GOOD STUFF IN HERE

December 14, 2009

LITTLE ICE, PLENTY OF PRACTICE

The weekend of Dec. 11-13 was a good “dress rehearsal” for a snow and ice event. For example, smart preparation Friday night meant we started Saturday morning ready to deploy either a chained or an unchained bus fleet. Thank you to everyone who worked long hours and solved problems creatively this weekend. Thinking about your own readiness? Check out the “TriMet Never Closes” link on TriNET’s homepage. Wondering what TriMet’s doing differently this year? See “Changes to our approach” on the Operations homepage.

H1N1 VACCINE SUPPLY INCREASES; EVERYONE IN PRIORITY GROUP URGED TO GET VACCINATED

Until recently health care providers were focusing on the highest risk people in the vaccine priority group. Now supply is large enough that officials want to make sure everyone in the priority group – including healthy children – get the vaccine. To help ensure people can find vaccine, www.flu.oregon.gov has a vaccine locator that provides lists of clinics and pharmacies offering both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine. You can also call the Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline at 1.800.978.3040. The vaccine supply is increasing and soon state health officials expect to open up vaccinations for everyone. The priority groups being encouraged to get vaccinated right away includes:

pregnant women;

children and young people aged 6 months to 24 years

people aged 24-65 with underlying health conditions

people caring for infants 6 months and younger

health care, emergency, and frontline law enforcement workers

HELPERS AND SERVERS NEEDED FOR HOLIDAY DINNERS

Two hour shifts are available for the Holiday dinners at Powell, Center and Merlo. On the menu: turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, stuffing, rolls, beans, ambrosia salad and pie. Join the fun and share the joy of the holiday season!

Merlo – Thursday, December 17 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (contact Helen at 503.962.2071 to volunteer)

Center – Friday, December 18 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (contact Debi at 503.962.4963 to volunteer)

Powell – Friday, December 18 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (contact Ken at 503.962.3321 to volunteer)

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU'D LIKE ANSWERED

TriNET is home to an updated list of questions and answers about the new Free Fare Zone to possible changes to TriMet work areas related to work on Portland Milwaukie Light Rail. If you’d like to submit a question, go to the Q & A page on TriNET.

TIME TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGE

The Charitable Contribution Campaign ends this week. Don't miss out on the opportunity to help out some great organizations and to be eligible for the door prizes. Employees can make a one-time donation or make regular donations through payroll deductions, plus contributions are tax deductible. Details are available on TriNET or available at each TriMet facility. Return pledge sheets to Robin Rudiger/HR2, or call Robin at 503.962.5810 with questions.

DID YOU RECEIVE YOUR BENEFITS CONFIRMATION STATEMENT

January 2010 statements were sent to all employees’ internal mailstops last Friday. Please review your medical and dental plan elections. If you made changes to your covered dependents make sure they are listed on the confirmation statement. If you elected to participate in the Dependent Care Spending or the Medical Spending accounts, your first deduction will occur on January 20, 2010. Errors with your enrollment information or have questions? Please contact the benefits department by Friday, December 18 at 503.962.7625.

DID YOU MOVE THIS YEAR?

W-2s for 2009 will be issued in late January 2010. Please be sure to verify your address on your paycheck. If any changes need to be made, please submit the address change form to Payroll by December 31, 2009 to ensure your W-2 gets mailed to the correct address.

TRIMET U CLASSES

Click here for upcoming classes with openings.

Service Milestones

20 years: Kihunyu Njoroge, operator

15 years: Garth Attaway, Terrence Ledoux, Jonathan Mathews and Kathryn McMahon, operators

Retired

Randy Black, operator,

34 years of service

Congratulations

Frank Zaccone, December operator of the month

Cynthia Warren, mini-run operator of the quarter

Alan Bentley, rail operator of the quarter