The Torch - August Issue

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105-year-old Navy veteran recalls World War II, life in the WAVES

Hellen Guthrie

Hellen Eloise Holder Guthrie was a 24-year-old working as a secretary at a law firm when a pair of Navy recruiters shared just how exciting a life as a sailor could be. So, in August 1943 the Spencer, Ind., native joined the W.A.V.E.S (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) of the U.S. Navy.

Read more on page 1 >


DWD honored at Inspector General conference

The entire Department of Workforce Development (DWD) team was recently recognized by the Office of the Inspector General for the DWD’s diligent work during the pandemic.

Read more on page 4 >


Indiana National Guard honors Dr. Box for her leadership throughout pandemic

Dr. Box receives award from Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles

The Indiana National Guard presented State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box with its Indiana Distinguished Service Medal on July 12 in recognition of her service as state health commissioner and her leadership throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more on page 5 >


PeopleSoft 9.2 update

Absence Management: The Basics

As you continue to use PeopleSoft 9.2, here are some things to keep in mind as you view your absence balances, obtain manager approval, and enter absence requests in the system. Below you will find important information for all employees, employees requesting Family Medical Leave (FML) or New Parent Leave (NPL), managers, and some specific information if you work for an agency’s payroll office or as an absence administrator.

Read more on page 7 >


It's not too late to earn a 2023 premium discount!

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If you haven’t started one of the options to earn your 2023 premium discount, you still have one option left: You can complete four group coaching sessions in the same series through ActiveHealth. Group coaching is a four to six-week series of interactive 30-minute sessions over a specific health topic led by an ActiveHealth coach.

But don’t delay – August 15 is the last day to sign up for the group coaching option to qualify for the 2023 premium discount. Classes have limited availability and are filling up fast.

Read more on page 10 >


Investment market highs and lows - and what they mean for your long-term savings

What to expect when the market takes more turns than a theme park thrill ride.

Whether you’re nearing retirement or have a way to go, recent market movement may have you wondering how changes in the stock market could impact your retirement income.

Read more on page 12 >


IDHS ensures Midway rides are safe at Indiana State Fair

The Indiana State Fair may be known for its animals, food, exhibits, 4-H competitions and so much more. But when you think about the State Fair, surely the many neon Midway rides come to mind just as quickly.

Read more on page 18 >

Download the latest issue of The Torch

You can download the state employee newsletter from the Indiana State Personnel Department (INSPD) website.

In this issue:

  • 105-year-old Navy veteran recalls World War II, life in the WAVES | page 1
  • Governor appoints Department of Revenue teammate to new commission | page 2
  • Governor's Public Service Summer Interns recap | page 3
  • DWD honored at Inspector General conference | page 4
  • State employees volunteer as docents at a naturalization ceremony | page 4
  • Indiana National Guard honors Dr. Box for her leadership throughout pandemic | page 5
  • 'Start Smart' hopes to get Indiana children caught up on routine immunizations | page 6
  • Thank you for your headshots! | page 6
  • PeopleSoft 9.2 update | page 7
  • Update on 988 in Indiana | page 8
  • Register for a Microsoft demo of Azure Synapse Workspaces | page 8
  • Performance & Goals training schedule | page 9
  • It's not too late to earn a 2023 premium discount! | page 10
  • Tx:Team Only Exercise You Need Presentation | page 10
  • ActiveHealth Learning Lab | page 11
  • Investment market highs and lows - and what they mean for your long-term savings | page 12
  • State employees make IBJ Media's Indiana 250 list | page 13
  • 2022 SECC Kickoff | page 13
  • BMV Connect Kiosks | page 13
  • This month with DNR | page 14
  • Celebrate Smokey Bear's 78th birthday! | page 14
  • This month with the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites | page 15
  • The 2022 Indiana State Fair is here! | page 16
  • Make sure to stop by these Indiana State Agency booths while at the Fair! | page 17
  • IDHS ensures Midway rides are safe at Indiana State Fair | page 18
  • All IN Festival, Sept. 3-4 in Indianapolis | page 19
  • James Bond summer film series | page 19
  • ActiveHealth Tips for well-being | page 21

Miss an issue? Archived issues of The Torch are available at www.in.gov/spd/employee-resources/the-torch.


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Email the INSPD Communications staff if you have any problems viewing the newsletter, subscription questions, or if you would like to suggest an article.

The Torch is published monthly by the Indiana State Personnel Department.