FROM THE BENEFITS OFFICE:
***IMPORTANT DATE INFORMATION FOR FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS
2016 Plan Year
Q? What is the last day to file 2016 medical FSA claim?
A: March 31, 2017
Q? What is the last day to use debit card for 2016 medical FSA claim? Is this date the
same rather or not the card has an expiration date of 12/2016?
A: December 31 would be the last day to use the card for 2016 expenses,
regardless of the expiration date. Paper claims can be submitted to SBS
through March 31, 2017 for claims with dates of service through
December 31, 2016. Cards with an expiration date in 2017 will re-issued
prior to the expiration date.
Q? What is the amount eligible to rollover from a 2016 medical FSA to a 2017
medical FSA?
A: It’s $500, regardless of whether or not you enroll in a medical FSA
plan for 2017.
Q? What is the last day to file 2016 dependent care FSA claim?
A: March 31, 2017
2017 Plan Year
Q? What is the last day to file a 2017 medical FSA claim?
A: January 31, 2018 – Please note the filing limit has been shortened beginning
with the 2017 plan year.
Q? What is the amount eligible to rollover from a 2017 medical FSA to a 2018
medical FSA?
A: It’s $500, regardless of whether or not you enroll in a medical FSA
plan for 2018.
Q? What is the last day to file 2017 dependent care FSA claim?
A: January 31, 2018– Please note the filing limit has been shortened beginning
with the 2017 plan year.
History of Veterans Day
(Source: The United States Department of Veteran Affairs)
World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of
Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of
Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or
temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect
on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November
11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of
hostilities. This photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the
armistice ending World War I went into effect.
In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration
of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice
Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s
service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed
us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace
and justice in the councils of the nations…"
The original concept for the celebration was for a day observed with parades and public
meetings and a brief suspension of business beginning at 11:00 a.m.
The United States Congress officially recognized the end of World War I when it passed a
concurrent resolution on June 4, 1926, with these words:
Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive,
sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people
of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may
never again be severed, and
Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be
commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate
peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and
Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared
November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House
of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to
issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States
on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United
States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with
appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.
An Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U. S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of
November in each year a legal holiday—a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace
and to be thereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day." Armistice Day was primarily
a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had
required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s
history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the
urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the
word "Armistice" and inserting in its place the word "Veterans." With the approval of this
legislation (Public Law 380) on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor
American veterans of all wars.
Later that same year, on October 8th, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first
"Veterans Day Proclamation" which stated: "In order to insure proper and widespread
observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans' organizations, and the entire
citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating
the Administrator of Veterans' Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee,
which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will
coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting
the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to
assist the National Committee in every way possible."
President Eisenhower signing HR7786, changing Armistice Day to Veterans Day. From left: Alvin
J. King, Wayne Richards, Arthur J. Connell, John T. Nation, Edward Rees, Richard L. Trombla,
Howard W. Watts
On that same day, President Eisenhower sent a letter to the Honorable Harvey V. Higley,
Administrator of Veterans' Affairs (VA), designating him as Chairman of the Veterans Day
National Committee.
In 1958, the White House advised VA's General Counsel that the 1954 designation of the VA
Administrator as Chairman of the Veterans Day National Committee applied to all
subsequent VA Administrators. Since March 1989 when VA was elevated to a cabinet level
department, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has served as the committee's chairman.
The Uniform Holiday Bill (Public Law 90-363 (82 Stat. 250)) was signed on June 28, 1968,
and was intended to ensure three-day weekends for Federal employees by celebrating four
national holidays on Mondays: Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and
Columbus Day. It was thought that these extended weekends would encourage travel,
recreational and cultural activities and stimulate greater industrial and commercial
production. Many states did not agree with this decision and continued to celebrate the
holidays on their original dates.
The first Veterans Day under the new law was observed with much confusion on October
25, 1971. It was quite apparent that the commemoration of this day was a matter of historic
and patriotic significance to a great number of our citizens, and so on September 20th,
1975, President Gerald R. Ford signed Public Law 94-97 (89 Stat. 479), which returned the
annual observance of Veterans Day to its original date of November 11, beginning in 1978.
This action supported the desires of the overwhelming majority of state legislatures, all
major veterans service organizations and the American people.
Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week
on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not
only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the
important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their
patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Stages of Alzheimer’s
www.alz.org
Alzheimer's disease
typically progresses
slowly in three general
stages — mild (earlystage), moderate
(middle-stage), and
severe (late-stage). Since
Alzheimer's affects people in
different ways, each person
will experience symptoms or progress through
Alzheimer's stages differently.
Overview of disease
progression
Mild Alzheimer's (earlystage)
Moderate Alzheimer's
(middle-stage)
Severe Alzheimer's (latestage)
Did you know?
People with cognitive changes caused by Mild
Cognitive Impairment (MCI) have an
increased risk of developing Alzheimer's or
another dementia. However, not all people
with MCI develop Alzheimer's.
LEARN MORE >
Overview of disease progression
The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses
varies. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as
20 years, depending on other factors.
Changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's begin years before any signs of the disease. This time period,
which can last for years, is referred to as preclinical Alzheimer's disease.
The stages below provide an overall idea of how abilities change once symptoms appear and should only be
used as a general guide. They are separated into three different categories: mild Alzheimer's disease,
moderate Alzheimer's disease and severe Alzheimer's disease. Be aware that it may be difficult to place a
person with Alzheimer's in a specific stage as stages may overlap
Mild Alzheimer's disease (early-stage)
Although the onset of
Alzheimer's disease cannot
yet be stopped or reversed,
an early diagnosis can
allow a person the
opportunity to live well
with the disease for as long
as possible and plan for the
future.
>>Life After Diagnosis
In the early stages of Alzheimer's, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and
be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as
forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.
Friends, family or neighbors begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be
able to detect problems in memory or concentration. Common difficulties include:
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Problems coming up with the right word or name
Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people
Having greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings
Forgetting material that one has just read
Losing or misplacing a valuable object
Increasing trouble with planning or organizing
Moderate Alzheimer's disease (middle-stage)
During the moderate
stage of Alzheimer's,
individuals may have
greater difficulty
performing tasks such as
paying bills, but they may
still remember significant
details about their life.
Moderate Alzheimer's is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. As the disease progresses,
the person with Alzheimer's will require a greater level of care.
You may notice the person with Alzheimer's confusing words, getting frustrated or angry, or acting in
unexpected ways, such as refusing to bathe. Damage to nerve cells in the brain can make it difficult to
express thoughts and perform routine tasks.
At this point, symptoms will be noticeable to others and may include:
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Forgetfulness of events or about one's own personal history
Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations
Being unable to recall their own address or telephone number or the high school or college from
which they graduated
Confusion about where they are or what day it is
The need for help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion
Trouble controlling bladder and bowels in some individuals
Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night
An increased risk of wandering and becoming lost
Personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive,
repetitive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding
Severe Alzheimer's disease (late-stage)
Get support
Late-stage care decisions can
be some of the hardest families
face. Connect with other
caregivers who have been
through the process on our
online message boards and get
helpful resources in
ourCaregiver Center.
In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a
conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating
pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, personality changes may take
place and individuals need extensive help with daily activities.
At this stage, individuals may:
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Require full-time, around-the-clock assistance with daily personal care
Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings
Require high levels of assistance with daily activities and personal care
Experience changes in physical abilities, including the ability to walk, sit and, eventually, swallow
Have increasing difficulty communicating
Become vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia
Learn more: Late-stage Care
Help is available
Your local Alzheimer's Association chapter can connect
you with the resources you need to cope with the
symptoms and challenges of Alzheimer's. Find a chapter
in your community
Our free 24/7 Helpline provides information, referral and
care consultation by professionals in more than 200
languages.
Our Greenfield Library houses more than 5,000 books,
journals and resources. Access it online.
Alzheimer’s Fact 2016
Green Beans with Bacon-Balsamic Vinaigrette
Cooking Light
Bits of crispy bacon, almonds, and balsamic vinegar can dress up steamed green beans and make them
appealing even to the veggie-averse. Or try the same method with any of your favorite veggies from cabbage
to peas to corn.
Ingredients
2 pounds green beans
2 bacon slices
¼ cup minced shallots
3 tablespoons coarsely chopped almonds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ cup whit balsamic vinegar
Preparation
Cook green beans in boiling water for 2
minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Drain well; set aside. Cook bacon in a small
skillet over medium heat until crisp.
Remove bacon from skillet. Crumble; set
aside. Add shallots to bacon fat; sauté 1 minute. Add almonds: sauté 1
minute and let cool. Add sugar and vinegar: stir until sugar dissolves. Add
crumbled bacon. Pour vinaigrette over beans, tossing gently to coat.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 75 cal
Fat: 2.6 g
Protein: 3.4 g
Carbohydrate: 11.8 g
Fiber: 2.8g
Skinny Pumpkin Pie
Skinnytaste.com
Ingredients:
 15 oz canned pumpkin (or homemade pumpkin puree)
 2 tbsp whipped butter, softened
 3/4 cup light brown sugar, unpacked
 1/2 cup fat free milk
 1 large egg
 2 large egg whites
 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 1 frozen pie crust sheet, Pillsbury (thawed to
room temperature)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F
Lightly dust a large cutting board or flat surface with flour. Roll out a room temperature pie
crust sheet, so that it becomes thin enough to cut off about 30%, so that your final crust is 5
oz. Place into a 9-inch pie dish, cutting off excess dough. (If you prefer to skip this step and
use all the dough, increase calories and points+ to 6 per slice).
Place pumpkin puree in a large bowl. Add butter, and mix well. Using an electric mixer, mix
in brown sugar, milk, eggs, egg whites, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
Beat on medium speed until mixture is smooth. Pour filling into unbaked pie crust.
Bake about 70 to 75 minutes, or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cut into 8
slices and serve with whipped coconut cream or whipped cream if desired.
REMINDER: UnitedHealthcare RALLY Wellness Program
• All NISD medical plan options include the United Healthcare Rally
Wellness program which gives enrolled employees and spouses the
opportunity to earn up to $200 each in gift cards for participating in
wellness-related activities.
• Sign up and log on to myuhc.com.
• Attend a biometric screening event and receive a $75 reward. Then
complete the online survey to receive an additional $25 reward. You will
also obtain your “Rally Age” and receive information on recommended
coaching programs.
• Complete a telephone-based health coaching program and get a $75
reward.
• Get a $20 reward each month that you visit a participating fitness center
at least 12 times per month.
• Complete at least 3 Missions through the Rally experience and get a $50
reward.
• Estimate health care costs on myuhc.com and get a $25 reward.
Note: Incentives are subject to federal tax withholdings and will be
reflected in the November 18, 2016 paycheck as a separate item and in
the gross income amount on W2 forms.