And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14 (NRSV)

News

The Intercom will resume Jan. 9. Best wishes for a restful, joyous Christmas celebration!

On behalf of my extended family, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for all the prayers, words of support and encouragement you gave to us all while my sister, Cheryl, gallantly battled cancer. Saturday morning she went to her eternal home in the arms of God. We will be celebrating her life on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 11 a.m. at Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church.
Laurie Owens, executive coordinator for the office of the president

I wish to thank everyone for their support with prayers, cards, flowers and gifts during my husband’s illness and recent passing. Your concerns and prayers for my husband, son and me were very uplifting. I’m so blessed to work where there are so many genuinely compassionate colleagues. With heartfelt gratitude.
Lisa Snyder, executive assistant to the vice president for operations

WCLR, a radio station in Louisville, Ky. is running a series of programs on “Catholicism and Science,” supervised by Christopher Graney, a Catholic astronomer. For the program broadcast on Dec. 11, Dr. Graney interviewed Ted Davis, professor of the history of science, about his work on Robert Boyle—even though Boyle and Davis are not Catholic. A podcast is available at here (click on Dec. 11 to listen).

Messiah 411

World Vision donations available at Employee Christmas Luncheon

The theme for this year’s Employee Christmas Luncheon is the “Global Christmas Village” and in that spirit we are offering the opportunity to give to World Vision initiatives. Please bring your donation box along with you to the luncheon on Friday.  When you arrive, choose how your contribution is distributed by depositing your change box in the corresponding collection bin – chickens, clean water or soccer balls! All donations are optional and no gift is too small. Please contact Heather Ryan, human resources, at hryan@messiah.edu or ext. 2289.

Reminder from campus events

In preparation for Christmas break, campus events will make rounds on Monday, Dec. 23 and Tuesday, Dec. 24 to pick up trash from offices and common areas. Please make sure all trash items are placed in your trash cans and the cans are placed outside of your office door; once emptied they will be returned to your office.

Office of payroll important information

See attachment for payroll’s winter newsletter.

“Messiah Goes to the World Cup” phase three registration begins

More than 100 employees are regularly recording their activity in a program we’ve called “Messiah Goes to the World Cup.” Since we began in Sept., we’ve accumulated over 16,000 miles and have symbolically sent three of our soccer players to Brazil for next summer’s World Cup (every 4,800 miles sends a player). Drew Frey, Jack Thompson and Brian Ramirez were the three players chosen so far by the participants. We hope to send several more before the academic year ends. If you would like to participate in the next six-week phase which begins on Jan. 5, click on the appropriate link below. The recording is done on the Café Well site which the link will take you to. If you are new to the program, you will also need to email the screen name that you choose to use when you record your exercise to HAPA_Wellness@cvty.com. More details on the program can be found at Messiah’s wellness website.

Links to register for phase three:

WALK III

RUN III

CYCLE III

SWIM III

EXERCISE III

January Wellness Workshop announced

January’s wellness workshop will be presented on Thursday, Jan. 16, from 12-12:45 p.m. The topic, “Stress and our Bodies…Hitting ABOVE the Belt” will be presented by Doug Miller. Doug is Messiah’s wellness director and a professor in the health and human performance department. Plan now to attend this important session and learn some of the ways that our mind and body links impact our health.

A few tips to keep in mind during snow removal operations on campus

• Snow equipment operates slowly. Begin slowing down when driving or walking away as soon as you see a snowplow and staff doing snow removal. The most common accidents during snow removal efforts can be motorists hitting the rear ends of snowplows or pedestrians walking out in front of snow equipment.
• Stay well behind the snowplow and other snow removing equipment when walking or driving. Because snow removing equipment is large and used when visibility is compromised, it can be difficult for our staff to see directly behind their trucks and other equipment when removing snow or spreading salt.
• Be extremely cautious when walking near snow equipment. It can be suddenly thrust sideways by drifts and hard snow-pack. It is also important to not walk out in front of or behind equipment.
• Only pass snow equipment when you can be sure the road ahead is clear of vehicles and pedestrians. Be patient and wait for the driver to see you. They may pull over so traffic can safely pass.
• Snowplows and traffic cause light snow to swirl. It can become difficult or impossible to see the plow and the roadway and also for the plow operator to see you when walking or driving near equipment.
• Whether walking or driving, never pass a plow or any snow removal equipment on the right. Make sure that the equipment operator can clearly see you before walking around or passing equipment on the left.
• Plows aren’t just removing snow. They may also be spreading sand or deicer on our roads, parking lots and sidewalks. Maintain a safe distance behind snow equipment to avoid being sprayed with deicing material.
• Be careful when approaching plows that may be spreading sand or deicer. The operator may not be able to shut the spreaders off when you approach. Reduce speed when meeting a plow and move as far right as you safely can to prevent windshield damage.
• Watch for snow equipment that may be turning around at street intersections and on sidewalks.
• Never walk out into the street in front of a moving snow plow. Because of the size of the equipment, it will take longer for that equipment to be able to stop.

Our staff do their very best to provide a safe environment for our students, staff and visitors. Please be extra cautious when walking or driving on campus during snow removal operations.

Christmas tree safety reminders

Christmas is a wonderful time of year—a time to celebrate our Lord’s birth. But it can also bring with it unique safety hazards. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these tips on Christmas tree safety.

Picking the tree

• If you have an artificial tree, be sure it is labeled, certified or identified by the manufacturer as fire retardant.
• If you have a live tree, choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 1- 2 in. from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand daily.

Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of mini string sets and a maximum of 50 bulbs for screw-in bulbs. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of LED strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

This NFPA/UL video demonstrates the flammability of a dry Christmas tree versus a tree that has been watered regularly.

Flu season reminders

It’s that time of year: cold and snow; Christmas lights, carolers, holiday cheer and flu season. According to OSHA, the best way to reduce employee risk of exposure to the flu virus in the workplace is to use good hygiene precautions and to avoid close contact with ill people (in non-health care workplaces). Here are their recommendations:

• Get vaccinated.
• Speak with your doctor and find out if you are in a high risk category for seasonal flu. If so, it is especially important to consider a flu shot.
• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve(s). Throw tissues into a “no-touch” wastebasket.
• Clean your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
• Wash your hands frequently. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub as an interim measure until hand washing is possible. When using soap and water, rub soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds, rinse with water and dry completely.
• Keep frequently touched common surfaces (telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.
• Try to limit the use of a coworker’s phone, desk, office, computer or other work tools and equipment.
• Avoid shaking hands or coming in close contact with coworkers and others who may be ill.
• Stay in shape. Eat a healthy diet. Get plenty of rest, exercise and relaxation.

Classifieds

Free:

28 in. Energy Star tube television — Contact Rhonda King at rking@messiah.edu or 717-503-3454.

For sale:

Dark tobacco computer desk — originally purchased at Target. $20; White flower girl dress — Size 7, worn once. $10; Red sheer curtains – Two 52 in. x 84 in. panels and four 52 in. x 63 in. panels. All for $5. Contact Rhonda King at rking@messiah.edu or 717-503-3454.