Volunteer to close a ballot drop box
The General election is just around the corner and King County Elections is looking for volunteers to help close ballot drop boxes on election night, Nov. 8. Under state law, ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day.
As a volunteer drop box closer, you will be paired with Elections staff to close a drop box, provide customer service, and hand out I Voted stickers. No experience is necessary!
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8 and Elections is looking for volunteers from about 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Sign up and join us for a fun and fulfilling experience helping your neighbors experience the excitement and community of casting their ballots.
Please note, this a volunteer oppo
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DNRP archeologist helps repatriate historic flintlock rifle to Muckleshoot Tribe
Cross-posted from Keeping King County Green
A unique piece of 19th century Native American history purchased at a garage sale half a century ago has been returned to its rightful owners, thanks to work by the King County Historic Preservation Program.
Lane Corry, a Preston resident who long ago bought the rusted old rifle at a garage sale, recently contacted Historic Preservation Program archaeologist Phil LeTourneau because Lane wasn’t sure what to do with the artifact. Read more.
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Metro GM Terry White welcomes North America’s transit leaders to Seattle
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
From Oct. 9 to 12, King County Metro hosted transit leaders from across North America for TRANSform, the annual conference of the American Public Transportation Association.
A record-breaking number of people — more than 3,100 — attended the four-day event. In addition to meetings and speeches, guests toured Metro’s battery-electric test charging station, our bus and light rail connections in the U District, the King County Water Taxi, bus stop murals in the Central District celebrating Black history and our innovative on-demand service in south King County. Read more and watch the video.
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How did COVID-19 impact people living with disabilities?
Cross-posted from Public Health Insider
The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to slow its spread brought a number of social, economic and overall health impacts for communities throughout King County. Public Health – Seattle & King County, in partnership with the Disability Empowerment Center and Lifelong Aging And Disabilities Services, interviewed and listened to local people from disability communities to shed light on how these impacts were experienced by people living with disabilities in King County. Read more.
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2022 Annual Giving Drive: Organizations that support people with disabilities
During the Annual Giving Drive, selecting a charitable organization can sometimes seems like a daunting task because there are so many important causes that need support. To help you choose, the King County Disability Equity Network (KCDEN) put together a list below of some of the many charitable organizations that support those with disabilities. The Annual Giving Drive runs through Friday, Nov. 18.
Not all disabilities are outwardly apparent. Many people with disabilities perform their jobs successfully alongside you every day. KCDEN’s purpose is to support those employees who self-identify as a person with a disability. KCDEN does not endorse any particular charitable organization. If you have questions about the Employee Giving Program (EGP), reach out to your Division or Department EGP Ambassadors. To learn more about KCDEN, please contact disabilityequity@kingcounty.gov.
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Employee Benefits 2023 Open Enrollment is Nov. 1-15
Find out about new benefit options for 2023
Most employees have three new important benefit options to consider for next year. Use the following information and resources to help you make decisions for you and your family during Open Enrollment, Nov. 1–15. To see all of the changes for your employee benefit group, go to: 2023 Benefit Changes.
Supplemental Life changes
If you are in the Regular or the Transit ATU 587 Full-time Full-benefits group, you have the following options for supplemental life insurance. Note: Supplemental Life is in addition to the Basic Life insurance provided by King County.
- During Open Enrollment, you have a one-time opportunity to increase your current employee supplemental life coverage amount by 1x your annual salary (up to $400,000) without providing medical information.
- If you are not currently enrolled in supplemental life, you can enroll this year during Open Enrollment, subject to a medical questionnaire and approval.
- Employee coverage amounts have increased: You can now elect up to 6x your annual salary, up to a maximum of $750,000. Medical information, also called Evidence of Insurability, may be required.
For more information, see the Securian Life Insurance Flyer, the Supplemental Life FAQ, or call Securian at 866-293-6047.
New KingCare Select network—Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
The KingCare Select medical plan is now offering a fourth network option: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. This network features:
- 900 primary care providers, 10,000 specialists, and nine hospitals.
- Serves King, Pierce, and Kitsap counties.
- Adult and pediatric behavioral health services.
- Lower copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs than the traditional KingCare PPO plan and NO Benefit Access Fees.
For more information, go to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and KingCare Select.
Second dental plan choice: Cigna Dental HMO
If you are in the Regular or the Transit ATU 587 employee benefit group, you now have a second dental plan choice: Cigna Dental HMO. Plan highlights:
- You choose a network dentist who manages your overall dental care.
- No deductible and no annual maximum benefit.
- Fixed dollar amounts for services.
- Two years of orthodontia treatment covered at a flat rate of $2,049 for kids and $2,553 for adults.
For details, see the Dental Plan Summary and go to the Cigna website for King County employees.
Questions?
The following resources are available to provide more information and answer your questions:
- Benefit & Retirement Fairs
- Online Open Enrollment Information Sessions
- Open Enrollment Website
- Open Enrollment Overview Video
- Benefits, Payroll and Retirement Operations
Now open for walk-up service!
Chinook Building, 2nd Floor
401 Fifth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
206-684-1556 or KC Benefits
9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday – Friday
Closed on Veterans Day: Nov. 11.
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Team effort in search and dive operation for missing person
From the King County Sheriff’s newsletter
On October 10 and 11, the Marine Rescue Dive Unit (MRDU) conducted extensive search and dive operations in support of Major Crimes (MCU). A vehicle belonging to a missing female was located in the Five Mile Lake parking lot and keys for the vehicle were located on a foot path leading to the lake. Several personal items were found in the car. The potential was likely the missing female may be found in or near the lake.
MRDU, MCU, and King County Search and Rescue (KCSAR) conducted a joint search of the lake and surrounding area. MRDU deployed both a side-scan sonar and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV), and KCSAR provided cadaver dogs.
Detective Aaron Thompson (MCU) worked his dog along the bank, while MRDU personnel simultaneously deployed the side-scan sonar and ROV, navigating the lake with a dog perched on the bow.
The intent was to identify or narrow search areas with the dogs, utilize the side-scan sonar, and then locate targets with the ROV. Despite the dogs showing interest and giving alerts several times, the results of the search were negative.
MRDU returned the following day and conducted diver exercises. Despite significant debris and very poor visibility, divers were able to confirm all areas of interest were clear.
While the missing female was not located during this search, it was an impressive display of teamwork and capability. Fortunately, the missing person was later found some days later in the woods adjacent to the park. The Mobile Crisis Team responded and assisted her into a treatment facility.
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Boost your protection against COVID-19! Get your updated booster at King County Roads Maintenance Headquarters in Renton on Oct. 28
King County Roads Services Division, Department of Local Services, is partnering with Discovery Health to host a COVID-19 booster clinic for all employees and their family members ages 12 and older. Appointments to receive the vaccine are strongly recommended. The updated Pfizer booster will be available for those 12 and older and the updated Moderna booster will be available for those 18 and older. View a flyer for the clinic here.
Capacity at the Oct. 28 clinic is limited, so registration for an appointment is strongly encouraged. Please register below:
- Oct. 28 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Register here.
- Oct. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. Register here.
The booster clinic will be held at King County Roads, Building C, 155 Monroe Ave. NE, Renton WA. Parking is available on site, and masks are required in the vaccination area. Those attending are reminded to please bring their CDC vaccination card with them.
Who should get an updated booster?
The updated Pfizer and Moderna boosters, also called “bivalent” boosters, target the Omicron variants as well as the original strain of the COVID-19 virus. So even if you have had a booster in the past, the updated one is tailored for the variants circulating now. Getting the updated booster is the single most important way to avoid serious COVID-19 infections and long COVID.
Updated boosters use the same ingredients as other COVID-19 vaccines, with a change to one of the proteins to target Omicron variants.
You should get the updated booster if:
- You have completed your primary series of vaccines (the first two doses of Moderna/Pfizer/Novavax or one dose of Johnson & Johnson), and
- It has been at least two months since your last dose. Your last dose could have been a primary dose or a booster dose.
You do not need to get the same brand as your primary series or last booster.
Looking for more information about the updated boosters? Get your questions answered here at the Public Health – Seattle & King County website: Should I get an updated booster? We asked an expert.
The updated boosters are also available at Public Health’s vaccination sites at the Auburn Outlet Mall (drop-ins welcome) and Eastgate Public Health Center, and also from healthcare providers and many pharmacies (check before you go). COVID-19 vaccinations are free. You can explore other options for getting vaccinated by visiting:
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Supporting social and economic justice through the 2022 Annual Giving Drive
As part of the 2022 Annual Giving Drive, we are highlighting nonprofits whose work supports social and economic justice. These and hundreds of nonprofits are participating in this year’s Annual Giving Drive.
- Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence (9649): Working with and for over 40 member agencies and individuals in King County to increase our community’s capacity to prevent and respond to sexual and domestic violence.
- JustLead Washington (10849): Growing a sustainable network of legal and community leaders who can effectively and collaboratively work toward equity and justice in Washington State
- Yoga Behind Bars (10945): Sharing trauma-informed yoga and meditation with people experiencing incarceration to promote healing, personal transformation, and a more just society for all
- Ceasefire Foundation of Washington (9210): Dedicated to reducing gun violence
You can go online or use a paper form by Friday, Nov. 18, to make a pledge to your favorite Employee Giving Program nonprofits by:
- Payroll donation: One-time, once–per-month, or twice-per-month.
- Time donation: Eligible vacation or comp time. See your department Lead Ambassador for details in your office.
- Check or credit card: Made out directly to the nonprofit.
- Volunteering: Up to three sick days per calendar year at a nonprofit in the EGP (for non-represented and employees whose union has approved this benefit, including those covered by the Master Labor Agreement).
For more information, contact your Employee Giving Program Ambassador, visit www.kingcounty.gov/giving, email EmployeeGiving@KingCounty.gov, call 206-263-9372, or attend an online Nonprofit Expo.
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Metro’s on-demand ridership Ride Pingo wins national award
Cross-posted from Metro Matters
King County Metro’s Ride Pingo to Transit, an on-demand service in Kent, is receiving national acclaim as winner of the Innovation Solutions Award.
Presented by trade industry publication METRO Magazine, the honor recognizes the success of the app-based service in providing connections to job centers for residents, especially those working nightshifts and swing shifts. Read more.
Employee News 