HR Buzz: Embracing an Attitude of Gratitude – Let’s Appreciate and Thrive Together!

As we navigate through the ups and downs of life’s journey, it’s important for us to take a moment and reflect on the power of gratitude. We are reminded about the incredible impact that an attitude of gratitude can have on our workplace environment and our collective success.

Gratitude is not just about saying “thank you” for the sake of politeness; it goes far deeper than that. It is a mindset—a lens through which we view the world, our colleagues, and the opportunities presented to us. When we embrace gratitude, we cultivate an environment of positivity, respect, and appreciation. It allows us to recognize and celebrate the efforts of others, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity within our community.

Expressing gratitude is not limited to grand gestures; it can be as simple as acknowledging a job well done, offering a kind word of appreciation, or taking a moment to listen and empathize with a colleague. By showing genuine gratitude, we uplift one another, boost morale, and support a workplace that inspires collaboration, creativity, and growth.

In the midst of deadlines, challenges, and the ever-evolving demands of our roles, it can be easy to overlook the many fortunes that we have. However, by consciously practicing gratitude, we develop resilience, perspective, and an ability to find joy in both the big and small wins.

All of us are encouraged to take a moment each day to reflect on the positive aspects of our work, the support we receive from one another, and the opportunities we have to make a difference. Let’s make gratitude an integral part of our interactions, not only during meetings or special occasions but also in our day-to-day interactions. Remember, a heartfelt “thank you” can have a profound effect on someone’s day and inspire them to continue giving their best.

Together, let’s fully commit to a workplace culture that thrives on gratitude—a culture where appreciation and recognition are woven into the fabric of our team. By embracing an attitude of gratitude, we will not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to a stronger, more harmonious work environment that propels us towards greater achievements.

So, write the note, send the kudos, and be the change that you want to see.

Thank YOU!

National Diabetes Month

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 37 million Americans are living with diabetes. With diabetes, your body stops making — or becomes resistant to — insulin, the hormone the body needs to effectively use glucose. In people with diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood. Over time, this can lead to a variety of medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and blindness.

Because diabetes is so common, doctors regularly screen patients for Type 1Type 2, or gestational diabetes. This screening typically happens during your annual physical. But your doctor may also order testing if you complain of fatigue, extreme thirst, or abrupt weight changes. Obstetricians also screen pregnant women for gestational diabetes during their second trimester.

Prediabetes puts you on the road to possibly getting type 2 diabetes. Find out now, in less than 1 minute, if you may have prediabetes by taking the Prediabetes Risk Test. If your result shows you’re at high risk for type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor about getting a simple blood sugar test to confirm it.

Tips for minimizing type 2 diabetes risk

  • Get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week.
  • Keep your weight in a healthy range.
  • Eat healthy foods, including lots of fruits and veggies.
  • Drink more water and fewer sugary drinks.
  • Don’t smoke.

Thank you… and an invitation

THANK YOU for your role in rejuvenating the community feel of our wonderful College. It is so heart-warming to see so many colleagues enjoy the presence of others. All of these moments take planning and commitment. THANK YOU!

The past few months have been a lot of fun. Let’s look back at some of our activities.

  • Enjoyed delicious popcorn from Kalamazoo Kettle Corn.
  • Summer hourstwo weeks longer than in past years without the need to “make up” for shorter hours.
  • FANTASTIC Friday food – 11 open houses hosted by 17 different units, including the final open house on Friday, August 26, and hosted by Facilities Management.
  • Cooled off with ice cream and the smooth sounds of a Bluegrass band.
  • Created lasting memories at the Karnival. Check out the first dunk and photos on the Karnival site.
  • Various celebrations such as Juneteenth, Black Joy Week, retreats, picnics, and plenty of various gatherings.

It is so much fun to collaborate with creative colleagues. Please be invited to share your ideas for future community-building activities in the comments below or by connecting with Renee Boelcke.

Colleagues playing basketball
Colleagues playing basketball
Colleagues enjoying popcorn and talking
Colleagues discussing technology
while enjoying popcorn
Jenga tournament
Colleagues engaged in an intense
Jenga tournament
Colleagues enjoying waffles
Colleagues connecting while enjoying waffles
People listening to music and eating ice cream
Colleagues listening to bluegrass music and enjoying ice cream
MJ after dunk
Mj post-dunk

Michigan Festivals and Fairs

Summertime is a great time in Michigan for all sort of activities, including festivals and fairs. Whether you are into food, art, music, or the obscure, there is something for you in the mitten state. Visit event links for more information.

What is missing? Add a favorite event in the comments.

June Events
Date(s)LocationEvent
11LocalVicksburgFreeVicksburg Old Car Festival
11-12LocalStatewideFreeFishing and off-road vehicle (ORV) weekend
12-18MarionMarion Fair
17LocalKalamazooFreeQueer the Block Presented by Drue
18-19LocalKalamazooMac & Cheese Fest
20LocalKalamazoo CollegeFreeJuneteenth Celebration Picnic
24LocalPortageFreeMovies in the Park: Jumanji: The Next Level
25LocalPortageFreeSummer STEAM Day – Engineering
25-26CharlevoixCharlevoix Summer Art Show
July Events
Date(s)LocationEvent
1LocalRichlandFreeLive Dance Performance
1-2Bay CityFreeBay City Firework Festival
2LocalKalamazooFreeJerico Maker Faire!
2-9Traverse CityNational Cherry Festival
8LocalKalamazooFreeArt Hop
8LocalKalamazooFreeHistoric Walks: Edison Neighborhood
9-10CharlevoixFreeCharlevoix Arts & Craft Festival
16LocalHickory CornersSymphony in the Summer: Gershwin + Dvorak’s New World
21-24Ann ArborAnn Arbor Art Fair
23LocalKalamazooFree3-on-3 Basketball Tournament
23LocalPortageFreeSummer STEAM Day – Space
August Events
Date(s)LocationEvent
5LocalKalamazooFreeArt Hop
6LocalHickory CornersRed Barns Spectacular Car Show and Swap Meet
9-13LudingtonWestern Michigan Fair
11-14South HavenFreeNational Blueberry Festival
13LocalKalamazooFreeVintage in the Zoo
20-21LocalStatewideFreeOff-Road Vehicle (ORV) Weekend
26LocalKalamazooFreeHistoric Walks: Libraries in Kalamazoo
28LocalKalamazooFreeOshtemo Music in the Park
September Events
Date(s)LocationEvent
1-5NoviMichigan State Fair
5LocalKalamazooFreeArt Hop
5Mackinaw CityFreeLabor Day Bridge Walk
9-17LocalAlleganAllegan County Fair
16- Oct 3Grand RapidsFreeArt Prize
18LocalPortageFreeFall Festival
23-25Lake OrionMade in Michigan Festival

HR Buzz: Fall health checklist

As cold and flu season is upon us and the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever to keep up with
health and safety measures. Here is a simple checklist to consider:

Get a flu shot. Both the flu and COVID-19 viruses
will likely be spreading this fall. The CDC recommends that all
people 6 months and older get a yearly flu shot to help protect
against influenza infection. Different flu vaccines are approved
for different groups of people such as those 65 and over, so
talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

Nourish your body and mind to help strengthen your
immunity.
Bundle up and take a brisk walk outside—
exercise and sunlight can help improve your mood, sleep,
energy, and more! Choose nutritious meals, limit snacking, and
stay connected with others.

Get reacquainted with yourself. Consider these self-awareness exercises.

  • Think of three things in your life for which you are grateful. Try to make at least one of them is something about you.
  • Try meditating. The most basic form of meditation is deep breathing.
  • Take 5 to 10 minutes daily to self-reflect. Consider all of the things that are going on in your life.
  • Keep a journal. This can be a great way to help self-reflect by looking back.

HR Buzz: Lucasse and Ambrose Award Recipients Announced

Kalamazoo College announced on September 15 that one faculty member and one staff member have earned two of the highest awards the College bestows on its employees. Anne Haeckl, K’s senior instructor in the Department of Classics, received the 2022 Florence J. Lucasse Lectureship for Excellence in Teaching, and Dan Kibby ’91, the enrollment systems manager in the Office of Admission, received the W. Haydn Ambrose Prize for Extraordinary Service.

Read Andy Brown’s full article at https://www.kzoo.edu/news/lucasse-ambrose-awards/.

Congratulations Anne and Dan!

HR Buzz: What’s Buzzing?

HR Buzz launched in February 2021. Nearly 100 readers have subscribed to HR Buzz. We learned about colleagues from a different areas through the Spotlight on series. There have been tips for gardening, grilling, sun safety, and other timely topics. Readers offered contributed with comments and feedback. Now is your chance to play an active role in content development!

What do you, or your colleagues, want to read about?
Send your ideas in an email to renee.boelcke@kzoo.edu or submit a comment below.
Thank you for reading!

Spotlight on

Fun fact: If one department/unit is featured per month, it will take 5 years to feature each unit once.

HR Buzz: Spotlight on the Bookstore, Mail and Copy Center

Small and mighty teams, the Bookstore, Mail and Copy Center are wonderful resources and an oasis in our midst. Let’s learn a little more about these four great colleagues!

Bookstore

The Bookstore staff is comprised of two colleagues, Debbie Thompson and Rick Amundson. Debbie has been at K for 20 years! The Bookstore can be described in these three words: Spirited Customer Service.

A surprising fact about about the Bookstore: The Bookstore and Mail and Copy Center staff dress up for Halloween and the talented Bookstore staff, along with their student workers, will sometimes carve pumpkins in the store.  They even carved a likeness of President Gonzalez one year!

The Bookstore staff sends this message to the K community: The Bookstore is your respite from the outside world. When you come to us you can spend a few minutes wandering the clothes and spirit-ware. You can ask a bookstore employee about styles that might be new and exciting. We can find all the materials for your studies, even those of us who have been out of school for a while. We are here for you and we greet you with a smile. K gives students more in four and we too provide more in the Bookstore.

The Bookstore is a great place to build your wardrobe for Spirit Friday!

Mail and Copy Center

The Mail and Copy Center staff is also comprised of two staff members, Kelly Kribs and Deb Stevens. Kelly has been with K for 15 years. The Mail and Copy Center can be described with these three words: Mail, Packages, Paper.

A surprising fact about the Mail and Copy Center: Students used to pick their mail up at a wooden building in Hicks called the Mail Hut.  There were no locks on the mailboxes and the hut was pretty small.

The Mail and Copy Center sends this message to the K community: The MCC is here for all of your shipping, receiving and copying needs. We can ship *almost anything *almost anywhere in the world. Overnight and express shipping available. We also make copies, posters, programs, brochures and more! Competitive prices too. Of course we sell stamps and supplies as well.

HR Buzz: Grilling Tips

Whether at the park or in the yard, grilling is a great way to enjoy the warmer weather while preparing a hot meal without heating up one’s home. Remembering a few tips will ensure that everyone can safely enjoy deliciously grilled cuisine.

Have something to add? Add your grilling tips in the comments section below.

Tips for grilling meat

No squishing – Squishing meat will squeeze out the taste and moisture.

Consider a meat thermometer – It can be hard to tell meat’s temperature merely by touching it. Confidence in grilling will skyrocket with this one purchase.

Rest all meat – Allow the meat to sit undisturbed (and unsliced) for five to 15 minutes after cooking, as this will allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips for grilling vegetables

Oil the vegetables lightly – Vegetables dry out when they hit the heat without a little oil. Before putting the veggies on the grill, toss them with a light coating of oil. Don’t use too much-it not only adds unnecessary calories but dripping oil causes flare-ups and greasy flavors. Plus, tossing them in oil helps seasoning stick more uniformly.

Know proper cooking times – Some vegetables take a minute or two to cook while others take longer. Denser vegetables, such as potatoes, will take the longest to cook. Keeping them over too-high heat for too long will char them on the outside while keeping them raw on the inside. To prevent burning, sear vegetables over high heat, then move them to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.

Use skewers or a grill basket for smaller items – Cherry tomatoes, zucchini rounds, and mushrooms are great on the grill, but they’re a little unwieldy. To keep smaller vegetables from rolling around or falling though the grate, pierce them on a skewer or use a grill basket. If a grill basket is not available, fold a 24-inch-long piece of heavy-duty foil in half and crimp up the edges to create a lip; this “basket” will prevent the food from falling through while they still get plenty of smokey flavor.

Tips for grilling fruit

Set the grill temperature for between 350 – 450 F – Fruit grills best on a pre-heated surface.

Consider a coat – Some fruits prefer to be oiled while others prefer a light coating of granulated sugar. If  grilling fruit for a savory recipe such as fruit salsa, oiling the fruit is the way to go. Dusting the cut side of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit with granulated sugar before putting them on a hot, oiled grill keeps the rinds from sticking and gives the surface of the fruit a gorgeous, caramelized finish. Some people prefer not to oil or coat their fruit at all.

Grill fruit for 6-8 minutes, flipping once – Let the fruit sit on the hot grill for a few minutes before checking for grill marks; the surface of the fruit needs time to sear so it will not stick.

Tips for grilling anything

Start with a clean grill – Do not let last night’s salmon skin impart a fishy-char flavor to tonight’s chicken breasts. Use a sturdy metal brush to clean the grates in between uses.

Let it cook – In general, the fewer times the food is flipped, the better (once is ideal for most items). If the item is stuck to the grill, let it cook more — it will unstick itself when it is ready for flipping.

Only use grills outside and away from buildings – Grills that are placed too close to the house or other combustible items can heat up adjacent materials and cause a fire to start. Be sure to keep your grill at least 10 feet from your home or other structures.

Make sure the grill is on a flat, level surface – Grills that are placed on slopes or other uneven surfaces can tip over easily and cause a fire.

Wear appropriate clothing – Articles of clothing that have long sleeves or pieces that dangle can catch fire easily when too close to an open flame. When grilling food, wear clothing that will not interfere with the cooking process and make sure that any apron strings are tied back away from your front. If a piece of clothing does catch fire, remember to stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames quickly.

Keep a spray bottle nearby – Keep a spray bottle filled with water beside your grill so that you can quickly extinguish smaller flames before they spread.

Always clean the grill after every use – Barbecuing regularly causes grease to build-up on the grill plates and collect inside the grease tray. If not cleaned, the build-up can then act as fuel and catch fire while the grill is in use. Clean a charcoal or gas grill after each use with a grill brush and empty the grease tray when it begins to fill up.

HR Buzz: Summer Skincare

sunblock, hat, sunglasses, beach

The days are longer and warmer, and the sun is brighter. While the sun brings ultraviolet (UV) rays that are good for lots of things, including the creation of vitamin D, UV rays can also bring health risks.

Here are some ideas for enjoying the outdoors while protecting your health.

  • Wear sunblock (SPF 15+) with both UVA and UVB protection,
  • Stay out of the midday sun,
  • Wear clothes that cover your skin,
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect one’s face, ears, neck, and head,
  • Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect one’s eyes,
  • Avoid indoor tanning.

So apply some sunblock, grab your gear, and some water to enjoy the summer weather while it is here!