The Psychology of Spending and the Effects on Financial Wellness By - - PDF document

From Scraps of Paper Come Big Ideas

By DORIAN M. BURR Public Information Specialist, Publications April 2012 Have you ever been faced with that snarling blank piece of paper, just daring you to create something great? Artists of all kinds know the pain that beginning a project can bring. Fortunately as a graphic designer though, you usually have a client that has some specific idea, concept

• r information that needs to be communicated. The first part of that

process is the easiest, meeting with the client. Whether it’s Web, logo or print design, the creative type will pack a suitcase to bring to the meeting. It’s filled with education, years of experience, customer service and an earnest desire to help someone communicate their message effectively. There may be a pad of paper and a pencil thrown in as well. The brainstorming begins, sketches are made, notes are taken and we excitedly head back to begin our work. Then the pain begins. We are tasked with taking an abstract idea and making it visually appealing and communicative to a wide audience. People might wonder why we’re always laughing. All that laughter is to kill the pain we feel when those creative juices just aren’t flowing. Laughter is a positive way to relieve stress and costs less than throwing your laptop on the floor. Some people say that they love art and wish they had a job where they could “play” all day. Art is hard. Our job is to create something, whether we are in the mood or not, within a timeline, and at the end of the day, be prepared to hear someone say “I really don’t like that.” There is a portion of art and graphics that is simply subjective. Some people will love a particular shade of blue while some people will process it as an undesirable green. Our job is to guide people through basic design concepts, not konk them on the head with them. And there are times when the clients’ suggestions may be better than ours. Learning experiences indeed work both ways. Hopefully the end product is something that the client is happy with and the artist is proud of. You can bet though, it didn’t magically appear on that blank piece of paper.

The Psychology of Spending and the Effects on Financial Wellness

By DORIAN BURR Public Information Specialist, Publications November 2011 Nothing ruins a great sale like a big bag of guilt. I like to shop and love finding “great” deals. But as the space in my house decreases and worry about my spending habits increase, the “fun” part of shopping is diminishing fast. I want my fun back, but realize that learning how to have fun “responsibly” is something I can’t do by myself. To gain insight about how to do this made attending the October Lunch-n- Learn titled “The Psychology of Spending,” a no-brainer. Donda Combs, a financial wellness presenter from the Florida Commerce Credit Union, was a lively instructor who created an atmosphere of camaraderie with her humorous delivery of information to a packed room. I was expecting the “Just Say NO” approach to shopping, something I’ve had little luck with in the past. The strategy she presented of “Just Say YES” to healthy money thinking got my attention right away. Combs began the workshop with the startling statement: “We are bombarded with over 800 ads a day, and that is a conservative figure.” She explained that alliteration and cadence are just a few of the literary devices that advertisers use to snatch our attention. In the process of selling us a product or service some unhealthy money messages are getting passed along as well. Combs then used some illustrations of the human brain to explain that changes in our state of being appeal strongly to some humans. Marketing preys upon this fact. With repetition and time, the hard wiring in our brain can change. That is when the pleasure of shopping might override one’s common sense when it comes to debt control. With 800 messages a day telling you to spend your money, it is no wonder that debt is a problem many of us face. So, what to do? Instead of using negative thinking and language to “discipline” shoppers when shopping inappropriately, Combs suggests using positive language and thoughts to regain a sense of control, which is more likely to lead to action. One tactic Combs introduced was to create our own healthy money messages and talk back to the

• nslaught of ads we are faced with everyday.

“Be creative. Instead of calling your budget a budget, call it an “effective spending and savings plan,” Combs also suggested. Her own spending and savings plan involved figuring out what would bring her sustainable happiness. A sailboat and all it’s associated costs became her carrot at the end of the stick. Combs’ personal example filled me with hope. Wanting to decrease my worry seems like a much smaller goal, and perhaps achievable. Changing my spending habits before retirement by using positive reinforcement, seems much more likely to produce results.

Combs shares with a captive audience the attention-getting amount spent annually on advertising

Combs’ positive spirit and attitude provided me with a positive plan of action, with many practical suggestions from her and the other workshop participants. Below are just some of the tactics I plan on use to not shop until I drop. Becoming Financially Healthy:

• Figure out the situations in your life that are likely to prompt emotional spending.
• Have knowledge of the locations that might generate impulse shopping.
• Be prepared. Plan to replace your shopping with doing. Have a prepared list of activities

you can choose from that aren’t centered on shopping.

• Make an inner commitment to reframe your thinking about shopping.
• Create a checklist to assist you when deciding if it’s appropriate to spend money on

something. § Do I really need this item? § What does it really cost? Is there interest? Are there consequences? § Do I want to dust it? Do I want to keep up the maintenance that will ensure it will stay in working order? § What will happen to me if I don’t get it? § Is this emotional spending? § Will the discomfort of not getting this item pass?

• Place your rational thoughts about spending money in your wallet, next to your debit card.

Helpful Sources: A website that lists things to do in Tallahassee, many of them free. Look for a similar site where you are located: http://www.morethanyouthought.com A website that provides information about it’s financial fitness program. It has a lot of downloadable resources and helpful worksheets: https://www.balancepro.net Brandwashed, by Martin Lindstrom A load of information about the tricks companies use to manipulate our minds and persuade us to buy.

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Life Tips:

Clean Conscience

By Dorian M. Burr Graphic Artist/Photographer, Publications Unit October 2009 Household cleaners are toxic and deadly. Just ask my beloved cat, Hercules. His love of lapping up water after a shower made him deathly ill on two occasions. Rinsing the tub thoroughly after a Scrubbing Bubbles scrub just wasn’t enough. A dirty tub wasn’t an option, so I decided to change things up. I began my mission by educating myself about household cleaners and some of the ingredients that went into them. Chlorine can harm our upper respiratory

• systems. Phosphates and other toxins damage our eco-systems, which in turn sickens, kills and can

genetically alter animals, fish and plants. The list goes on. Suddenly, shopping for the perfectly scented counter top cleaner, without reading the label, made me feel irresponsible. The next step was taking inventory of all the household cleaners that had accumulated in my utility room. I was ashamed at how many opened and half-full cans of Comet I had. Just pitching them wasn’t the right thing to do, so I looked up the location of the City of Tallahassee’s Hazardous Waste Collection Center (http://www.talgov.com/you/solid/hazwaste.cfm#5) and disposed of them properly. The Internet had a lot of good information on how to clean with natural ingredients like baking soda, lemons, “green” dish soap and white vinegar. I had a lot of fun making my own concoctions and labeling the re-usable plastic bottles I put them in. And no, my house does not smell like a pickle. Vinegar is excellent at making odors disappear, not just replacing them, like

• ther odor neutralizers.

My experience in changing from store-bought cleaners to natural ones hasn't been perfect. I still feel the allure of "lavender/vanilla-scented" this and that. But I've gained some space in my utility room, some money in my pocket and the confidence that my cat will die of natural causes, not because I cleaned the bathroom.

Resting Easy: Dorian Burr cuddles Hercules confident that her treasured pet will never again be at risk due to toxic household cleaning supplies. (Photo by Megan Nicole Kane) Clean Conscience: These natural cleaning supplies are pet friendly, people friendly and environmentally safe. (Photo/db)

Rescued Love in Three Acts

By DORIAN M. BURR Public Information Specialist, Publications July 2012 Act I A yin-yang face with the markings of a cow and a very calm demeanor is what sat behind the fenced cage four years ago at the Leon County Animal Shelter. My husband Mike and I were there to pick a companion puppy for our dog Sally May. That was our excuse anyway. This particular puppy’s pound name was Moo-Moo. We had our hearts set on the name Bazooka Joe, with its nifty ready-made nickname, Zooka. We filled out paper work, paid a modest fee and were assured that 3- month-old “Zooka” was in good health. He started coughing on the way home. We did not care. We were in love and knew Sally May would be too. Zooka has grown into a strange but extremely loving dog. Too big to be a lap-dog, he will contort himself into yoga-worthy positions just so he can sit with you, or rather right next to you. Zooka loves body

• contact. Sally May would just as soon be left alone when napping
• r sleeping. She enjoys a rub-down and attention but is just as

happy on her own. Bazooka Joe however demands a certain amount and kind of attention at certain times of the day. He isn’t clingy though; if anything we bug him. We perceive his affection as gratitude for being rescued from the shelter. Act II Two years ago Mike starts telling me about a cat named Bobby that he was feeding behind the restaurant he manages. “His name is Bobby? Does he have a tag?” I asked. “Um, no, that’s just what we named her. She’s just a kitten. It’s Bobbi with an “i” not a “y. “ “I see,” I said, knowing where this was going, or rather where she was going. “And you are sure she’s a girl?” “Yeah, she’s pregnant.” And so began the rescue of Bobbi and Willy with a “y,” the only kitten that survived from her litter. Unlike our 19- year- old indoor cat who makes a run for any open door, Bobbi has little interest in the

• utside. Rainstorms, raccoons and rattlesnakes are so last year to her. She sleeps during the day. That is

to conserve the energy she needs for all her night-time quests for office supplies that she likes to stash under the living room rug.

Bobbi is skittish. You have to have some ninja moves just to give her a few strokes. She does like some

• loving. But it is all on her terms.

Act III So who does Bobbi love? Bazooka Joe. It didn’t happen when we first brought her home. To this day, Sally May remains her nemesis. Her favorite pasttime is to walk as close as she can behind Sally and then briskly run away while poor Sally awkwardly turns to try and nip at her. But when Bazooka Joe enters a room, it turns into an Axe

• commercial. Bobbi prances right up to him and begins

rubbing on him. Bazooka Joe is known to sigh and sit down and patiently wait for her to wear herself out. He will nuzzle her now and then, but mostly remains aloof. There are times Mike and I will shoo Bobbi away from him just to give him a break. We do not know why Bobbi is so fond of Bazooka Joe. Phermones? Does he remind her of Willy’s father? Or do they share the common bond of being chosen and rescued from uncomfortable situations. I know that I am assigning human qualities to these two, but I don’t care. They bring me joy and have rescued me from many a challenging day.

Click to view video

All photos by Dorian Burr

Pain Fades But Love Endures: Hercules (1993-2009)

By DORIAN BURR Graphic Artist/Photographer, Publications October 2010 Hercules lived to eat, sleep, trip me and get rub downs. Losing my beloved cat Hercules last October has been an

• ngoing lesson in managing the pain that comes from losing

a source of unconditional love. His sister Delilah is still alive but in her twilight years. Each day I spend time with her and make effort to cherish her consciously. It is a double-edged sword of love and anticipated pain, for she is my true love. I try not to dwell morbidly on her moments of visible frailty, but view them as practice in what is certainly to come with family, friends and myself. Hercules and Delilah were delightfully mischievous kittens, that helped me cope with the death of a family member and a cat I loved named Lily, in 1993. They were strong for me during the painful break-up of my marriage, and there to enjoy the cat-loving man I brought home, years later. They both cost me great deals of money, after almost perishing twice, from some mysterious ailment, that I now suspect was the cleaner I used on my bathtub. *See October 2010 DFS Insider for the story: http://dfsintranet.fldoi.gov/consumerservices/EM/2009/october/get_a_clue.html Pets teach us valuable lessons about life and death. As a child I had many pets that died in various ways, and the pain was the lesson. I wasn’t conscious of learning until I got older that a broken heart won’t kill you, pain fades and life goes on. Those experiences served me well when I had to care for my mother during her last year of life, shortened due to ovarian cancer.

Love Endures: Dorian Burr with her beloved companion

• f 16-years, Hercules.

Last year, Hercules got sick, a result of being slightly overweight and 16 years old. The realization that I was not only going to experience the absence of this old friend, but also help him during the dying process, was

• hard. I went to the vet and got all the details of the dying process. Being

prepared was helpful and lessened my fear. He had a hard time with pain and discomfort and the day came when I had to take off work to do the sad task of having him euthanized. I ritualized the experience by picking out a beautiful cloth to wrap him in, with a few of his favorite toys. I made sure that my other pets could see that he no longer inhabited his body, and then my husband and I buried him in our yard and planted flowers to mark the spot. Writing these sentences has brought tears to my eyes, but also a sense of peace. Hercules enriched my life, and I was a good mom. Delilah is still here, along with two very grateful feral cats my husband

• rescued. I fear her loss, but am pro-active with love.

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Delilah. Hercules spars with Sally, one of his favorite play pals during his final years.

Gardens Past and Present

By DORIAN M. BURR Public Information Specialist, Division of Administration March 2013 When I was 10 years old, my best friend and I snuck into my father's garden to eat some of the corn he was growing that particular year. We ate both kernel and cob. It was soft yet crunchy and wonderfully sweet and starchy. Hiding among four sparse rows of spindly stalks we ate as much as we thought would go unnoticed. My father's garden was raised plots with brick paths, enclosed with a fence of wooden posts and hog

• wire. The sunniest side of this fence was thick with thorny blackberries. He grew classics like tomatoes,

zucchini, collards and red potatoes, but also some more exotic things like arugula and kohlrabi. Not all of the vegetables were favorites when I was young, but my appreciation for all organic, homegrown produce stems from that time. Our garden did not solely exist outside of our house. Vases of flowers and herbs adorned the center of

• ur family's table most days. Zinnias and rosemary were among my favorite colorful smells. Dinner

conversation included descriptions of birds both local and foreign that my father kept count of weekly. His ability to refer to weeds by their Latin name graced them with more romance than disdain. After dinner he would take me out to show me crazy looking bugs, some beneficial, some not. He was willing to share (lose) up to 50 percent of his crop in order not to use pesticide. The evening of the great corn heist, my father talked of two wild animals he'd seen in the garden eating the corn. I was relieved when he seemed more proud of his corn than angry with our lack of self-control. Weeding was the punishment given. There was much I loved about our garden but weeding was my least favorite chore. Today I do not have a big garden with raised beds. I have a patio garden that sports vegetables, herbs and flowers. It is a fruitful way to multi-task on my weekends. I get exercise and healthy doses of sunlight. I get to support the local bumblebees and birds. It is less about the money saved and more about not suffering less than flavorful veggies from the closest grocery store. My small garden nurtures me as my father's garden nurtured our family. Plants come and go, but gardens last forever.

The Biggest Loser Challenge

By Dorian M. Burr Public Information Specialist Publications Unit August 2009 How would you like it if someone called you a “Big Loser?” Like a winner, if you participated in the Biggest Loser Contest, sponsored by the DFS Division

• f Consumer Services.

Harriet Sespico, Executive Assistant to the Deputy CFO of Consumer Services, organized the contest, after talking with co-workers about weight loss motivation. “We wanted to support each other with our weight loss goals in a fun way,” she said. “Following the NBC Biggest Loser program as a model, helped us establish our goals and get organized to include anyone who was up for a little competition.” The contest began the first week of May and spanned eight weeks, with weigh-ins on Mondays. Dr. Leah Gilbert Henderson, owner of Take Care Nutrition Counseling, offered her services as an experienced dietician. Her approach to weigh loss isn’t just about cutting calories, it is about the value of having a working knowledge about good nutrition. “It is not just about looking good,” said Dr. Gilbert Henderson. “Health, fitness, disease prevention and a healthy body weight lead to a high quality of life and longevity, and all of that depends on good nutrition.” Stefanie Kiedrowski, who works in the Deputy CFO’s office as an Administrative Assistant, sent out weekly e-mails packed with recipes, tips, encouragement and participant’s experiences. She shared her experiences with learning about good nutrition. “I am a cheese and cracker addict and I learned that choosing the right kind is important,” she said. “Laughing Cow Light has 50 percent less fat, so I pair that with a healthy cracker, and then I have a snack that is a good nutrition choice and tastes good too.” And at the end of the eight weeks?

L-R Greg Thomas, Dr. Leah Gilbert-Henderson, Karen Chi and Greg Mauldin are the winners of the Biggest Loser contest. L-R Harriet Sespico, with Dr. Leah Gilbert- Henderson, are about to announce the winners of the Biggest Loser contest.

First prize went to Greg Thomas, Bureau Chief of Education, Advocacy & Research (BEAR). His competitive nature helped him stay the course. He was up against Greg Mauldin, Insurance Specialist, BEAR, who took third place. “Checking in with Greg’s progress, motivated me to stick with it. I wanted to win!” said Thomas. Karen Chi, Staff Assistant in Bureau of Licensing, placed second, and joked that her new motto was, “If it tastes good, don’t eat it.” Everyone was a winner in the Biggest Loser Challenge. The biggest prize was a better understanding of how to manage a healthy lifestyle through good nutritional choices. Losing a few pounds was just a perk. Here is a list of websites that participants found helpful: http://www.zeer.com/ http://www.nutritiondata.com/ http://www.hungrygirl.com/ http://sparkpeople.com/

L-R Greg Mauldin chuckles as Greg Thomas shares that it was his desire to win that drove him to bypass unhealthy snacks.

Clerk Turns Model:

Jamessa Chester, Division of Administration (DOA), showed real versatility as she pedaled sweaters, hats, belts and jewelry at the DOA’s Boutique one minute and then did a turn as a professional hat model ala Vogue magazine. (All photos/db)

FSECC Boutique Party

By DORIAN M. BURR Graphic Artist, Publications Unit January 2010 What do you get when you cross house cleaning, charity, bargains and hard-working state workers? Answer: The FSECC Boutique Party thrown by the DFS Department of Administration. The Gold Room, on the ground floor of the Larson Building, was transformed into a friendly, fun, boutique-like atmosphere, with new and gently used items, donated by

• employees. Shoes and belts lined one wall, with clothes and handbags tastefully hung
• n a donated rack on the other side of the room. The center table was the main

attraction with earrings, necklaces and other jewelry displayed attractively. “Bargains! And to support the FSECC,” answered Shirley Butler, Division of Administration, when asked why she came to the boutique? “Great deals and to support a good cause,” piped in Dewania Seaton, Division of Workers Compensation, as they stood by three long rows of practically new shoes. “When Shajuana Jenkins came up with the idea to have a boutique to support FSECC, I told her to put me on that committee,” said CoCo Collins, Division of Administration. Coco revealed that her favorite part of bargain shopping was the wheeling and dealing. Her best score was a 25-inch color TV marked down to $170 from $400.

Shop & Socialize: What better way to spend your break, expecially when the proceeds go to the FSECC? Donna Graves, Agent & Agency Services (left) and Georgia Dowell, Division of State Fire Marshal, did just that during the recent DOA Boutique event. (Photo/db)

Shajuana Jenkins, Liz Morris, Ramona Fatkin and CoCo Collins were on the committee, and their style was reflected in the atmosphere. Jenkins summed up the experience saying, “It’s about

• accessorizing. You can dress up anything you have with the

right belt, pair of shoes or a pair of earrings. Everyone loves a good deal too! The FSECC got the greatest deal of all, earnings close to $500.

Shop & Socialize: What better way to spend your break, expecially when the proceeds go to the FSECC? Donna Graves, Agent & Agency Services (left) and Georgia Dowell, Division of State Fire Marshal, did just that during the recent DOA Boutique event. (Photo/db) Shopping Experience: Gerri Bennett of DOA found a great blue blouse and a pair of earrings to match during the division’s popular Boutique event, which earned $500 for the Florida State Employees Charitable Campaign (FSECC).

Have you ever been locked up for good?

BY DORIAN M. BURR Public Information Specialist, Publications August 2011 On June 30, in front of co-workers, Denise Wyche- Kenon, Learning and Development Director for the Florida Department of Financial Services, was arrested and driven away by the Leon County Sheriff to be put behind bars for good. Her crime? Wyche-Kenon was accused of having a big heart and charged with being a good sport. Her bail was set at $3,200. Wyche-Kenons’ accuser will never be known, but the local chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) was grateful for the money she helped raise. The “Behind Bars for Good” benefit raises money to help provide services to those with neuromuscular diseases in the Tallahassee Community. “I was a little nervous when I got the first call from the MDA because it sounded so official. The caller told me they had a warrant for my arrest,” said Wyche-

• Kenon. “But when I was told I was accused of having

a big heart, then I knew I was dealing with the MDA.” She was processed at the Capital City Country Club. A first time convict, Wyche-Kenon enjoyed the

• experience. “I was impressed with the tools they provided to raise money. And they provided a pretty good

lunch too.” Terry Kester, the Director of Information Systems, was also “arrested” that day for MDA, but it wasn’t his first

• ffense. He has helped MDA in the past.

“I’m always glad to help out with this association, they are well organized and it is a lot of fun,” Kester said. Together, the two raised enough money to send two local children to MDA summer camp. Kester was picked up in a limo, along with a group of similarly charged people. “It was the easiest trip to jail ever,” he laughed, and added, “my ONLY one!” To learn more information about MDA or how you can become involved visit their website at http://mymda.mda.org.

Denise Wyche-Kenon trades her business suit for prison stripes in the name of charity.

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Jean Jeune, Senior Management Analysis Supervisor, Division of Agent and Agency Services, gives a funny speech about the item he is holding, attempting to convince the audience that he knows what it is.

Checking Out DFS Toastmasters

By DORIAN M. BURR Public Information Specialist, Publications October 2011 The DFS Toastmasters meetings, held on Thursdays at noon, in Room 116

• f the Larson building, have more to offer than just helping people develop

skills for talking in public. Toastmasters Clubs help people build their writing and vocabulary skills, exemplify leadership qualities and to top it off, it’s fun. The open house that was held September 8, featured a homemade chili lunch and a working demonstration of how a meeting is conducted. Every member participates as both speaker and active audience member. During introductions there are handshakes, smiles and eye-contact. Interaction between members exuded respect and professionalism, but with a light, cheerful touch. “The DFS Toastmasters meeting has been around a long time,” said Bob Prentiss, Assistant General Counsel, Office of Insurance Regulation. “I joined in 1995. And DFS stands for Darn Fine Speakers.” “We are an open club, anyone can join. You don’t have to be with DFS/OIR/OFR. Over half our membership is not,” Prentiss explained.

Jason Nelson, Senior Attorney, Office

• f Insurance Regulation, gives an

impromptu speech about a gadget he has just pulled out of a box. Ray Cade, FL Department of Economic Opportunity and Sanjay Shah, IT Consultant, Division of Workers’ Compensation, are a good example of the studious and humorous side of Toastmasters.

Carol Johnson, Records Technician, Division of Agent and Agency Services, was invited to attend a meeting by her supervisor. She attended the Open House and even participated in one of the exercises that had a person speak on a topic they were just given. Carol’s topic was the question, “What is your favorite city and why?” Within 10 seconds she was talking about Tampa and it’s appeal to her. Carol is planning to join in the near future. So check out the DFS Toastmasters Club! Where: Larson Building, Room 116 When: Thursdays Noon Why: http://dfs.freetoasthost.info/index.html From the Toastmasters International website: A Toastmasters meeting is a learn-by-doing workshop in which participants hone their speaking and leadership skills in a no-pressure atmosphere. A typical group has 20 to 40 members who meet weekly, biweekly or monthly. A typical meeting lasts 60–90 minutes. http://www.toastmasters.org/ ¡

Carolyn McGriff, FL Department of Economic Opportunity, is the time- keeper for this meeting, helping everyone stay on task.

Keeping the Home Fires Burning

What you don’t see in the photograph is a lamp behind

• Salimone. He summed up his

gratitude with this, “Like the Motel 6 slogan, they left the light on for me, and now I’m home.”

A Warm DFS Welcome Home: Behind the Scenes

By DORIAN M. BURR Public Information Specialist, Publications February 2012 Nervous his first day back, Lonnie Salimone, Insurance Analyst II, was unsure which floor of the Larson building he was supposed to get off on to report to work.< font home.” was I knew me, for waiting had they what saw and floor fourth the on opened doors When four. three two, buttons pushed just “I> What waited for Salimone was a warm DFS welcome home, with decorations arranged right in front of the elevator doors. Salimone, hired in October 2010, had suddenly been deployed

• verseas for an extended military stay as a naval intelligence
• specialist. His co-workers in the Division of Agent and Agency

Services, Bureau of Investigation, wanted to maintain contact with

• Salimone. Kathy Spencer, Senior Management Analyst

Supervisor brought up the idea of care packages to her co-worker Ray Wenger, Financial Administrator, Kenette Newcombe, Management Analyst I and others. < font was had and the just “I

• Spencer. said sent,” we that items with in pitched everyone

cubicle Kenette?s outside up set box A it. implemented much pretty Emails out sent it, researched Ray day next mentioned> Those items included practical things such as toiletries and food items. It also included toys. Toys serve many purposes; an important one is using them to promote good relations between the soldiers and local families and children.

Click here to to watch a video featuring Salimone

“You could see people’s personalities in the packages. And there was a strong woman's presence there. They included things that I was able to share on and off base, things I wouldn’t have thought of,” Salimone recalled. “And the toys were great. Little rubber duckies that were harmless and joyful, and brought a piece of Americana to the local people I was working with. It was great to feel connected to my co-workers from 7,000 miles away.” Kudos were given to Salimone's wife, Shannon, from everyone, for helping the people in the division feel connected to him as well. “She was the go-between, keeping both sides informed. She even sent us cookies with the messages we received from Lonnie,” said Spencer. The heartfelt energy that went into this endeavor was inspired by Salimone himself. His co-workers described him as “…a kind, gentle person, a sincere asset to our group…” and “…we knew he was a good fit and would be a significant contributor to our bureau…” and finally “…Lonnie is a really good guy, very smart and we look forward to challenging him…” From care packages to a warm welcome home, everyone is a hero in this story. Writers’ Note: Writing this story has been a treat peppered with tears. The humility, humor, camaraderie and professionalism put forward by the people in this bureau and division when faced with a difficult situation, certainly mirrors the standards that DFS strives for. I am proud to be many things, being a DFS employee is certainly one of them.