Communicating with the people of District 12

DISPATCH

Volume XVIII, Issue 9 September 2013 September 3, 2013

Page 4 September 3, 2013

The Ohio Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

John R. KasichGovernor

Myron S. PakushDistrict Deputy Director

Jerry WrayODOT Director

Oh, the Places You’ll GoAmanda Lee On August 20, District 12 hosted their 2013 Annual Meeting with special guest Di-rector Jerry Wray. The meeting kicked-off with a video and photo montage edited to the Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Places You’ll Go to show what the employees of District 12 have been up to in 2013. District 12 Deputy Director Myron Pakush welcomed employees, recognized the new hires, veterans and active service members and those who volunteer their time with activities outside of ODOT. The employees of ODOT deserve to be recognized for their services and activities away from the work place. Each Department shared accomplishments from fiscal year 2013 and what things are ahead in fiscal year 2014. Highway Management highlighted the new Trouble Ticket System, created in house by District 12 Information Technology staff, to help them keep track of customer com-plaints and make them part of the weekly and annual work plans. Business and Human Resources was proud

to announce there have been 30 full-time new hires added to District 12 since the last annual meeting, the Euclid Full Service Maintenance facility that is currently under construction and scheduled to be open October 2013 and the entire District has converted all Black-berry cell phones to iPhones. The Planning and Engineering and Con-struction Departments have been very busy designing and constructing jobs all over District 12. For fiscal year 2014 we are on schedule for a $900 million construction season. Projects like Opportunity Corridor, Lakefront West and projects that are a part of the Innerbelt Corridor Modernization Plan are all seeing progress whether in design or construction. Director Wray addressed the employees about the Quality of Work Life survey and what changes are being made because of the results. He also encouraged employees to take some time and fill out the next survey when it comes along. He shared a story about how a summer See Annual Meeting, Page 2

www.Ohgo.com

Staying in the LoopAmanda Lee Results from the Quality of Work Life survey showed the people of ODOT believe there is room for improve-ment in how ODOT communicates to its employees and as a result a new way to communi-cate is coming statewide. Digital signage, similar to a large television screen, will be placed in very visible loca-tions of each work facility in District 12 including, District Headquarters, District Garage, Cleveland Garage, Indepen-dence Garage, Mayfield Garage, Riveredge Garage, War-rensville Garage, Geauga County Garage, Munson Out-post, Lake County Garage and Vrooman Outpost. With such a diverse work force it can be challenging

to reach everyone, especially to reach them in a timely manner. These new signs will display statewide and local news, current events, weather and more. They will be updated on a weekly basis and can even be

updated instantly should some-thing important or interesting arise quickly. There is still a lot of work to be done getting the signs mounted at each facility, hooked up and creating the appropriate layout to display the informa-tion. The Department is a few

weeks away from these signs going live, so continue to be on the lookout for updates. When signs go live, please stop and take a look…you might even learn something new.

Fifty years ago Martin Luther King Jr. spoke these words: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” He spoke of progress and equal opportunity for all, and his words serve as a reminder that all State of Ohio em-ployees and applicants are guaranteed the following rights: • The RIGHT to freedom from discrimination in em- ployment. • The RIGHT to equal opportunity in hiring, promotion, transfer, recruitment, layoff, rate of compensation, train- ing and all other aspects of the employment process. • The RIGHT to file a complaint if you believe discrimi- nation has occurred. The Ohio Department of Administrative Services’ Equal Opportunity Division is charged with upholding these rights for all state employees and applicants. The following information was taken directly from the DAS Division of Equal Opportunity website and is pro-vided for our employees as a reference: In Ohio, discrimination against any individual based upon protected status, defined as age, color, disability, ge-

netic information, military status, veterans’ status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation is prohibited. The Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Equal Opportunity Division enforces federal and state laws pro-hibiting employment discrimination for agencies under the purview of the governor. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you may file a “Complaint of Discrimination.” The complaint of discrimination must include all of the following: • A state of Ohio employee or applicant alleging dis- crimination against a state agency (under the purview of the Governor’s Office) • Allegations involving discrimination, discriminatory harassment and/or retaliation • The discriminatory action occurred within 30 days from the date of filing a complaint If you have any questions, please call a member of the EEO team at 614.752.4741, or go to the DAS EEO web-site at: http://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/EqualOpportunity/AffirmativeActionEqualEmploymentOpportunity/EEODis-criminationComplaint.aspx

Human Resources Tip CornerEqual Opportunity for All

Cuyahoga County Manager Jim Boyle gives highlights from the Highway Management Department during the Annual Meeting.

Director Wray gives Lance Jethrow his in-structions as the audience gives him a stand-ing ovation.

Page 2 September 3, 2013 September 3, 2013 Page 3

NEWS IN THE MAKING: Around District 12Mark your Calendar:

Annual Meeting, Continued

District 12 is being recognized by its customers for its excellent customer service, and now we’re recognizing District employees for their contributions! If you would like to give a coworker a “kudo,” the Dispatch would like to hear about it! Please contact D12.PublicInformation@dot.state.oh.us if you’d like to share a “Coworker Kudo” with all of District 12!

Coworker Kudo Corner

Labor Day: September 2

Customer Kudo Corner District 12 is being recognized by its customers for its excellent customer service. The following are messages received recently in gratitude of ODOT’s hard work! If you’ve received a letter, e-mail, or phone call of thanks, the Dispatch would like to hear about it. Please contact D12.PublicInformation@dot.state.oh.us if you’ve received a Customer Kudo that you would like to share!

The Construction Department ordered a large projection screen and it was more than a notion to get everything set-up with a collaboration of departments. Just wanted them to know that all their hard work did not go unnoticed and it’s nice to know we still work with people that care.

Ron Zak – Installation of the projector screenLino Bartolozzi – Electric wiring that had to be installedDarrel Greene – Installation of the projector, speakers, re-mote control and a keyboard. His technology is spectacular.

Everything looks very professional and we are all pleased.

Michell Goodwin

Dave Whiteley,

Thanks for the prompt service on the garage door yesterday. I called you at 1:15 and Advance was here at 2:30, done at 3:40. Appreciate it.

LOVE & HAPPINESSFrank P. Delguyd

From Page 1help student at a maintenance garage was denied a rain coat because of an old policy that only full-time employees get rain coats to help reduce spending. “That’s crap,” said Director Wray. The crowd chuckled, but the Director was serious. He wants people to identify items that just don’t make sense and come up with ways to improve the Depart-ment. Construction department employee Lance Jethrow re-ceived a special recognition from the Director for his hard work and taking on many responsibilities in his four short years at ODOT. Lance supports not only the office con-struction staff, but the field engineers as well by provid-ing plans and documents in a timely manner. He handles consultant contracts, change orders and manages EEO,

Prevailing Wage and railroad coordination. At the conclusion of the meeting a final video played thanking ODOT employees for their service and dedication to their jobs. Then 10 employees found invitations under their seats to go to lunch with the Director. Following the meeting employees were invited to grab a sausage sandwich, chips, cookie and a drink for a donation to the Mecca Henry family. Mecca is a District 11 em-ployee who lost her husband, Gary Henry a retired ODOT employee, in a tragic construction zone accident on July 16, 2013 along I-270 on the west side of Columbus. A total of $585 will be put in the fund set-up for the family. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare the food and donated money to the family.

Softball: September 17

August Blood Drive Results On August 15th, the American Red Cross hosted a blood drive at District 12. We met our goal of 16 donors with a total of 19 donors. They were able to collect 17 pro-ductive pints for area patients. Thank you again to everyone who donated and for their contin-ued support of the American Red Cross. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 13 for the next blood drive. Contact Jill Powers at 216.584.2195 if you have questions.

Food Tasting: September 18

Jersey Day: September 6

Geauga County Fair: Aug 29 - Sept 2

One Team, One ODOT

Good Morning Myron,

I want to thank you again for the tour (of the Innerbelt Bridge project) yesterday and your hospitality. We all really enjoyed the tour. Thank you for spending so much time with us, it was very much appreciated.

Keep up the good work!

Best Regards,Senator George Voinovich

I was born and raised in Cleveland in the 1960s and

1970s. Been over the Innerbelt Bridge too many times to

count. I’m living south of Atlanta, Georgia since the mid-

1980s, but thanks to Facebook and the Internet in general,

I’ve been able to keep posted on as much goings on back

home in Cleveland. I’ve been watching this project take

shape since 2011, and I gotta say I’m very impressed with

the work done so far. That’s gonna be a bridge the caliber

of the two sitting just to the north of it, the Lorain-Carn-

egie and Detroit-Superior (Hope and Veterans Memorial)

Bridges. This project, once completed, could well find

itself on a future city logo. Keep up the great work!

Mark Lysle, via Facebook

Team Up: September 11

Molly Leonard The 15th Annual Team Up ODOT event sponsored in partnership by the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association is on Wednesday, September 11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. Fun, educational and charitable events are scheduled all day including the American Red Cross Blood Drive, an OPERS Retirement Seminar, the Roadeo and a Charity Cookout. In ad-dition, there will be over 55 booths and equipment displays by ODOT employ-ees. District 12’s Health and Wellness Committee and High-way Management will both be representing the district at the event. The Wellness Committee is displaying their progress

since they began in February by handing out copies of the “Highway to Health” newsletter and healthy samples of one of their recipes of the month.

Highway Management will be high-lighting the new and innovative Trouble Ticket System that is unique to District 12. The system helps create the Annual Work Plan. The Trouble Ticket System combines the bridge work orders, sign work orders, culvert work orders and maintenance annual work plans. They

will show what a trouble ticket looks like and how they link it to the weekly and daily work plans.

Team Up ODOT is a great way to bring ODOT employ-ees together to learn from one another and grow closer as an organization, so please join the rest of the ODOT employees by visiting their booths. “One Team, One ODOT.”

Crews Place Final Girders for New Innerbelt BridgeJocelynn Clemings The westbound Innerbelt Bridge project reached an important milestone in late August as crews lifted the final steel connections – called girders – into place for the new bridge! Crews worked in Cleveland’s Tremont neighbor-hood to raise the steel connectors between Piers 2 and 3 over Abbey Avenue. The largest of the steel connectors was 120 feet long and weighed 127,000 pounds. Crews will now work to place the remainder of the con-crete driving surface. The first new bridge is expected to be complete and all traffic moved onto it late this fall.

Page 2 September 3, 2013 September 3, 2013 Page 3

NEWS IN THE MAKING: Around District 12Mark your Calendar:

Annual Meeting, Continued

District 12 is being recognized by its customers for its excellent customer service, and now we’re recognizing District employees for their contributions! If you would like to give a coworker a “kudo,” the Dispatch would like to hear about it! Please contact D12.PublicInformation@dot.state.oh.us if you’d like to share a “Coworker Kudo” with all of District 12!

Coworker Kudo Corner

Labor Day: September 2

Customer Kudo Corner District 12 is being recognized by its customers for its excellent customer service. The following are messages received recently in gratitude of ODOT’s hard work! If you’ve received a letter, e-mail, or phone call of thanks, the Dispatch would like to hear about it. Please contact D12.PublicInformation@dot.state.oh.us if you’ve received a Customer Kudo that you would like to share!

The Construction Department ordered a large projection screen and it was more than a notion to get everything set-up with a collaboration of departments. Just wanted them to know that all their hard work did not go unnoticed and it’s nice to know we still work with people that care.

Ron Zak – Installation of the projector screenLino Bartolozzi – Electric wiring that had to be installedDarrel Greene – Installation of the projector, speakers, re-mote control and a keyboard. His technology is spectacular.

Everything looks very professional and we are all pleased.

Michell Goodwin

Dave Whiteley,

Thanks for the prompt service on the garage door yesterday. I called you at 1:15 and Advance was here at 2:30, done at 3:40. Appreciate it.

LOVE & HAPPINESSFrank P. Delguyd

From Page 1help student at a maintenance garage was denied a rain coat because of an old policy that only full-time employees get rain coats to help reduce spending. “That’s crap,” said Director Wray. The crowd chuckled, but the Director was serious. He wants people to identify items that just don’t make sense and come up with ways to improve the Depart-ment. Construction department employee Lance Jethrow re-ceived a special recognition from the Director for his hard work and taking on many responsibilities in his four short years at ODOT. Lance supports not only the office con-struction staff, but the field engineers as well by provid-ing plans and documents in a timely manner. He handles consultant contracts, change orders and manages EEO,

Prevailing Wage and railroad coordination. At the conclusion of the meeting a final video played thanking ODOT employees for their service and dedication to their jobs. Then 10 employees found invitations under their seats to go to lunch with the Director. Following the meeting employees were invited to grab a sausage sandwich, chips, cookie and a drink for a donation to the Mecca Henry family. Mecca is a District 11 em-ployee who lost her husband, Gary Henry a retired ODOT employee, in a tragic construction zone accident on July 16, 2013 along I-270 on the west side of Columbus. A total of $585 will be put in the fund set-up for the family. Thank you to everyone who helped prepare the food and donated money to the family.

Softball: September 17

August Blood Drive Results On August 15th, the American Red Cross hosted a blood drive at District 12. We met our goal of 16 donors with a total of 19 donors. They were able to collect 17 pro-ductive pints for area patients. Thank you again to everyone who donated and for their contin-ued support of the American Red Cross. Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 13 for the next blood drive. Contact Jill Powers at 216.584.2195 if you have questions.

Food Tasting: September 18

Jersey Day: September 6

Geauga County Fair: Aug 29 - Sept 2

One Team, One ODOT

Good Morning Myron,

I want to thank you again for the tour (of the Innerbelt Bridge project) yesterday and your hospitality. We all really enjoyed the tour. Thank you for spending so much time with us, it was very much appreciated.

Keep up the good work!

Best Regards,Senator George Voinovich

I was born and raised in Cleveland in the 1960s and

1970s. Been over the Innerbelt Bridge too many times to

count. I’m living south of Atlanta, Georgia since the mid-

1980s, but thanks to Facebook and the Internet in general,

I’ve been able to keep posted on as much goings on back

home in Cleveland. I’ve been watching this project take

shape since 2011, and I gotta say I’m very impressed with

the work done so far. That’s gonna be a bridge the caliber

of the two sitting just to the north of it, the Lorain-Carn-

egie and Detroit-Superior (Hope and Veterans Memorial)

Bridges. This project, once completed, could well find

itself on a future city logo. Keep up the great work!

Mark Lysle, via Facebook

Team Up: September 11

Molly Leonard The 15th Annual Team Up ODOT event sponsored in partnership by the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association is on Wednesday, September 11 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. Fun, educational and charitable events are scheduled all day including the American Red Cross Blood Drive, an OPERS Retirement Seminar, the Roadeo and a Charity Cookout. In ad-dition, there will be over 55 booths and equipment displays by ODOT employ-ees. District 12’s Health and Wellness Committee and High-way Management will both be representing the district at the event. The Wellness Committee is displaying their progress

since they began in February by handing out copies of the “Highway to Health” newsletter and healthy samples of one of their recipes of the month.

Highway Management will be high-lighting the new and innovative Trouble Ticket System that is unique to District 12. The system helps create the Annual Work Plan. The Trouble Ticket System combines the bridge work orders, sign work orders, culvert work orders and maintenance annual work plans. They

will show what a trouble ticket looks like and how they link it to the weekly and daily work plans.

Team Up ODOT is a great way to bring ODOT employ-ees together to learn from one another and grow closer as an organization, so please join the rest of the ODOT employees by visiting their booths. “One Team, One ODOT.”

Crews Place Final Girders for New Innerbelt BridgeJocelynn Clemings The westbound Innerbelt Bridge project reached an important milestone in late August as crews lifted the final steel connections – called girders – into place for the new bridge! Crews worked in Cleveland’s Tremont neighbor-hood to raise the steel connectors between Piers 2 and 3 over Abbey Avenue. The largest of the steel connectors was 120 feet long and weighed 127,000 pounds. Crews will now work to place the remainder of the con-crete driving surface. The first new bridge is expected to be complete and all traffic moved onto it late this fall.

Communicating with the people of District 12

DISPATCH

Volume XVIII, Issue 9 September 2013 September 3, 2013

Page 4 September 3, 2013

The Ohio Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

John R. KasichGovernor

Myron S. PakushDistrict Deputy Director

Jerry WrayODOT Director

Oh, the Places You’ll GoAmanda Lee On August 20, District 12 hosted their 2013 Annual Meeting with special guest Di-rector Jerry Wray. The meeting kicked-off with a video and photo montage edited to the Dr. Seuss book Oh, the Places You’ll Go to show what the employees of District 12 have been up to in 2013. District 12 Deputy Director Myron Pakush welcomed employees, recognized the new hires, veterans and active service members and those who volunteer their time with activities outside of ODOT. The employees of ODOT deserve to be recognized for their services and activities away from the work place. Each Department shared accomplishments from fiscal year 2013 and what things are ahead in fiscal year 2014. Highway Management highlighted the new Trouble Ticket System, created in house by District 12 Information Technology staff, to help them keep track of customer com-plaints and make them part of the weekly and annual work plans. Business and Human Resources was proud

to announce there have been 30 full-time new hires added to District 12 since the last annual meeting, the Euclid Full Service Maintenance facility that is currently under construction and scheduled to be open October 2013 and the entire District has converted all Black-berry cell phones to iPhones. The Planning and Engineering and Con-struction Departments have been very busy designing and constructing jobs all over District 12. For fiscal year 2014 we are on schedule for a $900 million construction season. Projects like Opportunity Corridor, Lakefront West and projects that are a part of the Innerbelt Corridor Modernization Plan are all seeing progress whether in design or construction. Director Wray addressed the employees about the Quality of Work Life survey and what changes are being made because of the results. He also encouraged employees to take some time and fill out the next survey when it comes along. He shared a story about how a summer See Annual Meeting, Page 2

www.Ohgo.com

Staying in the LoopAmanda Lee Results from the Quality of Work Life survey showed the people of ODOT believe there is room for improve-ment in how ODOT communicates to its employees and as a result a new way to communi-cate is coming statewide. Digital signage, similar to a large television screen, will be placed in very visible loca-tions of each work facility in District 12 including, District Headquarters, District Garage, Cleveland Garage, Indepen-dence Garage, Mayfield Garage, Riveredge Garage, War-rensville Garage, Geauga County Garage, Munson Out-post, Lake County Garage and Vrooman Outpost. With such a diverse work force it can be challenging

to reach everyone, especially to reach them in a timely manner. These new signs will display statewide and local news, current events, weather and more. They will be updated on a weekly basis and can even be

updated instantly should some-thing important or interesting arise quickly. There is still a lot of work to be done getting the signs mounted at each facility, hooked up and creating the appropriate layout to display the informa-tion. The Department is a few

weeks away from these signs going live, so continue to be on the lookout for updates. When signs go live, please stop and take a look…you might even learn something new.

Fifty years ago Martin Luther King Jr. spoke these words: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” He spoke of progress and equal opportunity for all, and his words serve as a reminder that all State of Ohio em-ployees and applicants are guaranteed the following rights: • The RIGHT to freedom from discrimination in em- ployment. • The RIGHT to equal opportunity in hiring, promotion, transfer, recruitment, layoff, rate of compensation, train- ing and all other aspects of the employment process. • The RIGHT to file a complaint if you believe discrimi- nation has occurred. The Ohio Department of Administrative Services’ Equal Opportunity Division is charged with upholding these rights for all state employees and applicants. The following information was taken directly from the DAS Division of Equal Opportunity website and is pro-vided for our employees as a reference: In Ohio, discrimination against any individual based upon protected status, defined as age, color, disability, ge-

netic information, military status, veterans’ status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation is prohibited. The Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Equal Opportunity Division enforces federal and state laws pro-hibiting employment discrimination for agencies under the purview of the governor. If you believe you have experienced discrimination, you may file a “Complaint of Discrimination.” The complaint of discrimination must include all of the following: • A state of Ohio employee or applicant alleging dis- crimination against a state agency (under the purview of the Governor’s Office) • Allegations involving discrimination, discriminatory harassment and/or retaliation • The discriminatory action occurred within 30 days from the date of filing a complaint If you have any questions, please call a member of the EEO team at 614.752.4741, or go to the DAS EEO web-site at: http://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/EqualOpportunity/AffirmativeActionEqualEmploymentOpportunity/EEODis-criminationComplaint.aspx

Human Resources Tip CornerEqual Opportunity for All

Cuyahoga County Manager Jim Boyle gives highlights from the Highway Management Department during the Annual Meeting.

Director Wray gives Lance Jethrow his in-structions as the audience gives him a stand-ing ovation.

The Highway to Health Committee wants to thank all of the volunteers and participants that made the 2nd annual Wellness Week a great success. Working together as an organization to encourage one another increases accountability and awareness about why employees should stay healthy and happy. Wellness Week was a great example of small changes people can make in their lives to slowly increase their wellness. Each day kicked off with a stretch blast of two or more stretches that em-ployees could do at their desks to wake up and get the muscles relaxed and ten-sion free. Not moving muscles as much as they need to over a period of time results in muscle tightness. Stretching can help lengthen the muscles and tendons so they feel better and move more easily. Each afternoon the “walk the path” event turned out approximately 15 people, or 75 total throughout the week. One lap around the district building is equivalent to half a mile so those walkers that made the loop twice were able to get in a mile of walking during their work day. Each time an employee walked they entered to win a $25 gift certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods. The more times an employee partici-pated, the better chance they had to win. At the end of the week, George Soos and Dennis O’Neil won the gift cards based on their dedication to walking and improving their health. In the middle of the week ODOT partnered with Healthways to offer free health screenings to em-ployees that wanted to determine where they weighed on the health scale. Each time slot was filled with 160 employees signing up for the screenings. The examiners tested for BMI, cholesterol, glucose levels, weight and blood pressure and spoke with employees about which areas needed improvement. After each participant was finished they were able to try a sample of August’s recipe of the month, “weight watchers zucchini bread,” donated by the members of the Highway to Health committee. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), the Union Benefits Trust, the Union Education Trust, and the Credit Union also contributed to the day by having a booth in the lobby where employees could learn and ask questions. Thank you again to all volunteers and participants that made the week’s events a great success!

Wellness Week S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3 V O L U M E 1 , I S S U E 8

Highway to Health MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Contra Dancing Callers lead dancers through each dance. Boston Township School House September 12 & 26 7pm-10:30pm Hound Hike Hound Dawgin’ Bring your dog for a hike at Barberton Lakes Reservation September 16 6:30pm-8pm 3 Acre Corn Maze! Plus animal viewing and other activtites Lake County Metro Parks All of September 9am-5pm Vintage Ohio Lake Metroparks Farmpark August 2-3, 1-10pm Softball Highway to Health Softball Tournament TBA 5pm 2nd Annual Robby’s Voice Race IV Awareness 5k, 1k Walk, Kids Dash & Pancake Breakfast Olmsted Falls Interme-diate School September 15 8:30am

The Highway to Health committee is happy to announce they will be representing District 12 at Team UP ODOT on Septem-ber 11 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds. The committee will be sharing the recipes of the month to all interested employees across the state as well as the Highway to Health Newsletter. A cornhole board will be set up for anyone to play and a sampling of last month’s zuchinni bread will be offered as well. Please visit the Highway to Health committee at Team UP ODOT!

Team UP ODOT

Organization

Nutrients Per Serving: Calories (kcal) 102 Fat (g) 4 Saturated Fat (g) .5 Trans Fat (g) 0 Cholesterol (mg) 0 Sodium (mg) 90 Carbohydrate (g) 14 Fiber (g) 3 Sugar (g) 0 Protein (g) 3

H I G H W A Y T O H E A L T H

Recipe of the Month: Toasted Chickpeas 3 Ways Serves 8

Family Health Care Month

Try a serving of this month’s

featured recipe on September

18. Donations

appreciated.

Softball is an activity with multiple health benefits. Softball challenges the hand-eye coordination part of your brain. You exercise your cerebellum every time you're at bat and the ball is pitched your way. You also apply these reflexes when you raise your glove high to catch a pop-fly or when you reach your glove down to field a ground ball. Throwing, running, and pitching can give you a more muscular body. Softball calls on you to use your arms, shoulders, back, and your core strength. All the actions and reactions of softball can really get your heart pumping making softball a good cardio activity. Playing an hour's worth of softball can burn about 350 calories. Team play strengthens your community connections as much as it strengthens your body. The H2H team will be taking on all challengers on Tuesday, September 17 at 5:00 p.m. at a local field to be announced. Please call Barb Gibbons at 216-584-2028 to sign-up or for more infor-mation.

Activity of the Month: Softball

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray it with cooking spray. Spread chickpeas out in a single layer over the foil. Bake chickpeas for 45-50 minutes, stirring and flipping every 15 minutes or so. Meanwhile combine oil, spices, sea salt in a medium bowl. Whisk to mix. When chick-peas are done, let them cool for just a minute before pouring them into the oil mixture. Stir to coat all the chickpeas well.

Honey Cinnamon Roasted 2 (15 ounce can) chickpeas 4 teaspoons canola oil 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoon granulated sugar

Original Roasted 2 (15 ounce can) chickpeas 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Salt to taste

Chili-Lime Roasted 2 (15 ounce can) chickpeas 3-4 teaspoons chili powder 2 tablespoons+1 teaspoon lime juice 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1-2 teaspoons cumin Pinch of dried herbs

You may have heard it on the news or morning talk shows: Have dinner together as a family of-ten. There’s even a national initiative, Family Day, that reminds parents “what your kids really want at the dinner table is you.” Studies have found that kids who have frequent family dinners are less likely to use alcohol, to-bacco, or drugs. But it’s not just about the food, say experts: it’s about the connection. Whether you’re eating dinner, going for a nature walk, or holding a family karaoke night, spending time together builds healthy families and healthy kids. “If you grew up in a healthy family that did these things, it makes intuitive sense to you: this is what glues families together,” says Meg Cox, author of The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays & Everyday. “It’s about a sense of connection, of being loved, a sense of identity and security that runs very deep.” What family activities can you do with your kids to build those essential connections? The sky’s the limit! To get started with some fun family activities, try these tips from Cox and Lawrence Co-hen, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Playful Parenting. Websites to help plan: http://www.healthyohioprogram.org/healthylife/healthyeating/families.aspx http://www.letsmove.gov/healthy-families http://www.joybauer.com/family-health.aspx This article was written by Gina Shaw, from WebMD.