The IFB Beat 11-25 Edition

A Message from the Editor

IFB colleagues, this holiday season brings in the spirit of gratitude and appreciation, and I would like to extend my thanks to all who read the IFB Beat and submit information weekly to help keep everyone informed. This week you will find:

  • Thanksgiving lunch details reminders
  • Congratulations to our August, September, and October Employees of the Month
  • Newport/First Citizens Wealth retirement plan platform migration to Ascensus update
  • The IFB Beat phone-line numbers now live at the end of the newsletter for your convenience.

Like The IFB Beat riddles? Enjoy solving this one: Why did the turkey decide to cross the road?

Stroll the Beat to find the answer.

Thank you for reading the IFB Beat, and have a wonderful week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Congrats to Winston-Salem Facility Employees of the Month!
– Reminder: Thanksgiving Lunch Details at Winston-Salem and Asheville Facilities
– Safety Tips for the Holidays
– Update: IFB Annual Staff Giving Campaign – 2025
– See what S.E.E. is doing!
– Support Group Meetings
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Shop RainbowTarts this Holiday Season!
– Showcasing our Musically-Talented Blind Community
– Theater with Audio Description: Royal Curtain Drama Guild Presents “It’s Not About Us”

HR and Opportunities

– IFB Profit-Sharing Account – Newport Migration to Ascensus
– IFB Wellness Program: Preventative Health Matters, Take Action Today!
– New Job Announcements

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

 

Congratulations to our Winston-Salem Facility August, September and October Employees of the Month!

August Runner-Up: Roselia Bolanos – Production Assistant

With over 15 years of experience, Roselia has been a key part of the team since 2007. In her role as Production Assistant in Fuel Handler Suits, she exemplifies our core value of Commitment to Excellence, consistently going above and beyond to ensure top-quality results.

August Winner: Lynn Drake – Sewing Machine Operator II

Lynn has been a dedicated team member since 2009, and her passion for her work truly sets her apart. As a Sewing Machine Operator II in Fuel Handler Suits, Lynn demonstrates our core value of Business with a Heart, always approaching each task with care and dedication.

September Runner-Up: Howard Johnson – Machine Operator II

Howard has been a valued member of the team since 2015, working as a Machine Operator II in IWOL. He consistently demonstrates Commitment to Excellence, ensuring every task is completed with precision and care.

September Winner: Alidel Ocasio-Serrano – Machine Operator I

Alidel has been with us since 2011, bringing exceptional skill and dedication to his role as a Machine Operator I in ACH Pads. His unwavering Commitment to Excellence is evident in everything he does, from the quality of his work to his reliable presence on the team.

October Runner-Up: Frank Ellison – Lead Maintenance Mechanic

Frank’s impressive 26 years of service since 1998 as Lead Maintenance Mechanic reflect his deep knowledge and commitment to ensuring everything runs smoothly. He embodies the Commitment to Excellence by going above and beyond in keeping our operations at peak performance.

October Winner: Jean Smith – Sewing Machine Operator II

Since joining in 2013, Jean has demonstrated exceptional skill as a Sewing Machine Operator II in ACS, always striving for the highest standards of quality and precision. Her Commitment to Excellence is evident in every stitch she makes, as she continues to play a crucial role in our success.

 

Reminder: Thanksgiving Lunch Details at Winston-Salem, Clemmons & Asheville Facilities

As a special way to celebrate the season of gratitude, IFB Solutions invites you to join us for a Thanksgiving lunch! We’ll be gathering to enjoy a meal together during your scheduled lunch breaks. Here are the details:

  • Winston-Salem and Clemmons Facilities: Tuesday, November 26, catered by Canteen Catering
  • Asheville Facility: Wednesday, November 27, catered by Apollo Flame Greek Restaurant

We look forward to sharing a wonderful holiday meal with you!

 

Safety Tips for the Holidays

Source: National Safety Commission

Traveling for the Holidays? Be prepared!

If you’re traveling this year, be sure your vehicle is in good running condition, get plenty of rest and be prepared for any emergency. Traveling by car during the holidays has the highest fatality rate of any major form of transportation based on fatalities per passenger mile. Hundreds of people die every year in crashes on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, according to Injury Facts. Alcohol impairment is involved in about a third of these fatalities.

Stay safe on the roads over the holidays — and every day:

  • Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit with you
  • Get a good night’s sleep before departing and avoid drowsy driving
  • Leave early, planning ahead for heavy traffic
  • Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled
  • Put that cell phone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cell phones are the main culprit
  • Practice defensive driving
  • Designate a sober driver to ensure guests make it home safely after a holiday party; alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription and illegal drugs can cause impairment

Thanks,

Angela Jordan

Director of Compliance, Environmental Health, and Safety

 

Update: IFB Annual Staff Giving Campaign

As we continue our IFB Solutions Annual Staff Campaign, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has already contributed or continues to support us through payroll deduction. Your generosity makes a real difference!

If you wish to change, increase, or stop your monthly giving, please notify Naomi at nvenable@ifbsolutions.org by December 13. Otherwise, we’ll be delighted to distribute appreciation gifts, generously sponsored by Allegacy Federal Credit Union—see the picture below for a preview!

Additionally, everyone contributing $20 or more will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a beautiful gift basket on December 19, provided by a generous donor.

Happy Thanksgiving gift basket with fall-themed household items and treats Holly Jolly Gift Basket with red and green household items and treats

WHY: To raise funds to sustain employment and training of our employees and our community services:

  1. Training for IFB employees, employee support groups and activities, transportation, medical assistance, and community outreach.
  2. Low vision assistance at Community Low Vision Centers in Asheville, and Winston-Salem.
  3. Specialty low vision tools and equipment to children with unique vision needs at no cost through the Focus on Literacy program.
  4. S.E.E. activities.

HOW: There are different ways you can participate in the annual Staff Campaign 2025:

As always, donating to IFB Solutions Staff Campaign is not mandatory, but rather your philanthropic choice! Join us and be a part of this movement.

Thank you for your commitment to our mission. Your contributions fuel our shared success!

Warm regards,

Tatiana Russell, Grants and Development Manager

 

See what S.E.E. is doing!

SEE students follow Kim Shoffner in petting a sheep

The S.E.E. Program went to the Carolina Renaissance Festival for a Saturday event. They enjoyed petting sheep, goats, alpacas, cows, bulls, and lots of baby animals.

 

IFB Solutions Support Group Meetings

  • Monday, November 25 Guide Dog support group meeting from 12:00-12:45 in TADs Room

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Light Blue air fryer

The powerful 1200w Brentwood AF-202BL 2 Quart Small Electric Air Fryer fry’s quickly and evenly using little to no oil. Make crispy French fries, onion rings, chicken wings, roasted veggies and more. Use the quick temp guide and 30-minute timer with auto shut off for fast, crispy results. Cool touch, removable fry basket makes serving a breeze. Easy to clean non-stick surface.

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

The IFB Beat Riddle:

Thanks for strolling! You found the answer.

Question: Why did the turkey decide to cross the road?
Answer: To prove that he wasn’t a chicken!

 

From Our Community

Shop Rainbow Tarts this Holiday Season!

Submitted by Carl Williams

Interested in supporting a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give as a gift?

Then look no further. We have wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and much more. See Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call :336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit https://www.rainbowtarts.com.

We Braille products upon request at no charge and ship within the US via priority flat rate mail. RainbowTarts – where everything makes scents!

 

Showcasing our Musically-Talented Blind Community!

Submitted by Oryan Battis and Jenifer Finley

Get a taste of Oryan Battis’ latest single, “Kool-Aid”! Kool-Aid was a staple in my house growing up, but if you got that mix wrong, it was a flavor disaster! Cherry was always my favorite, and that’s the flavor inspiration behind my newest release!” Oryan shares. After savoring a musical glass of “Kool-Aid,” kick back with your furry friend and stroll down memory lane with Jenifer Finley as she shares her love for her guide dog, Jill, in her touching song, “Guiding Star.”

 

Theater with Audio Description: Royal Curtain Drama Guild Presents: “It’s Not About Us”

Submitted by Kaila Gillespie

When: December 21, 2024
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton on University Pkwy
Time: 7:00pm
Ticket Cost: $50

If interested contact Brenda Neal at 336-408-7646. Money needs to be paid on or before December 3.

 

HR & Opportunities

IFB Profit-Sharing Account – Newport Migration to Ascensus

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers, IFB Solutions Benefits Administrator at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

Please note: the Newport/First Citizens Wealth retirement plan platform migration to Ascensus is complete.

ACTIONS:

CHECKLIST:

  • Check your balance.
  • Verify beneficiary elections.
  • Enter outside account information.

Contact your service team for assistance. The phone number is the same as you use today: 855-593-7279.

 

IFB Wellness Program: Preventative Health Matters, Take Action Today!

For more information, reach out to Tammy Whitmire-Powers, IFB Solutions Benefits Administrator at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

IFB’s Wellness Program is here to stay and offers employees a chance to secure discounted medical premiums for the 2025-2026 benefit plan year.

Here’s how to qualify:

  • Step 1: Complete a routine physical with labs AND
  • Step 2: Schedule and attend a preventative dental cleaning.
  • Step 3: Submit an itemized receipt, confirmation letter, or Proof of Physical form to Tammy Powers’ office, or email them to twhitmire-powers@ifbsolution.org.  Deadline to submit is May 31, 2025

What’s in it for you and your covered spouse:

  • Save on medical premiums—keep more money in your pocket!
  • Build a strong relationship with your primary care physician.
  • Catch potential health issues early and stay ahead with proactive treatments.
  • Enjoy no out-of-pocket costs for your physical and labs—preventive care is covered at 100%.

Don’t wait—Your health and savings are worth it!

 

New Job Announcements

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

Customer Service Representative – Maximus – Work at Home w/in 70 mi of San Antonio

Education and work experience:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • 2 years of customer service experience preferred.
  • If applicable, demonstrated proficiency in use of Assistive Technology required with either JAWS and/or Zoom Text for visual adaptation.
  • Bilingual Spanish-English capability a plus.
  • Must reside within 70 miles of San Antonio, Texas.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=109141&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=109142&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

In Line Inspector – Winston-Salem Facility

Education and work experience:

  • High School graduate, GED or equivalent
  • 1-3 years quality inspection experience preferred in quality control/assurance.
  • ASQ (CQI or CQA) – Certified Quality Inspector/Auditor certification preferred.
  • Textile and apparel experience preferred.

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=109230&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

 

BSC Receiving Clerk – MacDill AFB, Tampa, FL

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=109447&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=109448&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

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 Groups Zoom

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Meeting ID: 994 9807 8576
PASSWORD: 92638
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