Focus on Fort Morgan November Employee Newsletter by FoMoCommunity

fOCUS on FORT MORGAN

Nov. 2021

THE CITY OF FORT MORGAN EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

Wellness......pg. 4 Department Profile......pg. 6 Welcome New Employees......pg. 9

Message from the Manager......pg. 3

Birthdays and Work Anniversaries...... pg. 10 Monthly Dates of Celebration......pg. 11 Upcoming Events......pg. 12 Library Movie Night......pg. 13

IN THIS

EDITION: 2

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

Twamore Turkey Trot......pg. 14 Fall Writing Challenge......pg. 15 Save the Date......pg. 16

Welcome! MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER The mission of our HR Department is to foster a positive, devoted, and collaborative workforce dedicated to providing exceptional service to citizens and employees with the City of Fort Morgan. To accomplish this, they are responsible for attracting, retaining and developing our employees, maintaining good relations, training, and policy development. I’m sure we can all agree that our hardworking Human Resources staff do an amazing job, especially considering we have a workforce of over 200 employees! The next time you have a benefits question, take part in a lunch ‘n learn or a wellness program activity, please take a moment to thank our HR team for all they do to support us. I encourage you to look at the ‘Department Profile’ section of this newsletter to read more in-depth about each employee and their contributions to the Human Resources & Risk Management Department, and also to learn a bit more about them as individuals in the ‘hobbies’ segment. You may (or may not!) be tired of hearing it, but I would once again like to acknowledge you, your efforts, and your work as an employee that make the City of Fort Morgan a great place to live. Together, we make a real difference in the daily lives of the citizens and businesses that call this corner of Colorado home. If you’re like me, you’re already missing the long, warm days of summer. Thankfully, we have some fun events to look forward to this winter season. Thanksgiving is nearly here and it is my hope you enjoy the blessings and comforts of family and friends during this special time. As a reminder, our annual Christmas party is coming up on December 3. A 'save the date' has been sent via email. Be on the lookout for a digital invitation, coming soon! This is a chance for us to celebrate each other and the successes we’ve achieved throughout the year. Once again, I hope you will be able to attend. Last but not least, the City is partnering with several local organizations to celebrate the annual ‘Christmas Capital of the Plains’ for the entire month of December. Events include everything from a parade, to free movies, to a chili cook-off. Grab your hat and scarf and join the fun! May you be happy and healthy this holiday season, and may you relish that extra hour of sleep as we ‘fall back’ on November 7. Thank you for all you do, and I hope you enjoy this month’s edition of the newsletter.

Steve Glammeyer Welcome once again to a new edition of the “Message from the Manager” and City Employee Newsletter. I hope you enjoyed last month’s edition and learned a lot about the Light & Power Department and Utility Billing Department.

This month, following our Open Enrollment, we are excited to showcase the Human Resources & Risk Management Department. This small and mighty team works year round to manage our incredible employee compensation and benefits program, plus so much more!

Steve FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

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NOVEMBER WELLNESS

NATIONAL DIABETES MONTH November has been designated for diabetes awareness since 1975. National Diabetes Month occurs every November, and World Diabetes Day is observed 11/14.

OBSERVED HOLIDAYS 11/11 Veteran's Day

11/25 Thanksgiving

11/26 Day After Thanksgiving

More than 460 million people live with diabetes worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the Diabetes Awareness Day on November 14 reaches over one billion people in more than 160 countries. This date was chosen to honor Sir Frederick Banting and Charles Best, who codiscovered insulin in 1922.

Day After

There are several forms of diabetes,

Thanksgiving Approved by City Council

including Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational Diabetes. Thankfully, with medical advances many diabetic people are living whole and fulfilling lives.

There are many risk factors for prediabetes

Friendly reminder that all

that can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart

wellness for this year must be

disease. It is important to educate yourself

submitted to

and reduce your risk by making healthy

wellness@cityoffortmorgan.com by November 30. All wellness hours must be used by December 31.

food choices and incorporate daily physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. JOIN US FOR THE FIRST ANNUAL TWAMORE TURKEY TROT AND GRAND OPENING OF TWAMORE TRAILS! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH &

NOVEMBER WELLNESS

SAGE SOUP Ingredients: FOR THE SQUASH 4 cups cubed peeled butternut squash 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons minced fresh sage 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Nutrition Facts:

FOR THE SOUP -

1-1/2 cups: 255 calories, 13g fat (5g

1 tablespoon olive oil

saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol,

2 tablespoons butter, divided

659mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 3g protein.

1 medium onion, chopped

Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 starch.

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/8 teaspoon pepper 4 cups water 1 medium sweet potato, chopped 1 medium carrot, chopped

Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place squash in a foil-lined 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with sage, salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Roast 30-35 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. 2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir 3-4 minutes or until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook 30-40 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. Stir in salt, pepper flakes and pepper. 3. Add water, sweet potato and carrot to saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, 10-15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add squash mixture and remaining butter to soup. Puree soup using an immersion blender. Or cool soup slightly and puree in batches in a blender; return to pan and heat through.

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

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DEPARTMENT PROFILE

HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT

our WORK The Human Resources/Risk Management Department handles a multitude of tasks. • Hiring/recruitment for all fulltime, part time & seasonal employees • Benefits – Annual open enrollment, or if you have insurance/billing questions • Life changing events, upcoming surgeries, STD or FMLA, we are here to guide and make the process a little easier • Payroll • Injured on the job, we handle those claims and work closely with employees. • Property damage claims we handle those too! • Workplace Safety • Annual Performance Evaluations

Thank

our

you

Human

• Employee Recognition and Employee Events • Manages the Wellness Program

Resources

• DOT Compliance

our INSPIRATION Each day we are given the chance to create relationships, learn new things and help solve problems that can impact

Risk

Management

Department

all

you

for

others. HR is constantly growing, changing and always challenging! 6

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

support

our

employees!

DEPARTMENT PROFILE

HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT

JENNIFER CUCKOW, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT Jennifer started with the City in February of 2017 in the HR Department as an HR Generalist. She handled all seasonal recruitment, managed employee files and assisted in performance evaluations for the first few months but that quickly changed into many other responsibilities. Earlier this year Jennifer was promoted into the role of Director of HR/Risk Management. Hobbies: Being outdoors, working in the yard, camping, going to the lake, and spending time with family and friends.

JETON EDGE, HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST Jeton started with the City in May 2017 as a temporary “floating” Admin Assistant in various departments. In January 2018, Jeton became a full time employee continuing to “float” in HR, the City Attorney’s Office and Municipal Court. She joined HR in January 2020, where she maintains employees’ files, assists with recruitment and new hire paperwork, processes workers comp and property damage/liability claims, and handles many other aspects of HR. Hobbies: Jeton enjoys gardening and actually likes pulling weeds. In the winter she enjoys watching Christmas movies and cuddling with her dog, Chuy.

KATHERINE DAHLINGER, HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST/PAYROLL Katherine began working for the City in December of 2020 as a payroll technician. She recently moved into the Human Resources Department to help with some of the duties they handle. She looks forward to learning new things and helping out in any way she can. Hobbies: Shopping, playing any sports, and spending time with her kids. FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

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HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT

If you work 40 hours a week up until 65 years, you will work just over 90,000 hours in FUN FACTS! We hired over 50 seasonal employees this year!

The first employee time clock was patented in 1891 by William Legrand Bundy. 8

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

your lifetime.

LORI LORENZINI I began my employment with the City of Fort Morgan on October 4, 2021, as a Building Permit Technician in the Planning and Zoning Department. My responsibilities include receiving and processing building permit applications, building plans and contractor licensing applications, and scheduling inspections. I enjoy camping and trail riding in our ATV, gardening, running and spending time with my family (especially my grandchildren)!

MEET OUR NEW EMPLOYEES

WELCOME TO THE CITY! Library/Museum,

Building Department,

Library Circulation

Building Permit

Assistant

Technician

Nicole started working at the Fort Morgan Public Library on Oct 4th. She is the full-time

NICOLE SORRENTINO

library circulation assistant. Nicole's duties include issuing

Nicole has lived in Fort Morgan for almost 3 years.

library cards, checking out books

She is married with 2 beautiful dogs. She enjoys

to library patrons, scheduling

yoga, sewing, crochet, and cross stitch. She loves

circulation staff, and helping to

baseball, especially the Colorado Rockies, and

cultivate fun and engaging

traveling across the US in her vintage travel trailer.

displays and collections.

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

IN RECOGNITION BIRTHDAYS & WORK ANNIVERSARIES! 11/2

Harrison

11/18

Auden

11/20

Tony

11/21

Adam

11/22

Bob

Rey

Hochanadel

Blake

Bob

Evins

Griffith

Godin Bill

Lorenzini

11/25 11/6

Bob

Covey

11/7

11/11

Dustin

11/12

J.W.

Lisa

Samples

Hamer Ruben

Rios

11/29 Heid &

11/13

11/16

Stephen

Vosburg

Willis

Cathy

Jorge

Ruhl

Rico

Jr.

BIRTHDAYS WORK ANNIVERSARIES YEARS OF SERVICE

11/1

Kevin

11/4

11/5

Cathy

11/7

Mike

11/10

Victor

11/15

Harrison

11/18

Brian

11/19

William

Miller,

Dewey,

Ruhl,

years

11/27

years

Bennett,

years

Perez-Vargas,

Godin,

Bagnall,

11/22

Vance,

Chris

Pat

Bostron,

Fitts,

11/29

John

11/30

Carrie

years

Brennan,

Carlson,

years

year

years

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

years

year

Adam

Garcia-Leon,

year

Help raise

THIS MONTH IS NO-SHAVE NOVEMBER

cancer awareness

NOVEMBER 25 IS THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 26 IS A CITY HOLIDAY The origins of Thanksgiving date back to 1621, when

The modern Thanksgiving celebrations have evolved in

Plymouth colonists and

significance, which often now centers on cooking and sharing a

Wampanoag Native Americans

bountiful meal with family and friends. Other popular activities

shared an autumn harvest feast.

include watching NFL football, volunteering, and participating in a

In 1863, in the midst of the

Thanksgiving Day parade.

Civil War, President Abraham

As with many traditions, it is important to be sensitive to different

Lincoln proclaimed a national

perspectives and take time to learn the full history of events. In

Thanksgiving Day to be held

this case, to be aware of the many hardships endured by Native

each November.

Americans since the advent of European explorers and settlers.

NOVEMBER 1 IS DAY OF THE DEAD

NOVEMBER 2 IS ELECTION DAY

NOVEMBER 11 IS VETERANS DAY

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

Fieldhouse Thursday Nights, 5PM to 8PM, Pickleball Open Gym

UPCOMING EVENTS

CO Power Pathways Public Meeting

Community

Monday through Thursday, 4PM to 8PM

NOVEMBER PROGRAMS AT THE LIBRARY

Tuesday November, 2 at 5PM,

Youth Basketball Practices

11/1 - Share to Care program!

Saturday Mornings, Youth Basketball Games

Craft any generic card of joy and bring it to

Mondays (8:30AM), Wednesdays (9:00AM),

distributed across the community. Contact

the library. Cards will be collected and

Fridays (9:00 AM), Yoga Classes

LynnDee Koehler for more information

Tuesdays (10:00AM), Strength Training Class

11/2 at 5:30 PM - Creative Club! -

In the Library. Contact Lisa Samples for more information

Senior Center

11/16 at 12:00 PM - Brown Bag Presentation

Mondays & Fridays at 8:30AM, Senior

"Nicodemus: Post-Reconstruction Politics and

Stretch and Strength Exercise Class

Racial Justice in Western Kansas"

- Charlotte Hinger's academic book,

In the Howard Rollin Memorial Community Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8:30AM, Strong

Room

People Stay Healthy Class

11/16 at 3:30 PM - After School Craft and

Monday - Friday, 11:30AM to 1PM, Meet N’

Connect! -

Eat

In The Makerspace

1st and 3rd Wednesdays of Month at 1PM,

11/16 at 5:30 PM - Fall into Winter Author

Bingo

Series - Author Matt Vincent's book, "Wild Times & True Tales"

Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM, Senior

In the Howard Rollin Memorial Community

Billiards

Room

Last Wednesday of Month at 1PM, BUNCO

11/19 at 4:30 PM - Teen Night Out! Candy Bar Bingo. Registration Required.

Monday through Friday, 1PM to 5PM,

Contact Kathleen Byrne for more information

Assorted Card Games

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

Join us for the first annual Turkey Trot and Twamore Trails Grand Opening Celebration! Brought to you by The City of Fort Morgan and the Fort Morgan Community Hospital Association

TWAMORE Turkey

Trot

Saturday, November 13 8:00 AM Check In and Onsite Registration 10:00 AM Run/Walk Start Time 11:00 AM - NOON Finish and Celebration

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

NO Registration Fee! Finish line goody bags for all participants Free tee shirt to first 100 check-ins Snacks, drinks and music at the Finish line Leashed dogs welcome! Winners of each division will receive a voucher for a turkey from Edwards Right Price Market

FOCUS on Fort Morgan Employee Newsletter - Nov. 2021

thank you! We

hope

edition

you

enjoyed

Focus

idea

Fort

the

month's

Morgan.

Have

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love

wellness@cityoffortmorgan.com

for

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