September 2018 in This Issue

September 2018 In this issue

‘Run the State’ series races 4 to strong finish Register for the National 5 Step Tournament by September 9 Fellow Public basket opposite the destination of Servants: Hayward’s shot, it looked like it was Parole agent stops man on target. As you know, the ball hit 9 from jumping from overpass Join me, if you the backboard … and then the rim Oakland City University will, on a trip … and … bounced off. Just like that, discount, free application down memory Butler’s storybook, miraculous run 12 lane. Do you through the NCAA tournament, Take steps to stop childhood remember where they would get to play for an 14 obesity in September Commissioner Adam Krupp where you improbable national championship Indiana Dept. of Revenue, were on in their home city, was over. The Torch is published monthly 2018-19 SECC Chairman Monday, April by the Indiana State Personnel 5, 2010? I was sitting in Lucas Oil The following year, an even more Department and is available Stadium. I’m guessing some of you improbable run was happening online at in.gov/spd/2540.htm. were in the exact same venue that before our eyes. Butler, featuring night. Our paths likely didn’t cross a 6’11” sophomore center from (knowingly, at least), but as you Zionsville, Indiana (who graduated know today – and for those who from Covenant Christian High Got a story? were not in attendance, you have School) wearing #44, found Submit your story ideas to: seen the clip – the Butler Bulldogs themselves in the Final Four in [email protected] basketball team came three inches, Houston, Texas. I sat in the stands at literally, from the greatest basketball Reliant Stadium as Butler advanced story ever told. Trailing the top- to their second straight national Social media seeded Duke Blue Devils by just championship game (where they Follow two points with seconds remaining, would lose to Connecticut) – a result @SOIEmployees Butler star Gordon Hayward heaved as improbable as any in recent the ball from half-court as time basketball history. expired. From my seat behind the Like (Continued on page 2) Invest In Your Health

See page 3 for details about how to make a pledge. Follow State of Indiana Employees (Continued from page 1) 2018-2019 State Employees’ Community Campaign I graduated from Purdue The SECC is the annual charity University, and my parents campaign fully funded by state are alums of the University of employees who contribute to Kentucky, so basketball is pretty any charity with a 501(c)(3) big in our family. I’ve been ruling through either a one-time attending Butler basketball contribution or the convenience of games at Hinkle Field house and payroll deductions over the course around the country since 1995 of a calendar year. The dollars when my older brother enrolled you give from your hard-earned at Butler. It was okay to root for paychecks through the SECC fund The SECC kickoff party took place on Butler because they had never organizations that help those Thursday, August 30 at the Statehouse been a serious threat … and then who need it the most – like the Market on the government center campus. There was live music, food everything changed. A team fueled thousands of individuals waiting trucks, on-site participation from by local kids, for the most part, for a match on the bone marrow several 501(c)(3) organizations, special gave basketball fans the ride of registry. Money contributed to guests, and a dunk tank! As a result of the event, over $1000 was raised for their lives. Nearly everyone fell organizations like Project 44 can this year’s charity of choice, Project 44. in love with those Butler teams elevate awareness to new heights Photo courtesy of Veronica Woodcox, DOR from 2010-2011. That’s partly and ultimately serve to save lives. what made it all the more difficult to learn that Andrew Smith, the I am incredibly honored to serve There will be many events larger-than-life center who started as the State SECC Chairman for throughout the campaign, all the national championship game the 2018-2019 campaign, themed throughout the state, so I look as a sophomore in 2011 (and led “Let’s Make It Count.” This year, we forward to seeing and meeting you the team in scoring as a junior the are going to aim for a record-setting along the way. Be on the lookout following year) was battling cancer goal of surpassing $1.5 million in for more information from your shortly after graduating from Butler. total dollars pledged – we have SECC agency coordinators, and actually come very close to this check out the brand-new SECC Andrew Smith died tragically from number the past two campaigns, website for general information cancer in January 2016 at the so I know we can do it! I have about SECC, the Torchbearer age of 25. Though he received already personally challenged each Society and Champion-level giving a bone marrow transplant in state agency leader to accept my programs, and how to make an November 2015, his condition Torchbearer Challenge for the 2018- e-pledge online. worsened leading up to January. 2019 campaign. Leaders have an After his death, Andrew’s surviving obligation to do more and should Thank you in advance for spouse, Samantha, set the bar for participation. That everything you do for the great started a charitable said, anyone who pledges $1,000 or State of Indiana, and for your organization in more during the campaign becomes generous contributions to this Andrew’s honor to a member of the Torchbearer wonderful campaign. It helps raise awareness of Society. You can also be an SECC define who we are as public the bone marrow Champion by pledging one half- servants. Let’s make it count! registry (“Be The hour of pay per pay period from Match”), with an initial goal of your check. Last year’s campaign Public servant life is the best life. saving 44 lives through matching featured 208 Torchbearers and donors and recipients. Please take 1,543 Champions! The goal this Best, a moment to get to know Project year is to increase both of those Adam J. Krupp 44, the charity of choice for the numbers while increasing overall Commissioner, Dept. of Revenue 2018-2019 State Employees’ state employee participation in the SECC Chair, 2018-2019 Community Campaign (SECC). program. The Torch | 2 How to make a pledge to the 2018-19 SECC The State 5. At the very bottom of the screen is: name of the agency and the agency’s Employees’ Change Division and Employee Donor. address must be entered. Make sure Community This is the option allowing coordinators that the chosen charity is on Guidestar. Campaign is to toggle between being an Employee com and is a valid agency. the annual Campaign Coordinator and an 15. Once the charity codes have been charity Employee Donor. selected and amounts have been campaign 6. To be a donor, click on Employee allocated click ADD. If ADD is clicked but administered Donor. When an Employee Donor is the gift/s haven’t been fully designated, by state logged in, the menu options at the top e-Pledge will give a message requiring employees. change to: Home, Give Now, My Gift the missing info. The SECC History, My Profile, How Are We allows state 16. The next screen is the Verification Doing?, and Log Off. employees to screen. Selecting the option contribute to any charity that has a 501 7. When an employee donor clicks on Acknowledge My Pledge, ensures an (c)(3) ruling through either a one-time the option Give Now it will advance to acknowledgment from the charity/ contribution or the convenience of a screen giving the option for Payroll charities that receives the donation/s payroll deductions. Deduction, Credit Card, and I do not should that be their policy. Selecting wish to make a pledge this year. Send me an e-mail confirmation of Over nearly 40 years, state employees this pledge, and an email will be sent 8. For payroll deduction, select that have contributed more than $32 million confirming the pledge. If the option option and click NEXT. to charities of their choice. Last year, allowing charities to send letters is more than 6,100 employees contributed 9. The next screen, shows that the selected ,the box allowing the release of to 1,600 charities through the SECC and payroll deductions will start in January address must also be selected. Multiple raised more than $1,470,000. of the next year. It will also show how choices can be checked. many pay periods per pear there are, 17. The next screen will be to review Your contribution is needed to help which will always be 26, click NEXT. those who are in search of food, shelter, the pledge and confirm it. If everything jobs and medical care. Please consider 10. New donors should scroll down is correct click CONFIRM. If changes making a pledge this year or joining the to the section under CHARITIES THAT are needed, click PREVIOUS to go back 2018 SECC Champions by contributing ALREADY HAVE AN SECC CODE. screens. If CANCEL is checked e-pledge will exit without a pledge being one-half hour’s pay per pay period. 11. On the Keyword line, enter at least recorded. part of the name of the agency to How to make a pledge online search for. To look at the entire list enter 18. Credit card payments are an This help is taken directly from www. the % sign and click on Search. option. If that option is checked the indianasecc.org/how-to-make-a-pledge- secured payment screen will ask for the 12. Using the search criteria that the online/. Please refer to the website and appropriate payment information. donor has entered, agencies will show pledge site for any updates to up as results. Printable pledge form this procedure. If one of the agencies that are listed Click here for a printable version of the 1. Visit the website: insecc.org. Click on 13. is the correct agency, then the donor pledge form. After completing the form, the Pledge Now button should click the plus(+) sign. please make a copy to keep for your 2. The user ID is the PeopleSoft number records, and give the original to your provided by the State. Use the full 14. After clicking the + sign, the Agency Coordinator. number (i.e. 10000XXXXXX). selected agency will appear in the section above the Keyword line. In the Official SECC website 3. The password will be Welcome! For amount column, enter the selected For complete information, please visit the first log in. It will prompt to change payroll deduction per pay period to https://www.insecc.org the password. be allocated to that agency. The upper section of this screen, will show the 4. After logging in, the first screen will If you are having login issues, please total pledge as it is entered. If the be Commissioner Krupp’s campaign reach out to your agency SECC agency is not on the list at the bottom coordinator for assistance. If you welcome letter. Across the top is the of that screen, the donor should click don’t know who your coordinator following menu, Home, Campaign on WRITE IN. e-Pledge will then go to is within your agency, please email Status, Employees and Transactions, another screen where selected amount, [email protected]. Send e-mail, Reports, and Log Off

The Torch | 3 ‘Run the State’ series races to strong finish at Fort Harrison State Park

LAWRENCE – Idele Joiner is serious of other participants with equally volleyball during her high school about her health journey. Other pleasant personalities lining up, days. Now she wants to put herself topics… well, maybe not so much. the event appeared to be the on a path to better health. perfect send-off for this year’s Run From joking about run-ins with the State 5K and Hike series. If there’s a better place to do so in the bears to laughing about her intent Having recruited her daughter Hoosier State than Fort Harrison, we solely to walk – not run – the Tamirah and her mother Mary haven’t seen it, and those sentiments Saturday, Aug. 11 Run the State 5K Sanford to join her on the second were shared by others in attendance. at Fort Harrison State Park, it was and final heat at the state park clear that Idele’s outlook mirrored in Lawrence, Idele didn’t have to Eileen Hack and Peggy Dorsey the predominantly sunny skies in go it alone. After all, a little moral certainly felt that way. Lawrence that morning. support never hurts, especially at the outset of a personal journey. Both longtime Indiana Department If attitude truly is everything, of Environmental Management the Indiana Department of Child Often, it’s the first step that’s the (IDEM) employees, Eileen and Peggy Services (DCS) Regional Fiscal hardest to take. each completed the 5K twice. That’s Operations accountant should (Continued on page 5) have had no fear that she’d “I have never done a 5K-anything in complete the course, no matter my life before today,” joked Idele. her chosen pace. Nonetheless she found even more And complete it she did alongside inspiration to be part of the 5K more than 300 other State of through her relatives who looked Indiana employees who made a equally glad to be part of the swan similar early-morning pilgrimage song event. Wellness was the focus to the gorgeous state park. With for the Alabama native, who said nearly perfect weather and dozens she played basketball, track and

Idele Joiner, her daughter Tamirah, and mother Mary Sanford were some of the earliest to sign up for the second Eileen Hack and Peggy Dorsey managed to heat of the 2018 Run complete the Aug. 11 5K at Fort Harrison the State 5K at Fort twice, in back-to-back walks. Harrison State Park.

The Torch | 4 (Continued from page 4) ‘Run the State’ series races to strong finish at Fort Harrison State Park around six miles altogether – an chilly debut at Indiana Dunes and dedication.” impressive feat to accomplish in a (Chesterton) and following with single day, let alone before lunch. far, far warmer events at Harmonie Idele, Peggy and Eileen were The setting surely helped. State Park (New Harmony), three 5K attendees whose spirits Ouabache (Wells County), and match the intent of the Run “It’s just a beautiful park,” Clifty Falls (Madison) before the State series, which was to commented Eileen, a technical crossing the finish line in Lawrence. provide a healthy activity for state environmental specialist who has employees, their families and worked for IDEM’s Office of Water In all, the 2018 series drew close to friends while encouraging visits to Quality for about seven years. “I 1,000 participants spread among some of the state’s many uniquely think the pond is beautiful.” the five events. beautiful parks.

“It’s a bonus that it’s in a park,” Peggy and Eileen think that’s par Peggy called the connection “a added Peggy, assistant commissioner for the course for state employees genius idea.” of IDEM’s Office of Land Quality. who, by and large are active participants in fun events, remain “You can get back in touch with the Peggy and Eileen were two of many health-conscious, and genuinely state’s parks while also fulfilling a participants who planned to spend care about their jobs, their home health need/desire,” she added. time at Fort Harrison after the run’s state and their fellow Hoosiers. It’s a lot prettier than walking on a conclusion, taking in the sights and city street.” sounds of the historic area that Peggy said it’s her fellow state bears the name of the only United employees who’ve kept her working Whether you braved the April cold States president to hail from the for Indiana for nearly two decades. at Indiana Dunes or took on two Hoosier Land, Benjamin Harrison. heats on a humid August morning “I just love the people,” she at Fort Harrison, we hope you Dedicated in 1906 by President said. “I’m so impressed with my enjoyed this year’s Run the State Theodore Roosevelt – the ol’ “Trust coworkers’ professionalism, drive 5K and Hike series. Buster” himself – the park boasts more than 1,700 acres. That’s more than enough room to run.

Eileen and Peggy said they “made a pact” at the park to be walking partners going forward.

The facetious pair said they hope to be part of future Run the State events, and if the series returns to Fort Harrison, it’s likely Peggy and Eileen will be there. They hope their fellow State of Indiana employees will join them no matter the run or hike’s location, and they’re confident that request will be fulfilled. Many participants brought their pets along to enjoy the run/walk at Ft. Harrison Aug. 11. Some of the tiniest human competitors hitched a ride in strollers and crossed the finish line This year’s series hit all corners with their parents. of Indiana, beginning with a The Torch | 5 REMINDER: Register for the National Step Tournament by September 9, 2018 The Go365 National Step good for the community through Tournament starts on the donation to Feeding America. September 9, 2018! Have you signed up yet? More than a thousand Indiana state employees have already Join in on the fun to compete signed-up to be part of the Go365 against other teams for the National Step Tournament! Sign highest team average step up today and do your part to fight count, all while doing some food insecurity!

Joining is easy!

Check out this step-by-step guide on how to be a part of the State of Indiana team. Visit the Invest In Your Health Indiana website for complete information and to see the breakdown for enrollment periods and tournament dates.

Set and Reach Your Health Goals Eat healthier, move more, sleep better, manage stress: See what’s possible with the Omada program. Learn more >

The Torch | 6 Start preparing for Open Enrollment 2019 Examine how much you numbers for use in completing IRS contribute to your Flexible forms, 1094-C and 1095-C. Spending Account (FSA). If you have a Flexible and/or Dependent Steps to update this information: Care Savings Account, be sure • Log into PeopleSoft HR to examine your out-of-pocket • Click on Main Menu expenses closely as these programs • Click Self Service are a use- it-or-lose-it program. You • Click Benefits may need to increase or decrease • Click Dependent Beneficiary Information Open Enrollment is just around the your contributions accordingly. • Click Dependent & Beneficiary corner. Take time now to carefully Coverage Summary review each plan offering and Understand your insurance • Click on Child’s Name determine which options best meet needs. If a qualifying event has • Click Edit your family’s health care needs. occurred within the past year, your • Enter the SSN insurance needs may have changed • Click Save and Sign out of PeopleSoft A few tips to help you get started as well. A qualifying event could If you are married: compare your Know the dates: Mark your be a birth, divorce, marriage or an adoption. Rather than simply coverage against your spouse’s. calendars for the 2019 Open If you and your spouse have Enrollment season. It begins signing up for the same amount you did the year before, determine different company benefits, make October 24 and ends November sure to weigh the pros and cons 14 at Noon (EST). whether your overall financial situation has changed, and of each health insurance and whether or not you need more or overall benefits package. Compare Review this year’s medical, vision the list of doctors in your plan to and dental expenses. How much less insurance. If you experienced such an event and did not request your spouse’s, network providers did you spend on medical, vision vary from plan to plan. The State and dental needs this year? You a change to your benefits within the first 30 calendar days, the open medical plans use Anthem’s can view your expenses over the National PPO (BlueCard PPO). If past year and estimate future enrollment period is the time to add eligible dependents. your spouse’s open enrollment expenses online with Anthem period and effective dates differ and CVS Caremark. Once you from the State plans, plan ahead. are logged into your account on Review your dependents and beneficiaries. It’s important to Your spouse’s open enrollment Anthem’s website you can estimate is not considered a qualifying your upcoming expenses by clicking review dependents on a yearly basis. If your family situation event to change plans or level of on the Anthem Care Comparison coverage later in the year. section located under the “Care” has changed at all, it certainly tab on the top of the page. merits making a review of your dependents and beneficiaries. Open Enrollment does not need to Make sure addresses and phone be a stressful time. Plan, prepare Estimating your medical expenses and ask questions now to help helps you determine which plan numbers are updated and that all dependents are still eligible. reduce the stress later. If you provides the most value for you. have any questions about your Be sure to include not only medical benefits or have a unique situation expenses, but premiums when Also, ensure your dependent social security numbers are and require some guidance, looking at your annual spend. please contact the INSPD Benefits And don’t forget to factor in State included in PeopleSoft. Under the Affordable Care Act, applicable Hotline at 317-232-1167 (within Health Savings Account (HSA) Indianapolis) or toll-free at 877- contributions, if you qualify. large employers are required to request dependents’ social security 248-0007 (outside Indianapolis).

The Torch | 7 Register for Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar If you are serious about retiring • Insurance –options for both asking him/her to approve your from state employment, register life and health insurance enrollment in this seminar. Neither now for the upcoming Pre- • Benefits obtainable through travel time, mileage, nor vehicle Retirement Seminar, sponsored Social Security and Medicare allowance is paid/allowed. by the Indiana State Personnel • Hoosier S.T.A.R.T. – pros • Click here for registration Department (INSPD). This day-long and cons of different types instructions workshop is 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. of investments for future on October 10, 2018 in the IGC-S retirement security. Your spouse is welcome to attend, Auditorium. An hour break for but registration is not necessary • Key elements in estate lunch is also included. if he/she is not a state employee. planning, including: last will Registration is required to attend and testament, living will, This program is designed to and seating is limited. Reserve your health care authorization, assist state employees with seat today by self-enrolling into the durable power of attorney advance retirement planning seminar. Please note: your spot is and death taxes. by providing information useful not reserved until your supervisor in making informed decisions. • The Indiana Long-Term Care approves. The recommendation is for an Program as an element of employee to take this training if he/ retirement planning. Questions may be directed to she are planning to retire within INSPD Learning & Development at the next year. A sound retirement This workshop is free of charge. [email protected] requires careful planning involving Employees may attend the seminar numerous topics, including: one (1) time in their career as a * Should employees choose to attend additional sessions of this seminar, • Public Employees’ State of Indiana employee* Your supervisor’s approval is required to they are expected to use their own Retirement Fund appropriate accrued leave time. attend. PeopleSoft automatically • Social Security information sends the supervisor an email and options

Indiana School for the Deaf hosts 5K; offers discount

State of Indiana employees and/or Go365 members will receive 10 percent off the entrance fee by entering the discount code StatethatWorks. The Indiana School for the Deaf will host its 175th 5K Walk/Run on The event takes place from 9:30 to Saturday, September 29. 10:30 a.m. on the school’s grounds located at 1200 E. 42nd St. in Be part of the fun and benefit a Indianapolis. Artwork by good cause. All proceeds assist Jerry Williams the school. Website: > www.deafhoosiers.com The Torch | 8 Employee Central How to save a life Parole agent stops man from jumping from overpass BLOOMINGTON -- The young man A caring voice years, Shawn, and their 3-year-old had made up his mind and no one “I could see the tears in his eyes daughter Emersyn. was going to change it. and I knew he wasn’t okay,” said Indiana Department of Correction “I said, ‘I don’t know what you’re He was going to jump. Parole Agent Erika Smith. “I didn’t going through and if it’s bad, know what else to do, so I just whatever it is, it can be fixed,’ said From the edge of an overpass to started talking to him.” Smith. “I told him I cared about the unforgiving pavement below, him and care about what happens he was ready to leap, permanently Smith noticed a young man to him.” freeing himself from whatever walking precariously close to the emotional crises had brought him edge of a recently-built overpass in The response was anything but to this point – standing on the Bloomington as she returned from encouraging. side of a busy highway, in broad her lunch break Aug. 8. daylight, ready to end his life. “He said, ‘I want to jump, I want to The man’s actions stuck her as die,’” Smith remembered. “He said, But positioned between the odd, and when she saw him jump ‘I don’t want to live anymore.’” 20-something and his probable over the safety railing, she knew demise was perhaps all he had something was very, very wrong. The parole agent asked the ever wanted to find in the first young man about his parents and place: a person who cared, Taken aback and uncertain what to searched for topics that might someone who truly wanted to help. do, Smith called a co-worker in the take his attention away from the District 5 office and asked struggles in his life that had led for advice. A colleague there him to this point. said to call 911. Still speaking with the 911 Smith did just that, but it dispatcher, Smith got some sound would take time for police advice. to arrive and the longtime corrections employee knew “She said to keep talking to him,” she had to act fast. She said Smith. “I talked to him about pulled over, got out of the my daughter and how I wouldn’t car and called up to the want anything to happen to her. distraught man. I kept calling his name. I felt like he was really confused and didn’t “I asked, ‘can you hear me?’” know what he wanted to do.” recalled Smith. “He was sobbing. He was crying so Eventually, something clicked. hard. I just felt so horrible for him.” Smith doesn’t quite recall how long she spoke with the young Not knowing quite what to man, who identified himself to say, Smith leaned on her the parole agent only by his first inherent compassion and her name, but it was clear her show of job training to guide her. She compassion made an impact. He thought of her husband of 16 sat, listened to Smith and stepped Indiana Department of Correction Parole Agent (Continued on page 10) Erika Smith is seen her with her husband Shawn and their daughter, Emersyn. The Torch | 9 Employee Central

(Continued from page 9) How to save a life Parole agent stops man from jumping from overpass back from the edge. and narrow” in an effort to avoid “I want to try to guide that person recidivism. She wants to help each in the right direction, to encourage Her call to 911 sent Indiana State of her clients steer clear of the them to get a job or to make the Police to the overpass, who spoke pitfalls that landed them behind right choices in their life,” she said. with the man, attempting to bars the first time. console him. An ambulance also A special honor arrived at the scene. As he was led Smith believes people can indeed Smith chooses to dedicate her away, Smith said the man glanced change and that sometimes a career toward improving the lives down at her offering an unspoken caring heart and a genuine belief of people in her community, and thank you. in the value of others – no matter her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. their station in life – can mean And just like that it was over. the difference between a step in Smith was recently recognized the right direction and a perilous with the Indiana Department of The right path plunge. The choice, of course, Correction’s Commissioner’s Coin, Smith returned to work a little belongs to each person. one of the agency’s highest honors. shaken, but knowing she had She also received a letter from done the right thing. Had she “Those people are on the edge of Commissioner Robert E. Carter Jr. not stopped to help, there’s no which way they’re going to go or and a monetary bonus. guarantee the young man would which road they’re going to take still be alive today. sometimes,” she said. The attention came as a complete surprise. Smith was working at her Smith believes her actions Helping those individuals is the desk when top IDOC personnel stemmed from a combination most satisfying part of her job. converged in her office to honor her. of training she’s received from (Continued on page 11) her job and the genuine sense of empathy that fuels her passion to help people who have found themselves at a crossroads.

“With our training, we’re kind of trained to keep poised and have control of a situation,” the parole agent said. “I think that, coupled with the human element of it … I was trying not to look at him [in any way] other than he’s a person and he’s hurting.”

The veteran parole agent’s primary duty is to monitor and assist convicted offenders who have been released from correctional facilities. She and others in her Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) Parole Agent Erika Smith was presented with a line of work aim to keep those letter from the IDOC Commissioner and received the prestigious Commissioner’s Coin due to men and women on the “straight her involvement in preventing a man from leaping from an overpass in Bloomington Aug. 8.

The Torch | 10 Employee Central

(Continued from page 10) How to save a life Parole agent stops man from jumping from overpass

“It was so awesome,” she recalled. lining around every cloud. Nonetheless, she found the “The Commissioner’s Coin is All the same, Smith doesn’t feel strength she needed and something special to get. That in she did anything extraordinary; prevented a possible tragedy. itself was enough for me.” rather, she believes her actions were nothing more than what The experience changed Erika The accolades are related to anyone else might do if they found Smith in a positive way as well. Smith’s actions in preventing the themselves in the same situation. young man from jumping from the At least one co-worker and friend “Just thinking back on it, I think I overpass. called her “a hero” in light of her was just in the right place at the actions, but Smith shrugs off such right time,” said Smith. “I think for Where that man is today Smith descriptions. myself I’m more appreciative every does not know, but she’s hopeful day of waking up. My perspective is he received the help he needed. As Admittedly, she was frightened a lot different now and I think that I much as anything, she hopes her throughout the harrowing appreciate what I do a lot more.” actions helped him see that the situation, but couldn’t show it. problems he was facing wouldn’t Story by Brent Brown, INSPD last forever. There really is light “I didn’t want him to see how Photos provided by Erika Smith and IDOC at the end of the tunnel, a silver scared I was,” Smith said.

Heflin honored with Distinguished Hoosier Award The Indiana Commission for Higher presented Education announced in August the Distinguished that Student Support Specialist Hoosier Award to Yvonne Heflin was the recipient Heflin Aug. 22, her of a Distinguished Hoosier Award 40th anniversary from Gov. Eric Holcomb. with the state.

The award honors Heflin’s 40 years “What stands out of service to Hoosier students and most about Yvonne’s the state. 40 years of service is her commitment to Yvonne Heflin began her state making postsecondary government career at the State education attainable Student Assistance Commission for all Hoosier of Indiana (SSACI) in 1978. For students, regardless 40 years, Heflin has been helping of financial need,” students and their families said Lubbers. “When I walk by The Distinguished Hoosier Award navigate issues related to financial her desk and hear her talking to is one of the highest honors aid. In 2012, SSACI combined students about their financial aid given by the State of Indiana to with the Commission for Higher concerns, I can guarantee that its citizens. The award is granted Education and Heflin stepped up when the conversation is over, at the discretion of the governor to ensure a smooth transition. they know exactly what they need to outstanding residents for their Indiana Commissioner for to do and have been treated with accomplishments and contributions Higher Education Teresa Lubbers compassion and respect.” to their communities. The Torch | 11 Oakland City University offers discount and free application to state employees

• B.S Business Administration Classes are 100% online. – Management or Human Undergrad classes occur every Resources and Criminal Justice five weeks, graduate classes • B.A.S – Operations Management occur every eight weeks. Log in anytime, anywhere you have • Master of Business access to the internet. Oakland City University is now Administration – M.B.A (Healthcare Management accepting applications for the Fall Apply for FREE. Enroll today! 2018 semester. State employees specialization option) are eligible to receive a $1,000 • Master of Science in Strategic Visit Oakland City University’s tuition discount by enrolling in Management – M.S.S.M website: http://partner.oak.edu any of the following Online Adult (Logistics, Quality Systems, or and click ‘I am a Student’ to and Professional Studies degree Criminal Justice Administration learn more or to start the programs: specialization option) enrollment process.

The Torch | 12 Genealogy and Local History Fair returns to Indiana State Library in October Admission is free and the event Highly-acclaimed, internationally- is open to the general public. known speakers and genealogy This year’s theme is “Digging Up consultants, Lisa Alzo and Amie the Dead.” Attendees will learn Bowser Tennant, will offer to how to examine, decipher presentations. and interpret death records and death research. They’ll also Additionally, Sarah Halter, discover other interesting facets of executive director of the Indiana mortality in history. Medical History Museum, will give a “brown bag lunch” lecture. More than 30 organizations and exhibitors will be in attendance. Information about the presenters INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Visit the tables in the exhibition may be found here. State Library will host the Indiana hall to collect information from Genealogy and Local History Fair genealogical and local history The Indiana State Library is located from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, organizations and to shop the at 315 W. Ohio St. in Indianapolis. Oct. 27, in downtown Indianapolis. commercial vendors. Civil Rights Commission prepping for Fair Housing Law and Policy Conference The Indiana Civil Rights Commission will host the 2018 Region V Fair Housing Law and Policy Conference: 50 Years Further from October 10 to 12.

The three-day conference focuses on fair housing investigations, policy and law updates, and housing industry best practices.

The conference will bring together community leaders, state and Further,” commemorates the Indianapolis City Centre and federal agencies, attorneys, 50th anniversary of the signing of Indiana Historical Society. lenders, builders, developers, the Federal Fair Housing Act. The policymakers, housing providers, conference will update attendees Register NOW or become a and realtors to discuss the future on their responsibilities in sponsor! Invoicing is available. of housing in the United States. furthering fair housing with specific training and policy updates. For more information on the The conference plans to include Indiana Civil Rights Commission, keynote speakers, breakout In partnership with several local your rights and responsibilities sessions and is expected to human relations agencies, and under Indiana Civil Rights Law, or draw nearly 500 attendees from state agencies, the Indiana Civil to request an accommodation, surrounding states. The theme for Rights Commission will host visit us online. this year’s conference, “50 Years this conference at the Sheraton The Torch | 13 Take steps to stop childhood obesity in September September is Childhood Obesity Currently, Indiana has the ninth while 6.5 percent said they did Awareness Month -- a great highest childhood weight status not eat fruit or drink 100 percent opportunity to understand the compared to other states. Find fruit juice. Worryingly, more than burden of childhood obesity in more details here: stateofobesity. 75 percent said they drank soda or our state and consider ways we org/children1017. pop during the seven days before can help children develop healthy the survey. habits that last a lifetime. It is important to consider the many factors that contribute to Healthy dietary behaviors can be According to the 2016 National childhood obesity. Lack of access taught at a young age with the Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH), to environments that promote guidance of adult role models 18.5 percent of children in Indiana safe physical activity for families and environments that promote are obese, with an additional 15.4 is a major influence. Inexpensive, healthy eating and drinking. percent classified as overweight. sugary beverages and foods alongside a shortage of The 2016 NSCH survey shows that affordable, healthier food only about 57 percent of children options also contribute. age 6 to 17 in Indiana are getting at Research shows that sleep least 60 minutes of physical activity deficiencies and genetics are on four or more days each week. additional components that can increase a person’s risk An equally important data piece for obesity at a young age. is that more than 72 percent of Hoosier children are spending Increasing fruit and one to four hours watching TV vegetable consumption and or videos or playing games per decreasing the amounts day (NSCH, 2016), which does of sugary beverages our not include the time spent on children consume are pieces academic screen time at school. of the childhood obesity puzzle that cannot be It is worth considering the ignored. According to the relationship between these two 2015 Youth Risk Behavior data points and ways in which we Surveillance Survey, 7.3 can create environments for our percent of Indiana’s high children to play, create, explore school students stated that and decrease levels of sedentary they did not eat vegetables behavior.

According to the CDC, there are • Provide nutritious foods such • Help children get the many ways in which all adults can as fruits and vegetables in place recommended amount of help raise a healthier generation of foods high in added sugars physical activity each day. Find and lower Indiana’s obesity rates: and solid fats. Try serving more age-appropriate activities here. fruits, vegetables, and whole • Be a role model! Eat healthy • Be aware of your child’s grains at meals and as snacks. and get the right amount of growth. Use CDC’s Child and • Limit juice intake, mix juice with daily physical activity. Teen BMI Calculator to screen water, and make sure water is • Learn how you can help shape your child for a change in readily available as a no-calorie a healthy school environment. weight status. alternative to sugary beverages.

The Torch | 14 2018

Employee Assistance Program View the webinars on demand — anytime, anywhere. Submit a question and receive a response via email. Questions are logged wellness webinar calendar in a FAQ section so you have the ability to browse and learn from the questions of others.

Monthly theme Monthly webinar title Webinar description Join us for these introductory webinars on work-life topics.

Free yourself Everything in Its Place: When we are not organized, we waste precious time Becoming organized and and create chaos in our lives. Minimize the stress JAN Getting Organized and maximize the tranquility that comes from putting clutter-free Available on demand starting Jan 16 everything in its place.

BFF Self-Care: Remaining Resilient Learn to identify ongoing symptoms of stress and FEB how to find a healthier approach to the demands of Being your own best friend Available on demand starting Feb 20 work and home.

Staying on track Your Routine Financial Checkup Examine your finances from a variety of perspectives, MAR and review and prioritize all of your debts as you explore Budgeting and personal finances Available on demand starting Mar 20 your assets.

Maintaining Respect and Civility in Keep it kind Identify methods to assertively address inappropriate the Workplace conduct within the workplace to promote a healthy APR Creating positive interactions Available on demand starting Apr 17 work environment.

DIY: Apps and Guides for Household Life 101 Get a helpful overview of key household management Management items, as well as links to guides and apps to help you MAY Basic skills of adulthood 2018 Available on demand starting May 15 keep track of it all. Improve Your Health With Proper Rise up! Research has found that a sedentary lifestyle is just as Ergonomics and Frequent Movement or more harmful than smoking. But we can impact this JUN Reducing sedentary behavior Employee AssistanceAvailable Program on demand starting Jun 19 Viewby incorporatingthe webinars on frequent demand movement — anytime, intoanywhere. our lives! Submit a question and receive a response via email. Questions are logged Grocery run in a FAQ section so you have the ability to browse and learn from wellness webinar calendarEating Your Way to Wellness This session focuses on the USDA’s MyPlate with tips Making sense of theand questions resources of others. on how to eat your way to better and JUL Available on demand starting Jul 17 nutritional information long-lasting health.

Ages & stages Technology and Keeping The seminar touches on the risks facing children online. You’ll learn helpful tips, from where to locate AUG TheMonthly new developmental theme YourMonthly Kids Safe webinar title Webinar description theJoin computer us for these in theintroductory home to available webinars parental on work-life topics. milestones Available on demand starting Aug 21 computer monitoring programs.

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Examine your finances from a variety of perspectives, TalkingStaying togetheron track Your Routine Financial Checkup MAR Caring for Aging Relatives andOlder review relatives and may prioritize require all moreof your care debts than as family you explore or FamilyBudgeting conversations and personal finances Available on demand starting Mar 20 neighbors can provide. This seminar is a helpful first NOV Available on demand starting Nov 20 your assets. about aging step to determine what kind of care is needed. Maintaining Respect and Civility in Identify methods to assertively address inappropriate Keep it kind Say What You Mean the Right Way: APR Just ask the Workplace conductThere are within many the ways workplace to communicate to promote how a healthy you feel Creating positive interactions Healthy Forms of Communication workto the environment. people in your life. Explore how you can use DEC Asking for what you need Available on demand starting Apr 17 Available on demand starting Dec 18 communication to strengthen your relationships. DIY: Apps and Guides for Household Life 101 Get a helpful overview of key household management Management items, as well as links to guides and apps to help you To vMAYiew a semBasicina rskills on dofe adulthoodmand go to anthemeap.com and enter State of Indiana Available on demand starting May 15 keep track of it all. You’ll find these and other seminars in the Seminars Center that rotates in the middle of the page. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of: In Colorado: Rocky Mountain HospitalImprove and Medical Your Service, Health Inc. HMO products With underwritten Proper by HMO Colorado, Inc. In Connecticut: Anthem Health Plans, Inc. In Georgia: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. In Indiana: Anthem Insurance RiseCompanies, up! Inc. In Kentucky: Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. In Maine: Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc. In Missouri (excluding 30Research counties in the hasKansas foundCity area): thatRightCHOICE® a sedentary Managed Care, lifestyle Inc. (RIT), Healthy is justAlliance® as Life Insurance CompanyJUN (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefitsErgonomics underwritten byand HALIC Frequentand HMO benefits Movement underwritten by HMO Missouri,or more Inc. RIT harmful and certain affiliates than smoking.only provide administrative But we services can for impact self-funded thisplans and do not underwrite benefits. In Nevada:Reducing Rocky Mountain sedentary Hospital and behaviorMedical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc., dba HMO Nevada. In New Hampshire: Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. HMO plans are administered by Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. and underwritten by MatthewAvailable Thornton Health on demandPlan, Inc. In Ohio: starting Community Insurance Jun 19 Company. Inby Virginia: incorporating Anthem Health Plans frequent of Virginia, Inc. tradesmovement as Anthem Blue into Cross our and Blue lives! Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. In Wisconsin: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out-of-network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare) or Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company (WCIC). Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies. Independent licenseesGrocery of the Blue run Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Eating Your Way to Wellness This session focuses on the USDA’s MyPlate with tips 50949MUMENABS Rev. 10/17Making sense of and resources on how to eat your way to better and JUL Available on demand starting Jul 17 nutritional information long-lasting health.

Ages & stages Technology and Keeping The seminar touches on the risks facing children The new developmental online. You’ll learn helpful tips, from where to locate AUG Your Kids Safe the computer in the home to available parental milestones Available on demand starting Aug 21 computer monitoring programs.

GPS! Creating a Personal Participate in this session to understand effective goal SEP Charting a course to Development Plan setting and identify potential obstacles that can create reach your goals Available on demand starting Sep 18 barriers to reaching your goals.

Bounce back A Personal Guide to Building It’s not what happens to us but how we respond to what OCT Recovering from Resiliency and Coping With Change is happening to us. This seminar will empower you to stressful situations Available on demand starting Oct 16 become more resilient.

Talking together Caring for Aging Relatives Older relatives may require more care than family or Family conversations neighbors can provide. This seminar is a helpful first NOV Available on demand starting Nov 20 about aging step to determine what kind of care is needed.

Say What You Mean the Right Way: Just ask There are many ways to communicate how you feel Healthy Forms of Communication to the people in your life. Explore how you can use DEC Asking for what you need Available on demand starting Dec 18 communication to strengthen your relationships.

To view a seminar on demand go to anthemeap.com and enter State of Indiana You’ll find these and other seminars in the Seminars Center that rotates in the middle of the page. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of: In Colorado: Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc. In Connecticut: Anthem Health Plans, Inc. In Georgia: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. In Indiana: Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. In Kentucky: Anthem Health Plans of Kentucky, Inc. In Maine: Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc. In Missouri (excluding 30 counties in the Kansas City area): RightCHOICE® Managed Care, Inc. (RIT), Healthy Alliance® Life Insurance Company (HALIC), and HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates administer non-HMO benefits underwritten by HALIC and HMO benefits underwritten by HMO Missouri, Inc. RIT and certain affiliates only provide administrative services for self-funded plans and do not underwrite benefits. In Nevada: Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc. HMO products underwritten by HMO Colorado, Inc., dba HMO Nevada. In New Hampshire: Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. HMO plans are administered by Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. and underwritten by Matthew Thornton Health Plan, Inc. In Ohio: Community Insurance Company. In Virginia: Anthem Health Plans of Virginia, Inc. trades as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, and its service area is all of Virginia except for the City of Fairfax, the Town of Vienna, and the area east of State Route 123. In Wisconsin: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin (BCBSWi), underwrites or administers PPO and indemnity policies and underwrites the out-of-network benefits in POS policies offered by Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation (Compcare) or Wisconsin Collaborative Insurance Company (WCIC). Compcare underwrites or administers HMO or POS policies; WCIC underwrites or administers Well Priority HMO or POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 50949MUMENABS Rev. 10/17 Visit investinyourhealthindiana.com/about-anthem-eap > Something ‘wicket’ this way comes State of Indiana employees part of Cricket Tournament Sunday, Sept. 9 INDIANAPOLIS -- For the first time Sept. 8, but expected inclement Bunsens. Check out the list of ever, State of Indiana employees weather led organizers to participating teamshere . are taking to the field and pitch to reschedule. take their best whacks around the Indiana Department of Revenue wickets in one of the world’s most Though the team members Commissioner Adam Krupp serves popular – and unique – games. will certainly go “all out” in an as an advisory member of the CRIC effort to win the tournament, Indy League. Krupp was integral A squad of state employees an overarching goal is to bring in fielding the State of Indiana representing multiple agencies will professionals from disparate employees squad. be part of this Sunday’s annual corporate backgrounds together CRIC Indy Corporate Cricket “to unwind, socialize and In preparation for their League Tournament. CRIC Indy popularize their organization,” the tournament debut, the players League is “a corporate community CRIC Indy website states. have been taking swings and based grassroots organization in practicing regularly. Indianapolis,” according to http:// The result is the building of “a www.cricindy.com/about-us/. social networking platform” that Cricket, a sport that began in promotes diversity in the corporate England and dates to medieval The round-robin style event runs world and fosters professional times, remains popular across the from 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday, connections, according to CRIC world though its rules, intricacies, Sept. 9 at the Chuck Klein Softball Indy. and perhaps charm, often aren’t Complex and pits bowlers and common knowledge on this side of batsmen from top area businesses A happy byproduct of bringing the pond. against one another for bragging cricket to the forefront of the rights and much, much more. Indianapolis recreational sports If you don’t know your gullys from scene is a contribution to wellness. your long offs,click here for a The complex is located at 4702 cricket crash course. Rockville Rd. The event was “We would always value the originally scheduled for Saturday, participation and involvement of Whether you’re a regular Sir participants, sponsors, Garfield Sobers or a novice who’s vendors and all never heard of a googly, a howzat the people around or a doosra, the games are sure to us to elevate this be a great time for all involved. community to build a happy and healthy The State of Indiana squad is lifestyle within the calling on fellow state employees corporate community to fill the stands and act as the and promote cricket “12th man,” cheering the team on to the next level,” from the sidelines this Sunday. according to CRIC Indy. It’s sure to be fun and missing out, as they say, “just wouldn’t be The heart of the cricket.” tournament, however, is of course its Learn more at http://www. Indiana Department of Revenue Commissioner Adam Krupp participants who cricindy.com/. (far right) helped organize a State of Indiana employees’ cricket team. The squad takes the field this Sunday at the appear ready to Chuck Klein Softball Complex in Indianapolis. handle even the best Story by Brent Brown, INSPD The Torch | 16