by David A. Haefner, Esq. | Assistant to the Corporate Compliance Officer Hey folks! Holiday season is upon us, and many gifts from vendors, suppliers, clients, and business associates will be coming into the agency. Let’s take a few minutes to review the Evergreen Association’s policy on gifts, gratuities, and discounts. First off, the NOs! No employee may accept payments directly or indirectly from a vendor or contractor for expenses incurred for travel, conferences, or other activities. No employee may accept, directly or indirectly, discounts or special terms on purchases unless the discount or special terms are available to the general public. No gifts shall be offered or accepted for the purpose of influencing patient referrals or any other business referral. But all that doesn’t mean your holidays will have to be completely without cheer or fraught with anxiety over that complimentary snow globe! Nominal gifts, occasional meals, and entertainment with a value of fifty dollars ($50) or less are okay, provided that you don’t receive $300 or more in gifts per fiscal year from the same source. Still not sure if you should accept those holiday goodies? Check out our Corporate Compliance Plan, page 35, Section XIII (Gifts, Gratuities and Discounts) AND contact the Corporate Compliance Officer; he will be happy to answer your questions. Have a happy holiday season, and make sure your ho, ho, hos aren’t no, no, nos! C
Milestones Birthdays
Brian Orlikowski............................. December 1 Jessica Raiber................................. December 1 Jacob Perrello................................. December 1 Angela Carr.................................... December 3 Anna Ihle........................................ December 3 Julie Mayer..................................... December 5 Steven Rein.................................... December 5 Terresa Aughtry.............................. December 7 Hererimana Theophile................... December 8 Carly Kane...................................... December 14 Thomas O’Kell................................ December 15 Matthew Crehan Higgins............... December 15 Andrew Kiener............................... December 16 Brittani McKay................................ December 16 Melissa Lorenzo............................. December 17 Sergio Ponce.................................. December 22 Lynda Allan..................................... December 22 Toni Hernandez.............................. December 23 Christina Turner............................. December 24 Laura Pasquarella........................... December 25 Alex Gaylord................................... December 26 Steven Sanders............................... December 26 Justin Azzarella............................... December 27
Anniversaries
Rosalind Townsend...........................10 years Maria Lotempio................................13 years Johanna Aponte...............................11 years Debora Johnson................................1 year Harry Charnock.................................1 year Brian Kempf......................................1 year Odalis Norales...................................1 year Nicole Coonly....................................5 years Helene Cacciato................................11 years Angela Torrie.....................................4 years Stephanie Myers...............................1 year Laura Pasquarella.............................3 years Michele Ogden.................................3 years Your Continued Dedication and Hard Work Are Noticed and Appreciated - Management Team
Interview with Cameron Schraufstetter by Michele Ogden Cameron works at the Pride Center, and as the Pantry Services Coordinator at Evergreen Health Services
Q: What are your hobbies? A: I sing in the Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus. I’m a tenor. We recently performed in Niagara Falls at the Pinktober event for breast cancer awareness. What’s a short term goal you have? I recently legally changed my name, which has been a goal of mine for a long time! How did you get connected with Evergreen? I used to work for Consumer Credit Counseling, and came to the Pride Center for a workshop. I met Shevey (Siobhan Fitzgerald-Matson), and ran into her again at GLYS’s Happy New Queer event. She sent me information about Pride, so I became a volunteer. That led to me becoming a part-time employee at the Pride Center, and now a part-time employee at Evergreen. What do you love about Evergreen? I love all of the programs and services offered at one location. What are your career goals? I want to earn my BA in psychology, and get a full-time position at the Pride Center. Growing up, I wanted to do something to help people. Now I have my dream job! I’ve been homeless and have struggled to find food at times in my life, so I can really relate to some of the clients we serve. What’s on your bucket list? Skydiving in Las Vegas! C
I wait all year to listen to Kate Bush’s song “December Will Be Magic Again” and the Dolly Parton/Kenny Rogers joint holiday album. — Matthew Crehan Higgins T This winter, I look forward to seeing Star Wars as many times as possible with my father and brother. — Grant Rogers T As an avid snowboarder and cross country skier, I am looking forward to SNOW! — Rob Baird T Yay: snowed in parties. Nay: my face hurting from the wind. — Jimi Konidis T This winter, I am so looking forward to nesting... cooking, baking, reading, relaxing, and the holidays! Absolutely dreading shoveling the driveway at 7:00 a.m. Please, please, please let us have a mild winter this year. — Sue Fiedler T I’m looking forward to the Christmas season, playing Mille Bornes with my family and girlfriend, snowshoeing, and the poinsettia show at the Botanical Gardens. I’m not looking forward to the sun going down at 4:30 p.m., the walk from the office to the parking lot, or shoveling snow from my driveway. — Sal Sciandra T Winter activities – snowboarding, skiing, tubing, ice skating, hiking, snowball fights. — Andre Stokes T Looking forward to the holidays. Dreading driving in it. My 45-minute commute to work turns into much more! — Susan Buck T This winter, looking forward to Miami in January. — Steve Sanders T I’m looking forward to skiing, snow fights, holiday music, gift exchanges, homemade cookies, and Mayan hot chocolate. I’m MOST excited that I’m finally getting a nephew, debuting on Super Bowl Sunday!!! I’m dreading traffic jams from bad weather — Michele Ogden
Information Courtesy of the Lawley Group Many people visit the doctor even when they don’t need a doctor’s expertise to diagnose and treat their symptoms. The next time you or someone in your family has a cold or experiences flu-like symptoms (such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough, dizziness, fever or muscle aches), it may be wise to try some home remedies before making that expensive visit to the doctor. Take aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen to relieve symptoms such as a headache, muscle aches, and fever. Do not give aspirin to a child under the age of 18 who has a fever, flu symptoms or chicken pox, as it increases the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but fatal condition. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Use a humidifier, or take a hot shower to relieve a headache, cough or congestion. Place a warm washcloth over your eyes to ease sinus pressure and congestion. An ounce of prevention goes a long way in keeping the cold and flu bug away! Wash your hands often, and refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy diet rich
in vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. Exercise regularly, making it a part of your family’s daily routine! So when should you call the doctor? Despite your best attempts to get better, a cold or flu bug may linger or develop into something more serious. Call your doctor if the following symptoms appear: sore throat lasting more than 48 hours; inside of throat is bright red, swollen, has white spots or a rough, red rash; cold symptoms lasting for more than 10 days, nasal discharge is yellow or green, lasts all day, and is accompanied by severe facial pain or a relentless headache; cough is painful and produces thick, bloody or green mucous; chest pain when breathing; ear pain is severe or persists for more than one week, or there is ear discharge; fever lasting for more than four days and is accompanied by chills, soaking sweats and/ or mental confusion; developing a fever of 100°F or higher after the third day of being ill; persistent pain in your abdomen or rectum; bloody or black stool or vomit, or vomit resembling coffee beans; eight or more bowel movements per day. C
THANK YOU KIMBERLY HARDING FOR THIS MONTH’S CONNECTIONS QUESTION If I were on Survivor, I would form an alliance with the following co-workers, a great mix of brains and brawn: Mike Lee, Ezekiel Goodwin, Damien Mordecai, Clara Opyrchal, Cortney Anderson, and Kim Harding. — Michele Ogden v All of my Southern Tier peeps!! We ROCK! — Susan Buck v I would have to choose people outside my department since no one in Community Development will trust me after my last stunt involving the Compliment Jar. — Rob Baird v My Pride family! — Jimi Konidis v Lindsay Zasada, Ezekiel Goodwin, Tom Fronczak, Elise Robinson, Lindsay Soroka. — Andre Stokes v From a purely strategic standpoint, the six coworkers I would choose (in no particular order) are: Dale Kingston, Joshua McClain, Samantha Gaerte, Kevin Bidtah, Katie Diebold, Laurie Matson. — Kim Harding
There’s no denying it: parking is an issue at Evergreen, especially for those working at (or visiting) the central office. Now that we’ve lost our main parking lot to construction of the new building, parking has become even more difficult for staff and guests alike. Management and the Facilities Team have worked hard to make sure every staff member has a parking space, even if it’s no longer located 20 feet from the back door. It’s very important that you park only in your
assigned location. For example, if you’re attending a conference at the Commons, and you park in the Commons lot even though it’s not your assigned location, you’re taking a parking space away from another staff member or a client. With construction and vender trucks making parking especially tight to begin with, and the bad weather just around the corner, we all have to do our part to make sure the system runs as smoothly as possible, and that our facilities remain accessible to those we serve. C
Gene Rebrovich Editor’s Note: to mark World AIDS Day, Kate Gallivan submitted this fabric panel to Connections. The panel, part of the agency’s Mending of the Hearts Project, was created in memory of Gene Rebrovich. “Little Gene” was a force of nature. Although he was short in stature, there was nothing little about him! As a window and display designer for Kauffman’s department store, Gene’s creative talents shone for all to see. When Gene found out he was HIV positive, he became a tireless advocate for the rights of people living with HIV and AIDS. He served on the board of AIDS Community Services until his death in 1993. After Gene died, a group of his friends and caregivers came together to make this panel, and the pressure was on to make it beautiful to honor his creativity. They chose the central theme of Christmas, Gene’s favorite holiday. Every year he threw a huge Christmas party, complete with horse and buggy rides in the heart of the Elmwood Village. He also loved his beagle, Bradley, and his beloved family and friends. C
Join us for a Wellness at Work program! Healthy eating and physical activity are paramount in reaching and sustaining good health. The 5-5-5 Challenge provides the perfect opportunity to begin a new start to the new year by eating healthier and exercising regularly. The 5-5-5 Challenge is a 5week program that challenges participants to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, and be physically active 5 days a week. This will be a great kickstart to your wellness goals for 2016! Program Begins: January 11, 2016 Program Ends: February 15, 2016 Registration Deadline: Email or call Melissa Lorenzo to sign up by January 8, 2014 (mlorenzo@evergreenhs.org or extension 3107)
Connections DECEMBER 2015 PUBLISHER/LAYOUT
John Carocci
COPY EDITOR
Martha Sawicki
CONTRIBUTORS
Melissa Lorenzo Martha Sawicki Laura Pasquarella David A. Haefner, Esq. Kate Gallivan Michele Ogden Laurie Matson Susan Buck Connections is a monthly newsletter for employees of the Evergreen Association (that’s you). Send suggestions, photos, story ideas, or a friendly hello to John Carocci.
Danielle Shaw
1. I worked in a Finger Lakes winery for 9 years before moving to Buffalo. 2. Yes, I have red hair. No, I’m not Irish! My mother is 100% Italian and I’m the only living redhead in my family. 3. I teach macrame classes. I love crafting and making artwork in my spare time. 4. My dream is to have my own pottery studio. 5. I love fixing things! Home, car, etc. “Handy-Woman”!
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Gabrielle Mahapatra
I travel a lot. I like concerts. I love Disney. I bought a new car.
Theo Herman
I would love one day to be president in my country. I hope Evergreen will change my life. I would like all Americans to visit Africa. My wife doesn’t work, she does housework only. Soccer is my favorite sport.
Louis Hernandez
Go Bills - love my Buffalo Bills. Enjoy listening to music. Still like watching cartoons. Hate cats but I love my cat. Love history.
Maria Cruz
I have 2 beautiful children, Naylah and Jayden. I’ve won numerous math/science awards from NASA. I have an excellent green thumb. I don’t have uncles, aunts or grandparents. I truly enjoy music.
Sheryl Campbell-Julien
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I am tall. I am determined. I am understanding. I am real, and down to Earth. I enjoy change.
Quentin Page
1. I was in a scene in the movie National Treasure with Nicholas Cage. 2. I was in a commercial that showed the city of Buffalo that was played during the Olympics. 3. I enjoy cruising and have been to over six countries. 4. I was raisied in Queens, New York. 5. I played football for over 10 years.
Steven Sanders
Harry Berkoh-Asamoah
Christina West
Dave Haefner
Angel Steele
Ian Eastman
1. I am a Buddhist. 2. I have a passion for tracking hurricanes. 3. My mother was going to be a nun before she met my father. 4. I was born the day after Christmas. I almost died because the umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck. 5. I’m afraid to fly; however I have 5 trips planned in the next 4 months that require me to do so.
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I love to laugh a lot. I like to play golf. I like spicy/hot foods. I grew up as the only boy in the family. I love reggae music.
I am a twin. I have a dog named Einstein. I have a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. I drove from Arizona to Buffalo with my father. Back to the Future is my favorite movie.
My home-made pasta is super delicious. I have a green thumb. Pears are my favorite fruit. I have a deep interest in foreign policy issues. Cheesy sci-fi is my Kryptonite.
I love Thai food. I love using power tools. I was born on a Superbowl Sunday. I was born with an extra muscle in my arm. I was in several productions at Studio Arena as a child.
Hosted a rock ’n’ roll radio show under the alias General Tom Thumb. Came in dead last at his first and only 5K. I was passed in the home stretch by a man wearing a sweater, long pants, and smoking a cigar! Recipient of a 1995 Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau Award for Creative Commercial Production. Brought my youth group to New Orleans several times for service-learning projects. Columnist for my hometown newspaper for the last eight years.
Evergreen’s family of publications welcomed a brand new arrival in November — the Evergreen News. The Evergreen News (no, I will not call it TEN and neither should you) is a monthly magazine for clients of the Evergreen Association and its affiliates. It will feature spotlights on our many programs and services, client profiles, construction updates, safety bulletins, photographs, and useful information on a variety of topics of interest to the people we serve. The Marketing Department is keeping health literacy at the forefront when writing and designing features for the Evergreen News. Studies have indicated that only 12% of Americans demonstrate proficient health literacy, which is defined as ”the ability to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions” by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Limited health literacy affects the poor, the elderly, and the uneducated especially, but it can be found at every socio-economic level and even among people with high levels of education. Many of our clients face additional barriers to health literacy, such as poor eyesight, or the struggle with English as their non-native language, to name only two. The Evergreen News will present information in as clear a manner as possible, using simple, direct language, an uncluttered layout, and easy to process pieces of information. Where does this information come from? Funny you should ask. It comes from you. The Evergreen News is a tool you can use to speak to our clients. A continually updated directory of support and social groups will appear in every issue, along with (limited) space to promote programs. If you’d like to feature your program or service in a future issue, or if you have ideas or comments of any kind (including nominations for “Star Client”, contact either Martha Sawicki or me. - John Carocci
$500 IS A LOT OF EXTRA MONEY. WITH $500, YOU COULD BUY $...........83 Michael Bolton’s Greatest Hits CDs ..............with Free Shipping from Amazon.com $...........16 Elf on a Shelf Gift Sets $...........27 Hello Kitty Chia Pets $...........25 Family Fill Up Meals from KFC ..............It’s easier than ever to earn ..............$500 from Evergreen’s ..............Employee Referral Program!
Here’s How: 1............Refer a qualified friend 2...........Rack up your rewards! ..............$100 after referee is ..............employed for 30 days ..............$150 after referee is ..............employed for six months ..............$250 after referee is ..............employed for one year
Don’t Forget! $...........Tell your friend to write ..............your name on their application $...........Fill out the Employee Referral ..............Form, and return it to HR $...........Buy 24 pairs of Polar Feet fleece socks