newsletter - minnesota
TRANSCRIPT
News
Labor Day September 3rd The Mille Lacs County Offices will be closed in observation of Labor Day on Monday, September 3, 2018.
Safety Kits Available As of September 1, 2018, all of the county fleet vehicles have been equipped with a personal first aid kit and 2 mylar rescue blankets for use in case of emergency. The kits and blankets are located in the glove compartment of each car. Please contact ASO if you have any questions.
WELCOA Quiz Winner Congratulations to Jane DeHart from CVS for being the winner of our August Wellness prize! Watch for the WELCOA quizzes with the September newsletter for your chance to win. All of the answers to the quiz can be found in the WELCOA health bulletins. Those who score 100% on the quiz will be entered for a chance to win a Wellness prize! Send your quiz answers (either the entire answer sheet, or just your answers in an email) to Diana in the ASO
by 9/15/18. 02/15/17.
Events & Attractions Waste Tire Collection: Milaca Shop Sept. 20, 2:30-6:30 p.m. North Maintenance Facility Sept. 27, 2:30-6:30 p.m.
Farmers’ Markets:
Princeton: Farmers’ Market every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Milaca: Farmers’ Market every Wednesday, 2:00-6:00 p.m. Onamia: Farmers’ Market every Friday, 2:00-6:00 p.m.
I have worked for Mille Lacs County for 6 months. I started on February 12. What I like best about my job is waking up every day, excited to go to work. The reason I wanted to obtain a Bachelors Degree in
Social Work was so I could serve the Veteran community. Being a Veterans Service Officer is my dream job! Mille Lacs County is a beautiful community. I am right where I want to be.
I was born and raised in Crosby, MN. I attended school in Crosby until the summer between 7th & 8th grade. When my dad reenlisted in the Navy, we moved to San Diego, CA. I attended 8th, 9th, and half of 10th grade there. Then I moved back to Crosby and lived with my Grandma (Nana) so I could graduate from Crosby-Ironton High School. My Nana appreciated me moving home with her because that was the year my grandpa went into a nursing home with Alzheimer’s. I also obtained an AA Degree with an emphasis in Criminal Justice at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN. Then I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a minor in Gerontology.
I enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1996, and reenlisted in 2009. I volunteered for deployment and was picked up by the 175 Forward Support Company. I was a gunner in a gun truck, we were doing convoy security. I had a 50 cal attached to my truck and also had a M249 SAW, and M 4 with a M203 grenade launcher attached to it.
I am married and live in Isle, MN on Malone Island. We have seven children between the two of us. My husband, Ken has a son and a daughter. I have 2 daughters and three sons. They are in the family photo. Front row – left to right – Valentino (11) Nick (21) back row – left to right – Mashell (23) Antonio (14) Me and my husband Ken, Grace (19) Glorie (17) and Gaylan III (16). In my free time I enjoy reading and anything outdoors. I love to spend time on our four-wheelers, and our pontoon. Living on Mille Lacs Lake has been wonderful. We go out on the water almost every day! I also enjoy board games, bonfires, camping, and fishing. Most would be surprised to know that I can crochet, knit, and sew. I have made several quilts and was extremely excited to purchase an Elna Sewing Machine a few years ago. I learned how to crochet from one of my grandmas and knit from my other grandma. I was even a member of a quilting circle for several years in Crosby.
Employee Spotlight Amy Dow
Employee Benefits Fair 2018
Mark your calendars! This year’s Employee Benefits Fair will run from 9 am to 3 pm on Friday, October 19, and will be held in the Board Room on the upper level of the Historic Courthouse. The Benefits Fair usually lasts from 10 am to 2 pm, but an extra two hours have been added this year to allow time for questions after our first year with PEIP health insurance and the new vision insurance. Please take advantage of this time to speak with providers while they are here! The Benefits Fair is the kick-off for our open enrollment period, which will begin on October 22 and end on November 2, 2018. This is the annual opportunity for county employees to evaluate their current insurance and flexible benefits plan elections, and make changes to their benefits for the 2019 plan year. (Unless you experience a mid-year qualifying event, your next opportunity to make changes to your elected benefits will be during next year’s open enrollment period for the 2020 plan year.) At the Benefits Fair, you will be able to meet and talk with representatives from our benefits providers, attend informational presentations, and get your flu shot. A schedule of presentations will be posted on the annual flyer distributed to employees prior to the Benefits Fair. If you have any questions/concerns regarding this event or your benefits in general, please contact Karly in the ASO.
10 Little-Known but Powerful Features of the EAP Besides the commonly understood services of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), such as counseling for relationships, depression and anxiety, the EAP can support members’ em- ployees and officials with many other personal and workplace concerns. Here are the top 10 little-known but powerful features of the EAP: 1. Parent coaching: Strategies to manage a variety of parenting challenges. 2. Elder care and child care referrals: Array of information about child care searches, schools and special needs care; and information for elder care lifestyle options. 3. Financial counseling: Focuses on the individual’s life situation and developing an action plan that is practical, attainable and in the best interest of the person and his or her family. 4. Legal concerns: Access to a single no-cost 30-minute consultation with an attorney for a variety of needs, such as family, criminal, business and civil/consumer matters. 5. Employee’s dependents are eligible for service: This may include spouse, domestic part- ner, children, children who live with the other parent, children who attend college/post- secondary school, foster children and anyone for whom the employee is the legal guardian. 6. Coaching and consultation for managers/supervisors: Assistance over the phone for challenges related to supervision of other employees and workplace concerns. 7. In-the-moment support: Counselors are available 24/7 for consultation with an individu- al to address any concerns or questions that are causing distress at that time. 8. Choice of where and how to work with counselors: Counselors are available at hundreds of locations across the state, and individuals choose which provider they want to use. Coun- seling over the phone is also an option. 9. Contact EAP online: Individuals can complete an online intake form for the initial connec- tion with the EAP provider, Sand Creek, through its website at SandCreekEAP.com.
10. Specialized support: The EAP matches individuals with counselors who are specifically qualified to assist with their circumstances, for example, deputies may be paired with coun- selors who have a law enforcement background. Additional resources for individuals and supervisors, such as legal and financial forms and tools, videos for orientation to the EAP, frequently asked questions and newsletters are avail- able through Sand Creek’s website at SandCreekEAP.com.
Featured Article
Wellness Committee Fleet Bike Drawing
The Mille Lacs County Wellness Committee will be hosting a drawing once a month through September to encourage the use of the employee bike fleet. To be eligible for the drawing, simply ride a bike from the fleet! Each month, there will be two winners selected. If you have already ridden a fleet bike this year, please write your name and the month you used the bike on a post-it note (or piece of paper) and drop it into one of the break room suggestion boxes for each time you have used a fleet bike. For uses from this point going forward, please include the date with each entry. The more you ride a fleet bike, the more chances you have to win! Congratulations to our winners so far this year:
Heather Anderson, CVS Harmony Maslowski, SWCD Robert Brooks, CVS Mary Stimmler, ASO Trisha Ellington, CVS Julie Peterson, ASO
Prizes are subject to availability. The prizes still remaining are: Chill Pal Instant Relief Cooling Towel 3-in-1 Watermelon Slicer Knife Clovertale Stainless Steel Coconut Opener Knife Salad Chopper/Cutter Bowl
Creating Safety Awareness Living and working safely is a culture. We use methods every day that keep us safe both at work and at home. When you get your oil changed on your car or it goes in for service you expect it to keep you safe and you expect that the people you have working on your vehicle are looking out for your safety. But who’s looking out for your safety every day? You are! From turning off your appliances to making sure your shoes are tied when you walk, you have created a routine that includes keeps you safe. What about at work? When you see a piece of paper on the floor, do you pick it up? Or do you walk by and think it’s not your problem or job to pick up trash on the ground. What if that piece of paper cause someone to slip? You could have saved an injury by taking 10 seconds to pick it up. We as employees need to look out for our co- workers and the public that come to our buildings every day. If you see a potential hazard no matter how big or how small, report it. It may not affect you at that moment, but it may impact someone. Safety starts with YOU!
Reminders
Andy Crego
Bonnie Heck
Employees Leaving
Katelyn Nutt, Temp. 4-H Summer Program Assistant in the Administrative Services Offices
Evelyn Magner, GIS Intern in the Administrative Services Offices
Labor Day September 3rd The Mille Lacs County Offices will be closed in observation of Labor Day on Monday, September 3, 2018.
Safety Kits Available As of September 1, 2018, all of the county fleet vehicles have been equipped with a personal first aid kit and 2 mylar rescue blankets for use in case of emergency. The kits and blankets are located in the glove compartment of each car. Please contact ASO if you have any questions.
WELCOA Quiz Winner Congratulations to Jane DeHart from CVS for being the winner of our August Wellness prize! Watch for the WELCOA quizzes with the September newsletter for your chance to win. All of the answers to the quiz can be found in the WELCOA health bulletins. Those who score 100% on the quiz will be entered for a chance to win a Wellness prize! Send your quiz answers (either the entire answer sheet, or just your answers in an email) to Diana in the ASO
by 9/15/18. 02/15/17.
Events & Attractions Waste Tire Collection: Milaca Shop Sept. 20, 2:30-6:30 p.m. North Maintenance Facility Sept. 27, 2:30-6:30 p.m.
Farmers’ Markets:
Princeton: Farmers’ Market every Saturday, 8:30 a.m. –12:00 p.m. Milaca: Farmers’ Market every Wednesday, 2:00-6:00 p.m. Onamia: Farmers’ Market every Friday, 2:00-6:00 p.m.
I have worked for Mille Lacs County for 6 months. I started on February 12. What I like best about my job is waking up every day, excited to go to work. The reason I wanted to obtain a Bachelors Degree in
Social Work was so I could serve the Veteran community. Being a Veterans Service Officer is my dream job! Mille Lacs County is a beautiful community. I am right where I want to be.
I was born and raised in Crosby, MN. I attended school in Crosby until the summer between 7th & 8th grade. When my dad reenlisted in the Navy, we moved to San Diego, CA. I attended 8th, 9th, and half of 10th grade there. Then I moved back to Crosby and lived with my Grandma (Nana) so I could graduate from Crosby-Ironton High School. My Nana appreciated me moving home with her because that was the year my grandpa went into a nursing home with Alzheimer’s. I also obtained an AA Degree with an emphasis in Criminal Justice at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, MN. Then I graduated from the College of St. Scholastica with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and a minor in Gerontology.
I enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1996, and reenlisted in 2009. I volunteered for deployment and was picked up by the 175 Forward Support Company. I was a gunner in a gun truck, we were doing convoy security. I had a 50 cal attached to my truck and also had a M249 SAW, and M 4 with a M203 grenade launcher attached to it.
I am married and live in Isle, MN on Malone Island. We have seven children between the two of us. My husband, Ken has a son and a daughter. I have 2 daughters and three sons. They are in the family photo. Front row – left to right – Valentino (11) Nick (21) back row – left to right – Mashell (23) Antonio (14) Me and my husband Ken, Grace (19) Glorie (17) and Gaylan III (16). In my free time I enjoy reading and anything outdoors. I love to spend time on our four-wheelers, and our pontoon. Living on Mille Lacs Lake has been wonderful. We go out on the water almost every day! I also enjoy board games, bonfires, camping, and fishing. Most would be surprised to know that I can crochet, knit, and sew. I have made several quilts and was extremely excited to purchase an Elna Sewing Machine a few years ago. I learned how to crochet from one of my grandmas and knit from my other grandma. I was even a member of a quilting circle for several years in Crosby.
Employee Spotlight Amy Dow
Employee Benefits Fair 2018
Mark your calendars! This year’s Employee Benefits Fair will run from 9 am to 3 pm on Friday, October 19, and will be held in the Board Room on the upper level of the Historic Courthouse. The Benefits Fair usually lasts from 10 am to 2 pm, but an extra two hours have been added this year to allow time for questions after our first year with PEIP health insurance and the new vision insurance. Please take advantage of this time to speak with providers while they are here! The Benefits Fair is the kick-off for our open enrollment period, which will begin on October 22 and end on November 2, 2018. This is the annual opportunity for county employees to evaluate their current insurance and flexible benefits plan elections, and make changes to their benefits for the 2019 plan year. (Unless you experience a mid-year qualifying event, your next opportunity to make changes to your elected benefits will be during next year’s open enrollment period for the 2020 plan year.) At the Benefits Fair, you will be able to meet and talk with representatives from our benefits providers, attend informational presentations, and get your flu shot. A schedule of presentations will be posted on the annual flyer distributed to employees prior to the Benefits Fair. If you have any questions/concerns regarding this event or your benefits in general, please contact Karly in the ASO.
10 Little-Known but Powerful Features of the EAP Besides the commonly understood services of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), such as counseling for relationships, depression and anxiety, the EAP can support members’ em- ployees and officials with many other personal and workplace concerns. Here are the top 10 little-known but powerful features of the EAP: 1. Parent coaching: Strategies to manage a variety of parenting challenges. 2. Elder care and child care referrals: Array of information about child care searches, schools and special needs care; and information for elder care lifestyle options. 3. Financial counseling: Focuses on the individual’s life situation and developing an action plan that is practical, attainable and in the best interest of the person and his or her family. 4. Legal concerns: Access to a single no-cost 30-minute consultation with an attorney for a variety of needs, such as family, criminal, business and civil/consumer matters. 5. Employee’s dependents are eligible for service: This may include spouse, domestic part- ner, children, children who live with the other parent, children who attend college/post- secondary school, foster children and anyone for whom the employee is the legal guardian. 6. Coaching and consultation for managers/supervisors: Assistance over the phone for challenges related to supervision of other employees and workplace concerns. 7. In-the-moment support: Counselors are available 24/7 for consultation with an individu- al to address any concerns or questions that are causing distress at that time. 8. Choice of where and how to work with counselors: Counselors are available at hundreds of locations across the state, and individuals choose which provider they want to use. Coun- seling over the phone is also an option. 9. Contact EAP online: Individuals can complete an online intake form for the initial connec- tion with the EAP provider, Sand Creek, through its website at SandCreekEAP.com.
10. Specialized support: The EAP matches individuals with counselors who are specifically qualified to assist with their circumstances, for example, deputies may be paired with coun- selors who have a law enforcement background. Additional resources for individuals and supervisors, such as legal and financial forms and tools, videos for orientation to the EAP, frequently asked questions and newsletters are avail- able through Sand Creek’s website at SandCreekEAP.com.
Featured Article
Wellness Committee Fleet Bike Drawing
The Mille Lacs County Wellness Committee will be hosting a drawing once a month through September to encourage the use of the employee bike fleet. To be eligible for the drawing, simply ride a bike from the fleet! Each month, there will be two winners selected. If you have already ridden a fleet bike this year, please write your name and the month you used the bike on a post-it note (or piece of paper) and drop it into one of the break room suggestion boxes for each time you have used a fleet bike. For uses from this point going forward, please include the date with each entry. The more you ride a fleet bike, the more chances you have to win! Congratulations to our winners so far this year:
Heather Anderson, CVS Harmony Maslowski, SWCD Robert Brooks, CVS Mary Stimmler, ASO Trisha Ellington, CVS Julie Peterson, ASO
Prizes are subject to availability. The prizes still remaining are: Chill Pal Instant Relief Cooling Towel 3-in-1 Watermelon Slicer Knife Clovertale Stainless Steel Coconut Opener Knife Salad Chopper/Cutter Bowl
Creating Safety Awareness Living and working safely is a culture. We use methods every day that keep us safe both at work and at home. When you get your oil changed on your car or it goes in for service you expect it to keep you safe and you expect that the people you have working on your vehicle are looking out for your safety. But who’s looking out for your safety every day? You are! From turning off your appliances to making sure your shoes are tied when you walk, you have created a routine that includes keeps you safe. What about at work? When you see a piece of paper on the floor, do you pick it up? Or do you walk by and think it’s not your problem or job to pick up trash on the ground. What if that piece of paper cause someone to slip? You could have saved an injury by taking 10 seconds to pick it up. We as employees need to look out for our co- workers and the public that come to our buildings every day. If you see a potential hazard no matter how big or how small, report it. It may not affect you at that moment, but it may impact someone. Safety starts with YOU!
Reminders
Andy Crego
Bonnie Heck
Employees Leaving
Katelyn Nutt, Temp. 4-H Summer Program Assistant in the Administrative Services Offices
Evelyn Magner, GIS Intern in the Administrative Services Offices