For Employees by Employees September 2011

ManateE-zine County Worker Recognized for HeroismRichard Garst saved his co-worker after the two were in a head-on collision.By Toni Whitt, Bradenton Patch Editor

Richard Garst and Rick Albrecht were sitting in a left turn lane on their way to work at 5:30 one weekend morning four months ago when they were hit head on.

Garst, who was driving, quickly got out of the car and off the road before a second vehicle hit the county vehicle they were driving, thrusting the steering wheel into the driver’s seat.

That’s when Garst heard his co-worker’s screams. He thought Albrecht had gotten out of the car and across the street. The county probation worker didn’t hesi-tate. He went back to the vehicle that had been hit twice to aid his partner.

Albrecht was badly injured. His leg was so severely broken, a bone had pushed up and into his hip plate. His door wouldn’t open and he was smelling gas. He knew his life was in danger if he didn’t get out of the car immediately.

He was screaming at Garst to get the door open and get him out of the car, no matter what. Garst wrenched the door open but then couldn’t pull Albrecht free from the vehicle because his leg was lodged in the vehicle.

Albrecht screamed at Garst to pull him out of the vehicle “even if he had to tear his foot off.” Garst said he doesn’t know how he did it “all adrenalin,” he says, but he pulled Albrecht from the car and carried him across three lanes of traffic before rescue workers arrived.

Albrecht was flown to Bayfront Hospital where he underwent the first of several surger-ies. Garst went to work where he checked in about 40 workers in the county’s offender work program before going to the hospital where he was treated for a broken nose.

Albrecht has had several surgeries over the past four months totaling nearly $300,000. He walks with a cane but hopes to fully recover over the next six months. Doctors were surprised that he was able to survive back-to-back head on crashes without suffering worse injuries.

The first driver who hit their vehicle was charged with DUI.

The County Commission recognized Garst for his heroism, quick action and dedication during Tuesday’s meeting. Albrecht stood by his side during the county meeting.

Click here to read the story

on the Bradenton

Patch.

Click here, to read the BoCC

Meeting Comments

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Perhaps best of all, cool prizes will be given away every hour! There’s plenty of neat stuff to win, including Naruto DVDs and toys, full-color graphic novels like Astro-naut Academy, and more. We welcome patrons of all ages to enjoy Mana-Con (free Owly comics for attendees age 11 and

under), but prizes, goodie bags, and the workshop will be reserved for ages 12 to 18 only.

For more informa-tion or to request a workshop registra-tion form, contact Ericka Dow at (941) 748-5555, ext. 6310 or e-mail her at ericka.dow@my-manatee.org

Mana-Con: Comics Convention for TeensBy Ericka Dow, Neighborhood ServicesOn Saturday, October 1st, the Central Library will be holding its 2nd Annual Mana-Con: Comics Convention for Teens, an event sponsored by the Friends of the Central Library. This “mini” comics conven-tion is a chance for teens to make art, play games, win prizes, show up in costume, and have a blast!

The event will feature local comic shops and artists with items for sale, student artwork, games, a Hero Clix tournament, and anime videos. Teens are encouraged to get creative at the Doodle Booth or origami sta-tion. They will also learn about the history of comics and get a look at the library’s large graphic novel and manga collection, which will be on display and available for check-out. The Painted Eye will be on hand to paint faces and temporary tattoos from 11 am to 1 pm.

The first 50 teen attendees will receive awesome Shonen Jump reusable bags (made from 100% recycled materials) filled with candy, glow bracelets, and other goodies. All kids and teens will receive a free comic and/or poster while supplies last.

Tiffany Ciper (aka Hihoshi), anime artist and graphic designer, will lead an Anime Art workshop from 1 pm to 3 pm. There are 25 seats available for this free workshop and registration is required; ages 12- 18 are eligible. All art supplies will be provided. A special prize of the super-fun book Paper-toy Monsters will be given away to one lucky workshop attendee! Check out the Mana-Con display at the Central Library to see examples of these wild paper creations.

For more informa-tion on Manatee

County’s libraries visit them on the

web or “like” them on facebook!

Employee of the Month - Sept. 2011Kay Rogers, Public Works

1. What does your job entail? Why is it important?

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HR support for the Public Works Depart-ment. Because it contributes to the success of individuals in the department as well as the department on a whole.

2. What is the most interesting part of your job? The people

3. What is the strangest thing that has happened on the job? The stories - and I won’t repeat any of them.

4. Where are you from?Ohio, but I have lived in Florida for 27 years.

5. What are your hobbies?Shopping, Spending Time with My Family, Reading, and Motorcycle Riding

6. If you were stranded on an island and could have 3 items, what would they be and why?My husband because we belong together and he wouldn’t know what to do without me, cell phone to be able to talk to my kids and grandkids and music.

7. What did you want to be when you were a kid?Nurse

8. Do you have any pets?An adorable spoiled blind shihtzu

9. What’s your favorite song at the moment? Anything Jimmy Buffett

I wanted to share with all County em-ployees this sad but inspiring story below of two Vermont public employees who made the ultimate sacrifice to their community during last weekend’s hurri-cane event. It is so disappointing to read and hear constant media reports that put public employees in a negative light, and to rarely read stories that highlight the great work we all do. A story like this goes to show just how seriously public employees carry out their core responsi-bilities “to provide for the health, safety

and welfare” of their communities. I’m truly proud of each and every one of my fellow public employees who perform tremendous work for Manatee County every single day. -- Dan Gray, Utilities Director

To American Public Works Association (APWA) Membership:

I’m sad to report that two public works em-ployees, a father and son from the City of Rutland, Vermont Public Works Department, were washed away in Hurricane Irene and are still missing. These brave first responders were putting their lives in danger to protect others. To say the least, this is a sad day for the public works community and our condolences from the entire public works community go out to the family. I have talked with President Michael Mancini of the New England Chapter this morning, and APWA will be represented at memorial services at a future date. As further information becomes available, we will update you.

Under the leadership of President Mancini, the New England Chapter has contacted the Vermont League of Cities and Towns and offered to reach out to cities and towns across the State of Vermont. The goal is for public works agencies throughout New England to provide assistance and resources to Vermont public work departments in need. There are over 236 roads devastated, communities cut off, and multiple bridges destroyed. Many of these small Vermont communities have very limited resources.

The disastrous events that have taken place in Vermont and across the country this year not only reinforces the danger public works employees’ face every day, but is a call to action for APWA to heed the recommenda-tions of the APWA Emergency Management Think Tank Report that recommends an APWA National Emergency Management Plan.

For other public works departments and members along the path of Irene, please be assured your APWA colleagues stand ready to assist in any way.

Sincerely,

George Crombie, MPA, BCEEPresident

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HR CornerTips for Minimizing Workplace NegativityManaging and Solving Workplace Nega-tivityBy Susan M. Heathfield, About.com GuideNothing affects employee morale more insidiously than persistent workplace negativity. It saps the energy of your orga-nization and diverts critical attention from work and performance. Negativity occurs in the attitude, outlook, and talk of one department member, or in a crescendo of voices responding to a workplace decision or event.

Diagnose Workplace NegativityNegativity is an in-creasing problem in the workplace, accord-ing to Gary S. Top-chik, the author of Managing Workplace Negativity. He states, in a Management Review article, that negativity is often the result of a loss of confidence, control, or community. Knowing what people are nega-tive about is the first step in solving the problem.

In my experience, when rumblings and negativity are beginning in your organiza-tion, talking with employees will help you understand the exact problems and the degree to which the problems are impact-ing your workplace. You will want to iden-tify the exact employee groups who are experiencing the negativity, and the nature of the issues that sparked their unhappi-ness.

Perhaps the organization made a decision that adversely affected staff. Perhaps the executive manager held a staff meeting and was perceived to threaten or ignore people asking legitimate questions. Maybe staff members feel insecure because concern exists over losing a product line.

Perhaps underground rumors are circulat-

ing about an impend-ing layoff. People may feel that they give the organi-zation more than they receive in return. They may feel that a coworker was mis-treated or denied a deserved promotion.

Whatever the cause of the workplace nega-tivity, you must address the issues. Or like a seemingly dormant volcano, they will boil beneath the surface, and periodically bubble up and overflow to cause fresh damage.

The best way to combat workplace negativ-ity is to keep it from occurring in the first place. These seven tips will help you mini-mize workplace negativity.

• Provide opportunities for people to make decisions about and control and/or influ-ence their own job. The single most fre-quent cause of workplace negativity I encounter is traceable to a manager or the organization making a decision about a person’s work without her input. Almost any decision that excludes the input of the person doing the work is perceived as nega-tive.

• Make opportunities available for people to express their opinion about workplace policies and procedures. Recognize the impact of changes in such areas as work hours, pay, benefits, assignment of over-time hours, comp pay, dress codes, office location, job requirements, and working conditions.

These factors are closest to the mind, heart and physical presence of each individual. Changes to these can cause serious nega-tive responses. Provide timely, proactive responses to questions and concerns.

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• Treat people as adults with fairness and consistency. Develop and publicize work-place policies and procedures that organize work effectively. Apply them consistently. As an example, each employee has the opportunity to apply for leave time. In granting his request, apply the same fac-tors to his application as you would to any other individual’s.

• Do not create “rules” for all employees, when just a few people are violating the norms. You want to minimize the number

of rules directing the behavior of adult peo-ple at work. Treat people as adults; they will usually live up to your expec-tations, and their own expecta-tions.

• Help people feel like members of the in-crowd; each person wants to have the same information as quickly as everyone else. Provide the context for decisions, and communicate effectively and con-stantly.

If several avenues or directions are under consideration, communicate all that you know, as soon as you know it. Reserve the right to change your mind later, without consequence, when additional factors affect the direction of ultimate decisions.

• Afford people the opportunity to grow and develop. Training, perceived opportu-nities for promotions, lateral moves for development, and cross-training are visible signs of an organization’s commitment to staff.

• Provide appropriate leadership and a strategic framework, including mission, vision, values, and goals. People want to feel as if they are part of something bigger than themselves. If they understand the direction, and their part in making the desired outcomes happen, they can effec-tively contribute more.

• Provide appropriate rewards and recogni-tion so people feel their contribution is valued. The power of appropriate rewards and recognition for a positive workplace is remarkable. Suffice to say, reward and recognition is one of the most powerful tools an organization can use to buoy staff morale.

Take some time to analyze how well your organization is applying these seven rec-ommendations. They form the foundation for positive staff morale and minimized negativity in your workplace.

Calendar of EventsSeptember 2011

To view the events happening in your preserves, click here.

To view Parks & Recreation programs and activities. click here.

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Power Speakers of MCGCreating a Speech on Short No-ticeConsider the 3 P’s: Purpose, Practice and PolishYour purpose for each speech is different. Are you proposing a course of action, entertaining, informing or inspiring your audience? Make sure you can state your purpose in one sen-tence. If you have only a few minutes to prepare, concentrate only on achieving your purpose. Write a sentence that describes your purpose. Then organize your thoughts on that topic on your computer – or on the back of a napkin, if that’s the only thing available to you.

As you write, restrict your information to what directly relates to your purpose. Try to use a story or personal experience to illustrate each point you want to mention. One well-illustrat-ed point is stronger and more memorable than multiple points that are explained but not illustrated.

Practice ideas, not words. A memorized speech is dangerous: Lose your place and you are in trouble. You want to be spontaneous enough to be able to insert comments about something from earlier in the meeting, such as “This is consistent with the point Bill just made.” Having examples planned for each point will make it easier for you to remember what to say next.

Create an attention-grabbing opening and a concluding statement that summarizes your main point and call to action. Try to memorize these. Be sure to practice your speech out loud, in addition to revising your written notes as much as time allows. If you miss a point, keep going. Then go back to the section you had trouble with and work on it until it’s smooth. If you have only a few hours to prepare a short speech, this is as much as you’ll accomplish.

Practice your speech a few times in the car on the way to the meeting, and remember: When you give the speech, state each point clearly and sit down. Don’t ramble! And never apolo-gize for your lack of preparation or nervous-ness – chances are good no one will notice. Polish. Contest speeches or important presen-

tations to large audiences merit the highest level of respect to the audience and therefore, the most preparation. You polish your speech by working on finer points such as gestures, inflection and pacing. Angela Jankouski points out: “Focus on one aspect of delivery at a time. First, work on vocal variety. Next, practice gestures that enhance your meaning. Then, experiment with pacing.” If possible, rehearse your speech in front of different audiences, prior to the one that really counts. Each audience is different, and you’ll learn something from each.”

So, if you have only a few minutes to prepare a speech, focus hard on your purpose, your single most important point, and the opening statement. Also practice a strong ending to help your audience for a favorable final im-pression of you. If you have several hours to prepare, develop a focused speech that really illustrates and supports your main point.

Practice conveying your ideas without memo-rizing the speech word for word. If you have adequate time before a major presentation, make sure to polish it with gestures, vocal variety and pacing until it shines!

Remember Winston Churchill’s advice: “If you have an important point to make, don’t try to be subtle or clever. Use the pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time – a tremendous whack.”

You can learn more tips like these, by joining the Power Speakers of MCG.

Toastmasters Events

All events and meetings are on

Fridays from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

September 16Humorous Speech

Contest Place: BOCC

Chambers

September 23 Special Guest, Kathy

Furbush, DTM Place: 4th Floor,

Osprey Room

September 30How to Become a

Distinguished Club Presentation

Place: Public Works

Learn about

Toastmasters by visiting us on the

i-Net!

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Manatee County’s 1st Annual United Way 5K Walk–A–ThonSaturday, November 5, 2011Robinson Preserve1704 - 99th Street NorthwestRace Day Registration: 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. - Walk begins at 9 a.m.

Participant Information:-Non-competitive walk and is open to all ages and abilities-Entry fee is $20-Participants are encouraged to collect donations in support of their walking efforts-Pre-registered participants will receive an event t-shirt-Participants may enter individually, as a team of 5 or as a team of 10-1st, 2nd & 3rd place awards will be presented based on total monetary amounts collected by individuals or teams.-Visitors must remain on mapped trails and boardwalks.-All plants, animals, and artifacts are protected by federal, state, and local law.Collecting of any kind is prohibited.-No glass containers or alcohol permitted on Preserve property.-The first 200 registered participants by 10/15/11 will receive a goody bag the day of the event.-Participants are encouraged to collect donations in support of their walking efforts.

Please register by October 15th.

Please collect all monies prior to the event and deliver completed donation formsand envelopes to the registration table on November 5th.

For more information, check out the iNet.

For questions or additional , contact Diana Wilkerson 792-8811 ext. 5403, or visit the iNet page.

Back to School with Man-atee County Public Safety

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Kudos CornerTo view the kudos information, click on the link which will take you to the PDF file on the iNet.

August 2011County Administrator’s OfficeWendy Dean, Health Benefits Technician

Building & Development ServicesPeyt Dewar, Code Enforcement Officer IIJeff Johnson, Senior Construction Inspec-tions OfficerC.J. Dupre, Building OfficialGreg Schneider, Plans ExaminerTammy Boggs, Customer Service Support Manager

Community ServicesTracie Adams, Human Services ManagerManatee County Offender Work Program

Convention & Visitors BureauElliot Falcione, Director

Human ResourcesKathleen Ritchie, Senior Technician

Neighborhood ServicesNancy Ragland, Senior Housing & Com-munity Development Technician

Parks & RecreationCarolyn Angiolillo, Recreation Division ManagerDave Kudelko, Recreation Center Director-Youth CampsSteve Munyer, Recreation Coordinator

Property Management“Wesley” Vyacheslav Pyontyk, Senior Building Trade WorkerPaula Pesmark, Building SupervisorJeff Wilson, Building SupervisorMark Petrilla, Building Trade WorkerCasey Turner, Building Trade WorkerReid Coffey, Building Supervisor

Public SafetyDave Hubbard, Radio Communications ManagerBill Pryor, Radio Tech SupervisorRebecca Cresswell, Maintenance Data Coordinator

Florida Women in GovernmentLunch Seminar on Financial PlanningFlorida Women in Government hosted a Financial Planning Seminar on Wednes-day, Sept. 14 to listen, discover, inquire and have lunch with a Florida Financial Advi-sor.

To read about other FWG news, check out the July/August FWG newsletter.

If you would like to join FWG or just find out more information about the organiza-tion, we hold meetings on the 2nd Wednes-day of every month from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. or contact the President of the Greater Mana-tee Chapter of FWG, Lynn Pierce.

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YWeight Program OverviewBy Kim Stroud, County Administrator’s Office

Since 2005, the health plan began contributing health bucks (ranging from $96-$144) to employees who complete the qualifying events for the various plan levels: Ultimate, Best, Better and Basic. The health bucks helped to engage members into the new plan design back in 2005; however the real reward for the qualifying events is the rich plan level.

Effective for Plan Year 2013, which is the qualifying year of 10/1/2011 thru 8/31/2012, there will no longer be health bucks awarded for events/activities that related to plan level eligibility. These include health bucks for the Wellness Exam, HRA, Tobacco Free, and Diabetes activities. Please note that these events/activities are still required for Ultimate, Best and Better plan level eligibility there will just be no health bucks tied to them beginning Plan Year 2013.

In order to continue the success we have seen with creating more accountable benefits, health bucks will be tied to outcome based incentive programs which allows the health plan to offer higher rewards than employees have earned in the past in addition to allowing ALL MEMBERS the opportunity to participate and earn health bucks annually by achieving specific outcomes. As a reminder, all incen-tive programs are completely voluntary, but all adult members are eligible to participate annually.

Y Weight is an exciting new program developed by the Advocates and Coaches with the Your Choice Health Plan that is focused on helping members maintain or work towards a healthy lifestyle. All members are eligible to participate annually in this program. Manatee County supports rewarding employees who make healthy lifestyle changes. This is also supported by the medical community. Dr. Joseph Soler, Medical Director for the Your Choice Health Plan states: “Failure to address the obesity epidemic will be catastrophic to the national economy. The USA health systems will NOT be able to absorb the cost of the myriad of diseases caused by this epidemic. The Y Weight program is conserva-tive in its weight loss expectations and friendly to the Members. It exemplifies the motto ‘Your Choice’.”

We know that change is a process which is why this campaign is designed to be individualized to each member participating and designed to help motivate participants to stay enrolled over time regardless of the amount of weight loss or gain. The idea is that the longer you stay enrolled, the more opportu-nity you have to increase your incentive as you progress through the phases at your pace.

There are 4 simple steps:

Step 1. During the month of October, attend a Y Weight weigh-in session at a designated site to determine your starting weight.Step 2. Make lifestyle changes that will impact your weight. Do it on your own or take advantage of the Your Choice programs designed to assist employees in learning the skills and tools necessary that positively impact their health.Step 3. During the month of July 2012 attend a Y Weight weigh-in session at a designated site to determine your program ending weight. Step 4. CELEBRATE YOUR SUCCESS and remain enrolled in the program for the following year in order to earn between $285 and $500 in health bucks.

Much of the recognition that the County’s health plan has received over the years has related to the integrated programming and coaches available to employees. It is this programming that as em-ployees; we can engage in to help us achieve the Y Weight Gold

Reward of $400 over the next 10 months. Some of that programming includes free individual and group meetings with a Registered Dietician, free individual sessions with a Lifestyle Coach in the LAMP program, free medication review with our Clinical Pharmacist, free Personal training ses-sions, group exercise, free membership at the Your Choice Fitness Center or a reduced membership at GT Bray Fitness Center. Watch for the Wellness Calendar and weekly reminders for more infor-mation about Y Weight.

So what are you waiting for------Y Weight?!!!

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The Final Word“Y Weight is designed to encourage each of us in the health plan to begin practicing long term healthy behaviors...”By now I hope most of you are aware of the Y Weight initiative, a program I believe has the potential to make a tremendous impact to the health of Mana-tee County employees and family members on the health plan.

Obesity has become one of the most widespread and rapidly growing health crises in the country. Sixty-one percent of Flori-da’s adults are either overweight or obese. Statistics are similar among the Manatee County workforce. Being overweight or obese contrib-utes to elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, some cancers and even death.

Predictably, health care costs for the overweight and obese is 42 percent higher than for those at a healthy weight. A slimmer workforce will not only result in a healthier workforce, it will also help keep health care costs low for the County and for employees.

Y Weight is designed to encourage each of us in the health plan to begin practicing long term healthy behaviors that will reduce risk factors related to excess body weight. The program is simple and allows everyone to participate at an individual pace. Y Weight is an opportunity for us to take control and to make a difference in employee lives. What’s more, the program will help all of us in our continued pursuit of creating a culture of health throughout Manatee County Government.

Employee Health Benefits has done a commendable job launching this new program. EHB will continue to keep us up to date with more infor-mation as the program kicks off this fall.

Manatee County employees are the foundation of the services provided to the citizens of Manatee County and Y Weight is just another way to provide incentive and reward to our hardworking employees and their families to assist in working toward healthier, happier and more produc-tive lives. I encourage each County employee to consider taking part in the program. It will not only reward those who lose weight to become healthier, it will also benefit those who are at a healthy weight.