March 13–19 is Neurodiversity Celebration Week
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. It aims to transform how neurodivergent individuals are perceived and supported by providing schools, universities, and organizations with the opportunity to recognize the many talents and advantages of being neurodivergent, while creating more inclusive and equitable cultures that celebrate differences and empower every individual.
To learn about how you can support people with neurodiverse conditions at home, at work, and in your community, visit https://www.neurodiversityweek.com.
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Sprouting equity-driven ecology through education: One noxious weed at a time
From the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group
“I have a passion for humans but always envisioned myself working with the natural world. This makes me feel like I can accomplish both” says Skye Pelliccia (she/her/ella), about her role as an Education Consultant for King County’s Noxious Weed Control Program.
When speaking with Skye, who identifies as a mix of Thai, Native American, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent, her enthusiasm about noxious weeds, the ecosystem, and ways to apply an equitable lens to this field of work inspires one to learn how to protect the natural resources in our region. Read more about her here.
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New Loop Truck Shop improves drive time for cross-state biosolids delivery
Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories
There are limits, including federal limits, on how much can be asked of drivers – a maximum of 11 hours drive time to be precise. So, King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) came up with a solution for Loop drivers. It closed down Loop’s vehicle operations center at a site near SeaTac and moved the roadshow to a newly built site on County-owned property in North Bend. Trucks embarking from this facility save valuable time by not having to navigate the Seattle traffic to head east on I-90.
What is Loop? A decades-old program that converts biosolids (that is, your poop and other waste) into fertalizer for commercial use. Read more.
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Register now for upcoming retirement classes
The following virtual educational opportunities provided by your King County Retirement Team are coming up soon to help you prepare for retirement.
Introduction to Social Security – Join this 90-minute class if you are interested in learning more about Social Security. Guest speaker Kirk Larson from the Social Security Administration will discuss your options as a King County employee and answer your questions.
- Wednesday, March 15 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, March 21 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register here.
- Tuesday, March 28 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Register here.
- Tuesday, April 18 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Register here.
- Tuesday, April 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Register here.
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, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 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 King County Retirement Navigator Carmen Johnson.
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Use your 2022 FSA funds
If you still have funds remaining in last year’s Health Care or Day Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), be sure to get reimbursed for expenses incurred in 2022. Here’s how:
1. Check your FSA balances:
Go to Navia Benefits and log in as a participant.
2. Learn about eligible expenses incurred Jan. 1—Dec. 31, 2022:
Health Care FSAs cover a variety of medically necessary expenses for you and your eligible family members, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copays, and other Eligible Health Care Expenses.
Day Care FSAs cover a range of services for your child, disabled spouse, or dependent parent that allow you to work, such as day care, preschool, day camps, before and after school care, elder care, and other Eligible Day Care Expenses.
3. Gather documents
Proper documentation to substantiate the claim includes the date of service, type of service, and cost of service. Day Care claims also need the provider tax ID, name of dependent, and age of dependent.
4. Submit 2022 FSA claims by March 31, 2023
See the 6 Ways to Submit Claims video:
- Pay health care providers directly using your FSA debit card. Use this method only for 2022 FSA claims.
- Submit a claim form and documentation by email.
- Use Navia’s online claim submission tool.
- Use the MyNavia mobile app on your mobile device.
- Fax your claims to 866-535-9277.
- Send claims to Navia by mail.
If you have questions about your FSA, contact Navia at 800-669-3539 or Navia Customer Service.
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March proclaimed Women’s History Month
King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed March 2023 as Women’s History Month.
“Women are making history every day and will continue to do so in ways that will change our county and country,” the proclamation states. The Executive enccourages all King County residents to honor the central roles that women of every race, class, and ethnic background hold every day that are essential to the progress of our nation.
Read the entire proclamation below.
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Sheriff’s Office Detective prevents overdose at Burien Transit Center
From the Sheriff’s Newsletter
On Feb. 10, Metro Transit Resource Officer (TRO) Michael Ramirez conducted a routine patrol at the Burien Transit Center (BTC). The BTC has been the focus of weekly directed patrol missions due to crime and narcotic use in the area.
While patrolling the BTC, Ramirez – a Sheriff’s Office Detective – observed a male slumped over in a wheelchair.
Concerned, Detective Ramirez checked on him and, through training and experience, found that the person had noticeable agonal breathing and was likely overdosing on a narcotic (presumed fentanyl). Detective Ramirez acted quickly and administered Narcan while checking the patient’s pulse.
As he summoned aid, Detective Ramirez remained with the male until they arrived. Medics administered several additional doses of Narcan to the patient while intubating him and ultimately transporting him to St. Anne’s Hospital with a pulse.
Detective Ramirez’s instincts and passion for community service, without question, prolonged the man’s life while limiting negative exposure to Metro passengers and community members.
We are proud of Detective Ramirez, who takes pride in his work and his duties to serve the people of King County and the Metro Transit System.
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Celebrating Black Women at Metro
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
Metro understands that to become anti-racist and pro-equity, our celebration of Black History Month must be centered on the experiences of those who continue to push us to model and champion our values.
This year, Metro is celebrating Black women at Metro and the difference they make in operations by sharing their stories of hope, perseverance, and resilience. Read more.
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Wastewater becomes a resource for growing food with help from a treatment plant
Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories
CitySoil Farm was started in 2008 as a demonstration site to show the benefits of turning wastewater into valuable resources such as recycled water and biosolids that can be used as fertilizer.
After 12 years, it has become a 1.5-acre city farm that not only produces food for the community, but also has outdoor classrooms, an orchard, and multiple learning spaces. Read more.
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KCIA’s Kevin Nuechterlein presents at national transportation conference
Cross-posted from Plane Talk
Kevin Nuechterlein, Capital Project Manager at King County International Airport (KCIA), was one of three KCIA employees who attended the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting, the world’s largest transportation research conference.
More than 8,000 people attended the event in Washington, D.C., participating in more than 600 workshops and sessions, including a “Fireside Chat” with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.
Nuechterlein served as a panelist during a session about community engagement, sharing lessons learned on earlier projects and upcoming airport plans to work with the community on the Vision 2045 Master Plan. Read more.
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