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Ford's Focus
 It's been a difficult few weeks for many here and around the world. I hope all of you will be able to spend time in the comfort of family and friends over the upcoming holiday.
I wish you all a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
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Welcomes
Kristen Adams accepted a position as a custodial worker in District 13. Her first day was Nov. 16.
 Samanthalee Albert began a position as a custodial worker in District 43. Her first day was Nov. 9.Hometown: Wallaceton
Hobbies: Spending time with family
 Debra Colpetzer accepted a position as a custodial truck driver in District 21. Her first day was Nov. 9. Hometown: Julian
Hobbies: Spending time with her grandsons
 Kyler Hall accepted a position as a custodial worker in District 13. His first day was Nov. 2. Hometown: Boalsburg
Hobbies: Dirt bikes
 Deborah Meholick began a position as a custodial worker in District 53 on Nov. 2. Hometown: Wallaceton
Hobbies: Singing
 Matt Norris accepted a position as an area facilities maintenance mechanic. His first day was Nov. 2. Hometown: Clearfield
Hobbies: Camping
 Irene Overdorf accepted a position as a custodial worker in District 53. Her first day was Nov. 1. Hometown: Blanchard
Hobbies: Decorating
Jamie Reese accepted a position as a custodial worker in District 21. Her first day was Nov. 9.
Hometown: Runville
Hobbies: Spending time with family
 David Rishell began working as a utility maintenance worker on Nov. 9. Hometown: Boalsburg
Hobbies: Camping, SCA
 Pablo Rivera began working as a systems administrator on Nov. 9. Hometown: Centre Hall
Hobbies: Hunting, cycling
 Stephen Shawver accepted a position as an area facilities maintenance mechanic on Nov. 9. Hometown: Spring Mills
Hobbies: Hunting, car shows
Aaron Sumner began working as a utility maintenance worker. His first day was Nov. 15. He transferred from Hospitality Services.
 Elizabeth Weaver began working as an occupational health and safety specialist on Nov. 2. Hometown: Reedsville
Hobbies: Camping
**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
Blake Bergey, data analyst, accepted a position with the Teaching & Learning with Technology department. His last day was Nov. 13.
Dave Gummo, custodial worker, accepted a position with Auxiliary & Business Services. His last day was Nov. 9.
Don Hauser, trucker driver, is retiring after 30 years. His last day was Nov. 13.
Mark Patterson, facilities supervisor, accepted a position with Auxiliary & Business Services. His last day is Nov. 22.
Gary Perryman, custodial worker, is retiring after 16 years. His last day is Nov. 28.
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Natalya Podnebennaya, a custodial worker in District 62, was tragically killed on Monday, Oct. 26. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Natalya's family and friends during this difficult time. In memory of Natalya, we wanted to include some words from her coworkers.
"Natalya was a person that showed and demonstrated pride in her work. She was a veteran on the crew in District 62 and was often used to train others that were new to the team. During the short time I got to work with her I could tell that Natalya was stern, but genuine and respected. She will be missed." - Jason Jones, Facilities Supervisor
"I never imagined that a person could make such an impact on my life in such a short amount of time. I met Natalya last year when she was working in District 52 as a relief and extra and then she moved to our building, Millennium Science Complex, in March. It is hard to describe her in a few words, but I am going to give it my best shot. Natalya was strong, positive, hard working, determined, and had a great sense of humor. She would always welcome new employees with, 'You want to do good job for Penn State, yes?' in her Russian accent and a smile.
"Natalya never tired of answering my questions about Kazakhstan and I would always try to answer her questions about America. We talked about everything from religion to politics to language. I learned a lot from her.
"Earlier this year we all knew that Natalya was working on becoming an American citizen. She would ask us to quiz her on important dates in American history. One day after we all arrived in the break room before our shift began, she told us that she had an announcement to make. 'Hey guys, I have big news,' she told us. Then she threw her hands in the air and proclaimed, 'I am American!' We all clapped and congratulated her in passing her test to be an American citizen. She brought candy to share with us in celebration. It was a great day. I was so proud of her. I will never forget the smile on her face.
"Natalya also spoke of her children and grandchildren often. She loved her family more than anything. She traveled to Kazakhstan in February to be present for the birth of her granddaughter. She overcame a lot of obstacles in order to make that trip but her determination was unstoppable.
"We are still struggling to find our new normal at the Millennium Building without Natalya. She is greatly missed and will never be forgotten. Her work ethic lives on within her coworkers. Whenever we feel sad, we remember that she would want us to 'do a good job for Penn State.' She loves life, she loved working at Penn State, and we loved working with her. We will forever carry her memory." - Amy Sward
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The tragic nature of Natalya's death has given us more reason than ever to address the prevalence and seriousness of domestic violence in our community. We would like to honor Natalya's death by bringing awareness to the issue of domestic violence and the resources that are available to help victims and their families.
Below you will find a letter to the editor from the Centre Daily Times written by Anne Ard, the executive director of the Centre County Women's Resource Center, an organization working with Natalya in her time of need. In addition, you will find links to information on the resources available to victims. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone. There is help and there is hope.
Health Relationships: Community can say 'no more' to domestic violence
 It seems like just yesterday, or maybe it was a lifetime ago, that this column reflected on yet another homicide in our community and urged us all to find ways to talk about the plague that is domestic violence. Twenty-eight days later, I find myself writing another column following the death of a woman allegedly at the hands of her estranged husband.
The grief and sadness that was explored last month has come closer to home for us at the Centre County Women's Resource Center. For while we are always saddened and outraged when someone loses her or his life to domestic violence, Natalya was one of ours. She had worked with our advocates to build a new life. She stayed in our shelter to find safety after 40 years of an abusive marriage. And in an instant she is gone. Her friends and coworkers are shaken to the core, wondering - as do we - what else we could have or should have done to prevent her death.
The sad reality is, however, that the only one who could have prevented her death is the one who caused it.
But there is something we can do as individuals and as a community. It seems so small, so insignificant, but it can make all the difference to someone who is drowning in an avalanche of violence, convinced that no one will understand or help. We can talk about it. We can be clear that domestic violence has no place in our community. We can say, "no more."
Far from being irrelevant or insignificant, talking about domestic violence actually keeps people safer. Here's how:
- Expressing concern for a friend or coworker's safety when you think that she or he is being abused communicates that you care, that your friend or coworker is not alone, and gives permission for them to talk about what is happening in their lives. Yes, you might be wrong, but what is the worst that could happen then? If you are right, you will give your friend or coworker a life-line.
- Knowing and talking about community resources like the CCWRC gives people information they need. Not everyone knows that an emergency shelter is available or that it is free. Not everyone knows that it is possible to get an order of protection, what it can do and how to make it happen. And you might not know that either - but the volunteers and staff of the CCWRC do.
- Talking through how to leave safely is critical. As we've seen all too clearly, leaving an abusive relationship is often the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence. Talking it through, planning how and when to leave can help.
Hard as it is to believe, talking about domestic violence is critical to eliminating it in our community. We know this because it works. It has worked for every victim who has been able to find the safety she or he needs and deserves in shelter; who has been able to leave an abusive relationship; who has been able to build a new life free from violence. It has worked for thousands of victims who have become survivors as they passed through the doors of the CCWRC. So as deeply as we mourn the losses of Natalya, Nuria, Traci, Amy and others whose lives have been lost, we also give thanks for those who were able to find the safety and peace they deserved because someone, maybe you, had the courage to talk about domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Information and Resources
The term "domestic violence" refers to a range of abusive behaviors ranging from degrading remarks and cruel jokes, threatening looks, constant monitoring, economic exploitation, punches and kicks, sexual abuse, and homicide. Unchecked, domestic violence almost always increases in frequency and severity.
Research shows that the overwhelming majority (about 95%) of adult victims of domestic violence are women. Although the "norm" of domestic violence relationships is male perpetrator and female victims, anyone can be a victim of abuse.
Statistics
- About 1 in 4 women in the U.S. report experiencing domestic violence in their life.
- On average, more than 3 women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends in the U.S. every day.
- In Pennsylvania, in 2012 there were 105 separate domestic violence related incidents in which 110 victims and 31 perpetrators were killed.
- Nearly 7.8 million women have been raped by an intimate parter at some point in their lives.
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Kudos to the Labor Crew
Connie McCartney, Arkie Tromm, Doug Merritt and Linda Moyer from Housing wrote in to thank Jim Brown and the Labor crew for their help during a late summer renovation to three residence hall laundry room floors.
"At the last minute we had to ask the Labor Crew for help moving dryers out of the laundry rooms due to discovering asbestos. If it wasn't bad enough that we didn't have it scheduled in advance, the double stacked dryers we needed them to move weighed 800 pounds each. The crew arrived shortly after the call was placed and saved the day.
"Unfortunately, that's not the end of the story. At the end of the project, the dryers had to be moved back into the rooms. The contractors advised us to put plywood on the floor to protect the new ceramic floor from the weight of the dryers. So, again on short notice, the Labor Crew returned with plywood in hand. However, when they began to move the dryers back into the rooms, they quickly got another surprise. The ceramic tile was thicker than the VCT flooring, which equated to only having about 1/16 of an inch clearance when passing through the doorways. With the patience of gold, the crew skillfully guided the dryers back into the rooms.
"However, they still had more to do. Once they had the washers in place, they had to be leveled. They had to lift one side then another until they had them all level. One of the most impressive things about all of this is they didn't put one mark on our new, very expensive flooring. But the most impressive things were their attitudes and teamwork. They worked as hard as they could pushing one 800 pound dryer after another down a long hallway, through a low and narrow doorway into position, all the while maintaining excellent attitudes. It was phenomenal."
Getting Moving Again
Damian Rose wrote in to OPP to thank Mark Gates for assistance with an elevator permit. "I was not aware an elevator permit was required for one-on-one replacement upgrade of fire alarm systems. Mark helped ARL regain operation of the elevators within a week."
New ERAPPA President
 Beth Clark, budget analyst in Administrative and Financial Services for OPP, was installed as the President of the Eastern Region of APPA (ERAPPA) at the ERAPPA Annual Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island in October 2015.
APPA is the professional association for those engaged in the field of educational facilities management and is dedicated to the ongoing evolution of its professionals into influential leaders in education. ERAPPA - one of five regions within APPA - encompasses the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada.
Beth served four years as the Vice President for Annual Meetings and one year as the President-Elect prior to assuming the role of President. She is a past ERAPPA Rising Star and ERAPPA President's Award winner for her leadership and service to the organization. Her presidency will conclude when she presides over the ERAPPA 2016 Annual Meeting in Niagara Falls, Ontario in October 2016.
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Prepping for game day
 As a college football fan, when do you start preparing for the first game of the season? Maybe it's the day before a game when you're packing up the car for a Saturday of tailgating. Or maybe it's earlier in the summer when you receive your tickets for the season. At that point, the first game probably seems so far away.
What if your football season preparation began as soon as the previous season ended? That is the reality for employees within Penn State's Office of Physical Plant who are responsible for the upkeep of Beaver Stadium.
Parts of Beaver Stadium date back to 1960, when it held a meager 46,284 seats in its original horseshoe shape. Compare that to today's capacity of 107,282, a number that grew incrementally through nine renovations and additions over its 55-year history. It takes a small army to keep the stadium up and running, and the fan experience top-notch.
To read the complete story, visit Penn State News. This story will also appear in Saturday's Beaver Stadium Pictorial.
Foul weather group has game plan for weather emergencies
 If a storm visits campus Saturday along with the Michigan Wolverines, an off-the-field team will be ready to get in the game.
There's no snow or rain in the forecast - temperatures in the mid 40s are expected - but the Continuity Planning for Foul-Weather Football Games Committee still has a strategy if Mother Natures tries to sack Happy Valley.
While game day crews have always been on alert for changes in the weather and unexpected issues that come with traveling and living in central Pennsylvania, this designated and intentional Continuity Planning committee was formed in 2015 after a nor'easter slammed the area, forcing the closure of multiple unpaved parking lots before the season's final home game. The committee identified standby parking options for every game weekend throughout the Centre Region that could accommodate vehicles redirected from Beaver Stadium.
HHD Building project honored by Construction Owners Association of America
 Penn State was honored by the Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) with the 2015 Gold Project Leadership Award for the completion of the Health and Human Development Building. The project was the second building of a two-phase expansion of the College of Health and Human Development that was completed this past summer.
"The award is a tribute to the team of craftsmen that built the Health and Human Development Building," said Rachel Prinkey, project manager with the Office of Physical Plant. "Penn State realized higher quality and value because of the collaboration on this project. Creating that environment on construction projects is not easy. Partners like Massaro Construction Management Service, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Leondard S. Fiore, The Farfield Company and Scott's Landscaping made it possible. Other contractors on the team included Cost Masonry, Westmoreland Electric, Nittany Building Specialties, Silvertip, Kinsley Construction, Earthmovers Unlimited, N. Cohen and Sons, Michael D. King Services and Preferred Fire Protection."
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It's raffle time again! Participate in a Black Friday Raffle to benefit the Centre County United Way campaign.
The winner will get half of the pot, which could help with all your holiday shopping, and the United Way Campaign will receive the other half.
The drawing will be a noon on Wednesday, Nov. 25 in the OPP front lobby.
You can buy 2 tickets for $2, 6 tickets for $5, or 20 tickets for $10. Purchase your tickets from:
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The item in the Oct. 9 issue of News & Views was a welding cap. They are used by the crew in the sheet metal shop .
Item from the Oct. 30 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.
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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.
 The Penn State Canopy
Twenty years ago, OPP started replacing (planting) at least one tree for every one lost. We've since nearly tripled that ratio and have planted close to 8,500 trees.
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As a reminder, Friday, Nov. 27 (the day after Thanksgiving) will be considered a "closedown day" for University employees.
Employees who normally work Fridays and are not required to work on Black Friday, including wage payroll employees who are eligible for earned time, will receive pay for the day as if they had worked. Employees who had previously scheduled a vacation day or other paid time off will not have to charge that time.
Employees who are required to work Black Friday, including wage payroll employees who are eligible for earned time, will receive equivalent time off (ETO) for the hours worked, up to a maximum of 8 hours. No employees will earn more than 8 hours of ETO, regardless of the number of hours worked. ETO, up to 8 hours, will be accumulated, even if the employee is being paid at an overtime rate for the hours worked on Black Friday.
Full-time staff and TS employees whose regular day off falls on Friday and are not required to work will receive 8 hours of ETO to be scheduled at another time mutually agreeable to the employee and the supervisor. Wage payroll employees earning time who are not normally scheduled to work on Friday will not receive the additional ETO.
Wage payroll employees who are not earning time will not receive ETO under any circumstance.
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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. The holidays are swiftly approaching and it can be a challenging time of year to stay healthy. Below you will find a variety of tips to stay healthy during the holidays and winter season ranging from ways to stay active or avoid germs.
1. Stay hydrated Water always seems to be the answer. Women are supposed to take in at around 90 ounces of fluid per day. Most people don't get anywhere near that amount. If you feel fatigued, have a headache or dry skin, try drinking more water. Another tip is to drink a couple of glasses of water before a holiday party so you don't arrive starving.
2. Have a workout routine? Stick to it. Just because it's the holidays, doesn't mean you should stop with your routine. Stick to it as best you can. Play some holiday themed music while you run or try some new fitness classes.
3. Eat soup! Break out the crock pot and create a hearty soup that's healthy and filling. Make a big batch and freeze it for an easy, grab-n-go meal.
4. Prioritize sleep. As the days get shorter, shift your sleep routine toward going to bed earlier to allow your body more hours for rest and repair.
5. Replace outdoor kids outings with indoor ones. Head to the library or take a trip to a museum.
More tips will follow as we head deeper into the winter months. Stay tuned!
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Nominations for the 2016 Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards are now open. These annual rewards recognize the efforts of faculty and staff who go beyond their basic duties to bring about positive and lasting change to the University or to the community.
The six awards that comprise the Faculty and Staff Achievement Awards are: The Barash Award for Human Service, the McKay Donkin Award, the Award for Administrative Excellence, the Staff Excellence Award, the Support Staff Award and the Dr. James Robinson Equal Opportunity Award.
All nominations are made through the Office of Human Resources website. To make a nomination or to view descriptions, eligibility requirements and the intended purpose of the awards, visit http://bit.ly/1I1UDEh.
The deadline for nominations is Dec. 15, 2015. Please consider nominating your deserving coworkers.
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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.
In an effort to better serve our faculty and staff who may be thinking about or preparing for retirement, the Employee Benefits Division has a "Planning to Retire" website page, accessible at http://tinyurl.com/q6uo7fd.
The page includes all information regarding what you need to know about retiring and the benefits available; the "Guide to Retirement" is a printable PDF of the entire section, for your convenience. You can follow the easy 1-2-3 steps of retirement, see if you meet the criteria to retire with medical benefits, determine which health plan you and your eligible dependents will be enrolled, learn how to convert optional Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment benefits to private policies (if you choose to do so) and learn what other university benefits are available to you.
With technology, the retirement process has been made much more efficient. Employees should contact our Employee Benefits Service Center at 814-865-1473 to speak with any one of our benefit experts, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or email us at benefits@psu.edu.
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Time is running out!
Open Enrollment ends today, Friday, Nov. 20.
Benefits Open Enrollment is your opportunity to change or update benefit selections for 2016. You may enroll, make changes and/or add or remove dependents for 2016 by logging into the Employee Self-Service Information Center (ESSIC) between Nov. 2 and Nov. 20. Any changes or updates you make during Benefits Open Enrollment will be effective on Jan. 1, 2016.
Your action is required!
Under the Pennsylvania Wage Payment & Collection Law, employers are required to have an employee's written consent to take deductions relating to voluntary benefits paycheck deductions. This permission must be obtained prior to deductions actually being taken.
Therefore, ALL employees carrying health care, dental, vision, optional life insurance, long-term disability, accidental death/dismemberment or long-term care MUST log into ESSIC during Benefits Open Enrollment to provide consent for the 2016 benefit year.
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 Since the six month vacation scheduling period for TS employees is coming up, it's necessary to remind everyone about the vacation allowances during deer season. During the first two days of buck season, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, the maximum vacation allowance for all crews is 75 percent and for the remainder of that week the maximum vacation allowance is 50 percent. Both of these allowances may be reduced if the workload requires it, but there is no provision to increase either percentage. This is covered by Bulletin Board Posting OPP-14.
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Dedicated to Diversity
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:
- 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 event is open and free to the public.
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 Want to visit New York City and benefit the United Way, too? Consider the College of Engineering United Way Fundraiser trip to NYC. Bus departs at 6 a.m. and returns to campus at 1 a.m. Enjoy nine hours to shop, sightsee and more.
When: Saturday, Dec. 5
Cost: $60
Contact: Sally Kelley (sjk4@psu.edu) or Jane Reese (jzr1@psu.edu)
Deadline: Reservation due by Nov. 18
Payment: Check only made out to COE United Way
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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.
Chest Freezer: $125 Needs some attention on the outer shell, but works like a champ!
L: 4'8" W: 2'4" H: 3'0"
GMC Sierra Camo Bug Shield (new): $100 Stampede Camo Bug Shield for 2007-13 GMC Sierra or a 2007-10 Sierra HD. Brand new and still in original packaging.
Used Brass Door Hardware: $100 Used for 2 years. Some pieces have a little paint on them, but in great condition. Enough hardware for 3 hinged doors, including screws. Great for rentals.
Contact: Melissa Weber Phone: 814-865-8060
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 
