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Ford's Focus
What's in a name? That which we call a "logo"...
Whether you love it, hate it or don't really have an opinion, the refreshed academic mark (as opposed to the Athletics "chipmunk" logo) has officially launched. A brief overview of the Brand Identity Refresh can be viewed here.
Specifics on how the identity is to be applied here at Physical Plant are not yet available, but will be soon. Kelly Harris in CP&D is OPP's liaison to the Office of Strategic Communications for matters related to the graphic identity system and its application. He can provide more guidance and art work to assist in the transition from the old mark.
As President Barron indicated in his message earlier this week, printed material like letterhead, address labels, business cards, etc. should continue to be used until stock on hand is depleted.
Thank you in advance for your support of this important effort to communicate clearly, consistently and with one "voice" to our University constituents and the world.
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Welcomes
 Bennit "Allen" Brown began a position as a custodial worker in District 43. His first day was Aug. 24. Hometown: Philipsburg, Pa.
Hobbies: Coaching softball, family
 Eric Heltman accepted a position as a refrigeration technician. His first day was Aug. 31. Hometown: Philipsburg, Pa.
Hobbies: Hunting, camping
 Jason Jones began working as a facilities supervisor on Aug. 24.Hometown: Rocky Mount, Va.
Hobbies: Sports, family
 Sandra Lightner accepted an administrative support assistant position within OPP Human Resources. Her first day was Aug. 24. Hometown: State College, Pa.
Hobbies: Quilting, family
Hometown: Syracuse, N.Y.
Hobbies: Travel, drawing
 Leann Roan accepted a position as a custodial worker in District 13. Her first day was Aug. 24.Hometown: State College, Pa.
Hobbies: Baking, family
 Margaret Shaner accepted a position as a facilities supervisor Her first day was Aug. 31. Hometown: Champlain, N.Y.
Hobbies: Hiking, kayaking
Karen Stephens accepted a position as a custodial worker in District 43. Her first day was Aug. 24.
Hometown: Houtzdale, Pa.
Hobbies: Baking
**If your picture was not included, we would be glad to include it in a future edition. Please contact Susan Bedsworth to set up a time to have your photo taken.
Farewells
Chuck Coder, lead painter, is retiring after 33 years. His last day is Sept. 18.
Andrea Rafferty, utility maintenance worker, accepted a position with Intercollegiate Athletics. Her last day was Aug. 24.
Craig Rickards, facilities manager, passed away on Aug. 17. He worked at the University for 18 years.
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 Craig Rickards - Aug. 3, 1954 - Aug. 17, 2015 Craig Rickards, real estate manager, passed away on Monday, Aug. 17, 2015 at the Village at Penn State. He was the son of Harry W. and Kathryne Jaworsky Rickards Jr. He is survived by his wife, Susan Mogle; his father, Harry; three children, Terry Robery, Tyler Alan and Lindsey Barber; a sister, Cheryl Rickards, and brother, Steven Rickards.
Craig was a graduate of Tyrone High School and Penn State University, where he worked as a real estate manager.
His funeral was held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015 at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Tyrone, Pa. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Tyrone Salvation Army, World Wild Life, the local ambulance service (AMED) or a charity of the donor's choice.
A number of Craig's coworkers and friends shared photos as they took time to remember Craig.
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| | "Words can't explain how much Craig will be missed." - Georgia Gasperich |
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| "One thing I'll always remember about Craig is how much he loved and adored his family. One of his proudest moments was when his granddaughter Eliza was born. He surely will be missed."
- Lori Potter |
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I want to thank all of you who have already participated in this year's Employee Meetings. The third of many feedback reports with responses and progress made on issues raised was recently shared via email.
While some of our challenges will take some time to address, the third progress report on technical service vacancies highlights some of the steps we have already taken and plan to take to resolve multiple issues raised in the employee meetings. Please take a few minutes to review the most recent report if you haven't already .
In addition to safety, service vehicle parking, and specific work-group issues, we're working on several other cross-OPP challenges:
- Maximo Issues
- Material Availability
- Planning and Estimating Delays
- Shop Space
Discussion of the next steps planned to address these ongoing issues will be shared via email, through News & Views, and on the Employee Meeting Progress page. The site will feature all status reports and an anonymous form to submit questions or suggestions.
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Breazeale Celebration
Steve Maruszewski, assistant vice president for OPP, recognized Darren Spotts, Dwayne Rush and Marci VanHorn for their work in getting the the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor ready for the celebration on Aug. 18. "Dr. Unlu was very grateful and the event was a tremendous success. The impressions left with the regulators and agencies that could be instrumental in providing future funding were very positive. These efforts dramatically increase our reputation and directly contribute to the institution's success. Thanks for your efforts and great customer service."
Wartik Project Success
Steve Briskar, Director of Facilities at The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, wrote in to OPP to thank the many people involved in the project on the second floor of Wartik. "In my 10 years at PSU, this has been the most successful project I have been a part of, involved with, or frankly even knew about.
"Sean Walker, Jason Smith and Travis Scanlan are true professionals, very good at what they do and very customer-focused. You provided a quality project that will be a big part of future infectious disease research at PSU."
Institutional Award at APPA
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| | Photo by Rhonda Hole. Used with permission from APPA. |
Penn State was honored with the Institutional Award for APPA's Credentialing Program after having the highest number of participants in the program for an individual institution from July 2014 - June 2015. The award is for five CEFP (Certified Educational Facilities Professionals) scholarships. Phillip Melnick and Beth Clark accepted the award on Penn State's behalf.
Working Together
OPP and Housing staff worked together to make this year's Arrival weekend a success on all fronts. After expressing thanks to Housing for assisting with trash pickup, Dave Manos from Housing shared his own words of appreciation.
"Thank you and your crew's foresight for doing the extra pick-up on Sunday since we had not talked about it. Thank you for that strong work ethic that always shines through, and with such great attitudes. Don't know how to thank you enough for always taking such good care of us. It is much appreciated."
Infrastructure Work at Visual Arts Buildings
Dr. Barbara Korner, Dean of the College of Arts & Architecture, wrote in to thank Katie Rountree, Matt Leah and Matt Olson for their work in overseeing the infrastructure renovation at the Visual Arts Building. "This took a tremendous amount of coordination to meet the deadlines and deal with unexpected complications that always arise in working on older buildings. Thanks for making the situation better for the students, faculty, and staff who spend so much time in that building."
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Since the attic has run low on items, we've decided to transition this column to something new. The new column will be called "Tools of the Trade" and will share unique tools that employees in OPP use on the job. We'll still be accepting guesses, since those outside of a specific work area may or may not know what a specific tool is called or what it is used for.
The item in the Aug. 19 issue of News & Views was a Shortridge AirData meter used by the HVAC crew to check air flows and differential pressures.
Item from the Aug. 19 edition:
The next "Tools of the Trade" item is below. What do you think this is and/or what is it used to do? Email your guess to newsviews@psu.edu.
Happy Guessing!
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Each edition of News & Views will include an interesting Penn State factoid. Some will be about OPP, while others will be about different parts of the University. Know an
interesting tidbit? Send it to newsviews@psu.edu. As long as we can verify its authenticity, we will share it. 
Coal Fee In 1872, students had to pay a $5 annual coal fee and were required to keep kindling and coal dust cleaned up. Ashes had to be taken to a pile behind Old Main. |
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Alex Novak miraculously(?) captured a video of the Beaver Stadium sprinklers spraying in perfect sync with Dead or Alive's "You Spin Me 'Round."
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 Attend this year's Finance & Business Women's Conference - "A Better U" on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015 at The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel. The conference is for all women working in Finance & Business, including technical service, supervisory, support staff, administration, etc. There will be inspiring keynote speakers, engaging panel conversations and informative break-out sessions.
For more information or to register, visit http://bit.ly/1JL0xsV. Employees will need to get permission from their supervisor to attend. This conference is recognized by Finance & Business as a professional development program, and therefore attendance would be counted as work. The registration fee is $70 per person, and includes lunch and refreshments. Please speak with your supervisor as far as responsibility for payment. |
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State College Free to Breathe 5k
 Lisa Berkey, director of Design & Construction, and Rachel Prinkey, project manager, have organized a team a team to participate in the State College Free to Breathe 5k in honor of Tim Heltman, a former OPP Design & Construction staff member and friend, who lost his battle with lung cancer four years ago.
The Free to Breathe 5k Run/Walk is set for Sept. 20, 2015 at Tudek Park. You can get involved in a variety of ways.
Join the team!Register online and join the Time Rides Again team. Once registered, you have access to tools to get the word out and gather support from your friends and family. On the day of the event you can choose to walk or run the 5k fun run, walk the 1-mile event or cheer on the participants. There is also a kids dash following the 5k.
Donate!
In you are unable to attend, but would like to support the Tim Rides Again team, please consider making a donation. The money funds research with the goal of doubling the lung cancer survival rate by 2022.
Spread the Word!
Please share this information with anyone who might be interested in joining the team in supporting lung cancer research and families fighting the disease.
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As sometimes happens, one of our own has exhausted their available paid time due to a personal medical situation. Human Resources is currently accepting donated vacation days for Matt Beckenbaugh, an electrician working for Mike Bryer.
If you are an active OPP employee and would like to donate a vacation day to Matt, please email Susan Oswalt by Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. Your email can say, "I wish to donate a vacation day to Matt Beckenbaugh." Don't forget to include your name.
All donations will be anonymous.
Thank you, as always, for your generous support of this program.
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 In an effort to help us all stay healthy, we'll be sharing tips, stretches and workouts you can do at your desk, on your break or at home. We would also love to hear from you! How do you get more movement into your day? Share by emailing newsviews@psu.edu, and, with permission, we'll share your submissions in an upcoming edition of News & Views. Think you need a pricey gym membership to get fit and stay fit? Think again! You can get a great workout at home (or at work, the park, etc) without any fancy equipment or the expensive membership. Below are some great exercises you can incorporate into a bodyweight workout wherever you choose.
Pushups
Keep your body in a straight line from your head down to your toes. To make it easier, use a wall or desk for an incline pushup or put your knees down. Regardless, keep your body in a straight line.
Seated Backbend
While seated with a straight spine, take a deep breath and reach up to the ceiling with arms open wide. As you exhale, let your gaze slowly draw behind you and bend slightly from your upper back and chest. Hold for a few seconds, release bringing your arms to your side, and repeat. This is also a nice stretch to do standing up.
Wrist Release
Weeks and years of typing can take a toll on your wrists and forearms. Take a moment with each hand to bend your wrists in each direction. First, with one hand press your fingertips toward the top of your arm, then switch. Then bend each wrist in the opposite direction by pressing your fingertips toward the inside of your wrist.
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| | Allen Bonsell gives the wrist release a try after working at his computer. |
Squats
Squat like you're sitting back into a chair. Keep your back straight and upper body lifted, look straight ahead, keep your knees tracking over your toes, and your weight in your heels. To make it easier, add a chair. Sit in the chair and stand back up. To make it harder, add a jump between squats. Be sure to land with soft knees.
Forward Lunge
Keep your upper body straight with shoulders back and relaxed. When you step forward lower your hips until both knees are bent at a 90 degree angle. The front knee should be directly above the ankle. Push back to the start position with your weight in your front heel.
Disclaimer: Always talk with your doctor before starting a new fitness regimen. In addition, be sure to warm up and cool down properly before and after exercising. |
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 The flu vaccine clinic dates are now open for registration. To make an appointment, visit http://ohr.psu.edu/health-matters/flu-shots/. Flu vaccines are free to any current Penn State employee and their spouse/partner enrolled in health benefits. If an employee's spouse wishes to receive a flu shot and does not have Penn State health benefits, the cost of their flu shot is $24. Retirees and children are not eligible for this program.
OPP is hosting the following sessions in Room 150A&B. Please enter the 105B side.
Thursday, Oct. 22
12 - 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
4 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 3
8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
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What: 18th Annual Centre County United Way Golf Tournament When: Sept. 21, 2015 Where: Mountain View Country Club Cost (per golfer): $125 Format: 4-person Scramble (singles welcome)
Schedule of Events Registration: 11:30 a.m. Tee Off Time: 1 p.m. Dinner/Awards: 6:30 p.m., Mountain View Country Club
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 In each edition, we are including information and links to retirement information found both on the web and from Penn State's Office of Human Resources. Remember, regardless of your age it's always important to plan ahead for retirement.
Social Security
Did you know the Social Security Administration has a Retirement Estimator to help you determine your potential financial benefit upon retirement? Check it out if you fit the criteria specified on the page.
In addition, the Social Security Administration also has a variety of other calculators that maybe of interest. Some of these include the Retirement Age Calculator, the Life Expectancy Calculator, the Benefits for Spouses Calculator, and more. |
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Dedicated to Diversity
In an effort to spotlight some of the diversity we have here in OPP, we'll be sharing words and phrases from the different languages many of your coworkers speak. If you speak a second language or know some words and phrases from your ethnic background, email Susan at newsviews@psu.edu and you could be featured in an upcoming issue of News & Views.
Laura Miller, senior energy engineer, shared some Polish words that were commonly used in her family. Her grandfather was Polish and her grandmother was Ukrainian.
Tato (tah-tow) - dad/daddy
Babushka - kerchief or scarf
Szmata (shma-ta) - literally means rag, but often refers to a house dress or work clothes for women
Babcia (bab-cha) - grandmother
Dziad (jiad-de) - grandfather
Boski moja (Boy-zha moy-uh)- my God
Droga moja (Dro-guh moy-uh) - my dear, my love
Moja droga ja cie kocham (moy-uh dro-guh ya chie-eh ko-hahm) - My dear, I love you
 Laura and her sisters still make many of the traditional dishes during the holidays, including:
Halupki/Golabki - stuff cabbage
Pierogies - stuffed dumplings
What is your language? How does it sound? How is it different from the others around? How many friends can you make when you know a dozen different ways to say "Hello!" Come find out - and bring along a friend - to the Bilingual reading corner. Let the adventures begin!
- Where: Barnes & Noble, State College, Pa.
- When: Saturdays, 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
- Dates:
- Sept. 19: Russian Story time with Olesya V. Kisselev & Irina Mikaelian
- Oct. 17: Spanish & Italian story time with Carla Fernandex & Federica Bulgarelli
- Nov. 21: Welsh story time with Elizabeth Pyatt
- Dec. 19: French story time with Melinda Fricke
Everyone is welcome no matter what language you speak! This even is open and free to the public.
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 Mark your calendar and start forming your team for the 2015 Col. Gerald Russell - PNC Bank Day of Caring on Oct. 1, 2015.
Watch for a "Register Your Team" email. Fill out the registration form and Beth will contact you with your project site, project scope, and details for the day.
Plan to attend the Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast at the Bryce Jordan Center before you head out to your project.
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 The Office of Physical Plant is now on Twitter! We're excited to connect with faculty, staff and students. We'll be sharing information about what OPP does, our various programs such as möbius, keeping people up to date about construction and other alerts on campus and looking to answer questions and address concerns from those on campus.
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Huntingdon to State College CATA Vanpool
Are you interested in saving as much as $9,000 per year in long distance commuting costs? You can be a vanpool rider for as little as $70 per month.
A new vanpool group(s) is forming from Huntingdon to State College and may service a 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and/or an 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. work shift.
Contact: Terri at 814-238-2282, ext. 5134
Philipsburg to University Park CATA Vanpool
Full and part-time riders are wanted for the Philipsburg to University Park CATA Vanpool. The vanpool makes stops at Innovation Park, Centre Medical Science Building and two other campus locations. The schedule is Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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 The new motorcycle permits are in. Your current motorcycle permit expired Aug. 31. The Parking Office would like you to renew your motorcycle permit by Friday, Sept. 11. With the volume of motorcycle permits that are assigned to OPP, the Parking Office is aware that it may take some time process all the permits. Please try to take care of your permit renewal in a timely manner.
Please stop by the Human Resources Office at 102 OPP to renew your motorcycle permit. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday.
For employees who currently possess a core or commuter vehicle permit, one equivalent or lesser permit may be obtained at no additional charge. For any additional motorcycles or for employees who do not currently possess a core or commuter vehicle permit, core motorcycle stickers are available for $62 and commuter stickers are available for $50. Pay with cash or check only.
Remember to bring your motorcycle license plate information with you when updating your motorcycle permit.
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Have something to sell? Let us know! E-mail Susan Bedsworth with your item(s), details, contact information
 and photos. We will include it in the next edition of News & Views. And don't forget about OPP's Yammer Group "Up for Grabs." Just sign in with your University ID and password to post your item.
OPP Bulletin Board
Howse 54' 3 pt tiller with clutch offset adjust
Contact: Matt, 814-883-6937
Price: $1,100 or best offer
Weston Brush Guard & Undercover Hard
Tonneau Cover
Contact: Marty, 7-4432 (daytime) or stop by room 155
Price: Grill Guard - $325
Tonneau Cover - $325
Set - $525
Lion Surplus
Lion Surplus handles the removal of University-owned equipment in environmentally responsible ways, such as sales, bids and auctions. Their store, located at the corner of Services Rd. and Big Hollow Rd., is open to students, faculty, staff and the public. The inventory changes daily, but the store routinely has gently used furniture, computers and other electronics, scientific equipment, and much more.
Follow Lion Surplus on Facebook to keep up to date on inventory and special events.
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Contact Us
If you have any comments or suggestions for News & Views, contact Susan Bedsworth by e-mail or at 863-9620.
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You can find a list of carpoolers and regional bus services through the 
