The IFB Beat 7-27 Edition

From the Editor

Welcome to the Beat! This issue is packed with upcoming events, learning opportunities, employee highlights and wellness tips.

This Week at a Glance

  • Reflections on 90: Featuring our Asheville facility
  • Asheville Employee Reminders for Wednesday, July 29: General meeting at 8:30 a.m., Safety Team meeting at 10:30 a.m., birthday lunches at 12 p.m.
  • A Storybook Ending to Summer, Wednesday, July 29: Learn about the National Library Service (NLS) and discover free accessible books, magazines, braille and audio resources.
  • Decades & Dessert — August 12, Asheville & August 13, Winston-Salem: Ice Cream & Retro Day! Dress in the style of your favorite decade and enjoy a sweet treat during second break.
  • Android 101: Contact your supervisor to schedule a hands-on training session.
  • A Sweet Celebration: Photos and highlights from our 90th anniversary cookie bar celebration.
  • Too Hot to Handle? Tips to manage the summer heat from our on-site clinic.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to catch up on everything happening at IFB. Have a wonderful week!

Quote of the week:

“Great teams build each other up.” — Unknown

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

 

Quick Links:

The Weekly Rundown

– Reflections on 90
– Asheville Employee Reminders for Wednesday, July 29
– A Storybook Ending to Summer
– Decades & Dessert
– Android 101
– A Sweet Celebration
– Too Hot to Handle? Tips to Beat the Heat
– Winston-Salem Support Groups

Community Corner

– NC Lions VIP Fishing Tournament

HR & Opportunities

– Jobs

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of the IFB Beat

 

Reflections on 90

IFB Solutions' Asheville manufacturing facility
Asheville facility, today
Asheville workshop, 1990s

On July 16, 1991, the Asheville team officially became part of the IFB Solutions family. Formerly known as Asheville Industries for the Blind, the organization was founded in 1940 and brought with it a proud tradition of creating employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired in Western North Carolina. Today, the Asheville facility continues to play a vital role in IFB Solutions’ mission, empowering employees, strengthening our communities and helping us create opportunities together.

 

 

Asheville Employee Reminders for Wednesday, July 29

  • 8:30 a.m.: General meeting in the cafeteria
  • 10:30 a.m.: Safety Team meeting in the multipurpose room
  • 12 p.m.: Birthday lunches in the cafeteria

We look forward to seeing everyone throughout the day. Don’t miss these opportunities to stay informed, support workplace safety and celebrate July birthdays!

 

A Storybook Ending to Summer

Information session: July 29 during lunch in the cafeteria

As summer winds down and a new school year begins, there’s no better time to discover your next great read! In support of the back-to-school season, IFB is excited to introduce the National Library Service (NLS)—a FREE accessible library program designed to make reading available to everyone who qualifies.

Did you know? If you’re unable to read standard print because of a visual, physical, perceptual or reading disability, you may be eligible for FREE library services through the NLS.

Explore thousands of titles in audio and Braille, including bestselling novels, inspiring biographies, children’s books, popular magazines, music materials and more!

Amber Fredrick Headshot
Amber Frederick

Enjoy books your way with:

  • 📬 Free mail delivery of books and magazines
  • 📱 BARD (Braille and Audio Reading Download) for instant downloads to your compatible device

Want to learn more? Stop by and visit Amber Frederick (right), Benefits and Social Services Coordinator, in the cafeteria at the back table during lunch on Wednesday, July 29, to learn about eligibility, how to apply and how you can begin enjoying these free library services.

*Please be aware that further information and/or documentation may be required to determine eligibility upon applying.

Turn the page on summer and start your next reading adventure with NLS!

 

Decades & Dessert

Ice Cream & Retro Day

Two IFB employees dressed up for an IFB Halloween party.

Get ready to chill out and step back in time as we continue celebrating 90 years of opportunity at IFB.

Join us for a delicious ice cream treat, then show off your favorite retro style by dressing in clothing inspired by one of the decades from the 1930s through the 2020s.

Whether you go vintage, groovy, neon or totally rad, we can’t wait to see your creativity!

Asheville: Wednesday, August 12, during second break
Winston-Salem: Thursday, August 13, during second break

Enjoy a cool treat, snap some fun photos with your coworkers in your retro attire, and help us celebrate 90 amazing years of making a difference. We can’t wait to see everyone dressed to impress from their favorite decade! 🎉🍨

 

Android 101

Want to get more out of your Android phone? Whether you’re new to Android or want to build your confidence, these hands-on classes are designed to help you succeed.

Classes will cover the basics, including:

  • Tapping and swiping with confidence
  • Navigating your phone using accessibility features
  • Opening and using common apps
  • Tips and tricks to make everyday tasks easier

If you’re interested, let your supervisor know. They will work with Morgan Dugan to schedule your appointment and get you started. Learning new technology can help you stay connected, work more efficiently and gain greater independence. Sign up today and keep learning!

 

A Sweet Celebration

Our Asheville and Winston-Salem teams had a sweet time celebrating IFB Solutions’ 90th anniversary with a delicious cookie bar!

From enjoying tasty treats to snapping fun photos with coworkers, employees made memories worth celebrating. Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun and helped make this milestone even more special.

Check out some of our favorite moments from the celebration!

Asheville facility employees at the cookie bar.     Two Winston-Salem employees celebrate the 90th anniversary at the cookie bar.     Three Winston-Salem employees celebrate the 90th anniversary at the cookie bar.

 

Too Hot to Handle? Tips to Beat the Heat

Heat exhaustion happens when your body gets too hot and loses too much water and salt, typically through sweating. This can happen when you are in the heat for a long time, especially if you are not drinking enough fluids.

How to prevent heat exhaustion

  • Drink plenty of water or electrolyte-rich sports drinks
  • Wear light, loose clothing
  • Stay in the shade or air conditioning when you can
  • Avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
  • Take breaks if you are working or exercising in the heat
  • Use a fan
  • Take a cool shower if you start to feel overheated

Signs of heat exhaustion, early symptoms

  • Heavy sweating
  • Feeling weak or tired
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps

More serious symptoms. If these signs are not treated, heat exhaustion can turn into heat stroke, which is very serious.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cool, pale or clammy skin
  • Fast but weak pulse
  • Fainting or near fainting
  • Confusion or irritability

What to do if you have these symptoms

  • Move to a cooler area immediately
  • Sit down and rest
  • Drink water or a sports drink
  • Use a cool, wet cloth in your skin
  • Loosen or remove extra clothing

 

Winston-Salem Support Groups

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d

 

 

Community Corner

NC Lions VIP Fishing Tournament

Source: THE WISE EYE

The NC Lions VIP Fishing Tournament brings participants from across the state for three days of fishing recreation, fellowship and independent living workshops. More than 350 visually impaired persons (VIPs) and 300 volunteers participate each year. This year’s tournament will be held Oct. 19–21 in the Outer Banks. VIPs, sighted guests and volunteers can find more information and registration forms at this link. The registration deadline is Aug. 15.

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Jobs

BSC Hazmat Coordinator, MacDill AFB

Education and Work Experience

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Knowledgeable of EESOH-MIS program
  • Two years of related experience
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record
  • Must complete (and maintain) forklift certification within 30 days of hire
  • Must obtain First Aid/CPR card
  • Receive RCRA training and respirator certification within 90 days of hire
  • Must pass a government background check and drug screening

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/236388

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/236389?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909. For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929
Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile:
+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)
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888 475 4499 US Toll-free
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