ManateE-zineFor Employees by Employees February 2011

The Crosley Estate was packed with Manatee County’s Rising Stars on Feb. 24! This group of energetic and enterprising minds got together to discuss what they can do to make Manatee County Government a better place to work, live & play.

If you would like to learn more about the Rising Stars Group, go to their iNet page.

Hope to see these Stars and others who want to be involved on March 24 from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m at G.T. Bray!

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Your Benefits websiteDon’t forget to access www.ManateeYour-

Choice.com for the monthly calendar.

Each month a new calendar is posted with

all the programs and services being offered that month…such as,

Group Fitness Schedule, Qualifying

Questions of the Week, Diabetes Workshops,

Tobacco Courses, Nutri-tion and Weight Loss

Classes, Special Programs and more.

Employee Health BenefitsGo Red for Women

In 2004, the American Heart Association (AHA) faced a challenge. Cardiovascular disease claimed the lives of nearly 500,000 American women each year, yet women were not paying attention. In fact, many even dismissed it as an “older man’s disease.” To dispel the myths and raise awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of women, the Ameri-can Heart Association created Go Red For Women – a passionate, emotional, social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health.

In honor of Go Red Day on Feb. 4, the Manatee YourChoice Health Plan/ Center for Health & Lifestyle Manage-ment sponsored a Go Red Walking Clinic to show support for the fight against heart disease. Over 30 county employees showed their support by wearing red and participating in this clinic. Way to go!

Healthy Heart Kudos!By Robyn Golabek, RN

Did you know that Heart Disease is the number one killer in the U.S.? There are more deaths from heart disease than all cancers combined! Heart disease and strokes account for 34.3% of all U.S. deaths according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC) and costs over $500 billion per year ($250 billion more than cancer).

The Cardiac Health for Life Program is now in it’s second year! We have several members that have joined this personal coaching pro-gram and began life style changes to improve their heart health. These members have chosen to improve their nutrition and begin a weekly exercise program in an effort to con-trol their cholesterol and blood pressure.

Cara Boyer is an example of one of our mem-bers who has significantly changed her heart health. She has cut her risk of a heart attack in half! Cara lost 44 pounds this past year, dropped her cholesterol by 41 points and her triglycerides by 191 points, dropped her systolic blood pressure by 31 points and went off of her blood pressure medicine!! Cara said that she has more energy, an im-proved quality of life, and stated “No amount

of money can buy how good I feel right now.”

The CDC indicates that improvement in heart health can save an average of $2000 per year per person. So be sure to con-gratulate and thank Cara for making her lifestyle changes not only for a better quality of life but she just saved the Health Plan and you money!

You can find out more about the Cardiac Health for Life Program at www.ManateeY-ourChoice.com or call me, Robyn Golabek, “Your-Choice” Nurse Advocate, at 748-4501 x 6411.Cara Boyer

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Power Speakers of MCGInternational Speech and Table Topics Club Contest

By Phyllis Strong, Building & Development ServicesThe MCG Toastmasters Club hosted the International Speech and Table Topics club contest on Friday February 11, 2011 in the Board of County Commissioners Board Chambers at the Manatee County Adminis-tration Building.

The first competi-tion was for the top two Table Topic contestants. Table Topics are where one question is posed to all partici-pants competing and the winners are chosen from the two highest scoring participants. The two Table Topic winners chosen were Deborah Carey-Reed and Nick Azzara.

The top scoring speech winners were Kelli Polanski and Rossina Leider.

This contest was to determine which of our fine speakers would participate in the area Speech contest that was held Saturday February 26 at Wingate Inns and Suites.

Top: Kelli Polanski, Rossina Leider

Right: Deborah Carey-Reed

Wellness Champions - What a resource!By Karen Windon, County Administrator’s OfficeWho and what are these Wellness Champions you keep hearing about? These are the 20+ coworkers throughout the county who have a high interest in health and wellness, and who have volunteered to be an advocate for their fellow employees in engaging in wellness and health management activities. They will be your encouragement as you decide to increase your activity level and step into new challenges. They will be resources as you try to find the best activities, the best eating plan, and make the best choices in your health. They will be promoting fun and fitness events for your workplace so everyone benefits from our excellent wellness plan. The Champions serve to make it easier to achieve wellness by focus-ing on the needs of the employees at each worksite. They will take that knowledge and

understanding and work with our wellness team in brainstorming ideas that will meet the needs of their co-workers.

Research has shown the importance of a healthy worksite environment in our overall life satisfaction and improved quality of life. When activity is present in our lives in appro-priate quantities and levels, we not only feel better about ourselves, but we are less an-noyed by the small things in life.

One of our Champions has inspired me to achieve one of my fitness goals. I had been thinking about getting back into running (my last race was a 15K in 1989!), but I was more than a little embarrassed about how out of shape I am. My Champion told me about a great site (www.C25K.com or “Couch to 5K”) that could help me ease back into running without destroying my health or my ego, and showed me a great phone app that would help me track my progress. I wouldn’t have done it without that encouragement from my Cham-pion. Will I run a 5K? I don’t know and it doesn’t matter – what matters is that I have a fitness goal and I am enjoying trying to achieve it. Thanks, Champion!

Champions all over the county are doing great things. Diana Wilkerson & Catherine Clontz, Utilities, are combining goals of fitness and philanthropy by creating a “Walk A Thon” as their fund raiser for United Way this year. Vicki Comarsh-White and Mike Neuges, Community Services, are developing an “exercise where you are” program by posting simple stretches at frequently visited locations (copy machine, water cooler). The goal is to encourage stress relief, posture and circula-tion, and improve morale and productivity. Many other programs are in the works!

Wellness is something we need to integrate into our daily lives. Make positive health decisions as natural to your day as breathing! Thinking about some greasy potato chips? Try a few natural almonds instead. Going to jump in the elevator to ride a few flights? Take the stairs instead. Want to climb Mt. Everest? Get fit first. Have questions? Ask a Champion!

Your Wellness ChampionsCandace Carver- PlanningDiana L. Wilkerson- UtilitiesCandie Pedersen- Parks and RecreationJohn D. Lee- Information TechnologyMaria Allen- Public Safety

Toastmasters Meeting Dates

3/4-Public Works 26th Avenue Conf Rm B

3/11-Public Works 26th Avenue Conf Rm B

3/18-Cty Admin Bldg. Osprey Room 4th fl.

3/25-Cty Admin Bldg Osprey Room 4th fl.

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Employee of the MonthLarry Ewain, Utilities

1. What does your job entail? Why is it important? Educate the public on Solid Waste issues, enforce the County ordinance, check waste haulers for franchise agreements.

2. What is the most interesting part of your job? Daily challenges of the job.

3. What is the strangest thing that has happened on the job? Finding someone sleeping in the dumpsters.

Jim Larsen- Pub Safety EMSJane Connolly- Neighborhood ServicesCatherine K. Clontz- UtilitiesSandra M. Zabriske- MSO/CPIDDep. Jane Casey- MCSO Patrol TRU D2Jessica Smith- PurchasingJeff Lightburne- Parks and RecMary Moeller- Public Works/ Traffic OpKay Rogers- Public WorksMyra “Jane” Oliver- Public WorksConnie Shingledecker- MSO/ Investigative BureauLuz McQuiston- Neighborhood ServicesErnie McFarland- Public SafetySharon Barhorst- Information TechnologyBobby Windham- Property AppraiserKatie Gilmore- UtilitiesRon Kennedy- Public WorksLenell Houser- PatrolJennifer Glassburn- ARCRobert Spencer III- FingerprintKayse Hasiak- Utilities Central LabDarrell Whitfield- Public/Works Storm WaterVikki Comarsh- White- Community ServicesChristine Chapman- TransitKim Godbee- County Administrator’s Office

4. Where are you from? Hancock, New York

5. What are your hobbies? Building things, riding my Harley, helping others.

6. Did you attend college? Where? What did you study? Yes. University of Mass, NHLA

7. If you were stranded on an island and could have 3 items, what would they be and why? Bottle of rum, good women, unlimited supply of cigars

8. What did you want to be when you were a kid? Grown up.

9. Do you have any pets? A Pomeranian, name Essie, she is 11 years old.

10. What’s your favorite song at the moment?Real Good Man by Tim McGraw.

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

January 2011

Team EffortAndy Fisher, Public Works Infrastructure Inspections ManagerCindy Blake, Building’s Permitting Services Manager

Building DepartmentCindy Blake, Permitting Services ManagerRobert Page, Construction Inspections Officer

Neighborhood Services DepartmentSuzie Dobbs, Community Development ManagerDenise Thomas, Housing & Community Development CoordinatorDebbee Creamer, Community Development TechnicianJohnny Campbell, Community Development Specialist

Parks & RecreationDennis Bush, Clubhouse Manager

PlanningLisa Barrett, Planning Manager

Property ManagementLynn Willis, Real Property Specialist

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Mindy Orrill, Custodian

Public Safety DepartmentNicki Bentley, Animal Services OfficerMatt Smith, Charge ParamedicMaria Allen, Charge ParamedicSherri Pellien, Charge ParamedicDoug Mihulka, ParamedicSue Buhler, ParamedicPaul Herrholz, Charge Paramedic

Public Works DepartmentLana Gostkowski, Field Operations ChiefGreg Burchett, Field TechnicianPaul Riggs, PWM Supervisor

Utilities DepartmentRicky Irvin, Maintenance TechnicianHarry White, Maintenance Technician TraineeMichael Matthews, Utilities System Support & Training SpecialistLarry Ewain, Solid Waste Enforcement Officer

Longevity LuncheonThe Longevity Luncheon took place on Thurs-day, February 24 at the Civic Center. This annual luncheon honors Manatee County employees for the many years in service.

Chili Cook Off for United Way

by Joann Larson, County Administrator’s OfficeThe County Administration employees and Board of County Commissioners put on a Chili Luncheon that brought in over $400 for United Way.

Thanks to their help and volunteers from Financial Mgmt, their Purchasing Division and employees from the Information Technology Dept, we had 15 crocks of different favored chili with condiments, along with an array of homemade desserts.

For those that could not join us - the event was served by all 7 commissioners - and we all had a blast!

Thank you to all that participated whether you purchase a bowl or just contributed money. Most importantly, thanks to those that took the time to make the chili and desserts. We had several floors smelling of good aromas!

To read more about the Longevity Luncheon

visit the iNet.

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Florida Women in GovernmentUpcoming Meetings & Events

Mark your calendars for these dates:

March 9- HOPE Family ServicesApril 13- Pre-Business meetingMay 18- Annual Business LuncheonJune 8- Annual Installation /Supervisor Appreciation luncheon

Other nuggets of information:

• Deadline to turn in your scholarship applica-tions is April 15, 2011. Please contact Donna Stevens, Scholarship Chair 941-749-3045.

• The Yes We “Can” campaign is still active!When Women in Government meet on the second Wednesday of each month they collect non-perishable canned food items, which are delivered to Meals on Wheels.

Questions about Florida Women in

Government?

E-mail President, Lynn Pierce of the

Information Technology

Department

HR CornerFour Generations, One Work-placePart 2- Baby Boomers (1946-1964)

By Simone Peterson, Neighborhood ServicesThis is part two of a four part series. To read Part 1- Traditionalists, go to the Janaury 2011 ManateE-zine.

The “Me” Generation

Technology was the 8-track. Dallas was the show to catch on the tube. Joe Namath was the talk of the sports world and time at work was defined by visibility. [1]

Baby Boomers also known interchangeably as the TV, Love, Now, Me and even Pepsi Generation were born between 1946-1964 making them 47-65 years of age and account for approximately 41% of the workforce (78 million people).[2] To place this in perspective, according to Manatee County Human Resources Department, Boomers make up a whopping 60% (986 employees) of the County’s workforce.

What Shaped ThemThe second largest generation in recent history, the Boomers have made a significant impact on our society by witnessing and even participating in: the Civil Rights Movement, the moon landing, Woodstock, Watergate, Vietnam, nuclear disarmament, consumer advocacy and Women’s Rights. [3]

The Boomer responds to symbols of recognition such as titles, money and other status symbols or indications of peer recognition.[4] They tend to be extremely competitive, a likely result of their vast number. They value individual choice, community involvement, prosperity, ownership, self-actualizing, as well as health and wellness. Within this age group, many are reflecting on their lives and realizing they have spent too much time at work. As a result, they typically want to add more balance to their lives and may feel that the subsequent generations need to put “their time in.”[5]

When it comes to communicating with peers, it will preferably take place via phone or face to face.

In the WorkplaceRebels by nature, they go against the status quo and have a love/hate relationship with authority. (The 1968 hit from the Beatles, “Revolution” ring a bell?) With this in mind they are politically correct, career minded, process oriented and value hard work. [6] “Whatever it takes to get it done” could be considered their mantra and they typically desire quality over quantity. Boomers are also sociable and enjoy the team dynamic while valuing their individuality.

Want to toss in your 2¢?Did the experts hit the

mark on your generation? Let us

know what you think! Send us an e-mail at

manateezine@mymanatee.org.

E-mailers will remain anonymous

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As stated earlier, these people were once workaholics- the workplace was a second home to them. But they are now shifting into a phase where they want more “me” time so they can focus on family and themselves. Many Baby Boomers have become health conscious over the last few years.

Strengths and ChallengesBaby Boomers are at the point in their lives where they have gained the experience and expertise in their chosen field. Tapping the Baby Boomers for mentoring and coaching programs within the organization is an opportunity for them to share what they know and for younger employees to learn from them.

Boomers are uncomfortable in conflicts in the workplace[7]. To keep team morale up, they may not ruffle any feathers. However, turning a blind eye to an issue can cause just what the manager doesn’t want: strife and grief. This is an important challenge many Boomers need to conquer because a fair majority of them hold supervisory or managerial positions. If they want their team to progress, they need to be ready, willing and able to do what it takes to stop anything that may be a hindrance to the team.

How to Manage and Identify With Baby Boomers

Professional Development[8]

Encourage them to enrich their present job and grow in place if they need to slow their career pace. Perhaps even focus on seminars on group dynamics.

Offer Alternatives[9]

Practice what is preached when it comes to work-life balance by redesigning their jobs to accommodate multiple life demands. Offering Baby Boomers benefits that they need such as health care and retirement benefits can also motivate them to continue to perform and contribute to the organization

Demonstrate importance of teamwork[10]

They weren’t the called the “Me” Generation for nothing. Some Baby Boomers may become a little self absorbed and think “me, me, me”

and not look at the big picture. However, allowing them to be placed in team environments where their ego can be in check will help them be a great influence on others and allow other people to benefit from their knowledge and skills.

Place Baby Boomers into mentoring rolesLike their parents, the Traditionalists, these people have a wealth of knowledge about how they perform their job and general company history. Pair that knowledge with their education and their sociable nature and you have the perfect mentoring agent.

The cool, laid back and nonchalant Generation X will be featured next month.

The final wordRising stars

More than 140 of you showed up to the Feb. 24 Rising Stars event, an impressive total considering it was held after hours. What was perhaps more impressive than the turnout was the diverse makeup of people who con-sider themselves Rising Stars. In attendance were directors, managers, entry-level person-nel. People of all ages and from every corner of the workforce turned out. That kind of interest in the future of our organization is remark-able, particularly when there’s so much nega-tivity toward government from national media and state leadership.

Some great thoughts came from the initial meeting of the Rising Stars. Those who at-tended asked for improved lines of communi-cation, especially with those who work in the field. You also asked for peer mentoring programs that will help foster career develop-ment. The Stars’ leadership will compile comments and feedback from the event and will be working with Deputy County Adminis-trator Karen Windon to determine the next steps that will be taken. Karen will serve as a direct link between the Rising Stars and Department Directors, ensuring that good ideas are well considered. It’s not too late to become a part of the Rising Stars. If you missed the kickoff event but want to be involved, keep an eye toward updates on the iNet. Other meetings are being planned, at

Four Generations, One Workplace-

Baby Boomers Sources

[1, 2, 8, 9] Monteiro, John. Managing

Generational Differences in the

Workplace. New York State Personnel

Council. Empire State Plaza, New York, New

York. 25 Oct. 2006.

[2, 3, 4, 6, 10] Boyer, Lonn. Madera County,

Human Resources

[5]”Retaining the 4 Generations in the

Workforce.” Career Systems Internation-al, 2/25/2011. Web. 3

Mar 2011.

[7]”Generational Diversity in the

Workplace.” N.p., 2/25/2011. Web. 3

Mar 2011.

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times and venues that will accommodate a variety of schedules.

If you have an interest in the future of Mana-tee County Government, I encourage you to attend future meetings of the Rising Stars. The group holds promise and anyone involved can play an important part in bringing about improvements to the organization.

Florida Retirement SystemMany of you have expressed concern about potential changes to the Florida Retirement System that could impact your decision to retire early. You should know that staff is monitoring closely the proposals being dis-cussed in Tallahassee and we will try to keep you informed as important updates arise.

As you probably know, Gov. Rick Scott’s pro-posal would have FRS employees contribute 5 percent of their annual salaries into retirement accounts. So far the Senate has not embraced many of Scott’s proposed reforms, including shutting down the Deferred Retirement Option Program. Instead, the current Senate proposal would require that most FRS employees – in-cluding special risk classes -- contribute 2 percent of their annual salaries to retirement accounts. Senior management and elected officials would contribute 4 percent of their salaries.

The current Senate plan would close the state’s main pension plan to new enrollees and instead shift them to an investment plan. Members enrolling on or after that date would need to enter the defined contribution plan. The Senate plan would keep overtime and accumulated annual leave from being consid-ered part of the annual final compensation for all members beginning July 1, 2011.

The Florida House has yet to propose a plan. It is important to note that these proposals can and probably will change as the session progresses.

To reiterate, we are monitoring developments in Tallahassee closely and we will keep the workforce informed here in the Ezine or on the iNet as new, important information is available.