Labor Day holiday is Monday, Sept. 5 

Monday, Sept. 5 is Labor Day, and King County government offices will be closed. All offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 6.

On Sept. 5, most Metro Transit buses will operate on Sunday schedules.

As a reminder, starting this year King County government will observe Indigenous Peoples' Day as a new annual paid holiday on the second Monday in October or Oct. 10, 2022. This new holiday will provide an opportunity for us to deepen our knowledge about our nation’s history and the institutionalized practices and policies that continue to harm Indigenous people today, and further our understanding of Indigenous heritage and culture.

If you have questions about your holiday schedule, please speak to your supervisor. Have a safe and healthy holiday.

Temporary subsidized parking ends Sept. 2

The temporary subsidized parking program of half the employee cost of parking at the Goat Hill Parking Garage and King Street Center Garage will end Sept. 2, 2022.

Effective Sept. 3, 2022 the full daily rate of $20 will be in effect. Employees who wish to park for a full day at either of these garages will pay a $20 daily rate with their employee ID Card. You can find complete hourly rates here. Read more.

Metro planner wins national equity award

Cross-posted from Metro Matters

We’ve  always known some pretty special people work at King County Metro, and sometimes, the larger world affirms that big time. Such is the case with planner Penny Lara, who just won a national transportation award for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Lara received the award from the Association for Commuter Transportation (ACT), which recognizes and honors outstanding achievements that improve transportation options.

“Penny is a dedicated professional who has been a strong and consistent voice for equity and social justice,” said Transit Supervisor Ina Percival, Lara’s manager. “We are lucky and proud to have her on our team!” Read more.

Finding hope and raising awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Message from Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and it’s a reminder for all of us of the importance of checking in on each other and seeking support in times of crisis.  

We know that every year thousands of individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members suffering a tragic loss. When we lose someone to suicide, it has a deep and profound effect on us. Suicide has warning signs and there are wide range of resources availabe to help us through challenging times. Read more. 

Get caught up on your preventive care

Preventive Care is a term that means routine health care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and tests, to prevent illnesses and health problems.

King County health plans have reported that preventive screenings have declined among our employee population.

Scheduling your annual well-visit with your Primary Care Provider is the best way to stay on top of your long-term health. As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan—you pay nothing. Learn more about how to get caught up with your preventive care on the Balanced You blog.

When can I get the updated COVID-19 booster?

Cross-posted from Public Health Insider

An updated booster shot of COVID-19 vaccine is just around the corner. On Aug. 30, the FDA authorized updated booster vaccines for emergency use, but there are still a few steps left in the approval process.

Expert panels will review the applications from Pfizer and Moderna for these new booster vaccines at the end of this week and if they decide to recommend them, the updated Omicron-specific boosters could be available late next week. Read more.

Register for September retirement classes

Check out the following educational opportunities to help you prepare for retirement. These online classes will be held on Zoom or Teams and are provided by your King County Retirement Team.

Your PERS Pension: Learn about your Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) pension. Guest speaker Jim Mendoza from DRS will discuss your options as a King County employee and answer your questions.

• Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register here.

Road to Retirement: This 90-minute class is designed for employees who are planning to retire from King County in the next six months. It covers procedures, forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement.

• Tuesday, Sept. 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 27
  from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Register here.

Registration is required. Use the registration links above, then select the date you’d like to attend. Before classes start, you’ll receive a meeting invitation at the email address you register with.

Please note, attendance at retirement classes is strictly voluntary, on your own time, and non-work related.

For additional information, visit the King County Retirement page, refer to the Retirement Guide, or contact Carmen Johnson, retirement navigator.

Upcoming mindfulness events

Emotional Resiliency: Feeling overwhelmed? Worn down by serving others? Do you need in-the-moment tools to decrease stress? By cultivating mindfulness and compassion, we’re able to know our emotions more fully, respond to strong emotions more wisely, and cultivate and strengthen positive emotions — all of which builds resilience.

• Wednesday, Sept. 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. Register here. 
• Monday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. Register here.

Introduction to Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a practice that can help you quiet your mind, find focus, and reduce some of the stress many of us experience. Participants will try simple practices to use at work and home in this hands-on workshop.

• Thursday, Sept. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon. Register here.
• Thursday, Sept. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Register here.

To see the complete mindfulness summer calendar, click here.

Pet of the Week: Clancy

Hi, I'm Clancy, a two-year-old male Siberian Husky, ready for adoption! I'm a gentle, loving dog that would do best in a calm, quiet home. I do well with other dogs after a slow introduction.

You can find out more about me and my other friends on our website at www.kingcounty.gov/adoptapet. Also look for me on Instagram with #clancykingcountypetsa668934. Note that RASKC has moved back to walk-in services! You can find out more information on our adoption process on our website as well. If you have more questions, you can contact RASKC via phone at 206-296-7387 (PETS) or email pets@kingcounty.gov.