January, 2021 Gov. Holcomb unveils 2021 Next In this issue Level agenda Canstruction returns to help re- 2 stock food pantries New year, new opportunities to 3 be well!

Indiana Grown launches online 8 marketplace

10 Wild, wild life

Governor Eric J. Holcomb • Cultivate a strong and The Torch is published monthly announced his 2021 Next Level diverse economy by the Indiana State Personnel Agenda in December, which is • Maintain and build the Department and is available focused on safely navigating out of online at https://www.in.gov/ the pandemic and emerging as a state’s infrastructure spd/employee-resources/the- stronger Indiana. • Education, training and torch/ “The 2021 Next Level Agenda is workforce development focused on making sure Indiana • Public health remains a state of opportunity Got a story? for all,” Gov. Holcomb said. “To • Deliver great government Submit your story ideas to: do that, we must manage our service [email protected] way through the world’s worst pandemic in over a century.” To watch Gov. Holcomb’s agenda speech at Dentons Legislative Social media The 2021 Next Level Agenda Conference and learn more about includes five pillars detailing the 2021 Next Level Agenda, Follow legislative and administrative visit http://www.in.gov/gov. @SOIEmployees priorities for the year ahead.To watch Gov. Holcomb’s agenda Like speech at Dentons Legislative @SOIEmployees Conference and learn more about the 2021 Next Level Agenda, visit http://www.in.gov/gov. Follow State of Indiana Employees Canstruction returns to help re-stock food pantries Registration opens Jan. 6

Your chance to do your part to help food pantries throughout the Hoosier State is almost here! Registration opens for the third annual State of Indiana employ- ees’ “Canstruction Competition” Wednesday, Jan. 6. Want to be part of the fun? Head to this link and complete your registration by Jan. 15. Make sure you include your team name, the name of your team captain, and the recipient of The Indiana State Fair Commission won the award for “Best Structure” with this entry your donation and you’ll be all set! in the 2020 Canstruction Competition. The agency also collected the most cans.

The competition is open to all compiled by the Indiana State Fair Teams can begin collecting canned state of Indiana agencies and will Commission who used just shy of goods Jan. 18. All participants allow YOU to help Hoosiers in need 5,100 cans to preview the 2020 have until noon Jan. 29 to finish by donating a variety of canned Horizon Basketball Championships their Canstruction and submit goods to a food pantry of your at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum. at least one photo of their team’s choice. The holiday season The monumental can total also completed creation to INSPD at is typically a time during which secured the second award of [email protected]. food pantries see an increase in the competition, “Most Cans The panel of judges will vote on need. By providing canned goods Collected,” for the State Fair the competition’s “Best Structure” and other non-perishables to Commission. award Feb. 2. The winner of that Hoosiers facing food insecurity award as well as the agency that due to economic conditions or By far the most important number, collected the most cans will be other hardships, those non-profits however, is the total amount announced via statewide email on provide an invaluable service. Amid of canned goods collected and Feb. 3. the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, distributed to the selected their work is all the more charitable institutions. Last year’s Participants should also make important. Canstruction Competition resulted arrangements to have their in an astonishing 23, 620 total cans Canstruction dismantled and the Time and time again, state of being collected by 49 different canned goods delivered to the Indiana employees have shown teams! chosen food pantry by Jan. 29. they are always willing to help their Hoosier neighbors when needed. State agencies will compete for If you need a little inspiration, have The Canstruction Competition is the same awards this year with a look back at last year’s entries a way to do just that while also can totals tallied by agencies as at the State Employees’ Facebook having fun and being creative. a whole. For example, all Indiana page, and read details about last Department of Transportation year’s competition as well as a So, what you can build? Almost entries, regardless of location, will unique can drive effort by the anything! be added together. Indiana Housing and Community Last year alone, we saw a re- Development Authority here. If The winner for “Best Structure” you have questions, send us an creation of the field and end zones again will be determined by a of Lucas Oil Stadium, American email at spdcommunications@spd. panel of judges. This year, the in.gov. flags, state agency logos and judges will include the Office of program promos, a tribute to Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, Indiana State Story by Brent Brown, Indiana State Super Mario Bros., and at least Personnel Department (INSPD) Personnel Department two “baby Yoda” (do we have to director Matt Brown, the Indiana call him ‘Grogu’?) assemblies. State Fair Commission’s Cindy The winner for “Best Structure” Hoye, and a special judge from a (one of two contest awards) was Hoosier food pantry. The Torch | 2 New year, new opportunities to be well! It’s a brand new year, and that means new opportunities to be well and earn rewards through the ActiveHealth program in 2021! This year’s rewards include e-gift cards and a 2022 Premium Discount. ActiveHealth is a wellness program offered by the Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD) as part of your medical benefits package. The ActiveHealth wellness program is focused on helping you make little changes that can have a big impact on your health. You get unlimited access to health coaches, a library of health information, and rewards! your Rewards Center on the A wellness visit (sometimes ActiveHealth portal. referred to as an annual physical or How to earn rewards through the yearly check-up) with your health ActiveHealth program: Health Assessment care provider is an opportunity Complete the health assessment to to assess your current health, 2022 Premium Discount earn a $25 e-gift card (for eligible identify any necessary preventive Employees and spouses enrolled in employees and spouses). care, and review health changes coverage must each fully complete A health assessment is a private over time.A wellness visit checks one of the following three options the same health indicators as a by Sept. 30, 2021: and confidential questionnaire to check in on your general health biometric screening plus your • Complete four individual and well-being. Taking the health medical history, medication needs, health coaching sessions (in- assessment is a great way to see and current diet, exercise and person or by phone) through where you are and find areas other routines. During a wellness ActiveHealth that need some work. The Health visit, your provider can also order Assessment provides an easy-to- additional lab work based on your • Reach Level 5, which is 9,000 understand report so you can take health history, and work with you hearts, in ActiveHealth’s online action. to create a plan to improve your portal by completing health overall health. education modules, health • Log in to www.myactivehealth. goals and challenges com/stateofindiana and click Pick the option that works for you: the health assessment link. • Record 200 days of physical If you do not already have an • See your doctor for a physical activity tracking through account, creating one is easy. with lab work. Have your a device synced to the The only information needed doctor complete the Annual ActiveHealth portal. Any is your name, birth date, and Physical Results Form. Submit day with 10,000 steps or 30 mailing zip code. the completed form by secure minutes of physical activity upload or fax. counts toward the 200 day • Complete by Nov. 30, 2021 to goal. Only activity that occurs earn the $25 e-gift card. • Go to a CVS MinuteClinic for a after you have synched your wellness visit. Print the voucher fitness device will be tracked Wellness Visit and locate providers in your and credited. Complete a wellness visit to earn ActiveHealth portal. a $100 e-gift card (for eligible Track your progress toward employees and spouses). (continued on page 4) completing an activity in The Torch | 3 (continued from page 3) New year, new opportunities to be well! Results must be visible in the and visible in the ActiveHealth For specific details check out the ActiveHealth portal by Nov. 30, portal. flu shot reward FAQ. 2021 to earn the $100 e-gift card. Flu shot Questions? Note: For annual physical results Don’t forget, employees and • Visit InvestInYourHealthIndiana. forms, processing time is up to four spouses who received a flu shot com/activehealth weeks from the date the form is between Aug. 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, accepted to when the results are 2020, and are currently eligible for • Call the INSPD benefits hotline visible in the ActiveHealth portal. the ActiveHealth program, have at 317-232-1167 or 877-248- Data from MinuteClinic wellness earned another $25 e-gift card. 0007 Monday through Friday visits takes two to four weeks from Visit your ActiveHealth Rewards from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. the date of the visit to be loaded Center to redeem your e-gift card. • Email [email protected] How to make your resolutions work in 2021 2021 is a new year, and a time to Specific – Your resolution should Other tips really think about goals you would be 100 percent clear. For example, Develop micro goals. A small like to achieve. if you are wanting to lose weight, change to a current habit might instead of saying “my goal is to make more sense than setting a More than half of all New Year lose weight,” be more specific. large goal that’s unrealistic. resolutions fail, but that doesn’t How much weight would you like Do something daily. Little actions have to happen to you! One of to lose? the main reason a resolution may every day help shift your focus not be accomplished is because Measurable – Define what to your effort and away from the goal is not thought through evidence will prove that you are unattainable perfection. making progress and reevaluate well enough, or realistically able Are you planning? Create a plan to to be achieved. But you can avoid when necessary. deal with challenges that could get these pitfalls and make your goals Achievable -Make sure you can in your way. happen with a solid plan in place. reasonably accomplish your goal Use these questions to help shape within a certain timeframe. First, identify the right resolution your goals: to improve your life, then create Relevant – Your goals should align • What do you want to achieve? a plan on how to reach it. Follow with your values and long-term • Why is it important? these simple steps to help set a objectives. goal for 2021: • How motivated, on a scale of 1 Time-based – Set a realistic end to 10 are you? Write down your goal. Use the date for task prioritization and • What are the obstacles? SMART method. motivation • Who else can support you? • How will you know that you achieved this goal? Need help with setting a goal, or perhaps some motivation to help along the way? ActiveHealth is here to support you! Onsite & telephonic health coaching is available. Call 855-202-4219 to schedule an appointment.

The Torch | 4 FSSA names agency’s first chief health equity and ADA officer Stay up to date with COVID-19 The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) across the agency. The position news recently announced that Breanca will report directly to the FSSA secretary and also be responsible • 2019 Novel Coronavirus Merritt, Ph.D., will serve as the (COVID-19) agency’s first chief health equity for leading FSSA’s Office of Healthy and ADA officer, beginning Jan. 4. Opportunities. • Indiana Department of Health Merritt is the founding director “Dr. Merritt has a long history as Governor Eric J. Holcomb of the Center for Research an academic and practitioner with • on Inclusion and Social Policy real-world experience working at Indiana University-Purdue among marginalized populations Helpful resources University Indianapolis, as well to understand racial and ethnic Anthem Resources disparities and encouraging as a clinical assistant professor in • Anthem Employee IUPUI’s O’Neill School of Public and policies that promote equity,” said Jennifer Sullivan, M.D., M.P.H., Assistance Program (EAP) Environmental Affairs, and adjunct Anthem NurseLine faculty for the Africana Studies FSSA secretary. • program. Dr. Merritt earned a bachelor’s • LiveHealth Online degree from the University of • 211.org Oklahoma’s Gaylord College of General Resources Journalism before a master’s • IDOH COVID-19 Call degree in political science from Texas A&M University. She Center– 877-826-0011 then earned a Ph.D. in health • Contact the INSPD Benefits promotion sciences from the Hotline – 317-232-1167 University of Oklahoma’s Hudson (Indianapolis area), 1-877- College of Public Health with a 248-0007 (toll- free outside specialty in health disparities. Indianapolis) “My career has always been • Disaster Distress Helpline dedicated to informing – 800-985-5990, or government efforts to improve text “TalkWithUs” or outcomes for local communities, FSSA recently created the chief especially the populations served “Hablanos” to/al 66746. health equity and ADA officer by FSSA,” said Dr. Merritt. “I look • Substance Abuse and position to provide leadership in forward to working collectively to Mental Health Services the evaluation of policy decisions address racial and social equity for Administration (SAMHSA) that affect race equity, to build Hoosiers who receive services and Helpline – 800-662-HELP metrics for agency accountability, interact with the agency.” ensuring agency adherence to the • National Suicide Prevention Americans with Disabilities Act, Dr. Merritt resides in Indianapolis Lifeline - 800-273-TALK or and to serve at the executive level with her husband. 888-628-9454 (español) working to build a culture of equity

Artwork by Jerry Williams

The Torch | 5 Be Well Crisis Helpline answers the call for Hoosiers in need

The Be Well Crisis Helpline recently passed an important milestone as it enters its sixth month of operation. The free service was launched in July to support the mental health needs of Hoosiers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service has answered more than 6,000 calls for help as it continues to provide 24/7 access to experienced and compassionate counselors, specially trained to help with the personal challenges that have referred 29 percent of the callers withdrawal (34 percent), issues come along with this pandemic. to mental health treatment, 24 with sleep (34 percent), anxiety “While we recognize that each of percent for additional community- or fearfulness (32 percent), these calls is a cry for help from based resources such as food, and difficulty concentrating (27 a Hoosier experiencing feelings clothing, housing or utility percent). of distress and anxiety, likely assistance, and another 16 percent “We are also getting referrals aggravated by the impacts of the for additional crisis counseling. from first responders who know COVID-19 pandemic, we are also In slightly more than 1 percent they can rely on the Be Well Crisis comforted to know that, through of cases, following telephone Helpline as a new resource in their the Be Well Crisis Helpline, they counseling, Be Well Crisis Helpline toolkit to deal with persons under are connecting with someone counselors determined the mental stress,” added Chaudhary. who can listen, assess their needs, situation was critical and called “This helpline has come at the and help,” said Jennifer Sullivan, 9-1-1 to provide immediate right time for Hoosiers who are M.D., M.P.H., secretary of the assistance to the callers. under real mental distress and Indiana Family and Social Services “This data tells us that the Be Well need someplace to turn for help.” Administration. Crisis Helpline is playing a critical The Be Well Crisis Helpline is To date, the Be Well Crisis Helpline role in the health care continuum funded by a Crisis Counseling has answered 6,049 calls, with an for Hoosiers who feel like they Assistance and Training average talk time of 18 minutes are in distress as a result of this Program grant from the Federal and 10 seconds, but with an pandemic,” said Jay Chaudhary, Emergency Management Agency. average wait time of only 16 director of FSSA’s Division of More information on the Be seconds. To reach a counselor, Mental Health and Addiction. Well Crisis Helpline can be found anyone in Indiana can simply call “Hundreds of our fellow Hoosiers at www.bewellindiana.com. 2-1-1, enter their ZIP code, and have begun to receive treatment Indiana 211 is a free service that follow the prompts to reach the Be for the mental health issues they connects Hoosiers with assistance Well Crisis Helpline. face, and likely faced prior to COVID-19. We strongly encourage and answers from thousands According to data collected by anyone who feels like they could of statewide health and human the counselors, 46 percent of use the help to call us at 2-1-1.” service resources — quickly, callers have a pre-existing trauma easily and confidentially. Indiana or substance use or mental The top distress reactions 211 became part of FSSA in 2020. health problem. Following their counselors are encountering conversations, the counselors on the calls include isolation or

The Torch | 6 Indiana DNR receives Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation award Recently, the Indiana Department priorities and working with the of Natural Resources (DNR) was sportsmen’s community in the given the State Agency of the Hoosier state.” Year Award by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) The award recognizes Indiana during the 17th Annual National DNR’s work hosting the first Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses Legislative Rendezvous at (NASC) Sportsman-Legislator Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area. Summit. This event was an opportunity for legislators, conservation partners, “The State Agency of the Year and agency staff to participate Award is presented to one state in recreational shooting at the fish and wildlife agency each year Atterbury Shooting Complex while in recognition of their dedication sharing the DNR’s work to ensure to furthering science-based conservation and recreational wildlife management policies, access. Amanda Wuestefeld, DNR director promoting our outdoor heritage, of Division of Fish & Wildlife. and partnering with legislators “We are privileged to receive this and members of the hunting and award, and we are grateful for our fishing community in their state,” partnership with the Congressional brings together caucus members, said Congressional Sportsmen’s Sportsmen’s Foundation,” said non-governmental organization Foundation President Jeff Crane. Amanda Wuestefeld, director of representatives, key staff from the Division of Fish & Wildlife. state and federal fish and wildlife “We are honored to present the “Through this partnership, we agencies, representatives of 2020 NASC State Agency Award can continue advancing fish and the outdoor industry, and other to the Indiana Department of wildlife habitat management and conservation policy professionals Natural Resources, who has been the recreational opportunities they for two days of educational a true partner to both CSF and the afford.” programming, networking, Indiana Legislative Sportsmen’s and discussion on enhancing Caucus, and has demonstrated Hosted by the CSF, the NASC access, opportunities, and commitment to sound policy Sportsman-Legislator Summit #ResponsibleRecreation. Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites Receives Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for Master Planning The Indiana State Museum planning for each of the museum and things. The master planning and Historic Sites (ISMHS) was system’s 11 historic sites around process offers an opportunity to awarded a $196,140 grant by Lilly the state. have the biggest possible impact Endowment Inc. to develop a by helping us to understand how comprehensive master planning “We are delighted that Lilly to best use our resources and process to guide the ISMHS board Endowment Inc. recognizes the serve our expanding and diverse of directors and staff on addressing value of this work and has awarded audiences, including surrounding the museum’s role and value us this generous grant,” said Cathy neighborhoods.” to neighboring communities in Ferree, President and CEO of the Indianapolis. Indiana State Museum and Historic Boston-based TDC Corp., one Sites. “We are a visitor-centric of the nation’s oldest nonprofit The planning process, which will organization whose mission is to management consulting and take place throughout 2021, will serve as a catalyst for informal research firms, will conduct the serve as a template to inform lifelong learning that connects study. its approach to future master the stories of real people, places The Torch | 7 Indiana Grown launches online marketplace Indiana Grown recently launched often get asked how to purchase new economic climate. Through the Shop Indiana Grown online from our members, and we are this collaboration, Indiana SBDC marketplace. thrilled to see the consumer and ISDA are helping farms response to this exciting solution.” and small businesses tap into The free service is of- larger consumer markets, fered to all qualifying Indi- The new marketplace will help and the Indiana SBDC will ana Grown members, and provides the Indiana Grown program serve as a trusted resource them with an additional sales accomplish its goals of for Indiana Grown members that outlet during a time when online helping Indiana farmers and may need customized assistance retail is critical to the success of producers have a greater market related to COVID-19 recovery, many farms and businesses in our for their products and educating e-commerce, market research or state and nationwide. consumers on the importance export assistance. of buying locally grown, raised, Indiana Grown is housed within processed and packaged items. “With more than 520,000 the Indiana State Department of companies employing 1.2 Agriculture (ISDA) and offers free “Having celebrated its million Hoosiers, small resources to farms and businesses fifth anniversary this businesses play a critical role who grow, raise, produce or summer, Indiana Grown is stepping in fueling Indiana’s economic process an agriculture product up its ability to serve its members engine,” said Indiana Secretary in the state of Indiana. Members and consumers,” said ISDA Director of Commerce Jim Schellinger. range from traditional row crop Bruce Kettler. “This new benefit “As more small businesses shift farmers to wineries to artisans to of Indiana Grown membership their operations online, the value-added food producers is addressing the ever-changing Shop Indiana Grown marketplace needs of Indiana’s agriculture will provide an important tool “One of my favorite activities community.” during the Indiana State for Indiana companies to reach Fair is shopping at Indiana Grown is also partnering new customers and elevate the Indiana Grown Marketplace,” with the Indiana Small Hoosier-made goods in new said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “I Business Development Center markets. We’re excited to partner am continually amazed at the (Indiana SBDC), which provided with Indiana Grown to continue variety and quality of products that support to fuel the e-commerce providing the support small Hoosier farmers and producers platform leveraging relief funding businesses need to compete provide, and consumers should from the U.S. Small Business and lead in today’s 21st century have access to those items every Administration. Indiana SBDC, economy.” day.” which provides no cost, expert The Shop Indiana Grown guidance and resources that Consumers will initially find online marketplace is another farms and small businesses way Indiana Grown can promote nearly 40 vendors with more need to grow, has launched than 100 products to purchase all forms of agriculture in the state a number of programs and and allow its members to share on the platform with an initiatives to help entrepreneurs increased selection available the stories behind their farms and and business owners access businesses. as new vendors and items are relief funding and adapt to the added daily in categories such as cheese, honey, coffee and skin care. With the popularity of the Indiana Grown Marketplace at the Indiana State Fair, the online store will allow the public to purchase local products year- round from anywhere. “This project has taken months of hard work to ensure it will truly benefit our membership,” said Indiana Grown Program Director Heather Tallman. “We The Torch | 8 DNR Fish & Wildlife receives Excellence in Conservation award The Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife received this year’s Excellence in Conservation award from the Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies for installing native plant habitat at an Indianapolis school. The annual award recognizes the agency that has shown excellence in conservation through a specific project.

The project recognized was funded through grants from the Indiana Natural Resources developed three bilingual signs The project team worked together Foundation’s Give Adventure that were installed to highlight the with partners and other Fish program and Reconnecting to Our front pollinator garden, as well as & Wildlife staff to host booths Waterways. The goal of the project the wetland pond and monarch around the park focused on is to foster a conservation ethic waystation behind the school. topic-specific activities, including in an underserved Indianapolis pollinators, wildlife tracks, community. To achieve this goal, In July, the project team worked watersheds, archery, fishing, and Fish & Wildlife focused on specific with staff across DNR to host a macroinvertebrates and water activities that took place in 2019, workforce development day for quality. including native habitat installation Groundwork Indy at Atterbury at Wendell Phillips School 63 (WPS Fish & Wildlife Area. Twenty- “Through a variety of experiences, 63), workforce development, six Groundwork Indy youth this team and our partners helped conservation education, and and young adults participated to deepen people’s connection community engagement. in the event, where they to nature and conservation,” said experienced fishing and attended Angie Haywood, Fish & Wildlife’s Early last summer, Fish & Wildlife an information session about assistant director of planning staff worked alongside WPS potential future careers with DNR & public engagement. “The 63 students and youth as well and in natural resources fields. project required a great deal of as young adults participating coordination and effort, and we in Groundwork Indy’s GroundCorp are so proud of the results. We are program in planting approximately Before the 2019-20 school year, excited to continue our work with 750 plugs in three habitat Fish & Wildlife’s education these partners in the future.” installations at the school. In outreach specialist conducted addition, the project team a Project WILD educator workshop Although the primary grant with 55 teachers to introduce activities have concluded, Fish them to the school’s habitat & Wildlife staff continue to work installations and provide training with Groundwork Indy youth and to incorporate the habitat young adults to maintain WPS 63’s . installations into curriculum pollinator habitat.

The project culminated in a community festival event at Reverend Mozel Sanders Park in Indianapolis in September 2019.

The Torch | 9 Wild, wild life IURC attorney volunteers for But with rabbits. animal rescue, teaches ‘lost’ art “I’ve always loved animals and Animal Crossing is a popular video volunteering,” said Poon. “I game series where the player tell people I went from pen to creates a village and invites any pitchfork.” number of anthropomorphic DeAnna said a colleague invited critters to settle in an idyllic hamlet her to A Critter’s Chance and that where days consist of little more led her to begin fostering animals than collecting fruit for sale, on her own. She has continued fishing, fossil-hunting, watering volunteering at the rescue and that flowers, and watching fireworks experience, while often far from shows. glamorous, provided tales such as It’s a relaxing virtual trip to a town the previously mentioned “hangry” where turnips are a top commodity hog incident. and a top-hatted tortoise holds the “We happened to have these highest elected office. little pumpkin pies the day the pig escaped [her enclosure],” said Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission At no point is the player ever assistant general counsel DeAnna Poon has chased by a hungry 200-pound Poon. “I used one to lure her back volunteered for a Plainfield animal rescue for pig with a hankering for pumpkin to her pen, so I’m running as fast the last three years. She’s pictured here with pies, however; and in that regard, as I can because a 200-pound pig is a gecko. real life – for DeAnna Poon at least very pie-motivated and surprisingly acquainted – is a hoot of a hen – will always be infinitely more fast.” that DeAnna calls her favorite of interesting. Poon explained that the tasty the family’s flock. Wild world snacks were donated to the animal “She is so funny,” said Poon. “She rescue by a food pantry, which is will come when you call and she The pig incident was one of the common when some of the goods more humorous – if not harrowing loves treats. We let her into our pass their sell-by date. But clearly, garage and she will hunt around – experiences Poon, assistant the pig didn’t care about the general counsel with the Indiana for bugs to eat. She keeps the pumpkin pies’ origins as it chased window sills very tidy.” Utility Regulatory Commission, can DeAnna back toward its pen. recall throughout three years of Betsy is clearly quite a chicken, but volunteering at an animal rescue. “I’m trying not to slip and fall and DeAnna cautions that keeping such thinking, ‘Please, don’t let this be The Plainfield-based A Critter’s pets is a big responsibility. To that the way I die -- trampled or eaten end, she recently conducted video Chance specializes in rescuing and by a snacky pig,’” Poon recalled, rehabilitating domestic as well programs during the Indiana State fully aware of the hilarity of the Employees’ Community Campaign as exotic animals. The nonprofit story. assists animal shelters and rescues (SECC) to answer questions about that are unable to care for exotic Animal farm caring for exotic pets and to animals, helps with pet adoptions, showcase how these rewarding At home, things are a bit more relationships require unwavering and even works with government serene. officials to enhance and improve commitment. laws related to animal abuse DeAnna, a married mother of one, The family’s ducks are a prime and neglect. Though it’s based is a human mom to two dogs, example. in Indiana, A Critter’s Chance four Pekin ducks, and a chicken. provides services throughout the Her daughter also has a trio of “If you want to keep ducks and country. rats. Husband Peter works as an chickens, you have to be very electrical engineer for the Indiana mindful that they are domesticated That work was a natural fit for Department of Environmental prey animals,” she explained. “That DeAnna who, in addition to Management’s Office of Water means they are not meant to be fostering, has been part of bunny Quality/Drinking Water Branch. wild and ‘releasing’ them into the yoga – which certainly sounds like something from Animal Crossing, The Poon family’s chicken – (continued on page 11) but is really just “ordinary” yoga. “Betsy” to those to whom she’s The Torch | 10 (continued from page 10) Wild, wild life wild is a death sentence.” As is the case with the family cat Your grandmother definitely The birds’ coops must be secure or dog, the joy of raising a pet was onto something when she so as to deter predators, and an is immense, but respect for the meticulously sealed up those green adequate food and water supply is animal’s nature and its needs will beans and tomatoes for future a must. Beyond that, be prepared go a long way in providing it the rainy days, however, and Poon for fowl that might not rate highly pleasant life it deserves. believes there are quite a few advantages to at-home canning with Animal Crossing’s “Happy The cost involved is another factor Room Academy.” in spite of how modern life has that must be considered. Many relegated the practice to the back “While ducks are very cute, they veterinarians who care for more of the proverbial kitchen cupboard. are also very gross,” DeAnna said. typical pets, such as cats and “They need an area to swim and dogs, don’t offer similar services “Canning is beneficial if you have they get mud everywhere.” for exotic animals; and finding a a large garden and won’t be able proper vet can be a bigger expense to eat all the food before it spoils,” Much to consider than some might imagine. she said. “It’s also great for people who don’t have a lot of fridge or While children are undoubtedly This is the type of knowledge freezer space but want to keep a bound to be big fans of animals of DeAnna shared last fall during her large amount of food available. the barnyard and beyond, they are SECC video presentations, which Finally, once you have all the unlikely to be good caretakers of were well received. supplies, it is very cost effective. pets – especially those that require Jars of pasta sauce, pizza sauce, more diligence. “I did receive a lot of great feedback,” she said. “People found and salsa cost me around $2 per “For parents, whatever it helpful to know the detailed jar.” expectations you have about care that goes into exotic and farm Living wild, wild life your child’s ability to care for an animals.” animal, lower it substantially,” the A lifelong Hoosier, DeAnna Poon attorney said. “Younger children A lost art began her career with the state frequently don’t have the motor Appropriately enough, Poon’s SECC of Indiana as an intern in 2003. A skills or understanding of how to presentations were intended to year later, she started as a full-time properly pick up an animal, pet it, raise money for A Critter’s Chance. employee. These days, she’s more or remember to provide it with And while caring for exotic pets than happy to share her advice on food and water.” – like a lamb… or an emu – may canning and caring for critters, and not be for everyone, another of she does it all with a wry sense of DeAnna’s hobbies and talents humor. could be appealing to just about After all, with exotic animals, anybody. it’s probably best to expect the “My grandmother canned unexpected. It’s a bit of a dirty job, food and it is a lost art,” said to be sure, but someone’s gotta Poon who is also an avid food do it and DeAnna wouldn’t have it preservationist. “When I tell any other way. Just be prepared to people that I can, many of them clean up a mess. perk up and tell me their mother “Pretty much all the rest of my or grandmother used to do it,” funny stories involve poop,” she she continued. “I started helping said facetiously. “So. Much. Poop.” my mom when I was little. I started doing it again as an adult. I All in a day’s (chicken coop- like it because I know exactly what cleaning) work, we suppose. is going into my food, it’s made for my taste, and I’m in charge of Heavens to Betsy. the quality control.” Story by Brent Brown, Indiana State DeAnna Poon recently conducted a video Personnel Department series where she gave advice on how to care There’s a technique to it, of course, Photos provided by DeAnna Poon, Indiana for exotic pets, such as the chickens seen here, and DeAnna shared advice on this as well as how to preserve veggies and other Utility Regulatory Commission food. time-tested practice during her SECC video series as well. The Torch | 11