Spectrum Connection: May

From The Desk of Dave Smalley: TIME

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Time sure is a funny thing. Sometimes we run out of TIME, then there are someTIMES, once upon a TIME, and of course there’s it’s about TIME. Well, this is about….TIME. As we all know, time tick-tocks along; nothing changes time. The wind doesn’t slow it down or speed it up, it is just a constant.

Real-time, our lifetime clock, always runs, as opposed to the time on a stopwatch, which of course measures a specific time. Pictured is our family stopwatch. It was purchased over 50 years ago to time at swim meets. Time was the enemy then if you will. The more time on the clock, the less accomplished one was. How different that is from real life time. Real life time allows us the opportunity to be accomplished, to have experiences, to show compassion, and to live and love. How different that time is from the time recorded on the stopwatch. No pause button, no stop button in real life.

The watch above is still in its original box, carefully placed in a soft pocket that we made to keep it safe. One might even say to protect time. But, even with care, nearly immediately after it’s purchase, it was cracked carelessly. It still worked great, and still does today, although it’s intended purpose has been replaced by electronic timing and electronic touch pads. That is what happens over time; things change.

My Dad held that stopwatch and timed me with it. My Dad and my Mom are no longer with us; their time ran out, called to a greater purpose. I am sure similar to most, while we are sad that time is over, we are grateful for the time we had. Turns out one can’t protect time, one can just live it.

Time might still be the enemy in real life, I am not sure. I know that time is for sure my friend, as it has allowed me to experience so much, so very much. It is holding that stopwatch again that really got me to thinking about the times of our lives, how precious each tenth of a second recorded on that watch was, and realizing how precious every second of life really is. Filled with opportunity, filled with discovery. How much can one fit in, for we all must know that our time is finite. It has a beginning and it has an ending as we know it.

So this is my reminder to live life to the fullest. Be great, be a champion, be the friend you would love to have, be yourself.

From The Desk Of Melanie Parker: GET YOUR SMILE ON!!! Reasons to Smile.

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Comedian George Burns said that he was advised: “Let a smile be your umbrella.” He said, “I tried that once. I had pneumonia for six weeks and shrunk a $450.00 suit.” All right. Maybe it won’t keep you dry in the rain, but there are other good reasons to smile. It’s said that it requires more muscles to frown than to smile, and who wants to overwork their facial muscles? Smiling also puts others at ease and helps establish instant rapport. And if that isn’t enough, when you smile it releases endorphins in your brain, and gives you a feeling of well-being and contentment. So, if you smile when you don’t feel like it, you’ll soon be smiling just because it feels so good. Here are a few more reasons to smile:

  • Smiling is a universal language that everyone knows.
  • People will enjoy being around you when you smile.
  • Smiling reduces stress, which may improve your overall health.
  • Smiling will change the sound qualities of your voice when you speak or sing.
  •  A smile costs nothing, but gives much. It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give.
  • When you smile at a stranger, you just might change a life.
  • It takes only a moment, but the memory of it lingers far after the moment has passed.
  • A smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away.
  • And finally, some people are too emotionally drained to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as no one needs a smile so much as one who has no more to give.

Why not give out a few extra smiles today – and be prepared to get some back. — Steve Goodier

Cheers!
~Mel

 

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Wicked Whisk was honored to travel to Augusta, Georgia to serve thousands of people at the first annual AUGUSTA AT NIGHT Music & Food Experience at SRP Park. The crowd enjoyed Sheryl Crow and Hootie & The Blowfish in concert while we attended to their every need in the suites and clubs. It was a magical Master’s week experience!

We also had a wonderful time pairing local wines and beers at the brand new Woodland Hills activity center. This evening was a VIP preview of the new space exclusively for their local residents. We are thrilled that we get to return for their public opening in May.

CONGRATULATIONS: Salvador Zepeda

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Sal started with the Smart Financial Centre in November of 2017, initially as a steward in the dish room. The chef at the time asked Sal to train as the Suites chef. Sal had no real kitchen experience then, other than the dish room. Sal had never picked up a French knife but quickly grasped the basics. As Sal progressed, he was also taught to pass the knowledge on by learning a task, doing the task, and then teaching that task to the next aspiring culinarian. Sal has also taken over the closing duties in the kitchen. Since he has come aboard, he has had the opportunity to practice his charcuterie skills by making several different sausages. Sal has also learned how to ferment and pickle different items in the kitchen; dill pickles, fermented habanero salsa, fermented blueberries, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Sal also cures and smokes our bacon! Sal sets himself apart by leading by example, and most nights you can find him scrubbing the pizza pans at the end of the night to help the dish crew get out faster. He leads by showing up 10 minutes early every day, setting the standard for attendance in the kitchen. Sal has promoted himself by being a leader and committing to continuous growth in the kitchen on a regular basis.

Sal has also taken over the closing duties in the kitchen. Since he has come aboard, he has had the opportunity to practice his charcuterie skills by making several different sausages. Sal has also learned how to ferment and pickle different items in the kitchen; dill pickles, fermented habanero salsa, fermented blueberries, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Sal also cures and smokes our bacon!

Sal sets himself apart by leading by example, and most nights you can find him scrubbing the pizza pans at the end of the night to help the dish crew get out faster. He leads by showing up 10 minutes early every day, setting the standard for attendance in the kitchen.

Sal has promoted himself by being a leader and committing to continuous growth in the kitchen on a regular basis.

Stay committed and keep Hammering Down, Sal! ~Ronny S.

Employee profile: Victoria Colozza

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How did you get introduced to Spectrum?

I started culinary school at Schenectady County Community College, and Chris Brucculeri and Gary Oms-by came to do an internship program there. I attended the meeting and signed up for the interviews. I spoke to Chris and quickly became very interested in doing Music Festivals. I then received an email stating I was accepted into the internship program! I did the summer doing Golf Tournaments and Music Festivals. At the end of my internship, I spoke to Melanie about needs for a baker for a Cirque du Soleil show. Of course, I was interested! From that point on, I have been with Cirque tours for 6 shows. I just fell in love with the routine and the different diverse group of people around me.

When did you start and what is your role at Spectrum?

I was hired with Spectrum on May 13, 2014. My current role is on Cirque du Soleil Corteo show as a Co-Manager and Front of House Manager / Baker. I fill the shoes of many roles, but love all of them! I first started out as the Front of House Prep, and as shown the ropes of new roles, I quickly evolved. I bumped up to Front of House Manager, and have been for many tours. For about 14 weeks, I helped as Tour Manager. Now, I currently am a Co-Manager, and taking on new tasks with the help of Aaron Williams to finish off another show.

What do you love most about your job?

I love the diverse group of people I work with. I am always learning new things, involved with different vendors to keep deadlines met, and just interacting with people and creating relationships with all the people I work with. Whether it be an immediate team of Spectrum, The Corteo Tour team, Truck and Role who move and place our trucks, Sysco reps that deliver our food, Rental Car reps to have transportation each week, organizing store orders for local food pickups, etc.; I am in contact with a large group of people that have made me a better organized and knowledgeable person to complete my job at the end of the day. Meeting different people and exploring new areas made me a well-rounded individual, and also helped create the people person I am today.

Tell us about your family!

My parents are Debbie and Rich Colozza. They have molded me into the person I am today. They have taught me values and respect that I uphold each and every day. My parents live in Gansevoort, New York, and have provided me support. They just love to hear about my experiences and think my job is just the coolest. I have a set of twin brothers. Tim lives also in Gansevoort, New York, and works as a machinist in Saratoga Springs, New York. My other brother, Chris, lives in Keeseville, New York, and works as an engineer in Plattsburgh, New York. They are two great individuals that I look up to for wisdom and support in life. I have 3 amazing nieces. Olivia will be graduating high school this year and will start to explore life as she enters into col-lege. She loves writing and theatre. Mia is our sports lover! She excels in soccer, softball, and basketball. Rosa is the youngest, and just loves life and trying new things.

What are your interests when time permits away from our crazy world?

I usually go home on our two-week tour breaks, as being away from family is hard. That’s my time to decompress and share all my traveling experiences. I also try to squeeze in some catch-up time with friends. This time around, I have decided to not go home to family, but am planning a two week trip to Iceland on my upcoming tour break. As much as I travel, I love to check out new places and explore cities each week. I look forward to my collecting of Hello Kitty things everywhere I go, and taking in all I can from each city whether it be hiking, escape rooms, visiting family and friends in that city, collecting souvenirs, or just doing the normal tourist things.

Why Spectrum?

Spectrum has a lot of employees that have a lot of knowledge! When I first started, I was welcomed with open arms while working in every event. I was shown new things and new ways of accomplishing tasks. I created relationships; both on personal and professional levels. Many people I am still in contact with today and use my “social resources” for upcoming events. Spectrum has opened doors for me that I never thought would be opened. I have traveled to all but 3 US states, and I have been to every providence in Canada. The opportunities that have been given to me by Spectrum are just truly amazing. Spectrum builds you up and allows you to move around and not get burnt out in one area. I started in Golf and Music, and now I am with Cirque Tours. Just being able to experience all aspects of a company is a huge part in finding yourself as an employee and person. Every person I have interacted within the Spectrum family have played a large roll in developing my career here. I have many people to thank for shaping me into the person I am today and helping me establish myself as a Spectrum Employee.

Do you have a favorite event, if so, which one and why?

I would have to say Bonnaroo. I was still an intern when I did this event, and I was asked to do the bag lunches part of the prepping. Managing such a large group of locals and being 100% organized, this was a challenge I wanted to accept. The group of individuals I worked with on that event made every day coming to work so much fun. Even though it was long hours, we always had great live music playing, and a team that came together to get the task done. I can still remember when it was my birthday while working the event, Shelley brought me into the kitchen area and had everyone sing Happy Birthday to me. I was so appreciative of all the love, and it made missing home a little less. All the events I have been on have had an impact on me. I find the fun and motivation to just keep moving forward and look at the positives. Every day there are some negatives, but the positives outweigh the negatives in this job. Many people will say that being around a lot of people you start to jive together. You find a connection, and start from there!

Congratulations, you two! Arizona Catering!

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We, at Arizona Catering, are coming up on our 1 year anniversary with Spectrum on June 11th, 2019. We had an all-employee meeting on April 23rd to celebrate our “Main Thing” is Pride and Purpose. Moving forward, we will be recognizing our Star Employees that pride themselves in going above and beyond each and every day. Jeannia Smith received the first Award of Excellence. She is always there for us to inspire us every day. Troy Crabtree received the first Star Employee Award. He continually defines service in everything he does. Congratulations to Jeannia and Troy!

~Diane R.

Coming Up

Shaky Knees Music Festival 5/3-5/5

AT & T Byron Nelson 5/6-5/12

Charles Schwabb Challenge 5/20-5/26

Governor’s Ball 5/31-6/2

RBC Canadian Open 6/3-6/9

Bonaroo Music Festival 6/13-6/23

American Family Insurance Champion 6/17-6/23

Red, Hot, and Blue 7/4

Freedom Over Texas Music Festival 7/4

John Deere Classic 7/8-6/14

Forecastle Music Festival 7/12- 7/14

Piknic Music Festival 7/19-7/20

Mo Pop Musical Festival 7/27-7/28

Railbird Music Festival 8/10-8/11

BMW Championship 8/12-8/18

CP Women’s Open 8/19-8/25

Country Spirit USA Music Festival 8/23-8/25

Afropunk Music Festival 8/24-8/25

 

Wishes

Jamilla Dorsey 5/02

Jaenelle Rossano 5/02

Lori Brasfeild 5/11

Danielle Olivis 5/11

Jonathan Solis 5/12

Matt Curtin 5/13

Pablo Montoya 5/15

Virginia Lane 5/26

Mike McCurry 5/26

Lupe Villareal 5/27

Jason Avellant 5/28

Danial Ayala 5/31

 

Congrats

Shelly Gatchell 5/1/1997

Rafael Rivas 5/1/2017

Helen Gonzales 5/3/1995

Annette St. Romain 5/4/2010

Torin Mobley 5/5/2016

Jose Abad 5/6/2009

Patrick Severson 5/6/2015

Cristian Ventura 5/6/2015

Janis Demarco 5/11/2017

Victoria Colozza 5/13/2014

Mercedes Perez De Abad 5/19/2014

Mercedes Gonzalez 5/22/2017

Ricky Esquivel 5/23/2000

Danielle Starkey 5/25/2015

Georgetta Zwiers 5/27/2004

Sonia Villatoro 5/28/2018

Ronny Smeink 5/30/2016

 

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