Special Offer from Licking County Safety Council

BWC Education On Demand: Bringing workers’ comp knowledge to you!

The Licking County Safety Council is partnering with the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) to provide the information you need to help protect your bottom line and your workers.

BWC Education On Demand is a set of classes taught by BWC experts that:

Illustrates strategies for managing workers’ compensation claims;
Provides proven methods for improving workplace safety;
Explains how BWC sets premium rates;
And much more.

To save you time and money, we have partnered with BWC to bring this valuable training to the community:

Date and time
Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
First class begins at 8:30 a.m.

Location
Miller’s Essenplatz - 1058 East Main Street - Newark, OH 43055

Classes offered
Workers’ comp law
ABC’s of the claims process
Biz acquisitions: Workers’ comp considerations
Financial Impacts of a claim


As a bonus, BWC has approved BWC Education On Demand classes for credit for many of its premium discount programs. For a list of classes and information on registration, please contact Vicky Crist at (740) 345-9757 ext. 1, or via e-mail at vcrist@lickingcountychamber.com.

Fruits of our Labor

There is nothing better than looking around your home after a hard day of cleaning to see the "fruits of our labor". The same goes for a day of laundry, only we see an empty laundry room. I spent Saturday morning picking up dance shoes for my dancing princess then the afternoon and evening I made my yearly batch of tomato soup. It's the only kind that I make from scratch and then process it so I have it year round.

You can see why it takes me more than an hour!

Another Art Walk Come and Gone

Art Walk 2009 will be called another great success even though it rained. The people came to walk downtown and visit the artist's and the host locations. They were treated to some wonderful entertainment. Enjoy the photos from tonight's event:

Art Walk 2009

Come to Downtown Newark today from 4 - 8 pm and see what everyone is talking about. This is the 2nd Annual Art Walk. Lot's to see and do and there is something for everyone.

Live entertainment - snacks - art - jewelry - face painting for the kids - stop in the Midland Theatre - and don't forget our restaurants are all open for your dining pleasure. Stop by the Buckeye Winery for a glass of your favorite wine.

This is an event that you don't want to miss.

Heath Ohio

I read the newspaper articles and I even read the blogs (sometimes). Mostly I read the blogs for entertainment purposes because I can't believe that people really write that stuff!

The articles and blogs about the traffic camera's in Heath are killing me. Now the angry ticketed drivers are calling us at work. Seems they don't like getting 2 - 3 - 4 tickets in one day. Well I think that I have a solution..... SLOW DOWN & DON'T RUN RED LIGHTS PEOPLE. I think this seems simple enough - but clearly some people just don't get it. You are breaking the law if you speed and run red lights - so what don't they understand.

I don't believe that the camera's were put in place to anger the public, but to help us live just a little bit safer.

Back to Work I Go

Well by now you know that I totally enjoyed my vacation! Today was my first offical day back to work and it wasn't too bad. Lots of email to answer and phone calls to return, but I made it through.
I love to vacation but I love my job - so it is fun to work to vacation!

Vacation Shots

Just to share a few of our vacation pics!!

Vacation

What a wonderful time it was to see the smiling face of a six year old little girl upon her arrival at Disney's Magic Kindom.

We had the best time ever - and please note that the picture show was at the start of our day. The temp was a cool 98 - so everyone was looking for that one spot to cool off. We didn't look quite as comfortable when we left the park at 10:00 p.m. that night. But....it didn't matter as we all had fun and would do it again anytime.

Too Little Time

Life has been very busy around here lately. We have had Jocelyn's dance recital, Grandparents lunch with her at school and the everyday chores at home. Ron has been helping his cousin build a new deck on his house at Buckeye Lake and I have been working and doing the doctor thing for my back.

This week has seen some big changes in my back issues. The doctor told us last week that I was on track and he thought I was doing better (at that point I truly thought this guy is nuts), but you know I think he might be on to something. When I get tired it seems to be alot more sensitive, so I am learning to listen to my body. Hard to do sometimes, but I am trying.

The Farmer's Market started last night in downtown Newark and what a huge success for the first night. I will do a post with pictures very soon.

Thanks to those that attended and shopped. You are the reason that we are there.

Anniversary

I just finished updating my profile, since the years of being married (to the same man) recently changed. Ron and I long ago agreed that we didn't need to exchange gifts on every anniversary, since we usually buy what we want or need ourselves. We dine out and enjoy the day.
This year he had to be out of town for business, he took some good ribbing on that one, but on our anniversary I received a beautiful vase of flowers from Roots and Shoots and a card saying how sorry he was to not be at home with me (and I knew that he meant it).

So after 27 years I know that he would rather be at home than on the road (most days anyway) - and those flowers meant alot.

Mother's Day

I have many memories of Mother's Day. Some good and some great. A few past Mother's Day's saw me receive some very nice tee shirts that my son won from playing in a softball tournament. Not what all mother's really want but given with a smile that said "hey mom...I was playin ball all day" and accepted with a smile in return that said "I know you love me".

Today was filled with sunshine, my granddaughter was here and full of smiles, then her daddy (Darin) and Jennie came by with a beautiful orchard and card (yes....no tee shirts for me any longer) and we watched as Jocelyn gave Jennie her card and flowers that she picked out and knew that once again Jennie was touched by this wonderful child.

In the afternoon Ron and I went to visit my mom in Zanesville, and then on to Glenford to visit with his mom. Yes, we both still have our moms so this is a day that we drive county to county to honor them both. We also delivered flowers (no tee shirts for them either) to our moms and cards that were especially picked out for them.

Mother's Day is a special day and comes only once a year - so Happy Mother's Day to all that are mom's in some way to a child - grandchild - or friend.

Feelin Pretty Good

It's Friday night and I'm feeling pretty good. For all those with any kind of back pain you will understand what I have been dealing with.

I have tried everything for the past three months to heal my pain. My regular doctor referred me to a specialist in Lancaster (Dr. Masone) and what a relief I am seeing. After an MRI I was found to have some disc issues. Dr. Masone set a course of treatment - the plan was a series of shots in the back to promote healing and reduction of the swelling of the disc.

Today was my first scheduled appointment and I needed a driver so my husband was the lucky one. I ended up getting an epidural (which didn't feel to good and I turned down the offer of drugs) oh well I had the treatment and have behaved all day like I was instructed and I actually am feeling better. So far so good and I will keep the blog updated on my status.

I will not be back to normal in the terms of lifting, moving and doing things that I shouldn't as the good doctor instructed. He reminded me that I have an injury and it takes time to heal, so if you see me doing something that I shouldn't remind me please.

What a Year for Licking County Safety Council

Today I attended the 2009 Safety Council Manager's Meeting at the Cherry Valley Lodge
along with Mary Lou Rauch, Greg Romans, Louise Decker & Seth Ellington. This is an opportunity to network with all of the other 79 Safety Councils in the State.

The committee that plans this annual event started a new tradition called Buckeye's Best Award. Each council was asked to submit our best practices and I did without hesitation.

Well...to make a long story short, pictured are two awards that I brought back to the chamber for our council. First award was for Web Site Features check it out here: http://www.lickingcountychamber.com/members/safety.asp and the second award was for Processing Reservation Strategy. You see we try to make it as simple as we can when making a reservation or looking up information in the safety field.

All of us that were able to attend the session today came away with some new ideas and are excited about the upcoming year. So look for another great fiscal year with interesting topics.

Remember your Licking County Safety Council is here to help make sure that everyone works in a safe environment and carries that over to home and play.

Feeling Old

Today my niece turns 38!! Hope that Stephanie has a great birthday, but it is making me feel older since she is only 6 months older than my son, Darin.

Oh well, better to be here, happy and celebrating all birthdays no matter which one!

Just a Fun Day

On Saturday I picked up my granddaughter at noon and went to visit my mom and sister. The plan was to take my mom out to eat - but guess who got the check first, again. Thanks mom for lunch, she is so good at this.

Later in the day I drove back to Heath and took Jocelyn to the movies. We saw Hannah Montana. What fun to sit in my seat and watch this almost 6 year old sing along with the movie and wiggle when the dance scenes were on the screen.

When we left she made me feel like I had given her the best gift ever. Her words were "Grandma thanks for taking me to the movie - you are the bestest Grandma ever".

Sure didn't take much to make her happy and it took even less for me to feel like this was one of my bestest days too.

WOW! What a Day

What is the next best thing to being told that you are the Manager of the Safety Council of the Year? Receiving the actual award for being the Safety Council of the Year!

This day was simply fantastic. From the heartfelt words of Michelle Francisco of the BWC Division of Safety & Hygiene; the memories from Sue Davis formerly of our Safety Council and now with the BWC; then came Senator Tim Schaffer sharing the news that Safety Council will be honored by the Senate with a proclamation and the stating importance of safety in Ohio; then onto Cheri Hottinger our Chamber President and great mentor declaring how proud she is of what we do and then the big surprise - John Principe reading very meaningful words from a plaque honoring yours very truly! To say it was an emotional day would be an understatement.

My mom, sister, son, niece, a girlfriend and my sons girlfriend were all expected guests at today's luncheon. The big surprise was my husband arriving when he was to be out of town teaching a class. He couldn't miss this and I love him for that!

Aren't I lucky to work with, live with and be related to such wonderful people like these. I think so. Thank you to each and everyone that helped make this day so special!!

Easter with My Family

What a day - we had my family for lunch and my husband's family for dinner. Busy day - but fun. We have a new family tradition to help celebrate Easter. A friend lives in New Mexico and sends us colored easter eggs that are filled with confetti and the person holding the egg knows it is an "empty" egg, but the person getting the egg cracked on their head fully expects to need their hair washed immediately after being blessed with a "good luck" egg. A very special girl (Jennie) in our family was blessed yesterday and took it very well.

Then you have the kids who can't wait to bless their siblings and cousins.

All in all a great day and then back to work!

The End of a Hectic Week

Boy what a week!!

Have you ever planned to be away from your "regular" job for a few days to attend a conference that will help you do your everyday job..... sure takes alot out of you.

I recently attended the Ohio Safety Congress in Columbus on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - but stayed late at the office on Monday to be a little better prepared when I returned. Each day in Columbus started with me checking email from home (around 5 am each day) then getting ready and heading into Columbus (I hate that drive and the traffic). I attended classes each day, was able to meet some great potential speakers and say hello to many of our fellow Safety Council members. This was another great event hosted by the Ohio BWC Division of Safety & Hygiene - but by Thursday afternoon I was exhausted!

You see, I also felt the need to stop by Easton after classes one day and another I stopped at the grocery, and yet another I attended calling hours for a friends mom. I didn't get home before 7 p.m. each day (self inflicted).

The end result is I am poorer for shopping - more educated for attending - and really tired for the long days. But the week is over - I caught up on rest last night. Brought work home to do the final catch up for next week, but I feel good! Bring on Monday.

I am so glad that I work in Newark!

Take Care of Our Children

Thanks Cheri for sharing this great video clip. This touched me more than any ad that I have read or seen. I also am the product of a public education as is my husband and son. My granddaughter currently attends Hillview Elementary and I can't say enough great things about her teacher (Mrs. McCullough) and her principal (Mrs. Quackenbush) - the unthankless hours they give to each and every student to ensure they are getting the very best.

We are not bad people because we want the best for our future, which is our children. They deserve all that we can give them.

Support our schools - support our future!

What this video here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeKVR7qgMM8

Visiting with Old Friends

Last night my husband and I went to calling hours for an old friend. It has been many years since we had seen him or his wife. He passed away on Friday very suddenly due to a fall and hitting his head (only 55). He leaves two young daughters and a wife. When we arrived at the funeral home we chatted at length with his wife and then his siblings and mom. At their great time of loss his family was actually glad to see us (his mother owns and operates Green Thumb Gardens outside of Thornville) as we had not seen them for a very long time. His mom started me on my great love of gardening many years ago and I didn't realize how much I missed our conversations and laughter until last night.

The moral of the story is an old one - catch up with friends before you can't, don't wait to tell your family how much they mean to you, and enjoy each and every day to the fullest.

I hope that I do this every chance I get for the rest of my life.

How do I say Thank You

I want to say thank you to all that have very simply said "just made my week".

I generally receive lots of email each and every day, but this week has been over whelming to say the least.

Congratulations have come in the form of email, phone calls, flowers and being stopped when out shopping and even out to dinner. I have received more hugs than normal this week also.

My thoughts have run wild with how do I let all of these wonderful people know that they are each touching my heart with their words, gestures and gifts.

I am so proud of the Licking County Safety Council and would be even if we weren't being recognized as the Safety Council of the Year - but the emotion that bubbles up each time I hear or read "Congratulations" just makes me more so.

So I thank Cheri Hottinger, President of the Chamber for allowing me to be the Safety Council Manager - our Board of Directors for the continued support of our Affiliates, my co-workers - Lois, Mandy & Jennifer for fielding all of those phone calls and helping me when I need it, the Safety Council members and attendees for allowing me to lead this group to where we are today (even when I am being bossy at times), and last to the great Steering Committee that we have assembled - they never let me down!

I couldn't do it without any of these people.

I hope that anyone that wants to celebrate with us when we actually receive the award will come to our Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, April 14. We will be at the Longaberger Golf Club www.longaberger.com/golfClub
for this Safety Meeting - should make for an exciting day and a great lunch. Call the Chamber to make a reservation or visit the Safety Council website for more information:
http://www.lickingcountychamber.com/members/safety.asp

We would love to have you join us!

Licking County Safety Council Rocks

Let me tell you a little about one of the best days that I ever had. This of course comes in behind the day I became a Grandma - but the emotion was there - the elation was there and the joy of feeling that hard work and dedication really pays off!!
On Wednesday, March 11, 2009 (a day permanently etched in my mind) I received a call from Michelle Francisco of the BWC's Division of Safety & Hygiene. Michelle was calling to tell me that the Licking County Safety Council was selected as Safety Council of the Year for 2008. The State of Ohio has 80 Safety Council's - and believe me they all work very hard - but to be honored as Safety Council of the Year, you can't imagine how much this means to our Council.
I am passionate about our Safety Council and our mission to increase safety awareness in the workplace and educate businesses on occupational safety and health issues and to be honored for the things that you enjoy and love doing makes it more worthwhile than I can explain.
This effort takes many people in the form of our Steering Committee which is made up of representatives from Bayer MaterialScience, Wilson's Garden Center, Denison University, Kaiser Aluminum, Buckeye Linen, Big O' Refuse, Licking County Board MRDD, Signature Occupational Health, Harry & David, The Licking County Chamber of Commerce & BWC.

What is the Ohio Safety Congress

March 31 to April 2 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center

Saving lives … Saving money
Focus on Safety in Today’s Economy

• Reduce training costs for you and your employees at 150 educational sessions.
• Earn free CEUs for accreditation and BWC discount programs.
• Streamline your product purchases at the Expo Marketplace.
• Solve problems with peers at roundtable discussions.
• Discover solutions to real-life safety scenarios.
• Save on registration fees and out-of-state travel expenses.
• Fewer injuries mean lower workers’ compensation costs.

Join 5,000 safety-minded individuals at Ohio’s largest and most established occupational safety and health event. Your competition will be there, and here’s why you should, too.

The price is right also - FREE

The Ears Have It

Previously I shared the ear piercing event I had with my granddaughter. Well many times we have discussed changing the earrings, which means I asked and she said no. Last night she stayed over with me and after her bath I told her I need to just take off the back to make sure that all was well, and she was great with that. When I removed the back of the earring - the front post slipped out just slightly - I told her it was almost out and would she like to look in the mirror. She did - then laughed and said Grandma let's just change these earrings. Let me tell you it took about 5 seconds before I had a full selection for her to choose from. She chose pink flowers with "diamonds" in the middle and I had those earrings out and new ones in before she could hiccup.

You see she is 5 and everything that sparkles is "diamonds" and she changes her mind so fast I knew I had better be quick or the moment would be lost. I must be catching on to this girl thing after all (being the mother of a son I sure see a difference).

Let Me Tell You About Safety Council

What is the Licking County Safety Council?

Benefits of Membership

• Network with area health and safety professionals who share your goal of a safer workplace
• Receive up-to-date health and safety information and literature
• Get involved with monthly meetings that address specific health and safety issues
• Participate in the OHIO BWC Safety Campaign and receive recognition of safety performance
• A one-time 4% discount on 2008-2009 workers comp premiums for active members.

All safety councils have the same goal: To increase safety awareness. But developing and maintaining a safe workplace is no easy task. It takes the combined efforts of local companies and community resources to promote safe work practices.

Ohio has more than 80 Safety Councils, made up of local companies and organized through chambers of commerce, trade and manufacturing associations or other safety-minded organizations.

The Licking County Safety Council has served the surrounding area for over 60 years and currently has over 180 members. The council serves employers who are interested in promoting and improving worker safety that results in reducing workers’ comp costs. In conjunction with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, the Licking County Safety Council holds regular monthly meetings to provide information on new techniques, products and services that improve and promote safe workplaces. A volunteer steering committee provides leadership to the Council by planning meetings, monitoring safety issues and establishing council bylaws and operations.

Who can join?

The Licking County Safety Council is open to all companies, corporations and individual employers in Ohio who are interested in promoting and learning more about workplace safety. The monthly cost is $15.00 per person for lunch. Members are expected to support the Council by attending its monthly meetings and completing a semi annual report as part of the Ohio BWC annual Safety Campaign.

How Does My Company Join?

To join the Licking County Safety Council, simply print and complete the registration form on the Safety Council website (http://www.lickingcountychamber.com/members/safety.asp) or call Vicky Crist at 740.345.9757.

What is Valentine's Day All About

Valentine's Day has always meant boyfriends, sweethearts, dinner out and all that fun stuff.

This Valentine's Day my husband and I celebrated with a wonderful dinner out with great friends at the Ocean Club at Easton on Friday because our actual day is going to be spent with family.

You know your husband loves you when he plans to help paint your mother's living room and place her new furniture on Saturday which is also Valentine's Day.

He is and always has been a huge help with anything that I have ever asked of him during our almost 27 married years and 2 years before.

So Thank You for the love, the support, the fun and the help you give me each and every day and not just Valentine's Day.

Your the best and I know that I don't tell you enough - so here you have your very own little story on this special Valentine's Day.

You are my valentine!!

The Pain of Being a Girl

You know for a long time I have chatted up getting her ears pierced to my granddaughter. She always responded NO!! It will hurt - I don't want to.

She loves to dress up and will use any day as a dress up day, so I know she is truly part of me. She loves to get her hair done, wear panty hose and stick on earrings, but would not get the ears pierced.

One day not long ago while shopping at the Indian Mound Mall she casually mentioned that she wanted to get her ears pierced!! The joy that I felt at that moment was truly blissful. We went to the store and waited and waited and after 45 minutes of waiting found out that as the Grandparents we were not allowed to sign to get the ear piercing done. (Must be some federal law or something)

The next day we went to the mall again with her daddy and started the process. She was so excited...we picked out quite the selection of new earrings, prepped the ears and then came the moment. Both ears were pierced at the same time (this way both get done), well the look on that precious face just about did me in, but I sure didn't show it. We saw no tears, but the shock was sure there.

Now it will be 6 weeks on Saturday and the time has come to change from the original earrings and guess what. We aren't even thinking about changing the earrings. She has some idea that this will hurt just as bad. I have been told "Grandma I am not taking out these earrings", and you know I believe her. She really is part of me, because when she puts her mind to it - you aren't changing what she plans. You see it took me about 3 long years to even talk her into getting holes in her ears, so I can only hope that the beautiful birthstone earrings she wears now will look just as beautiful with a prom dress.

Birthdays

Birthdays are fun no matter how young or how old.

Happy Birthday Jennifer and here's to many many more!

The Annual Breakfast

The Annual Groundhog Breakfast was very early this morning and I have just started my day over after getting up from a nap.

The words that I have heard most today are "What a Great Way to Start the Day"!! People loved the format and the message of today's program.

Who didn't enjoy the kids that did amazing things for all to see and Kurt Harden what a wonderful job you did as our host. Look out David Letterman you could be replaced and Cheri sorry you were limited to three minutes you always have something interesting to say.

Thanks to all that were able to join us this morning for another great breakfast and opportunity to see our friends and business associates all before 6:00 a.m. on a cold snowy Friday morning.

Snow Day for Many

Wednesday, January 28 was a rather quite day for many offices. The Chamber was open for business (maybe a little later than usual, but open).

The view from our window was pretty, but sure not much traffic on the snowy day we had yesterday.

Many businesses either closed or closed early for the safety of their employees. Our great boss was no different - she offered for us to work from home or if we felt we could, then come in to the office - but she would cover if need be.

Well before the day was over all five of us were at work - you see we all follow her great leadership and enjoy what we do.