavor benefits.
Below is a great unique way to eat strawberries. Enjoy this salad on a warm summer day with a glass of your favorite cold beverage.
Summer Strawberries
thermostat to make it easier. And be sure to clean your filters once a month. Unplug gadgets: When you’re not using your cell phone charger, electric toothbrush or toaster, unplug it or use a power strip that can be switched off. Many small ap-pliances pull in electricity even when switched off and waste energy. It might be small, but when you combine this with other small steps, it can add up. While you’re at it, turn off your computer when you’re not using it and put it on ‘power save’ mode if possible, which allows you to reduce performance where it’s not needed. Recharge: Consider investing in rechargeable batteries, as it means fewer batteries to recycle. Unplug the char-ger once they’re fully charged to avoid wasting power.Turn it off: Remember how your Dad always nagged you to turn off the lights when you left a room? Well, he was right. If necessary, keep a jar for everyone to put in a quarter each time they leave a light – or fan or TV - on after leaving the room. You’ll save money on your bill and help the Earth.
Can’t promise the kids won’t moan and groan, but the quarters could go to something fun, like ice cream. Use cold water: The average washing machine uses 32 gallons of hot water per use, according to the DOE. Make sure you’re using the appropriate water level and consider washing your clothes in cold water. It cuts down on the amount of electricity used to heat the wa-ter – the DOE reports that 90% of energy used to wash clothes in conventional, top-load machines goes to heating water. And make sure to clean the lint trap on your dryer to improve air circulation. Put a lid on it: It’s an easy thing to forget, but putting the lid on the pan when you’re boiling water or heating up food will speed up the process and save a little energy. Grow your own herbs: Fresh basil (great when paired with tomato, mozzarella, olive oil and balsamic vine-gar), mint (excellent with sangria), rosemary and other delicious herbs are great for cooking but can be pricey and spoil. Instead of buying them at the grocery store, purchase some seeds or potted herbs and grow them in your kitchen.
By Casey Shaw Proposal Developer
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The Metters FamilyLanna Nguyen named to Notre Dame’s Deans List for Spring 2011
Lanna Nguyen, daughter of Hien Nguyen, an accountant at Metters Headquarters, has been named to the Dean’s List in the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business for outstanding scholarship during the Spring 2011 semester.
Students who achieve dean’s honors at Notre Dame represent the top 30 percent of students in their college.
Metters golf team wins third place at the NASA HQ Golf TournamentThe Metters golf team took home third place in the second flight at the NASA Headquarters Golf Tournament on May 13. The tournament took place at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Metters’ golf team consisted of Santo LaTores, Timothy Lowman, Will Dolan and Roger Houze.
Metters site manager’s granddaughters study abroad in Italy
Metters’ St. Louis Site Manager Ken Auck’s twin granddaughters, Katie and Lorie Pendergast, spent the second semester of their junior year this spring studying at the University of Bologna in Italy. The college they attend, Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, opened up a new study abroad program this year at the University. The Pendergast girls spent the semester traveling all around Europe, including Interlaken, Switzerland; Dublin, Ireland; Liverpool and London, England; Warsaw and Krakow, Poland; Prague, Czech Republic; Vienna, Austria; Paris, France; and all over the mainland of Greece. They received a special treat when their mother, Marie Pendergast, and grandmother, Rose Auck, made it across the pond for their first trips to Europe.
In two weeks time, they were able to see the beauty and history of Italy, their homeland. They explored Milan, Florence, Venice, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, the Isle of Capri and even the small village of Montefalcione, where both of Rose Auck’s Italian-immigrant parents were from.
After a new appreciation for history, art and culture, the girls are home for the summer and working an internship at World Wide Technologies in St. Louis before they begin their senior years at Spring Hill.
Orlando office announces Al Thimons’ retirement
The Orlando office, known for having many long-term employees, recently said goodbye to one’s of its oldest employees,
Al Thimons. Al retired in April after working at Metters for more than 14 years in the Model Shop. Al worked on (and directly contributed to the success of) numerous contracts and programs in his tenure at Metters. The Orlando office celebrated the occasion with a lunch and a group photo.
No one should worry about Al being bored in retirement however. He and his wife left on two-week cruise through the Panama Canal just a few days after leaving Metters. Shortly after returning from their cruise, they had plans to travel to visit his children and grandchildren in various states north of Florida.
“Like” Metters on FacebookDid you know that Metters has a Facebook page? We cordially invite
you to become a fan of Metters on Facebook. View up-to-date job postings and the latest industry news and trends.
The Orlando office, gathering together for a picture to celebrate Al Thimmons’ retirement.
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Orlando’s HR manager receives Army recognition
Congratulations to Orlando Office Manager, Mona Collins, who was recently honored with not one, but two Army service organization awards.
The first award presented to Mona was from Operation Give Back for all of her time and effort to make the inaugural 5K/10K Walk and Run fund-raiser a huge success. Operation Giveback is a “Wounded Warrior Project” event to raise awareness and to enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members and help these injured men and women assist one another and provide direct programs and services.
The second was a Certificate of Appreciation from the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) – Sunshine Chapter and General Gordon Sullivan, for her “Exceptional meritorious service in supporting America Army, the Third Region, and The association of United States Army.” Metters is a charter member of AUSA and Mona is currently the treasurer of the Sunshine Chapter. In that role, she was responsible for the recent successful audit that the chapter was required to complete due to new non-profit regulations.
Orlando mascotsLike the swallows returning to Capistrano, the Orlando office has a pair of Sandhill Cranes that come by the office every spring and act as our unofficial mascots. For the last several years, this bird “couple” has made their nest in a small pond next the Metters building. And every year, once the crane’s chicks are old enough to stumble on their own,
they are paraded past our windows. After recently moving our office to the next building on the block, we were concerned that the cranes might not find us, but they seemed to have less trouble locating
the new office than did some of our delivery drivers!The cranes around here are actually fairly tame and accustomed to being around people. In fact, sometimes it’s hard to get them to move away from the entrance to the building.
Dress up your burgers
Burgers are a cookout staple
— but you can easily move beyond the traditional cheese, onions and lettuce. Pair them with vegetable skewers, grilled corn and asparagus or any cookout favorite. 1. Combine Worcestershire, chopped onions,
bread crumbs and an egg (to bind the meat) with ground meat to give the burgers a little punch. You could also use chopped mushrooms or garlic.
2. Put a slice of mozzarella inside the patty. After grilling, top it with bruschetta, or a tomato slice and some basil, and a ciabatta bun.
3. Mix bleu cheese into the burger meat and top with crispy bacon.
4. Add a slice of Muenster cheese, bacon and a fried egg – a little messy, but quite tasty.
You can also use lamb or pork to mix it up. Bison is a leaner, lower-fat alternative if you want eat a little healthier. If you want to go vegetarian, consider Portabella mushroom or black bean burgers. You can find more recipe combinations at www.epicurious.com.Sides:Cold and refreshing: Cut up chunks of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and strips of basil, sandwiching them together. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette over them to provide a light, refreshing snack or appetizer.Sweet potatoes: Give fries a twist and use sweet potatoes. Thinly slice one-half of a sweet potato per person. Brush slices with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and pepper. (Add paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, cumin or garlic – any number of spices to enhance the smoke or heat). Bake at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes. Watch them so they don’t burn and turn them over halfway through.
By Laura YoungsProposal Developer
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We appreciate your feedback!
Metters Primary Points of ContactBusiness Development
Tim LowmanPhone: (703) 821-3300 ext. 371
Email: [email protected]
Human ResourcesJennifer Byers
Phone: (703) 821-3300 ext. 403Email: [email protected]
PayrollHoa Luu
Phone: (703) 821-3300 ext. 341Email: [email protected]
PurchasingJames Williams
Phone: (703) 821-3300 ext. 401Email: [email protected]
NDA/Teaming AgreementsSteve Marcelino
Phone: (703) 821-3300 ext. 378Email: [email protected]
RecruitingMarc Villegoureix-Ritaud
Phone: (703) 821-3300 ext. 376Email: [email protected]
ITAli Tilave
Email: [email protected]
Finance and AccountingRoger Houze
Phone: (703) 821-3300 ext. 424Email: [email protected]
Comments or questions about the new format? Ideas for articles for the next issue? Email the Metters Matters staff at [email protected].
Look for our next issue September 30th
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