In this issue

2 • Preventthefluearlywithaflushot

3

The TorchispublishedmonthlybytheStatePersonnelDepartment

andisavailableonlineatwww.in.gov/spd

Submityourstoryideasto:spdcommunications@spd.in.gov

Follow us on:

5

8 • CommuterConnect• NewSPDtrainings

• Fallsquashrecipies

Got a story?

October 2013

• Preventativecare• Mindfuleatinghabits

4 • CastlightGiveawaywinners!

Now is the time to prepare for open enrollmentOpenenrollmentisjustaroundthecorner.Ratherthanwaittothelastminutetodeterminewhatoptionstoselect,taketimenowtocarefullyreviewyourhealthcareneeds.Thatway,youarebetterpreparedtoselecttheplansthatbestmeetthehealthcareneedsofyouandyourfamily.

Hereareafewtipstogetstarted:

Review this year’s medical, vision and dental expenses.Howmuchdidyouspendonmedical,visionanddentalneeds?Theseareyourout-of-pocketexpenses.WouldanHealthSavingsAccount(HSA)makebettersense?AnHSAislikeasavingsaccountsetuptofundonlyeligiblemedical,visionanddentalexpenses.Notonlydoesthestatedeposit

moneyintotheaccount,butanemployeecanalsoelectaportionoftheirpaychecktobedepositedintoaHSA,beforetaxes.AnemployeemustopenupanHSAinordertoreceivethecontributionsthestatemakestoeachaccount.

Comparethetotalout-of-pocketcostsyouspentthispastyearinmedical,visionanddentalexpensesandthecostofyouroverallmedicalexpenses.Besuretoincludeyourpremiumcosts.Afteryoutotalthisnumber,aCDHPcombinedwithaHSA,maybesignificantlycheaperthanatraditionalPPOmedicalplan.Itcanpotentiallygiveyouothertaxadvantagessincecontributionsaremadebeforetax.

Examine how much you contribute to your Flexible Spending Account (FSA). IfyouhaveaFlexibleand/orDependentCareSavingsAccount,besuretoexamineyourout-of-pocketexpensescloselyastheseprogramsareause-it-or-lose-itprogram.Youmayneedtoincreaseordecreaseyourcontributionsaccordingly.Understandyourinsuranceneeds.Ifaqualifyingeventhasoccurredwithinthepastyear,yourinsuranceneedsmayhavechangedaswell.Aqualifyingeventcouldbeabirth,divorce,weddingoranadoption.RatherthansimplysigningupContinued on page 2

The Torch 2

Prepare for OEcontinued from page 1

forthesameamountyoudidtheyearbefore,determinewhetheryouroverallfinancialsituationhaschanged,andwhetherornotyouneedmoreorlessinsurance.Ifyouexperiencedsuchaneventanddidnotrequestachangetoyourbenefitswithin30days,theopenenrollmentperiodisthetimetodoso.Ifyouaremarried:compareyourcoverageagainstyourspouse’s.Ifyouandyourspousehavedifferentcompanybenefits,makesuretoweightheprosandconsofeachhealthinsuranceandoverallbenefitspackage.Sincepremiumscanchangesignificantlyinsmaller-andmedium-sizedcompaniesbaseduponlastyear’shealthclaimratings,onecompany’sinsuranceprogramscanbecheaperthananother.Thiscouldbeachangefromtheyearbefore.Comparethelistofdoctorsinyourplantoyourspouse’stoseeifoneplanoffersmorethantheother.Ifyourspouse’sopenenrollmentperiodandeffectivedatesdifferfromthestateplans,planahead.Yourspouse’sopenenrollmentisnotconsideredaqualifyingeventtochangeplansorlevelofcoveragelaterintheyear.Also,ifyou’respouse’splandoesnotoffervisionordental;youmayconsiderpickingoneortheotherfromthestate’splan.

Openenrollmentdoesnotneedtobeastressfultime.Planaheadandaskquestionsnowtohelpreducethestresslater.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsaboutyourbenefits,pleasecontacttheSPDBenefitsHotlineforanyquestionsorissuesyoumayhaveregardingyourcoverageat317-232-1167(withinIndianapolis)ortoll-freeat877-248-0007(outsideIndianapolis).

AccordingtotheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC),the“seasonalfluseason”intheUnitedStatescanbeginasearlyasOctoberandlastaslateasMay.Nowisthetimetogetarmedagainsttheannualbug.Sincepreventivecareservicesarecoveredat100percent,employeeswiththestate’shealthplanandtheireligibledependentsshouldgetvaccinated.

IndianaStatePolice,ExciseandConservationOfficersHealthCarePlanMembersareeligibletoutilizetheseclinics;however,youmustcompleteaseparateclaimformandbringitwithyoutotheclinic.StatePoliceHumanResources,DNRLawEnforcementandtheExcisePolicewillbesendingfurtherinformationseparatelyregardingflushotsthatwillhavetheclaimformsyouwillneed.

Thebestprotectionagainstthefluistogetaflushoteveryyearbeforethefluseasonstarts.Sinceinfluenzaviruseschangeovertime,itisimportanttogetashoteveryyear.Eachyearthevaccineisremadetoincludethetypesoffluvirusexpectedtocauseillnessduringthatfluseason.Thevaccinebeginstoprotectyouwithinafewdaysaftervaccination,butthevaccineisnotfullyeffectiveuntilabout14daysaftervaccination.

KrogerpharmacistsarehostingaflushotclinicontheIndianaGovernmentCenter(IGC)campus8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 16 and 17 inConferenceRMB,andintheStatehouseAtriumonOct.24.IfyoudonotcarryState

insurance,thecostis$20payablebycashorcheck.Please Note:ifyouplantobringachildundertheageof14,itisnecessarytohaveaprescriptionfromthedoctorforapharmacisttoadministerafluvaccine.

YouneedtobringyourAnthemIDcardwithyouandcompleteawaiverpriortoreceivingthevaccination:

• Inactivatedshotconsentform• Livenasalvaccineconsentform

KrogerPharmaciesarealsoadministeringvaccinesinitsretaillocations.Vaccinationsmayalsobeadministeredatyourdoctor’soffice,pharmacyornearbywalk-inclinic.Evenatanyoftheselocations,thestatecovers100percentofthecost,ifyoucarrystateinsurance.

Ifyouarewonderingifyoushouldgetavaccine,adetailedlistcanbefoundatWhoShouldGetVaccinatedAgainstInfluenza.Acompletelistofhealthandagefactorsthatareknowntoincreaseaperson’sriskofdevelopingseriouscomplicationsfromfluisavailableatPeopleWhoAreatHighRiskofDevelopingFlu-RelatedComplications.

Prevent the flu with a flu shot earlyHealth

To see a full list of flu shot clinics across the state, see page 11.

The Torch 3

Ways to cook squash, try these three delicious fall recipies

Thanks to the Indiana Dietetic Association for this submission.

Bean & Tomato Salad with Honey Vinaigrette

Newrecipesarealwaysfunandagreatwaytotrynewfoods.Fallproducehasabountyofvegetablesandfruitsavailableandthisisanexcellenttimetoexperimentwithlowcost,inseasonitemsyoucanpurchasestraightfromtheFarmersMarket.Wintersquashesarefantastic,withtheirslightlysweettastetheyaresuretobeahitwithyourfamily.Tryone(orALL)ofthesethreeflavorfulsquashrecipes.

Crockpot Curried Butternut Squash SoupRecipefrom:Thegirlwho.net• 2poundsbutternutsquash,rinsed,

peeled,seededandchoppedinto1-inchcubes

• 1yellowonion,chopped• 2firmcrispapples,peeled,seeded

andchopped• 5cupschickenstock/broth• 1tablespooncurrypowder• ¼teaspoongroundcloves• Pinchofcinnamon• Pinchofnutmeg• Saltandpeppertotaste• ¼cupchoppeddriedcranberries

Cutskinsofftwomediumbutternutsquash,cutseedsout,cutinto1inchcubesandputincrockpot.Diceonemedium-sizedyellowonionandaddtocrockpot.Peelapples,chopintosmallcubesandaddtocrockpotaswell.Pour5cupsofchickenbroth

overtopofvegetablesinpotandaddspices.Cookonlowforfivehours,oruntilvegetablesaresoft.Addcookedvegetablesandjuicesinsmallbatches,intoablendertopureeuntilsmooth.(Youmayalsouseanimmersionhandblenderdirectlyincrockpottopureevegetablesifyouhaveone).Garnishwithdriedcranberriesifdesired.Thissoupfreezeswell.

Spaghetti Squash-Tomato BakeRecipefrom:greenlitebites.com• 3cupscookedspaghettisquash(1

mediumone)• 2largegardentomatoessliced• Koshersalt• Garlicpowder,onionpowder,dried

basil,driedparsleyforsprinkling• 5ozoffancyshreddedMexican

cheeseblend(separated)• FreshBasilforGarnish(optional)

Tocookspaghettisquash:Cutsquashinhalflengthwise.Placehalfintodeepmicrowavabledish.Cookinmicrowaveapproximately8minutesoruntilsquashwillpullawayfromskinwhenscrapedwithafork.Itshouldeasilypullawaylike“spaghetti”noodles.Cookafewminuteslongerifstrandsarestillstiff.Removefrommicrowave,scoopoutseedsandscrapeoutspaghettisquashfromouterskin.Setasideandrepeaton2ndhalfofsquash.

Topreparefulldish:Preheattheovento350degrees.Spraya11x9casseroledishwithnon-stickspray.Spreadabout1cupofspaghettisquashonthebottom.Topwithalayerofslicedtomatoes.Sprinklewithkoshersaltandspices.Topwith1.5ozofcheese.Addanotherlayerofsquash,thentomatoes,spicesandcheese.Topwithafinallayerofsquash.Topwiththelast2ozofcheeseandsprinklewiththespicesonelasttime.Bakefor30minutesuncovered.Topwithsomefreshcutbasilandcutinto6servingsizesabout3×3incheseach.Stuffed Acorn SquashRecipefrom:justapinch.com• 2mediumacornsquash,halved

andseededwaterforsteaming• 1Tbspbutter,melted• 1/2lbsausagemeat(any)• 1/2mediumonion,chopped• 1/2cupcelery,chopped• 1cupsoftbreadcrumbsorpanko• 1can(s)(8ounce)crushed

pineappleinjuice,undrainedtotastesaltandpepper

STEAMTHESQUASHINOVEN:Placesquashhalvescutsidedowninshallowroastingpan.Addwatertoabout1/4-inchdepth.Bake400Foven25minutes--removefromovenandturncutsideupinpan.

STUFFING:Inskilletsauteonion,celeryandsausageuntillightlybrowned.DrainthefatAddcrumbs,pineapple,saltandpepper,thenspoonintosquashhalves.Bake400F25minutesoruntilsquashisfork-tender.

The Torch4

State employees benefit from Castlight in more ways than one OnJune3,theStatePersonnelDepartment(SPD)introducedahealthcaretransparencytoolforStateemployeesaimedtohelpmakemedicalcostsmoreaffordable.Castlight,availabletothoseenrolledintheState’smedicalbenefits,allowsemployeestosearchfordoctorsandproceduresintheirareabasedonpriceandquality.ItislikeaPricelineorExpedia.comforhealthcare.

Healthcaretransparencyisbecomingavitalwayforpeopletokeeptheircostsdownandimprovetheirmedicalcare.CastlightallowsStateemployeesandtheirdependentstoseewhataprocedurecostsorwhatadoctorchargesbeforegoingtoanappointment.Castlightalsoletspatientsrateandreviewtheirexperiences,sotheratingsseenforeachdoctorarefromrealpatientswithfirst-handexperience.

“CastlighthashelpedmebecauseIwashavinghorriblemigrainesandIcheckedthewebsitetoseewhereIcouldgothatwouldbecosteffectiveformeandstillreceivethebesttreatmentpossible,”saidKylieMabeofCorrectionalIndustrialFacility.“Itturnsoutthatmyfamilydoctorwasthemostcosteffectivewhichmademefeelevenbetteraboutseeingmydoctor,becausehealreadyhassomeideaofmymedicalhistoryratherthansomeonewhomI’veneverbeentobefore.”

InanefforttospreadthewordaboutCastlighttoStateemployees,achance

towinafreeiPadorFitBitwasofferedtothosewhoregisteredandconductedasearchontheirsitebyJune30.Overthepastseveralmonths,15iPadsand30FitBitshavebeengivenaway.

Mabe,whowonaFitBitActivityTracker,isgettingthemostoutofherprize.“Iuseiteverydayandit’sbecomealmostobsessive,becauseI’mconstantlycheckingmyFitBitApponmyiPhonetoseemyprogressfortheday,”shesaid.“It’smadememoreawareofwhatI’mdoingwithmytimethroughouttheday,howwellI’msleepingandwhatI’mputtingintomybody.”

Alongwithallowinguserstosearchforproceduresanddoctorsintheirareas,Castlightalsohelpstokeeptrackofpastmedicalproceduresandwhatyou’vespenttowardyourdeductible.

“IhavefoundCastlighttobeveryusefulandveryuserfriendly,”said

IsabelCarrerooftheDepartmentofChildServices.“Ireallylikethatitdoesthemathforme,soIdon’thavetocalculateout-of-pocketmaximums,limits,deductiblesandotherconfusingthings.”

Castlightalsohasanappthatcanbeusedonmobiledevicesandtabletstohelpmakehealthcaretransparencyavailableatyourfingertips.Employeescanutilizetheapptomakedecisionsinthedoctor’sofficeinregardstobloodwork,x-rays,andotherproceduresinrealtime.

“NoweveryoneattheofficeknowsmeastheiPadgirl,”saidCarrero.“RightafterIwon,alotofmycoworkersstartedaskingmeaboutCastlightandwhatitwas.Theywerereallyexcitedtolearnabouthowhelpfulitcanbetokeephealthcareexpensesdown.”

“MyLocalCountyDirector,DivisionManagerandSupervisordidanawesomejobsurprisingme,”Carrerosaid.“Theycalledahugemeetingunderthepretenseofstaffingadifficultcaseandsurprisedmeinfrontofalotofmycoworkers.Iturnedbrightred!”

Stateemployeeswhohavebeenenrolledinmedicalbenefitsformorethan30dayscanregisterandbeginusingCastlight.FormoreinformationonCastlightandhowtosignup,pleasevisitwww.investinyourhealthindiana.com/castlight/

Denny Darrow, SPD Chief of Staff, presents Kylie Mabe (center) with a FitBit for the Castlight Registration contest. Left to right: Denny Darrow, Kylie, Department of Correction Commissioner Bruce Lemmon, and Correctional Industrial Facility Superintendent Wendy Knight.

The Torch 5

Preventive care is 100 percent coveredYoumayhaveheardthatpreventiveservicesarecoveredat100percentforeachofourhealthplans.Whatdoesthismean?

Doesthismeanthatifyougotothedoctorforyourannualphysicalanddiscussheadachesyouonlyrecentlystartedexperiencing,thatbillwouldbecovered100percent?Howaboutifyougoforamammogramandalumpisdiscovered?Ifyouseeamedicalproviderwhoisnotinyournetwork,isthatcovered?

Let’sstartbydefiningpreventivecareand/orpreventiveservices.Thisiscareoraserviceprovidedbyaphysiciantopromotehealthandpreventfuturehealthproblemsforsomeonewhodoesnotexhibitanysymptoms.

Allthreehealthcareplansoffer100percentcoverageonpreventiveservices.Thoseservicesincludeitemslikeannualphysicals,wellbabyvisits,mammograms,prostateexams,colonoscopies,routinevaccinesandannualpapsmears.

Thecoverageis100percentaslongasthehealthcareproviderisinyournetwork.Iftheproviderisout-of-network,youmaybeexpectedtopay40percentofthecostifyouareenrolledinaCDHP.IfyouareinaTraditionalPPO,thatcostbumpsupto50percent.

Youareexpectedtosharethecostoftheofficevisitifitisbilledseparatelyorifthemainpurposeoftheofficevisitisnotforpreventiveservices.

Forexample,whilehavingyourannualphysical,youtellyourdoctoryouhavebeenhavingheadaches.Nowthevisitbecomesnotjustpreventive,butdiagnosticaswell.Thephysicaliscovered100percent,asitispreventive,butthediagnosisfortheheadachesisnotapreventiveservice.

Toavoidbeingchargedtheentirecost(forthephysicalandanydiagnosis),makesureyouhaveyourinsurancecardwithyouandthatyoupointoutpreventiveservicesarecovered100percent.

Preventiveservicesarelimitedtooneofeachserviceperyearpercoveredmember.Preventiveservicesforallplansdonotcounttowardthedeductible.

Ifyouhavequestionsaboutwhatispreventiveandwhatiscovered,remembertheslogan“know before you go.”CheckwithAnthem,eitherbycallingthecustomerservicenumberonthebackofyourinsurancecard,orlogontotheirwebsitefordeterminingcoverage.

Somestudiesshowthatmindfuleatingcanlowerbodyweights,agreatersenseofwell-being,andfewersymptomsofeatingdisordersHerearesometipstointroducemindfulnesstomealtimes:Eat slower:Eatingslowlydoesn’thavetomeantakingittoextremes.Still,it’sagoodideatoremindyourself,andyourfamily,thateatingisnotarace.Takingthetimetosavorandenjoyyourfoodisoneofthehealthiestthingsyoucando.Youaremorelikelytonoticewhenyouarefull,you’llchewyourfoodmoreandhencedigestitmoreeasily,andyou’llprobablyfindyourselfnoticingflavorsyoumightotherwisehavemissed.Ifyouhaveyoungchildren,whynottrymakingagameofit—whocanchewtheirfoodthelongest?Oryoucouldintroduceeatingwithchopsticksasafunwaytoslowthingsdown.Silence the distractions:Ourdailylivesarefullofdistractions,andit’snotuncommonforfamiliestoeatwiththeTVblaringorsmartphonesrunning.Considermakingfamilymealtimeanelectronics-freezone.Pay attention to flavor:Thetanginessofalemon,thespicynessofarugula,thecrunchofapizzacrust—payingattentiontothedetailsofourfoodcanbeagreatwaytostarteatingmindfully.Afterall,whenyoueatonthegoorwolfdownyourmealsinfiveminutes,itcanbehardtonoticewhatyouareeveneating.Ifyouaretryingtointroducemindfuleatingtoyourfamily,considertalkingmoreabouttheflavorsandtexturesoffood.Askyourkidswhattheavocadotasteslike,orhowthehummusfeels.

Mindful eating tips

The Torch 6

How the Hoosier Youth ChalleNGe Academy educated me for a dayIndiana Youth

WhenyoufirstarrivetothegroundoftheHoosierYouthChalleNGeAcademy(HYCA),youstandinfrontofagothicstructurewhereyoufindaquasimilitarylearningenvironmentthatisgivingIndianayouthanopportunitytochangetheirlivesandthoseofeveryonetheymeet.

AccordingtotheHYCA,23studentsdropoutofhighschooleveryschooldayinIndiana.Dropoutsearn$10,000lessannuallythanhighschoolgraduates.Roughly,68percentoffederalinmatesaredropoutsandroughly80percentofIndiana’sinmatesaredropouts.

ThethreeR’sinthelifeofaHoosierYouthChallengeAcademycadetare:relationships,respectandresponsibility.UnderthesupervisionoftheAdjunctGeneralMartinUmbarger,theHoosierYouthChallengeAcademyisafederallyandstatefunded“AtRisk”quasi-military,youthacademy.Participantsmustbe16-18yearsold,volunteertoparticipateintheprogram,beahighschooldropout/expellee,unemployed,drugfreeandhavenofelonyconvictionsorpendingcourtcases.TheacademyisofferedtoIndianaresidentstuitionfree,withnocoststoparentsorparticipants.

Theacademyisa17-and-a-halfmonth,twophasequasi-militarymodeledtrainingcourse.Theresidentialphaseconsistsoffive-and-a-halfmonthsofadisciplinedscheduleincludingphysicaltraining,educationandcommunityservice.Upongraduation,aoneyear,postresidentialphaseissettokeepgraduatesontrack.

Theprogramboostsahighgraduationrateaswellasscholarshipsawardedforhighereducation.

Todate,ofthe878studentsgraduatedfromHYCA,45percentearnedtheirGEDdiploma,and27percentearnedthreeormorecollegecredits.Studentshaveprovidedmorethan44,000hoursofcommunityserviceandreceivedmorethan$371,000inscholarships.

Duringarecentvisit,IhadthepleasureofmeetingtheleadersofClass13:YorellSmith,AaronRaymer,GeordanHinesandAnthonyEnochs.Eachcadetheardbywordofmouthabouttheprogramfromagraduateandfeltthisprogramwouldbethebestforhim.Eachdisplayedexemplaryleadershipandmannersandcharm.Ivisitedthemduringtheirseventhweekintheprogram,butalreadymosttalkedabouthowquicklytheirminds,bodiesandbehaviorshavechanged.Frombookstarstotalkingprivilegesduringmeals,everythingisearnedforthecadet.Theprideandaccomplishmentscanbeseenonthecadets’facesandinhowtheytalkabouttheprogram.

InformingIndianaparentsandresidentsabouttheprogramtofilltheemptybedsisthebiggestchallengefortheprogram.Ifyouwishtoapplyfortheprogram,pleasevisitwww.ngycp.org/site/state/in/node/2263tofindalocalrecruiterandtocompleteapre-application.Youmayalsocall866-477-0156orvisitthemonFacebook,TwitterorYouTube.

Melissa Helsby, State PersonnelDepartment Communications.

The HYCA Class 13 visits the Indiana State Musuem. Visit www.ngycp.org for more information and pictures.

Artwork by Jerry Williams

The Torch7

Vote INDOT project for top award

StateemployeesareencouragedtocastanonlinevotefortheIndianaDepartmentofTransportation’s(INDOT’s)I-465/AllisonvilleRoadInterchangeReconstructionprojectasoneofthenation’stop2013transportationprojectsinacontestsponsoredbytheAmericanAssociationofStateHighwayandTransportationOfficials(AASHTO).

ThePeople’sChoiceAwardaredeterminedbythenumberofvotesreceivedthroughonlinevoting–availablehere.VotesarecollectedthroughOct.2.

TheGrandPrizewillbedeterminedbyapanelofjudges.Winnersofbothawardsreceivea$10,000prizetodonatetoacharityorscholarshipoftheirchoice.

INDOTplanstodonatethefundstotheIndianaStateTransportationWorkersFoundation,acharitythatsupportsthefamiliesofINDOTworkerswhoarekilledordisabledonthejob.

InordertovoteforthePeople’sChoiceAwards,avalidemailaddressmustbeprovided.Individualsmayvoteupto10timesperdayperindividualemailaddress.ContestdetailsandafullTop10listmaybefoundatwww.AmericasTransportationAwards.org.

ThewinnersofbothprizesareannouncedattheAASHTOAnnualMeetinginDenveronOct.20.

Enjoy the Indiana Fall festival seasonTourism

Indiana’sfallfestivalseasonisuponusandthisisagreattimeofyeartogetoutandexploreIndiana.FallisaspecialtimeofyearinIndianadue,inlargepart,tothelegacyoffallfestivalsthroughoutourstate.Indiana’sfestivalsareaffordable,family-friendlyeventsthatshowcasefood,localartists,historyandreflectthediversecultureofourstate.Throughouttheentireyear,thereareover400festivalsinIndiana.HereareacoupleofideasforfestivalswithinanhourortwoofIndianapolisthatyouandyourfamilycouldvisitthisfall.

There’sgreatfamilyentertainmentforALLagesattheAmazingFallFuncornmaze!Enjoyhoursoffunconqueringthe12-acreAdventureMaize,hoppingonahayride,roamingthepumpkinpatch,orplayingachallenginggameofoneofthemanyexhilaratingactivitiesonsite!NewthisyearisTheHalloweenTrailMaze.Itisfive-acresofcornmazepackedfullofspecialeffectsandtheonlyonethatexistsinIndiana!ItrunsthroughOctober27.Schoolandchurchfieldtripsareavailablebyappointment.Visitthewebsitefortimesandotherinformation:www.amazingfallfun.comorcall(260)333-2302.LocatedatAmazingAcresFarms,3150CountyRoad43,Waterloo,IN.

ThelargestWarof1812livinghistorymuseumintheUnitedStatesistheMississinewa1812reenactment.Thisyear,theeventisOctober11-13andincludesmilitaryencampmentrecreations,periodstylefielddrills,artilleryfiringandbattlefieldsurgeryreenactments.MississinewaisalsohometothelargestreconstructionofaWoodlandIndianavillagetoshowcaseNativeAmericanlifestyleduringthistime.

ThesearejustafewofthedozensoffallfestivalsinIndiana.Formoreinformationandtravelideas,gotoVisitIndiana.com.

On Septemeber 10, day four of his first international trade mission to Japan, Governor Pence meets with leadership of Mitsui Mining & Smelting Company, which is the parent company of GECOM in Greensburg, Indiana.To see more pictures of Governor Pence, visit www.in.gov/gov/2387.htm

The Torch 8

SPD launches new trainings for customer service and supervisors/managers

Training

October is Commuter Challenge Month

Save money

TheStatePersonnelDepartment(SPD)islaunchingseveralnewcatalogsofonlinetrainingtohelpouremployeesdevelopandenhancetheirskills.

Thefirstcatalogoftrainingisavailableonlytomanagersandsupervisors.TheBLRManagerandSupervisorTrainingcatalogistoensuretheyreceivesupervisorytraininginatimely,cost-effectiveandefficientmanner.Thecataloghas32coursesandincludingtwocurriculumprograms.CAUTION:Thesecourseswerenotdevelopedspecificallyforstategovernmentsowhilethematerialsillustratesomegeneralemploymentconcepts,theydonotsupersedeanylaws,rules,orpolicies/proceduresdirectlyapplicabletoStateofIndianaemployees,supervisors,andworkplaces.ForState-specifictraining,clickhereforSPD’strainingcatalog.

• The Core Supervisor Training Programisa12coursecurriculumavailabletoenhancetheskillsetmanagersandsupervisorsneedtoworkeffectivelyandefficientlywithinouragencies.Topicsinclude:managingconflict,discipline,discrimination,documentation,firingandhiring,performanceevaluations,privacy,sexualharassmentandviolence.Afteryouhavecompletedthiscourseyoucanprintacertificateofcompletionforyourrecord.Aspecificquickstepguideonhowtoenrollintothisprogramcanbefoundhere.

• Enhanced Supervisor Program Theother20coursesareavailablealacarteorbyregisteringintheEnhancedSupervisorTrainingProgram.Topicsinclude:dealingwithchange,conflictresolution,effectivecommunicationforsupervisors,motivatingemployees,

problemsolving,andtimemanagementforsupervisors.Afteryouhavecompletedthiscourseyoucanprintacertificateofcompletionforyourrecord.Aspecificquickstepguideonhowtoenrollintothisprogramcanbefoundhere.

Toensurethestateisprovidingthehighestlevelofservicetoallcustomers,aspecialcollectionoftrainingsareavailabletohelpanyemployeewhowishestoadvancetheirskills.• LookfortheBLRCustomer

ServiceLibrarytohelpyouexpandonyourabilitiestomeetandexceedcustomerexpectations.Someofthesetopicsinclude:businesswriting,connectingwithcustomers,bestemailpractices,teambuilding,timeandstressmanagementandmaintainingapositiveattitude.Aspecificquickstepguideonhowtoenrollintothesecoursescanbefoundhere.

• LookfortheBLRHealthandSafetyLibrarytohelpyoulearnwhysafetyissuchanimportantworkplaceissueandhowyoucantakeanactiveroleinpromotingworkplacesafetyandhealth.Someofthesetopicsinclude:avoidingbackinjuries,basicfirstaid,officeergonomics,slips,trips,andfalls,andworkplacesafetyforemployees.Aspecificquickstepguideonhowtoenrollintothesecoursescanbefoundhere.

Enrollmentislimitedforeachtypeoftraining,soenrolltodaybyloggingintoPeopleSoftELM.Instructionsonhowtoregisterarepostedaboveoronlineatin.gov/spd/2391.htm.Questionscanbedirectedtospdtraining@spd.in.govandadditionaltraininginformationforstateemployeescanbelocatedatwww.in.gov/spd/2331.htm

CommuterConnectisafreeservicetoanystateemployeewholivesorworksinBoone,Hamilton,Hancock,Hendricks,Johnson,Madison,Marion,MorganandShelbyCounties.

Alternativewaystogettoworkinclude:carpool,ridethebus,joinorstartavanpool,rideyourbikeorwalk.Allofthesesaveyoumoneyandarehealthierwaystogettowork.

AllStateEmployeeswholiveorworkinoneoftheabovecountiesareeligibleforaFreeEmergencyRidehomebenefitforthosewhoridetoworkwithaminimumofoneotherperson(includingspousesandrelatives),peoplewhoridetheirbike,takethebus,walkorrideinavanpoolonaverageofthreedaysaweek.JustsignupwithCommuterConnecttoreceivethisbenefit.

So,howdoyougetstarted?Ifyoualreadyusealternativetransportationtowork,makesureyoulogitwithCommuterConnectonline.Wouldyouliketocarpool,vanpoolorrideyourbike,ifyoujustknewsomeoneelsewholivednearyou?WellCommuterConnecthelpsmatchyouupwithothersyoucancommutewithfreeofcharge.

OctoberisCommuterChallengeMonthsomakesureyoulogyouralternativecommuteonourwebsiteduringthemonth.Thereareweeklyprizesincludingthechancetowintwograndprizedrawingsfora$500cashgiftcardandiPad.Themoreyoulogyourcommute,themorechancesyouhavetowin.Visitthewebsiteformoredetails.

Formoreinformationgotowww.commuterconnect.usorcall317-327-RIDE(7433).

The Torch9

Guides help Hoosiers find local dairy, meat and poultry products

BOAH

Areyoulookingforsourcesoflocalfoodsbeyondtheweeklyfarmersmarket?Ifso,twonewguidesarenowavailabletohelplocatemeat,poultryanddairyproductsprocessedhereintheHoosierState.

TheIndianaStateBoardofAnimalHealth(BOAH)haspublishedthe2013versionsoftheIndianaMeat&PoultryBuyer’sGuideandtheIndianaDairyProductBuyer’sGuide.Eachguidelistscontactinformation,locationandthetypesofproductseachsellerproduces,includingmanyspecialtyornicheproductsthatmaynotbeavailableelsewhere,likejerkyandbratsorgoat’smilkcheese.

Theguides,initiallydistributedbyBOAH,servetohighlightthewidearrayoflocalfoodsavailableacrossthestate.Andsomeconsumersarealittlesurprisedatwhattheylearn.

“Localfoodsdonothavetocomefromafarmer’smarket,”saidDougMetcalf,DairyDivisionDirectorforBOAH.“ManyHoosiersdonotrealizehowmanynationalbrandsofdairyproductsareraisedandbottledrighthereinIndiana.OnegreatexampleisthefluidmilkandicecreamyoubuyinyourlocalKrogerstore—itcomesfromIndianafarmsandispackagedinIndianapolis.”

Otherwidelyknownbrands,likeReddi-Whip,Dean’s,andPrairieFarms,arealsomadehereathome.“Mostpeopledon’tknowthatIndianaisactuallythesecond-leadingproduceroficecreaminthenation,”Metcalfexplained.“TheEdy’sicecreamplanthereisoneofthelargestintheworld.”

ThequalityofIndianaproductsrunsdeep,withsmallerIndiana-baseddairies,likeDeutchKaseHausandCaprioleDairy,enjoyingregionaland

nationalrecognitionfortheirproducts.

Meanwhile,foodsafetyisatoppriorityfortheinspectorsattheBoardofAnimalHealth.

“Ourinspectorsareworking,everyday,acrossthestate,toensureIndiana’smeatanddairyproductsarewholesomeandsafetoeat,”saidIndianaStateVeterinarianBretD.Marsh,DVM,wholeadstheagency.“Theseguidesareawaytointroduceconsumerstothegreatfoodproductsbeingproducedinthefacilitiesweinspect.”

AsthestateagencyresponsibleforIndiana’sdairyprogram,BOAHstaffmembersinspectall1200-plusdairyfarms,aswellasprocessingfacilitiesthatbottlemilkandmanufacturecheese,icecreamandotherdairyproducts.BOAHalsoinspectsmeatandpoultryprocessingplantsaspartofthestateinspectionprogram.State-inspectedfacilitiesmustmeetallofthesafetyandsanitationrequirementsasthoseinspectedbythefederalgovernment.Becausethefederalinspectionsystemisscaledtohandlelargerprocessingoperations,BOAHfillsagapbyprovidinginspectionfor126smallHoosierbusinessesthatoffereconomicopportunitiesinruralregionsofthestate.

Inturn,Hoosierscanenjoyawiderangeofspecialtyproductsthatarenotwidelyavailable,likeduck,bratsandbuffalojerky.Theseprocessorsalsoprovidecustom-cutmeats,fromtheindividualcuttothesideofbeeforporktofillafamilyfreezer.

BOAHisattheStatehouseMarketonOct.3withcopiesoftheguides.Or,theycanbedownloadedfromtheBOAHwebsite.

Governor appoints new leadership

Governor appointments

OnSept.6,GovernorMikePencenamedSeanKeeferashisLegislativeDirector,SarahTaylorastheExecutiveDirectorofHoosierLottery,andTristanVanceasDirectoroftheOfficeofEnergyDevelopment.

SeanKeefernowservesasLegislativeDirectorintheOfficeoftheGovernor.HejoinstheGovernor’slegislativeteamthatincludesformerStateRepresentativeJeffEspich,whoservesasSeniorLegislativeAdvisor.Withextensivepublicserviceexperience,KeefercurrentlyservesasCommissioneroftheIndianaDepartmentofLabor.UndertheDanielsadministration,heservedasDeputyCommissionerofLabor,aswellasLegislativeDirectorandPublicInformationOfficer.Previously,KeeferservedasChiefofStaffintheIndianaStateDepartmentofHealth(ISDH)andDeputySecretaryofStateandChiefofStaffintheIndianaSecretaryofState’sOffice.Priortojoiningstategovernment,KeeferworkedastheDirectorofGlobalHealth&SciencePolicyfortheAmericanCollegeofSportsMedicineandinthepublicaffairsdivisionofBosePublicAffairs.Keefer,ofFishers,earnedhisundergraduatedegreefromHillsdaleCollegeandhisgraduatedegreefromIndianaUniversity.

SarahTaylorwillserveasExecutiveDirectoroftheHoosierLotterybeginningtoday.TayloristhecurrentDirectorofConstituentServicesforthe48thMayorofIndianapolis,GregoryA.Ballard.TwiceelectedastheMarionCountyClerk,wheresheservedforeightyears,sheactedasthechieffinancialofficerforcourtreceiptsincludingchildsupportmoniesandaschiefelectionofficialforIndianapolis/MarionCounty.AnIndiananative,Taylor,ofIndianapolis,earnedherundergraduatedegreefromIndianaUniversity.

The Torch 10

INDOT - Fort Wayne DistrictTheFirstAnnualGolfOutingisscheduledMonday,October14atMagicHillsGolfCourse,whichislocatedoffofSR9,northofColumbiaCity.Thisisabest-balltournamentwithashotgunstart.Greenfeeis$25,whichincludescart,18holesofgolf,alightmealanda$5donationtoSECC.Prizeswillbeawardedforwinningteam,longestdriveandclosesttothepin.Bringyour4-memberteams,andenjoyourColumbusHolidayplayinggolfwithyourcoworkers,whileweraisemoneyforaworthycause!FormoreinformationandtoRSVP,contactDennisWarnickatdwarnick@indot.in.govorcall260-341-5919nolaterthanOctober7.

INDOT - LaPorte DistrictEveryMonday,abakesaleisheldinthedstrictofficelobbystartingat8a.m.OnOctober9,anacholunchstartsat11a.m.(centraltime)intheDistrictOfficelargeconferenceroom.

Online accounts to help with planning

Open Enrollment help

Tohelpyouprepareforopenenrollment,bothAnthemandExpressScriptshavewaystotrackofyourhealthcareexpenses.BothExpressScripts(formerlyMedco)andAnthemwebsitesmakeiteasyforyou.

Asourpharmacybenefitprovider,ExpressScript’swebsiteissetupsothatyoucanviewallyourprescriptioninformationinoneplace.Fromhere,youcantallyupallyourprescriptioncostseitherthroughapharmacyorthroughExpressScripts.

Logontoexpress-scripts.com®:• Activateyouraccountforsecureaccesstotoolsthathelpyoumanageyourprescriptionplan

• Trackyourprescriptionspending• Comparethecostofamedicationfora30vs.90-daysupply

• Comparethepriceofgenericvs.brandmedication

• Viewpotentiallower-costalternativestoyourmedicationswithMyRxChoices®

• Printyourprescriptionclaimssummary

• Orderprescriptionsonline• Getthelatestdrug,healthandwellnessinformation

Anthemprovidesasimilarserviceformedicalandvisionspending.Logontoanthem.com:•Viewmedicaleligibilityandbenefits•Trackthebenefitsanddeductionsyouand/oryourdependentshaveusedto-date

•Checkthestatusofhealthclaims•ComparethecostandqualityofaprocedureorservicesthroughAnthem’sCareComparison

•Viewvisioneligibilityandbenefits•Trackyourvisionclaims

GetyourAnthemIDcardhandyandclickheretoactivateanaccount.

SECC Special EventsOnSeptember4theStateEmployees’CommunityCampaign(SECC)officallybeganwiththetheme“Indiana:AStatethatGives”givenbychairman Lt. Governor Sue EllspermannStateagenciesarealreadyhostingspecialeventstoraisemoneytoreachourgoalof$1.3M.Belowisoneofthoseeventsandothertocome:

The Indiana Veteran’s Home held a bake sale to raise money for Honor Flight — an organization that helps transport veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifice. Holly Frey and Kim Mosson (pictured) lead the sale and raised more than $400, which is enough money to sponsor a guardian on an upcoming Honor Flight.

The Torch11

Date(s) Time(s) Name of Agency Location/City

Oct.1&2 11am-7pm PlainfieldCorrectionalFacility/RDC

737MoonRoad,Plainfield,IN46168

Oct.1&2 2pm-7pm RockvilleCorrectional 811W50N,Rockville,IN47872

Oct.15&16 2pm-7pm WabashValleyCorrectional 6908S.OldHwy41,Carlisle,IN47838

Oct.16&17 8am-4pm IGC-South,ConferenceRMB IndianapolisOct.17 9am-11am TippecanoeCounty(DCS) 250MainStreet,Suite301,Lafayette,IN47901Oct.18 2pm-7pm PendletonJuvenileCorrectional 9310SouthStateRoad67,Pendleton,IN46064

Oct.21 11am-1pmCST

LakeCounty(DCS) 661Broadway,Gary,IN46402

Oct.22 9am-11am DelawareCounty(DCS) 3600W.KilgoreAve.,Suite600,Muncie,IN47304

Oct.22 10am-1pmCST

INDOTLaPorte 315EBoydBlvd.,LaPorte,IN46350

Oct.22&23 2pm-7pm CorrectionalIndustrialFacility 5124WestReformatoryRd.,Pendleton,IN46064

Oct.23 11am-2pm MarionCounty(DCS) 4150N.KeystoneAve,Indianapolis,IN46205Oct.23 8am-10am INDOTFowler 600S.Grant,Fowler,IN47944Oct.24 8am-4pm Statehouse Indianapolis

Oct.24&25 2pm-7pm PendletonCorrectionalFacility 4490WestReformatoryRd.,Pendleton,IN46064

Oct.29 8am-11am INDOTCrawfordsville 41W.300N.,Crawfordsville,IN47933Oct.31 8am-10am INDOTFrankfort 1675WStateRd28,Frankfort,IN46041Nov.5&6 3pm-7pm PutnamvilleCorrecitonalFacility 1946WestUSHwy40,Greencastle,IN46135Nov.6 8am-10am INDOTCloverdale 10HighSt.,Cloverdale,IN46120Nov.7 8am-10am INDOTTerreHaute 5693E.SonyDrive,TerreHaute,IN47801Nov.13 10am-2pm DepartmentofRevenue 7811MilhouseRd.,Indianapolis,IN46241StePNov.13 9am-11am INDOTSeymour 185AgricoLane,Seymour,IN47274

Flu shot clinics around the state: