FEB/MAR 2021 - BUNDLE UP AND GET GOING! PLENTY TO DO OUTDOORS NOW PG 2-3 - Designetics
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FEB/MAR 2021 BUNDLE UP…AND GET GOING! PLENTY TO DO OUTDOORS NOW PG 2-3
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You can also grab your mountain bike for a trail ride along
BUNDLE UP…AND GET GOING! the Beach Ridge Singletrack trail. The ride is guided by
trail ride experts and offers tips and tricks to navigate
ACTIVITIES PERFECTLY SUITED FOR WINTER MONTHS potentially snowy terrain.
There’s also a unique back-to-nature outdoor gathering
at the tail end of March—the Sun and Moon Forest
Immersion is a guided outdoor meditation, during the time
period when the sun goes down and the moon comes up.
It’s a great way to commune with nature and get in touch
with inner thoughts and feelings. Check the Metroparks
website at metroparkstoledo.com for details about all
events.
Then there’s the Toledo Zoo. It’s open to the public, with
opportunities to see a variety of animals, like tigers and
bears, who actually love the cold. There’s even a unique
event on March 20th designed for the kid in all of us. The
Teddy Bear Care Fair encourages people to bring their
stuffed bears to the zoo for a little TLC—volunteers will
repair stuffed bears, and there’ll be real-life bear feeding
demonstrations and talks.
Of course, there are more solitary outdoor pursuits to
engage in—bike riding, sledding, hiking and more. The key:
getting up, getting on warm layers and getting out. After
all, it’ll be summer before you know it!
It happens all the time. Weather turns colder and snowier Conveniently, Metroparks has an innovative pop-up program
and windier and—well, you get the idea—people just that’s geared toward getting you out and about during the
hunker down indoors. But there are plenty of things to do
outside during our colder months, in order to keep you
cold weather months. Simply submit your email address
for the specific pop-up event, and they’ll send you an email
BENEFIT TIP DESIGNETICS’ HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT
AGREEMENT (HRA)
fit, more engaged and motivated to start exercise that will outlining the activity and registration information. Designetics’ major medical insurance includes an HRA.
lead into the dog days of summer. It is a benefit that helps enrolled employees with out-of
For example, there’s a snowshoeing pop-up that’s run
pocket medical expenses.
One of the best places to tap into outdoor fun is our on a semi-regular basis throughout February and March.
own Metroparks system. In fact, there’s a host of outdoor Organizers will send out a notice and you can register to go If you (or a covered family member) are enrolled in
activities designed to take advantage of the parks while mushing through wooded areas with others. the insurance plan and pay for an expense that counts
the weather is still brisk. And, taking in the various trails towards your deductible, you may be eligible for a
There’s also the Metroparks After Dark program, designed
and parkland during this time period offers a different reimbursement through the HRA.
so people can take advantage of hiking after work when
perspective, allowing you to see things you may miss when
the sun has already set. Headlamps or flashlights are highly For more information about the HRA and possible
the summer foliage obscures the surroundings.
recommended. reimbursement, contact Human Resources.
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FUN FACTS ABOUT YOUR COWORKERS
DESIGNETICS’ BENEFIT WELLNESS TIP
INTERVIEWEE: DIANA VILLANUEVA
WHAT IS YOUR TITLE? FAVORITE FOOD?
Inside Sales & Support Pizza
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED HERE? FAVORITE DESSERT?
5 and a half years Cheesecake and Crème Brulee
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB ENTAIL? WHAT AGE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD PERMANENTLY
I feel it’s a mix, but mainly working with the sales team, BE?
customer pricing, prototype requests, part number I don’t know that one age would stick out. I have learned a lot
assignment, customer setup, among other tasks. over the years and don’t really have an age preference.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOUR WHAT IS YOUR DREAM CAR?
JOB? I’m not a huge car person and have always had a Camry for
PERSONALIZE YOUR PLATE It is ever changing on a day-to-day basis. My day is not the past 21 years.
always the same.
March is National Nutrition Month® and our goal is to show Here’s a great plan using habit stacking and positive
HOW MANY PETS DO YOU HAVE?
how we can eat better with tips from positive psychology to psychology to eat better. FAVORITE COUNTRIES/STATES TRAVELED? 1, Max the Westie
stack new eating habits.
STEP ONE: Add a fruit to breakfast every day using a Florida is always my favorite go to, but Puerto Rico had
a lot to offer. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE
Harvard Health gives four recommendations when it comes stackedhabit such as: before coffee, I will eat a banana.
COMING MONTHS?
to designing an eating plan: Repeat daily until eating a banana before having coffee
FAVORITE VACATION? Warmer weather, taking Max to the Park and outdoor Tennis.
becomes a habit. And be sure to give yourself as much
Eat less simple carbohydrates such as soda, baked goods, Anything near the beach or Disney. Key West was my
time as you need before moving forward. Small steps = big
and fruit juice. favorite beach vacation! Island time is always the best!
success.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains such as whole STEP TWO: Add a vegetable to lunch every day using FAVORITE HOLIDAY?
grain bread, beans, and oats. a stacked habit such as: after I eat a handful of cherry Christmas and Halloween
tomatoes, I will eat the rest of my lunch. When you have
Eat more good fats from plant oils and fish such as salmon,
locked down your lunch veggie habit, move on to step
cod, perch, and tuna.
Moderate low-fat dairy products and nuts.
three.
“A RANDOM FACT ABOUT ME
STEP THREE: Add a salad to dinner every day using a
But how do we take these recommendations and put them
into action? Stacked habits.
stacked habit such as: before I eat dinner, I will begin with a
salad.
IS THAT I WORKED AT WALT DISNEY
Stacked habits use current habits we already do each
day and then stacks the new behavior on top. Using habit
Now it’s your turn: After/Before ________, I will ______________.
WORLD WHICH MAKES ME VERY BIASED
*Article from the Employers’ Association. For more information on habit
stacking to eat better taps into the benefits of positive
stacking, visit jamesclear.com.
psychology, especially when we adopt the mindset of
adding in foods rather than taking them away. WHEN IT COMES TO DISNEY”
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SPECIAL DATES FEB 21
Dave’s 10th employment anniversary
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
FEBRUARY
TIANA LAURA
FEB 2 FEB 22 MIRISSA DANIEL
Barb’s 6th employment anniversary DIANA DAVE
Lorie’s 11th employment anniversary
FEB 2
MARCH DESIGNETICS CARES IS
Grounhog Day JEN P. FANA NOW ON FACEBOOK.
MAR 9 SI JASON
Ken’s 6th employment anniversary Give us a like on our page with the QR code below.
CHARLIE CASEY
CHARQUEL BRIAN K
FEB 3 DUSTIN
Gil’s 1st employment anniversary MAR 11-12
Chair massages
FEB 9 MAR 14
QUOTE OF THE
Nikki’s 3rd employment anniversary Daylight Savings Time Begins
Spring Forward; Don’t forget to MONTH
change your clocks!
FEB 11 IF YOU FAIL, NEVER GIVE UP BE-
Valentine’s Day Flower Truck &
MAR 14 CAUSE F.A.I.L. MEANS FIRST AT-
Cupcake Truck
Angie’s 10th employment anniversary
TEMPT IN LEARNING. END IS NOT
FEB 14 THE END. IN FACT, E.N.D. MEANS
Valentine’s Day MAR 17 EFFORT NEVER DIES. IF YOU GET
St. Patrick’s Day WANT TO
NO AS AN ANSWER, REMEMBER N.O.
CONTRIBUTE
MEANS NEXT OPPORTUNITY!
FEB 15
Presidents’ Day MAR 20 CHANGE YOUR MINDSET!
CONTENT?
First Day of Spring
Email Casey:
FEB 18 CONGRATULATIONS TO: cclark@designetics.com
Ben G.’s 8th employment anniversary MAR 21
Amanda’s 5th employment anniversary Si for accepting the Production position!
Dana for accepting the Production position!
FEB 18 Ben S. for accepting the Production position!
Gale’s 13th employment anniversary MAR 21
WELCOME TO DESIGNETICS
Gary for accepting the Maintenance Mechanic position!
Nathalie’s 5th employment anniversary
Jen P. for accepting the Quality Assurance Manager SHERI!
position!
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RECIPES OF THE MONTH
CHICKEN MEATBALLS IN SPRING
VEGETABLE BROTH
INGREDIENTS:
MEATBALLS BROTH AND ASSEMBLY
DIRECTIONS:
4 SCALLIONS, FINELY CHOPPED 2 TBSP. VEGETABLE OIL MEATBALLS BROTH AND ASSEMBLY
STEP 1 STEP 4
1 LARGE EGG 1, 3” PIECE GINGER, PEELED, THINLY SLICED
Mix scallions, egg, egg yolk, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium. Add ginger,
coriander, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Finely grate garlic, and pepper and cook, stirring often, until garlic is
1 LARGE EGG YOLK 3 GARLIC CLOVES, THINLY SLICED
zest from lime into bowl. Add chicken and gently mix with golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add 6 cups cold water,
your hands until evenly distributed. increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a simmer.
1 1.5 PIECE GINGER, PEELED, FINELY GRATED 1/2 TSP. FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER
1 GARLIC CLOVE, FINELY GRATED 1 TBSP. SOY SAUCE
STEP 2 STEP 5
Gently roll chicken mixture into 1 and 1/2”-diameter balls
KOSHER SALT
Working with 1 meatball at a time, reroll to ensure it’s
1 TBSP. SOY SAUCE (about the size of a golf ball; you should have about 20)
round and gently add to broth. Reduce heat to medium-
and place on a baking sheet. Chill until ready to use.
low and add soy sauce; season with salt. Cook meatballs
1 TSP. GROUND CORIANDER 2 CELERY STALKS, THINLY SLICED
until cooked through, 10–12 minutes. Add celery and snow
peas and cook until peas are bright green and tender,
1 TSP. KOSHER SALT 10 OZ. THINLY SLICED SNOW PEAS OR SUGAR SNAP PEAS STEP 3 about 3 minutes.
Do Ahead: Meatballs can be formed 2 months ahead;
1/2 TSP. FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER 2 SCALLIONS, THINLY SLICED freeze until firm, about 2 hours, then transfer to a
resealable plastic freezer bag and keep frozen.
STEP 6
1 LIME 1 CUP COARSELY CHOPPED CILANTRO Divide soup among bowls. Top with scallions and cilantro.
1 LB. GROUND CHICKEN *For more recipes, visit bonappetit.com.
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JANUARY PAST EVENTS:
KEN’S DIAPER PARTY
Congratulations to Ken and Amber for having a baby boy! To celebrate, we threw a diaper party for Ken. Employees brought baby
books and gave their wishes inside the cover in place of cards. As a party favor, double layer cookie cakes were provided!
FEBRUARY PAST EVENTS:
SNOW DAY!
On February 16th, we had a record snowstorm with 12.4 inches
of snow falling. Toledo Express Airport reported a snow depth
of 19 inches, tying the record set in 1978 following the historic
Blizzard of ‘78.
INTERVIEW WITH AN INNOVATOR: BILLY HESSER
From time to time, we sit down with a Designetics innovator developing processes and improving existing processes, over
VALENTINES DAY! to talk about his or her career as well as topics relevant to the multiple disciplines.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, we decided to try fluid applications industry. This month: Senior Plastics Engineer
WHAT DOES A PLASTICS ENGINEER DO?
something new! Designetics invited Val’s Vintage Flower Billy Hesser.
I work on developing new tooling and new molding
Truck and PM Frosted Fantasies cupcake truck to come visit.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT DESIGNETICS? processes, improving existing tooling, and building
Employees were able to make their own flower arrangement I’ve been here for two years. prototypes to meet our customers’ needs. I am also
at the flower truck then choose from cupcakes, macaroons, continuously working with the injection- and blow-molding
HOW DID YOU WIND UP WORKING AT DESIGNETICS? (WHAT
and brownies for dessert. processes to improve cycle times and increase molding
WAS YOUR CAREER PATH?)
capacity.
I have been working in the plastics industry for 22 years,
12 Issue 24 Feb/Mar 2021
HOW DID YOU COME TO CHOOSE PLASTICS ENGINEERING AS makeup can improve cycle times and reduce unplanned
A CAREER PATH? downtime. Plastic chemical compositions have also improved
My dad was a tool and die maker and the shop he worked at product shelf life for consumers, keeping products fresh and
built all the custom molding machines and molds for Owens safe.
Illinois. I found the process of converting plastic pellets to
form everyday consumer products very intriguing. I later HAVE PROCESSES ADAPTED BECAUSE OF TECHNOLOGY?
attended a high school focused on the processes. Yes, many of the techniques used for tool evaluation have
been improved by in-tool sensors that allow the molder to
DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY WORKING AT DESIGNETICS…
monitor fill time, cavity pressure, melt temperature and real
Typical days involve designing or reviewing new tooling designs
and reviewing and improving molding processes. Also, it time gate seal. Previously, these were molding tests that had
involves working through customer inquiries with the quality to be done manually, extending the startup and launch of the
and sales team. tools and allowing for variations from run to run.
HOW DOES PLASTICS ENGINEERING IMPACT THE WORK AT LOOK FIVE YEARS INTO THE FUTURE: WHAT WILL PLASTICS
DESIGNETICS? ENGINEERING LOOK LIKE?
Molding plastic is the first step in the production process…the Plastic engineering has an impact on everyone from the bottle
quality and consistency (of molding) makes all downstream
you drink out of to the medical equipment that can save your
processes run more efficiently, after all. Making sure the
life. I think moving forward, the industry will continue to find
delivery of parts from molding to assembly is critical to
maintain process flow. solutions to reduce the number of current plastics being used
and find alternative types that will improve environmental
HOW INTEGRAL IS ENGINEERING TO DESIGNETICS AND ITS
impact. We recently have had a shift from rigid packaging like
PROCESSES?
yogurt and apple sauce cups to pouch dispensing, reducing
Engineering plays a big role in all of processes at Designetics.
the amount of area being occupied in landfills.
WHY?
I am always looking for ways to make processes faster and WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITY TO PEOPLE IN THE
more reliable through data-driven decision-making. PLASTICS ENGINEERING FIELD?
The biggest opportunity: Improving the design of products
HOW HAS 3D PRINTING IMPACTED YOUR PROFESSION?
to reduce the volume of plastics in consumer goods and
3D printing, like all professions, has made the process of taking
something from concept to completed part much faster and at developing plastics that promote recycling to improve the
a lower cost. We can now print concept prototypes overnight, reuse of post-consumer plastics.
reducing labor and evaluating fit and function prior to running
CONVERSELY, WHAT’S THE BIGGEST THREAT TO PEOPLE IN
high-dollar equipment to make tooling.
THE PLASTICS ENGINEERING INDUSTRY?
WHAT TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY HAVE CHANGED THE WAY Government regulations on plastic products.
YOU APPROACH YOUR WORK?
IF SOMEONE WANTED TO FOLLOW IN YOUR CAREER
Solid modeling in CAD software has improved the ability
FOOTSTEPS, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE?
to evaluate a part and tool design. And, mold flow and FEA
analysis give me the opportunity to evaluate theoretical values The plastics industry is always changing, based on the needs of
and make changes prior to cutting steel for tools. the consumers and industry. Plastics engineers are constantly
developing new polymers, new products and new methods—
HAVE CHANGES/ADVANCES IN CHEMICAL MAKEUP OF
offering many career paths within the plastics industry. So,
VARIOUS PLASTICS IMPACTED YOUR WORK? IF SO, HOW?
They haven’t impacted my current work much, but in previous never settle and always strive to find a better way.
roles advances have had a very big impact; the chemical
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