October 2010

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ManateE-zine“For employees b y employees.”

Fal l Book Sal eBY JONATHAN SABIN, NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

The Friends of South Manatee Library will hold their annual Fall Book Sale from Thursday, Nov. 4 through Saturday, Nov. 6 at the South Manatee Branch Library in Bradenton.

There will be bargains galore to be had, and whether you’re looking for fiction, non-fiction, chil-dren’s books, or audiovisual materials you’re sure to find something you’ll like!

The sale hours are:

Thursday, Nov. 4 from 4 – 6 p.m. This is the Members-only “Preview Sale”, open only to members of the Friends of South Manatee Library – although anyone may purchase or renew a membership for $5 at the door.Friday, Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. … Sale is open to the public.Saturday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. … Last day of sale; look for some great bargains.

The Friends are a support organization for the Manatee County South Manatee Branch Library. Money raised by the Friends through fund-raisers such as the book sale go toward projects and services that tax dollars alone cannot provide.

The South Manatee Branch Library is located at 6081 26th St. W. in Bradenton. For more informa-tion, call the library at (941) 755-3892.

The Rocky Bluff Library will also be holding a book sale.

The sale hours are:

Wednesday, Nov. 17 from 2 - 7 p.m. (This is the “Preview Sale” which is open only to Friends of the Rocky Bluff Branch Library). Anyone may purchase or renew a membership for $5 at the door.Thursday, Nov. 18 from 1 - 5 p.m.Friday, Nov. 19 from 1 - 5 p.m.Saturday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Rocky Bluff Branch Library is located at 7016 U.S. Highway 301 North in Ellenton. For more information, call (941) 723-4821.

For general information about the Manatee County Public Library System, visit us on the web at www.mymanatee.org.

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Florida Women in GovernmentWhat is FWG, Inc.?BY BONNIE G. BELFORD

Part II - What We Do

Editor’s note: This is the second part of a two-part series about the Manatee County Chapter of Florida Women in Government, Inc.

Florida Women in Government, Inc. is dedi-cated to developing leadership, growth and achievement, believing the way to progress lies not in emphasizing faults – government’s or our own – but rather in motivating mem-bers to their responsibilities so that their accomplishments blaze the trails for greater things. Believing in good government, FWG, Inc. also develops highly skilled, forward-thinking professionals needed to meet that challenge. Members find through this organi-

zation an environ-ment which fosters mutual trust, open communi-cation, honest feedback and team-work.

Members of the Greater Manatee Chapter invite all those who want to know what we are all about to attend our free monthly meetings and see first-hand what we are doing.

Ask the Salvation Army, Adopt-A-Child, Keep Manatee Beautiful, Hope Family Services, and other entities and employees throughout the community who receive assistance from us about the Greater Manatee Chapter and let them tell you of the many lives we touch regularly. Our members provided gift cards to laid-off employees and their families last year to help them purchase school supplies. We supplied 27 full Thanksgiving meals to needy families in our community. Our members picked up trash to help keep our share of roadway clean and provided Christmas gifts to several children in Manatee County.

Our annual education conference provides all the training that many members of our organization receive. I received the following comment from new member Tonya R. Jones, administrative coordina-tor for the Tavares Public Works Depart-ment, following our June conference this year. Her comments speak volumes about our organi-zation: “Just want to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who made this year’s conference a success! It was absolutely awesome! I have never felt more empowered or embraced by a group as I do when I’m around you all. You all inspire each other in a positive way.”

Even before our budget cuts the past couple of years many of our members, especially those in clerical positions, were not high on the list to receive any type of formal training. FWG, Inc., is working now to set up a “virtual university” to provide training to governmental employees at a reasonable rate. We are excited about this new venture and the possibilities it holds for our membership and our organization.

Five Manatee County employees have served this organization as statewide president: Loretta Stewart (1990-91), Bonnie G. Belford (1991-92, 1998-99, 2006-07 and 2009-present), B. Gale Adams (1996-97), Janice Dunbar-Smith (2001-02) and Nancy Hill (2003-04). Others have served as district director. Janice Dunbar-Smith and Carol Thorpe are cur-rently on the state board serving as district directors.

One of my greatest pleasures serving as president of the Greater Manatee Chapter during 2009-10 was bringing home the coveted Chapter of the Year award from our June conference. Our membership worked very hard for this honor and I am very proud of our chapter! Come look us over. We’d love to have you join us!

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Manatee Your ChoiceGet Fit This Fal l

“YourChoice” Group Fitness Classes Began Oct. 4th

See the full schedule at www.ManateeYourChoice.com

The YourChoice Fitness Center coordinates and schedules group fitness classes at various county work sites and community

locations for YourChoice Health Plan Members. The new eight-week session for most classes began Oct. 4th and the co-pay cost is $25. Classes are held at the following locations:

Work Site Locations YourChoice Fitness CenterCore Blast, Yoga, Zumba, Ab-sa-Glutely, Yoga/Pilates

Utilities DepartmentYoga/Pilates and Body Sculpt

MSO Ops CenterCardio-Kickbox, Bootcamp Basics, Body Sculpt and Yoga

Public Works Yoga

Other Classes/Locations include Krav Maga an Israeli martial arts fitness program, Boot-camp, Boxing Extreme Fitness and Wet Sweat Water Aerobics.

For registration information, class times and descriptions see the Group Fitness Schedule at www.ManateeYourChoice.com, as well as the monthly YourChoice Calendar and the Your-Choice Weekly Reminders. To register contact Nick Villers at (941) 748-4501 ext. 6280 or NVillers@ManateeYourChoice.com .

Rising Star of the Year

We at the YourChoice Center for Health & Lifestyle Management would like to acknowl-edge and congratulate our “YourChoice”

Pharmacy Advocate, Chris Williams, for being a top three finalist of the Rising Star of the Year Award with Next Generations Pharmacists.

We are very proud of the work he does for the many members of the Your Choice Health Plan. Great job Chris!

To learn more about what he does at Manatee see the article below that was written about him on the Next Generations Pharmacist website.

Dr. Chris Williams’ official title is “Pharmacy Advocate.” He works for Manatee YourChoice—a progressive government health plan that manages care for the 7,400 active and retired employees and covered dependents of Manatee County, Florida, a self-insured employer. In this nontraditional role, Dr. Williams serves as an on-site clinical pharmacist, coordinating wellness and prevention benefits for his patients. He works with a team of in-house nurse case managers, diabetes educators, mental health counselors, addiction specialists, smoking cessation specialists and nutritionists to develop customized counseling and disease management services. He advocates a common sense approach to care, helping patients understand their medications and substituting lower cost alternatives when appropriate. Dr. Williams is also a certified asthma educator, and began an asthma education program in which he collaborates with physicians to provide ongoing support. He makes a continu-ous effort to foster personal relationships with his patients. Dr. Williams and his colleagues at the Manatee County Employee Health Benefits Office hope to encourage beneficiaries to take charge of their health by removing barriers to care. They offer generic medicines, OTC drugs for allergies and gastrointestinal problems and diabetic testing supplies to patients at no cost. Patients also have access to a variety of wellness services that pro-vide strong incentives for healthy behaviors.Since the plan’s initiation in 2005, employees of

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, Nutrition and Weight Loss

Classes, Special Programs and more.

Pharmacy Advocate, Dr. Chris Williams

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Manatee County have shown remarkable progress. Their risk of chronic disease is 6 percent below the national average; diabetes hospitalization costs have decreased from $500,000 in 2005 to $70,000 in two subse-quent years; and severe diabetes cases with complications have decreased from 28 cases (totaling $2.3 million in costs) down to 10 cases (totaling $559,000 in costs) two years later.

Toastmasters TidbitLights, camera, ac tion! Come see the Power Speakers of Manatee County Govern-ment strut their stuff at Chef Sean’s luncheon Oct. 28 at 11:30 a.m.

Toastmas-ters members will model various outfits ranging from business wear to evening wear all while practicing their public speaking skills.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Have you vis i ted us on the web latel y?We have made updates to our website. Check out videos to see how Toastmasters have helped others and how it could help you. Minutes, club membership and other info has been updated as well. We also have a club

e-mail address.

If you have a Toastmasters question send it to toastmasters@mymanatee.org and a club officer will respond.

Another monthly updated resource is The Toast, Power Speakers of Manatee County Government’s official news magazine and second best newslet-ter in the district, dedi-cated to informing members and all interested persons in the going-ons in the club as well as helpful nuggets of public speaking-related information.

Every month the Vice President of Public Relations publishes a fresh edition of The Toast and it makes its way to the iNet and Issuu which allows people to read publications in a more traditional way, with page turning capabilities and zoom features.

Important October DatesAll meetings are from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

October 8 Meeting- Public Works 1022 26th Ave. E. BradentonOctober 15 Meeting- County Admin. Bldg., 1112 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton Manatee RoomOctober 22 Meeting- County Admin. Bldg., 1112 Manatee Ave. W. Bradenton Manatee RoomOctober 28- Fashion Show @ Civic Center (check the iNet for more details)October 29 Meeting- Public Works 1022 26th Ave. E. Bradenton

Questions or concerns? Visit us on the web or email us at toastmasters@mymanatee.org

Kudos CornerTo view the kudos information, click on the date and open the PDF file.

September 8 PlanningSharon Tarman, Planner

BuildingMartha McCaskill, Building Permitting Tech IIMurlene Labarr, Building Permitting Tech I

September 15PlanningJohn Parks, Development Review Tech

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UtilitiesRobert Bowling, Customer Service Rep.

Public SafetyTim Kelly, Charge ParamedicTom Peltier, ParamedicPublic Safety Center EmployeesJason Donath, EMTNate Story, Paramedic

September 22UtilitiesDanamae Catlett, Customer Service Rep II

PlanningRob Wenzel, Development Review CoordinatorJohn Osborne, Planning Director Bob Schmitt, Planning Division ManagerDoug Means, Planning Division ManagerMiles Gentry, Planning ManagerPhyllis Strong, Sr. Development Review SpecialistMichelle Randolph, Development Review SpecialistJohn Parks, Development Review TechKathy Manning, Sr. Planning Tech.

September 23Community ServicesGladys Rumph, Client Services CoordinatorVikki Comarsh-White, Human Services Technician

September 29Natural ResourcesCharlie Hunsicker, DirectorJohnny McLeod, Conservation SupervisorMarcus Campion, Park Ranger IIAl Behrens, Park Ranger IAlan Lai Hipp, Coastal Programs Specialist

Property ManagementTraci Moore, Fiscal Management CoordinatorPatrick Files, Custodian

Parks & RecreationMarcus Francis, Recreation CoordinatorDavid Dillard, Parks Maintenance SupervisorZachery Fluker, Sr. Parks Maintenance GroundskeeperDana Quisenberry, Parks Maintenance GroundskeeperVictor Hostetler, Parks Maintenance GroundskeeperFred Bronner, Parks Maintenance Grounskeeper

Cal endar of EventsManatee Audubon Bird Tour of DuetteSaturday, Oct. 9, from 8 – 11 a.m. Duette PreserveMigration season is here! On this special tour of Duette Preserve, you’ll have the chance to hunt for kestrels, scrub jays and more with an expert birder from the Manatee Audubon Society. This is a rare chance to drive through Duette, which is now open for hiking and biking only. Please contact Dan to register at (305) 582-5786.

World Beneath the Waves Paddling Course Trip 1Saturday, Oct. 9 from 8 a.m. to noonRobinson PreserveThis three-part course offers a unique view of Manatee County’s underwater world. Join our marine biologist to learn more about the incredible creatures that are part of our watershed. The program is sponsored by the Sarasota Bay Estu-ary Program. Bring your own kayak. Suitable for ages 16 and up. Waiting list available. To find out about registering for upcoming classes please call (941) 748-4501 ext. 4613.

Master Gardener TourSaturday Oct. 9 from 9 – 11 a.m.Riverview Pointe Preserve/DeSoto National MemorialJoin a Master Gardener for an exciting journey through mangrove forests, coastal hammock habitat and even a pocket of rare scrub. This is an easy, relaxed stroll. Suitable for all ages. Please call the Master Gar-dener Office for reservations at (941) 722-4524.

Tall Tails Tribe: Creepy CrawliesFriday, Oct. 15, from 10 – 11 a.m.Emerson Point PreserveDiscover the weird and wonderful world of creepy crawlies during a special program that feature nature’s “unlovables:” spiders, snakes, lizards and more. Make snail slime, touch a real lizard and discover why these creepy creatures play an important role in our Florida home. Suitable for children age 5 and younger. Reserva-tions are required. Please call (941) 742-5757 ext. 3.

Master Gardener Tour Saturday, Oct. 16, from 9 – 11 a.m. Emerson Point PreserveThe Master Gardeners return to Emerson Point Preserve to present their wonderful plant walks. Take a relaxing stroll through Emerson Point

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Remember...

For special occasion or anytime gift giving,

Gift Certificates are available for

Recreation Memberships and

Programs. For more information,

call (941) 742-5926.

Gift cards for golf or merchandise are

also available. Call or visit the

pro shop for gift cards.

Call (941) 792-6773.

Preserve to see which fall wildflowers are in bloom. Suitable for all ages. Please call the

Master Gardener Office for reserva-tions at (941) 722-4524.

Palma Sola Botanical Park Plant And Antiques Sale

Saturday, Oct. 16 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.mPalma Sola Botanical Gardens.Stop by our booth, pick up the latest

Vistas newsletter, brochures and say hello! Chat with our staff to learn more about the preserves, volunteering and our preserva-tion policies. There will be lots to do at this festival, with lectures, demonstrations, ven-dors and more. Suitable for participants of all ages. Interested in volunteering to help staff the booth? Call (941) 748-4501 ext. 4605 to register to help. Please call the Gardens at (941) 761-2866 for more information on the event.

Volunteer Workday: Robinson PlantingSaturday, Oct. 16 from 9 – 11 a.m.Robinson PreserveBecome a part of the restoration revolution! Help build habitat along the trails at Robinson Preserve. Afterward, check out the plant fair at the Botanical Park. The program is spon-sored by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program with Around the Bend Nature Tours. Funding for plants provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling (941) 955-8085.

Master Gardener TourSunday, Oct. 17, from 9 – 11 a.m.Robinson PreserveLearn more about Florida’s native plants with Master Gardener Sam Starrett on a relaxing stroll through this beautiful coastal property. As the weather turns cooler, Robinson Pre-serve’s resident plants undergo a miraculously colorful transformation. See Robinson’s salt marsh full of beautiful fall colors! Call the Master Gardener Office for reserva-tions at (941) 722-4524.

Sunset Sun Style Tai ChiTuesday, Oct. 19 from 6 – 7 p.m.Robinson PreserveDiscover the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi. Sensei Brian Nell will lead participants through a gentle Qigong warm up and the short form of Sun Style

Tai Chi. This gentle martial art form will help relieve stress from a long workday. Health benefits of Tai Chi include promotion of balance control, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness and much more. Sensei Nell will teach the second part of the short form. Prior attendance to class is recommended but not required. Program is suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling (941) 748-4501 ext. 4605.

Ambassadog Volunteer OrientationWednesday, Oct. 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.Robinson PreserveWould your dog like to be a star? Help us at Robin-son Preserve during your normal dog-walking routine. We need you and your well-mannered canine companion to help educate other dog walkers in the preserve about the importance of scooping poop and staying on the leash. Come to the orienta-tion to learn more about joining the Ambassadog Team! The program is sponsored by Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Simply Green Solutions. Suitable for all ages. Please let us know if you would like to attend by calling (941) 748-4501 ext. 4605.

World Beneath The Waves Paddling Course Trip 2Saturday, Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to noonNeal PreserveThis three-part course offers a unique view of Manatee County’s underwater world. The pro-gram is sponsored by Sarasota Bay Estuary Program. Bring your own kayak. Suitable for ages 16 and up. Waiting list available. To find out about registering for upcoming classes please call (941) 748-4501 ext. 4613.

Master Gardener TourSunday, Oct. 24 from 9 – 11 a.m. Rye PreserveExperience an all new Master Gardener tour at Rye Preserve! Master Gardener Bob will take participants through the fascinating Florida scrub for a close-up look of the plants that populate this wild and wonderful system. Please call the Master Gardener Office for reser-vations at (941) 722-4524.

Spooktacular Shutter StrollTuesday, Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m.Rye PreserveOur photo shoot will move from the subtle hues of dusk into the dark night, giving participants the incredible opportunity to practice flash photogra-phy for night shots in the woods and through the Rye Family Cemetery with nature photographer Dotty Motta. Naturalist Melissa will have plenty of spooktacular surprises, too!

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Program suitable for individuals age 16 and up. Spaces are limited and reservations are required! Call (941) 742-5757 ext. 9.

Sunset Hoop JamThursday, Oct. 28 from 6 – 7p.m.Robinson PreserveCheck out the latest fitness craze that is sweeping the nation! Join us for a chance to hoop and dance in the fading sunset light at Robinson Preserve to hoop in the shade of the trees and share new tricks. Beginners to pros are welcome! Suitable for all ages. If you have a hoop, please bring it! Some hoops will be available for partici-pants to use. Please let us know if you would like to attend! Please call (941) 748-4501 ext. 4605.

New From Eggs To Elders, Families Flock

Together: Bats ProgramFriday, Oct. 29 from 6 – 8 p.m.

Rye PreserveGet ready for a new way to explore

nature! We are expanding our popular children’s programs to offer a new family-friendly experience. Perfect for

kids of all ages -- and adults! -- these programs will give your family the chance to learn about nature, together. This

month we focus on bats. Learn all about how these creatures live, hunt for bats under the starry night sky, take a wild flashlight hike to the Rye Family Cemetery and then roast marshmallows around the campfire. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are re-quired. Please call (941) 748-4501 ext. 4605.

Naturalist-Led Wagon ToursSaturday, Oct. 30 at 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.Robinson PreserveTake a relaxed ride through Robinson Pre-serve in the Department’s conestoga wagon. Your naturalist tour guide will explain the pre-serve’s history, resident wildlife, fabulous flowers and describe preserve highlights. Two 60-minute long trips will be taken during this timeframe and participants may register for one. A fee of $3 per adult and $2 per child (includes tax) will be charged. Suitable for all ages. Reservations are re-quired. Please arrive 15 minutes before depar-ture as we depart promptly at the posted time. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please call (941) 742-5757 ext. 1.

Employee of the MonthRi chard Buerkl eConvention and Visitors Bureau

1. What does your job entail? I coordinate with clients details for their event. This includes speaking with the client, arranging all details in a clear and concise format in order for our staff to accommodate the client, creating a layout showing all of the components of the event and creating an invoice showing all deposits and charges for the event. This is important for both the client and the Civic Center that all details are addressed to make the event go smooth. Any missed details can hinder an event due to last minute additions that could have been avoided at first contact with the client.

2. What is the most interesting part of your job?Speaking with clients and creating the actual layout to be used for an event. This is not a one-shot process but rather a process that is constantly evolving due to changes the client can make up to the last day.

3. What is the strangest thing that has happened on the job?Chasing and attempting to catch a baby squirrel in the lobby (never did catch him but he finally went outside).

4. Where are you from?San Antonio, Texas

5. What are your hobbies?Photography and writing

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6. Did you attend college? Where? What did you study?

I went to college in Texas and studied history

7. If you were stranded on an island and could have three items,

what would they be and why?1. My wife (have to have companionship right!!?)2. some type of firestarter for fire3. mask/snorkel and fins to check things out

8. What did you want to be when you were a kid?Professional basketball player

9. Do you have any pets?Two very spoiled dogs, Gizmo & Yodie & one very, very spoiled cat, Miracle. My stepdaughter named her that because the mother cat left her for dead. It was a miracle she lived so we brought into our family & nursed her back to health.

10. What’s your favorite song at the moment?“She Won’t Be Lonely Long” by Clay Walker. It’s got a great beat.

S.O.S.S a huge succes s!

The first ever Surplus Office Supply Swap (S.O.S.S.) was a huge success. “I think just about everyone who came found something worth using,” said co-organizer Kim Godbee. “I think we’d do it again in the future if we hear people have a desire to.” Office supplies that weren’t salvaged in-house were donated to the Manatee Teachers’ Wishing Well.

The Final Word“How can I help improve your workplace environment?” Over the next few months I want to hear from you. What’s on your mind? What are your top goals for the coming year and how can I help you accomplish them? What would you like to know more about regard-ing the state of the organization and where we’re heading?

Throughout the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, I will be scheduling time to meet with employees on each floor of the Administrative Building, and at many of the satellite facilities around the County. I hope you’ll come to these meetings with your thoughts, concerns and ideas on how things can be done better or more efficiently. You might consider talking with your team or coworkers in advance to come up with topics for discussion or even an agenda.

If you’re not able to attend the meeting when I’m visiting your location, try to make it to a discussion being held with another department. The ultimate goal of these exchanges is for me to hear the positives as well as negatives of this work-place and learn how can I help improve your workplace environment.

Another season of United Way fundraisers is upon us. Manatee County Government again was among the community’s biggest donors during the 2009-10 campaign. I hope we can match or even exceed that level of charity in 2010-11.

Last year Manatee County Government employees contributed $129,466 to the United Way campaign, making us third in the county for contributions.

This year United Way of Manatee County’s annual goal is $2.75 million, and I believe we can help

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them achieve it. We hope to have every employee consider payroll deduction this year, even if it is just one dollar a pay period.

Please give careful consideration your United Way pledge. Even a modest commitment can make a big difference in the community. United Way of Manatee County points out that a $1 contribution from 1,700 employees every two weeks will:

• Fund food, shelter, basic care and connections to school and community resources for 15 runaway or homeless youth;

• Empower ManaTEENs to deliver and install safety equipment such as fire extinguish-ers, smoke alarms, bathtub rails, anti-slip rug mats, and energy efficient lighting to the homes of 34 seniors who live alone in our community;

• Provide one day of emergency safe shelter for 16 battered women and children at HOPE Family Services;

• Provide Meals on Wheels PLUS with enough money to offer a home-delivered meal to a senior for an entire year.

• A contribution of $100 provides 40 homeless people with soap, shampoo, razors, toothpaste and toothbrushes or pays Summer Camp fees for four children. A $250 contribution provides 10 hours of respite care to a family that has a child with a disability or will allows eight seniors to receive a week’s worth of home delivered meals.

Giving your time, talent and hard-earned income does not always come easy, particularly in times of economic hardship like the present. But as this year’s United Way campaign kicks off, I again ask all County employees to carefully consider the impact of even a small, regular contribution to this valuable cause. At this time next year I’m confident Manatee County employees will again rank among the community’s most generous givers.