Your Electrical Connection

August, 2016

Volume 14, Issue 8

Inside this issue:

Roger’s World 2

Miss D 5K Run/Walk 3

Jimmy’s Walk Lunch Cele-bration

4

Wellness Corner 6

Wellness CornerContinued

7

Upcoming Events 7

September Anniversariesand Birthdays

7

Wellness Day 2

NPS Open House 5

Wellness Breakfast 4

Safety—The Measure ofSuccess

3

My Summer Internship...Michael Gillespie

As my internship comes to an end, I am going to reflect my safety experience here at NPS. Thisinternship has completely altered my view about safety. Before this internship, I knew safetywas important; but, I didn’t know how important it was until I came here. On my first day, I wasrequired to watch a safety video and pass the safety test in order to start employment. The vid-eo made me realize that betraying safety regulations can not only put me in danger but also toother employees. It is very crucial that we continue to practice safety because there are othersthat are deeply concerned about our health at and outside work. While I was here I also had theopportunity to join in on weekly safety meetings. The meetings made me aware of safety pre-cautions and work hazards. Each week I learned something new about a certain safety topic.For example, one week we discussed the updated emergency safety shower and eyewash pro-cedure. During this particular week, I learned how important it is to know your dangers, protec-tions, and treatments of eye injuries. These safety meetings will provide me with moreknowledge about safety that I can stress to my peers I will encounter in the future. This intern-ship not only taught me to care about my own safety, but to care about other’s safety.I greatly appreciate the time, effort, and unforgettable memories everyone has given to me. Ihate hearing about the future outlook of Newton as much as everyone else does. I found it veryremarkable how everyone kept their composure while working here during the summer. All ofyou set a very good example to me in case I run into something similar in the future.I really enjoyed being part of the team this summer and I wish nothing but the best of luck toeveryone in their future.

Number of Days Since Last...

First Aid 49

Recordable 110

Lost Time 110

Numbers based on August16, 2016, includes plant andcontractors.

Safety Stats:

Your Electrical Connection Volume 14, Issue 8

Page 2

Roger’s World...Roger Bass

I recently underwent some minor surgery. This is the firsttime I have had general anesthesia, so it was a new expe-rience for me. After being prepped by the nurses, I wasvisited by the anesthesiologist, the anesthesiologist’s as-sistant, the doctor’s assistant, and the doctor’s nurse. As Iwas waiting to be taken to the operating room, I musthave looked nervous. The nurse asked me if I would likesomething to take the edge off. As is the normal in“Rogers World”, I find that a Jack and Coke or a couple ofbeers usually takes the edge off, but that’s probably notan option in this case.At this point, they wheeled me to the operating room.Once I was on the table, the preparations begin. Againbeing in “Rogers World”, my mind is wandering. I thinkback to my younger days. I can remember going to con-certs. I picture the assistants as “roadies”. Back in theday, they were the ones that set the stage for the band.The operating room seems like a stage. One of the nursesis preparing the utensils to be used during the perfor-mance. The anesthesiologist’s assistant is setting up theIV stand and making sure the anesthesiologist’s equip-ment is all in place. Kind of like the roadie setting up thedrums. Everything is adjusted and put in the proper placefor the drummer, so it is ready to go when the show be-gins.After a few minutes, one of the assistants tells me thatthat the doctor has arrived and the surgery is about tobegin. There again, it sounds like being at a concert when

the announcer tells the crowd that Elvis has entered thebuilding.Back in the early 70’s, I went to a Led Zeppelin concert. Iwas lucky enough to have third row seats in front of thestage. After the roadies had the equipment ready, LedZeppelin comes out on stage to start the concert. That iswhen things started getting fuzzy, although that fuzzy wasprobably from the contact high from the surrounding audi-ence and not any form of anesthesia.Going back forward to my surgery, I don’t remember any-thing during the surgery. The next thing I know is I amwaking up in the recovery room and the surgery is com-plete. Just like the time I went to see Mountain in concert. Iremember going to the concert. I remember them comingon stage. I even remember them playing “MississippiQueen” and “Nantucket Sleighride”. But after that, thenight was pretty much a blank.In comparing going to surgery a couple of weeks ago andgoing to concerts when I was young, there is one big dif-ference. It’s been a little over two weeks since my surgeryand I still haven’t totally recovered. In my younger days, Iwould be 100% the next day and ready to do it again.That’s the thing about getting old, the mind wants to beready, but the body tells you no.Till next time, please be safe.

The 2016 NPS Wellness Day will be held on September 22 from 7:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. in the EDC Assembly Room. There willbe new and old booths alike represented at this year’s event. Your very own Wellness Committee will be providing informationon the wellness physicals as well as handing out portable chargers. There will be a drawing for a $50.00 gift card and freshfruit salad will be available. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this year’s Wellness Day.Hope to see you there!

Jenny

Your Electrical Connection Volume 14, Issue 8

Page 3

Safety—The Measure of Success...Kent Schafer

As employees, how many times have we heard the safetyslogans:

No job will be done unless it can be done safely.Safety is job #1.Safety is our #1 priority.The goal is for each of you to go home in the same or

better condition than you came to work today.Safety over production.___________________ (Blank provided for your favorite

or least favorite slogan)What do these slogans mean to you? What are your feelingswhen you hear them? Do you internalize any part of thesemessages? Do they feel any different coming from the CEOcompared to your supervisor or co-worker? Do you feel dif-ferently hearing these slogans when we are,say…..discussing unit shutdowns or layoffs?The last slogan I will give you and the title of this article is“Safety – The Measure of Success”. As we go through ourcurrent reality, does anyone believe or agree with this. As Ireflect a bit, I would suggest that maybe we should. I may bebiased, but over the years employees at Newton Stationhave done a lot of things really well. Most things that wecould influence and control have been performed definitelyabove the average. And, as we think of the many things thatwe have done well over the years to operate this plant at ahigh level, we see a unit being shut down before our eyes. Itmakes it difficult to relate all of those accomplishments withsuccess.

Newton Power Station is once again helping sponsor the 6th

Annual Miss D 5K run/walk. The run/walk will be held onSaturday, September 10. Registration is at 6am (in frontof PS Realty on the square in Newton) and race starts at7am. You can pre-register by September 3rd for $20(includes t-shirt). Cost is $25 after September 3rd. Moneyraised from the walk goes to help fund local scholarshipsgiven out in the spring. If you have questions or need a reg-istration form, please see Julie.

Miss D 5K Run/Walk...Julie Matson

When we think about why we do all of this, it is generally forour families and loved ones and providing for them. We usu-ally equate “providing” with monetary support. However, Iwould argue that the most valuable thing you can provide isyourself and just being there. You are all talented people andwill always be able to “provide” for your families as long asyou are healthy and can just be there. So please don’t everdo anything to compromise that.So as we know, the slogans are just words. Some mighteven call them “management speak”. They provide no valueunless you can identify with them, personalize them, inter-nalize them, and live them at some level. I am not askingyou to join Kent’s safety cult, but I am asking you to considerletting safety in as one of your core values. The beauty of itis that it is truly within your influence and control. It is the oneway you can ensure that you will be there for your lovedones, which is your ultimate success.

Your Electrical Connection Volume 14, Issue 8

Page 4

Wellness Breakfast...Twyla Harvey

On July 28, a Wellness Breakfast was held to promote getting a Wellness Physical.

In order to encourage employees and family members to take this opportunity to do something good for their health, Dynegy isoffering a $50.00 gift card to all employees who take the time to do this for their health and their family.

All you have to do is come to the office and pick up a form and take it with you to your physical appointment and have yourhealth care provider sign and date it. Next, bring it to the office and one of us girls will fax it to the Houston Office and at theend of the year gift cards will be sent out. If you have already had your physical this year, pick up a form and take it to yourhealth care provider to sign and back date and we will fax that in.

You are doing something good for yourself and your family and get a reward just for doing that.

A delicious lunch was enjoyed on August 9, to celebrate 100% plant participation in our Final Walk For Jimmy Taylor.

April 27, we raised $5,080.00 to help with college expenses for Jimmy’s son, Alan, who is starting at SIUE this month.

It was a memorable, emotional day that touched the Taylor family as well as us employees at Newton.

All shifts that were not able to attend the luncheon on the 9th should plan to have a lunch at their convenience.

Once again, thank you—it was an amazing event!

Jimmy’s Walk Lunch Celebration...Twyla Harvey

Your Electrical Connection Volume 14, Issue 8

Page 5

On Tuesday, August 30, at 3 P.M. we are hosting an Open House/Job Fair and inviting over 250 business owners and/or HRpeople from Effingham and Jasper County. The plan is to “show off” our amazing plant in a presentation and tour. We want tointroduce them to the talent required in making a plant this size and this powerful function safely on a daily basis. Once weplant the seed of why they will prosper from pursuing employees built NPS tough, we will then introduce them to the biog-raphies of those who are interested in opportunities being presented to them. This will put the ball in your court for companiesto offer you wages and benefits that would secure your employment with them. You see, you are an amazing crew that de-serves the effort given and the leverage of this Station to help you secure a future that was not possible here.If you are interested in help with getting your bio together, do not hesitate to contact anyone in the admin office; they are readyto help put this together.

Also, on August 30, the Rapid Response Team will be here for a 7:30 and 3:30 session andwill present the following:

A representative from each of these entities will briefly cover their services. We will have plenty of time for questions.

The federally funded Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) which in Illinois, the Department of Commerce admin-isters. This program provides for Rapid Response services and includes transitional services to dislocated workers. We arerequired by law to reach out to companies that lay off in order to reach affected workers and assist them with already pre-scribed to assist them. We have 22 Local Workforce Development Areas to provide the daily, one-on-one services to individu-als.

IDES as well as the Department of Insurance are partners on the rapid response team. Rapid Response workshops are held toinform dislocated workers of the benefits and services available to them – including Unemployment Insurance, Insurance,Workforce/Training options, as well as other assistance available to help them move forward.

Unemployment Insurance is short term and after a layoff many individuals need additional training to help them move back intoself-sustaining employment. Through the Local Workforce Development Areas, individuals can/will be assisted with resumewriting, career counseling, job search, interviewing skills, and training – such as on-the-job training which pays part of theirsalary while they “earn and learn” on the job, or traditional classroom training. If individuals are enrolled in training through alocal workforce development area, they can also receive “supportive services” such as transportation while in training, andchild care assistance.

Newton Power Station Open House...Alan Bogardus

Your Electrical Connection Volume 14, Issue 8

Page 6

Wellness Corner

Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talkto reduce stressPositive thinking helps with stress management andcan even improve your health. Practice overcomingnegative self-talk with examples provided.By Mayo Clinic StaffIs your glass half-empty or half-full? How you answer thisage-old question about positive thinking may reflect youroutlook on life, your attitude toward yourself, and whetheryou're optimistic or pessimistic — and it may even affectyour health.

Indeed, some studies show that personality traits like opti-mism and pessimism can affect many areas of your healthand well-being. The positive thinking that typically comeswith optimism is a key part of effective stress management.And effective stress management is associated with manyhealth benefits. If you tend to be pessimistic, don't despair— you can learn positive thinking skills.

Understanding positive thinking and self-talkPositive thinking doesn't mean that you keep your head inthe sand and ignore life's less pleasant situations. Positivethinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in amore positive and productive way. You think the best is go-ing to happen, not the worst.

Positive thinking often starts with self-talk. Self-talk is theendless stream of unspoken thoughts that run through yourhead. These automatic thoughts can be positive or negative.Some of your self-talk comes from logic and reason. Otherself-talk may arise from misconceptions that you create be-cause of lack of information.

If the thoughts that run through your head are mostly nega-tive, your outlook on life is more likely pessimistic. If yourthoughts are mostly positive, you're likely an optimist —someone who practices positive thinking.

The health benefits of positive thinkingResearchers continue to explore the effects of positive think-ing and optimism on health. Health benefits that positivethinking may provide include:

Increased life spanLower rates of depressionLower levels of distressGreater resistance to the common coldBetter psychological and physical well-beingReduced risk of death from cardiovascular diseaseBetter coping skills during hardships and times of stress

It's unclear why people who engage in positive thinking ex-perience these health benefits. One theory is that having apositive outlook enables you to cope better with stressfulsituations, which reduces the harmful health effects ofstress on your body. It's also thought that positive and opti-mistic people tend to live healthier lifestyles — they getmore physical activity, follow a healthier diet, and don'tsmoke or drink alcohol in excess.

Identifying negative thinkingNot sure if your self-talk is positive or negative? Here aresome common forms of negative self-talk:

Filtering. You magnify the negative aspects of a situationand filter out all of the positive ones. For example, youhad a great day at work. You completed your tasksahead of time and were complimented for doing aspeedy and thorough job. That evening, you focus onlyon your plan to do even more tasks and forget aboutthe compliments you received.

Personalizing. When something bad occurs, you automati-cally blame yourself. For example, you hear that anevening out with friends is canceled, and you assumethat the change in plans is because no one wanted tobe around you.

Catastrophizing. You automatically anticipate the worst.The drive-through coffee shop gets your order wrongand you automatically think that the rest of your day willbe a disaster.

Polarizing. You see things only as either good or bad.There is no middle ground. You feel that you have to beperfect or you're a total failure.

Focusing on positive thinkingYou can learn to turn negative thinking into positive thinking.The process is simple, but it does take time and practice —you're creating a new habit, after all. Here are some ways tothink and behave in a more positive and optimistic way:

Identify areas to change. If you want to become more opti-mistic and engage in more positive thinking, first identifyareas of your life that you typically think negativelyabout, whether it's work, your daily commute or a rela-tionship. You can start small by focusing on one area toapproach in a more positive way.

Check yourself. Periodically during the day, stop and eval-uate what you're thinking. If you find that your thoughtsare mainly negative, try to find a way to put a positivespin on them.

Be open to humor. Give yourself permission to smile orlaugh, especially during difficult times. Seek humor ineveryday happenings. When you can laugh at life, youfeel less stressed.

Your Electrical Connection Volume 14, Issue 8

Page 7

* Any omissions in this sectionare entirely unintentional.

9/4 Jesse Beard9/10 Carl Will9/11 Allen Niemerg9/11 Rick Koester9/12 Larry Quick9/15 Jerry Miller9/17 Hal Stansfield9/26 Kelly Line9/26 Mark Williams9/27 Tim Dion

Upcoming Events September Birthdays

Aug. 30 Rapid Response TeamAug. 30 Open House/Job FairSept. 10 Ms. D 5K WalkSept. 22 Health Fair

Wellness Corner (Continued)

SAFETY—THE MEASURE OF SUCCESS!

Follow a healthy lifestyle. Exercise at least three times a week to positively affect mood and reduce stress. Follow a healthydiet to fuel your mind and body. And learn techniques to manage stress.

Surround yourself with positive people. Make sure those in your life are positive, supportive people you can depend on togive helpful advice and feedback. Negative people may increase your stress level and make you doubt your ability to man-age stress in healthy ways.

Practice positive self-talk. Start by following one simple rule: Don't say anything to yourself that you wouldn't say to anyoneelse. Be gentle and encouraging with yourself. If a negative thought enters your mind, evaluate it rationally and respondwith affirmations of what is good about you.

Here are some examples of negative self-talk and how you can apply a positive thinking twist to them:

Practicing positive thinking every dayIf you tend to have a negative outlook, don't expect to become an optimist overnight. But with practice, eventually your self-talkwill contain less self-criticism and more self-acceptance. You may also become less critical of the world around you.

When your state of mind is generally optimistic, you're better able to handle everyday stress in a more constructive way. Thatability may contribute to the widely observed health benefits of positive thinking.

Negative Self-Talk Positive Thinking

I’ve never done it before. It’s an opportunity to learn something new.It’s too complicated. I’ll tackle it from a different angle.

I don’t have the resources. Necessity is the mother of invention.

I’m too lazy to get this done. I wasn’t able to fit it into my schedule; but I can re-examine some priorities.

There’s no way it will work. I can try to make it work.

It’s too radical a change. Let’s take a chance.

No one bothers to communicate with me. I’ll see if I can open the channels of communication.

I’m not going to get any better at this. I’ll give it another try.