BEXAR COUNTY CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 2011
Bexar County Connection
News, events, and information for Bexar County employees
Adult Detention Center Passes Annual Inspection A briefing was held on January 13th at the Adult Detention Center, where Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz, his staff, and
other county leaders including, Betty Bueche, Facilities
Manager of Infrastructure Services; Seth Mitchell,
Operations and Planning Manager; Ruby Webb, Chief
of Staff; and others received the yearly inspection report
from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards.
The Texas Legislature created the Commission on Jail
ABOVE: Bexar County Adult Detention Center
See “Inspection” continued on page 3
Benefit Spotlight: 457 Plans Offer Retirement Savings As part of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010, the employee
portion of Social Security tax will decrease from 6.2% to 4.2% for 2011. Many financial planning experts
recommend employees take advantage of this opportunity and put all or a portion of this year’s extra take
home pay in retirement savings.
Bexar County employees have a choice of several 457 deferred compensation plans which are conveniently
offered through payroll deduction. These plans allow employees to supplement their TCDRS retirement plan
savings and set aside an additional amount from their paychecks for retirement. Contributions to a 457 plan
reduce current taxable income; helping employees save on income taxes now. The interest and earnings in the
accounts grow tax-deferred, which means these plans can achieve greater earnings than might be possible
with other taxable savings methods.
See “Benefits” continued on page 3
What’s Inside This Issue
HealthWorks 2 Q & A with Chief of Staff 4 Tower Climb 5 Legal Update: ADA 5 Freeman Coliseum Events 5 County Employees Love the Spurs 6 Employee Training Calendar 7 Techi‐Tips 7 Raspberry Sauce 8 Employee Service Anniversaries 8 VOLUME FIVE—ISSUE TWO
County Holiday President’s Day Monday, February 21, 2011 Bexar County Connection is produced
monthly by Bexar County Human Resources.
Send us your news and events information
via e-mail at [email protected]
or via fax at (210) 335-2857.
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BEXAR COUNTY CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 2011
Live on the Bright Side Research shows positive people: February is American Heart Month Know the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack Some heart attacks are sudden and intense; how‐
ever, most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long to seek help. Here are signs a heart attack may be happening: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve dis‐
comfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that comes and goes. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, full‐
ness, or pain. •
•
•
•
Are healthier and have fewer unhealthy habits Recover more quickly from illness Have fewer health complications Live longer Now is the time to change your thinking to be more optimistic. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ever have a negative thought. It does mean you should try and focus on the positive as much as possible. Try these strategies t0 start looking on the bright side. 1. Think helpful, constructive thoughts. If you are stuck in traffic due to an accident, think “I’m thankful it wasn’t me. I hope nobody’s hurt” instead of getting angry. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. 2. Smell the roses. Remind yourself to stop and Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or take in the good parts of your life. both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach. 3. Be a bearer of good news. When you say something positive to friends or family, they Shortness of breath. May occur with or without feel good and it helps them remain positive. chest discomfort. 4. Turn “wait time” into “me time.” If you ex‐
Other signs. These may include breaking out in a pect to have a long wait, bring an enriching cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. If you feel activity to pass the time. heart attack symptoms, do not delay. Remember, 5. Keep your sense of humor. A good chuckle is minutes matter! Call 9‐1‐1 as soon as possible. good for the soul. People often bond through laughing together over the most annoying Source: Centers for Disease Control and situations. Prevention 6. Practice gratitude. Write a letter of thanks to a friend or tell a coworker you appreciate something they did to help. 7. Envision a bright future. Write about your Employee Clinic Hours plans for the future and you will be more likely to take action towards those goals. County employees are encouraged to visit the Employee Health Clinic 8. By giving yourself permission to slow down and establish positive thoughts, you can im‐
at 459 South Main for minor ill‐
prove the quality of your life. So take a deep nesses or injuries. Employees are breathe and start looking on the positive side. charged a $5 fee that is deducted from their pay‐
check. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday 7:30 Source: Humana Wellness Watch a.m. ‐ 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. ‐ 4:30 p.m. VOLUME FIVE—ISSUE TWO
PAGE 2
BEXAR COUNTY CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 2011
“Benefits” continued from page 1
You may have noticed a small increase in take home pay due to the Social Security tax decrease. Now would
be the perfect opportunity to take that extra amount and begin contributing to a tax sheltered, deferred compensation plan.
Employees can enroll in a 457 plan at any time during the year and can contribute as little as $10 per pay
check. However, the IRS limits how much can be contributed each year. For 2011, the maximum annual
contribution is $16,500 (however, additional “catch-up” contribution opportunities are available for those over
age 50 or for employees who are eligible to retire within 3 years).
For more information on Bexar County’s 457 deferred compensation plans, including how to enroll, contact a
local representative below:
PROVIDER
REPRESENTATIVE
CONTACT
WEBSITE
ICMA-RC
Steve Lopez
866-822-3632
www.icmarc.com
ING (Aetna)
Shane Pfeffer
210-979-8277
www.ingfa.com
Nationwide Retirement Solutions
Jacarri Williams
210-316-0016
www.nationwide.com
VALIC
Tommy Ortiz
210-336-2711
www.valic.com
“Inspection” continued from page 1
Standards in 1975 to implement a state policy that all county jail facilities conform to minimum standards of
construction, maintenance, and operation.
The annual inspection reviews policies, procedures, as well as checking the actual facility for compliance. It is
the duty of the Commission to publish reasonable written rules and procedures establishing minimum standards, inspection procedures, enforcement policies, and technical assistance for:
•
•
•
The construction, equipment, maintenance, and operation of jail facilities under its jurisdiction;
The custody, care, and treatment of inmates; and
Programs of rehabilitation, education, and recreation for inmates confined in county and municipal
jail facilities.
The annual report summarized the inspection held on January 10 - 13, 2011. There were no deficiencies noted
and upon review of the report by the Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, a certificate of compliance will be issued per the requirement of VTCA, Chapter 511, and Texas Minimum Jail Standards.
“I would like to thank the entire detention team that was responsible for passing the
jail inspection and all those present that had an integral part in ensuring the jail was
ready for this rigid inspection,” said Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz.
Roger Dovalina, Jail Administrator added, “I want to thank Infrastructure Services,
University Health System staff, and of course our own detention staff for their commitment to make certain we successfully meet the mandates established by the state
of Texas. This is our 3rd year to be found “in compliance” with the Texas Commission
on Jail Standards.” Congratulations on another successful inspection.
VOLUME FIVE—ISSUE TWO
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BEXAR COUNTY CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 2011
Q & A with Ruby Webb, Chief of Staff to the County Judge Ruby Webb joined the office of County Judge Nelson Wolff as
chief of staff in July 2010. A San Antonio native, Ruby is an
accomplished manager with vast public sector experience.
Prior to coming to the County, Ruby was the Small, Minority, and
Women-Owned Business Program Manager for the San Antonio
Water System. She served as an assistant to Mayor Phil Hardberger and advised him on major policy issues including transportation, economic development, international affairs, cultural affairs,
and environmental matters. Before joining Hardberger’s office,
Ruby was a general manager with Unison Maximus and oversaw
the concessions program at the San Antonio International Airport.
Ruby started her public sector career as a legislative intern at
SAWS and went on to work in conservation policy and programs
for the utility after earning a Master of Science in Urban AdminiABOVE: Ruby Webb, Chief of Staff
stration from Trinity University. As a Conservation Planner III at
SAWS, Ruby was responsible for designing, developing, managing, and evaluating conservation programs,
policies, and procedures. Ruby is married and has three stepsons.
As the Judge’s Chief of Staff, what is your favorite part of what is sure to be a challenging job?
I enjoy being part of an organization that has a direct impact on the community and knowing my work will
have a long lasting effect. I also enjoy the variety of projects and issues that come through the County Judge’s
office – there’s never a dull moment.
What are your goals for the future of the County?
I hope to move closer to solving Bexar County’s transportation issues, particularly when it comes to obtaining
our fair share of Federal and State funding. Bexar County has continuously lagged behind Dallas, Houston,
and now Austin when it comes to funding for new highway and road projects.
What professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?
I had the great privilege of being one of the authors of a comprehensive Water Conservation Ordinance that
was adopted in 2005 by the San Antonio City Council. It detailed provisions that would provide a savings of
up to 1.3 billion gallons of water annually – which equates to about three gallons of water per person/per day.
The ordinance includes items such as drought tolerant grass varieties for commercial and residential builders,
requirements on the installation of residential and commercial rain sensors, provisions for charity car washes,
restrictions on power washing, and requirements for irrigation check ups. It was the first in Texas and has
been used as a model by cities across the State and Nation.
What is something we don’t know about you (hobbies, interests, activities)?
I love to fish! The serenity of being out on a body of water with just your thoughts and fishing pole is the best
thing ever – especially when you get a hook on. My best catch so far is a 38 pound black drum that I caught off
the Port Aransas coastline. It took over 25 minutes to reel him in and only nine minutes to weigh him and take
his picture.
Is there a message you would like to impart to County employees?
Always remember that everyday you come in to work you are making a difference in the lives of your
children, your family, your friends, and your community.
VOLUME FIVE—ISSUE TWO
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BEXAR COUNTY CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 2011
26th Annual San Antonio Tower Climb & Run The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Lone Star Chapter announces this year's 26th
Annual Tower Climb & Run on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Tower of
the Americas. Check-in opens at 6:30 a.m. and the event starts at 7:30 a.m.
"Tesoro is proud to support this unique event. It helps maintain health and
wellness in our community while ensuring nearly 90 cents of every dollar
raised funds research to find a cure for CF," said Tesoro Community Investment Manager, Carrie Bulsiewicz. Our own County Judge Nelson Wolff is
scheduled to participate in this year’s event and encourages County employees to join him.
The Tower Climb is the premier athletic challenge event for competitive and non-competitive participants.
The SAPD and SAFD ceremonially kick-off the event each year. The competitors will run first a timed onemile run around Hemisfair Park and then run up the 952 steps to the top of the Tower of the Americas across
the finish line. Non-competitive climbers climb the stairs at their own pace without the competitive run. Fourperson competitive and other sized non-competitive teams are encouraged to participate; with a minimum age
of 10 years old.
For more than 25 years, this unique San Antonio-based athletic challenge continues to raise important research
dollars to benefit local children in San Antonio and South Texas. CF is a life-threatening genetic disease that
affects the lungs and digestive system. Online registration is open www.cff.org/chapters/lonestar/
towerclimb. The registration fee is $25 per person and a fundraising minimum amount of $50 is required to
participate.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) The National Organization on Disability reports that more than 54
million Americans have a disability. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 was created with the goal of integrating
people with disabilities into all aspects of American life, particularly the workplace and the marketplace.
Sensitivity toward people with disabilities is not only in the spirit of the ADA; it makes good business sense.
When supervisors and co-workers use disability etiquette, employees with disabilities feel more comfortable
and work more productively. Practicing disability etiquette is an easy way to make people with disabilities
feel welcome.
Please visit the Department of Labor website at www.dol.gov for more information and continue to watch
the County Connection for more updates.
Events Coming to Freeman Coliseum San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo
February 3 - 20, 2011
Visit www.sarodeo.com for more information.
Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com
VOLUME FIVE—ISSUE TWO
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BEXAR COUNTY CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 2011
County Employees Show Their Spurs “Spirit” We asked County employees to send us photos of how they show their Spurs pride. Here
are a few shots of fellow County employees
supporting our home team, the San Antonio
Spurs.
ABOVE: Jail Programs staff at the
County Jail show their spirit
RIGHT: County
Clerk employees
from the Probate
Department
ABOVE: Human Resources staff with the Sheriff’s
Office are big Spurs fans
ABOVE: County Clerk employees from Central Filing rally
LEFT: Sheriff Ortiz’
youngest granddaughter,
Celia Alvidrez enjoys a
Spurs game
ABOVE: District Clerk employees from Civil Records show their Spurs pride
ABOVE: District Clerk employees from Civil Filing are proud Spurs fans
VOLUME FIVE—ISSUE TWO
RIGHT: Vanessa
Mayorga of BCIT
attends a Spurs game
PAGE 6
BEXAR COUNTY CONNECTION
FEBRUARY 2011
Employee Training Calendar - February 2011
Date
Course/Class
Scheduled Time
Location
Thursday, February 3
Sexual Harassment Awareness
9:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m.
Training Center
Friday, February 4
New Employee Orientation
9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Training Center
Monday, February 7
What’s New - Word ‘07
9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
BCIT Annex
Monday, February 7
What’s New - Excel ‘07
2:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
BCIT Annex
Monday, February 7
What’s New - PowerPoint ‘07
9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Training Center
Tuesday, February 8
What’s New - Access ‘07
9:00 a.m. — 11:00 a.m.
Training Center
Wednesday, February 9
Retirement Seminar - AM
8:30 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
Training Center
Wednesday, February 9
Retirement Seminar - PM
1:30 p.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Training Center
Monday, February 14
Word 2007 - Level 2
9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
BCIT Annex
Monday, February 14
Excel 2007 - Level 2
9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Training Center
Wednesday, February 16
Microsoft Outlook - ‘07
9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
BCIT Annex
Friday, February 18
New Employee Orientation
9:00 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Training Center
Thursday, February 24
Business Writing
9:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Training Center
Friday, February 25
Customer Service Strategies
1:00 p.m. — 4:00 p.m.
Training Center
Check the Information Technology Calendar at http://intra/TechTraining/index.html for more training dates.
Course dates and times are valid as of the date of publication and subject to change. All classes are available for
County employees. Employees should have their supervisor’s permission to enroll and attend a class.
Register for County Human Resources Information System (CHRIS) classes at [email protected] or call 335-2474.
Please contact Adam Leos at [email protected] or 335-0728 to register for other training events.
Techi‐Tips: Technology Made Simple Outlook 2007 ‐ Contacting Attendees Need to contact meeting attendees with a
reminder or other message? Open the meeting from your Calendar, click the Meeting
tab on the Ribbon > under the Attendees
Group, click the Message to Attendees
button > click New Message to Attendees
> type your message > click Send Update.
Looking for more Techi-Tips? Contact the
BCIT Help Desk at 335-0222.
VOLUME FIVE—ISSUE TWO
PAGE 7
BEXAR COUNTY CONNECTION
SERVICE ANNIVERSARIES
February 2011
FIVE YEARS
Community Superv & Correction
Community Superv & Correction
Community Superv & Correction
Community Resources
District Attorney
District Attorney
District Courts - Civil
Infrastructure Services
Infrastructure Services
Infrastructure Services
Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2
Juvenile Detention
Juvenile Detention
Juvenile Detention
Juvenile Detention
Juvenile Detention
Juvenile Detention
Juvenile Probation
Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office
Tax Office
Dew, Jeffrey W.
Salazar, JoAnn H.
Sanchez, Lillian T.
Pendleton, David
Gotthardt, Randolph C.
Romans, Charles H.
Gaines, Dinah L.
Silvas, Alexander S.
Turner, Martin H.
Wells, Megan R.
Diaz, Albert L.
Alonzo, Ruben R.
Andrews, Veronica A.
Garcia, Robert J.
Spencer, Garland E.
Ward, Adam M.
Williams, Patrick L.
Reynolds, Joanne E.
Rodriguez, Adelfa B.
Saenz, Mary V.
Casarez, Maria V.
TEN YEARS
Constable, Precinct 2
County Courts at Law
District Attorney
Infrastructure Services
Juvenile Detention
Juvenile Detention
Juvenile Detention
Planning & Resource Management
Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office
TWENTY YEARS
Auditor’s Office
Community Superv & Correction
District Attorney
Infrastructure Services
Infrastructure Services
Infrastructure Services
Infrastructure Services
Infrastructure Services
Juvenile Detention
Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office
Vela, Anna M.
Medina, Alice R.
O’Connell, Kevin M.
Alarcon, Fred N.
Cerda, Alphonse
Gomez, Rolando E.
Mares, Salvador S.
Perez, Gilbert
Trevino, Jacob M.
Barabasz, Brian E.
Gonzalez, Leticia D.
TWENTY FIVE YEARS
County Clerk
District Attorney
District Attorney
Information Technology
Juvenile Probation
Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office
Greiner, Deborah F.
Cortez-Ramirez, Leticia
Gonzalez, Mary A.
Kniejski, Robert L.
Morales, Maricela I.
Griffin, Earl W.
Jasso, Mary E.
THIRTY YEARS
Sheriff’s Office
Conger, Edward M.
Raspberry Sauce Garcia, Lydia C.
Fleming, John D.
Botard, Ashley C.
Valadez, Thomas G.
Estrada, Michael A.
Rivas, Desmond G.
Sul, Rene C.
Leos, Adam L.
Camacho, Anthony R.
Flores, Roger H.
Nava, Mark A.
Wheeler, Roger W.
FIFTEEN YEARS
Community Superv & Correction
District Courts - Civil
Law Library
FEBRUARY 2011
Chadwick, Dawn M.
DeGeus, Mary
Castillo, Elizabeth A.
Happy Valentine’s Day! Monday, February 14, 2011 VOLUME FIVE—ISSUE TWO
Try making this healthy and
delicious raspberry sauce – it’s
great on waffles or pancakes,
or stirred into vanilla yogurt.
For a low-fat Valentine’s Day
dessert, put a few spoonfuls on top of low-fat ice
cream or angel food cake.
•
•
•
2—12 oz. packages frozen raspberries, thawed
with juices
1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup Splenda
Puree raspberries with juices and sugars until
smooth in a blender or food processor. Transfer mixture to a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl; press on
solids with rubber spatula to extract as much pulp
as possible. Discard seeds that are left in strainer.
Makes about 3 cups. Keeps for several days in the
refrigerator.
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