Being a Good Steward of Public Trust
By Maj. Gen. Alfred Valenzuela
I know most of you take your job seriously and put forth a quality effort every day for the residents that we serve.
But remember months ago, when I told you the public is watching, even if you think they are not? Well, it’s true.
It’s come to my attention recently that, once again, several of our employees have been engaging in behavior they shouldn’t be during work hours, such as extra long lunches or running personal errands during the work day.
When you are out in public during the work day, particularly when you wear clothing with the SAHA logo or drive a marked vehicle, the public notices, especially when it appears you’re engaging in behavior that you should not be.
Sure, some of you are out and about, performing legitimate duties on behalf of SAHA. But you and I both know that some of you are not.
I ask that you please keep in mind our core values when you are in public representing SAHA – always do the right thing and be responsible stewards of the public’s trust.
We owe it to ourselves and to those that we serve.
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The Wonders of Honey
Nutrition facts: A tablespoon of honey has 64 calories, which are from simple sugar.
There is plenty that separates honey from plain table sugar. Honey contains a small variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, copper, niacin, riboflavin, potassium and zinc, as well as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which act as antioxidants. The darker the honey, the more antioxidants are present. If you have younger children, use caution. Babies 12 months and under shouldn’t consume honey; it contains small amounts of botulism spores that are deadly to an immature immune system.
Storing honey: Keep your honey at room temperature and it will last about two years. Refrigerating honey causes it to crystallize quickly and turn to a solid. If your honey crystallizes, place it in the microwave or cook over a low flame. Stir frequently until the crystals dissolve. Be careful not to scorch or boil the honey, few things smell worse than burnt honey.
Cooking with honey: Honey can be used in sauces, salad dressings and marinades. You can use it to replace butter in sauces or drizzle it on veggies or into tea or coffee. Whipped honey also tastes great on waffles, pancakes and toast. When substituting honey for granulated sugar in a recipe, start by using half the suggested sugar. You can always add a little more if needed. Stick to the lighter, mild honeys so they don’t overpower your recipe. When baking, it may be a good idea to reduce the oven temperature to prevent over browning. If you are using more than 1 cup of honey, reduce the liquids in the recipe by a fourth and add ½ teaspoon baking soda. Try spraying your measuring cup with non-stick cooking spray so your honey slides out easily.
Source: Food Network 2009 newsletter, Healthy Eats—The Wonders of Honey.
http://blog.healthyeats.com/blog/2009/02/04/the-wonders-of-honey/?nl=EATS_020409_17
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Doing the Right Thing
Piero Ferrucci, a philosopher, recounts the trouble he encountered once after doing a good deed.
To give is an irreversible act of commitment!
During a rainstorm, Ferrucci offered a ride to a stranded woman, only to find out afterward that her destination was out of his way. With a twinge of regret, he fulfilled his offer and drove the woman safely to her home. Then his car died.
Now, he was the one stranded in the downpour. However, he made it home that evening and returned for his car the next day. That’s when he discovered that his car had blocked a road all night, which apparently angered someone enough to slash one of his car’s tires. One more thing to have fixed!
Ferrucci’s mechanic was pretty busy that day, so the repairs took longer than normal. In addition, he later found out that while he was dealing with the car, a business associate had been trying to reach him with an important proposition. But because he hadn’t been available, he missed out on that opportunity.
The costs of his random act of kindness were really adding up: a lucrative business deal, unexpected car repair expenses and precious time. “But that’s exactly the point,” Ferrucci would be the first to argue.
Choosing to act with compassion means doing the right thing, at the right time, with no expectation of personal gain. That kind of altruism means that you are willing to share the gift of yourself at all costs. And yet there’s reward in that: Ultimately, your generosity eliminates boundaries and connects you more to others, which makes the world a nicer place
Source: The Power of Kindness
Your HR team is dedicated and enthusiastic in their willingness to commit to our co-workers to Do The Right Thing!
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Customer Service I
MARCH:
Mar. 17th Fair Ave. and Cassiano
Mar. 18th Pecan Hill and Woodhill
Mar. 19th Boardroom
Diversity Training
APRIL
April 14 Fair Ave. and Cassiano
April 15 Pecan Hill and Woodhill
April 16 Boardroom
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Fact or Fiction - SAHA has Secret Files
We’ve heard a rumor going around SAHA about “HR’s secret files,” and we would like to dispel these rumors by giving you the facts.
HR maintains three files for each employee:
One – the personnel file holds all relevant paperwork regarding your new hire information, lateral moves/promotions, performance evaluations, etc.
Two – the employee relations file contains any complaints, grievances or any other documentation regarding confidential discussions. At times, your supervisor may need to see your personnel file to refresh his/her memory regarding performance goals and objectives. The confidential information contained in the employee relations file should not be shared with them, which is why these files are maintained separately.
Three – the medical and benefits file contains strictly confidential information available only to you and authorized HR employees.
None of the above files are “secret.” You are welcome to come to HR and look through any of your files at any time.
RUMORS hurt all of us, so let’s stick to the FACTS!! |
HR Employee Spotlight
 My name is Leo Martinez and I have been with SAHA since June 2008. Currently, I am an administrative specialist II for the Human Resources Department. My goal for 2009 is to return to school and obtain my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management.
My duties in HR include processing and filing employment applications for our agency, issuing VIA bus passes, generating employment badges and helping prepare for SAHA job fairs and company events. In addition, I maintain HR’s office supplies and issue payment vouchers/requisitions for the department. I am very excited to work at SAHA and privileged to work with such a wonderful staff. Everyday is a learning experience for me.
My first job at 15-years-old was at the Metropolitan Health District Downtown, which is where I learned I had a talent for administration. My work experience includes Medical Administration for the Bexar County Detention Center, where I learned most of my administrative skills, and for the Texas State Child Support Disbursement Unit processing child support payment for the State of Texas.
As my work experience grew so did my interest in different fields of work. Eventually I grew the courage to branch out and work part-time for a private psychiatric clinic conducting IQ assessments for patients seeking Social Security disability and then at the Toyota Plant as an inspector.
I am privileged to have had such wonderful experiences and I know SAHA has so much to offer. I feel strongly that every role at SAHA is a crucial one, which is why no one should take their role lightly. Working together to provide our clients with a great experience is as important as building strong work relationships with your co-workers.
I am very excited to be a part of the SAHA and HR team and I look forward to helping everyone here in any way that I can. If I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at the following:
Leo Martinez
Human Resources
477-6116
779-3873
Leo_Martinez@saha.org |
College For All Texans
Is college in you or your family’s future? Not sure how you will get the funds to pay for it or the steps to take?
The website www.collegeforalltexans.com can assist individuals in planning for college, describing what tests will need to be taken, provide a listing of local 2-4 year colleges, and links to apply for financial aid.
You may also contact the Financial Aid Information Center at 1-888-311-8881. Full-time regular employees who have completed their probationary period are eligible for tuition reimbursement through SAHA. Refer to Procedure 6.2 of the Policy and Procedure handbook for details |
House Calls
By Gerald Avila, Employee Development Officer
 The alarm went off at 5 a.m. and I had only slept one hour. It was one of those nights of tossing and turning because of the non-stop coughing, sneezing and generally feeling lousy. So I rolled out of bed and made it to work later than usual. By 9 a.m. I realized I wasn’t feeling much better, so I decided I would try this new service available to Humana health insurance participants called White Glove House Call Health.
I called the service and spoke to a representative who helped me register and made an appointment for Dr. Rice to come meet me at the office. At 3 p.m., Dr. Rice showed up with his medicine case and a “well-kit”. The doctor and I discussed my symptoms, he checked my blood pressure and temperature, examined my throat and ears, and listened to me breathe. He determined that I was dealing with seasonal allergy symptoms and I agreed with his diagnosis.
Dr. Rice then reached into his medicine case and gave me three medications to take. He also left me the “well-kit,” which consisted of a sleeve of crackers, two cans of chicken soup, a pack of cough drops, two packages of tissues, three sample packs of Tylenol and Advil, two cans of ginger-ale, two bottles of vitamin water, one bottle of Gatorade, and one container each of apple sauce and Jell-O. I immediately started feeling better when Dr. Rice told me the office visit, examination, medication and well-kit were all included in the co-pay.
I guess doctors do make “house calls” (or office calls) again. Dr. Rice had an excellent bedside manner, was very professional, friendly and easy to talk to. White Glove allowed me to get medical attention at my convenience without spending half of my day going to the doctor’s office (and waiting) then driving to the pharmacy (and waiting) for my prescriptions.
My White Glove experience was excellent and worth the co-pay. For more information about how you and your family’s medical and health needs can be conveniently met, please contact Millie Clapp in HR at 477-6083. There is also a link on the SAHA desktop with information about White Glove House Call Health.
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Being a Good Steward of Public Trust