HR Boro Biz Congratulations Elizabeth Brown - Fairbanks North Star ...

30 + Years of Service
Congratulations
Elizabeth Brown
On your 30+ years of service to the
Borough, and well deserved retirement.
The Employee Recognition Committee
Proudly Announces
Christine Wirth, Parks & Rec
August 2012 Employee Of The Month
Congratulations Christine
Christine is one of our lifeguards at the Mary Siah
Rec Center. She is known for her phenomenal
support of the aquatic patrons and her positive
fun manner. Christine is also known for her
excellent communication
skills, professional
handling of all types of
situations, tact and poise.
Christine’s co-workers
have expressed their
admiration for her
upbeat, supportive
attitude.
Congratulations
Christine!!
Page 1
HR Boro Biz
Fairbanks North Star Borough
August 2012 Issue
NEW APEA Reps
The FNSBEA E-board recently appointed
new Representatives effective July 1, for
2 year terms, they are:
Chris Clark Borough Admin Center
Kevin Hawman Rural Services
Bobette McKirgan Borough Admin Center
Shawn Fletcher Maintenance &
Solid Waste
Paul Holland Animal Control,
Library,
Transportation &
Emergency Operations
REMEMBER SCHOOL STARTS
TUESDAY AUGUST 21ST
During your morning and evening
commutes allow a little extra time for
school buses and watch for children.
Table of Contents
Page 1 Elizabeth Brown Retires
Employee of the Month
New APEA Reps
Page 2 Immunization Clinics
Page 3 PERS Seminars
Compass Reset
Page 4 & 5 Back Care
Page 6 Super Mayor
Recycling
MAC Transit Ridership Increases
Page 7 EAC Picnic
Page 8 & 9 Live Well/Work Well
Page 10 Magellan Conquer Your Stress
Page 11 New Vision Benefit Coming
Page 12 Social Security Presentations
New Hires/Promotions
PERS Appointments
Sick Leave Bank
Forever Friends

Page 2

UPCOMING PERS RETIREMENT SEMINARS
PERS will be presenting 2 seminars in Fairbanks
Wednesday August 15 th 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the School District meeting room
Wednesday September 26 th 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm in the School District meeting room
If you are interested in attending either seminar you will need to register on the PERS
Website: https://www2.retben.state.ak.us/seminarenrollment/schedule.asp?system=PERS
These seminars will benefit anyone who might be interested in starting to learn what
it takes to become retired and the decision making that goes into the process.
Yearly Compass Reset
It's almost time for the annual reset of Compass and we want you to be prepared!
The reset will happen on September 5, 2012 and will kick off the 2012/2013
wellness program year. Here are the highlights of what you can expect...
Here's what's happening during the reset:
1. Points. Points will be reset to zero so current and new participants can each reach
the different prize levels for 2012/2013. The last day to enter activity for points
on the current program year will be September 4th!
2. Health Assessment. Everyone will start the 2012/2013 wellness year with completing
a new Well-Being Assessment. You can get instant results on how you've changed
from last year to this year!
3. Biometric Numbers. Enter in your 2012/2013 cholesterol and glucose numbers after
the annual health fair. You will have the option to have your results automatically
uploaded into your Compass account. This is a great way to start off the new
Compass year and get some valuable health advice based on your results.
4. Health Fair. FNSB is offering FREE Biometric Screenings so you can find out
your cholesterol and glucose numbers. You will need this information to enter under
the Health Risk tab to earn your Biometric Screening points. Flu shots will also be
offered as well as PSA, thyroid testing, vitamin D testing, and a complete blood
panel. The screenings will take place:
September 29, 2012
September 30, 2012
Watch for the next email with links to pre-register for the health fair. You can email
Carrie Johnston-Carnes at CJohnston-Carnes@fnsb.us for more information about these
events.
Compass will be meeting the New Program Year with a clean slate! This is the perfect
time for new participants to join and for current participants to get on the path to reaching
their 2012/2013 wellness goals!
Get ready to make next year your best yet!
Cheers,
FNSB Compass Wellness Team
Carlson Center 8:00am - Noon
Submitted by Carrie Johnston-Carnes, Human Resources
Page 3

SAFETY BRIEF:
BACK TO BASICS
Over 1 million American workers suffer back injuries annually, costing businesses
over $60 billion.
70% of workers will experience lower back pain at some point.
Lower back problems are the most frequent cause of disability for persons age 45
and under.
Repetition, force and awkward postures are primary contributors to back injuries.
Your back has 300 muscles, 33 vertebrae which surround and protect the spinal cord, and
30 spinal disks. The disks are gel-filled pads that fit between the vertebrae to provide a
flexible cushion that allows movement while preventing bone from rubbing against bone.
If a disk becomes ruptured, it can cause the spine to compress and pinch the nerve roots,
causing pain. The best way to prevent this is to exercise, including stretching, and follow
safe lifting practices.
A strain is a back injury many “weekend warriors” experience a when they overuse or
overstretch their unconditioned back muscles. A sprain is caused by a sudden movement
which causes a ligament to tear; this is usually the result of years of abuse which have made
the ligament so fragile that even a small movement can cause it to finally tear.
Back injuries are seldom caused by one incorrect lift. Injuries are more often caused by years
of incorrect lifting, poor posture and lack of proper ergonomics. The most common mistakes
when lifting are bending at the waist instead of the knees and holding the load too far out in
front of you. To properly lift an object, follow these steps:
Place feet firmly apart with one foot slightly forward for stability.
Bend at the knees (not at the waist) and keep your back as straight as possible.
Stand as close to the load as possible and grip it firmly.
Tighten your abdominal muscles as soon as you lift to support your spine.
Use your leg muscles instead of your back muscles.
Some hazards to avoid:
DO NOT twist during the lift.
lifting heavy loads without mechanical assistance (i.e., hand truck, pallet jack, etc.)
reaching overhead repetitively for loads, tools or parts
bending at the waist or twisting to handle tools, loads or parts work surfaces that are
too high or low
Exercise is important to keep your back healthy and strong.
A regular exercise program that includes flexibility and
strengthening exercises can help prevent injury or re-injury to
your back. You should check with your health care provider
before starting any exercise program. Your health care provider
can also explain some simple exercises you can do to strengthen
your back.
Continued on next page
Page 4

Continued from page
Sitting at a desk for long periods can also be hard on your back. A properly fitting chair is
important. Chairs are not “one size fits all.” Chairs should have adjustable armrests and
backrests, and adjustable height to allow your feet to rest flat on the floor with your knees
at a right angle. You should be able to reach frequently accessed items without excessive
twisting, reaching and leaning. Your computer monitor should be placed at eye level.
If you must sit for long periods, take breaks to walk and stretch your muscles. Sitting is
1 ½ times more stressful on your back than standing or walking because it tilts the pelvis
the wrong way. Frequent breaks from sitting will help relieve the stress on your back.
Whether sitting or standing, maintain correct posture to reduce fatigue and back strain.
Have you checked the object before you try to lift it? Test every load before you lift by
pushing the object lightly with your hands or feet to see how easily it moves. This tells
you about how heavy it is. Remember, a small size does not always mean a light load.
Is the load you want to lift packed correctly? Make sure the weight is balanced and
packed so it won't move around. Loose pieces inside a box can cause accidents if the box
becomes unbalanced.
Is it easy to grip this load? Be sure you have a tight grip on the object before you lift it.
Handles applied to the object may help you lift it safely.
Is it easy to reach this load? To avoid hurting your back, use a ladder when you're lifting
something over your head. Get as close to the load as you can and slide it towards you if
you can. Don't arch your back--avoid reaching out for an object. Do the work with your
legs and your arms, not your back.
What's the best way to pick up an object? Use slow and smooth movements. Hurried,
jerky movements can strain the muscles in your back. Keep your body facing the object
while you lift it. Twisting while lifting can hurt your back. Keep the load close to your
body. Having to reach out to lift and carry an object may hurt your back. "Lifting with
your legs" should be done only when you can straddle the load. To lift with your legs,
bend your knees, not your back, to pick up the load. Keep your back straight. Try to carry
the load in the space between your shoulder and your waist. This puts less strain on your
back muscles.
How can I avoid back injuries?
Warm up. Stretch your legs and your back before lifting anything.
Pace yourself. Take many small breaks between lifts if you are lifting a number of
things.
Don't overdo it--don't try to lift something too heavy for you. If you have to strain
to carry the load, it's too heavy.
Make sure you have enough room to lift safely. Clear a space around the object
before lifting it.
Look around before you lift, and look around as you carry. Make sure you can see
where you are walking. Know where you are going to put down the load.
Avoid walking on slippery, uneven surfaces while carrying something.
Don't rely on a back belt to protect you. It hasn't been proven that back belts can
protect you from back injury.
Get help before you try to lift a heavy load. Use a dolly or a forklift if you can.
Page 5
Submitted by Terri McFarland, Risk Manager

Attention All Super Heros
Boogie Woogie Rocket Man Saves Day
Thank you and Congratulations to our Mayor Hopkins who had a leading role showing
off his super powers as the Boogie Woogie Rocket Man who saved the day. A great
time was had by one and all who attended the yearly mystery theater dinner Fairbanks
Drama Association’s fund raiser. To all our patrons of the Arts—THANK YOU.
RECYCLING CAN REALLY ADD UP
Congratulations to the Noel Wien Library for their Recycling efforts. For FY 2012 the library
recycled over 17,000 pounds of paper. If your department would like to help in the
Borough’s efforts; check out the recycle locations near your building.
corrugated mixed
cardboard newspaper paper lbs. TOTALS
FY 2012 Quarters
1st Quarter 2012 456 369 4085 4910
2nd Quarter 2012 457 169 2839 3465
3rd Quarter 2012 440 635 3613 4688
4th Quarter 2012 394 280 3841 4515
1747 1453 14378 17,578
Ridership continues to increase on the Borough’s MACS
FNSB Transportation officials say more than 428,000 people used MACS as
transportation in the Fiscal Year, an increase of just over 9 percent from the previous
fiscal year. With 2 new routes added, Van Horn Road area as well as the run to Eielson
and Salcha, people have a variety of transportation options.
MACS also has special bus fares for specific groups including the military, youth and
senior citizens. Some large employers, like the University, which offers incentives for
employees to use the bus system.
If you are interested in learning more about your transportation options check out the
MACS webpage at http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/transportation/default.htm .
Page 6

GREAT FUN By One and All @ the EAC Picnic
Thank you for everyone who helped with set up and clean up.
Page 7

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Page 10

NEW BENEFIT PROVIDER
A new vision care service provider has been selected as part of labor contract negotiation
this year. Starting January 1, 2013, Vision Service Plan, known as VSP will provide
VSP Signature level services to Borough employees and their enrolled dependents.
VSP offers significant product discounts and point of service claims adjudication much
like the CVS Caremark prescription program. The intent is to provide better benefits to
employees without increasing cost to the plan. Using VSP participating providers will
save both the participant and the health plan money. Using a non-participating provider
may result in increased out of pocket costs for the participant.
WPAS will continue to administer medical, dental and hearing aid benefits and claims
for medical eye conditions such as treatment for glaucoma or removal of foreign objects
like splinters.
Annual vision exams are covered with no participant copayment at VSP preferred
providers. A selection of eyeglass frames will be available without copayment from
preferred providers. More frames are available for a copayment which can vary
significantly. Designer frames, for instance may require a significant copayment.
Basic eyeglass lenses will be provided at the current benefit levels. Specialty items
like “no lines” bifocals and tinted lenses will continue to have copayments. Contact lens
benefits are unchanged at $200.00 per year.
Non-participating providers will send paper or electronic claims to VSP for processing.
If your personal provider is not listed, you can ask them to contact VSP through
www.vsp.com to find out how to become a preferred provider or how to file claims.
There are four preferred provider locations in the Fairbanks North Star Borough:
Eye Clinic of Fairbanks (eight doctors)
116 Minnie St
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 456-7760
Virginia R Lind OD
59 College Rd Ste 209
Fairbanks, AK 99701
(907) 456-8028
Fairbanks Optometric Center (Dr. Graves)
3455 Rewak Dr Ste 102
Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 474-8695
West Valley Vision Center (three doctors)
570 Riverstone Way Ste 3
Fairbanks, AK 99709
(907) 479-4700
The change will take place on January 1, 2013. New health plan ID cards that
incorporate VSP information will be issued shortly after the first of the year. Watch
for more VSP news in the next Boro Biz and in the open enrollment material that will
be mailed to your home address at the end of October.
Page 11

Social Security and
Retirement Plans
How does my PERS work with Social Security.
When can I sign up for Social Security? Can
I receive Social Security now or later—are these
any questions you have every asked? If so you
may be interested in the upcoming presentation to
be held at the Noel Wien library.
Robin Schmidt, Public Affairs Specialist from the
Social Security Administration in Anchorage will
be giving a seminar in Fairbanks on August 20,
2012. Robin will be providing a presentation in
Fairbanks, titled “Social Security and You,
Choose Your Retirement” on August 20, 2012 at
the Fairbanks Noel Wein Library, Auditorium
from 5:00pm-7:00pm. The auditorium’s
maximum capacity is 100 seated individuals.
The presentation will cover: Social Security
Retirement, Disability, Survivors and
Medicare entitlements, When to file Your
Application(s), How to File Your Application(s),
Medicare Enrollment Periods, How Work Affects
Your Retirement Benefits, Explanation of the
Windfall Elimination Provision, Explanation of
the Government Pension Offset, Introduction to
Services Available at www.SocialSecurity.gov
as well as a time for Questions and Answers.
It will be 2 hours of information covering
questions that most individuals have regarding
their Social Security.
This would be a great opportunity for employees
to receive detailed information about the social
security benefits including the Windfall
Elimination Provision and Government Pension
Offset.
Find a
Forever Friend
At the Animal
Shelter
FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR
BOROUGH
809 Pioneer Road
PO Box 71267
Fairbanks, AK 99707-1267
Published by:
Human Resources Department
Bonne’ Woldstad—Editor
Phone: 907-459-1202
Fax: 907-459-1187
Human Resources Mission Statement
The mission of the Human Resources Department is to ensure quality human resource
services to the Borough’s most important asset, its employees.
Page 12
July 2012 New Hires
John Haskell, Van Tran Driver
Jordan Weed, Van Tran Driver
Promotions
Tanya Dalton, Emergency Mgmt Tech
Leon Kotsch, Van Tran Driver
April Trickey, Senior Secretary II
Scott Wynne, Parks Caretaker
Congratulations
PERS Appointments
Pam Couzin with PERS will be available
for individual appointments, Friday,
September 14 th from 8:00 – 2:00pm. If
you would like to set up an appointment
please contact Bonne’ in Human
Resources 459-1202. Appointments will
be scheduled in 20 minute increments
and will be assigned on a first come
basis.
No Sick Leave Bank Deduction
The FNSB employee Sick Leave Bank
currently has a sufficient balance and
will not require a quarterly deduction
in August. To learn more about the Sick
Leave Bank check out the Human
Resources web page
http://co.fairbanks.ak.us/HumanResour
ces/EmployeeInformation/SickLeave
Bank.html