Industry Shows Kinder, Gentler Side —Cagle

Bits and Pieces

SURE, IT’S late February on your calendar. Pitchers and catchers have arrived in Florida, where the sweet, sweet sound of baseballs popping into catchers’ mitts reminds us that spring is right around the corner. Though we’ve experienced a mild winter in the Northeast, everyone always welcomes the opportunity to thaw out and spend some time outside.

But, with PI’s editorial lead time, it is actually just after the first of the year. My body still aches to sleep in until 10 a.m. The kids are still griping about going back to school. I’ve seen the SpongeBob Christmas episode 12 times and can perfectly imitate Patrick Star saying, “Like a genie.” And I’ve gained eight pounds, courtesy of Hershey’s and their Kisses, Miniatures, Chocolate Santas and, of course, the Pot of Gold. I didn’t have a meal the entire 10 days I was off, but the snack level was just overwhelming. Forget sugar plums—Mr. Goodbar was dancing in my head, cutting a rug with Mrs. Godiva.

So, as I attempt to shake off the post-holiday blahs and head for the nearest treadmill, we’ll present a few inspirational stories to put you in the right frame of mind.

CAN (FOOD) THE SYMPATHY: No one is exempt from the cruelties of reality at any time. Once upon a time, the world issued a cease fire during the December holiday season, but that’s gone out the window.

Sunny Industries, of Mazomanie, WI, which had been in receivership since early 2006 and facing lawsuits from GE Capital and CIT Group/Equipment Financing totaling $7 million, closed its doors December 22, according to the Associated Press. It left 380 workers without jobs. Sure, the writing was on the wall, but the timing is still crappy.

While company president Mike Spitz is trying to find a financial backer, a fellow printer is making some provisions for the downtrodden Sunny folks. Royle Printing in neighboring Sun Prairie, WI, is making an effort to cushion the blow for its former print adversary by holding a food drive. The effort culled several hundred dollars worth of grub that was destined for a food bank in Mazomanie.