Aflac; Yay, Kim; New Name Tags; Jacket orders

 AFLAC!

  From Trish Henderson:

As we head into 2015, we are moving all open enrollment periods in line with the health insurance open enrollment period to be held in the Spring of 2015.  More detailed information will be available closer to that time. 

 

This change will consolidate open enrollment periods with the effective date for changes beginning with the fiscal year of July 1, 2015.  Employees will be less burdened and enjoy a single open enrollment period for health benefit changes rather than keeping up with various open enrollment periods/dates/times within the year for different types of health plans.

 

If you wish to make any changes to any AFLAC supplemental policies at this point, you must do so by December 5.   Please contact Boyd Glovier by phone: (800) 243-1304 or email: boyd_gloverjr@us.aflac.com.

New Name Tags!

 Mrs. Michelle has made us all new name tags!  Look for yours beside the time clock.  Also, there are two sample jackets and a catalog with some library T-shirts for sale. If you wish to purchase one or more, leave your name and sizes wanted on the sheets provided. The plan is for the order to go out early next week so if you are interested, get your choices on list soon!

Kudos to Kim!

A little birdie told us that a patron was very pleased with the friendly customer service Kim rendered, which is just the sort of thing we want to hear!  We want the library to be a welcoming place for our patrons.  Kim, come down to Reference and pick a goodie from the goodie box!

And if anyone sees a staff member going above and beyond the call of duty, just let Jeanne and Christy know so we can recognize him or her in the blog.

Congratulations, Kim!

Happy Birthday!

Karen S. (Security)  November 21 

  

Flex Spending

Flex Spending

 From Brenda:

 

"Flex spending enrollment will be November 12 from 8 – 1 and November 13 from noon – 5.  Flyers are attached so you can get more information from them.  I will post the memo and application on the bulletin board.  If anyone wants the enrollment kit I will have a copy in my office which can be copied."

For those of you who aren't sure about flex spending, it's an account where you can have money taken out of your paycheck and saved for medical expenses. This isn't just for big expenses, but small ones too: bandages, for example. It can save tax money and be a godsend in case of emergency.  The deadline for enrollment is December 5.

Last Day for United Way!

and the last chance we have to win!  Remember, "The department with the highest average giving will receive “siesta leave” (2 hours off) for all employees." Our tally has to to be in today, November 7.  If you are so inclined, give your United Way form to Brenda.  Thanks to all who donated!

Veterans Day

Remember, we will be closing at 5 pm on November 10. If you are scheduled to work that evening, you must either come in early or else take annual leave for that time. Check with your supervisor for more information.

Also, remember that the Bristol Historical Society meeting will go on as scheduled on the 10th. The rest of the library will be closed.

Happy Birthday!

Laurie  November 13

"I smell cake..."

 

  

Yay, Becky! Yay, United Way! And Help Wanted.

Way To Go, Becky!

Becky has completed another one of her online courses toward her 16 hour continuing education requirement!  She's already contemplating her next choice.  Becky, be sure to come to Reference to choose your reward!

United Way Desserts! 

Okay, some bad news on that front.  There weren't enough entries, so the Dessert Contest was, well, deserted.  But that doesn't mean you should stop considering making a donation to this fine organization! Remember, the deadline is tomorrow, Friday the 7th.  

Digital Librarian

The Library is advertising Christian's position.  This is a copy of the ad as it appears on our Facebook page:  

 

The ad is also running in the Bristol Herald Courier.  If you know of anyone who might be qualified for this job, please encourage him or her to apply.

Holiday Events in Bristol and, yes, United Way!

Holiday Events in Bristol!

Michelle sent out this really nice list of upcoming downtown events.  Be in the know!

Saturday, November 8   Veterans Parade starts at 10 am

Monday, November 24 from 5-8 pm Downtown Bristol Open House (Carriage rides are back!)

Saturday November 29 Small Business Saturday  (Shop local!)

Monday, December 1 at 6:15 pm Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 4 at 7 pm Christmas Parade

Tuesday, December 16 6 pm Journey's End Walk down State Street

And don't forget that the Bristol Ballet will have The Nutcracker the weekend of December 5th.  There will be performances on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

 

The United Way 

Yes, it's the daily reminder about the United Way!  United Way gives money to a number of local causes.  Here's a partial list from their website:

Family Promise of Bristol… Helps homeless families with children have the resources necessary to regain permanent housing. Santa Pal Provides financial oversight for this program that helps local families provide Christmas gifts for their children ages 5-12.
Help Your Neighbor… A program sponsored by BTES and BVU to help customers who are less fortunate pay their winter electric bills. The electric companies collect donations from their customers. The Salvation Army certifies the eligibility of the recipient, and the United Way of Bristol disburses the funds. Every dollar goes directly toward helping residential electric customers.
School Resource Program… Provides resources through the guidance counselors in the Bristol Tennessee, Bristol Virginia and Sullivan Co. school systems to ensure that students have what they need to be pre-pared to learn.
Family Wize Prescription Drug Discount Card… In partnership with FamilyWize, United Way of Bristol seeks to assist the uninsured and underinsured by providing prescrip-tion drug discount cards to families and individuals who have no prescription insurance or whose insurance does not cover certain medications.
Emergency Food Assistance… Provides food to needy individuals and families in our commu-nity through the Bristol Emergency Food Pantry.

Remember, all forms need to be turned into Brenda by Friday, December 7.  Thanks!

United Way, DESSERTS!!

United Way Deadline Even Closer!

Yes, we're a day closer to November 7!  If you've lost your United Way form, we can find another one for you.  Honest. 

And speaking of United Way...

DESSERT CONTEST!

 From Olivia Denton, Bristol VA

This Thursday, November 6, ONE DAY PRIOR TO THE FINAL UNITED WAY DEADLINE,
the lobby of City Hall will be filled with the smells of ooey-gooey-yummydesserts!  This contest is City-wide, so anyone with a dessert he or she would like to enter is welcome to do so!  Here's how it works:

1.   If you would like to enter your dessert, reply to  Olivia.Denton@bristolva.org with your name and the name of your dessert no later than noon on Wednesday, November 5.

2.  Bring your entry to City Hall on Thursday, November 6.  (I will send details as to where and when to all entrants.)

3.   Anyone and everyone who wants to sample the scrumptious concoctions and vote for the winner can purchase a "sampler plate" for a donation of at least $3.

4.   Desserts will be available from 11:30 to 1:00 on Thursday!

5.    The winning dessert maker will win part of the "take" from the contest! 

(Yoohoo,  Joan & Janice-- I think we have a contest for you!!)

United Way, Christmas Party, Veterans Day

United Way Deadline Approaches!

We're trying to get in our United Way pledges in by the end of the week (November 7)!  Remember, you don't have to commit to anything long term:  you can make a single one time donation.  Also there is no minimum amount to give:  if you want to make a one time gift of $5, that's fine.  Every dollar counts. Turn in your pledge forms and/or donations to Brenda.  Thank you!

(PS The blog will be talking about this a lot this week. I'm taking a page from WETS-FM:  the sooner you pledge, the sooner I stop!)

Veterans Day

The library will be closing at 5 pm on Monday, November 10.  Those who would normally work after 5 pm  should plan to report to work earlier to make up time or else should arrange to use annual leave. Such leave must be approved by the supervisor.

However, there WILL be a program at Main beginning at 6:30 pm on the 10th, as the Bristol Historical Society will have a presentation on World War I.  Participants will be instructed to enter through the Meeting Room Entrance on the upper level.

  

 Staff Christmas Party

The Staff Christmas Party is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 6, at Michelle's house.  Party will start at 5:30 pm. More details as they become available.