Safety & Wellness Celebration
9
Your Electrical Connection August, 2014 Volume 12, Issue 8 Inside this issue: Safety & Wellness (continued) 2 Safety & Wellness (continued) 3 Safety Highlights 5 Connie’ Final Assign- ment 6 Congratulations Scott Stewart 7 Ron Combs Cele- brates 10 Years at Newton Plant 8 The Only 2 Essential Macronutrients 9 Upcoming Events 9 Sept. Anniversaries & Birthdays 9 Roger’s World 4 Sewage Lift Station Controls Upgrade 6 Mid Year Goals Up- date 5 Spreading Aware- ness, One Step at a Time 4 Number of Days Since Last... First Aid 168 Recordable 56 Lost Time 390 * Numbers based on August 21, 2014. Safety Stats: Safety & Wellness Celebration …Twyla Harvey On Friday, August 15, Newton Power Station came together to celebrate safety and wellness and ended up having more fun than we have had at the plant in years. Plant Manager, John Cooley, spoke about the plant’s accomplishment of having no lost time accidents, as well as no recordable injuries for a year. Senior Safety Specialist, Kent Schafer, recognized the Safety Committee as well as the Safety Council Sub Committee. The members present were: Julie Matson, Paul Hardiek, John Cooley, Glenn Frohning, Fred Davies, Skip Moore, Jim Marshall and John Marschewski; each of the members talked about what being on the Safety Committee meant to them. Other committee members not able to attend were: Doug Frohning, Chris Hankins, Rick Wolford, Ted Shaffer Sr., Carl Will, Lloyd Holliday and David Heath. Roger Bass, IE Maintenance Supervisor, then talked about the challenge that was issued in June, 2013. The Plant Manager, John Cooley, said he would accept the challenge to shave his head if the plant employees could go a full year without a recordable and have zero lost time accidents. John was in for the challenge as long as Roger’s “head goes under the razor right next to mine!” Roger said “Game On!” Roger explained that he and John had talked and decided there should be a charity that benefitted from this challenge. Rog- er’s first thought was our plant hospice volunteer program; but, upon hearing about the little girl in Newton with Stage IV cancer, it was decided this was a more urgent need. I then gave an update on Emma Kocher, a 7 year old second grader, who is in the middle of taking chemo treatments, which will be followed by radiation treatments. Emma had a doctor appointment in St. Louis the previous day; upon examination, the doctor said the tumor was definitely shrinking. Due to her blood count being so good, Emma would be able to go to second grade the following day; without wearing a mask. ALL GREAT NEWS! I also announced that spouses were invited to the Plant Health Fair, which is September 18, for free flu shots and free blood draws. Another important announcement was that NPS is helping to co-sponsor the 4 th annual Miss D’s 5K-10K Run/Walk to raise money for scholarships in honor of all that Miss D did for the many students in Jasper County, as the band director. A delicious lunch was then enjoyed by all. The real fun began after lunch…….before going down to the Employee Development Center (EDC) for the festivities; we had raised $1,140.00 for the “great hair challenge”. The bidding began and it was neck and neck between the IE Shop and the Plant Leadership Team (together with Dan Thompson). However, the IE Shop won by a landslide with a total donation from the shop of $820.00. Being the winner, the shop got to choose whose head they wanted to shave and who they wanted to do the shaving. Their pick was Roger Bass shaving John Cooley’s head. Several people got in on that fun; first up was Mark Williams, BLIND- FOLDED; however, John was out of his chair in less than a second when he saw Mark was blindfolded. Well, if Mark couldn’t do it blindfolded, he didn’t want to do it at all. So, Roger, Paul Hardiek, Dan Thompson, Jim Marshall and Kent Schafer used the clippers on John. Much to John’s surprise, this was going to be more than a “buzz cut” it was the real deal and to finish the job with hot water, shaving cream and a razor, were 2 experts from Simple Rewards Day Spa, Tresa Butler and Charity Bergbower. $50.00 was offered if John would be willing to let one of the girls shave his mustache off; however, it took less than five seconds for John to say “NO”! Roger was next up for his new hairdo. Several people from Roger’s shop worked on him; John Cooley was the first to take the clippers to Roger’s hair, followed by Don Upton, Ron Holmes and Paul Hardiek. Again, the girls from Simple Rewards Day Spa finished the job; in fact, before Tresa got done, Roger no longer had a beard and was sporting a goatee. Both Roger and John looked great with their new “dos”!
Transcript of Safety & Wellness Celebration
Your Electrical Connection
August, 2014
Volume 12, Issue 8
Inside this issue:
Safety & Wellness(continued)
2
Safety & Wellness(continued)
3
Safety Highlights 5
Connie’ Final Assign-ment
6
Congratulations ScottStewart
7
Ron Combs Cele-brates 10 Years atNewton Plant
8
The Only 2 EssentialMacronutrients
9
Upcoming Events 9
Sept. Anniversaries &Birthdays
9
Roger’s World 4
Sewage Lift StationControls Upgrade
6
Mid Year Goals Up-date
5
Spreading Aware-ness, One Step at aTime
4
Number of Days Since Last...
First Aid 168
Recordable 56
Lost Time 390
* Numbers based on August21, 2014.
Safety Stats:
Safety & Wellness Celebration…Twyla Harvey
On Friday, August 15, Newton Power Station came together to celebrate safety and wellness and ended uphaving more fun than we have had at the plant in years.Plant Manager, John Cooley, spoke about the plant’s accomplishment of having no lost time accidents, aswell as no recordable injuries for a year. Senior Safety Specialist, Kent Schafer, recognized the SafetyCommittee as well as the Safety Council Sub Committee. The members present were: Julie Matson, PaulHardiek, John Cooley, Glenn Frohning, Fred Davies, Skip Moore, Jim Marshall and John Marschewski;each of the members talked about what being on the Safety Committee meant to them. Other committeemembers not able to attend were: Doug Frohning, Chris Hankins, Rick Wolford, Ted Shaffer Sr., Carl Will,Lloyd Holliday and David Heath.Roger Bass, IE Maintenance Supervisor, then talked about the challenge that was issued in June, 2013. ThePlant Manager, John Cooley, said he would accept the challenge to shave his head if the plant employeescould go a full year without a recordable and have zero lost time accidents. John was in for the challenge aslong as Roger’s “head goes under the razor right next to mine!” Roger said “Game On!” Roger explainedthat he and John had talked and decided there should be a charity that benefitted from this challenge. Rog-er’s first thought was our plant hospice volunteer program; but, upon hearing about the little girl in Newtonwith Stage IV cancer, it was decided this was a more urgent need. I then gave an update on Emma Kocher,a 7 year old second grader, who is in the middle of taking chemo treatments, which will be followed byradiation treatments. Emma had a doctor appointment in St. Louis the previous day; upon examination, thedoctor said the tumor was definitely shrinking. Due to her blood count being so good, Emma would be ableto go to second grade the following day; without wearing a mask. ALL GREAT NEWS!I also announced that spouses were invited to the Plant Health Fair, which is September 18, for free flushots and free blood draws.Another important announcement was that NPS is helping to co-sponsor the 4th annual Miss D’s 5K-10KRun/Walk to raise money for scholarships in honor of all that Miss D did for the many students in JasperCounty, as the band director.A delicious lunch was then enjoyed by all.The real fun began after lunch…….before going down to the Employee Development Center (EDC) for thefestivities; we had raised $1,140.00 for the “great hair challenge”. The bidding began and it was neck andneck between the IE Shop and the Plant Leadership Team (together with Dan Thompson). However, the IEShop won by a landslide with a total donation from the shop of $820.00. Being the winner, the shop got tochoose whose head they wanted to shave and who they wanted to do the shaving. Their pick was RogerBass shaving John Cooley’s head. Several people got in on that fun; first up was Mark Williams, BLIND-FOLDED; however, John was out of his chair in less than a second when he saw Mark was blindfolded.Well, if Mark couldn’t do it blindfolded, he didn’t want to do it at all. So, Roger, Paul Hardiek, DanThompson, Jim Marshall and Kent Schafer used the clippers on John. Much to John’s surprise, this wasgoing to be more than a “buzz cut” it was the real deal and to finish the job with hot water, shaving creamand a razor, were 2 experts from Simple Rewards Day Spa, Tresa Butler and Charity Bergbower. $50.00was offered if John would be willing to let one of the girls shave his mustache off; however, it took lessthan five seconds for John to say “NO”!Roger was next up for his new hairdo. Several people from Roger’s shop worked on him; John Cooley wasthe first to take the clippers to Roger’s hair, followed by Don Upton, Ron Holmes and Paul Hardiek.Again, the girls from Simple Rewards Day Spa finished the job; in fact, before Tresa got done, Roger nolonger had a beard and was sporting a goatee. Both Roger and John looked great with their new “dos”!
Your Electrical Connection Volume 12, Issue 8
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Safety & Wellness Celebration (continued)
Fun was had by all and the laughter never died down during the “hair shaving” and fund raising.However, all the fun left Dan Thompson with a tough job………..how do you follow that act? Dan compared his presentation to the firstnight the Beetles were on the Ed Sullivan show…..who was the comedian after the Beetles? Of course, no one could remember that; how-ever, Chris Collins later came up with the right answer. Dan gave a brief presentation of the state of the company.When the event was over, everyone was in great spirits…..celebrating our safety accomplishments, watching John and Roger get their newlooks and most importantly, $2,360.00 was raised for a little girl in need. This money will be deposited in her bank account for medicalexpenses.If you would like to continue monitoring Emma’s illness/progress, you can go to www.caringbridge.com and type Emma Kocher in the boxand you will find an update everyday made by her mom. Please continue to keep Emma and her family in your thoughts and prayers.
Paul looks like he may be having too good oftime taking the clippers to John’s hair.
Mark and his blindfold are ready; John, not so much.
Roger and John before their make-over. Roger and John after their make-over and all shined up.
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Safety & Wellness Celebration (continued)
John, do you think Dan should keep his day job?John seeking revenge.
Ron “how do these things work?”Don told Roger “this is going to hurt me morethan it is you.”
Even though he was hesitant, John looks like he is enjoyingthis. All smiles, only a little blood.
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Roger’s World...Roger Bass
As most of you know, I am sporting a new hair style, orshould I say lack of hair style. Being follicley challenged, Ididn’t have much to lose. Now that I have this new style, Ihave been weighing the advantages and disadvantages ofkeeping it. The obvious advantage is not needing to combmy hair. It’s not like I had a lot of hair to comb, but there wassome. The big disadvantage is sun burn. Again, eventhough I didn’t have much hair, it did cover some skin.I went to the internet to see what I could come up with.There are several websites dedicated to bald men. Whenyou shave your head, it’s hard to get a bad haircut. But then,hair does not bleed. You don’t have to worry about having abad hair day. If a bird poops on your head, you just wipe itoff, but if you have hair, you have to wash it out. If you wantto keep your head smooth, you have to shave it regularly.This takes more time than combing. When you bump yourhead against something, hair does give a little cushion. Thenagain, if you cut your head, you will definitely be able to seethe wound; there is no hair in the way. I have had severalcomments about my new style, some good and some not sogood. With all of this information, now I need to decide if Iwant to keep it this way or not.I would like to thank all that donated to this fundraiser. Aspecial thanks to Simple Rewards of Newton for donatingtheir time to come out and do the shaving. And a really spe-
cial thanks to John Cooley for being a good sport about this.He really didn’t expect to get the complete shave. Congrat-ulations to the entire plant for our safety record. Every dayis a new day to keep safety first in our thoughts and work.John has been kind enough to be involved in the “hair chal-lenge” and the “Dunk the Boss” event.I asked John if he was up for the next challenge.
He declined.
Till next time, please be safe.
Save the Date! The annual Employee Wellness Day is sched-uled for September 18, 2014 from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM in theEDC Assembly Room.
The theme this year supports the idea that taking small stepstoward wellness will improve your overall health and well-being.
New to the exhibit this year is Bella Vein who will do vascularscreenings to assess for blockage. Also joining us will be theLion’s Club Vision Van which will check for Macular Degenera-tion, Glaucoma, etc. We are currently working with LakelandDental School for possible dental screenings.
Many of our Community Partners will be returning including, theJasper County Health Department who will offer free PSA labwork, and Crawford Memorial Hospital which will do COPDscreens.
Spreading Awareness, One Step at a Time...Jenny Frichtl
Your Electrical Connection Volume 12, Issue 8
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Safety Highlights…Kent Schafer
The Safety Committee met on August 5. The main focus of thismonth’s meeting was to review the information from theDynegy Safety Event and the results on the National SafetyCouncil Safety Survey. As most have seen, a subcommitteewas developed from the attendees of the safety event to devel-op safety survey action items. These items were also reviewedduring the meeting. The subcommittee will visit the shifts topresent the information from the safety event in the near fu-ture. Safety survey action items include:
· Improve plant lighting.· Systematic repair of coal pipe leaks.· Develop a new employee training program.· Develop an emergency response drill subcommitteeThe committee also reviewed the incident where a contractorsmashed their finger while using an impact drill which resultedin a first aid. This incident went out as a Head’s Up from thestation.We also discussed the recent hearing threshold shift. Hearingloss is a serious issue that affects your quality of life. Pleasetake every step to conserve yours, both at work and at home.
Please let me know of any areas around the plant that weneed to look at for extra hearing protection.Safety committee goals were reviewed. Housekeeping over-all is pretty good. The expectations still don’t seem to beuniform across the workforce. Certain areas have significantopportunities. Job briefings appear to be going well. Mostassessments have good scores with a lot of interaction.Good job!! Communication improvement is never endingand it goes both ways. If you aren’t getting information thatyou think you should…let someone know about it.The safety slogan for August is “Health and Safety; WordsTo Live By!”.One of the takeaways from the annual safety event wasmaking safety a core value. I challenge everyone to thinkabout where safety fits into your values. What does it take todrive it to a core value? It is a process and it definitelydoesn’t happen overnight. Admittedly, I am the “Safety Guy”and I have a ways to go to get where I need to be. I just askthat you continue to associate health and safety with thingsthat matter most in your life.Thank you for working safe!!
Mid Year Goals Update…Julie Matson
On Tuesday, August 12, a plant wide lunch and meeting was held. The entire PLT, along withMike Walker, reviewed many projects that have been completed so far this year and also updat-ed the group in attendance on things to be worked on. A big emphasis was put on our safetystats and reaching a year without a recordable accident. However, we have a hearing thresh-old shift; which has given us our first recordable for the year at Newton. Many groups and indi-viduals were recognized for accomplishments so far this year.
Rick Wolford, MaintenanceManager
Vita Kistner, AdministrativeManager
John Cooley,Plant Manager
Paul Hardiek,ProductionManager
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Connie’s Final Assignment...Connie Kerner
On August 27, I, Connie Kerner, RN, solemnly swear that I am hanging up the stethoscope andretiring the “pink hard hat” with much eagerness to start a new chapter in my book of life - RE-TIREMENT. Over the past 11 years, I have been your nurse, friend, co-worker and sometimes“Mom". My office has been more like a home. A place you could come to express your healthconcerns, family problems, laughter and tears. As you know, the candy dish was always full. Ihave shared my life with you through my family pictures, grandchildren’s art work, and manystories. Most importantly, I have prayed each day for your safe return to your loved ones.Over time, I have watched you meet and exceed your OSHA recordable/lost time goal of zeroaccidents. Every one of you should be extremely proud of this accomplishment. The AmericanRed Cross blood drives show your determination, passion, and pride. The number of productiveunits was dipping down to single digits before NOW you are exceeding the goals. By doing so,you have given so many families the greatest gift of all “The Gift of Life”. You have formed ahospice group to help people in the surrounding communities not only with your monetary dona-tion, but most of all your love and time. I could go on and on (as each of you already know, ha);however, you know what has been accomplished and the gratification you feel when the job isdone.As I start my new adventure, I will look back on these years with the fondest of memories. I have been blessed to work with anamazing group of people. Thank you for treating me with respect and making me feel like one of the team. I wish each andevery one of you the BEST in the future. God Bless.
Sewage Lift Station Controls Upgrade...Hal Stansfield
For the last few months, visitors to the I/E shop mighthave noticed this panel in the shop in various stages offabrication. It is now mounted to the concrete slababove the sewage lift station out near #2 warehouse,and is operational.For some time, the Water Treatment Operators havebeen suggesting moving the lift station pump controlsout of the ‘submarine’ pump chamber. Tim Dion cham-pioned the effort to move the proposal through the pro-cess until approval came to carry out the project. MarkWilliams did the bulk of the work to lay out the new pan-el, identify the required components, and was the leadman during installation. Assisting in the installationwere Roger Beck and Kieth Trimble, along with othersfrom the I/E shop at various times.The new system includes a “Milltronics” ultrasonic levelsensor for the wet well, which eliminates the old“bubbler” system that used an air compressor and pres-sure switches to control the pumps. Where this systemhas been installed elsewhere on the site, it has led tosignificant improvements in reliability and decreases inpump maintenance issues. All of the required compo-nents for operation of the lift station are accessible fromthe outside of this panel, including the 480 volt discon-nects, pump resets, hand/auto controls, etc.
Because of this project, the only time anyone will need toenter the submarine pump chamber will be when there is aneed to physically access one of the pumps.
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Congratulations Scott Stewart...Twyla Harvey
COCA (Council of Owners and Construction Associates, Inc.) held their annual golf and shooting event on Thursday, June 19,in Alton. One of our very own, Scott Stewart, excelled at the shooting. Here are the results:
Field 1 - Annie Oakley Shoot-Off Winner ($50 Gift Card & Plaque)Terry Strong - Hayes PMC
Mike Farrell - Helmkamp Construction Alex Raleigh - CARBER Testing Services, Inc.Anthony Raleigh - CARBER Testing Services, Inc. Terry Strong - HayesPMCRick Kurowski - GRP Mechanical Jason Cutsinger - HayesPMCRob Talavera – Abateco, Inc.
Field 1 - Annie Oakley / Protection ($25 Gift Card)
Top Shooters in Each Field ($25 Gift Card & Plaque) SCORE
Field 1 - TrapScott Stewart- Dynegy (Note: Scored 25 three times) 25
Field 2 – TrapBill Kreutzburg - WRB Refining/Phillips 66
Bill Scott – Premier InsulationRobert Talavera – Abateco, Inc.
Brian Frost – Morrison Construction
25252525
Field 3 – Skeet / TrapSkeet: Todd Merseal – Afton Chemical 19
Trap: Bill Scott – Premier Insulation (Note: Scored 25 three times) 25
Field 4 – Skeet / 5-StandJay Reese – Belcan Corp. 18
Mike Hartoin – SCI Engineering, Inc. 18
Field 5 – Skeet / TrapSkeet: Darrel Virden - Versatech 25
Trap: Al Lampe – Murphy Company 20
Field 6 – Skeet / TrapSkeet: Chad Travnicek – Illinois Elect Works 24
Skeet: Darrel Virden – Versatech* 25Trap: Not shot/played
Field 7 – WabbitJay Reese – Belcan Corp. 22
Randy Waldron – Expro TX* 22Ken Eddy – Expro KY* 22
Bill Kreutzberg – WRB Refining (P66)* 22Greg Franke – icon Mechanical* 22
RAFFLE WINNER (Benelli Ethos 12 ga. Shotgun):Kevin Gerhardt - Ameren
Your Electrical Connection Volume 12, Issue 8
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Ron Combs Celebrates 10 Years at Newton Plant...Twyla Harvey
Ron Combs celebrated 10 years of service at Newton Power Station on Wednesday, July 30, with a delicious meal of chickenand ribs.
Ron started at Newton on June 21, 2004, as a Machinist Welder Repairman. Prior to coming to work at NPS, Ron had hisown Machine Shop.
Ron and his wife, Mary, have 2 children; Sierra (24) is a high school teacher at Dieterich High School and Jake (22) is an in-side wireman for Lytle Electric and works at Marathon Plant in Robinson. Ron and Mary live South of Olney, where they arebuilding a new home.
Congratulations on your 10 years, Ron. Your congenial personality, as well as your expertise in the Machine Shop makes youa real asset at NPS.
Guest of Honor,Ron Combs
MMShop—L-R: Carl Will, Brian Reich, Nathan Richardson, Travis Dial, Duane Menke, Mike Apple, Jason Cooper, JoshFehrenbacher, Guest of Honor, Ron Combs, Dave Sidwell, Skip Moore, Jerry Hille, Tom Wetherholt, Tom Beverlin,Randy Johnson, Rick Wolford, Chris Collins, Keith Millspaugh, Scott Cummins, and John Uebinger.
Ron Combs is congrat-ulated by Rick Wolford,Maintenance Manager
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* Any omissions in this sectionare entirely unintentional.
9/10 Carl Will9/11 Allen Niemerg9/11 Rick Koester9/12 Larry Quick9/15 Jerry Miller9/17 Hal Stansfield9/26 Kelly Line9/26 Mark Williams9/27 Tim Dion
Upcoming Events September Anniversaries & Birthdays
Aug. 31 Recipe deadlineSept. 13 5K & 10KSept. 18 Health Fair
9/7 10 Yrs. Travis Blake
The Only 2 Essential Macronutrients...Dean Edrington
Primary Macronutrients
There are 3 primary macronutrients – protein, fat, and carbohydrates. But only 2 of these are essential to sustaining humanlife. Can you guess which 2?
If you guessed protein and fat, you are correct. Carbohydrates are not necessary to sustain life. Carbohydrates do provide glu-cose and energy that the body uses, but the body can also derive its energy from fats and protein.
The optimum level of carbs in the diet varies between individuals, and is found by trial and error. Your optimum carb intakemay be 0, or 50gm/day, or 100, or 150, or more. It depends on your individual metabolism, diet and activity level. Also, youroptimum carbs may vary over time. But here in America, junk carbohydrates have become the staple in our diets instead ofreal (whole) food. Don’t be afraid of eating FAT (real butter, coconut & olive oil, avocados, whole milk, greasy hamburger, ba-con, eggs).
Essential fatty acids and protein (specifically the essential amino acids) should be staples in your diet if you want to reach yourgoals. And for carbohydrates, eat whole foods that have only ONE ingredient. Ditch the sugar (refined carbohydrates) exceptfor a treat once in a while. Your body will thank you.
HEALTH & SAFETY, WORDS TO LIVE BY
