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People experiencing homelessness are helping restore Green River habitat

King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ second Jobs and Housing Program crew is helping maintain completed restoration projects and lay the foundation for future restoration successes. They are also taking the first steps toward potential careers in conservation. Read more and watch the video.

ARFF hosts community police academy

Crossposted from the Plane Talk newsletter

The Burien/SeaTac Community Police Academy visited the fire station at King County International Airport recently. The Academy is a nine-week course designed to increase the understanding between residents and their police departments through public education.

Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) provided a fire truck water demonstration, an introduction to breathing apparatus equipment and a K-9 demonstration by King County Sheriff Deputy Samuel Sare and his partner, Chuck.

“We all enjoyed the tour and demo,” wrote Michiko Wilson in an email thanking ARFF after the event. Wilson collaborated with Detective Robell Ghrmai from the City of SeaTac Police Department on the academy.

According to Wilson, most of the participants live and/or work in either Burien or SeaTac. They cited these reasons for participating in the academy:

• Learn how they can assist the police/city;
• Learn and understand the services provided by the local law enforcement;
• Be more knowledgeable about the law enforcement and policing; and
• Learn how they can better support law enforcement.

All employees are welcome at the Benefit Fairs this week

Learn about 2023 benefits and get a free toothbrush!

King County employees are welcome at any of the Benefit and Retirement Fairs this week. All Benefit and Retirement Fairs are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Tuesday, Nov. 8: North Transit Base, 2160 N 163rd St, Shoreline
• Wednesday, Nov. 9: Central Transit Base, 1500 Sixth Ave S, Seattle
• Thursday, Nov. 10: East Transit Base, 1975 124th Ave NE, Bellevue

Ask questions about next year’s benefits, learn more about your retirement options, and get free stuff from benefit representatives. Read more.

Get your flu shot! 10 things to know about flu season

Crossposted from Public Health Insider

As fall rolls around and holiday gatherings approach, so does flu season. That means it’s time to think about another important vaccine you should get this year: your flu shot.

Here are ten things to know about the flu shot and why it’s so crucial this fall. Read more.

Meaningful ways to “Thank a veteran for their service”

This Veterans Day, America will pause to honor those who have served in the military. Most Americans hold those who have served in high regard, yet sometimes are unsure how to properly thank a veteran without unintentionally saying the wrong thing, appearing intrusive, or somehow offending them.

While it is customary to offer a "thank you for your service" to veterans, if you're looking for an alternative, you could instead say:

• “Thank you for putting your life on hold to serve our country.” 
• “Thank you for the sacrifices you made being away from your family.”
• “Thank you for stepping up and choosing to serve when many others didn’t.”

But don’t stop there. Follow up by asking them if they have an interesting military story they might like to share. In fact, most veterans would be happy to share their military stories about coming of age, lifelong friends they’ve made, humorous situations, locations they’ve traveled to, cultures they’ve explored, and more. Read more.

Encouraging employees and community members to honor veterans through “Operation Green Light”

In advance of Veterans Day, counties across the country are demonstrating appreciation and support for America’s veterans in a new way. “Operation Green Light,” which is sponsored by the National Association of Counties and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers (NACVSO), lets veterans know that they are seen, appreciated, and supported. Counties, residents, and local businesses are encouraged to light up their buildings in green the week of Veterans Day, Nov. 7-13.

The initiative, as simple as displaying a green light in one window, is designed to raise awareness about the unique challenges veterans face and the resources available to assist them and their families at the county, state, and federal levels.

For more information about Operation Green Light visit www.naco.org/operationgreenlight.

Giving Program Nonprofit Expo Series: Housing and Shelter

The 2022 Employee Giving Program is underway and the virtual Nonprofit Expo Series is every Wednesday through Nov.16. 

The next session will be for organizations focused on housing and shelter with representatives from Pioneer Human Services, Friends of Youth, Legal Counsel for Youth and Children, and Facing Homelesness. Read more. 

• Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to noon. Register here.

Join the Employee Giving Program via Teams to learn about nonprofits engaged in the work you care about. For more information visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving.

New Event Series: Get Movin’ with Balanced You

You talked and Balanced You listened! Based on your feedback to our exercise sessions during Coffee Connections, we decided to host regular bi-weekly classes to get you moving through your busy workday. These 30 minute move breaks are free and virtual so you can tap in from anywhere and benefit from the instruction of a certified trainer. Each session will be different ranging from yoga and stretching to cardio and strength training. Join us for an upcoming session.

Get Movin' with Balanced You: Cardio

• Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.

Get Movin' with Balanced You: Strength Training

• Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Register here.

Professional Development Scholarship information sessions, Nov. 15 and 17

Career Support Services is hosting general information sessions for the Coalition Labor Agreement’s Professional Development Scholarship throughout November to help you prepare for the first application period in January.

The session will cover eligibility criteria, 2023 timelines, an Individual Development Plan, and more. There will also be time for questions. The next sessions will be:

• Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 9 to 10 a.m. Register here.
• Thursday, Nov. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. Register here.

Can’t attend live? Watch the session video here. The video and more information can also be found on the Scholarship Program website at www.kingcounty.gov/scholarships.

Administrative Professionals Q3 recognition

King County Administrative Professionals are a large part of King County government’s workforce and valuable contributors to the success of every department. They support and provide direct services to internal customers and the public.

Administrative Professionals may include, but are not limited to, Administrative Specialists, Office Assistants, Executive Assistants, Customer Service Specialists, Dental and Medical Assistants, Court Clerks, and more.

Celebrate the great work of Administrative Professionals and read about their accomplishments in the 2022 Q3 Recognitions.

To show your appreciation and recognize an Administrative Professional that you've worked with, click here. 

Make new memories with the Seattle Symphony during the holidays

King County employees can receive 20 percent off some Seattle Symphony holiday concerts, including the iconic Holiday Pops concerts this December by using discount code HOLIDAY23.

To order tickets visit www.seattlesymphony.org and enter the promo code HOLIDAY23 prior to selecting seats, order by phone at 206-215-4747 or 1-866-833-4747 and give the operator the promo code or purchase tickets in person at the Benaroya Hall Box Office located at the corner of Third Avenue and Union Street, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 1 to 6 p.m.

See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.