Check out our January/February newsletter!
JAN/FEB 2019
THANK-YOU GAZETTE
OUR COMPANY’S MISSION Honoring Our Employees and Continuing to Give Back
A t Yankee Home Improvement, we often cite the story of Eddie Rickenbacker. A World War I soldier, Eddie found himself marooned on a raft. Upon his rescue and survival, Eddie dedicated his life to giving back and helping others. There’s more to the harrowing, remarkable story and life of Eddie, and I encourage readers to research him. His photo is actually up on one of our walls! Eddie’s motivation to help others became a cornerstone of our business. Readers will remember the numerous organizations Yankee has become involved with, as relayed in the last edition of our newsletter. Throughout the holidays, we hosted a food drive for Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, offering donors a 10 percent discount on our services. We want to say a special word of thanks to so many of you who helped make that a success! We were also sponsors of the Safe Passage Hot Chocolate Run in Northampton; we helped 9-year-old Tiernan carry on his mission to the homeless with Hartford Bags of Love; and I also was just added to the board of directors for Harmony House of Western Massachusetts. Each of these organizations provides valuable service to our communities. I’m proud of the work and assistance we can offer not only through our services but also though community engagement. In 2018 our amazing customers and employees were a big part of that spirit of generosity through their own volunteering and contributions. Together again this year, we will continue to help others while also recognizing our employees who give so much of themselves. For 2019, we have created a display near the entrance to our offices that features employees who have made remarkable contributions to our company as well as the community that we serve. These team members embody the Yankee Home Spirit of dedication to others. The first name added to the wall is Dennis O’Connor. Dennis was named Employee of the Year for 2018. This worthy designation was a surprise to the often humble but hardworking Dennis. His photo is now proudly displayed on this wall. Some
employees may not even realize Dennis works here because he comes in so early and works hard all day in the field, inspecting our finished product for up to five years after we complete it. (This service is offered to all our customers.) He’s been with Yankee for eight years, and I’ve never heard him complain once. Additionally, Dennis is often requested by clients, year after year! His connection to clients and expertise make him a valuable part of our team. Another employee who has made his way onto this wall is Adam Dusza from our sales team. Adam was named salesperson of the month in November, which earned him a $500 bonus. But he didn’t want the money. Instead, Adam wanted us to donate the $500 to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen. We were astonished and so proud! It’s one thing when a company donates $500 to an organization, but it’s a completely different act of selflessness when one person donates that large of a sum, especially with money that was gifted to them. I’m honored to employ people like Adam and Dennis, and I know there are plenty of other employees here doing good for our community. At our annual holiday party in 2018, we honored our hardworking employees and gave away a cruise as a token of appreciation for everyone’s work. Our Director of Employee Happiness, Brie Underwood, was the lucky recipient, and her excitement brought so much joy to us. So, we thought, “What could be better than this?” Well, we decided to step up our game for 2019, and we’re offering to take our whole team on vacation! We have goals to complete in order to make this happen. But the dedication, compassion, and support of both our customers in the community and the people we help through various organizations make it all worth it. We’re proud to work with each member of our team, and we cannot wait to see how they take our mission to the next level in 2019.
World War I soldier, Eddie Rickenbacker
2018 Employee of the Year Dennis O’Connor
Adam Dusza donating $500 to Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen
Yankee Home Holiday Party 2018
–Ger Ronan
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GET YOUR KIDS TO EAT HEALTHIER THAN EVER
Do your kids get enough nutrients in their
Take lasagna, for instance. This tasty, familiar dish is easy to modify. Instead of using lasagna noodles, use zucchini. Simply slice the zucchini into thin, noodle-like strips, then layer them as you would typical noodles. The same can be done with other pasta dishes, such as spaghetti. Zucchini noodles — or “zoodles” — are delicious in marinara sauce and decadent in Alfredo. If push comes to shove, you can easily hide vegetables in foods your children already know and love. Did you know you can make brownies with avocado and black beans? Slipping in a few healthier ingredients here and there can deliver those nutrients in a pinch, especially during a chaotic school week. But, if you’re hoping to foster long-lasting healthy habits, the best thing you can do is offer your child a choice. Say something like “You can have the cauliflower, or you can have the broccoli. It’s up to you!” Let your child have that control. Psychologists and social scientists, including the famed Dr. Maria Montessori, argue that when kids feel in charge of a decision, they are more likely to embrace one of the options — even if it’s a vegetable. Ultimately, as a parent, you are in charge of your child’s diet. Help them explore new foods and foster a positive culinary environment. Your kids will develop a taste for healthy eating in no time! many options, like rain showers, body jets, shower wands, various height options, and even bluetooth functionality — all designed with your comfort in mind. STAY HOME LONGER According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 235,000 people are injured each year in their bathroom, and about 81 percent of those injuries occur because of a fall. When you upgrade your shower to a ShowerSpa, you have the opportunity to create a space that is molded to your needs. Seats, grab bars, and flexible shower heads can give your bathroom a safety upgrade while still giving you all the comforts of a modern beautiful shower — allowing you to stay independent in your home for years to come. LOOK GREAT Part of a relaxing shower experience is the atmosphere. Yankee Home Improvement’s various ShowerSpa models include luxury stone and tile materials that give the appearance of precious stones without the ridiculous price tag. Selecting the personal design, shape, and customization of your shower allows you to create your very own personal haven. Yankee Home Improvement can help you create the bathroom of your dreams. Learn more about our products and ShowerSpas at Yankeehome. com, and see the next page of this newsletter for a special offer!
diet? If they’re like most kids, the answer is probably no. You want your children to eat more vegetables and less processed junk, but
they certainly don’t make it easy. Even getting the average kid to chow down on a serving of broccoli can be a huge chore.
In fact, food manufacturers have built an entire industry that takes advantage of our kids’ penchant for sugary cereal and fast food. However, a diet of highly processed foods can lead to a host of problems. Not only do these poor dietary habits carry over into adulthood, but a poor diet can hinder brain development and may even cause behavioral issues. A study in the American Journal of Public Health found links between poor diet and the development of depression in kids and teens. But how can you encourage your kids to eat healthier? Often, it comes down to presentation. A mound of plain old veggies is not appetizing — not to a 10-year-old and not to a 40-year-old.
Instead of presenting vegetables as a boring side dish, think of them as an ingredient.
What a ShowerSpa Remodel Can Do for You T H E S H O W E R O F Y O U R D R E A M S
Imagine a shower that not only looks classy and clean, but also feels like a rejuvenating spa treatment. Imagine that shower in your own home! With Yankee Home Improvement’s shower remodeling options, you can enjoy a relaxing shower every single day of your life. Below are three reasons you should consider upgrading your shower with a ShowerSpa remodel. FEEL BETTER A bath or shower can be a relaxing and replenishing experience, but when the space isn’t built for your needs, bathing can feel like a chore rather than a treat. Today’s ShowerSpa remodels include shower heads with
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HAVE A LAUGH
CREATE YOUR PARADISE
How the Onyx Collection Can Improve Your Bathroom
According to recent studies, the average person spends more than two years of their life in the bathroom. This begs the question, is your bathroom worth the two years of life you’re giving to it? Maybe your bathroom has been reliable for decades and you’d hate to mess with anything just for the sake of modernization. But updating your bathroom can increase the value of your home, give you a space that is functional for you and your family, provide you with more storage, and prevent you from spending thousands of dollars on repairs when disasters inevitably occur. Today’s bathroom upgrades can help you create the bathroom you’ve always dreamed of — so why not? Still, remodeling your bathroom can feel like a large undertaking. But Yankee Home Improvement’s one-day installation and our new featured Onyx Collection can make turning your bathroom into your personal paradise a breeze. The Onyx Collection makes tub-to-shower conversion easy for every variety of bathroom installation. Additionally, the materials used in
the Onyx Collection products are guaranteed to be virtually maintenance-free throughout the life of your bathroom. As an added bonus, your new shower will be under the manufacturer’s warranty forever! The best part about revamping your bathroom is creating your own aesthetic. The Onyx Collection gives you the look of natural stone and tile with a realistic but long-lasting option for the future of your bathroom. You can have the feel of marble, granite, or cultured stone at a fraction of the price, while also having complete control over the customization of your new bathroom. Updates to the trim, classic tile designs, modern shower pans, and specialty shower features through the Onyx Collection will make your bathroom completely your own. Create a bathroom you want to give more than two years of your life to. Learn more about how you can have the bathroom of your dreams with our new Onyx Collection or any of our other durable, trusted products at Yankeehome.com or call (413) 320-4994 for your free estimate.
Chicken Chop Suey
INGREDIENTS
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2 large or 4 medium chicken thighs
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3 pounds bok choy, cut into 3–4-inch ribbons
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4 tablespoons vegetable oil
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3 tablespoons oyster sauce
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2 teaspoons sugar
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2 tablespoons cornstarch, mixed with 4 tablespoons water
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2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In large pot, boil three cups of water. Add chicken and reduce to simmer, cooking for 30 minutes. Remove chicken and let cool. Once cooled, remove skin and bones, chop, and set aside. Reserve the cooking liquid. 2. In a large skillet over high heat, heat vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add bok choy and cook for 1 minute, stirring throughout. Add half of reserved cooking liquid, cover skillet, and cook for 2 minutes. Remove cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Transfer bok choy to a plate. 3. Add remaining cooking liquid and chicken to the pan, maintaining high heat. Heat chicken, then add oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch-and-water mixture, sesame oil, and bok choy. Season to taste, toss together, and serve over rice. Inspired by The New York Times
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36 Justin Dr. Chicopee, MA 01022 INSIDE
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We Love Our Employees
Trick Your Kids Into Healthy Eating The Benefits of a ShowerSpa Remodel
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Updating Your Bathroom with Onyx Chicken Chop Suey
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The Best Skiing Destinations in the World
3 OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST WINTER SPORT DESTINATIONS WHO’S READY FOR SOME POWDER?
The sound of the first carve through fresh powder is the anthem of all winter sports enthusiasts. Here are three of the world’s best places to experience that powder you’ve been craving all year. BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO John Denver’s anthem “Rocky Mountain High” is about the freedom he felt here. Where there are great mountains, there’s even better snow. The ski resort boasts five peaks, 187 trails, 34 lifts, four terrain parks, and a renowned cross-country trail. After a day on the slopes, head into the town of Breckenridge for dining and activities that ditch the glitz and glamour of Vail or Aspen and take you straight to the heart of fun. WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA A destination that looks like a cross between a Nordic paradise and Olympic-level runs, Whistler is filled with true magic, winter activities, and a town that captivates the senses. When you see the mountains
of British Columbia, you’ll understand why they hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The location’s beauty is only part of your stimulating experience, because every curve of fresh powder makes your pupils dilate. Once you’re done flying down the hill where Bode Miller took the bronze, head over to the winter wonderland of the old Olympic Village for a cozy night in a picturesque town. ST. ANTON, AUSTRIA If you want a great location for next year’s Christmas card photo, there’s no better place than the Tyrolean Alps. Nestled in a valley between perfectly molded mountains, the Austrian landscape provides a beautiful backdrop for your winter excursions. The densely wooded areas and the bright reflection of the snow frame the vibrant town that’s just waiting to be explored. When you’re ready for world-class runs, hop in one of the 11 gondolas and zip down the hills that hosted the 2001 Alpine World Ski Championships.
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