Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Clinic - January 5, 2010

Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Vaccination Clinic - January 5, 2010. Please see attached document for details.

H1N1 consent form

Seasonal Influenza Consent Form

Walk to Win Winners

Thanks to everyone who participated in 2009 Walk to Win program. This year participants engaged in physical activity or exercise for a total of 570,549 minutes. Tom Wassink from the Police department was the winner of the Wii & Wii Fit. Check out our summary of all program winners!

Holiday Break Activities

Check out the Holiday Break Activities available to you from your Parks and Recreation Department. Free indoor skate at the Family Ice Center, Zumbathon, open gym (free!), open swim & lap swim hours, and warming shelter hours scheduled at the ice rinks/sledding hills. Happy Holidays to you from the Parks and Recreation Department!

2009 APL Survey Results

The 2009 Appleton Public Library survey results can be found on the APL Intranet Home Page under "other links".

Ride, Win and Save with Valley Transit in December!

Just in time for the busy shopping season, Valley Transit announces several holiday promotions that will help you RIDE, WIN & SAVE. From $4.00 DayPasses to 50¢ rides for youth age 5 - 18 and a special drawing for gift certificates, bus tickets and passes...there's never been a better time to Think Outside the Car and ride Valley Transit.

School Based H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Schedule

Attached please find the school based H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Schedule.

2009 Facilities & Construction Management Customer Satisfaction Survey

The Facilities & Construction Department, requests that you please take a few moments to fill out the linked questionnaire. Please complete the following survey and provide any comments you feel are important for them to know. If you know staff that does not have Intranet access, please print and forward a copy of the survey to them. If you have any questions, please contact Dean Gazza @ 5572. Thank you!

Healthsmart November/December Newsletter

The December Holiday version of the Healthsmart newsletter has been posted. Learn about dealing with holiday stress and weight gain. Also learn how to be "green" this holiday season! Merry Christmas from your Healthsmart team!

The Community Blood Center Blood Drive - Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Did you know??? 60 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood - only 5 percent does.

The Appleton Police Department will be holding a blood drive for The Community Blood Center Inc. on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. The drive will start at 8 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. The mobile blood unit will be set up at the Appleton Police Department (location to be determined, due to construction).

If you are interested in donating on Tuesday, December 22, 2009, contact Sgt. Dave Lund by e-mail or leave a voicemail (832-5929 ext. 9180) to schedule an appointment. Anyone that donated on or before 10/27/09 is eligible to attempt donation at this drive.

Please assist us in meeting our goal of 50 donors for this drive. Friends, family, neighbors and co-workers are welcome.

Flu Clinic - Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Important notice as of 11/24/2009 - The clinic scheduled for December 1, 2009 will be from 2:30pm-6:30pm at a NEW location. This clinic will be at North High School.

NEW! Please review the Vaccine Information Statement and fill out the consent form before you come to clinic. You will need to bring the completed consent form with you to the clinic. Both forms are posted below.

Vaccine Information Statement
Employee Consent Form

Registration Announcement From your Parks and Recreation Department

Registration is now being accepted for winter and spring programs including preschool Jr. Clubhouse, Jump into a Story, Awesome Art, Fantastic Friday, Music and more classes, Early childhood tap, ballet, jazz and tumbling classes, yoga for ages 12-adult, teen/adult tap dance, karate fun courses, and swim lessons. Full class descriptions and other winter activities including open gyms, warming shelter hours/locations, winter break activities, and open swim can be found at http://intra.apl.org/Cityfiles/APRDwinteractivityguide2009.pdf guide, or pick up a guide at the APRD office, Appleton Public Library, the City Center Studios or the Building for Kids. Phone: 920-832-5905, Email: webpr@appleton.org.

2010 Medical Insurance & Flex Spending Enrollment

You should have received your 2010 Medical Insurance and Flex Spending enrollment forms in the mail at home. Please submit the completed form to Maureen before December 2nd.

NOV. 17 FLU SHOT CLINIC POSTPONED

Important notice as of 11/11/2009! The seasonal flu clinic scheduled for November 17, 2009 has been postponed. New dates will be posted as soon as they are scheduled.

49th Annual Ladies Christmas Party

The 49th Annual Ladies Christmas Party has been set for Thursday December 3rd. Please see flyer for additional information.

Health & Wellness Interest Survey

The Health Smart Team is planning health and wellness programs for 2010-2011 and needs your input. Your opinions are valuable and will be used to drive the types of health and wellness programming that is offered at the City. Please take a few moments to complete this interest survey by November 9th.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Open House on November 17

Join us for a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Open House on November 17.

H1N1

Please review the attached City Employee Letter, detailing how the City intends to deal with H1N1 in the workplace. This is a modification of normal sick leave procedures (Employee H1N1 Guidelines). Please see your supervisor if you are unable to read the attachments. It's important for us all to work together to stay as healthy as possible during this pandemic.

Valley Transit Daypass Special Promotion

Valley Transit is offering the DayPass at a special price through October 31. For only $4.00, you can get an ENTIRE DAY of unlimited bus rides. If you haven't ridden Valley Transit in awhile, there's never been a better time to take a bus ride. Please see the attached flyer for a fun list of DayPass excursion ideas for you and your friends and family. To make riding the bus even easier, visit our website at http://www.myvalleytransit.com/ and let Google plan your bus trip. Think outside the car...ride Valley Transit!

October Edition of Bytes and Bites

Technology Services is happy to once again invite you to read their newest issue of "Bits & Bytes". The newsletter is intended to provide some quick tips on using our technology tools as well as keep you informed about changes in progress or being planned that may affect your use of the City's computer network. You can also find the latest Intranet edition under Documents/Departmental/Technology Services.

Seasonal Flu Shot Information

The Health Department will be offering seasonal flu shots to elected officials, city employees, spouses and children (children must be 9 years of age or older). Please see the flyer for additional information.

NEW! Please review the Vaccine Information Statement and fill out the consent form before you come to clinic. You will need to bring the completed consent form with you to the clinic. Both forms are posted below.

Vaccine Information Statement
Employee Consent Form

APL Annual Survey

The APL annual survey is now posted on the website and copies are available throughout the Library. Please remind patrons to fill one out.

Semi-Annual Enrollment And Review Of Deferred Compensation Program

The week of October 26 – October 30, 2009, your Deferred Compensation representative, Tom Jones, will be here to conduct the semi-annual enrollment and review of our Deferred Compensation Program. Click here for schedule details.

Depression Screening Day, October 8, 2009

October 8 has been designated as “Depression Screening Day.” Clinical depression is a common medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults each year. Like screenings for other illnesses, depression screenings should be a routine part of healthcare. For a link to a free online depression screening, go to ERC’s website at http://www.erc-eap.com/ and click on the links under “Featured Topics.” Additional information about depression is available on our website under “Self-Help Resources” – “ERC Library” (or use this direct link: Employee Resource Center > Depression).

Depression ranks among the top three workplace problems for employee assistance professionals, following only family crisis and stress. There is no reason to suffer with this disorder. Help is available through your EAP. Please call us at 1-800-222-8590 for a confidential assessment.

Healthsmart September/October Newsletter

The September/October Healthsmart newsletter has been added to the Web site. Learn about being an effective parent, the H1N1 virus and choosing the most effective hand sanitizer. Check it out.

Valley Transit Special Fares For License To Cruise & Octoberfest

Think outside the car. Leave the traffic and parking hassles behind and ride Valley Transit to License to Cruise and Octoberfest.

License to Cruise (Friday, Sept. 25) - RIDE FREE on all routes starting at 3:45 p.m. courtesy of Teamsters Local 662.

Octoberfest (Saturday, Sept. 26) - RIDE FOR ONLY 25¢ all day on all routes and from Park & Ride locations.

Seasonal Flu Shots

The Health Department will be offering seasonal flu shots to elected officials, city employees, spouses and children (children must be 9 years of age or older). Please see the flyer for additional information.

APL Logo Items Available

Here's your chance to order APL logo clothing and totes. Anyone interested in placing an order should turn in the order form and payment to Maureen Ward no later than October 1. Please make sure to add 5% sales tax to the total order.

Reid Golf Course Fall Rates and Specials

Attached please find Reid Golf Course Fall Rates and Specials.

September Edition of Bits & Bytes

Technology Services is happy to once again invite you to read their newest issue of "Bits & Bytes". This issue contains links and codes to discounts available from Microsoft and Dell. The newsletter is intended to provide some quick tips on using our technology tools as well as keep you informed about changes in progress or being planned that may affect your use of the City's computer network. You can also find the latest Intranet edition under Documents/Departmental/Technology Services.

Roof Repair on City Hall

The roofing project at City Hall will proceed starting on Tuesday, September 8th. There will be a crane set up on Appleton Street thru the completion of this job so traffic will be interesting. Any concerns feel free to contact Eric at Pfefferle Management (920) 470-2590.

Valley Transit DayPass Special Promotion

From September 1 - 30, Valley Transit is offering the DayPass at a special price. For only $4.00, you can get an ENTIRE DAY of unlimited bus rides. If you haven't ridden Valley Transit in awhile, there's never been a better time to take a bus ride. Please see the attached flyer for a fun list of DayPass excursion ideas for you and your friends and family. To make riding the bus even easier, visit our website at at www.myvalleytransit.com and let Google plan your bus trip. Think outside the car . . . ride Valley Transit.

Office 2007 Training Offered

Would you like to learn more about the new features in Word, Excel and Power Point. Check out the classes being offered in these programs through Outagamie County on the training calendar.

ZUMBA Health Workout

Does exercise have you down? Are you tired of your routine workout? Then SPICE it up with…ZUMBA! Your Health Smart Team is pleased to offer an opportunity to try out a class before you commit to it. This is a perfect opportunity to add some minutes to your Walk to Win scorecard! Please see the attached flyer for more details.

9/1/09 United Health Care Drug Changes

United Health Care prescription drug list changes effective 9/1/09 main changes are as follows:

Rescue Inhalers (short-acting beta agonists):
Ventolin HFA moving down to tier 1
Xopenex HFA moving up to tier 3UHC also implementing new supply limit on all inhalers effective 9/1.

Oral Contraceptives:
Ocella moving up to tier 3
Yasmim moving down to tier 2

Adherence Incentive Program (Depression):
Effective 10-1-09
New capability that if members refill their prescription within a defined time period, they will receive a $20 member discount off their copayment. Program will include three medications in the depression therapeutic class: Cymbalta, Effexor XR and Pristiq.
Effexor XR moving up to tier 3

Please read attached document from United Health for all rationale and reasoning behind all pending changes.

Back to School Help

Yikes! It's almost time for school to start! If you find yourself saying this and feeling unprepared, we have ideas to help restore control. Click onto the following link to access the Employee Resource Center's website: http://www.erc-eap.com/. On the home page, click "Featured Topic" in the box on the right-hand side. You will find articles to make the transition smoother. If you find that the upcoming school year continues to stress you and/or the family, contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-222-8590 for free, confidential counseling services.

2009 Walk to Win

Walk to Win is starting soon. The program runs from August 27 - December 1, 2009. Your goal is to reach 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least 5 days per week: you can do one type of activity for at least 30 minutes, or you can break down 30 minutes into smaller, 10-to-15 minute segments. Participants who reach this goal, and turn in their Walking Scorecard, will be entered into a drawing to receive a Nintendo Wii with the Wii Fit Package. Click here for details.

Voice Mail Unavailable August 18 - 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Technology Services will be doing maintenance on the voice mail server on Tuesday, August 18th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Voice mail will be unavailabe during this time.

New Multi-lane Roundabout at the intersection of College Avenue, Walter Avenue and John Street

As the College Avenue Bridge reopening nears, we anticipate questions and concerns about the new two-lane roundabout at the intersection of College Avenue, Walter Avenue and John Street. We understand that this type of intersection may be intimidating to some drivers at first, and we'd like to offer information and a few helpful hints for driving this route safely and confidently.

Keep in mind, nobody feels comfortable doing something new for the first time, especially when it comes to transportation. However, a little preparation may help.

A brochure that outlines the basics of driving through this new roundabout has been distributed. Additional copies are available at the Department of Public Works in City Hall or the Municipal Service Building. Included is a diagram explaining how traffic flows through this type of intersection. This information should help many people get a better feel for what to do when they are actually driving. In addition, the City of Appleton has put information about roundabouts on our website. You can check it out at http://www.appleton.org/.

Faronics Power Save Software Update

[please note: this ONLY applies to the three City of Appleton PCs in Admin -- all others may disregard -- Terry D.]

Due to some issues that arose after the first Power Save rollout on August 5th, the rollout will be postponed until further notice. If you have any questions, please call the Help Desk at ext. 5893.

Health Smart July-August Newsletter

The latest issue of the Health Smart newsletter is now available. Check it out.

Healthy Grilling

The HealthSmart Team is proud to announce a demonstration on healthy grilling. Please see the attached flyer for details. Remember, healthy recipes are updated monthly on HealthSmart page on the intranet

Bites & Bytes - July

Technology Services is happy to once again invite you to read their newest issue of "Bits & Bytes". It is intended to provide some quick tips on using our technology tools as well as keep you informed about changes in progress or being planned that may affect your use of the City's computer network.

New Employee

Please welcome APL's new Network Services Assistant.

New Employee

Please welcome APL's new Page.

HealthSmart Team

Thank you for your support of the HealthSmart Team! Congratulations to the HealthSmart team, participants and supporters of the HealthSmart team! We submitted an application to the State of Wisconsin for consideration of the Governor's Worksite Wellness Award and were awarded the Silver level. You can visit this address to see our name listed and other employers who have qualified. http://www.fitness-health.wisconsin.gov/section.asp?linkid=1107&locid=132 . Thank you to everyone for your suggestions, ideas and participation in the many programs offered by your HealthSmart Ream.

AmeriCorp Volunteers / Intern / Workforce Development Volunteers

Please welcome APL's new AmeriCorp volunteers, intern and Workforce Development Volunteers.

Bites & Bytes - June

Technology Services is happy to once again invite you to read their newest issue of "Bits & Bytes". It is intended to provide some quick tips on using our technology tools as well as keep you informed about changes in progress or being planned that may affect your use of the City's computer network.

City Hall Roof Replacement Project

The City Hall roof replacement project work has begun. Please read notice for additional information.

Customer Service (PowerPoint Presentation)

PowerPoint presentation Customer Service Working with Children and Teens: A Comedy in Two Parts that was shown at the May 22, 2009 Staff Meeting.

Health Smart Recognition

The Health Smart Team is proud to present the NEW Health Smart Recognition link on the Intranet. If you know an employee that has recently made a healthy accomplishment and would like to acknowledge the employee (even anonymously) the Health Smart Team is here to help. Each month, the Team will be sending out cards to those employees nominated to recognize their feat and motivate them to keep up the good work. All you have to do is go to the City's intranet page, click the Health Smart Team logo, choose the Health Smart Recognition link (look for the trophy near the top of the page) and fill out the form. We'll take care of the rest!

Butterfly Festival

The Health Department is a supporting sponsor of a new event being held to raise awareness and funds to prevent child abuse. Parent Connections is a family support program offered by Family Services Inc.

This event is scheduled for Saturday, June 20 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Appleton Memorial Park. Butterflies can be purchased for $10 on line at: http://www.familyservicesnew.org/parent-connection/butterfly-festival/ Or if you prefer order forms are available at the front desk of either the Department of Public Works or the Health Department. In addition butterfly cut outs are available for $1 at the above location.

Please consider supporting this important prevention service in our community.

Volunteer Opportunity for Neighborhood Revitalization Project

The Neighborhood Revitalization Program is looking to land at least four adult (4) volunteers who are interested in helping with the “Just Mulch It” 2 neighborhood project on Saturday, May 30, 2009. Volunteers will shovel landscape and gardening mulch into containers for residents of the neighborhood and assist with loading as well. Last year’s event was a great success. Hopefully you can play a role this year.

The event runs from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM. A whole day would be great; however a ½ day in the AM or PM will work as well. Refreshments and lunch for volunteers will be provided.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jim Vanden Boom, Program Coordinator at jim.vandenboom@appleton.org. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this request.

City Receives P-Card Rebate

The City of Appleton recently received a rebate payment of $10,948 for the first full contract year with the new J.P. Morgan Chase program. The rebate was based on total spending of approximately $1,320,000 by our 300+ cardholders in all departments. There are things Departments can do to increase our future rebates, including increasing average transaction size, average annual spend per active card, and total annual spend. Department Directors, managers and p-card coordinators are encouraged to contact Jeff Fait (ext. 6311) to work together on ways to maximize our rebate potential.

Bites & Bytes - May

Technology Services is happy to once again invite you to read their newest issue of "Bits & Bytes". It is intended to provide some quick tips on using our technology tools as well as keep you informed about changes in progress or being planned that may affect your use of the City's computer network. You can also find the latest Intranet edition under Documents/Departmental/Technology Services.

Word and Excel Classes Offered

Word and Excel level one and two classes have been scheduled for May and June. Please check the training calendar for dates and times. If you are interested in attending one of these classes please call the Help-Desk at 5893 to sign up.

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

For the latest information regarding the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) see the link on the City of Appleton web page (http://www.appleton.org/).

New Employee

Please welcome APL's new Assistant for Young Adult Services.

Trot for the Troops

The preparations for the "Appleton Fire Department's Trot for the Troops" are basically finalized. All runners are scheduled, and the slots are all filled. The event will take place Wednesday, May 13th from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Gold's Gym at 2700 W. College Ave. There is a reasonable fund-raising goal of $2000 for this event. If anyone is interested in donating to this wonderful cause there are several ways you can do so:

1. Go online to (www.homesforourtroops.org/goto/appletonfire) and donate using a credit car

2. Go to Gold's Gym on the day of the event and donate using cash, check, or credit card

3. Write out a check payable to "Homes For Our Troops" and send it to Adam Hansen at Fire Station 1 by May 12th

Homes for our Troops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, so all contributions are tax-deductible. By giving very little you can help build a home for someone who has given so much to our country. Thanks again to everyone for the support they have given to help make this event a success.

Health Smart March - April Newsletter

The latest issue of the Health Smart newsletter is now available. Check it out.

New Employee

Please welcome APL's new Page.

April Edition of Bits & Bytes

Technology Services is happy to once again invite you to read their newest issue of "Bits & Bytes". It is intended to provide some quick tips on using our technology tools as well as keep you informed about changes in progress or being planned that may affect your use of the City's computer network. You can also find the latest Intranet edition under Documents/Departmental/Technology Services.

Charity Hockey Game - Guns versus Hoses

The Appleton Fire Department and Appleton Police Department will be facing off in a charity hockey game to benefit NAMI-Fox Valley (National Alliance on Mental Illness) on Saturday, April 18th at 7:00 PM at Appleton Family Ice Center, Memorial Park. Click the announcement flyer for more information regarding this event.

Energy Conservation & Sustainability - Goal

The City of Appleton is dedicated to Energy Conservation and Improving Sustainability. The City’s goal is two-fold. First and foremost we want to conserve our resources which reduce our overall costs. Second, we want to be good stewards of our natural resources and ensure our community remains a healthy and beautiful place to live for future generations. Currently, the City of Appleton spends over $2.6 million dollars just for electricity and natural gas at its 16 largest facilities. The goal is to reduce overall electric and natural gas expenses by 10% by January 1, 2011. In addition, departments are working on initiatives to reduce water consumption, fuel consumption and to reduce use of other everyday products in our job when feasible.

Please visit the City Energy Conservation intranet site to find out what departments are already doing and what you can do to help. This site also provides valuable energy savings tips for home as well as work, facility energy usage data and a place to provide your suggestions.

In the next few days you will be getting a brochure with many energy and sustainability tips. We ask that you review this and keep this near your work area as a reminder. In addition, posters will be hung to also remind us of our goal. This goal cannot be reached without your awareness and responsible use of energy and resources. Each building has been assigned an Energy Coordinator which will also be working with you on initiatives to reduce energy also. Please feel free to call or email Dean Gazza at 832-5572 or dean.gazza@appleton.org with any questions or comments.

Appleton Police Department Blood Drive

Did you know??? 60 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood - only 5 percent does. The Appleton Police Department will be holding a blood drive for The Community Blood Center Inc. on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. The drive will start at 8 a.m. and concludes at 2 p.m. The mobile blood unit will be set up at the Appleton Police Department (location to be determined, due to construction). If you are interested in donating on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, contact Sgt. Dave Lund by e-mail or leave a voicemail (832-5929 ext. 9180) to schedule an appointment. Anyone that donated before on or before 03/03/09 is eligible to attempt donation at this drive. Please assist us in meeting our goal of 50 donors for this drive. Friends, family, neighbors and co-workers are welcome.

Semi-Annual Enrollment and Review of Deferred Compensation Program

The week of April 13 – April 17, 2009, your Deferred Compensation representative, Tom Jones, will be here to conduct the semi-annual enrollment and review of our Deferred Compensation Program. See attached for his schedule.

WEMI & WEMY Radio's 17th Annual "Help for the Homeless!"

We will be collecting NEW hygiene and cleaning items for local homeless shelters and crisis agencies through WEMI Radio’s 17th annual campaign. Please place your donations in the “Help for the Homeless” collection box located at Appleton Public Library before March 31st. Requested items include dental and hair care, cleaning supplies, diapers and baby care, tissue, laundry detergent, garbage bags, etc.

Kick Off Spring with a PUNCH!

Your Health Smart team is pleased to offer a class to get you motivated and energized for Spring. This FREE class will be held on Monday, April 6 at 5:00 p.m. For more details, please see flyer.

Community Needs Survey

The Mayor and Community Development Committee (CDC) of the Common Council invite you to participate in an online Community-Wide Needs Survey during the month of March to assist the City with prioritization of community development and housing needs. please click on this link to the survey to give us your views on many aspects of the quality of life in Appleton and how they can be improved.

Thank you in advance for sharing your ideas!

Toprol XL Shortage

Due to some manufacturing issues, pharmacies are experiencing a severe shortage of the generic form of Toprol XL 25/50/100 and 200mg. This is a common medication used to treat high blood pressure and congestive heart failure. As a result of the shortage, employees trying to fill prescriptions for the generic form may be informed that the pharmacy does not have the generic in stock. If you should experience a shortage at the pharmacy, you have some choices.

Healthsmart Jan.-Feb. 2009

Welcome to 2009! We made it through the holidays and now have a brand new year to look forward to! The Health Smart Team has been busy planning for 2009 and we can't wait for you to join us! Here's what you can look forward to in the coming year. Please see flyer for more details.

Sending Signals Workshop

Join this 90-minute workshop, Sending Signals and Reading the Signs to become more aware of the decision-making process and how we make the judgments we do, sometimes without even realizing it. They will be held on February 24 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. and March 24 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. Please see flyer for more details.

FOCOL Executive Director

Please welcome back FOCOL's Executive Director.

New Employees

Please welcome APL's new Page and Preschool Specialist.

Fatigue

Does the cold weather and short days have you feeling FATIGUED? Your Health Smart team is proud to offer a 30-minute presentation on Fatigue. There are four sessions to choose from: February 3rd at 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. and February 5th at 12:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. Please see flyer for more details.