The Torch: October Issue

The Torch

2019-20 SECC campaign kicks-off with $1.6 million goal

SECC

When there’s a fundraising record to be broken, state employees have often shown they’re more than up to the task.

With the 2019-20 Indiana State Employees Community Campaign (SECC) reaching for the proverbial stars with a $1.6 million goal, employees set out from the get-go to aim even higher and the results, predictably, didn’t disappoint.

The 2019 SECC Kickoff Party was held in conjunction with the Statehouse Market, which on its own will guarantee a large crowd to Robert D. Orr Plaza. The presence of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildlife Sciences division, who again conducted “DNR Wildlife Science Day” during the market, undoubtedly helped increase the number of people present even more.

Luckily, there was plenty to see and do for the sizable group who gathered throughout the late morning and early afternoon of Sept. 26.

Read full story on page 1 


Vision Enhancements

As many of you know, purchasing frames and lens can get expensive, especially for premium progressive and Anti-reflective lens upgrades. The State has recognized this trend and has been diligently working with Anthem to come up with solutions to save you money. At the beginning of the year, the State increased the frame and contact lens allowance to $150. While this increased benefit helped, there was still room for additional savings. 

Read full article on page 6


Retiring DCS director saddles up for life on the farm

Dee Lynch

Dee Lynch and farm life go together like horses and stables, so it’s perhaps fitting that this longtime equine enthusiast is, quite literally, riding off into the sunset in retirement.

After 26 years with the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), Lynch and her boyfriend, Larry Williamson, recently purchased a farm in Huntington County, and they plan to while away the next chapter of their lives in the moseying vein of cowpokes and farmers bent on living each and every day to the fullest – but with an appropriate level of the leisurely.

Read full story on page 7

Download the complete issue of The Torch

You can download the state employee newsletter from the State Personnel website or intranet.

In this issue:

  • 2019-20 SECC campaign kicks-off with $1.6 million goal (pg. 1)
  • How to make a pledge to the 2019-2020 SECC (pg.4)
  • Plan to Get your Flu Shot this Fall! (pg. 5)
  • Complete biometric screening and health risk assessment to receive e-gift cards (pg. 5)
  • Vision Enhancements (pg. 6)
  • Retiring DCS director saddles up for life on the farm (pg. 7)
  • WGU scholarship winners ‘In their own words’ (pg. 9)
  • Opportunity – let’s model it! (pg. 11)
  • Voting for ‘Best of Indiana’ now open (pg. 11)
  • State Museum plans ‘Spooktacular’ events in October (pg. 12)
  • CHE names new associate commissioners (pg. 13)
  • ‘MoneyWise’ blog takes a look at October investing (pg. 13)

Miss an issue? Archived issues of The Torch are available at www.in.gov/spd/2540.htm.


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The Torch is published monthly by the State Personnel Department