Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind, Inc.

June 2002

2002 Employee of the Year

Herbert Everett

A special recognition is extended to Herbert Everett, our 2002 employee of the year and recipient of the Russell G. Broaddus Employee of the Year Award. Herbert Everett is also this year's nominee for the national Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award. The Peter J. Salmon Employee of the Year Award was established in 1968 by the Board of Directors of National Industries for the Blind (NIB) in cooperation with the General Council of Industries of the Blind (GCIB) to recognize outstanding blind workers. The award is named for the late Peter J. Salmon, who was instrumental in the passage of the Wagner-O'Day Act in 1938 and who was an advocate for persons who are blind.

This year has proven to be a great one for Herbert, who was also promoted to Section Head in our Pillow Department. Barry Wilson, Manufacturing Manager, comments that his "decision was an easy one to make since Herbert is dedicated, cares about what he does, takes his work seriously, and is well-liked and respected." Herbert felt a lot of similarities between his nomination for Employee of the Year and promotion to Section Head in that "both felt great and were unexpected". Raleigh Lions Clinic has been a good employer for Herbert since he truly enjoys his co-workers and the many benefits offered. Herbert has been part of the Raleigh Lions Clinic since April 2000.

As a native of Wilmington, NC, it comes as no surprise that Herbert enjoys fishing on the coast. He likes camping and hiking in the mountains, NCSU basketball and football, and is an avid bowler. Herbert, with a 175 bowling average has been with the Raleigh Outlaws since 1996. The Raleigh Outlaws were named the national champions in St. Louis in 2001 and are proud to be in the Bowling Hall of Fame. Herbert also credits the success of the team to fellow teammates and employees of the Raleigh Lions Clinic, Albert Roberson, Reginald Blount, Judy Eason, Jeff Tucker and Ricky Stanley. Best of luck to Herbert and all the Raleigh Outlaws in the Houston, Texas Tournament.

What is Herbert's outlook on life? "Give God some time and always try to always help out your fellow man". This philosophy has truly helped Herbert in achieving the successes he has accomplished today. Congratulations to Herbert in his nominations and much success in the future!

RLCB FEDERAL SUPPLY CENTER OPENS

Ribbon Cutting at RLCB Federal Supply Center

Pictured from the left: Jim Wells, Raleigh Lions Clinic; Jan Brooks, GSA; Bess Garrett, Georgia Dept. of Labor; and Bob Ward, NIB.

On February 4th we opened RLCB Federal Supply Center in the Atlanta Federal Center (AFC) and conducted ribbon cutting/grand opening ceremonies on April 22nd. Although the Center is similar to our Base Supply Stores on military installations, this is the Clinic's first undertaking in a federal facility and we are thrilled about the probability of employing numerous blind associates.

The AFC is made up of a number of federal agencies housed in several buildings: Martin Luther King, Richard B. Russell Federal Courthouse, and the Sam Nunn Federal Complex (former Rich's Department store, Bridge, Mid-rise and Sam Nunn buildings). Our Center is suspended over Forsyth Street on the eighth floor of the Bridge, which connects the Mid-rise with the Sam Nunn building.

The AFC is downtown; a block from Underground Atlanta, cattycorner to the five points Marta stop, and situated between Turner Field and the Georgia Dome. Two of our associates Robert Greene, our blind cashier, and Cassandra Johnson, ride the train to and from work everyday. Joe Brown is our store manager.

NEW EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH THE RALEIGH LIONS CLINIC FOR THE BLIND

The Raleigh Lions Clinic is pursuing employment of persons who are blind through the Service Contract Act. We recently inquired about this possibility with NIB and they informed us of an opportunity in Butner, NC with the Bureau of Prisons. The position opening is that of General Clerk II and DSB has assisted in identifying a candidate for the job. We hope this is the beginning of numerous opportunities to assist persons who are blind in employment through the Service Contract Act.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT

The Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind continues to assist persons who are blind in employment opportunities through its Supported Employment program funded by a grant through N.C. Division of Services for the Blind. We are currently serving 31 persons, 18 who are employed and 16 awaiting employment. If you know of employers who have job openings, please notify Melaney Stein @ 919-833-8611.

NEW SECURITY SYSTEM IN PLACE

For the benefit of Raleigh Lions Clinic employees, a new security system has been put into place. All visitors must enter the building by the front entrance and check in with the receptionist. Visitors with appointments must obtain a visitor pass and wait in the lobby for the staff with whom they have an appointment. No visitors are allowed anywhere in the building without a visitor pass and authorization from management.

IMPORTANT SAFETY UPDATE

IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT: If you are involved in an accident on the job, regardless of its seriousness, you are required to report it immediately to your supervisor. Appropriate treatment will be determined by those who have been chosen as first aid designees and referral will be made if determined as medically necessary.

AMERICAN RED CROSS CPR/AED/FIRST AID TRAINING: We recently had three staff persons attend training, which would enable RLCB to be better equipped to handle emergency situations. Those attending were: Melaney Stein, David Martin and Quinn Woolard. These individuals should be notified immediately in case of an emergency in the order stated above.

A SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT!

Please note it is mandatory that all employees wear safety equipment when performing jobs which require it (i.e. safety goggles, ear plugs, gloves, etc.). Safety is of the utmost importance at the Raleigh Lions Clinic. Use common sense. Always lift using the proper body mechanics, use appropriate machine guards, safety equipment and keep aisles free of blockage. Please notify your supervisor of any safety hazards.

APPOINTMENT LIST REMINDER

For scheduling purposes, remember to place your name on the appointment list at the front desk if you wish to see persons re: Credit Union (Tuesday only), Social Security, Social Services, medical assistance, benefits, etc.).

2002 SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES

The allowable gross monthly earnings (Substantial Gainful Activity) are $1,300.00 for persons who are blind and receive SSDI. This is the monthly limit that Social Security allows a blind person to earn when receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Please remember that earnings do not include certain impairment-related expenses. Asset limits for determining SSI (Supplemental Security Income) continue to be $2,000.00 for an individual and $3,000.00 for a couple.

MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT REMINDER

As you know, the Board of Directors approved the Medical Reimbursement program for this fiscal year (July 1, 2001-June 30, 2002). An eligible employee can receive reimbursement for medical and dental claims for themselves or qualified dependents that have not been paid by any insurance plan up to the limit of $200.00 this plan year. Please remember to send in outstanding Medical Reimbursement claims by June 30th if possible, for accounting purposes. However, the plan allows a ninety-day grace period (through September 30th) for claims from the prior plan year to be submitted for processing.