IFB Beat – Week of September 11, 2023

A Message from the Editor

Below, find an update about COVID, take the NC state-wide Department of Transportation Survey. If you’re in the Winston-Salem Facility, learn about picnic updates, the RP Support Group, and closure dates for inventory. Have a great week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager

apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Tips for a Safe and Productive Workplace Part 8: COVID Updates
– Winston-Salem Company Picnic Update
– Winston-Salem Facility Inventory Dates
– Adult Support Group Meetings
– CLVC Item of the Week

From Our Community

– Insider Corner

HR and Opportunities

– Benefit of the Month
– New Job Openings

Support Group Zoom Meeting Links

 

New this Week

Tips for a Safe and Productive Workplace: COVID Updates

As we move into the fall months, we are seeing an uptick in COVID cases in the area. As a reminder, you should stay home if you are sick. Masks are available for those who would like one but aren’t required. Please be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available. Hand sanitizer and wipes are also available for use in the workplace. If you need a mask, hand sanitizer or wipes please notify your supervisor. We appreciate your efforts to keep yourself and others safe.

Thank you,
Angela Jordan Director of Safety and Environmental Health

 

Winston-Salem Company Picnic Update

Winston-Salem Facility employees – please read for karaoke sign-up and transportation details.

• There will be early dismissal from the company picnic on October 5. Dismissal will be at 3:00pm and all employees will be paid for the remainder of the scheduled workday. For all those to which this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly.
• There are slots available at the company picnic for karaoke with songs that are no longer than 3.5 minutes. If interested contact Brenda Livingston at blivingston@ifbsolutions.org or X5694 by Monday, September 25 to be added to the list. Don’t delay! Sign-up today!

Winston-Salem Facility Inventory Dates

The Winston-Salem Facility manufacturing operations will be closed on Wednesday, September 20 and Thursday, September 21 for inventory. Manufacturing operations will return to a regular schedule on Monday, September 25. For those to whom this applies, please schedule your transportation accordingly. If you have any questions, please contact your supervisor.

 

Adult Support Group Meetings:

The AAA Committee at the Winston-Salem Facility oversees a support network to help develop personal independence for people who are blind or visually impaired through peer groups. We currently have eight support groups which offer a safe zone for discussion, peer bonding and up to date resources. These groups are made available to employees, the community, or any employee who has a family member experiencing vision challenges and would like to learn more. The IFB Beat will be highlighting a support group of the month and encourage you to find one that fits your needs.

This month we highlight the Retinitis Pigmentosa, or RP (retinitis pigmentosa) Support Group.  RP is one of the rare hereditary eye diseases that affects a large number of people every year. It is a hereditary eye disease of the retina that gradually affects vision and can cause blindness.

The RP Support Group meets monthly and provides a platform for individuals to connect with others who are facing similar challenges, share their experiences, and offer support to each other. Diana Soto, RP Support Group President, states “there is nothing better than talking to people who understand what you are going through, and share advice based on your personal experiences. Even when we feel good with our-self’s, is important to attend so we can support others. Moreover, there is always something to learn from each other, and we have fun participating in the team building and educational activities. Join us, we can’t wait to hear what you have to say. The group is already counting on having you at the next meeting!”.

The RP Support Group meets the first Wednesday of each month in TADs room at noon. You can also participate via zoom. If interested in joining contact Diana Soto at dsoto@ifbsolutions.org or just stop by!

Upcoming Support Group Meetings

• Monday, September 11 NFB meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Tuesday, September 12 Transportation support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.
• Wednesday, September 13 Blind Ambitions support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADS Room.

 

CLVC Item of the Week:

Mobile Phone or Tablet Holder for $7.95
This folding plastic stand can hold a tablet or mobile phone – or any device up to 10” high x .25” thick. Provides a great hands-free option for viewing any tablet or phone. Great for tired or shaky hands. Also, it is very useful for extended video calls. Adjusts to any angle for best viewing.

If you are interested in purchasing Low Vision Equipment through our Loan Program (3rd Party), please contact a Low Vision Coordinator for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Insider Corner

This section is edited by Faith Harding. Have something to share? Email Faith at fharding@ifbsolutions.org. 

The North Carolina Department of Transportation needs your help. Take the survey today!

The Statewide Locally Coordinated Plan (LCP), prepared under the guidance of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), serves as a strategic framework to expand mobility options to seniors and individuals with disabilities, particularly in small urban and rural communities of North Carolina. The LCP will guide statewide coordination of use of transportation grant program funds, including the federal Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program and the state Rural Operating Assistance Program (ROAP). In addition to the review of historical grant data and socioeconomic data, public engagement activities will supplement efforts to understand specific community needs.

A Coordinating Committee, with representatives from select Rural Planning Organizations and transit agencies, will oversee the project’s engagement process. Community needs will be analyzed and strategies to address mobility gaps will be developed. The prospective strategies will be evaluated and prioritized for implementation into a five-year plan that covers FY2025-2029. The FY2025-2029 Locally Coordinated Plan (LCP) covers small urban and rural areas in all 100 counties in North Carolina.

Complete the survey below to help us understand your mobility needs! The survey is available in Spanish and English.

English survey: English Public Input Survey

Spanish survey: Spanish Public Input Survey

Please scan the survey and email to: jhevans1@ncdot.gov or mail/fax the survey to:

Hart Evans
NCDOT IMD
Mail Service Center 1550
Raleigh, NC 27699-1550
Fax: 919-733-1391

For questions or assistance, contact Hart Evans by email (jhevans1@ncdot.gov) or by phone 919-707-2610

Faith Harding

FHarding@ifbsolutions.org

Connecting, collaborating, and continuing to drive across amazing bridges.

 

HR & Opportunities

Your Benefit of the Month

This section is a monthly feature supported by IFB Solutions Benefits Supervisor Ciara Frenette. Reach her at cfrenette@ifbsolutions.org.

Friendly reminder: Don’t forget to use your 2023 Flex Spending Account (FSA) funds before December 31st! You may rollover $610 into 2024 plan year, but if you have more than that you lose it. Review here https://www.fsafeds.com/explore/hcfsa/expenses to see a list of Healthcare FSA eligible expenses. If you have Dependent Care FSA, review here https://www.fsafeds.com/explore/dcfsa/expenses for a list of eligible expenses. 2024 FSA open enrollment will be in November this year, be on the lookout for open enrollment dates as we get closer!

 

HR & Opportunities

New Job Announcements

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Bus/Van Driver – Programs – Winston Salem

Education and work experience:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be 21+ years of age with 5 years of driving experience.
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=71700&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

BSC Receiving Clerk – MacDill AFB

Education and work experience:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1-2 years of experience in warehouse/shipping/receiving department preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=71939&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=71940&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For information about any employment opportunities with IFB Solutions please contact Brent Burkholder at bburkholder@ifbsolutions.org or X5611.

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Adult Support Groups Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/99498078576?pwd=ODJzK0sxcXZrME9yN25YRTdiNXBSQT09
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
One tap mobile
+13017158592,99498078576# US (Germantown)

13126266799,99498078576# US
+(Chicago)

Dial by your location.
877 853 5257 US Toll-free
888 475 4499 US Toll-free
Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576

 

Assistive Technology Support Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/94434630872?pwd=aXFYSHYyWkh1SE1tWDNOdDIwVURwUT09

Meeting ID: 944 3463 0872
Passcode: 924496

+13017158592, 99434630872, #, # US (Germantown)

+13126266799, 99434630872, #, # US (Chicago)