Employee News - November 20, 2019

King County Employees sent this bulletin at 11/20/2019 11:10 AM PST

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Highlights

You can make a difference through the Annual Giving Drive

The Annual Giving Drive brings King County employees together to advance education, provide clean water to villages all over the globe, expand access to safe, warm shelter, and buy food for some of the 1 in 6 Americans that struggle with hunger.

It’s also an opportunity to help those impacted by natural disasters, here at home and around the world. The 2019 hurricane season devastated communities in the Caribbean and the southeastern United States, with Hurricane Dorian causing severe damage and loss of life in the Bahamas, and Tropical Storm Imelda causing catastrophic flooding in Texas; wildfires continue to rage across California. Read more.

Employee Spotlights

AGS awards seven Ethical GEO Fellowships, including
King County employee

Crossposted from GIS & You

The American Geographical Society has announced the award of the first seven Ethical GEO Fellowships. Greg Babinski, KCGIS Finance and Marketing Manager within the Department of Information and Technology (KCIT), was honored to be selected as one of the seven Fellows.

The American Geographical Society (AGS) is dedicated to the advancement of geographic thinking, knowledge, and understanding across business, government, academe, social sectors, and most importantly with teachers and students. Established in 1851, AGS is the oldest professional geographical organization in the United States. Read more.

Announcements

King County Metro seeking community input on future
RapidRide K Line in Kirkland and Bellevue

King County Metro invites Kirkland and Bellevue transit riders and residents to take a survey to tell Metro where they want to see high-quality, frequent, and reliable RapidRide bus service from Kirkland to Bellevue. Metro is looking for specific feedback on route options between Totem Lake, downtown Kirkland, and the South Kirkland Park-and-Ride.

In 2025, Metro plans for RapidRide K Line service to connect eastside riders between communities and to Sound Transit’s Link light rail Blue Line, I-405 Bus Rapid Transit, and the RapidRide B Line. Metro is developing RapidRide K Line service for riders in the fast-growing communities between Totem Lake, downtown Kirkland, downtown Bellevue and Eastgate.

Build partners for Children and Family Justice Center reflect on meaningful project

Design-build partners Howard S. Wright, HOK, and Integrus Architecture came together to discuss their time working on the Patricia H. Clark Children and Family Justice Center.

A strong team approach is the secret sauce for the success between HSW, HOK, Integrus and the County. “There were so many different folks that actually helped inform the design of the building through the process,” said HOK Senior Design Principal Alan R. Bright. That’s probably been the most joyful part, is people working together to make a difference in this amazing facility.”

Check out the video below to hear what representatives from each firm had to say about working on this unique project.

Join the Great American Smokeout, Nov. 21

Quitting smoking isn’t easy. It takes time. And a plan. You don’t have to stop smoking in one day. Start with day one. Let the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout event on Nov. 21 be your day to start your journey toward a smoke-free life. You’ll be joining thousands of people who smoke across the country in taking an important step toward a healthier life and reducing your cancer risk. Plus, the American Cancer Society can help you access the resources and support you need to quit.

Learn about resources available, information on quitting smoking, facts, and more from Public Health – Seattle & King County. Contact your insurance provider for more information on tobacco cessation benefits, including prescription and over-the-counter medication.

2019 Annual Giving Drive: Spotlight on nonprofits fighting hunger

The Annual Giving Drive ends this Friday, Nov. 22, and this week we’re highlighting four nonprofits that are fighting hunger in our community and across the world:

Feed the Children (5003) One of the world’s leading anti-hunger organizations, bringing together caring individuals to provide food, water, education, and job training in 50 states and 18 countries.
Food Lifeline (9302) We rescue millions of pounds of surplus food from farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, and restaurants. We then deliver this healthy and nutritious food to 275 food banks.

PeopleSoft outage this weekend Nov. 23 – 24

To allow for system maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available this weekend, Nov. 23 – 24. During this planned outage, the Business Resource Center (BRC) will apply updates and maintenance.

This work will begin on Saturday, Nov. 23, at 6 a.m. and is scheduled to be completed by 7 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. The system will not be available for access by any County staff during this outage window. There will be a communication sent out to all County staff when the system becomes available.

We realize that this outage impacts PeopleSoft users. We appreciate your understanding and support.

2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, Jan. 16

Community members and King County employees are invited to join in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for the 2020 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is “Yes, we are on the move and no wave of racism can stop us. We are on the move now.” They keynote address will be given by john a. powell, Director, Othering & Belonging Institute, University of California, Berkeley. The program also includes music and spoken word.

Thursday, Jan. 16, 2020, noon to 1 p.m., Town Hall Seattle, 1119 8th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

For more information contact Matías Valenzuela, Director, Office of Equity and Social Justice.

Discount for employees to Provident Funding mortgage company

King County employees can save as much as $5,000 on top of industry-leading rates offered by Provident Funding, The Mortgage Price Leader ®. This competitive discount is provided on any eligible home purchase or refinance of a primary residence, second home, or investment property. The Mortgage Benefit Program discount is 0.25% and the amount will vary based on the new loan amount and property state. Additionally, Provident Funding offers an industry-unique conditional approval for purchases, the next best thing to a cash offer. Contact 888-547-4050 and reference discount code M34BS2835 or visit www.provident.com/KingCountyWA to start your application with discount code M34BS2835.

See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.

Pet of the Week: Stevie

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC

Stevie is a 14 year-old, female, brown tabby & white, longhair cat (A593379). Her personality color is GREEN, meaning she is an adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. Stevie can be independent at times, but she loves petting and will even hop up in the laps of strangers. She is usually the first cat to greet those who come to visit. Read more.