Full Text
BEN Burlington Employees’ Newsletter Dedicated To The People Who Make Government Work October, November, December 2004 October, November, December Brenda Avant Hall, Fire Department Administrative Assistant and seamstress extraordinaire, will retire November 1 with over 30 years of service to the City. She has had a long and distinguished career with the City and leaves with the organization a legacy of professionalism and commitment to service. Brenda was hired July 9, 1973 as a payroll clerk, a position she held for nearly 20 years and holds the record for tenure in this position. Prior to her employment with the City she worked for Bell Labs (formerly Western Electric) as a technical clerk in one of the drafting rooms, a position that required her to obtain FBI security clearance. “Among my many duties in this position was being responsible for the “Secret Document Drawings” file cabinet and processing time cards,” said Brenda. “The experience I obtained in this position and the responsible and confidential nature of the work prepared me for the payroll position with the City and my administrative assistant position in the Fire Department.” When the Alamance County Credit Union was formed in the late 70s early 80s, Brenda was elected to represent the City on the credit union committee and served in this capacity until she surrendered her payroll duties the accept the administrative position in the Fire Department. The Alamance County Credit Union eventually merged with AT&T Credit Union, which later became Truliant Federal Credit Union. Brenda has witnessed numerous personal achievements during her employment with the City. A lifelong dream of hers was to own her own home. To augment her income she worked part-time at Eckerd’s on Maple Avenue and was able to put together enough money for her down payment. Construction began on her house in December 1984 and she moved in March 1985. Six months later she enrolled at the Long-Time Payroll Clerk and Office Assistant Set to Retire November 1 Brenda Hall Inside This Edition . . . See Hall, page 2 Firefighter Serves Tour of Duty in Iraq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 2 Councilman Flies the Friendly Skies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 3 Chip Ferguson Receives State Telecommunicator Award Page 4 Beware, 401(k) Loans Can Be Costly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 7 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Alamance Community College to study business administration. Working full- time and going to school at night, she graduated with her associate degree in 1992. Brenda’s sewing ability is well known throughout the City and her work can be found in numerous employee homes. Brenda has a Husqvarna Viking computerized embroidery machine. She has been taking classes in Greensboro for several years learning how to use its many features. “The capability of this machine is amazing,” she said. “I’d like to teach a sewing class at ACC but until that opportunity arises I plan to do some embroidery work at my home until I can get a shop built.” If a design can be created on computer and saved on disk, Brenda can place the disk in her machine, generate an embroidery card, install the embroidery arm and appropriate thread, push a button, and watch the machine do the rest. “If any employees need embroidery work on T- shirts, sweatshirts, etc., just let me know. I’ll do my best to do whatever they would like to have done.” We wish Brenda much happiness in her retirement and success in her entrepreneurial endeavors. Her commitment and service to the City will be long remembered and appreciated. Hall con’t from page 1 If you want a firsthand account of what the war in Iraq is like, just ask Chris Wells. Prior to joining the fire department Chris served a tour of duty in the war-torn nation. He served as a crash fire rescueman with a crew of six Marines and was responsible for providing fire protection for coalition vehicles and encampments. “It’s hard to believe that 15 months ago I was fighting in the war in Iraq,” Chris said. He and his crew made their way through Iraq to the southern part of Chris Wells prepares for battle in the desert of Iraq. Wells Serves Tour of Duty in Iraq Baghdad in relative safety. “There were a few close calls along the way and sometimes we wondered if this was it,” he said. “All I could hope for was a safe journey and a quick end.” Chris reflects upon his service in Iraq with a sense of pride. “I consider myself very lucky to come away safe and unhurt, but also to have served my country in this capacity. I witnessed first hand the relief on the faces of many Iraqi citizens at the removal of Saddam, and I am proud to have had a small part in that.” “It’s hard to believe 15 months ago I was fighting in the war in Iraq.” Chris Wells Mark A. Murray (Fire) married April Michelle Turner August 1, 2004. Marshall (Fire) married Michelle Hudson August 24, 2004. Wedding Bells Stork News Congratulations to Ken Beagle (Fire) and his wife Melissa on the birth of a boy, Matthew Gregory Beagle (7 lbs. 3 oz.) June 21, 2004. Blair Keck (Fire) and his wife Carrie on the birth of a boy, Jonathan Burch Keck (6 lbs. 14 oz.) August 28, 2004. Amanda Allred (Finance) and husband Donnie on the birth of a boy, Austin Chase Allred (8 lbs. 3 oz.) July 23, 2004. ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Burlington City Councilman Mark Jones has joined the ranks of those flying the friendly skies as the four-term councilman received his pilot license June 13th. Mark’s interest in flying was generated by a friend who owns a Cherokee Piper. Mark accompanied him on several flights and became smitten by the beauty of earth from the air as well as the amount of time it took to reach his destination. “Everything is so beautiful from the air,” says Mark. “Hilton Head Island and Jacksonville Stadium in Florida are really something to see from the air.” “I flew with my friend to the NC State vs. Notre Dame game in Jacksonville a few years back and it only took us three hours to get there, had we driven to Jacksonville it would have taken us eight hours.” Now that he has his pilot license and has purchased a plane Mark can visit home more often as well. He hails from Laporte, Indiana and can fly home in five hours as opposed to driving 12 hours. Mark took flying lessons at Burlington Aviation where Fire Captain John Moyers is the chief instructor. “John is a great instructor,” said Mark. Mark owns a four-seat, single-engine Piper Cherokee 180 that can fly up to 8,500 feet high. It has a top speed of 145 miles per hour and a range of 500 nautical miles. Mark flies for both pleasure and business. He tries to take to the sky at least once a week; however, if he had his way he would fly everyday. “I really love it and nothing beats it for convenience,” he said. For example Mark flew to Charleston, South Carolina on business the same day a council meeting was scheduled. He left Burlington at 10 am, arrived in Charleston around 11:30 am, spent four to five hours conducting business, flew back to Burlington that afternoon, took his wife to dinner, and was in the council chamber at 7:30 PM for the council meeting. While his parents are elated he has received his pilot license and purchased a plane, his wife, Cathy, is slowly warming up to the thought of her husband being at the controls. “Cathy has flown with me once so far,” said Mark. “John Moyers and I took her up on her birthday. John and I sat in the front and Cathy was in the back. As we were taxing down the runway Cathy said, “Well, with at least two idiots in the front seat one of you should be able to land this plane.” Mark and Cathy plan to fly to the beach in early October. “Once she sees how I handle this thing her confidence will soar!” he said” Mark’s 76 year-old father flies radio-controlled planes and has purchased and built a Piper Cherokee like Mark’s. “My father now flies that plane and plans to paint it the same color scheme as mine, right down to my tail number, N6467J. Maybe he will give it to me one day.” Councilman Now Flies the Friendly Skies Councilman Mark Jones is serving his third term on the City Council. Movin’ Up Movin’ On Greg Britt promoted from Fire Engineer to Lieutenant. Mark Staley promoted from Lieutenant to Captain. Chad Cross promoted from Engineer to Lieutenant. Russell Mansfield promoted from Firefighter to Engineer. Tyson Teague promoted from Firefighter to Engineer. Wendy Jordan, Police, promoted to Corporal. Jerod Massey, Police, promoted to Officer 1st Class. Charles Shehan, Police, promoted to Officer 1st Class. Annie Jones, Police, promoted to Officer 1st Class. Movin’ In Chris Turner, Fire Chris Wells, Fire Joseph Loy, Jr., Fire Thomas Martin, Fire Stephen Stanfield, Fire Don Slagle, Fire Paul Watlington, Fire Jennifer Bradley, Police Gary Fitch, Police William Marsh, Police James Strader, Police Stacey Thompson-Allen, Police Stephanie Chatman, Police Edgar Willis, Utilities Ronald Williamson, Utilities Christian Teague, Utilities Tony Martin retired September 1, 2004 with 30 year of service. Brenda Hall retiring November 1, 2004 with 30 years of service. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 Employee Health Fair Set for October 20 related information will be available. If employees desire to have a complete blood panel done at the Health Fair they should contact Sheila Traywick (ext. 3584), occupational health nurse or Harry White, nursing assistant (ext. 5107) to schedule a complete blood panel. Early registration is suggested as appointment times are limited. “I hope all employees know that the City will provide each full-time employee one free blood screen per year,” said Sheila. “Most employees schedule their panel to coincide with their annual physical; however, they can have it done anytime throughout the year by contacting Harry or me for an appointment.” Among the vendors expected to participate in this year’s health fair include: Prudential NC401(k), Burlington Urological, Burlington Fire Department, Burlington Police Department, Kneaded Touch Therapy, Alamance Eye Center, Local Government Credit Union, YMCA, ARMC EACP Program, American Red Cross, Pet Adoption Center, Alamance Dermatology, Social Security Administration, Bank of America, Peoples Bank, Bruce Holt, Message Therapist Julie Rierson, and Beshel Chiropractic. There will something of value to every employee at this year’s health fair,” said Mary. “I hope everyone will take the time to attend.” Mark you calendar now to attend the Annual Burlington Employee Health Fair to be held at Fairchild Community Center Wednesday, October 20. Hours will be from 8 AM to 3 PM. Nearly 50 vendors are scheduled to attend this year’s event. “The health fair has become a very popular event among our employees and retirees alike,” said Mary Fanelli, wellness council chairman. “Our vendors cover a wide range of areas that address the physical, financial, and emotional health needs of everyone.” Free cholesterol and blood sugar screenings, flu and tetanus shots, glaucoma screening, height and weight checks, and a wealth of health- The North Carolina Association of Public-Safety Communication Officials (APSCO) has selected Paul “Chip” Ferguson as it 2004 Technician of the Year. Chip was presented this award September Burlington and our communications division progressive and contemporary.” Thanks to Chip, the City of Burlington has the best-informed employees in the state when dangerous weather conditions develop. His emails, maps, and up-to-the-minute reports keep the Police Department and all City employees with computer access aware of developments. Chip is never out of touch as event by the cell phones, pagers, and radios he keeps with him at all times. Chip is the consummate communications professional and very deserving of this recognition. Congratulations Chip! Ferguson Receives State-Wide Recognition Chip Ferguson 15 at the APSCO annual conference in Wilmington. To those who know Chip and the dedication and love he has for his work, his selection for this award is no surprise. Chip has 21 years of experience in communications with the Police Department. He was hired as a police dispatcher in 1983, promoted to communications supervisor in 1992 and named emergency management director in 1997. In her letter to APSCO nominating Chip for this award, Anna Curtis, BPD assistant communicator supervisor, wrote, “Chip is one of the best telecommunicators to have ever worked the console. His exceptional attention, imagination, and vigilance have kept the City of ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 The Burlington Police Department Explorer Scout Troop Post 4095 Drill Team has earned international recognition by placing third this past July at the National Law Enforcement Conference in Atlanta. The Police Department Explorer Troup is made up of young men and women who have completed the 8th grade and are between 14 and 20 years of age. According to Post Advisor Wendy Jordan, the troop’s mission is to help young people obtain insight in the dynamics of the law enforcement profession and offers hands-on experience on the law enforcement profession. Every two years police explorer troops from throughout Police Explorer Scouts Capture International Award the United States and as far away as London attend and compete in various activities at the National Law Enforcement Conference. The BPD Explorers first participated in the drill competion in 2002 and failed to place. While this was disappointing, Corporal Teddy Somers used this as motivation to prepare the team for the 2004 conference. Over 5,000 scout explorers attended the national conference this summer and over 100 teams competed in the drill competition. The BPD Drill Team was lead by Captain Jennifer Bradley, who was responsible for calling all the movements for the squad--a major responsibility as one wrong call would disrupt the entire squad. “Jennifer did an excellent job on her calls and the team looked wonderful.” said Wendy. On the closing day of the conference there were two teams representing North Carolina, the BPD drill team and the Reidsville Police Department Team. “Words cannot express the jubilation Corporal Somers and I felt when we heard ‘Post 4095 from Burlington, North Carolina has won third place in the drilling competition,” said Wendy. “ These young people not only represented our City they represented our entire state well.” Congratulations to every member of the BPD Explorer Drill Team, Corporal Somers, and Advisor Wendy Jordan for a job well done! Did You Know? The Burlington Fire Department Softball Team, comprised of employees from Fire, Police and Utilities Departments finished fourth in Division Four of the City’s Recreation and Parks Department Summer Softball League. The Burlington Fire Department received a Child Passenger Safety Grant in the amount of $2,500 to purchase signs and other equipment for use with its child safety permanent checking station at Headquarters Fire Station? The grant was awarded by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, Office of State Fire Marshall through funding from the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program. Lieutenant Matt Lawrence (Fire) recently received the John Charles Wilson Educational Scholarship Award presented by the International Association of Arson Investigators. The scholarship, in the amount of $1,000, will be applied toward his tuition at the University of Cincinnati where he is majoring in Fire/Safety Engineering. Lieutenant Rob Maddry (Fire) is among 30 individuals chosen from applicants from across the globe to participate in the Advanced Cause and Origin/Courtroom Techniques program sponsored by the United States Department of Treasury, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Rob, along with applicants from as far away as New Zealand, South America, and England will attend this prestigious class to be held at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in GA. This highly advanced course is designed exclusively for experienced fire investigators. The Burlington Fire Department has scheduled several activities to promote fire prevention during the month of October. During Fire Prevention Week (October 3 through 9) the department will conduct station tours for Alamance County school students. The fire safety house will be set up at several schools to help educate students on fire safety. The Fire Prevention Bureau will also take its portable bedroom to elementary schools during October to demonstrate to students how to escape a room should a fire occur in their home. The room unfolds and is See Did You page 6 ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 complete with a bed and other furnishings. Students from the audience will be selected to participate in this demonstration. The Alamance County Human Resource Association awards one or more $1,000 scholarships each year to seniors graduating from Alamance County High Schools who have been accepted into a business-related program at an accredited two or four-year college or university. Recipients are selected based on academic record, community service, school activities, and financial need. Preference will be given to children of employees of companies represented in the Alamance County Human Resource Association of which the City of Burlington is a member. Applications may be obtained from guidance offices in all Alamance Firefighters Ride for a Worthy Cause Captain Bud Catoe (Fire), Captain Sid Barker (Fire), Engineer Steve Bailey (Fire), Firefighter Chad Fleming (Fire), Firefighter Mark Murray (Fire), Engineer Dawnn Ware (Fire), and Battalion Chief Todd Neese (Fire), were among the who participating in the North Carolina Firefighters Memorial Benefit Poker Run July 17th. The ride, from Greensboro to Raleigh, raised over $10,000. Did You con’t from page 5 County high schools or from the HR Department. Completed applications returned to HR must be received by Friday, March 18, 2005. OCTOBER Halloween Night Activities The Recreation and Parks Department will sponsor the annual Haunted Train Ride in City Park. Expected to participate are such well know monsters as Frankenstein, Dracula, Werewolf, The Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon. If you love a good scare plan to take this train ride through Scaryville. Cost is $4 per person. Warning—don’t come alone! Haunted Train Ride Schedule Fri., October 22, 7 PM till 10 PM Sat., October 23, 7 PM till 10 PM Sun., October 24, 7 PM till 10 PM Fri., October 29, 7 PM till 10 PM Recreation Department to Host a Variety of Activities from Now till Year End Below is a calendar of events sponsored by the Burlington Recreation and Parks Department for the months of October, November and December. Sat., October 30, 7 PM till 12 AM Annual Halloween Celebration The annual Halloween Celebration will be held in City Park Saturday, October 30. Featured events will be the Haunted Train, Halloween Costume Contest, and Pumpkin Chunkin’ Contest. Candy will be given to all trick-a-treaters. The sky will be illuminated with color at 8 PM as the annual fireworks display will begin. NOVEMBER Harvest Hay Ride at Lake Cammack Friday, November 5, 6 PM to 9 PM The third annual Harvest Hay Ride and Family Night will be observed at Lake Cammack in the Union Ridge Community. Come and enjoy a horse-drawn buggy ride around the lake along a route illuminated with luminaries. There will be entertainment, clowns, pumpkin carving, and marshmallow roasting around the campfire. All activities are free. Call 229-3148 or 222-5030 for more information. Burlington Holiday Parade The Recreation and Parks Department is accepting applications nowfrom individuals and organizations interested in participating in the Holiday Parade to be held Saturday, November 20, at 10 AM in Downtown ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 Burlington. Applications are available in the McDade Building on Overbrook Road between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM Monday through Friday. Call 222-5030 or 229-3148 for more information. Registration deadline for applications is November 12. City Park City Park will be decked out for the season for our annual Christmas in the Park event featuring entertainment, free amusement rides, a live nativity scene, hayrides on horse-drawn wagons, and live reindeer. Special guest appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus who will give out treats to everyone who have been good throughout the entire year. Call 229-3148 for information. Recreation Activities con’t from page 6 Leave It or Lose It-- 401(k) Loan Withdrawls Can Be Costly Substantial savings in the NC401(k) Plan is a worthy goal. That’s why the government pro- motes 401(k) plans through a variety of tax incentives. But taking money out of your account before retirement can cost you in two ways; tax penalties and lost growth. Still, there may come a time when you’re tempted to spend your retirement funds before your working years are over. It that time ever arrives for you, remem- ber this: one of the golden rules of retirement planning is leave your funds untouched. Loans may be possible. . . but not advised Some people believe that taking a loan from their retirement pro- gram costs less than a bank loan. While the interest rate you pay may be comparable or even lower, there are other factors to consider. The borrowed money you repay earns only the fixed-interest charged on the loan. Those earnings may not match the returns you would have earned from the Plan’s investments if you left the money in your account. Remember that this lost growth is part of the overall cost of the loan. When you calculate it this way, a loan from your NC401(k) account could be far more costly than from another source. An- other potential draw- back: With the NC401(k) Plan, you must keep your job to keep the loan. If you quit or get laid off, you may have to repay the entire loan within three months--just when you may be least able to afford it. If you default, the federal law treats the unpaid balance as a withdrawal and you may owe not only taxes, but also tax penalties. Hardship withdrawals or unforeseen emergency with- drawals should be a last resort. The provisions of the NC401(k) Plan provide that you may be able to take hardship withdrawals to prevent foreclosure or eviction from your home, for health emer- gencies with unreimbursed medi- cal expenses, and is certain other specific circumstances. But when you consider that you may have to pay 10 percent federal income tax penalty for early withdrawal (if you’re under 59 1/2 years old) plus lose out on the potential growth, you should seriously consider other options first. For further details on taking early withdrawals from your account, see the NC401(k) Plan highlights inside your Retirement Plan Guide. DECEMBER Christmas in the Park December 22 and 23