CHAPARRAL

Welcome to the new "compressed" fall 2001 semester. It would seem that the semester began with very little in the way of problems or hitches other than our normal parking and can't find my class that our students always face. The parking, even for employees, does continue to be difficult but I think we are all coping as well as can be expected with that one. My hint to you is arrive early and then relax, knowing you have found your space. The cafeteria has a great breakfast menu, and you could join your fellow employees in the staff lounge for some before work socializing if you took that path.

Just when we thought we had gotten off to a fairly smooth start, the problems in New York, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon really rocked our lives. Every one of us knows someone or knows of someone who is being deeply affected by this terrible tragedy. I know our Glendale College Family, and I know we are all rising to the occasion and doing what we can to help those in the greatest need.

I want to take this opportunity to remind you again of how uncertain life can be and how important it is that we all "have all our ducks in a row" in our own lives. Please, take the time to make sure everything is up to date in your personal life as well as your Glendale College life. To that end, I offer this list of suggestions:

• Is all of your personal information in HR correct? Address, phone number, dependents, life insurance beneficiaries, final pay warrant assignment?
  
  
• Does someone here know who you want contacted in case of an emergency, and know how to contact them?
  
  
• Does your department or work area have a current phone tree set up to ease emergency notification? If you work in a small area or one with few employees, can you join another phone tree?
  
  
• Do you always call and notify if you are not coming in to work, or if you will be late, so, God forbid, your whereabouts will not become a confusing issue?
  
  
• Are you physically prepared for an emergency? Know where a flashlight is, bottled water, walking shoes, a jacket, a first aid kit, your charged cell phone?
  
  
• Do you have a button set on your radio pre-sets for KFWB 980 on the AM dial for emergency information?
  
  
• Did you ever do something about getting your personal life in order, like a living trust or will?
  
  
• And finally, the most important question? Does everyone in your life know how much you love them and value them every day?
  

Don't just hug the kids when you tell them goodnight, hug everyone and tell them you love them, even if it has been a bad day and you are not sure you LIKE them right then. Take every opportunity to give and gather love and support.

I love and appreciate all of you, my Glendale College Family!