October 15,
2007
News You Can Use
Click!
Network loses a good friend and employee
Cameron Thain, 27, a service technician with Click! Network since 1999,
died October 6 after a short illness. Cameron was extremely friendly,
happy and professional, known for his sense of humor and very popular
with customers. A
wife and three young children survive him.
Services were held October 13 at Life Center. Contributions to the
Cameron Thain Memorial Fund can be made at any Bank of America branch.
Public Utility Board said yes on October 10
All items passed
during the October 10 Public Utility Board meeting.
Party for Mark Crisson is this Tuesday, October 16
Stop by the Cafeteria between 2 and 4 p.m. on Tuesday to reminisce and
say farewell. Mark wraps up 29 years with TPU this Friday, October 19, and
moves on to Washington, D.C., where he'll head the American Public Power
Association.
Multilingual employees
sought for interpreter help
Occasionally, Customer Services needs to work with customers who speak
little or no English. The section would like to compile a list of
multilingual employees who might be able to help with interpreter services
as needed. If you speak a language other than English, particularly Russian,
Cambodian, Vietnamese, Korean or Eastern European dialects, please give your
contact information to
Chona Liloc, Customer Services, 502-8650.
IT/SAP picks some
new letters — it’s now EASD
IT/SAP has changed its name to the Enterprise Applications Support Division
(EASD). The new name better reflects the division’s focus on customer
support for software applications throughout General Government and TPU.
While EASD currently provides Citywide SAP support, it is in the process of
broadening its scope to other enterprise application functions such as
project management, training, requirements gathering, quality assurance and
testing, and third-party software and Web integration.
It's a girl!
Congratulations to Steve Pietzke, Water Distribution, his wife Jamie and son
Chase on the birth of Eva Victoria on October 8. She weighed 8 pounds, 3
ounces, and measured 20 inches. |
What's Cookin'
the Week of Oct. 15
Cup of Soup & Sandwich — $2.63
Cup of Chili or Chowder & Sandwich —
$2.81
Salad — $2.76
Hot Special — $3.03
Share the news
The deadline to submit items for Newsline is
10
a.m. Fridays. E-mail Newsline, or call editor Laurel Willoughby,
502-8754, if you don't have e-mail access.
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SAP users will notice
new desktop icon starting this week
If you are
an SAP user, you might notice a new SAP GUI (graphical user interface) icon
on your desktop beginning the week of October 15. The SAP GUI icon allows
you to login to SAP and could affect the appearance of some SAP screens, but
it should have little impact on how SAP looks and works for you. The new GUI
shortcut icon appears as a blue and orange arrow, with the words “SAP Logon
Pad” below it. Periodically, the Enterprise Applications Support Division
(EASD, formerly IT/SAP) will update the SAP GUI as part of standard
maintenance procedures. To learn when your section is scheduled to receive
the new SAP GUI, or for additional information, talk to your area’s computer
support representative or call Network Support, 591-2057.
Fire drill on October
10 was smooth and speedy
Thanks to all employees — and the Emergency Response team — who cleared the
buildings and received the all-clear within just five minutes last
Wednesday. Considering the nasty weather, it was a great showing!
TV Tacoma wins national award for Click! story
John Phillips, TV Tacoma, picked up an award at the 22nd annual National
Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors Government Access
Awards ceremony in Portland. John’s profile of Josh Newman, Click! Network
community volunteer (which aired on CityScape), took third place for profile
of a city or county department. Congratulations to John . . . and Josh!
It's almost midseason in the
Cafeteria football contest
—
have you played yet?
In
week five of the Cafeteria football contest, Jim Curley, Power Management,
had his thinking helmet on, picking 13 of 14 winning teams. The winner for week
six will be
posted Tuesday morning. Ballots for week seven are in the Cafeteria and must
be turned in by Friday, October 19, at 4 p.m. One entry per person per
week. The person who picks the most winners each week earns a $10 Cafeteria
food card and an entry in the Super Bowl contest at the end of the year. The
winner of the Super Bowl contest takes home a $50 gift card to the Outback
Steakhouse.
Green Scene
Energy Services
workshops help prepare you for dark and stormy days ahead
Dark and story nights are on the way. But you can be ready because you have
learned about energy efficient lighting, appliances and how to operate a
generator. How did you do that? By attending TPU-sponsored workshops, of
course! Sign up by calling 502-8377:
-
“Watts up with
energy efficient lighting?”
Thursday, October 18, 7-8:30 p.m., Auditorium
-
“Appliance style,
function and efficiency”
Saturday, November 3, 10-11:30 a.m., Auditorium
-
“Don’t get left
in the dark — generator safety”
Thursday, November 15, 7-8:30 p.m., Ron Jones Power Equipment, 14423
Pacific Avenue S.
Rideshare promotion
runs through this Friday, October 19
The Wheel Options rideshare promotion continues until October 19. Just
carpool, ride the bus, vanpool, bike or walk to work twice between October 8
and 19, and return a Consider Alternative Transportation (CAT) calendar to
be eligible for a seven-day trip for two to Zion National Park, a weekend
getaway at Quinault Beach Resort, one of fifteen $100 gift cards, dinners
for two at local restaurants and much more. As a bonus, vanpoolers can
participate in the “Go Green, Get Green” campaign. New vanpool riders can
earn a $50 Target gift card, and an entire vanpool can each win a $50 Target
gift card if their vanpool ridership increases at least 10 percent during
October and November. In addition, the Pink Panther will be making visits
around TPU to reward employees who are ridesharing and to encourage those
who are not to give ridesharing a try. For more information about
ridesharing and how you can win some fun prizes, contact
Randy Stearnes, employee transportation coordinator, 502-8224.
Great deal and
a rebate available on washer and dryer set from EnviroHouse
If you're looking for a bargain on a new washer and dryer that also
qualifies for a $50 rebate from Tacoma Power and Tacoma Water, this is your
deal! This brand new set has been on display at the EnviroHouse and has
never been used or even hooked up. They are dark gray General Electric
models (washer WCVH6260F and dryer DCVH515EF0GG) priced at $1,198 for the
set. You can see them at EnviroHouse (located at the Tacoma Landfill,
3510 S. Mullen Street).
If you’re interested in buying the set, contact
Hollis Tamura, Energy Services, 502-8643.
Giving Back
Community Connection
blanket drive runs through October 29
Give comfort to kids in Mary Bridge Hospital, help families stay warm this
winter and earn two hours toward your Community Involvement Goal for the
Employee Incentive Plan! Donate clean blankets — new store-bought, gently
used or new homemade — for Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and Lakewood Area
Shelter Association. Donation boxes are in the Cafeteria and at the Click!
Southwest Annex, or you can bring them to Holly Irvin at the Water Permit
Counter on the second floor. Questions? Contact
Holly, 502-8247.
Preliminary
United Way numbers roll in
As of Thursday
last week, the official final day of TPU's 2007 United Way campaign,
employee participation sat at 35 percent, with a total of $121,597 given.
Other money given by TPU includes proceeds from events such as the basket
raffle ($11,300-plus) and the Zucchini 500 and bake sale ($317.86). Watch
for final participation and donation totals in the coming weeks.
Thank you for donated
sick leave
From Simon
Torres, Click! Network: “I would like to give my sincere thanks to those
individuals that donated sick time to me in a time of need. I am very
grateful to work for a municipality that offers the benefit of coming
together to help one another out when the opportunity presents itself.”
One employee eligible
for donated PTO or sick leave
Cinda
Johnson, Cushman Project, is
eligible to receive donated PTO or sick leave. To donate, contact your
timekeeper or Public Utilities Human Resources, 502‑8158, for a PTO/sick
leave donation form. You also can download the form from the Human Resources
section of CityWeb.
For Your Benefit
If you knew BOSU like
I knew BOSU . . . get a pass for YMCA class this Tuesday, October 16
Have you
heard of BOSU functional fitness training? Here’s your chance to learn about
the increasingly popular activity. Stop by the Cafeteria this Tuesday,
October 16, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and talk with instructors Wayne
Birdsell, Mail Services, and Janine Messenger. They’ll answer your questions
about BOSU and will be handing out guest passes for a BOSU class to be held
on Sunday, October 21, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lakewood YMCA. Under
BOSU philosophy, improving physical balance with squats, lunges and other
movements while on a BOSU ball will affect brain, muscle and nerve
connections, increasing your overall fitness and physical abilities.
Learn about deferred
compensation on October 17 or 19
Merri Camarillo, ICMA representative, will be at TPU on Wednesday, October,
17, and Friday, October 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Cafeteria
Conference Room, to meet with individual employees about ICMA deferred
compensation plans. Stop in between 7:30 and 10 a.m. on Wednesday for snacks
and to meet Merri. Schedule an appointment with her at 866-838-2102. If you
get her voice mail, leave a message with your phone number and preferred
meeting time. She will call you to confirm your appointment.
Lunch ’n Learn about
acupuncture on Thursday, October 18
A specialist from the Communi-Chi Acupuncture Clinic will be in the
Auditorium from 1 to 2 p.m. this Thursday, October 18, to explain the
benefits of acupuncture. Attendees will enjoy free organic fruit and other
giveaways. If you have questions, contact
Joe Nienalt, Human Resources, 591-5406.
Are you new here? Don't miss the orientation on Monday,
October 22
This orientation is required for all new employees who are permanent
(code 01), appointive (code 06), project
(code 08) or temporary pending exam (code 15 ). The orientation will be from
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Tacoma Municipal Building Room 1444 at 747 Market
Street. The session will provide an overview of the City's organizational
structure, employee programs and services, City policies and the safety
program. Contact JoAnn O'Neill,
Human Resources, 591-5438, for more information about the orientation.
If you have not yet signed up for benefits, you will need to bring
dependent and beneficiary information with birth dates, social security
numbers and addresses. If you have medical, dental or vision coverage
elsewhere, bring the name, address and phone number of the group, the policy
number and names of the people who are eligible under the plan. Contact
Regene Halfmoon, Human
Resources, 591-5411, or
Shannon Hoffman, Human Resources, 591-5823, for more information on
benefits.
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month — Breast self-exams can aid early detection
Breast cancer
is a leading cause of death among American women. According to the American
Cancer Society, women should learn about the benefits and limitations of
breast self-exams beginning in their 20s. Women should be aware of how their
breasts normally look and feel and report any new breast change to their
health care provider right away (although finding a breast change does not
mean there is cancer). For breast self-exam procedures, contact your health
care provider or search any of various Web sites, including the American
Cancer Society, WebMD and others.
Free mammograms available
in December
In
December, any female City employee age 40 or older who is symptom-free and
not pregnant, or who is 35 or older with her primary care provider's
referral indicating a mammogram is desired, is eligible for a free
mammogram.
The mammogram van from Swedish Medical Center will be available
December 3, 4 and 5 in the Market Street parking lot across from the Tacoma
Municipal Building, as well as on December 12 and 13 in the TPU parking lot.
Appointments can be made with Swedish at 206-320-2500 or
breastcareexpress@swedish.org. Mammograms are typically considered
preventive and are covered at 100 percent by City health plans. For more
information, contact
Shannon Hoffman, Human Resources, 591-5823.
What's Happening & When
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October 15: Beginning
this week, you can recycle everything you might at home in the bin
under your desk and in larger containers in conference and break rooms. Look
for new desk bin stickers and posters in common areas for more information,
or contact
Rick Herrmann, 502-8226.
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October 15: Last day for Community Connection's
peanut butter and jelly drive. Donation boxes are in the Cafeteria, Generation (third floor) and Customer
Services (main floor).
-
October 16 and 17: Utilities People Book Fair on Tuesday, October
16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (location to be announced), and in the Cafeteria on Wednesday, October 17, from 9 a.m. to 1
p.m.
-
October 22:
New,
two-day Basic Supervisory Training kicks off. Courses run through February 15, 2008. If you
have questions, contact
Sheryl Brown, Human Resources, 502-8511.
-
October 24 or
25: Field staff conference at King Oscar Motel. For more information, contact the conference coordinator,
Patricia Cunningham, at 460-3902.
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October 28 to November 3:
Some
people could experience a glitch in Outlook calendaring for appointments
scheduled this week. Contact your area’s computer support
representative with questions.
-
October 31: Utilities People Halloween Costume
Contest in the Cafeteria. Contestants should be in
the Cafeteria by 9:45 a.m. to register. Judging will begin at 10 a.m. Prizes
for scariest, funniest, best disguise, people's choice and best group. Free coffee and
cookies.
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Throughout
October: TV Tacoma’s October CityScape program looks at Tacoma
Water’s automated meter reading trials in the Wapato Park area. Check local listings for replay times
inside and outside of Tacoma.
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Through the end of October: 2008 Entertainment Book sales benefit Utilities People.
The book costs $20 and is valid through November 1, 2008; the 2007 book is
still valid until November 1 this year. To purchase your Entertainment Book,
contact Rick Herrmann, 502-8226;
Liz Larson,
502-8769; or
Jan Pieper, 502-8452.
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November 1 and 2:
Community Connection Holiday Craft Sale. There is a $5 per day business license charge for vendors; 10 percent of sales will help purchase grocery cards for low-income seniors.
Contact Julie Arnestad,
Energy Services, 502-8538.
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November
13:
Employees located at TPU can receive free flu shots during the health fair on Tuesday,
November 13.
(Shots also available at the Tacoma Municipal Building on November 6.)
-
November 30:
Last
day to complete a confidential Mayo
Clinic health risk assessment. Receive a personalized report
plus a $25 gift card good at more than
300 merchants.
Register or log on at
www.cityoftacomawellness.org. Click the Health Risk
Assessment link, complete the assessment and follow the directions
to receive your gift card.
(It will take about 48 hours before you receive the
e-mail link that allows you to redeem your gift card.)
For more information, contact
Becky Lee, 591-5116.
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December 8: Utilities People bus trip to Leavenworth for
the Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Watch Newsline for more information.
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December 12 and 13:
Now upgraded with digital technology, the mammogram vans from Swedish
Medical Center will be at TPU giving free mammograms to employees. Watch Newsline for
appointment information. Contact
Shannon Hoffman,
591-5823, with questions.
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January 30 to February 4:
Annual excursion to Big Mountain (now Whitefish
Mountain) in Montana. $525 or less per person includes train to and from
Whitefish, Montana; bus to the mountain; and hotel accommodations. Discounts
available for kids. Contact
Josh Newman, Click! Network,
502-8442.
Bargain Shopping
Submit
your ad to Newsline
Ads run in two issues of Newsline.
The deadline to submit ads is 10 a.m. Fridays. E-mail
Newsline, or call editor Laurel Willoughby, 502-8754,
if you don't have e-mail access.
Please include at least your first name,
and phone number or e-mail in your ad. Ads
for business activities, online auction ads and calls for charity
sponsorship are not allowed. About once a month, ads
will be borrowed from the Cafeteria bulletin board and included in
Newsline.
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