Brenda's BPL Anniversary

You work 43 years and what do you get?

You should have money and maybe a jet.

St. Peter, don't you call me 'cause I can't go

They've wrapped my car from do' to do'!

 

 (with apologies to Tennessee Ernie!)

Happy Anniversary!!!! Brenda says she came here while she was still in high school, but I'm sure it was really kindergarten, right? That's the only way she could possibly have been here 43 years!

Staff News, BPL in the News, and Happy Birthday!

 Staff News

Lisa had a call from Becky and she is doing well.  We look forward to having her back with us soon.

Sources also say that Nancy P. is doing better.

BPL in the News

Some very nice publicity last week for Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett's visit and the awarding of the technology grant. 

WCYB

Bristol Herald Courier

Rhythm & Roots

 Just in case folks need reminding, we will be closed to the public on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Those who are scheduled to work those days will either need to come in or take annual leave.  Word is that City Employees will indeed get the customary two tickets.  Amy has asked for tickets for the @Work employees as well, but the City hasn't told us whether or not the request will be honored.

 

Happy Birthday!

Nicki  September 12

Laura  September 14 

AFLAC, Staff News

RE: AFLAC

From Kim Orfield, City of Bristol, VA:

Recently several employees have contacted AFLAC directly to make changes to their policies.  We ask that you please contact our payroll department first.

AFLAC is a pre-taxed deduction that falls under the City’s Section 125 Cafeteria Plan which is governed by the IRS.  In order to make changes to a pre-taxed deduction several criteria must be met.  Each Cafeteria Plan is specific to employers and AFLAC might allow changes that the City is not allowed to do. 

If you have questions, please contact Sandie Seymour at 276-821-6090.  

Anthem BlueCross BlueShield Out-of-Network Alert:

From Dianna McNutt:

Anthem BlueCross BlueShield has reached an agreement with VEP MSHA ED Inc., the hospital based group that provides emergency medicine at Russell County Medical Center in Lebanon, Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, and Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. 

In the News:  Anita Foster (Machado)

Links to recent news reports are below:

Bristol Herald

WCYB
 
WJHL 

WCYB 2 

Early erroneous reports about the "former Director of the Bristol Public Library" have been corrected to read "Director of the Bristol Public Library FOUNDATION."

Congratulations, Christy H.!

Christy H.'s part time job at Wallace's has become a full time job!   While this does mean she won't have as much time for us, she does intend to keep working Sundays and Wednesdays for us.  Yay!

Congratulations, Brenda & Harry!

No wedding bell blues here, they've been married for 41 years!  Brenda was obviously a child bride.  Here's to 41 more!

 And happy birthday to granddaughter Jayden, who was considerate enough to be born on their anniversary!

Racing Tire Giveaway

The tires were won by Nancy Hobbs, who was thrilled! Thanks to David Combs for his generous donations of the tires.  

Josh Rush as Elvis

 Elvis at Food City Family Race Night!

Joyce wants everyone to know that our "bug guy," Josh Rush, is going to be performing at K.P. Duty during Food City Family Race Night.  Josh is well-known locally as an Elvis impersonator, and word is that he puts on a great show! 

Food City Family Race Night, GIft Shop, and more!

 BPL Display on Display!

We made Random House's Library FB page!

Bristol Public Library Display

Good job, Laurie!

Gift Shop Give Away!

We're giving away a set of racing tires!  These tires are currently down stairs on display.  They came from Ed Whitaker's race team.  We don't know who actually drove with the tires, but Mr. Whitaker had some great drivers over the years, including Harry Gant, Morgan Shepard, Alan Kulwicki,  Mark Martin, Hermie Sadler, Regan Smith, and a couple of guys named Earnhardt.  His race shop was on Wagner Road. Mr. Whitaker passed away last year.   Patrons and visitors can register in the Gift Shop for a chance to win the tires. No purchase is required.  There will be signs at Reference and Circ with the details.

Food City Family Race Night

It appears that it's going to be a busy Race Night!  The festivities start at 1 pm.  There will be music, activities, food, and drivers to meet.  For those who haven't been here for Race Night, let's just say that parking will be at a premium. 

As a result, the monthly meeting of the Board of Trustees will be on Wednesday at 4:30 pm instead of the usual Thursday.

 

Audio and Video Installation

As the signs attest, patrons and staff in public areas are likely being recorded.  There are no cameras in bathrooms. This is for the safety of staff and patrons.

Staff Updates!

Melba Update

Joyce says that Melba got another good check up!  She's doing very well.  She would still appreciate your prayers and good thoughts.

David's Excellent New Adventure

We've had the pleasure of working with David from Holston IT for some months now.  He's been very patient with all of us,   Alas, he's moving on to the University of Tennessee to continue his education. We expect visits! Or-- you could call us.  (Yes, that's a telemarketer joke!)

(As if he'll need luck!)

 

 

 

 

 

And since we're sort of on the subject of cake:

   Happy Birthday!

Brenda    August 15

Justin   August 16

 Congratulations, Tonia!

Long time staff members may recall Tonia Kestner Totten who worked at BPL a few years back.  She moved on to be Branch Manager at the Glade Spring Library, and now she has earned her Master's Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Tennessee! You can read the article here.   

 

Welcome, Amy! News items, Anthem Notice, and Birthdays!

Welcome, Amy!

Our new director is here!  Please let us know what we can do to help you as you ease into your new job.

Anthem BlueCross BlueShield

Anthem BlueCross BlueShield Out-of-Network Alert

VEP MSHA ED Inc. providers are now considered out-of-network meaning employees may be expected to pay more toward their health care at applicable facilities.  VEP MSHA ED Inc. is a hospital based group that provides emergency medicine at Russell County Medical Center in Lebanon, Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, and Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.  Anthem BlueCross BlueShield provided an Alternative Provider List for these areas until the issue is resolved.  Also, you may check for regular updates regarding the issue with VEP MSHA ED Inc. at http://group.anthem.com/va_provider_participation_update.

HR will notify you if Anthem BlueCross BlueShield reaches an agreement with VEP MSHA ED Inc.

NOTE: Check the staff bulletin board for more information.

 Library Foundation in the News

There have been some news stories in connection with the former Foundation director recently.  Here are the links:

WJHL

WCYB

 

Happy Birthday!

August is a busy birthday month at BPL!  Happy birthday to:

Janice H. (Volunteer) August 8

Nancy Y. (Volunteer)   August 8 

Pam  (Main, Teens)  August 9

Joe L. (Volunteer)  August 9