Monday, December 14, 2009

MICHAEL OLIVER LIBEL SITE

Michael's Life Living with HIV/AIDS: December 13, 2009 Sunday Morning
By Michael Oliver
The weather has been freezing here in Portland all weekend. Friday night we did stay in. Made salad and a Cornish hen for dinner. Saturday, since it was so nice outside, we took a drive in the afternoon along the Willamette front in the 65 Cadillac ... Present I work for Trimet as a operator for the lightrail system. I live in Beaverton, Oregon. On January 7th, 2009 I was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. I hope my daily strengths and struggles will help you with yours. ...
Michael's Life Living with HIV/AIDS - http://gaysarethenextminority.blogspot.com/

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

DONT FORGET, TRIMET NEVER CLOSES-JUST ASK FRED

by Fred Hansen, General Manager — last modified Dec 11, 2009 02:23 PM


During inclement weather, TriMet plays a critical role in keeping the region moving. Whether traveling to work, the doctor or the store, people turn to us to get where they need to go. To meet the needs of our region, we must deliver reliable service during inclement weather. It is important for each of us to come to work and support all efforts to deliver quality service.

TriMet has several information tools and support materials in place to help employees get to work under tough conditions and provide quality service.

Weather forecasts – When we receive forecasts of weather conditions that may affect service, information will be sent via email, posted in the facilities and on TriNET to give employees time to make any necessary arrangements.

Service Emergency Information Line – 503-962-6222 – In event of inclement weather or another potential service disruption, employees can call the Service Emergency Information Line to hear a recorded message.

Employee support at the facilities – We have air mattresses for employees to use if they wish to remain on site rather than travel home during the event. We also have non-perishable foods and coffee at each facility.



Service Emergency alternate duty – We have identified alternate duty assignments for non-union, non-service delivery staff who are not serving as Ride Guides, but would like to help during an event. Duties range from answering phone calls to making coffee for employees who come in from the field. For more information about these opportunities or to sign up, visit http://trinet.trimet.org/cms/departments/organization-development/inclement-weather-information/service-emergency-alternate-duty.


Winter preparedness tips – The Winter Preparedness information on TriNET, located at http://trinet.trimet.org/cms/departments/organization-development/inclement-weather-information/winter-weather-tips, lists ways employees can prepare for inclement weather.


Ride Guides: This year, we will again deploy Ride Guides to enhance our customer service presence on the street. To volunteer and receive Ride Guide training, visit TriNET at http://trinet.trimet.org/cms/departments/customer-service/ride-guide.


Our goal during any challenging event is to get our riders where they need to go in the safest, quickest, most comfortable way possible. We need everyone at work and pitching in to make this happen.


Thank you.