The IFB Beat 9-21 Edition

From the Editor

The final stretch of our 90th anniversary celebration is bringing plenty of excitement, and this week’s Beat is your ticket to all the fun. From games and prizes to employee spotlights, health tips and community news, there’s something for everyone.

This Week at a Glance

– Reflections on 90: Chyna Winston
– The IFB Big Fair: Games, prizes, food, giveaways and fun as we celebrate our IFB family
– Grab the Mic: Ready to take center stage? Find out how to sign up for Karaoke.
– Winston-Salem Employee Early Dismissal: Details about picnic participation, pay and transportation
– Winston-Salem Parking Reminder: Review parking information before The Big Fair.
– Asheville Employee Early Dismissal: Details about picnic participation, pay and transportation
– Health & Wellness: Cold, flu or COVID-19? Learn the signs, how to protect yourself and when it’s time to seek medical care.
– Employee Spotlight: Dave Oberhart
– Community Corner: Join Solutions for Independence for a free movie showing and learn how you can support the NFB Forsyth Chapter fundraiser by entering to win $200.

Bring your IFB spirit and get ready for a Big Fair good time. We’ll see you at the picnic!

Anastasia Powell

Have an HR, history or event-related question you’d like to ask me and have addressed in the 9-28 Beat? Send it to apowell@ifbsolutions.org and check back next week.

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

Quote of the week: “When we work together, we go further.” — Unknown

Anastasia Powell's written signature

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
336-245-5698

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Reflections on 90

Chyna Winston

To celebrate 90 years of IFB, we are sharing history, fun facts and new, untold stories about team members.

Powered by the people.

Chyna Winston is proud to have been with IFB for over 15 years. When asked what she enjoys most about working in the markers department at the Winston-Salem facility, she answered, “I really appreciate my supervisors, Tina and Gerald. They make work a great place to be.”

Outside of her time at IFB, Chyna enjoys visiting her local YMCA, listening to music and spending time with friends.

The IFB Big Fair

🎪 It’s time for our annual company picnics—and this year, we’re going BIG! As we wrap up our 90th anniversary celebration, we’re going out with a Big Fair good time. Get ready for games, prizes, great food, giveaways and plenty of opportunities to celebrate with your IFB family.

Winston-Salem Facility, Thursday, September 24, 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

The Winston-Salem Planning Committee has been working hard to make this year’s picnic one to remember, and we have LOTS of fun planned! Step right up and test your skills and luck with activities including:

Spin the 90-Year Wheel, including a special trivia slot—so brush up on those 90-year facts from the Beat!
Bucket toss
Bingo
Karaoke
Caricature artist for a fun keepsake
And much more!

You’ll also enjoy delicious food from Mr. Barbecue, tasty treats and Pelican Snowballs. And don’t forget the three GRAND prizes that will be given away at the end of the event. You won’t want to miss it! Want to see the full lineup? Check out the employee information wall for the complete list of activities.

Grab the Mic

Ready to take the stage? Karaoke spots are available, with songs limited to five minutes or less. Spots first come, first served, so don’t wait! To sign up, contact Morgan Dugan at mdugan@ifbsolutions.org or x5612 by September 21.

Winston-Salem Employee Early Dismissal

Employees should plan accordingly for an early dismissal at 1:30 p.m. on September 24. To be paid for the remainder of your scheduled workday, you must stay and participate in the picnic for the entire event. Employees should clock out at 1:30 p.m. Failure to follow this requirement will result in not receiving pay for the remainder of the scheduled workday. If this applies to you, please plan your transportation accordingly for an early dismissal.

Winston-Salem Parking Reminder

Parking will not be available in the administrative lot on September 24. As a reminder, parking is also not available in:

Shipping and receiving areas
Shopping Center

Please review the available parking options here. Do not park in the red areas, as vehicles may be towed. Parking will be very limited, so, if possible, please consider carpooling or using public transportation. Questions about parking? Contact Angela Jordan at ext. 5771 or ajordan@ifbsolutions.org.

Asheville Facility, Thursday, October 1, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

🎪 Asheville, get ready for your big fair! The Asheville Planning Committee is bringing the IFB Big Fair to you, and we’re ready to celebrate YOU! After 90 years of building a strong IFB family, we’re closing out our anniversary celebration with an afternoon filled with good food, games, prizes, creativity and fun with your co-workers. Here’s what’s in store:

A delicious lunch from Boxcar Grill, featuring hamburgers, sides and dessert
Games that will test your skills and luck
Prizes for game winners
Gifts for all employees
Photo booth to capture the memories
Gallery of employee crafts showcasing the creativity of our Asheville team
And more!

Asheville Employee Early Dismissal

Employees should plan accordingly for an early dismissal at 1:30 p.m. on October 1. To be paid for the remainder of your scheduled workday, you must stay and participate in the picnic for the entire event. Employees should clock out at 1:30 p.m. Failure to follow this requirement will result in not receiving pay for the remainder of the scheduled workday. If this applies to you, please plan your transportation accordingly for an early dismissal.

Health & Wellness

Atrium Health Clinic Tip of the Month: Cold, Flu or COVID-19?

Cold, flu and COVID-19 are all contagious respiratory illnesses caused by viruses, and because many of their symptoms overlap, it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart.

Know the signs: fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, sneezing, body aches, headaches and fatigue can occur with one or more of these illnesses. COVID-19 may also cause shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell.

When should you seek medical care? Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms are getting worse or not improving. Seek immediate medical attention for:

Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Persistent chest pain or pressure
Confusion or difficulty waking or staying awake
Symptoms that become severe or suddenly worsen

Protect yourself and others:

Stay up to date on recommended vaccines.
Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Stay home when you’re sick.
Consider wearing a mask around others when you’re sick.

Remember, symptoms can look different from person to person. If you have questions or are at higher risk for severe illness, talk with your healthcare provider.

Want to learn more? Check out our helpful guide to compare common symptoms of a cold, the flu and COVID-19 and learn when it’s time to seek medical care. Access here.

Employee Spotlight: Dave Oberhart

Headshot of Dave Oberhart Meet Dave Oberhart, Workforce Services Call Center Supervisor with the Office of Vital Records. Since joining IFB in 2025, Dave has brought his experience, sense of humor and love of Star Trek to the team. Get to know Dave a little better!

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in eastern Iowa, in a metro area called the Quad Cities.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I started with IFB in February of 2025. I was referred to IFB by people at the Cleveland Sight Center.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I lost on Jeopardy! in 2003, and if I told you all my hidden talents, they wouldn’t be hidden anymore, would they?

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I like to read a wide variety of books. I have been a martial artist, but haven’t practiced in the last few years, and I’m a big Star Trek nerd.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Nothing beats a good hamburger and fries!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I have the best team of co-workers ever!

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: “It’s much easier to be honest with others if you can be honest with yourself first.”

Thanks, Dave, for letting us get to know you a little better! We’re glad to have you as part of the IFB team.

Special thanks to Director of Professional Services, Shannon Satterfield, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

Tap In

A Winston-Salem facility employee and their guide dog at the 90th anniversary ice cream event.

Did you know that IFB is active on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn? Check out last week’s post, and give us a follow!

September 17: Independence, confidence and mobility, all thanks to a four-legged friend. We’re celebrating National Guide Dog Month — a time to honor the dedication of dogs and trainers and the impact of these partnerships.

Pictured: Employees celebrate 90 years of IFB with an ice cream social and throwback dress-up day.

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

Welcome to On the Spectrum

On the Spectrum is a monthly support group thoughtfully hosted by Winter Robinson. Each month, we explore a variety of topics, including special interests, sensory needs, autism history and autism representation in the media.

Join us every third Thursday of the month to learn, connect, promote understanding and help reduce the stigma surrounding autism.

Our gatherings provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Whether you are autistic, know someone with autism, or have an autistic family member, you are welcome to join us.

Come as you are, bring an open mind and a kind heart, and connect with others in a supportive environment. We look forward to seeing you! We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on October 15 at 12 p.m. in TADS room!

Community Corner

Solutions for Independence Consumer event

Submitted by Solutions for Independence

In recognition of Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month, Solutions for Independence will be hosting a FREE showing of the movie Back on Track at Reynolda Manor Library on Friday, September 25 from 12–1 p.m.

We’ll have popcorn, candy, and other refreshments available for everyone to enjoy during the movie. This event is a great opportunity for consumers to get out into the community, socialize with others, and join us in recognizing Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month while enjoying a movie centered around resilience and life after injury.

NFB Forsyth Chapter Fundraiser

Submitted by NFB President Angela Haynes

Want a chance to win $200 while supporting a great cause? The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Forsyth Chapter is hosting a fundraiser!

Tickets: $5 each
Grand Prize: $200

Fundraiser runs through: September 30
Drawing: Wednesday, September 30

Funds raised will support the NFB Forsyth Chapter’s efforts in education, awareness events and community engagement. Want a ticket? Contact any of the following to purchase your ticket: