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Ford's Focus
Thank you to the more than 1,250 employees who have registered for 2FA (2-factor authentication). The process seems to be going smoothly, and we are well ahead of the official University rollout. For those who have been issued tokens, please remember that they should be regarded as "tools." If a token is lost, it will be replaced.
I hope you'll take time to check out the many cheers in this issue, including our first Safety Buck honoree. Thanks to all of you for keeping our campus beautiful and safe.
Best,
Ford
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Welcomes
 Curtis Bush accepted a position as a refrigeration technician in Area 5. His first day was March 21. Hometown: Woodward
Hobbies: Hunting
 Kristen Croyle accepted a position as a facilities specialist. Her first day was April 4. Hometown: McAlevey's Fort
Hobbies: Running
 Kathryn Hallin began working as a groundskeeper horticulture worker on April 4. Hometown: State College
 Kyle Hollick began working as a facilities project manager in Commonwealth Services on March 21. Hometown: Mechanicsburg
Hobbies: Fishing, time with family
 Ken Long accepted a position as a refrigeration technician in Area 6. His first day was March 21. Hometown: Philipsburg
 Joe Plummer accepted a position as a groundskeeper horticulture worker. His first day was March 21. Hometown: Port Matilda
Hobbies: Gardening
 Andrea Rafferty began working as a groundskeeper. Her first day was April 4. Hometown: Osceola Mills
 Greg Smyers began working as an area facilities maintenance mechanic in Area 2. His first day was March 21. Hometown: Alexandria
Hobbies: Hunting, fishing
**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
Richard Albright, carpenter helper, has left the University after 21 years. His last day was April 1.
Harry Evans, locksmith, is retiring after 32 years. His last day is April 16.
Bonnie Null, custodial worker, is retiring from the University. Her last day is April 10.
Kevin Potter, locksmith, is retiring after after 36 years. His last day is April 16.
Ryan Sweitzer, facilities specialist, left the University. His last day was March 18.
Ken Tyson, custodial worker in District 12, is leaving the University. His last day is April 22.
Dwayne Weaver, custodial worker, has left the University. His last day was April 8.
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Outlet Issues
Steve Williams, program assistant for The Larson Transportation Institute, wrote in to OPP regarding an outlet at Research Building C. "Thank you for your help in getting the wiring fo the new machine finished in Research Building C. It is greatly appreciated. As I am writing this, the training on the new machine is taking place, and that would not have been possible without your help."
A Beautiful Campus
Jeff Popadines wrote in regarding the grounds crew in two specific areas of campus. "I walk around campus every day religiously on my lunch hour. As a former tech service/OPP worker, I get the time constraints and the importance of detail in providing excellent service to everyone at Penn State.
"I wanted to pay a compliment to the grounds crew in two areas of campus. The first being across the street from the Pattee/Paterno Library facing the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center and Chambers Building. The grass is cleaned up, the edging looks perfect, and the general health of that specific area looks wonderful. The second place is the green space from Old Main and down towards the Sackett Building area. As it is one of the busiest walkways on campus, its grass, tree lines, and mulch barriers look terrific. The grounds crew in these two areas deserve a pat on the back. As a huge supporter of green space and the general beautification of this University, it brings me great joy to see just how beautiful our campus looks!"
In Search of a Phone
Michael Shanafelt, The Graduate School, wrote in regarding his son's cell phone. "One of your employees went above and beyond the call of duty. My son, who is in seventh grade, was visiting Penn State on field trip. After visiting the Creamery, my son somehow managed to throw away his cell phone.
"When he got home and realized he had lost it, he called the Creamery, which directed him to OPP. Someone must have told landscaping about the phone. Whoever it was went through the trash and found the phone, which is much more than we expected. We truly appreciate the hard work put forward. If possible, we would like to send a thank-you note to whoever it was."
It turns out that the call was directed to Brian Phiel and Shawn Wood who really went the extra mile by sorting through the bags at the Creamery to find the lost phone.
Duck Pond Project
Jim Lanning, CEO of National Critical Infrastructure Key Resources Group, wrote in to OPP to express his thanks for a job well done. "Phase I of the Joe Humphrey's Duck Pond Project went flawlessly. I have worked with many multi-agency teams and crews in my long career in government and education, and your crew were some of the most knowledgeable and hardworking I have ever seen, which I believe is to the credit of your section leader Jeff Dice.
"Please commend your troops for a job well done. Their politeness and attentiveness to Joe, their extraordinary workmanlike efforts, and their attitude and demeanor made for a most pleasant time for all. The crew represented all that is the best about OPP and their interface with the community."
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 In February, OPP introduced its new Safety Recognition Program, which rewards proactive, safe behavior, as well as improves OPP's compliance with OSHA regulations. One aspect of the program is the "Safety Buck," which recognizes individuals who proactively contribute to the prevention of injuries and incident at OPP and Penn State.
The first honoree in the new program is Andy Miles of the Steam Distribution Crew. Andy stopped work at a manhole site after ice conditions developed. He then salted the area to make it safe for work to continue.
Thank you, Andy, for contributing to our injury prevention efforts here at OPP and Penn State!
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More than 1,250 OPP employees have registered for 2FA (2-factor authentication), and many of you have taken advantage of training opportunities.
It's recommended you enroll at least two devices in case there are any problems with your primary device. A landline, cell phone and a security token provided by OPP ITS can be used.
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Lucy Reed, the daughter of OPP Project Manager Monica Reed, is currently working with Penn State engineering students to help her overcome mobility challenges as part of the Engineering Senior Design course. Lucy, her family and the engineering students were recently featured in an article in Penn State News.
Penn State Engineering Students Helping Child Overcome Mobility Challenges
Like many children her age, 3-year-old Lucy Reed is eager to explore the world. She's a magnetic people-person, both friendly and outgoing, and is described as a regular chatterbox in her preschool classes. Lucy enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling with her family, and has perfect the quintessential little sister role when it comes to her relationships with her old brother, Eli.
Her exuberance and positivity seem limitless; however, she is conflicted with one limitation. Lucy, who was born with spina bifida, experiences mobility restrictions when using her current gait-assist device. The device, which provides her with the support and assistance needed to walk independently, is designed to operate on smooth terrain only and does not fully accommodate for all of the bumps, obstacles and surface changes a busy 3-year-old
encounters on a day-to-day basis. Playing on the playground, walking down the sidewalk, and even crossing doorway thresholds can all be challenging situations for Lucy.
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The item in the March 21 issue of News & Views was a tying hook for wiring rebar together for concrete projects.
Item from the March 21 edition:
Congratulations to Regis Bauer, Adam Dent, Bill Hughes, Tom Kase, Jeff Kokoskie, Dave McCool, Ron Nagle, Ron Perttu, John Rossman, Travis Scanlan, Keith Shaw, Calvin Shreckengast, Denny Smith, Chris Taylor and Melissa Weber for their correct guesses.
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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Calling OPP
 Did you know that OPP's Work Control Center processed 154,417 work orders in 2014? In addition, it also fielded 37,468 service calls, responded to 19,317 corrective maintenance work orders, filled 96,563 preventive maintenance work orders to avoid breakdowns, and sent the Lock Shop off to answer 1,070 requests for new keys or re-keying. |
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Why: To safeguard children, pets and emergency responders and to protect our environment.
When: Friday, April 29 from 10 a.m. - 6 pm. & Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Centre County Recycling & Refuse Authority located at 253 Transfer Road near the Nittany Mall off Route 26.
What: Insecticides, weed killers, pool chemicals, cleaners, poisons, corrosives, flammables, oil based paints, CFL bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and most other hazardous chemicals from households only.
DO NOT BRING latex paint, used motor oil, antifreeze, medications, or alkaline batteries.
Call 814-238-7005 with questions.
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Did you know that in the U.S. 35 million people suffer from seasonal allergies? Symptoms range from nasal congestion to itchy/watery eyes to coughing and sneezing. The five most common spring allergens are tree pollen, grass pollen, ragweed, mold and dust mites.
How can you fight back against allergies? Continue reading for some tips to keep spring allergens from getting the best of you.
1. Know what you're fighting.
Get an allergy test. The skin or blood tests help define exactly what is bringing on all of your symptoms.
2. If you have allergies, keep an eye on your kids too.
Both environment and genes play a role in allergies. If mom and dad suffer from allergies, there is a good chance the kids will too. While a common cold can present similar symptoms to allergies, a good rule of thumb is looking at how long the symptoms last. Cold symptoms should fade in about a week.
3. Lay off the hair spray.
Hairsprays, mousses and hold can create the perfect sticky environment for pollen to latch onto. Pollen in your hair means no escape from allergens all day.
4. Slip on some shades.
A simple step to shield your eyes from allergens is to wear sunglasses.
5. Show when you come indoors on peak allergy days.
Pollen seems to love every little bit of us from our hair to our shoes and any article of clothing you have on in between. When allergens hit their peak, try hopping into the shower after you come in from the outdoors. It will remove it from your skin and you'll avoid tracking it all over the house.
6. Remember that no matter how much you try, spring allergies can become unwelcome guests.
Spring allergens will find their way into your home some way or another. Keep things under control by washing bedding, pajamas, and clothes often. Don't forget about your pets. They may need baths more often at this time of year.
7. Let steam and spicy foods provide relief.
Inhale steam for 5-10 minutes to relieve some of the pressure on your sinuses. Follow that up with a spicy dinner, which can help thin the nasty mucus and help you breathe easier.
8. Use the air you have.
If your home's air conditioning unit has a recycle switch, use it. By recirculating the air in the home, you can keep from adding more allergens.
9. Push off plans.
Trees tend to pollinate during the early morning hours keeping pollen counts higher. Plan outdoor activities or exercise for evening hours when pollen counts are lower.
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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.
Borrow These Retirement Tips from the Rich
1. They save more than average. Instead of spending more, the wealthy tend to save most of their money. According to researchers at UC Berkeley, those in the top 1% save almost 40% of their salary, while those in the top 1-10% save 12% of their salary. A general recommendation is that you should save between 10-15% of your income to maintain your current lifestyle in retirement. 2. They live frugally. Many millionaires drive around in used cars and spend money carefully. Warren Buffett famously lives in the same house he bought more than 50 years ago. Instead of upgrading your car or house every time you get a raise, keep your living standards modest. 3. They diversify their portfolio. While many CEOs own stock in their own companies, the rich also tend to keep a mix of funds. Proper allocation allows you to better withstand the ups and downs of the market. 4. They have several sources of income. Don't solely rely on your day job for income. Wealthy folks often have different ways of earning money, whether it's from rental properties or side businesses. Earning more money allows you to sock more away in your nest egg.
5. They hold stocks for a long time.
The ultra-rich understand that investing in the stock market is a long-term strategy instead of a short-term solution.
6. They make saving automatic.
The rich like to take the set-it-and-forget-it approach to investing. They create automatic transfers to their retirement accounts so they don't have to remember to put money aside.
7. They start early.
Time is the most important factor when it comes to growing a significant portfolio. The rich know that they need to start saving as soon as possible to build wealth.
8. They max out their retirement accounts.
If you're younger than age 50, you can contribute up to $23,500 a year in your IRA and 401(k) combined. The top 1% know they need to take advantage of these limits.
9. They don't carry debt.
Since the rich live frugally, they also pay off their debt. That means buying cars in cash, paying off a mortgage early and not carrying credit card debt. In general, they don't make a habit of relying on credit for personal expenses.
Most of the tips above are easier to follow when you've already acquired significant wealth. However, that doesn't mean the principles listed here are useless for a person who isn't rich; most can be directly applied to your life.
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 The Penn State Libraries has offered to provide an informational presentation to OPP.
What: What the Penn State Libraries Can Do For You
Where: Room 105 OPP
When: Friday, May 6 from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
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 As of Monday, April 18, the OPP Mail Room will no longer deliver or pick up mail at OPP departments and work units within the OPP Building. This change is necessitated by several factors, including a significant reduction in mail over the years, resulting in a less than full time work load and a need to reduce staffing in an effort to address potential budget issues. We appreciate your cooperation with this transition.
Departments and units have all been assigned a mail box in the OPP Mail Room. If you need additional keys for your mail box, please contact Kristine Clouse.
Departments and work units are responsible for picking up mail from their mail box and dropping off outgoing mail by placing in the appropriate outgoing mail box. These include Payroll, Campus, Physical Plant, and U.S. mail. Please make sure outgoing mail is properly labeled.
OPP Stores will continue to sort the mail and place in the department and work unit mail boxes twice per day. Please contact Beth Haas with any questions or concerns.
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Healthy, non-smoking men and women are needed for a research study examining the effects of walnuts on cardiovascular disease risk factors.
We are seeking participants ages 30-65 with a BMI f 26-40. Subjects must be healthy, non-smoking, not allergic to any nuts, and not taking medications for high cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, or inflammatory conditions.
Participants will be provided with all food and drinks for 20 weeks. There will be one 2-week run-in diet and three 6-week feeding periods with two 2-week compliance breaks in between, for a total time commitment of 24 weeks. At the completion of the study, participants will receive lab results and compensation of $450.
If you are interested in learning more about the study, please call toll free 1-866-PSU-DIET (1-866-778-3438) or email psudiet@gmail.com, mention the Walnut study, and leave your name and contact information. This study is being conducted by Dr. Kris-Etherton, Distinguished Professor of Nutrition at Penn State.
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 The Office of Planning and Assessment is offering the following upcoming training opportunities:
Date: April 21 - 10:30 a.m.
Date: May 10 - 8:30 a.m.
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Tyrone CATA Vanpool
The Tyrone CATA Vanpool is looking for new riders. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. The average cost is $62-67/month. Email Judy Bowman at jak8@psu.edu for more information.
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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.
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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Below are a few photos from the "last day of coal" event held at the West Campus Steam Plant on March 30. It marked the end of a significant chapter in Penn State's history. The final bit of coal burned out around noon that day, marking another milestone in the West Campus Steam Plant's conversion to natural gas.
President Barron and others thanked the crowd of current and retired workers and enjoyed a tour inside the plant itself.
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| President Barron shakes hands with Al Haagen, lead maintenance mechanic, along with Paul Moser, superintendent of Steam Services, and Bob Campbell, lead operator.
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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 
