Computer Refresh Prize Winners are Really HAPPY!

It’s an awesome day in the neighborhood for the first group of you who completed the Computer Refresh surveys. Technology Services is conducting two short surveys during our citywide Computer Refresh Project, and they are enticing you to complet...

Take the Training Needs Assessment by September 20

Here’s your opportunity to help the Human Resources Training team help YOU. The link is now open for the Training Needs Assessment Survey. The team is very interested in knowing how to better SERVE your professional development needs.

Taking the survey wil...

SEED Earns STAR North Texas Award

Our Sustainability and Environmental Education division (SEED) was recognized for being stellar stewards of the environment. The City’s Compost Education programs were recently honored with the 2019 STAR (State of Texas Alliance for Recycling) North Texas...

Free Flu Shots are Coming in October

Connect4Health has partnered with Texas Health Resources to provide FREE flu shots! Vaccinations are available to all active employees (full-time, part-time and temporary) and retirees starting the first week of October. A detailed schedule of dates and t...

Check off this To-Do List during National Preparedness Month

Even with advanced warnings, hurricanes like Harvey and Dorian still devastate lives and property. In an emergency, seconds matter and could mean the difference between surviving and not! September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s ...

Bring Your Questions to "Meet the City Manager"

Meet with new City Manager Mark Israelson on Friday, September 20 for an informal chat about next year's budget. All employees are welcome and encouraged to be a part of the discussion.

This open forum gives the city manager an opportunity to share an over...

Put Yourself First for a Change...Join Weight Watchers Next Week

Having meetings at the City creates a supportive environment, which helps you reach your wellness goals! We’re excited to kick off another session of Weight Watchers (WW) Wellness Workshops so you can attend even with a busy schedule!

Start your successful...

Plano Planners Elected to National Association Posts

Two Plano planners will hold offices after recent American Planning Association – Texas Chapter elections. Congratulations to Christina and Esmeralda who are also members of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP):

Christina Sebastian, AICP was...

Let Shanté Akafia Show You How “I SEE U SERVE” Works

By now you’ve seen the I SEE U Serve Cards in breakrooms and other common areas. But you may need some clarity on how to say “thanks, I saw you serve” using these cards. Watch as Human Resources Director Shanté Akafia made one Team Plano member’s day:

Have...

You’ve Got College Spirit! Yes, You do!

The Friday before Labor Day is considered College Colors Day across the nation. Remembering those years of discoveries and traditions brings back fond memories. It’s fun to recall the music, friendships, parties…and the games!

Here are...

NEW…Age Requirements in Effect for Recreation Centers

Parks and Recreation now enforces a new drop-off policy regarding young children.  The department researched the matter thoroughly and considered patron feedback before revising the rules about unattended youth at centers and pools.

Basically, chi...

September’s Inside Plano Talks Festivals, Food & Fun!

It’s getting cooler….just wait for it…and you’ll want to get out again. Well, a quick listen to this month’s Inside Plano Podcast with Shannah Hayley and Steve Stoler takes the guess work out of deciding where to go and what interesting things there are t...

Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill for Food Safety

The symptoms of food poisoning are quite memorable. With September being National Food Safety Month, make it your business to learn how to avoid feeling those symptoms from home-cooked meals.

Improper food handling can cause uncomfortable stomach cramping,...

Team Plano, What’s Your Favorite Peanut Butter?

A contest to determine our employees’ butter-of-choice begins Tuesday, September 3. This challenge is part of the Collin County Peanut Butter Drive which invites each of us to donate and help end hunger for those in need.

City Manager Mark Israel...

Renee Jordan is an NRPA “Directors School” Grad

Congratulations to Park Planning Manager Renee Jordan for accomplishing a career milestone. She recently graduated from the National Recreation and Park Associations Directors School. The Directors School is an exclusive two-year professional development c...

Computer Refresh Survey-takers Can Win BIG PRIZES

Seize the opportunity to put your hands in the Computer Refresh treasure box. A wonderful cache of Team Plano prizes await some lucky people who complete either of these two surveys:

• Computer Refresh Project (CRP) Deployment Survey
• Computer Refresh Project ...

ONLY Weeks Left to Have Your Preventive Exam

Unlike The Rolling Stones’ 1964 hit, “time is NOT on your side” to complete both your preventive exam and biometric screening! If you and your spouse or domestic partner are enrolled on the City’s medical plan as of January 1, 2019, there are ONLY two pre...

Parks Division Staff Shine at Safety Awards Breakfast

As Tina Turner first sang in 1989, “You’re simply the best…better than all the rest!” The Parks division let their staff know just how appreciated they are at its annual Service and Safety Awards breakfast on Augus...

Welcome the Newest Hires to Team Plano!

It’s always a joy when there are new additions to your family – by birth or marriage. It’s no different when the new faces belong to members of your work family.

Team Plano is happy to formally introduce and welcome the follow...

Watch the New Peanut Butter Drive VIDEO

The fact that there are hungry children in such an affluent part of the world is hard to swallow. Join Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, City Council and the North Texas Food Bank for this month-long campaign. From September 1 to 30, all of Collin County will be o...

FEEDBACK WANTED! Is Plano Bicycle Friendly?

The City recently applied to renew its Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists! As part of their review process, the League wants your input on bicycling in Plano. If you’ve ever biked here, please take a minute ...

Reduce Sweat with Beat the Heat Tips

Autumn is a month away, but summers in North Texas tend to go beyond the expiration date. Forecasts are like a broken record, “….extremely hot, reaching temperatures near or above 100 degrees.”

Team Plano employees work in a ...

State Citizen Academy Picked Dawson Officer of the Year

Police Officer Mark Dawson has served the City for 33 years – earning numerous honors over his career. Most recently he was caught totally by surprise to learn he was named 2019's “Officer of the Year" by the Texas Citizen Police Academy Alumni and L...

Plano Police “Take Me Home” System is a Lifesaver

The City provides a unique service to residents who become lost and unable to recall even their name. The Plano Police Department’s (PPD) Take Me Home System is a database to help people who are alone. It’s terrifying to find yourself ...

Say “Sí” to Learning a New Language with Pronunciator

Don’t think that your chance to learn a new language has passed you by! Prepare for next year’s trip to your bucket-list destination by getting a head start on learning a new language now through Plano Public Library’s Pronunciator.

Whether learning a new ...

Severe Weather Poster Winner Showcased in Lobby Display

The current Municipal Center display case features the 2019 poster contest winner from Hickey Elementary. The Emergency Management Department’s annual competition encourages Plano kids to get creative in sharing their ideas. This year the contes...

What does SERVE’s Respectful Value Look Like?

Well…the best answer is it looks like YOU – on the job…taking care of business AND each other.

Over the past couple of days, Elsa Gonzales-Diaz and Haley Kreidler from Risk Management took to the streets of Plano armed with hydration kits. The care package...

Hey! Schedule Your Computer Refresh Training Session

The Computer Refresh Project has begun – ARE YOU READY? Everyone gets a new computer or laptop during this citywide project – a huge job. This effort replaces our aging desktop technology and:

• Improves security while reducing cyber risk...

Are Student Loans a Boat Anchor on Your Finances?

Let the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program relieve the drain on your bank account. First, you must find out if you qualify for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). In addition, you must be working full-ti...

Place the Benefits Guide in the Palm of Your Hand

The truth is, benefits info is rarely handy when and where we need it. Many of us skim through brochures once every year and file it away, never to be seen again. Sometimes it’s difficult to find information without flipping or scrolling through...

Does Your Home Need Emergency Repairs?

Home repair emergencies often happen out of the blue and pose a real drain on family finances. The City of Plano Housing Rehabilitation Program may be the answer to fixing the problem.

There are grants, through this HUD-supported program, to assist low-inc...

Open Garage Doors, a Welcome Sight to Criminals

Here’s a summer safety tip from Plano Police Public Information Officer David Tilley, “Close garage doors to prevent crime.” That may sound like an unnecessary warning to you, but criminals don’t take a break just b...

SERVE’s “Respectful” Value: What does it look like?

Kindness. Courtesy. Politeness. Treating everyone the same regardless of factors like age, ethnicity or position. These very common character traits aren’t always common in the workplace. Expert reports indicate a workforce’s job satis...

“Sharing is Caring” with Team Plano Social Recruiting

Who likes to share? Were we taught as kids to give a portion of what we had because “sharing is caring?” Popeye fans may recall “I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today”…guess that’s s...

One Voice Committee Helps Spread the Word

There’s an old saying, “communication is key.” True enough for all manner of human connections – on and off the job. Sharing information involves knowing the WHAT and the WHY in order to “effectively&r...

Michelle’s “Congratulations Emails” Mean You’ve Saved $600

It’s one of the coolest email messages you’ll get this year! If you receive notification from Senior Wellness Coordinator Michelle Gifford (Congratulations! You have earned your Connect4Health Premium Incentive for Plan Year 2020 by co...

Will the Real Jordan White Please Stand Up!

The Human Resources Benefits team wants to introduce you to Jordan White, our Personal Health Pro.

Many of you have used Alight’s Compass Healthcare as a trusted resource when making important medical decisions. Their expert answers complex healt...

Need Medical Care While Traveling?

The worst thing that can happen on a long-awaited adventure isn’t missing a flight or losing your luggage – it’s getting sick. Even after pre-travel visits to the doctor, as well as packing germ-fighting sanitizers and medica...

Human Resources Takes their Benefits Show “On the Road Again”

Like Willie Nelson, Human Resources (HR) just can’t wait to get on the road again with YOUR benefits news! The HR Benefits and Wellness Team is bringing their “roadshow” to a conference room, breakroom or vehicle bay near you...

Buy PlanoCRX Meds with REVISED Order Form

Beginning January 1, the City will have a new mail order drug program available for all eligible employees, retirees and their dependents. The new cost saving program, PlanoCRX, can be used for brand name prescriptions.

PlanoCRX is a voluntary&...

Are Your Bones Telling You Something?

Join local Texas Health Plano doctors on Wednesday, September 18 for a frank discussion about your bones. Orthopedic surgeons Drs. Karim Elsharkawy and Corey Grantham, along with spine surgeon Dr. Ricky Kalra talk about the meaning of:

• Popping backs
• Knees t...

Check off this To-Do List during National Preparedness Month

Even with advanced warnings, hurricanes like Harvey and Dorian still devastate lives and property. In an emergency, seconds matter and could mean the difference between surviving and not! September is National Preparedness Month and this year’s theme “Pre...

Free Flu Shots are Coming in October

Connect4Health has partnered with Texas Health Resources to provide FREE flu shots! Vaccinations are available to all active employees (full-time, part-time and temporary) and retirees starting the first week of October. A detailed schedule of dates and t...

Put Yourself First for a Change…Join Weight Watchers Next Week

Having meetings at the City creates a supportive environment, which helps you reach your wellness goals! We’re excited to kick off another session of Weight Watchers (WW) Wellness Workshops so you can attend even with a busy schedule!

Start your ...

NEW…Age Requirements in Effect for Recreation Centers

Parks and Recreation now enforces a new drop-off policy regarding young children.  The department researched the matter thoroughly and considered patron feedback before revising the rules about unattended youth at centers and pools.

Basically, chi...

Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill for Food Safety

The symptoms of food poisoning are quite memorable. With September being National Food Safety Month, make it your business to learn how to avoid feeling those symptoms from home-cooked meals.

Improper food handling can cause uncomfortable stomach cramping,...

September’s Inside Plano Talks Festivals, Food & Fun!

It’s getting cooler….just wait for it…and you’ll want to get out again. Well, a quick listen to this month’s Inside Plano Podcast with Shannah Hayley and Steve Stoler takes the guess work out of deciding where to go and what interesting things there are t...

FEEDBACK WANTED! Is Plano Bicycle Friendly?

The City recently applied to renew its Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists! As part of their review process, the League wants your input on bicycling in Plano. If you’ve ever biked here, please take a minute ...

ONLY Weeks Left to Have Your Preventive Exam

Unlike The Rolling Stones’ 1964 hit, “time is NOT on your side” to complete both your preventive exam and biometric screening! ALL PRE-65 year olds.....If you and your spouse or domestic partner are enrolled on the City’s medical plan as of January 1, 201...

Public Records Request Process Changes

Your City of Plano open record requests are going to be a lot easier starting Sunday, Sept. 2. The two biggest improvements are:

• openrecords@plano.gov is the only email address to send requests
• Faxes are no longer accepted

The process for requesting public r...

Tips for Lowering Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, hypertension, is an issue very common in seniors and is also a major health problem. According to the National Institute of Aging, high blood pressure can often lead to eye problems, kidney failure, stroke and heart disease. There are...

Top 6 Tips for Adjusting to Retirement

Retirement – the word conjures up wonderful visions of being on vacation all the time, sleeping late and indulging in hobbies. We save for retirement in a variety of ways, working and waiting until the day when we decide that it's time.

Not every...

Watch the New Peanut Butter Drive VIDEO

The fact that there are hungry children in such an affluent part of the world is hard to swallow. Join Mayor Harry LaRosiliere, City Council and the North Texas Food Bank for this month-long campaign. From September 1 to 30, all of Collin County will be o...

Know Some of the Routine Medical Tests for Seniors

A wide range of screening and preventive measures are recommended for people over the age of 65. These guidelines, based on extensive clinical data, come from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Consi...

Understand the 2019-20 Proposed Tax Rate

If you own a home in Plano, do you know what your estimated tax bill will be? Homeowners in this City receive homestead exemption, but what about seniors or disabled individuals?

Keeping track of local property tax facts is important to your family&rsq...

Say “Sí” to Learning a New Language with Pronunciator

Don’t think that your chance to learn a new language has passed you by! Prepare for next year’s trip to your bucket-list destination by getting a head start on learning a new language now through Plano Public Library’s Pronunciator.

Whether learning a new ...

Seniors and Travel: You’ve Earned Time to See the World

The children are grown and retirement is not just a dream, it’s a reality. So, if you no longer need to worry about putting in vacation requests, now is the time to explore. Aging has its perks. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane, ship or train, it’s ...

Mediterranean Diet May Slow Cognitive Decline and Prevent Alzheimer’s

A new review concludes the Mediterranean diet is good for the brain. This was determined after finding that people who follow the diet are less likely to experience cognitive decline and develop Alzheimer's disease.

The Mediterranean diet incorporates a hi...

State Citizen Academy Picked Dawson Officer of the Year

Police Officer Mark Dawson has served the City for 33 years – earning numerous honors over his career. Most recently he was caught totally by surprise to learn he was named 2019's “Officer of the Year" by the Texas Citizen Police ...

Plano Police “Take Me Home” System is a Lifesaver

The City provides a unique service to residents who become lost and unable to recall even their name. The Plano Police Department’s (PPD) Take Me Home System is a database to help people who are alone. It’s terrifying to find yourself in this predicament ...

Energize Your Senses with a Sam Johnson Center Membership

Every day’s schedule is a blast of fun, helpful and stimulating classes, trips and special events. Take a quick look at the Sam Johnson Recreation Center (SJC) newsletter TRENDSETTER to confirm you are missing out on so many experiences in Plano...

Read the Facts Clearly about Cataracts

Don’t suffer in silence if your vision isn’t what it used to be, especially if there’s a simple fix. Cataracts could be the culprit. A cataract is a clouding of the lens and are very common in older people. By age 80, more th...

Join Heritage Farmstead Museum’s Senior Series

The Farmstead Museum regularly hosts children on school field trips, but now focuses on a slightly older crowd. They’ve created a senior-focused program, Young at Heart: 55+ Exceeding the Limit. This is an educational program designed specifical...

How to Treat Back Pain as You Age

Is growing older giving you back pain? This all-too-common part of aging doesn't have to be a daily struggle, if you identify your back pain symptoms and treat them properly.

As much as we try to fight the symptoms of aging, some foes are greater than othe...

Updating Beneficiary Designations: Why It's So Important

How long has it been since you updated your beneficiary list? When you sign up for TMRS, life insurance, ICMA-RC or any other bank or investment account, you are required to list a beneficiary to receive the proceeds should you pass away. Oftentimes, peop...

Switch to Renewable Energy and Win

Did you know many energy providers offer 100% renewable energy plans? Choose an energy plan with electricity generated from clean and renewable sources, like wind and solar. You reduce air pollution and make it a little easier for everyone to breathe when...

Are Student Loans a Problem for Someone You Know?

You may know of someone who needs help paying off big student loans long after they’ve graduated from college. If so, tell them about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to help relieve the drain on their bank accounts. Individuals must first find...

Improve Your Quality of Life through WCOA

The Wellness Center for Older Adults (WCOA) offers a variety of services and programs to seniors and caregivers. Located in the Sam Johnson Recreation Center, 401 16th Street, this nonprofit organization is dedicated to helping you achieve your highest le...

Does Your Home Need Emergency Repairs?

Home repair emergencies often happen out of the blue and pose a real drain on family finances. The City of Plano Housing Rehabilitation Program may be the answer to fixing the problem.

There are grants, through this HUD-supported program, to assist low-inc...

Open Garage Doors, a Welcome Sight to Criminals

Here’s a summer safety tip from Plano Police Public Information Officer David Tilley, “Close garage doors to prevent crime.” That may sound like an unnecessary warning to you, but criminals don’t take a break just because it’s warm outside.

Tilley has spok...

Michelle’s “Congratulations Emails” Mean You’ve Saved $600

It’s one of the coolest email messages you’ll get this year! All PRE-65 year olds, if you receive notification from Senior Wellness Coordinator Michelle Gifford (Congratulations! You have earned your Connect4Health Premium Incentive fo...

Pre-65ers ALERT: Need Medical Care While Traveling?

The worst thing that can happen on a long-awaited adventure isn’t missing a flight or losing your luggage – it’s getting sick. Even after pre-travel visits to the doctor, as well as packing germ-fighting sanitizers and medica...

MEDICARE Changes After 2020 Affect your Dollars

You heard the news at the Quarterly Retiree Lunch about a major change to a Medicare Plan. Now you’re wondering, “Why is Medicare Supplement Plan F being phased out in 2020?”

As of January 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan F will no longer be sol...

Share Your Green Thumb with the Community Garden

If you’ve got extra time on your hands and a green thumb, lend them to the Plano Community Garden. Helpers of all experience levels are needed to work in this garden, as long as you’re at least 13 years old.

In 2007, this began with a p...

Mandatory Training for 2019 Focuses on “ETHICS”

All Team Plano employees are required to participate in mandatory training each fiscal year. The subject matter of the training changes every year. As a requirement for 2019, you will need to complete the SkillSoft course “Business Ethics” by January 31, ...

Training & Development

The Human Resources department offers an extensive catalog of training opportunities for all job types and levels. Refer questions to Senior Training Coordinators Tony Beasley or Debbie Speed at 972-941-7339 and 972-941-7217, respectively. Here are some o...