1

Meeting the needs of

The Villages

community

Residents is our

primary objective.

PURPOSE

To provide and preserve

the lifestyle of Florida’s

Friendliest Hometown.

VISION

To be respected as the

most responsive

and responsible

Community Development

District.

MISSION

To provide responsible and

accountable

public service that

enhances and sustains

our community.

In this Issue...

2 Did You Know?

3 Birthdays

4 Anniversaries

5 Our Core Values In

Action

6 Public Safety

6 Recreation

7-8 Risk Management

9 Hurricane

Preparedness

10-

12 Human Resources

OUR CORE VALUES

Hospitality

Stewardship

Creativity & Innovation

Hard Work

July 2020 Employee Newsletter

A Thank You Letter

The following is a letter from residents of The Villages. Although it was ad-dressed to me directly, it is most certainly a wonderful reflection of the efforts all District staff as well as an outstanding representation of our core values of hospitality, stewardship, creativity & innovation, and hard work. “I know you have heard more than enough negative kickback regarding the changes you had to make to keep us all safe during this “monster flu”. We just wanted to write to you and thank you for a wonderful job The Villages has done in keeping our lives as close to normal “and safe” as possible. We count our blessings daily that we live in a community that we can still take healthy walks, golf safely, order out, and are able to buy groceries. Some were complaining that they “shouldn’t be paying amenities”. Obviously they do not appreciate how beautiful this place is and what it takes to keep it this way. They obviously don’t realize you still have to pay your employees to keep it this beautiful. Still need to pay the garbage pickup (unless they would rather see the garbage piled up in their homes). There is a lot of maintenance that goes into keeping everything beautiful as well as safe. Then again, some people are just habitual complainers and if they moved out of The Villages, it wouldn't be any big loss. We just want to thank you for your leadership in initiating all these changes and The Villages for who they are.”

Richard Baier, P.E. LEED AP District Manager

2

Did You Know?

Current Job Openings Are you looking for a career change, or know someone who is seeking employment? Our cur-rent job openings include:

Property Management Administrative Assistant $13.74 per hour Assistant Manager-Facilities $51,573.41 annual Recreation Fitness Assistant $9.93 per hour Recreation Assistant $9.93 per hour Recreation Assistant-Boats $9.93 per hour Recreation Assistant-Softball $9.93 per hour Recreation Supervisor $39,464.80 annual

Keep an eye out for emails from Terianne Carroll, HR Administrator, for future openings with the District.

If you have questions on job openings or how to apply, please feel free to call Terianne at 352-674-1905 or email

terianne.carroll@districtgov.org.

On your District Anniversary. Thank you for your service!

E M P L O Y E E S O N T H E M O V E

Administration

Kenny Blocker was promoted from Assistant District Manager to Deputy District Manager.

Carrie Duckett was promoted from Director, Residential Services & Communication to Assistant District Manager.

Finance

Jennifer Liunoras was promoted from Finance Manager to Assistant Director, Finance.

Recreation & Parks

Matt Armstrong was promoted from Recreation Manager, Facilities & Personnel to Assistant Director, Recreation & Parks.

Kacie Linton was promoted from Recreation Manager, Finan-cial & Operation to Assistant Director, Recreation & Parks.

Property Management

Blair Bean was promoted from Assistant Director, Property Management to Director, Property Management.

John Morosky,

Recreation Assistant,

celebrating 15 years

District offices will be closed on Friday, July 3rd in observance of Independence

Day.

Michael Vasilko, Gate

Attendant, celebrating 15

years

James Inderwish, Gate

Attendant, celebrating 15

years

John Sullivan, Special Events Line

Staff, celebrating 10 years

Genevieve Tetrault, Facility

Specialist, celebrating

10 years

Matt Armstrong, Assistant Director,

Recreation & Parks,

celebrating 10 years

Michael Woomer, Gate

Attendant, celebrating 15

years

Independence Day Fun Facts There are around 15,000 Independence Day fireworks celebrations every year.

Americans consume about 150 million hot dogs while celebrating Independence Day

The White House held its first 4th of July party in 1801.

Congress made Independence Day an official unpaid holiday for federal em-ployees in 1870. In 1938, Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday.

3

JULY JULY

Michael Cameron 1 Recreation

Margo Atherholt 1 Community Watch

Raymond Machroli 1 Community Watch

Paul Tucker 1 Community Watch

Danijel Preloznik 1 Public Safety

Robert Sheridan 1 Public Safety

Danny Hadley 2 Community Watch

Rayshel Morris 3 Customer Service

Cindy Kelley 3 Recreation

Brittany Wilson 4 Administration

Kent Frazer 4 Recreation

John Sullivan 4 Recreation

Lois Schwenn 4 Community Watch

Michael Knoch 5 Recreation

Peter Rissland 5 Community Watch

Judith Urfer 5 Community Watch

James Black 6 Recreation

Wayne Ellison 6 Recreation

Patsy Anderson 6 Community Watch

Horace Roqueta 6 Community Watch

Aaliyah Davis 7 Purchasing

Thomas Cobianchi 7 Recreation

Vilma Jakubicki 7 Recreation

Richard Oliva 7 Recreation

Peter Carpenter 7 Public Safety

Robert Stone 8 Recreation

Sam Getz 9 Customer Service

Theodore Uskali 9 Community Watch

Shirley Maruca 9 Finance

Patrick Passaretti 10 Community Watch

Gregory Reichard 10 Community Watch

Vincent Tumminelli 10 Community Watch

Taylor DeMarchis 10 Public Safety

Dawn Doucette 10 Public Safety

Guy Troiano 11 Recreation

Mary Steinecke 12 Recreation

Robert McCants 12 Community Watch

Timothy Fox 12 Public Safety

John Longacre 12 Public Safety

James Scrubbs 13 Recreation

Clarence Hunter 13 Community Watch

Jo Bugala 14 Recreation

Charles Kelley 14 Recreation

Rembert Rivenbark 14 Community Watch

Joella LeDonne 14 Property Management

Brian Twiss 14 Public Safety

Elsina Riddell 15 Recreation

Floyd Schoman 15 Community Watch

Joseph Cacciatore 16 Recreation

Anita Detterbeck 16 Recreation

Shannon Dowd 16 Recreation

Paul Emberger 16 Recreation

Robert Culbertson 16 Community Watch

Jacob Rogers 16 Public Safety

Michael Hohnemann 17 Recreation

John Myers 17 Recreation

Michael Smith 17 Recreation

Charles Aquilina 17 Community Watch

Linda Lattanzio 17 Community Watch

Ryan Lavender 17 Public Safety

Patricia Juliano 18 Recreation

Robert Lesser 18 Recreation

Mark Bednarek 18 Community Watch

Barry Lee Hoch 18 Community Watch

James Hull 18 Community Watch

Dennis Costello 19 Recreation

Christopher Parco 19 Public Safety

Paul Ferreri 20 Recreation

Gregory Wood 20 Community Watch

Dale Hetsko 21 Recreation

Rita Mirus 21 Community Watch

Gary Deinert 22 Recreation

Janice Panasuk 23 Recreation

Alba Aponte Ortega 23 Finance

Dillon Berry 24 Public Safety

Regina Demarco 25 Recreation

Thomas Ryan 25 Recreation

John Mills 25 Community Watch

Keith John Norris 25 Public Safety

James Buchanan 27 Recreation

Anthony D'Aquisto 27 Recreation

Joseph Natoli 27 Recreation

George Hatzigiannakis 27 Community Watch

Philip McDermott 27 Community Watch

David Van Vleet Jr 27 Property Management

Paul Kirslis 28 Recreation

Peter Roscoe 28 Recreation

Daniel Wood 28 Recreation

Delbert Houghton 28 Community Watch

Joan Mayo 28 Community Watch

Custer Redman 28 Community Watch

Patricia Adams 29 Recreation

Thomas Baker 29 Recreation

Thomas Dalton 29 Recreation

Bobbie Foran 29 Recreation

Edward Steward 29 Recreation

Grady Williamson 29 Recreation

Jeannine Young 29 Recreation

Susan Shanks 29 Community Watch

Judith Emery 30 Recreation

Lucien Ragonesi 30 Recreation

Robert Sjogren 30 Public Safety

Michael Busch 31 Recreation

Kacie Linton 31 Recreation

James Vigliarolo 31 Recreation

Jason Croom 31 Public Safety

Christopher Gruber 31 Public Safety

Lee Longo 31 Public Safety

4

Happy July Anniversary! Thank You For Your Service!

William Heffner Recreation 07/28/2003 17

Thomas Morris Community Watch 07/28/2004 16

James Inderwish Community Watch 07/05/2005 15

Jay Sampson Recreation 07/12/2006 14

Richard Toole Recreation 07/12/2006 14

Michael Amodeo Property Management 07/17/2006 14

Katherine Trulli Recreation 07/04/2007 13

James Brooks Community Watch 07/11/2007 13

Melanie Sarakinis Recreation 07/22/2009 11

Genevieve Tetrault Recreation 07/07/2010 10

Matthew Armstrong Recreation 07/21/2010 10

Linda Viri Recreation 07/09/2012 8

Edward Fink Community Watch 07/09/2012 8

David Levine Community Watch 07/09/2012 8

Richard Mayo Community Watch 07/09/2012 8

Floyd Davis Community Watch 07/23/2012 8

Barbara Fogarty Community Watch 07/23/2012 8

Charles Mitchell Community Watch 07/23/2012 8

Romayne Skory Community Watch 07/23/2012 8

Shane Danford Public Safety 07/23/2012 8

Gene Wine Public Safety 07/23/2012 8

Mary Nadeau Recreation 07/22/2013 7

Ralph Novak Recreation 07/22/2013 7

Kathy Delaney Community Watch 07/29/2013 7

Raymond Foder Community Watch 07/29/2013 7

Frederick Hellmig Community Watch 07/29/2013 7

Alice Lamaine Community Watch 07/29/2013 7

Margaret McManus Community Watch 07/29/2013 7

Ronald Guba Recreation 07/07/2014 6

Sharon Hehr Recreation 07/07/2014 6

Hayward Luther Recreation 07/07/2014 6

Vanessa Hughes Property Management 07/07/2014 6

Robert Meffen Public Safety 07/14/2014 6

Phillip Roberts Public Safety 07/14/2014 6

Christopher Stevenson Public Safety 07/14/2014 6

Michael Burleson Recreation 07/06/2015 5

Barbara Andrews Recreation 07/20/2015 5

Howard Crowley Recreation 07/20/2015 5

William Davis Recreation 07/20/2015 5

Kent Frazer Recreation 07/20/2015 5

Donald Maestri Recreation 07/20/2015 5

Patricia McCullough Recreation 07/20/2015 5

Cathy Norris Recreation 07/20/2015 5

Michael Schonewolf Recreation 07/20/2015 5

Terry Austin Administration 07/27/2015 5

Edward Raulerson Public Safety 07/05/2016 4

Norman Cathell Finance 07/16/2016 4

Christopher Arrowood Recreation 07/18/2016 4

Paul Emberger Recreation 07/18/2016 4

Judith Urfer Community Watch 07/18/2016 4

Casey Dyer Public Safety 07/18/2016 4

Ryan Lavender Public Safety 07/18/2016 4

Jorge Molina Public Safety 07/18/2016 4

Lance Roberts Public Safety 07/18/2016 4

Bart Graham Property Management 07/25/2016 4

Linda Sojourn Finance 07/25/2016 4

Glenn Lundberg Community Watch 07/03/2017 3

William Skidmore Recreation 07/10/2017 3

James Buchanan Recreation 07/17/2017 3

Paul Ferreri Recreation 07/17/2017 3

William Neale Recreation 07/17/2017 3

Gay Ratcliff-Seamens Recreation 07/17/2017 3

Charleen Darlington Community Watch 07/17/2017 3

Joan Mayo Community Watch 07/17/2017 3

Michael Miller Community Watch 07/17/2017 3

Harry Wick Community Watch 07/17/2017 3

Justin Cicero Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

Michael Larroque Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

Devin Lawrence Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

Cody Little Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

Matthew McCarthy Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

Christopher Palasky Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

Danijel Preloznik Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

James Schnitker Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

Trevor Stalbaum Public Safety 07/31/2017 3

Goodlow Doust Recreation 07/16/2018 2

Susan Thompson Recreation 07/16/2018 2

Thomas Watkins Recreation 07/16/2018 2

Richard Fioretto Executive Golf 07/16/2018 2

Marissa Cordero Community Watch 07/16/2018 2

James Morris Property Management 07/16/2018 2

Tamara Hyder Administration 07/30/2018 2

Juliane Day Community Watch 07/30/2018 2

Robert Hotopp Community Watch 07/30/2018 2

Bruce Petlock Community Watch 07/30/2018 2

Karen White Budget 07/01/2019 1

Hope Schortemeyer Property Management 07/01/2019 1

Loretta Hatch Recreation 07/08/2019 1

Martina Smith Administration 07/15/2019 1

Jewell Edney Recreation 07/15/2019 1

Richard Spidel Recreation 07/15/2019 1

Richard Titus Recreation 07/15/2019 1

Jane Chavez Community Watch 07/15/2019 1

Jeffery Cannon Community Watch 07/29/2019 1

Gary Gallup Community Watch 07/29/2019 1

Kymberly Kovach Community Watch 07/29/2019 1

5

Tony Colica, Patrol Driver was thanked by a resident. The resi-dent lost his golf clubs off the back of his cart and didn’t realize it. When the resident arrived home, the golf clubs were on his doorstep. Tony has found the golf clubs and returned them. The resident was very grateful. Michael Stephens, Lieutenant, Trevor Stalbaum, Firefighter Paramedic, and Taylor DeMarchis, Firefighter EMT (L to R) were thanked by a resident. They responded to a faulty alarm at the resident’s home. The resident was impressed at how fast they solved the problem and was thankful they were wear-ing masks.

James Ackerman, Public Education Techni-cian was complimented on how helpful and knowledgeable he was when changing a resident’s smoke detector batteries. Joan Ferrara, Payroll Administrator and Terianne Carroll, Hu-man Resources Administrator were thanked for assisting an employee. “Thank you both very much. Everyone is always so nice and helpful in Human Resources. It is very much appreciat-ed.” Lisa Babbitt, Customer and Administrative Support Repre-sentative, Mike Amodeo, Manager-Infrastructure and Dan Lucin, Assistant Manager-Infrastructure were praised for a job well done. A resident was very thankful for a quick turnaround time of installation of her bench. The resident was able to show the bench to an out of town relative before they left town. She was very grateful. Bart Graham, Assistant Manager-Water Resources and Prop-erty Management received a thank you email. “We thank all of you for your rapid response. We are new to The Villages, having moved here in September. This is our first experience dealing with the District Government and I am so impressed. Thank you again.” A happy customer called to thank those involved in processing her recreation refund so quickly. She was impressed with the effort and efficiency. Special thanks to Kacie Linton, Recrea-tion & Parks Assistant Director, Cindy Stenerson, Accounts Payable Supervisor, Adele Gitterman, Accounting Technician and Cynthia Siple, Accounting Technician.

Recognizing Our Core Values In Action!

A fellow employee was complimentary of Barbara Fogarty, Pa-trol Supervisor, in her current supervisor role. “I wanted to pass on to Barbara Fogarty’s supervisor is. Barbara has been very attentive to the needs of the El Cortez gate. She has been keep-ing us briefed on Covid-19 and all other issues at Community Watch. Members of the newly formed Desoto AED group thanked Bob Sjogren, Public Educa-tion Technician for an outstanding class that he taught their group on CPR and AED use before their group goes live. “The class is excellent. I took the training this afternoon and speaking s a former CPR/AED/First Aid instructor, Bob did a great job of presenting information on a somewhat “dry” subject.” A resident wrote a thank you letter to Justin Boudreaux, , Lieu-tenant, Brian Konnerth, Firefighter Paramedic and Colton Mattiucci, Firefighter EMT (L to R). “Thank you so much for helping my husband who fell in the backyard. Thank you also for all you do for our community.”

Mitch Leininger, Executive Golf Director was thanked for his assistance. “My sincere thanks for sending out your mainte-nance crew to trim the bushes behind the green on Hole #2 at Bacall. They look much better. Appreciate your punctuality and my thanks to the crew.” A former employee had this to say about Monica Lui, Recrea-tion Supervisor. “Monica has truly impressed me with her dedi-cation, pride in her position, staff and residents. She consistent-ly goes above and beyond to help everyone. I can’t say enough good, honest things about her and will miss working with her immensely.”

Hospitality

Innovation & Creativity

Stewardship

Hard Work

6

Public Safety News

The following Firefighters responded to a roof rescue on June 11th when a handyman collapsed from heat issues, on a home-owner’s roof. Battalion Chief Mike DiStefano, Division Chief Robert Ramage, Lieutenant Eric McFarland, Firefighter Para-medic Michael Birch, Firefighter Paramedic Justin Cicero, Fire-fighter EMT Caleb Gilbert, Lieutenant Jason Weis, Firefighter Paramedic Keith Norris, and Firefighter Paramedic Daniel Hayasaka.

The Walmart Neighbor-hood Market in The Villag-es stopped by Public Safety and dropped off food for the firefighters. Walmart also brought cards signed by their employees thank-ing Public Safety for their service to the community. Pictured is Chief Edmund Cain with Walmart employ-ees.

Starbucks in Lake Sumter Landing dropped off a donation to Public Safety. Pictured left (L to R), Division Chief Tom Bosley, Julia from Starbucks, and Deputy Chief Jim Goodworth. Pic-tured right (L to R) enjoying the goodies are Firefighter Para-medic Luis Marques, Firefighter Paramedic David Gomez and Firefighter EMT Robert Sheridan.

Recreation & Parks News

Buffalo Scholarship Recipients Throughout the year Recreation & Parks held various fund rais-ers and accumulated over $3,000 for their Buffalo Scholarship Fund. In May, the department awarded scholarships to four deserving high school seniors entering into college with an em-phasis related to Hospitality and Recreation. The students awarded scholarships were: Oliva Kuhn, Michael Chavis, Syd-ney Richason-Bugg, and Tyler Graham.

Jerry Fougere, Recreation Service Representative at Lake Miona will be retiring from his role to spend time “Living and Loving The Villages Lifestyle” with his wife Lili. Over the past 5 ½ years Jerry has worked at both the La Hacienda and Lake Miona Regional Recreation centers. He also assisted with The Enrichment Academy during their first year and always offered to help Recreation Ad-ministration and other recreation centers when asked. He truly embraced the motto “The handshake of the host, determines the taste of the roast” through his hospital-ity towards the residents he served. Jerry will definitely be missed by his Recreation family and all the residents he encoun-tered!

CDC recommends that people wear cloth face coverings in pub-lic settings when around people outside of their household, es-pecially when other social distancing measure are difficult to maintain. Simple cloth face coverings can be made at home. The CDC has sew and no sew instructions on how to make cloth face coverings. Please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-make-cloth-face-covering.html if you’re feeling creative. When done, make sure your cloth face covering:

Fits snugly but comfortably against the side of the face

Completely covers the nose and mouth

Is secured with ties or ear loops

Includes multiple layers of fabric

Allows for breathing without restriction

Can be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Feeling Creative?

7

Risk Management News

JULY IS UV SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Check the U.S. Envi-ronmental Protection Agency’s UV Index external icon for your area, and follow these recommenda-tions to help protect yourself and your family. Shade - You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an um-brella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside-even when you’re in the shade. Clothing - When possible, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays. Darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing certified under international standards comes with information on its ultraviolet protection factor. If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, at least try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Keep in mind that a typical T-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so use other types of protection as well. Hat - For the most protection, wear a hat with a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sun-light through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection. Sunglasses- Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They al-so protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Sunscreen - Put on broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Don’t forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remem-ber, sunscreen works best when combined with other options to prevent UV dam-age. SPF - Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Reapplication - Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Expiration date - Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high tem-peratures.

8

Risk Management News

Florida in July gets Know the symptoms of heat illnesses: Heat rash: Symptoms include red cluster of pimples or small blisters; it is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. Heat syncope: Symptoms are fainting or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing or sudden rising from a sitting or lying position. Heat cramps: Symptoms are muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs usually caused by low salt levels in muscles or dehydration. Heat exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy wweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weak-ness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fainting, skin: may be cool and moist, pulse rate: fast and week, breathing: fast and shallow. Heat stroke is the most serious heat related illness. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include ex-tremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating), rapid, strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, and nausea. Heat stroke occurs when the body becomes un-able to control its temperature. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Tips to protect yourself from heat related stress and illness: Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages (avoid extremely cold liquids because they can cause

cramps) Rest Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath Seek an air-conditioned environment Wear lightweight clothing; remain indoors during heat of the day; do not engage in strenuous ac-

tivities What you can do for someone with heat stress: Call for immediate medical attention Get the person to a shady area Cool the person as best as you can: spray

the person with cool water, sponge the per-son with cool water, if humidity is low wrap the person in a cool wet towel and fan him or her vigorously while monitoring their body temp until body temperature drops to 102°

If emergency personal are delayed call the hospital emergency room for further in-struction.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm ; http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress

9

Being prepared means having your own food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag. A basic emergency supply kit could include the following rec-ommended items:

Water (one gallon per person, per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)

Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

Flashlight

First aid kit

Extra batteries

Whistle (to signal for help)

Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)

Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)

Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)

Manual can opener (for food)

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery Additional items to include in your kit may include:

Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces

Prescription medications

Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler’s checks

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved elec-tronically or in a waterproof portable container

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

Fire extinguisher

Matches in waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Mess kits, paper cups, paper plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

Paper and pen/pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

After assembling your kit, remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.

Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers

Replace expired items as needed.

Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars:

Home - Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.

Work - Be prepared to shelter at work for a least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessi-ties like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes stored in a “grab and go” case.

Car - In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency sup-plies in your car.

Make an emergency plan. Make sure everyone in your house-hold knows and understands your hurricane plan. Information provide by www.ready.gov/kit.

Be Prepared Hurricane Season is June 1st—November 30th.

Stay Alert Sign up for emergency alerts in your area and where you work.

Lake County: Sign up for Alert Lake Emergency Notification System by visiting www.alertlake.com.

Marion County: Sign up for Alert Marion by visiting www.alertmarion.com.

Sumter County: Sign up for Alert Center by visiting www.sumterprepares.com

FEMA: www.fema.gov/mobile-app. Purchase a programmable weather radio: (for the hearing im-paired, additional accessories are usually available through the manufacturer of the unit. A strobe light attachment will let you see an alert or emergency warning as it comes in).

Channel 5—162.500 MHZ

Same Codes:

Sumter—012119

Marion—012083

Lake—012069 For assistance with programming your weather radio, you may contact The Villages Public Safety Department at 352-205-8280.

10

Human Resources News

Employee Assistance Program

Creating a network of individuals who are there to embrace and enhance your self-esteem while handling any situation is the foundation of a strong support system. By

having people you can go to during the good times (and the not-so-good times) you will be more likely to be a happy and healthy individual. Close friends and family are common members of an emotion-al support system, but there are others. Here are some examples of people who may be able to give emotional support: fellow parents in your community

teachers

people who share the same hobbies or are part of your special interest group

neighbors

exercise partners

therapists or counselors

As you build and use a support system, it’s helpful to realize that having a support system requires you to both give and take. In order to build healthy relationships with those in your support group, know that these people have needs just like you. Are you looking for more ways to strengthen your support sys-tem? Reach out to our free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for more resources or speak with a licensed therapist at no-cost and in a judgement-free environment. Also, visit www.workhealthlife.com/standard3 to explore a wealth of information online, including videos, guides, articles, webinars, resources, self-assessments and calculators.

They’re here for you!

Contact Information 888-293-6948

TDD: 800-327-1833 24 hours a day 7 days a week

www.workhealthlife.com/standard3

Earn a $300 Reward While You stay Healthy at Home Florida Blue recognizes that many people in Florida are experi-encing financial difficulties as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Florida Blue wants to help lessen the burden so they’ve created a new opportunity for you to earn a $300 reward that can be used toward some medical services, including copays and coin-surance for doctor visits. All you need is five minutes and ac-cess to your www.floridablue.com member account.

Learn and Earn All covered family members age 18 and older can earn the $300 reward. Just watch a three-minute video featuring senior medical director Dr. Kelli Tice Wells who shares safety tips to follow during the coronavirus crisis. Follow these three simple steps to earn your $300 reward: 1. Log in or create a member account on

www.floridablue.com. 2. Click on Learn How, located within the white message box

in the middle of the page. 3. On the next page that appears, click on the video to watch

Dr. Kelli Tice Wells share tips on how you can stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic. That’s all you have to do! Our website will capture your video view which in-sures you get your reward.

Getting Your Reward Once you’ve watched the video, Florida Blue will mail a $300 prepaid Mastercard that you can use to help pay for medical services, including copays and coinsurance for doctor visits for you and your covered family members. It can be also be used for medical goods and services from the categories shown be-low. You’ll receive your gift card within eight weeks of watch-ing the video. Medical goods and services where you can use your gift card:

Chiropractors

Doctors

Hospitals

Medical services and health practitioners

Nursing and personal care facilities

Optometrists and ophthalmologists* Osteopaths

Dentists and orthodontists

Hearing aids, sales, service*

Medical and dental laboratories

Medical, dental, ophthalmic and hospital equipment/supplies

Opticians, optical goods, eyeglasses*

Orthopedic goods-prosthetic devices

Podiatrists and chiropodists

*Card can only be used at freestanding businesses and not

those located inside of other establishments. This card cannot be used to pay for purchases at retail, specialty and home de-livery pharmacies.

11

Let Us Help You Here are some valuable resources with important information:

Florida Department of Health recommends that you immedi-ately contact your local county Health Department if you are experiencing symptoms, or think you have been exposed to COVID-19.

Florida Department of Health www.floridahealth.gov COVID-19 Hotline (866) 779-6121 Hotline is staffed 24 hours/day

Take advantage of any available virtual care (i.e. “Telemed”, “Teledoc” services) and consultation for less serious medical issues, such as common colds or other mild illnesses.

Sign up for District email notifications www.DistrictGov.org

Department of labor information on Families First Cornoa-virus Response Act (FFCRA)

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic/ffcra-questions

Center for Disease Control & prevention www.cdc.gov

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) www.va.gov 8900 SE 165th Mulberry Lane, The Villages, FL 32162 Main: 352-674-5000 Mental Health: 352-674-5166 x1317

What Should You Clean Now? The COVID-19 pandemic has us all washing our hands and try-ing to not constantly touch our faces, check and check. And the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) advises that we regularly clean our “high-touch” surfaces like countertops, which you’ve probably got covered. But what about the overlooked germs you could be accidentally introducing into your home? How to Clean Your Cell Phone

Unplug your phone and switch it off.

Gently wipe the exterior with a cling-free cloth that has barely been dampened with a disinfecting solution (or use a disinfecting wipe.

Avoid scratching the surface or getting any moisture into your phone’s opening, like the charging part of the head-phone jack.

Note: Different models or devices may require different cleaning methods, so be sure to check your manufacturer’s website. But for all phones and wearable devices, avoid us-ing hand sanitizer, bleach, Lysol, or compressed air. Also, avoid paper towels or anything else that may be too abrasive and scratch the screen or protective coating.

How to Clean Your Keys

If your keys include an electronic fob or decorative keychain attached to your key ring, remove them. You can clean your electronic fob with a disinfectant wipe.

Drop metal keys in a bowl of soapy water and give them a quick scrub with an old toothbrush.

Rinse in clean water.

To disinfect, use a disinfecting wipe or dunk them in a bowl with a diluted bleach and water solution. Rinse clean.

Let them air dry. How to Clean Your Credit (and other) Cards

Give them a quick run down with a disinfecting wipe.

Let them dry completely before returning them to your wal-let.

If the strips have some gunky build up, you can gently rub it away with a pencil eraser.

How to Clean Your Keyboard

Unplug and turn off your computer.

Use a isopropyl alcohol and a soft, dust-free microfiber cloth or a cotton swab to gently rub the key tops.

Let air dry.

Note: You can also use compressed air to chase away dust and crumbs.

How to Clean Your Eyeglasses

Run your glasses under warm water.

Place a small drop of gently dishwashing detergent on the lens and rub to create a lather. Rinse with warm water.

Dry with a clean, soft cotton cloth.

Tip: Rubbing alcohol (70-percent isopropyl alcohol) can be used to disinfect glasses. But check with your optometrist to make sure it won’t damage any special coating your lenses might have.

Provided by www.grove.co.

Depression During COVID-19 Each year millions of Americans suffer from depression and this lingering feeling of intense sadness can keep people from going to work or school, or caring for their children. Yet, nearly two-thirds of people with depression don't seek treatment. Many people believe they get over it by themselves, but depression is an illness that usually requires a treatment plan.

Be on the lookout for these signs of depression:

Persistent sadness or irritability

Being unable to concentrate

Difficulty falling and staying asleep

Intense feelings of guilt and or worthlessness

Loss of energy or feelings of tiredness

Thoughts of death or suicide Ways to get help:

Call 1−800−273−TALK (8255) to reach a 24−hour crisis cen-ter or dial 911. 1−800−273−TALK is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which provides free‚ confidential help to people in crisis. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration runs this lifeline.

Call your mental health provider.

Get help from your primary doctor or other health care provider.

Reach out to a close friend or loved one.

Contact your minister, spiritual leader, or someone else in your faith community.

Contact the District’s EAP (see p.10)

Human Resources News

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Human Resources News

Testing for COVID-19 Two kinds of tests are available for COVID-19: viral tests and antibody tests.

A viral test tells you if you have a current infection.

An antibody test tells you if you had a previous infection. An antibody test may not be able to show if you have a current infection, because it can take 1-3 weeks after infection to make antibodies. We do not know yet if having antibodies to the virus can protect someone from getting infected with the virus again, or how long that protection might last. Who should be tested To learn if you have a current infection, viral tests are used. But not everyone needs this test.

Most people will have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care and may not need to be tested.

CDC has guidance for who should be tested, but decisions about testing are made by state and local health depart-ments or healthcare providers.

If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.

You can also visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.

Although supplies of tests are increasing, it may still be diffi-cult to find a place to get tested.

Results

If you test positive for COVID-19 by a viral test, know what protective steps to take if you are sick or caring for some-one.

If you test negative for COVID-19 by a viral test, you proba-bly were not infected at the time your sample was collected. However, that does not mean you will not get sick. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing.

If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, no matter the type of test, you still should take preventive measures to protect yourself and others. Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

Personal & Social Activity Tips During COVID-19 What you need to know before you go out:

Stay home if sick.

Wear a cloth face covering when less than 6 feet apart from other people or indoors.

Use social distancing (stay at least 6 feet away from others).

Before you go, call an establishment and ask what extra pre-vention strategies they are using, like requiring staff to wear cloth face coverings.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 sec-onds when you get home.

Dining at a Restaurant Check the restaurant’s COVID-19 prevention practices before you go:

Check the restaurant’s website and social media to see if they have updated their information to address any COVID-19 safety guidelines.

Before you go to the restaurant, call and ask if all staff are wearing cloth face coverings while at work.

Ask about options for self-parking to remove the need for a valet service.

Take steps to protect yourself at the restaurant:

Check if all staff are wearing cloth face coverings

Wear cloth face coverings when less than 6 feet apart from other people or indoors.

Take precautions – like wearing a cloth face covering as much as possible when not eating and maintaining a proper social distance if you are dining with others who don’t live with you.

Maintain a social distance of 6 feet or more in any entryway, hallway, or waiting area.

When possible, sit outside at tables spaced at least 6 feet apart from other people.

When possible, choose food and drink options that are not self-serve to limit the use of shared serving utensils, handles, buttons, or touchscreens.

Clean hands:

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when entering and exiting the restaurant. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them to-gether until they feel dry.

Before using the restroom, make sure there is adequate soap and paper towels or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

For other tips regarding social and personal activity tips such as hosting gatherings or cookouts, using gym or fitness centers, visiting a nail salon, visiting a library and travelling overnight, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/personal-social-activities.html