Employee of the Month Bret Leckie LOAM

September 2010, Volume 284
Utah State University, Logan, Utah
Employee of the Month
Bret Leckie
LOAM
Facilities is proud to announce Bret
Leckie as the September Employee of
the Month. Bret began working for
Facilities part time in 2003, and then
became full time in 2008. Bret works
in the LOAM (landscape operations
and maintenance) shop. He is on the
construction crew which consists of
putting in irrigation lines, tearing
out bushes, cleaning up out after
heavy equipment, and digging out
holes for bike racks prior to concrete
being poured.
Prior to working for Facilities,
Bret worked in Evanston, Wyoming
putting in irrigation for a new 9
hole golf course. This is where he
received his irrigation experience. He
also worked in a fireworks stand for
4 years and knows quite abit about
explosives.
Born and raised in Evanston,
Wyoming, Bret attended Evanston
High School. He came to Logan in
2001 to attend USU and received
his BS in 2007 in Horticulture
with an emphasis in Landscape
Construction. Bret is the 2nd
oldest child in his family and has
3 brothers. He met his wife Emily
while attending USU. They both
were working for the USU Police
Department, he as a security officer
and Emily as a dispatcher. They were
married two years ago and just had
their first baby in August.
Bret enjoys all sports, both
watching and playing. He loves
to play golf and watch college
basketball. When he was growing up,
every spring break his family traveled
to different parts of the United States.
They always drove while taking their
vacations and he has been to the
entire East Coast and everywhere
in between. Bret says that he
loves landscaping. Congratulations
Bret on this accomplishment.
We are proud to have you in our
organization.
End Summer With A Safe,
Enjoyable Labor Day Weekend
The grand finale of summer is approaching. The calendar says summer
doesn't end until Sept. 22, but North America calls it quits on Sept. 6. In the
1880s, the originators of Labor Day made a good point. They said working
people needed an extra day of rest between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving.
The idea caught on, and Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894.
At the time, people often worked a six-day week and did mostly physical
labor. They used picks and shovels, drove horses, or worked long hours over a
set of books. No factory equipment,
front loaders or computers were there
to help out.
Page Modern equipment and computers
have made work less of a physical
activity today. But it's still work.
But now we have the whole Labor
Day weekend to enjoy and even get
some rest at the same time.
One thing Facilities always hopes
to see: everyone coming back from
their adventures safe and unscathed.
We hope you don't drive for long
hours and get sleepy at the wheel. We
hope you'll see the "No Diving" signs
at shallow swimming pools. We hope
you'll watch for poison ivy if you're
at a picnic or in the woods.
When you stop to think about
it, the idea of relaxing at home and
having a cookout sounds better all
the time. Whatever you do, have a
good time and stay safe!
These Steps Can Lead To
Financial Freedom In The
Years To Come
Your retirement plan might
be affected because of the slow
economy, but there are still things
you can do to make that money last
for a lifetime.
• Pay off your debts and avoid
taking on new ones. If your debt level
is unpayable, visit the Association
of Independent Consumer Credit
Counseling at www.aicca.org or
call 800-703-8787. Don't pay off
debts with money from an IRA or
401(k). This money is protected
from bankruptcy.
• Know what your expenses and
income will be when you retire. If
you start living on your retirement
budget now, you will have less chance
of running out of money.
• Increase your savings even if it
means changing your lifestyle.
• Invest in low-cost stock index
funds so you have greater returns on
your investments. Stay away from
individual stocks.
• Avoid taking Social Security until
age 70. Your check will be 76% larger
than if you take it at age 62.
• Work longer, especially if you
have health insurance on your
present job. If you must retire, find a
new job that offers health insurance,
such as Costco, Home Depot, or
Wal-Mart, which have benefits for
part-timers.
• Put off taking a reverse mortgage.
They are available at age 62, but wait
until your 70s or 80s.
• Buy an immediate fixed annuity.
Payouts are based on your investment,
your age and the type of benefit you
want, says financial advisor Jane
Bryant Quinn.
• If all else fails, you might have
to move in with your children. That
idea should get you moving.
Safety
Federal Emergency Management
(FEMA) recommendations
September is National
Emergency Preparedness
Month
When you consider what supplies
you would need for three days after
a natural disaster, first consider what
emergencies are most likely to occur
in your area. Prepare accordingly.
A "supply kit" sounds like
something you could carry, but it
isn't. When you consider a threeday supply of water and food per
person (and pet), plus clothes, shoes,
a sleeping bag or blanket for each
one, plastic sheeting and duct tape,
it's hardly moveable. You need space
and a convenient location.
If the emergency could be a flood,
Page the attic or second floor could be a
good storage area. If you are more
likely to be trapped by a blizzard,
tornado, or earthquake, a part of
the garage or basement would be
better. That's especially true since the
government recommends including
garbage bags and closers, toilet paper,
hand tools, a bottle of bleach, moist
towelettes, a first aid kit, disposable
plates, cups and dinnerware, and a
fire extinguisher. They say copies of
insurance policies, identification and
bank account records should be kept
in a separate waterproof container.
Some emergency items don't take as
much room. They include:
• A flashlight, battery-operated
radio and cell phone with extra
batteries, and matches in a waterproof
container.
• A three-day supply of medications,
plus traveler's checks, cash and
change, pencil and paper, and a
dust mask.
• Personal hygiene items and
feminine supplies should be
included.
• If you have a baby, don't forget
the disposable diapers. If you have
children, include books, games and
puzzles.
Getting ready for an emergency
or disaster sounds like a lot of work.
But if one occurs, you'll be glad you
put your time and money into the
project. By the way, if a forest fire
heads your way, all you'll need is a
little cash, the ID container, your
medicine and some gas in your car.
Get going.
Health in the News
For pain in the knee, back or hip, try this
Sometimes there can be a simple solution to lower back pain, hip pain or
knee pain. Osteoarthritis can develop at one of these sites because one leg is
just a tiny bit shorter than the other. A study published in the Annals of Internal
Medicine say leg-length inequality is a risk factor that could be eliminated by
a simple shoe insert.
Even if you never noticed that one of your legs is shorter than the other,
the shorter leg and knee are at greater risk for osteoarthritis (OA) because of
how the body adapts to the inequality. The affected leg has to travel a greater
distance, even if it is minimal, to reach the ground with every step. That means
it has a higher impact velocity because it's "going downhill." The condition
can also make a difference in the hip muscle and can create hip pain on the
shorter leg side.
Researchers say leg-length inequality is an under recognized and undertreated
condition. In their study, patients with this condition were 1.5 times more
likely to develop symptoms of Osteoarthritis over the next 30 months. Doctors
at Duke Medical Center say leg-length inequality occurs in up to 70% of the
population. As little as 0.5 cm is associated with OA.
Another factor that could make one leg seem shorter than the other is a
spinal problem. Scoliosis can make the spine bend somewhat in one direction,
causing the leg on that side to have the effect of being shorter. Osteoporosis
of the spine can result in a similar effect. The most accurate method of
determining leg length is a radiographic measurement of the leg from the top
of the thighbone to the ankle. But some physical therapists or podiatrists (who
make shoe lifts) have experience measuring leg length and can recommend a
custom-made shoe insert.
On the other hand, if you want to try something yourself, it wouldn't hurt
to get a heel lift at the drugstore to see if it helps your pain. Get one that is a
little thicker than the others that are for sale.
'Reminders' could help people
move toward a more active
lifestyle
A Stanford University professor, who
conducts an exercise study, says the
sedentary are a silent majority who are
bombarded by images of active people. Her
advertisement for study subjects asked for
"couch potatoes." The sedentary lifestyle
is a health problem in our country. Many
people do little exercise or none at all.
Almost all have promised themselves or
others to change their ways. Many started a fitness program, or started one
more than once, but after a short time, they gave up.
Doctors at Stanford University have found a way to help. They say there's
Page great power in a gentle reminder. In their study, workout encouragement
was in the form of an email, a telephone call to ask what exercise they did
last week or a call from an interested person who checks on their progress.
The caller, whether it was a computer or a person, asked subjects to list the
amount of exercise they performed on days in the last week. A 30-minute
walk was the original goal. They were congratulated on their efforts and asked
how the level could be increased in the week ahead. Sometimes a subject
hadn't done anything because of illness, travel or an event in their lives. They
received a message reminding them of their goal and how important it is. All
communications were encouraging.
After one year, those who received phone calls had increased their exercise
time from the original 100-minute target to 178 minutes per week. Those
who received computer contacts increased their time to 157 minutes per
week. Those in the study who had no contacts increased their exercise time
to 118 minutes.
Authorities at Stanford say that when people are trying to change a habit,
they need more than willpower. Whether it's exercise, smoking or alcohol use,
social support helps prevent relapse. Reminders don't have to be constant.
They can be gentle and occasional.
Drinking water lubricates joints, prompts metabolism
Sometimes aching joints are just telling you they're thirsty. Whether or
not you have arthritis, water works by filling the spaces between joints. The
right amount for you could be more or less than the recommended eight
glasses of water a day. When you exercise, if the weather is hot or your health
condition requires more, eight glasses may not be enough. If you drink many
other fluids, the minimum amount of actual water you need to drink is two
to three glasses a day.
Water moves nutrients through your body, hydrates your joints and cells
and increases metabolic activity. Low-fat milk and calcium-fortified orange
juice are good drinks. Two or three cups of green tea or one cup of fruit juice
are excellent drinks. Two cups of caffeinated coffee, soft drinks or tea count
in your favor. Sodas that contain phosphoric acid, which can prevent calcium
from being absorbed, can increase your risk of osteoporosis, say researchers
at the Cleveland Clinic.
Always drink alcohol in moderation, one or two glasses a day at most. Alcohol
is dehydrating, which can decrease the amount of water in your body and
decrease water's benefits. About 20% of your fluid need is met by the foods
we eat. The other 80% must be from beverages. Remember that water is a
pleasant drink. It's safe, inexpensive and always available.
Turn back the clock on your vascular age
Researchers at Northwest University, Chicago, say a 35-year-old man who
smokes, has diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure could have the
arteries of a 74-year-old. A 30-year-old woman with these risks could have the
arteries of an 80-year-old. The good news is that people with these risks could
reduce the age of their arteries by 20 years or more if they quit smoking and
control their cholesterol and blood pressure. The vascular age calculation is a
crucial factor in maintaining heart health.
Mother
Teresa's wall
These verses reportedly were
written on the wall of Mother
Teresa's home for children in
Calcutta, India, and are widely
attributed to her. They may be based
on a composition originally by Kent
Keith, but have been re-written in a
more spiritual way.
• People are often unreasonable,
irrational, and self-centered. Forgive
them anyway.
• If you are kind, people may
accuse you of selfish, ulterior
motives. Be kind anyway.
• If you are successful, you will
win some unfaithful friends and
some genuine enemies. Succeed
anyway.
• If you are honest and sincere
people may deceive you. Be honest
and sincere anyway.
• What you spend years creating,
others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
• If you find serenity and
happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
• The good you do today, will
often be forgotten. Do good
anyway.
• Give the best you have, and it
will never be enough. Give your
best anyway.
• It is all between you and God.
It was never between you and them
anyway.
Page On September 11:
Patriot Day honors the
heroes of 9/11
September 11 marks the annual observance of Patriot Day. It calls us to
remember those who were injured or died during the terrorist attacks on the
United States.
The flag should be flown at half-mast as a mark of respect to those who
died on September 11, 2001. Many people observe a moment of silence at
8:46 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). This marks the time that the first plane
flew into the World Trade Center. On that day, four planes were hijacked.
The terrorists deliberately flew three of the planes into the Pentagon in
Washington, D.C. and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New
York. The fourth plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania. The
heroes aboard that plane prevented its planned crash into the White House
in Washington, D.C.
The loss of life and damage caused by the terror plot constituted the largest act
of terrorism ever on United States soil. Nearly 3000 people died in the attacks
and many more were injured during
the attacks and their aftermath. We
often think of them, but on Patriot
Day, we lower our flags and honor
them.
Gardening Tips
Many plant-feeding insects and
mites seek out protected sites to
spend the winter. Among this group
of pests seeking a cozy spot in your
yard are squash bugs, Mexican bean
beetles, earwigs, strawberry root
weevils, and spider mites. You can
take action now to get a jump-start
on pest management for the next
gardening season. Here are some
things you can do:
• Remove any herbaceous (annual)
plant material at the end of the
season. Do not leave old vines, plants,
and annual flowers in debris piles.
Compost or dispose of the plant
material as soon as possible. The
longer you leave the debris around,
the longer many pests have to find
a comfortable place to spend the fall
and winter.
• Rototill your garden soil in the
fall. This destroys many pests that
can overwinter there by bringing
them to the surface where they will
freeze or desiccate.
• Plant a fall and winter cover crop
such as annual ryegrass. The cover
crop helps reduce weeds, retain soil
moisture, and add nutrients to the
soil.
• In the late winter to early spring,
prune diseased and dead limbs from
woody shrubs and trees. Wait until
the woody plants have hardened off
for the winter before pruning. Fall
pruning may predispose plants to
winter injury.
• Protect shrubs and other plants
with winter-sensitive roots and
crowns, such as rose, blackberry and
grape. Place leaves, grass clippings or
other type of mulch around the base.
Winter injury will cause stress and
reduced growth for cold susceptible
plants next spring. This in turn tends
to make these plants more prone to
attack by pests.
• Continue to water your perennial
plants through the fall. Although
their growth is slowing and less water
is needed, a water-stressed plant is
more vulnerable to winter injury.
• Plan now for next year by keeping
a record of garden plants and cultivars
you liked best, those with the fewest
problems, and pest problems that
should be addressed next spring with
dormant oil sprays (such as aphids,
scale, pear psylla and red mites).
Page The Burglar
The burglar broke into a house one night. Just as he was shining his
flashlight around, he heard, "Jesus is watching you." Nearly jumping out
of his skin, he waited a bit. But just as he was pulling the wires from the
electronics, he again heard, "Jesus is watching you." His flashlight beam
came to rest on a parrot. "Did you say that?" he hissed. "Yep," the parrot
confessed, then squawked, "Just trying to warn you that he is watching
you." "Who do you think you are?" the burglar chided. "Moses," replied
the parrot. "Moses?" the burglar laughed. "What kind of people would
name a bird Moses?" "The same kind of people who would name a
Rottweiler Jesus!"
Summer Picnic
Pat
the
on
Back
Thank
& You's
Facilities received this note of
thanks:
Mike, Janet, Randy and Ray,
Thank you so much for all of the
hard work that you have done to make
the Alumni Center look brand new.
You are the best.
Sincerely,
Nancy Potter and Alumni Staff
Page Recipes
Apple Sticky Buns
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons grated lemon peel
1/4 cup butter, chilled, plus 1/2 cup
3/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup pecan halves
2 Granny Smith apples (about 12 oz. total)
1/3 cup raisins
Preheat oven to 375˚. In a large bowl, whisk together flour,
sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon peel. Cut the 1/4 cup
chilled butter into 1/4-inch pieces. With a pastry blender
or your fingers, cut or rub butter into flour mixture until it
resembles coarse meal. Pour in milk all at once; stir just until
combined. Cover with plastic wrap and chill until cool, 10 to
15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart pan over medium-low heat,
melt remaining 1/2 cup butter. Stir in corn syrup, brown sugar,
cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour mixture into the bottom of an
8- by 8-inch baking pan. Sprinkle pecans evenly over mixture.
Peel and core apples and slice as thinly as possible.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead about 15
times, adding just enough flour to keep dough from sticking.
With a floured rolling pin, roll dough into a 12-inch square.
Distribute apple slices and raisins over dough, leaving a 1inch border along top edge. Working from the bottom, roll
up dough, squeezing as you go: pinch edge to seal. Cut roll
crosswise into 9 slices. Lay slices flat over syrup and pecans
in pan.
Bake until rolls are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Invert
a platter over pan and, holding both tightly together, invert
again. Lift off pan and let rolls cool about 15 minutes. Serve
warm.
Sensational Spuds
Potatoes boiled with 2 bay leaves (but not mushy; peel and
slice)
Put into greased baking dish.
1½ c. sour cream
1/4 c. melted margarine
1/4 c. minced onion
1½ t. salt
1½ c. grated cheese
Bake at 350° for 35 minutes, covered or uncovered. Sprinkle
½ C crushed potato chips and ½ C cheese over the top. Bake
5-10 minutes more.
Wild Rice Soup
6 T. butter
½ C. finely grated carrots
1 T. minced onion
3 T. chopped slivered almonds
½ C. flour
½ tsp. salt (optional)
3 C. chicken broth
1 C. half-n-half
2 C. cooked wild rice
2 tsp. dry sherry (optional)
1/3 C. minced ham
Minced parsley or chives
Melt butter in saucepan; sauté onion until tender. Blend in
flour; gradually add broth. Cook, stirring constantly, until
mixture comes to a boil; boil 1 minute. Stir in rice, ham,
carrots, almonds and salt; simmer about 5 minutes. Blend in
half and half and sherry; heat to serving temperature. Garnish
with minced parsley or chives. Amount: 6 cups
Peachy Tossed Salad
1 (10 ounce) package ready-to-serve salad greens
1 medium fresh peach, cut into wedges
1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, separated into rings
Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing
2/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, peaches, cucumber,
feta cheese and onion. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine
the dressing ingredients; shake well. Serve with salad.
Page Happy Birthday!
to these Facilities Employees!
Mike Mikkelsen
John Fitch
Darrell Hart
Colby Goodliffe
Jim Huppi
Sol Nielsen
Veloy Hansen
Curtis Larsen
Russ Moore
Kelly Elwood
Ben Smith
Carl Dabb
Eric Hale
Ted Johnson
Gilbert Young
Raelene Jepsen
Paul Pierson
Lonny Jensen
Randy Jones
Mark Sheets
Dan Maughan
The Image Newsletter is printed on
post-consumer recycled paper.
Image Newsletter Staff
Karen Hoffman - Staff Writer • 797.3128
Megan Hemmert - Graphic Design
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Thank you!
for your service at USU!
John Risk
Dorothy Davis
Todd Hlavaty
Chris Jensen
Dart Friedli
Chris Olsen
Beverly Karren
Jim McCune
Clint Dirks
Jared Jorgensen
Mark Sheets
Pete Elliott
Lance Maughan
Kris Merrill
Mark Peplinski
Wade Perkins
Kory Johnson
Aaron Garbett
Ian Silva
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