DEFERRED COMPENSATIONThe County offers eligible employees the ability to save for retirement on a tax-deferred ba-sis through the 401(k) and 457 Plans. It’s never too late to start.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMThe Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides professional and confidential mental health counseling support to you and your family when it is needed. The EAP is available to assist with not only a personal crisis but also marriage or family related problems, alcohol or drug related problems, or troubling challenges at work.

WELLNESS PROGRAMThe Wellness Program can help you lead a healthier and higher quality of life. All Regular County employees and their spouses are eligible and encouraged to participate in the Well-ness Profile and classes on topics such as diabetes, weight loss, stress management, fitness and more.

WORK/LIFEThe Work/Life Program promotes the family friendly services offered to County of Ventura employees.

Benefits DivisionAug-September, 2013

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Cal i fo rn ia Popp ies by Dana Ph i l l i ps

The new NetBenefits® Smartphone app helps you stay connected to your Plan.

Access your Fidelity workplace account info on the go with the new NetBenefits® Smart-phone app. This new app offers an integrated view of your accounts right on your Smart-phone. Now you can access your retirement account balances, investments, personal rate of return, and more—anytime, anywhere.

Download the app today from the App Store or Google Play Store—or you can browse netbenefits.com on the mobile Web.

System availability and response times may vary. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.Approved for use in Advisor and workplace plans. Firm review may apply.Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC© 2013 FMR LLC. All rights reserved.647355.6.0

We are committed to providing you with the education, information, and resources that can help you take full advantage of your retirement benefits. With this in mind, we are happy to introduce Income Simulator, now available on the Fidelity NetBenefits® http://plan.fidelity.com/ventura home page. Fidelity’s Income Simulator gives you a quick estimate of how much retirement income your current saving strategy may create and how that measures up to your retirement income goal.

Income Simulator:4Asks you a few simple questions, automatically pulls in NetBenefits accounts, and allows you to add other accounts and income sources that can be factored into retirement income4Offers interactive modeling—to help you understand the important differences that hypothetical adjustments can make 4Provides targeted guidance that suggests possible next steps based on your goals and the track you’re on, with the ability to take immediate action

Throughout this entire experience, all the support you need is available online, or by phone at 800-343-0860.

We are excited to support you in the pursuit of the retirement you envision. And with Income Simulator, it’s easier than ever to estimate where your retirement savings stand in relation to your goal, model different hypothetical scenarios, and take action.

Income Simulator is an educational tool. Guidance provided by Fidelity is educational in nature, is not individualized, and is not intended to serve as the primary or sole basis for your investment or tax-planning decisions.Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917640709.1.0

Ne w Core Investment OptionIn order to continue to provide participants a diversified core line-up, the Deferred Compen-sation Committee has added Templeton Global Advisor Class (TGBAX) to the core investment

options. Templeton Global Bond seeks current income with capital appreciation and growth of income by investing predominantly in bonds issued by govern-ments and government agencies located around the world. For more informa-tion on this fund, including the fund prospectus, fees, and pricing, logon to your account through http://plan.fidelity.com/ventura and select “Investment Perfor-mance and Research” under the Quick Links drop down menu.

How Much Do I Need to S ave

for Retirement?

SM TM

The Core of the MatterAlthough there are over 280 funds available to you in the

401(k) and 457 Plans, only 19 of these funds are “core in-vestment options.” These core options are basic funds from

which you can build a diversified portfolio. They cover most asset classes in the investment options spectrum.

The Deferred Compensation Committee monitors and evaluates the Plans’ core options pursuant to the Committee’s Investment Policy Statement. In monitoring these funds, the Committee carefully looks at the investment per-formance and risk of these funds relative to each fund’s benchmark and peer group. In addition, among other things, the Committee looks at the fund’s expense ratio, the fund’s trending, and any changes to the fund’s manage-ment. The Committee puts all these pieces of information together in making an informed decision on whether or not an investment option remains viable as a “core option” in the County’s Plans.

And, what about the other investment options available to you - the ones that aren’t monitored and evaluated as core options? Those funds are available through what is called a “mutual fund window” or MFW. The MFW, which is provided through Fidelity Investments, provides you with over 200 addition-al “non-core” investment options. It’s important to note, however, that the Committee does not monitor funds in the MFW for investment performance, investment risk, management style, investment objectives, or investment ex-penses. If you want more information on the Plans’ core options or the funds available through the MFW, call Fidelity at 800/343-0860 or logon to http://plan.fidelity.com/ventura.

EAP Services are available

to you and

eligible family members.

~No Cost to You ~Confidential ~Professional

Confident ia l Assessment Serv icesThe EAP prov ides p ro fess iona l ass is tance to e l ig ib le employees and fami ly members . Cr is is in te rven t ion , assessment , educa t ion , and re fe r ra l serv ices are ava i lab le on a con f iden t ia l bas is . Cons ider ta lk ing w i th one o f our l i -censed s ta f f i f you o r a loved one is exper ienc ing a cha l leng ing persona l prob lem such as s t ress , g r ie f , mar i ta l d i f f i cu l t y, over -use o f subs tances , o r i f there i s a menta l hea l th c r i s i s in your l i fe .

Don’t a lways bel ieve what you th ink . Somet imes we deve lop “ th ink ing t raps” tha t l im i t our perspec t i ve and cause us undue s t ress . Th is hap-pens f requent ly as our b ra ins have been des igned to make sense o f the wor ld in very c rea t i ve ways . Of ten methods tha t cha l lenge the way we th ink about c i rcumstances can p rompt more pos i t i ve approaches . Ta lk ing w i th a p ro fess iona l who can ass is t w i th th is can make a huge d i f fe rence . I f i n te res ted , con tac t the EAP fo r more in fo rmat ion .

EAP In-Serv ice Presentat ionsThe EAP ac t i ve ly p rov ides cus tomized in -serv ice p resenta t ions to employ -ee groups on top ics des igned to im -prove workp lace cu l tu re , communi -ca t ion , and re la t ionsh ips . A l l g roups a re d i f fe ren t and can benef i t f rom ongo ing d iscuss ions and exerc ises tha t fu r ther g rowth and we l lness of the i r g roup and organ iza t ion . Whether i t be an in te res t in focus -i ng on cub ic le e t ique t te ( “Surv iv ing Cub ism”) , reduc ing workp lace ten -s ion ( “Taming the B laming Bra in ” ) , or o ther re la ted top ics des igned to improve re la tedness , co l labora t ion and a pos i t i ve workp lace , the EAP i s ava i lab le to he lp .

Mediat ion Serv icesWhen d i f f i cu l t ies occur be tween co-workers , they a re o f ten g rounded in d i f fe rences o f op in ion , m isunders tand ings , o r con t ras t ing s ty les . Th is o f ten impac ts the workp lace as employees engage in avo idance and s t ra ined communica t ion . Med ia t ion i s a f ree serv ice p rov ided by the EAP to ass is t employees in reso lv ing these i ssues and improv ing the workp lace c l imate . For add i t iona l in fo rmat ion , con tac t the EAP s ta f f .

Normal bus iness hours a re Monday - F r iday 8 :00 am - 5 :00 pm. A f te r hours appo in t -ments (a f te r 5 :00) a re rou t ine fo r a l l c l in ic ians . In add i t ion , the EAP main ta ins 24-hour emergency on ca l l ava i lab i l i t y.

The EAP o f f i ce i s loca ted a t 950 County Square Dr ive , Su i te 200 , Ventura , CA 93003. For add i t iona l in fo rmat ion o r to schedu le an appo in tment , con tac t the EAP a t (805) 654-4327.

County of VenturaEmployee Assistance Program

The Wellness Profile Has a FRESH NEW

Twist!If you have not had a

Wellness Profile in the past year, you are in for a

refreshing surprise!

You’ l l st i l l get a valuable health assessment in-cluding your blood pressure, cholesterol , g lucose, BMI and more--but the new 17-page report is in a colorful , easy-to-understand format including a trend report comparing al l your pr ior resul ts.

The Wel lness Prof i le quest ionnaire is shorter and can be completed ent i rely onl ine, providing you with instant feedback and access to an onl ine LifeChange Library and Healthy Liv ing Videos.

See what your co-workers are raving about–sign up for a Wel lness Prof i le Today. I t ’s Quick, Easy & Conf ident ial ! Al l Regular County Employees and their Spouses are el ig ible to part ic ipate.

Whether you want to get in shape, lose weight, lower your cancer and heart r isk, or just stay wel l , the Wel lness Prof i le is the perfect place to start—and now i t is easier than ever!

Register ONLINE today for a Wellness Profi le at one of our upcoming locations:

Saticoy 9/11, East County Police Services 10/9 or the Government Center

on 9/4, 9/25 and 10/2(http:/ /securevcweb/wellness)

from Jackie Keller & Nutrifit

Promoting Good Health and Helping Manage Health Care Costs

Raising Healthy Kids in aFATTENING World

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions. About one in three children in the U.S. are over-weight or obese, and the rate has tr ipled in just thirty years!

Childhood obesity has resulted in chronic health condit ions among today’s kids that used to be seen commonly only in adults. One third of al l children born in the year 2000 are predicted to develop dia-betes during their l i fet ime, and experts believe this may be the f irst generation to have a shorter l i fe expectancy than their parents.

Summer is the perfect t ime to eat healthy and be active outdoors, yet so many factors encourage our kids to do the opposite! Discover a no nag approach that wil l help your child or teen eat better, be more

active and achieve a healthier weight. Get common sense solutions that help real famil ies raise f i t kids and make healthy eating easier than ever!

Register ONLINE today for Raising Healthy Kids in a Fattening World –Thurs, August 15, 12-1 p.m., Government Center (ACR).

While genetic factors play a role, our children’s weight may have more to do with the eating and exercise habits that we model and the opportunit ies for healthy diet and physical activity that we create--another great reason to sign up for a Wellness Profi le! Start on a path to healthier l iving this summer. Register yourself and your Spouse for a Wellness Profi le today!

For more in fo rmat ion , v is i t our webs i te o r emai l us a t we l lness .p rogram@ventura .o rg .

PEACHY IDEA!

Summer Fru i t Mousse1/2 cup frozen apple juice concentrate1 envelope unflavored gelatin6 large apricots, fresh3 oz. fat free cream cheese1 ripe peach, sliced just before serving1/4 cup orange juice1 tsp. orange rind, grated1/2 cup cold water

In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the water. Set it aside for 5 minutes. In a saucepan, bring the apple juice concen-

trate to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat & stir in the softened gelatin until it is completely dissolved. Using a blender, pu-ree all the remaining ingredients (except the fresh peaches) until smooth. Pour the mousse into 6 dessert dishes or custard

cups.Serve thoroughly chilled, garninshed with the fresh peach slices.

Calories: 86 Carbs: 18.74g Dietary Fiber: 1.216g Cholesterol: 0g Protein: 2.69g Sodium: 94g %CalFromFat:1.67% Total Fat: 0.16g

Working full-time can be a balancing act~espec ia l l y i f you a re p rov id ing care and suppor t to an e lder ly fami ly member who is i l l o r d isab led .

Of ten , the s t ress o f careg iv ing can lead to bu rnou t and damage to bo th your phys ica l and menta l hea l th . I f you a re in th is pos i t ion , i t i s essent ia l tha t you ge t the suppor t you need.

Jo in us to rece ive suppor t , resources and l inks to ser -v ices a t the E lder Care Suppor t Group. Drop in as your schedu le a l lows — no pre- reg is t ra t ion i s requ i red . Elder Care Support Group Meet ings: 8 /28 and 9 /25 f rom 12-1pm at the Government Center (HOA in Room 241)

Thinking About Buying A Home?

Save money by us ing Coas ta l Hous ing Par tnersh ip f i -nanc ia l ass is tance p rograms fo r your home

purchase!

“Over 6,000 employees have benefited from our expertise—

why not you, too?”

As an employee o f the County o f Ventura , you a re e l ig ib le to benef i t f rom these programs.

A t tend a f ree workshop to learn about :• S teps o f the Loan Process

• Qua l i f y ing fo r a Loan• How Much o f a Loan You Can Af fo rd

• How You Can Purchase a Home w i th On ly a 5% Down Payment

WHERE: Government Center, Ventura WHEN: October 8

5 :30-6:30pm

Regis te r ing i s easy ! By phone: 805 .969.1025

By emai l : Ju l ia@coas ta lhous ing .o rg Or ONLINE:

http://www.coastalhousing.org/employees_education.htm

Fami ly Guide to E lder Care: Creat ing Caregiv ing Opt ionsAre you car ing fo r an e lder ly re la t i ve? Are you respons ib le fo r mak ing a r rangements fo r an e lder ly fami ly member, e i ther loca l l y o r long d is tance? Th is packe t inc ludes much need in fo rmat ion , such as a resource gu ide fo r serv ices in Ventura County, in fo rmat ion on Sen io rs & the Law, a l i s t ing o f e lder care fac i l i t i es in Ventura County and much more !

New Chi ld Care /Preschool Discount Booklet The Ch i ld Care /Preschoo l D iscount Program Book le t fea tu res p rograms in Ventura County tha t o f fe r d iscounts to County employees . The book le t i s updated annua l l y to inc lude new programs or fo r cur ren t p rograms to ad jus t the i r d iscounts . I f your ch i ld i s a l ready enro l led in a p rogram tha t p rov ides a d iscount in the book le t , p lease check the updated vers ion to see i f your d iscount has changed.

New ch i ld care cen te rs to the d iscount p rogram fo r th is year inc lude :

F i rs t F l igh t Preschoo l & Ch i ld Care - SomisGan Camar i l l o Preschoo l - Camar i l l oS imi Covenant Preschoo l - S imi Va l leyMag ic Carouse l Preschoo l & Academy - VenturaMy Gym @ Sat icoy E lementary Schoo l - VenturaDe l Mar Ch i ld Deve lopment Center - Oxnard

Look fo r the updated copy o f the Ch i ld Care /Preschoo l D iscount Program Book le t on l ine s ta r t ing Augus t 1s t a t : h t tp : / / vcweb/ceo /HR/Benef i t s /Work_L i fe .h tm To reques t a hard copy, p lease emai l Work /L i fe@ventura .o rg w i th a b rown mai l number a f te r Augus t 1s t . Before & Af ter School Programs in Ventura CountyA comprehens ive l i s t ing o f be fo re and a f te r schoo l p rograms th roughout Ventura County !

Other Resources• Fami ly Chi ld Care• Choosing Qual i ty Chi ld Care• Lactat ion Accommodat ion resources• Guide to ‘At Home’ Chi ld Care• F i rs t 5 New Parent Ki ts

Resources Available to YOU!

For more information and/or to request your Work/Life resource, p lease contact us a t 805 /477-7234 or work l i fe@ventura .org .

Are you a Grandparent, Aunt or Uncle Raising a Related Child with Full Responsibility?

You are no t a lone ! K ids & Fami l ies Together i s o f fe r ing County Employees a K insh ip Suppor t Group on the 2nd Wednesday o f the month .

Rece ive in fo rmat ion on communi ty resources ,app ly ing fo r guard iansh ip , f inanc ia l suppor t , hous ing , food p rograms, resp i te care , ch i ld care and a f te r -schoo l care .

Learn how to he lp a ch i ld w i th separa t ion f rom a paren t , how to work w i th the b i r th paren t (s ) and how to manage the s t resses on your b i r th ch i ld ren o r par tner.

August 14 and September 11 f rom Noon - 1 :00pm Gov’ t Center, HOA, Medi terranean Conference Room.

For more in fo on K ids & Fami l ies Together, go to : www.kidsandfami l ies .org