News for the employee community of the City and County of Denver | Volume 5, Number 12
December 2010 Edition

Save the Date! The Denver Employee Survey is Coming Soon

What: Take the Denver Employee Survey (DES)

When: February 1 through February 28, 2011

Why: Make your voice heard! The DES is a great opportunity to express your opinions about working for the City and County of Denver. The information that you provide in the survey helps managers and supervisors make appropriate changes in the work environment. The feedback that you provide in this survey is confidential and will only take 15-20 minutes of your time!

Who: All City and County of Denver employees are strongly encouraged to complete the Denver Employee Survey.

Where: The survey will only be available online through the internet. You can complete the survey from any computer with internet access; any City computer, public libraries, or even from your home computer or laptop. Don’t have a computer? That’s okay because the Career Service Authority – in partnership with Technology Services – will set up remote computer stations at various City locations to make the survey accessible to all City employees.

Please look out for the January InSight for details and locations on where you can take this important survey.

5281: Annual Employee Recognition Awards Call For Nominations

Do you know a person or a team who has
gone above and beyond STARS (Service, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect, and Safety), in supporting Sustainability practices in 2010 or in reaching the City’s Five Goals:

  1. Create 25,000 new jobs
  2. Make Denver a better place to work
  3. Make denver a better place to live
  4. Be number one in customer service
  5. Live within our means

The 5281 Celebration for award winners is
Friday, March 11, 2011 at the Colorado Convention Center.

  • Nominations are due by January 21, 2011.
  • Nominees must be City and County of Denver Employees.
  • Nominate online at www.denvergov.org/5281.

For more information, visit www.denvergov.org/5281, or contact 5281@denvergov.org.

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2011 Eco Pass Update

Starting January 1, 2011 the Eco Pass will be offered at a monthly rate of $39 for City and County of Denver Employees.

Enrollment Advantage:

  • Cost for the program will be taken on a pre-taxed basis via payroll deduction on the 2nd paycheck of each month
  • Employees may enroll at anytime
  • No 12 month commitment
  • Guaranteed Ride Home in the event of an emergency
  • Eco Pass is a decal, adhered to a City-issued ID badge

Current Eco Pass participants will need to obtain a 2011 decal prior to January 1, 2011 in order to continue utilizing this benefit.

Employees interested in signing up must attend one of the Eco Pass sessions below to obtain the decal. All participants should bring a completed Eco Pass enrollment form to sign up.

Sessions are being held at the Webb Municipal Building at 201 W. Colfax Ave. Room 1.D.1 on the following days and times:

  • December 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • December 17 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • December 20, 21 and 27, 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information about the Eco Pass, including zone maps, route and schedule information, visit www.rtd-denver.com/EcoPass or contact the CSA Benefits team at benefits@denvergov.org or 720- 913-5697.

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Albertine Sellers Celebrates 55 Years of Service!

It seems like everyone knows, or has seen Ms. Albertine – and there’s a good reason why. Albertine Sellers is the City and County of Denver’s longest serving employee. On October 17, 2010, Ms. Albertine, as she likes to be called, had her 55 year service anniversary with the City.

Ms. Albertine started in 1955 under Mayor Quigg Newton and has done a variety of work since then. She began her career as a Nurse’s Aide in the Newborn Nursery at Denver General Hospital. Eventually, she moved to Denver Employment and Training. These days you can find Ms. Albertine on the first floor of the Webb Municipal Building at the front desk for the Career Service Authority, Workforce Management Division.

Ms. Albertine is obviously eligible to retire, but she has no immediate plans to do so. She likes working with the public and takes great pride in her career. When she’s not working, she enjoys fashion shopping, traveling, interior decorating, cooking, recipe collection, gardening, reading (especially the Bible) and listening to a variety of music. Her favorite authors are Jacquelin Thomas, John Grisham and Maya Angelou.

Ms. Albertine said that her favorite Mayor was Wellington Webb because he “added more beauty to the City” by leading the effort to rebuild the Stapleton and Lowry communities. She also admires that fact that he installed landscaping, championed the Wellington Webb Municipal Building, and started the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library and Museum.

If there are any employees out there aiming for 55 years of service, don’t expect a service pin. Those stop after 50 years. Instead, Ms. Albertine received a lovely pearl bracelet when she was recognized by Mayor Hickenlooper at a small ceremony on October 28. She also received a commemorative plaque from the Director of the Career Service Authority.

Ms. Albertine has some advice to share with new employees. “Be dependable, be cheerful to work with, be a good team player and do your share of work assignments,” she said. “It helps if you have a desire to help others and show an interest in people,” she added. She eloquently summarized her philosophy of life by saying “I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to my fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again.”

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Workshop: Getting to Know Your Local Government – Spotlight on the Department of Environmental Health

DOSP partners with the Department of Environmental Health to highlight their work and structure for the nonprofit community and other City agency staff. This workshop will include:

  • An in-depth overview of Environmental Health’s programs within their five divisions (Environmental Quality, Public Health Inspection, Office of the Medical Examiner, Animal Care & Control, and Community Health and Decision Support
  • The point person responsible for each program and their contact information
  • Environmental Health’s funding streams and how nonprofits and other City agencies can partner or benefit from those funds
  • What’s on the horizon for Environmental Health and other critical information

This workshop will also be an opportunity for informal networking with those in attendance.

Wednesday, December 15
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Webb Municipal Building, Room 4.G.2

For more information, please contact Mike Roque at mike.roque@denvergov.org. To register for this training, please contact Yvonne Garcia at yvonne.garcia@denvergov.org.

Sign language translation is available with 7-days advanced notice.

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Treecycle 2011: It's as Easy as Can Be!

Your Christmas tree gave you so much joy over the holidays, now give it a second life and recycle it with Denver’s Treecycle program. All trees collected through the program will be turned into mulch and given away to Denver residents in the spring.

Denver residents should set out their Christmas trees for recycling from January 3rd to January 14th.

  1. Remove all decorations and tree stand. Sorry, no artificial or flocked trees. Christmas trees only.
  2. Set your tree out for collection during the first two weeks of January.
    Dumpster service customers should place their Christmas tree out for recycling on either Monday, January 3rd or Monday, January 10th. Do not place trees in dumpsters. Trees should be placed at least 4 feet away from dumpsters.
    Barrel and Manual service customers should place their Christmas tree out for recycling on their normal trash day between January 3rd and 14th.
  3. Watch your tree get picked up for recycling.
  4. Reclaim free mulch made from your tree on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at Denver’s Mulch Giveaway and Compost Sale.

For more information about Treecycle, Mulch Giveaway and Compost Sale, or other Denver Recycles programs call 3-1-1 or visit us online at www.DenverGov.org/DenverRecycles.

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DenverWellness and Wellness Center

Denver Wellness

Stay Merry Through the Holiday Season

The holiday season may conjure up unpleasant visions of crowded malls, endless baking, long nights spent wrapping gifts and stressful party planning. Despite all the obligations it brings, don’t let the stress of the holiday season ruin your merry spirit. Empower yourself though the holidays to remain happy, healthy and stress-free. Here are some tips to help:

  1. Be Physically Active – Although time is scarce during the holidays, find 20 minutes a day for physical activity to reduce stress and avoid extra weight gain.
    • Go for a walk
    • Take the stairs whenever possible
    • Walk a few extra laps in the mall
    • Do a family activity outdoors – sledding, skiing, snowshoeing
    • Do an exercise video at home

  2. Eat Well – Fueling your body with wholesome food when under holiday stress will give you more energy and boost your immune system.
    • At parties, hit the fruit and veggie tray first and avoid high fat dips
    • Don’t skip breakfast – grab oatmeal, high fiber cereal or yogurt and fruit
    • Pack healthy snacks in your bag or car to have on hand when you are shopping or traveling. Try nuts, dried fruit, fresh cut fruit and veggies or high fiber energy bars.
    • Have small portions of your favorite holiday foods and slowly savor each bite

  3. Take Care of You – Practice mental and emotional self-care during the holidays to keep stress in check.
    • Practice 5 minutes of deep breathing several times a week
    • Perform a few light stretches before bed to unwind from the day
    • Get 7 – 8 hours of sleep every night
    • Let go of expectations and enjoy the present moment

Wellness Programs

  • Join Weight Watchers!
    Shed a few pounds before the holidays! Join Weight Watchers! Learn new strategies for handling your hunger and eating smarter. Weigh-ins start at 11:30 a.m., meeting starts at Noon in room 4.F.2. of the Webb Municipal Building. It’s never too late to join! The cost of the remaining sessions is pro-rated. To register or for more information, call Brian Kliegl at 720-913-0729.

  • Online Health Assessment
    As part of the DenverWellness’ Premium Discount Program, employees have a yearly opportunity to complete a free online health assessment through our City-sponsored health care providers. It's free to you, and only takes about 20 minutes to complete. The questions are designed to provide a detailed, personalized health report showing the relationship between behavior and healthy habits, today and in the the future. All information is confidential between the employee and the health care provider. The online health assessment is one of the required actions of the 2012 DenverWellness Premium Discount Program and must be completed by August 31, 2011 to be eligible. To learn more visit www.denvergov.org/denverwellness or contact your Wellness Champion.
Denver Wellness: Chair Massage Program
Chair MassageRelax and unwind with a 15-minute Chair Massage, appointments are available Thursdays from 11:40 a.m.-4:20 p.m. Cost is $12 and appointments are pre-paid by cash, check or credit card. Tickets can be purchased from the Cashier on the 2nd floor of WMB between 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Multiple tickets can be purchased at one time. With a ticket, a massage can be scheduled by calling 720-913-5696. If you have any questions, please call 720-913-0729.

WELLNESS CENTER

Webb Municipal Building | 201 W. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO 80202
Hours: Monday – Friday | 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday | 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Orientation/Tour of Wellness Center
Tours of the Center are available Monday through Friday. Learn more about the Center including equipment, classes and amenities. Interested employees can obtain information about membership or sign up at the end of the tour. Call Brian Kliegl at 720-913-0729 to schedule your appointment.

Scheduled Orientation Dates:

  • Wednesday, December 8 at Noon
  • Monday, December 13 at Noon
  • Wednesday, December 22 at Noon

For more information or to participate in any Wellness Center events contact Brian Kliegl at 720-913-0729 or brian.kliegl@denvergov.org.

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In This ISSUE
   
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

Congratulations to the following employees who have been recognized for outstanding contributions:

Denver Police, Employee of the Month

  • Susan Cooper

October 21 to November 20, 2010

  • Retirements
  • Years of Service
  • New Hires
  • Promotions

Learn More

  
DENVER 8 TV
 
December Program Highlights

Program detail and news at Denver 8 tv.

Union Station: Portal to Progress
Discover the story of the grand era of railroad travel and the awe inspiring structure that stands today at the crossroads of past glory and future promise.

  • December 9 & 23 at 9 p.m.
  • December 11 & 25 at 7:30 p.m.
  • December 14 & 28 at 6 p.m.
  • December 19 & Jan. 2 at 11:15 a.m.

FINAL EPISODE Let’s Talk with Ed Sardella
Former Colorado Governor, Richard Lamm. and Ed talk candidly about controversial topics and gets his take on future challenges, the problems, and the hope for solutions.

  • Mondays at 1:30 p.m.
  • Tuesdays at 3:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday at 9:30 p.m.

Santiago Calatrava
Take a second look at the unique vision and career of renowned Spanish architect who has been selected to design the new DIA South Terminal Redevelopment project.

  • December 23, - 9:30 p.m.
  • December 25, - 8:30 p.m.
  • January 2, - 10:00 a.m.

NEW VIDEO SITE ONLINE
See all Denver 8 coverage and programs anytime! Check out our new video portal at
www.DenverGov.org/denver8online.

Denver 8 also airs City information and events on cable Channel 58. Get access to cultural events, news from Parks & Rec, Public Works and more! Learn More

  
citywide training
 
Reduced Price and Free Classes

Featured Classes: ePerformance Training for Managers and Supervisors

ePerformance is a Web-based performance management system that allows managers and supervisors the ability to manage and monitor the PEP/PEPR process. Supervisors and managers will be required to attend a training class to learn how to use the system to complete PEP/PEPR’s for the 2010 time period.

View the ePerformance web page for more information.

To enroll in a training class or for more information, contact 720-913-5628 or training@denvergov.org.

Required classes are free:

  • Ethics and Public Accountability
  • New Employee Orientation
  • Preventing Workplace Harassment, Discrimination & Bullying
  • SS2 CSA Rules, Sexual Harassment & Employment Law
  • SS5 PEP Workshop
  • SS6 Effective Counseling & Discipline

Reduced Cost Classes:

  • Employee and Supervisory classes $10
  • Crucial Conversations $200
  • Power Point Training $0
  • Word Training $0
  • Outlook Training $0
  • Excel and Microsoft Project $50
  • Generations and Gender Training $0

View the Training Calendar

  
CULTURAL EVENTS
Denver 365 Events Calendar

Find out what's going on in Denver
from concerts to ball games
BUZZ ON SAFETY
 
Don't Fall for That Again

Slips, trips, and falls in the workplace continue to be the cause of many workplace injuries and illnesses. With winter weather creating more possibilities for slippery surfaces, we must be aware of slips, trips, and falls at work.

Read More

  
FRAUD ALERT
 

From the Office of Denver District Attorney Mitch Morrissey

Cyber Scams

Be careful of what you post on social networking websites. The popularity of sites such as Facebook or Myspace is also becoming the primary data source for fraudsters. Although these sites are resourceful ways of keeping friends and family informed, much of what is posted reveals the kind of information criminals are looking for in order to carry out more sophisticated and personal scams.

Details one should be wary about posting include names and birthdates of family members, marital status, hobbies, hangouts, addresses, who’s on vacation or on a military tour, etc. Vigilance is especially important when it comes to protecting the identity of children. Cyber-scams cover all age ranges, cross all social spectrums, and are often up-dated versions of scams that have been around for a long time. Read More

Visit us online at www.Denverda.org, You can now follow us on Twitter.

 
Green Tip of the Month
 

Reuse: Eco-friendly Gifts

This holiday season, consider giving gifts that are kind to the planet and to people. Reusable and practical gifts like beverage holders and shopping bags will reduce the amount of trash made by the use of disposable containers. Try to find ethically-made gift alternatives by purchasing organic and fair-trade merchandise. Also, don’t forget to buy items made from recycled materials. The more we buy, the more they’ll make!

For more information on how you can help build a sustainable City, visit www.greenprintdenver.org.

  
City Spirit Partnership
Staying in Touch

City and County of Denver

The mission of InSight is to provide City and County of Denver employees an opportunity to stay informed on issues and events that affect them in a publication that also showcases their accomplishments.

InSight, while produced monthly by Career Service Authority, is designed for all City departments and agencies to share information with the employee community.

Please submit articles, press releases, Citywide information by the 20th day of the month prior to publication. To submit content or for more information, contact insight@denvergov.org.