Keifer Professional Search
Cindi Swartout-Editor
A Word From Kevin…
Hello Everyone,
Welcome to the days of “Shelter In Place”. We are living in “Interesting Times”, it’s amazing how nice it is during the day, no commuter traffic, people at the park walking their dogs while maintaining the correct social distancing. We are connecting with our neighbors and working together. It’s what we need, a common cause. For the Millennials this is their first real crisis that they feel is threatening their lives. With all the other complicated issues of living in 2020 a Pandemic just wasn’t in their plans. All I can say is hold on tight to the people you love. We are still on the front end of the Bell Curve of the Corona virus so we better hold on and start using our Uncommon Sense. We will make it through this and our Economy will come roaring back.
When this is over, and it will end, there will still be a need for talented people like you, my Gentle Readers. While several of my clients have postponed the hiring process none of them have given me any indication that they are not going to fill the current positions on my Website.
Please take a look at the openings and if you think of someone that you know of that is underemployed at this time, just drop my a line. I love referrals and I will be happy to go over your friends long term career goals and make sure that what I am working on is a good fit.
Like the Man said: Wash your hands and keep your hands to yourself, or was that George Thoroughgood? Either way, play nice with your classmates and keep a positive attitude. Remember what my Mentor used to say, “Approach life from a Happy, Peppy and Bursting with Love Attitude”.
Someone who inspired me Recently was a Beautiful Lady on her 100th Birthday who said that her Mother taught her: “Love Many, Trust Few, Learn to power your own Canoe”. Her name is Vanilla Bean and she is a Hat Maker. I know you will love her too.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Links for you
Trade shows Kevin will be attending:
From Danna’s Desk…
First, I wish you all strong health during this time of shelter in place. Please make safe decisions.
Since we are all at home getting things done, you can also brush off your resume to keep it up to date in case that “Dream job” appears when we are all able to go back to work. We had strong hiring needs before this virus affected our lives, and all indicators are signaling that we will have even stronger needs once this pandemic is over.
If you are looking for work, this is a good time to reach out to hiring authorities, recruiters, and HR as everyone is working from home and has a lot more time to have conversations. All the positions that have been put on hold, will move forward to be filled along with new positions, once the shelter in place is over.
It is a good time to reflect and think about the next five years and where you want to be with your career and how you will get there. Keep all your mental tools sharp by staying up to date with current events, what is happening with your company, your industry, and the world at large. This may be a really good time to get additional training that you didn’t have time to do before the shelter in place.
Must of all, love the people you are with and connect with those you can not see. It is amazing how a phone call can brighten someone’s day.
Keep positive and never give up!
Danna
From Katie’s Desk…
Hello Everyone,
I know that these are crazy times and the outlook seems bleak, however, I am always trying to find a silver lining. Spring is near, flowers are blossoming, and warmer days lay ahead.
Here are a few positives I’ve noticed as a result of this global pandemic:
- The water is running clear and the fish have returned to the Venetian Canals
- There has been a huge drop in air pollution in China
- I’ve spent more quality time in the great outdoors and with my family than ever before!
I think we can learn a lot from nature and its ability to recover no matter how badly we damage it. Just like nature, we are resilient creatures and no matter how hard this virus hits us, we will recover.
I understand this has hit our economy in numerous ways and there is a lot of uncertainty right now. I can honestly say that in my 24 years of existence I have never experienced anything like this and I do not have any specific career advice for those of you out there.
If there’s anything history has taught us though, it is that life goes on. Make preparations for the day things do return to normal. I know here at KPS we are staying poised and ready. That way when hiring freezes have been lifted, we will be the first to strike since all of our pipelines will be loaded.
Take the time to work on yourself and do things you normally never have time for. Clean out your garage, pitch those old clothes, take your dog to the park, or just cook a really nice meal for your loved ones, whatever brings you and those around you some joy.
My best advice would be to stay safe, healthy, and hopeful. This too shall pass.
Sincerely,
Katie
From Cindi’s Desk…
As I sit at home and work remotely at this unprecedented time I hope that everyone is remembering to check on friends, family and neighbors and to help them with any needs they have. Keep the social distancing at 6 foot. I live in Santa Clara County, California which is a very hard hit area. Our stores are setting up dedicated times for seniors only to shop, groups I belong to that usually meet in person are learning to use technology to have conference/video calls to stay in contact and work together. Schools are putting classes online and even my granddaughter’s violin lesson is being done via Zoom! We are resourceful and will weather this inconvenience. I hope everyone takes advantage of the “Shelter at Home” and do all the things we keep saying we are too busy to get to. Have the kids help with meals and teach them to cook, make those repairs, finish that craft or sewing project or just take the time to finally watch the movie you haven’t found the time to watch or read that book you keep putting off. I’m going to finish some projects and organize some closets and cupboards!
These essential services will remain open:
- Gas stations
- Pharmacies
- Food: Grocery stores, farmers markets, food banks, convenience stores, take-out and delivery restaurants
- Hardware stores/plumbers
- Banks
- Community benefit organizations on a case-by-case basis
- Laundromats/laundry services
What’s closed?
- Dine-in restaurants
- Bars and nightclubs
- Entertainment venues
- Gyms and fitness studios
Be safe, wash your hands and we will make it through this!
My Favorite Recipe!
Found at lecremedelacrumb.com
Slow Cooker Sweet & Sour Meatballs
Ingredients
- 1-2 pounds lean ground beef (non-lean works too)
- 1 egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained (not crushed)
- 1 red pepper, seeded, stem removed, and chopped
Sauce
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (may sub white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- (frozen meatballs will work if you don’t want to make them)
- In a large bowl combine ground beef, egg and yolk, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands to mash everything together until the ingredients are well-mixed. Roll the mixture into 1.5 inch balls. Place meatballs side by side in a single layer in the bottom of a greased crockpot. Add pineapple chunks (without juice) and red peppers.
- Prepare the sauce by whisking together sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ketchup, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour over meatballs in the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, in a small bowl whisk together cold water and corn starch. Pour into crockpot and stir. Cover and allow to thicken for about 30 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Alternate oven cooking method: instead of placing meatballs in the slow cooker, place them on a greased baking sheet along with the chopped red peppers. Bake them for 15-20 minutes until cooked though and browned. Remove from oven and add to a large sauce pan with your sweet and sour sauce, the cooked red peppers, and the pineapple chunks and stir over medium heat. Add the corn starch slurry and allow to thicken for about 5 minutes before serving.
Summer Recipes