Community Action Newsletter FEBRUARY 2019 EDITION

Our mission:

To provide services, with dignity and respect, that help people become self-sufficient

1

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S UPDATE:

Update – The date of the agency full staff in-service and employee recognition day has been CHANGED to Friday, April 5th (from March 29th). We have been provided with the opportunity to apply for some grant funding through GCC to cover a good share of the cost of training that will be provided at both the in-service and outside of the in-service day. Plans are “shaping up” for our day including specifics on the training topics. This year, we’ll be holding the in-service at the GCC campus in Batavia (in the BEST center) where we’ll be able to have some break out training sessions. We’ll be sending out soon an opportunity for staff to let us know their preference on which training sessions they would prefer to attend, hope-fully via Survey Monkey. I always look forward to the in-service day; it’s the only opportunity during the year to see every-one together! Details are still being finalized, but I expect that the times will be the same as last year, so registration will begin at 8:15am, we will begin promptly at 9:00am and expect to be finished at 3pm. The Good Will committee will again be conducting a basket raffle this year, and we will again have a raffle to support the work of the National Community Action Foundation; tickets will be available during registration and during lunch.

On pages 11 and 12 of this newsletter, is the nomination form for the annual staff awards and recognitions. Please take a few minutes to give us your recommendation for this year’s award recipients! This is a great opportunity to recognize the great work of your co-workers (any my favorite part of the in-service!). Nomination forms are due to me by Thursday, February 28th. Nominations can be sent via email (preferred) or by hard copy (if you prefer to remain anonymous).

We will again provide transportation to/from the in-service from the Albion, and Medina locations. Mileage reimburse-ment will be permitted only if you have a valid reason for not taking the bus and approval has been received from your director. You will receive further details regarding bus times from your site coordinator or supervisor. This is a good option if you don’t want to walk from the far reaches of the GCC parking lot to the center!

We are also conducting our annual staff satisfaction survey. Please provide your input by clicking on this link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019caogEEsurvey. Responses to the survey should also be submitted by February 28th. A summary of the survey results will be shared at the in-service as well as with the Personnel committee of the Board of Directors. NEW THIS YEAR – in an effort to increase employee participation (we really do value your feedback!), IF we reach a 75% response rate to the survey we will have a drawing for a $100 American Express gift card at the in-service. Please encourage your co-workers to take the time to provide us with feedback. I love giving away gift cards!

All the chatter in Washington is about the government shutdown, the government reopening, appropriations, continuing resolutions, and the wall. As you know, we are currently in a 3 week “reprieve” with (in theory) negotiations ongoing to resolve the issues. This will hopefully be resolved soon. I reported last month that our DOT grant for replacement buses would be impacted, however, I have learned that this grant is actually funded with 2017 Federal dollars so it’s not impact-ed. IF there’s another shutdown and IF it’s prolonged, our CACFP reimbursements (for HS/EHS food service) may be im-pacted. I don’t anticipate that happening and if it does I don’t anticipate that being an issue for us.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Employee news ….……………......page 2 Main St Store sales.………..........page 9 VITA tax info ………...…....…..……page 2 Main St Store news ………….....page 10 News from Annette & Carly..… page 3 Library computer classes ..……page 10 News from Bonnie….………….… page 4 Empty Bowl event info………...page 10 News from Donna….…….......pages 5-7 Community Action employee Award/ News from EOCC….………..........page 8 Recognition nomination form.pg 11&12

MARCH NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE:

FRI, FEBRUARY 22ND

Our website, www.caoginc.org, has various links that are useful to

employees under “Staff Re-sources” including: Links to ADP, the agency newsletter, training resources, employee handbook,

direct deposit form, mileage forms and tax forms (Federal and NYS ), as well as other beneficial

information. Check it out!

PERFECT ATTENDANCE (December)

ANNIVERSARIES (February)

Julie Bailey Carissa Helsdon Deb Rothmund

Ruth Bell Mike Jessmer Edna Schramm

Lisa Boyle Barb Kiefer Christine Schuster

Virgie Brooks Cassandra Kinne Pam Sivret

Theresa Brien David Laraby Tami Slingerland

Kelly Cassady Teri Lester Jim Soccio

Donna Caton Alisha Love Jeanne Taggert

Lisa Church Bonnie Malakie Terri Taylor

Sheila Colf Barb Miller Jessica Tracy

Margie Davies Kim Miller Pam Wadhams

Jackie DeMarco Larry Montello James Willis Jr.

Ann Dhanda Tammy Moore Jame s Willis Sr.

Willie Drisdom Ashley Pahura Donna Wojdat

Gary Elich Karyn Papponetti Donna Woodworth

Janet Foppes Shelcy Plueckhahn Joe Wright

Michele George Kari Powers Danielle Wyder

Dawn Gray David Reis Mary Yockel

Stacie Gronski Deb Renner Joann Zajaczkowski

Anne Clark 2/1/1997

Shelcy Pleuckhahn 2/6/2017

Mary Beth Robinson 2/16/2006

2

It’s Tax Time!

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee® announces that our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

program is under way. Trained volunteers are in our Batavia Community Action office on Thursdays,

February to April 11, 2019. This is a FREE service! E-File!

By appointment only at :

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee (Thursdays)

5073 Clinton Street Road in Batavia.

Please call 343-7798 to schedule your appointment.

NEW HIRES (JANUARY)

No new hires for the

month of January

3

THE

DIRECTORS'

CORNER

Annette Finch, Director of Community Services

Bonnie Malakie, Director of Children and Youth Services

Carly Ward, Director of Planning and Operations

Donna Wojdat, Director of Finance and Administration

News from Annette:

Case Managers in Albion, Batavia, and Holley have seen an increase in evictions and homelessness since the beginning of the year.

Community Action has also been selected by Foodlink to become a “Front Door” agency for Orleans County. This simply means we will serve as a first point of contact for individuals and families who require emergency food assistance , collaborate with local agencies to provide wrap around referral services, and conduct food safety and nutrition trainings.

News from Carly:

Thank you to Jim Soccio and the Weatherization team for securing a Multi-Unit building to help with our production numbers in the Weatherization department. This has taken quite a bit of time and effort on Jim’s part, and his dedication is greatly ap-preciated! This Multi-Unit building has 3 buildings and 24 units and the crew is set to begin the job at the beginning of Febru-ary. Each unit will have shower head/wands replaced, aerators installers, insulated water pipes, new thermostats (3 per unit), weatherstripping and door sweeps on all doors, LED light bulbs to replace all old light bulbs, carbon monoxide detectors, attic airsealing, attic insulation, baffles installed, kitchen range hoods exhausted to outside home, and bathroom exhaust fans ex-hausted to outside home. This project is expected to last three weeks.

***If you currently do not have an agency email address and would like one, please let your supervisor know.***

With the new year upon us and the Government shut-down, Community Action will be facing new crisis like depleting food in our food pantries. With the uncer-tainty of the SNAP program and families going without benefits, we are committed to finding ways to keep our food pantries stocked with the assistance of Foodlink, as well as being selected by 5-Star Bank to receive a grant to assist us in purchasing food.

Thank you to Five Star for your generous donation to help our food pantry!

4

News from Bonnie:

HAPPY WINTER!!!!!!

February 1 marks the beginning of the new 5 year grant period for the Head Start/Early Head Start Program!

There was a nice article on the HUB as well as a post from Congressman Collins office in the Batavia Daily

News. Check it out on our website. Along with this new 5 year grant comes some additional and new re-

quirements. Even though it means more work, it’s worth it because of the children and the families!

Some people have changed positions in Head Start recently:

Karyn Giltner, moved from part-time EHS Floater to full-time Family/Community Partnership Program

Specialist in the Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Program. Congratulations Karyn!

Stephanie Fox, previous Head Start Family Advocate in Medina,, decided she would like to work part-time

so she can be home with her child some of the time and has taken over the position vacated by Karyn in

Medina EHS. Welcome to the world of toddlers!

Kaitlyn Dodge, who was our Public Health Intern from Brockport in spring 2018 had been filling on for us

temporarily in different places. She has now been hired as a full time Family Advocate in Medina! Way to

go Kaitlyn!

I also need to say thank-you to all the people who “fill the gaps” regularly and help make things work at our

Head Start sites. These would be our Teacher Assistant Bus Monitors, Floaters, Cook Assistants, substitutes

and other part –time people like Drivers. It takes a lot of work by a lot of people to make the centers run

each day!!! Thank you for your flexibility and your “can do attitude”!!!

We are also excited to have a new Intern from Brockport Public Health, Rema Waziri. Rema is in her last

semester in Brockport and will be with us full-time from January 28 through May 10. Her primary focus

will be working with Leadership and focusing on family concerns and the impact of trauma on children and

families. She will be primarily working with Debbie Renner, Health Manager, Katria Chaffee, EHSCCP

Manager and Shelcy Plueckhahn, FCP Specialist. WELCOME REMA!!!!!!

It will soon be time for us to again do the Community Action Customer Service Satisfaction Survey. The

input from our Customers is one of the best ways to help us see where we are doing well and what we could

do to improve. We will probably use questions very similar to previous years as this is helpful to see how

data changes over a period of time. However, we may ad some additional information for just this year. For

example, we know that transportation is difficult for many of our families so we may wan t to find out more

about that. If you have any ideas about what we might ask, please send me an email and I’ll share it with the

Director’s Team.

Maybe you have heard about the measles outbreak in the national, state or local news. Measles, Mumps and

Rubella (used to be called German Measles) are all very dangerous for children and adults. I am pleased to

say that all children in Head Start, Early Head Start and Early Head Start Child Care Partnership Program

sites have been vaccinated for these diseases. Very nice work Family Advocates, EHSCCP staff and Debbie

Renner, Health Manager!!!!!

Hope you all have a healthy, warm and safe February.

Bonnie

GOOD DRIVING!

As measured by Azuga units, based on driver’s Braking, Speeding, Acceleration and Idling habits.

The Safest Agency Drivers for Month of:

DECEMBER score

#1 HS Maintenance (James Willis) 86

#2 Maintenance van (Mike Jessmer) 83

#3 WX #72– Tool truck (Gary Elich) 82

69% of Agency drivers attained “safe rating” for the month

5

News from Donna:

Safety form revisions:

The Safety Committee has reviewed and approved new format for Incident Reporting and Investigations AND Monthly Site Safety Inspections. The purpose was to simplify and streamline extraneous input, which should make it easier for everyone to comply with reporting requirements. Please note that safety inspections for Head Start classrooms are dictated by OCFS and should continue to use their mandated format.

These forms will be effective February 1st, 2019. Your Director, Manager or Supervisor should have already forwarded these to you. Please help distribute the new forms to all applicable employees, and destroy all previous copies or versions you have. These forms are also always available at the Agency’s website under the “Staff Resources” page.

Health & Wellness

Wellness tidbit:

“Sitting is the new smoking”

It’s recommended that your workspace is set up ergonomically correct. Here’s how from UCLA Ergonomics:

STEP 1: Your Chair

Push your hips as far back as they can go in the chair.

Adjust the seat height so your feet are flat on the floor and your knees equal to, or slightly lower than, your hips.

Adjust the back of the chair to a 100°-110° reclined angle. Make sure your upper and lower back are supported. Use inflat-able cushions or small pillows if necessary. If you have an active back mechanism on your chair, use it to make frequent posi-tion changes.

Adjust the armrests (if fitted) so that your shoulders are relaxed. If your armrests are in the way, remove them.

December Safety

Stats

0 near misses

2 incidents reported

(info only)

STEP 2: Your Keyboard An articulating keyboard tray can provide optimal positioning of input devices. However, it should accom-modate the mouse, enable leg clearance, and have an adjustable height and tilt mechanism. The tray should not push you too far away from other work materials, such as your telephone.

Pull up close to your keyboard.

Position the keyboard directly in front of your body.

Determine what section of the keyboard you use most frequently, and readjust the keyboard so that section is centered with your body.

Adjust the keyboard height so that your shoulders are relaxed, your elbows are in a slightly open position (100° to 110°), and your wrists and hands are straight.

The tilt of your keyboard is dependent upon your sitting position. Use the keyboard tray mechanism, or keyboard feet, to adjust the tilt. If you sit in a forward or upright position, try tilting your keyboard away from you at a negative angle. If you are reclined, a slight positive tilt will help maintain a straight wrist position.

Wrist-rests can help to maintain neutral postures and pad hard surfaces. However, the wrist-rest should only be used to rest the palms of the hands between keystrokes. Resting on the wrist-rest while typing is not recommended. Avoid using excessively wide-wrist rests, or those that are higher than the space bar of your keyboard.

Place the pointer as close as possible to the keyboard. Placing it on a slightly inclined surface, or using it on a mouse-bridge placed over the 10-keypad, can help to bring it closer.

If you do not have a fully adjustable keyboard tray, you may need to adjust your workstation height, the height of your chair, or use a seat cushion to get into a comfortable position. Use a footrest if your feet dangle.

STEP 3: Screen, Document, and Telephone Incorrect positioning of the screen and source documents can result in awkward pos-tures. Adjust the screen and source documents so that your neck is in a neutral, relaxed position.

Center the screen directly in front of you, above your keyboard.

Position the top of the screen approximately 2-3” above seated eye level. (If you wear bifocals, lower the screen to a com-fortable reading level.)

Sit at least an arm’s length away from the screen and then adjust the distance for your vision.

Reduce glare by careful positioning of the screen. Position source documents directly in front of you, between the screen and the keyboard, using an in-line copy stand. If there is insufficient space, place source documents on a document holder posi-tioned adjacent to the screen.

Place screen at right angles to windows

Adjust curtains or blinds as needed

Adjust the vertical screen angle and screen controls to minimize glare from overhead lights

Other techniques to reduce glare include use of optical glass glare filters, light filters, or secondary task lights

Place your telephone within easy reach. Telephone stands or arms can help.

Use headsets and speaker phone to eliminate cradling the handset.

STEP 4: Pauses and Breaks Once you have correctly set up your computer workstation use good work habits. No matter how perfect the environment, prolonged, static postures will inhibit blood circulation and take a toll on your body.

Take short 1-2 minute stretch breaks every 20-30 minutes. After each hour of work, take a break or change tasks for at least 5-10 minutes. Always try to get away from your computer during lunch breaks.

Avoid eye fatigue by resting and refocusing your eyes periodically. Look away from the monitor and focus on something in the distance.

Rest your eyes by covering them with your palms for 10-15 seconds.

Use correct posture when working. Keep moving as much as possible.

6

Finally, here are some simple stretches that you can do to help alleviate aches and pain caused by sitting hunched over at your desk.

7

8

News from the Holley Community Center

75 people attended

the Christmas

lunch at the Holley

Center.

Valentine Day

Party

February 14th

at 11:30am

The Holley Community Center

provided 165 Christmas boxes

for families and gifts for 325

children as part of the holiday

program.

“FEBRUARY 2019 Specials” “1st and 3rd Tuesdays” 11 am-2pm 50% OFF Storewide Sale*

LIVE MUSIC: FEB 5TH WOODY AND FRIENDS

‘FEB 27TH 5pm-7pm Come to the Extended Hours 50% off SALE just for you!’

MONTH Long Sale

Winter Outerwear up to 90% OFF

Winter Blues – All Jeans 2.99

Slamming Summer - Tank-Top Sale 1.00 each

Week of: BOGO* Sale

FEB 4TH - 9TH SNUGGLING DAY (LINENS AND PILLOWS) FEB 11T H - 16TH TABLE FOR TWO (CANDLES, STEMWARE,

VASES, BASKETS) FEB 18TH - 23RD SCHOOL BREAK (GAMES, PUZZLES, CD,

CHILDREN’S CLOTHING AND SHOES) FEB 25TH - MARCH 2ND HOME DECOR

EMAIL CLUB DISCOUNT CODE ‘Sweet Treats’

Check us out on Face book for additional sales throughout the month. Mainstreetthriftstore.albion

Every Day Clothing ‘Tag Color’ Sale* ~ 50% Off

Monday-Red Tuesday- Yellow Wednesday-Orange

Thursday- Green Friday- Pink Saturday- Grey

Every Thursday: Seniors 60+ and Veterans discount 5%

*Excludes Consignment Tags and scheduled markdown tags. Not eligible for combined discounts

9

Albion Middle School Art Students Present….

EMPTY BOWLS Event

(To Benefit the Food Pantry at Community Action)

Date: March 21, 2019 (Thursday)

Time: 6:00-8:00pm

Place: Middle School Cafeteria

Cost: $5 donation (includes soup supper)

- Your $5 donation gives you admission to our event, a student made pottery bowl to keep, a

simple soup and bread supper, and a short student led service-learning program about hunger in our

community. The bowls serve as a reminder that many people live with empty bowls, empty stomachs

and lack of food every day. Please support the student’s efforts and our local food pantry.

Main Street Thrift Store News!

Check out the work in progress! After almost 2 years, the renovations at the store are taking place. New heating units on the roof, awesome exterior doors are installed, and the ‘difficult’ plumbing is getting fixed! We are so excited to see the plans be-coming a reality. When done, heating costs will be reduced, working in the processing room will be a joy – more efficient set up and warm in the winter and cooler in the summer, brighter lighting outside, and so much more. Please stop by – we will show you around!

FREE computer classes are held at the local libraries. Please call the library for more info or to register.

Lee-Whedon Library (Medina)

( 585) 798-3430

Wed, Feb 27th 11 am

The Cloud: Learn what the Cloud is and how to use it

Wed, Feb 27th 1pm

Gadgets and Gears: Bring your own device and your questions

Swan Library (Albion)

(585) 589-4246

Fri, Feb 22nd 10am-12pm

Internet Resources & Safety

Fri, Feb 22nd 12pm-2pm

Email Start to Finish

10

MARCH EVENT~ SAVE THE DATE:

Community Action of Orleans & Genesee

AWARD/RECOGNITION NOMINATION FORM

APRIL 5, 2019 IN-SERVICE

1. Leadership Award - Winner – March 2018 – Terri Taylor and Katrina Chaffee This award will acknowledge the efforts of an employee who has taken a strong leadership role in issues

affecting low-income, elderly and disabled consumers.

I nominate_________________________________________________________________________________

because___________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Agency Spirit Award - Winner – March 2018 – Shelcy Pleuckhahn This award will recognize a staff member who has promoted the mission, vision and values of the

agency in a positive manner. This award is not limited to one person

I nominate_________________________________________________________________________________

because___________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Rookie(s) of the Year - Winner – March 2018 – Emma King

This award recognizes an employee who reflects the mission, vision, and value of Community Action.

Employees eligible for this award (hired during 2018) are: Marcqui Brown, LaShanda Gates, Halee Potter, Jeanne Taggert, Sherry McMillan, Carissa Helsdon, Karyn Papponetti,

Kelly Cassady, Tammy Moore, Ashley Pahura, Lorraine Ruiz, Kaitlyn Dodge.

I nominate_________________________________________________________________________________

because___________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

11

4. Best Supporting Actor/Actress Award – March 2018 – Barb Miller This award recognizes a staff member who consistently supports the efforts of the team and/or agency.

I nominate ________________________________________________________________________________

Because___________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Patti Rupnig Direct Service Award - Winner – March 2018 – Freddie Stewart This award recognizes an employee who consistently provides service with commitment,

professionalism, and dedication to the mission, vision, and values of Community Action. This recipient

must demonstrate an honest and direct communication style, a just do it attitude, a willingness to go the

extra mile to help someone in need. He/She is respected by the community and co-workers. This

employee is willing to work with a variety of people and possess a loving and caring attitude.

This award is in memory of Patti Rupnig, dear friend and valued employee of Community Action, who

lost her battle with cancer on September 13, 2002.

I nominate_________________________________________________________________________________

because___________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Attach additional sheets if needed.

6. Is there an employee who you think should be recognized for something

that doesn’t “fit” in the above award categories? Please elaborate: __________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Please give your thoughts on our staff awards and/or suggestions for any

changes: _______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Nominations must be returned to Ed Fancher, Executive Director, in a sealed

envelope (or via email to efancher@caoginc.org) by February 28th

, 2019.

My Name (optional) ____________________________________ Date________________________

12