A NEWSLETTER BY AND FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF HARFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Executive Summary:

Giving Thanks Do you know how lucky you are?

November is a special time of year when most Americans give thanks for the blessings they have. Unfortunately some go about Thanksgiving as routine and mundane just another day of the week. This year I urge each of us to pause to consider what we should be truly thankful for. I am thankful we live in a country that is a democracy. We enjoy many freedoms others cannot imagine. Freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to travel unrestricted, the right to a free public education, and the freedom to pursue whatever type of employment we want. I am thankful for our strong, well-trained armed forces that stand guard each day protecting us from those around the world who wish to do us harm. There are many in this world that worry each night they might be driven from their homes by bombs or bullets or terrorist. We do not have that worry. I am grateful to work at work worth doing and to have enough resources to provide for my family. There are many in the world that do not have enough food or clothing or even a place to lay their head at night.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Executive Summary HR Update Lincoln Financial Sick Leave Bank Green Stars October EOM Know Your Numbers

1 David R. Craig, Harford County Executive

The Reverend Richard Fewkes expressed Thanksgiving this way.

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Do you have your health? Do you have your eyes to see with, ears to hear with, and hearts to love with? Can you see and appreciate the beauty of the world around you in nature and in art. Can you enjoy the wonder of reading a good book or watching a movie or play? Are you blessed with people you can call friends and family who love you? Can you sing and laugh or cry and know that life is the most wondrous gift of all though you may never fully know why? Do you know how lucky you are? Yes, do you know how lucky you are? Recently Harford County experienced one of the strongest and most dangerous weather events in decades, Hurricane Sandy. Many homes were damaged and our volunteer fire and emergency medical service providers handled hundreds of emergency calls for service related to the storm. In the end, Harford County fared much better than many other communities including our neighbors to the south in Virginia, and to the north in New Jersey and New York. Thousands of people lost everything to Hurricane Sandy. Fortunately for us, that was not the case here in Harford County. Once again, do you know how lucky you are? Melinda and I are thankful for our family, friends and the dedicated professionals of Harford County government who worked tirelessly through Hurricane Sandy to keep us safe. I hope the citizens of Harford County take time to give thanks for the help they receive not only during emergencies such as Hurricane Sandy, but each and every day from our employees. I know I have. May each of you enjoy the blessing of a safe, healthy Thanksgiving and take time this year to give thanks for the blessings you have. Do you know how lucky you are?

Tech Tips

Cordially,

Milestones

David R. Craig Harford County Executive

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Do You Know Who Your Beneficiaries Are?

H. R. Update
submitted by Beth Griffith Just as a reminder, you have designated beneficiaries for your basic life insurance policy provided by the County and your pension plan through the State Retirement Agency. Beneficiaries are also designated on policies for Supplemental Life Insurance through ING, AFLAC and Deferred Compensation. To verify your beneficiaries, please contact Tamara Simmons at [email protected].

Use or Lose Annual Leave

submitted by Beth Griffith Annual leave balances that exceed 320 hours for full time employees (pro-rated for those employees who accrue leave and work less than 80 hours per pay period) will automatically be rolled over into a 106 Premium Reimbursement Account with Nationwide.
Scott T. Gibson, Human Resources Director

Nationwide will be holding meetings in January, 2013 to assist with new enrollments and discuss investment options for both new and current enrollees. Meeting schedule to follow. Please email Beth Griffith at [email protected] with any questions or concerns regarding the 105 (h) or 106 accounts.

Employee Assistance Program

submitted by Janet Schaub We feel that it is important to remind employees about the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This program is always available to any employee who needs assistance with the following problems/issues: emotional, financial, marital, substance abuse to include alcohol, family and legal. This service provides a confidential evaluation, consultation and referral, if needed. An employee is entitled to three (3) visits at no cost to the employee. After 3 visits, a fee may be involved and/or coordination with your health insurance carrier may be required depending on the issue being addressed. For some of us, these are very stressful times with the holidays approaching, trying to juggle personal life with work, etc. There is nothing wrong with seeking assistance. No one should feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek help. No one can help you unless you want to help yourself. If you need assistance, we would encourage you to take the first step and contact the EAP provider directly at 410-583-2222 or 1-800-583-2220. You can contact the provider directly without going through Human Resources. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Human Resources at anytime.

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Welcome to New Jobville

An article contributed by Lincoln Financial Group Now that youve just arrived, make sure you enroll in your Harford County Government retirement plan and consider where to park the money in your former employers plan. Even if youre working for the same employer as last year, but havent participated in your plan yet, you still have a new job the job of planning for retirement. Pull over for a quick maintenance stop and check your savings engine. Across the country, Jobville residents (employees) are taking advantage of employer-sponsored retirement plans like the one available to you. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates 70% of all workers who are offered defined contribution plansand 76% of workers offered any retirement plansdecide to take advantage of them.1 Dont forget about the money youve accumulated in your former employers retirement plan: It may be in your interest to roll it over to your new employers plan. Youll have just one statement to read, one account to track, and your money will continue growing tax-deferred, just as it is now. Or, you may want to consider a Rollover IRA. A Rollover IRA is a type of traditional Individual Retirement Account designed to help you preserve and build your retirement assets while remaining invested on a tax-deferred basis. Youre in the drivers seat, but you dont have to drive alone. Let a pro take the wheel every once in a while. Compared to other retirees, todays top-saving retirees get more advice from financial professionals (not just from their friends and neighbors).2 Your Lincoln representative can help you negotiate the twists and turns to reach your retirement destination. Call for directions today!

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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Retirement benefits: Access, participation, and take-up rates data table, www.bls.gov, June 2011. Lincoln Financial Life Stages Study: Retirement Power, www.myconfidentfuture.com/retirementpower, May 2011.

Our representative from Lincoln Financial, Stephanie Gavrilis, will be available: December 4 and December 19, 2012 from 10:00 AM 3:00 PM in the Department of Human Resources for new enrollments and changes/updates to existing accounts. Appointments are required. Please contact Beth Griff ith a t 410 -638 -3202 or [email protected].

Mutual funds and variable annuities are sold by prospectus. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a mutual fund and in the case of a variable annuity, the variable contract and its underlying investment options. To obtain a mutual fund or variable annuity prospectus that contains this and other information call: 800 4LINCOLN. Read the prospectus carefully before investing or sending money.
Variable annuities are long-term investment products designed particularly for retirement purposes and are subject to market fluctuation, investment risk and possible loss of principal. Variable annuities contain both investment and insurance components and have fees and charges, including mortality and expense, administrative and advisory fees. Optional features are available for an additional charge. The annuity's value fluctuates with the market value of the underlying investment options, and all assets accumulate tax-

deferred. Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59, may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty. Withdrawals will reduce the death benefit and cash surrender value. There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in an IRA or other tax-qualified plan. Variable annuities sold in New York are issued by Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. For all other states, variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company does not solicit business in the state of New York, nor is it authorized to do so. Contractual obligations are backed by the claims-paying ability of the appropriate issuing company. The mutual fund-based programs include certain services provided by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. (LFA), a broker/dealer (member FINRA) and an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Group, 1300 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Unaffiliated broker/dealers also may provide services to customers.

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Sick Leave Bank Update

submitted by Jim Ellwood

The last Sick Leave Bank (SLB) update was provided in August and August was also the last time the board met. All of the board members were in attendance. I tell you that because during our meetings we have lengthy discussions and cover several alternatives to various situations concerning cases. We do this in preparation for future voting via email to assist in reducing the amount of time board members are away from their job. Our discussions during that meeting evolved around several cases that had been recently closed, or were in the process of being closed as well as review of any pending cases. The Sick Leave Board is pleased to announce that currently we do not have any employees receiving time from the SLB. We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding job our members have been doing in keeping themselves sufficiently covered with leave, and consistently working together to maintain the SLB balances. Current SLB balance: Hours carried over from 2011 .......11,874.30 (2011 the year additional leave requested from members) Hours used in 2012 ....... ......... 2,408.95 Hours returned thru accrual ............. 319.50 Hours from new members. ............ 279.00 Current balance.............10,063.85 Total members helped .. ..................9 New members full time employees 2012. ....... 22 New members part time employees ...........1 Total current membership ............. 721 As we have discussed in previous updates with the institution of light duty for employees, employees awareness of the workings of the SLB and conservation of leave time, along with the Boards determination to be diligent in the review process; the SLB is a viable pathway for employees who are incapacitated. All members should feel a sense of pride for the positive effect they have had on fellow employees in a time of need.

The world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. Formerly the American Dietetic Association

Tip of the Day

Thanksgiving Nutrition Tips
The average plate on Thanksgiving contains thousands of calories, which is more than most of us eat in one day. There are a few ways to enjoy your holiday meal while still eating healthfully. Remember to eat breakfast. If you fast all day and just eat one large meal, you will overeat. Eat vegetables, whether salad, yams, green beans or asparagus. Try putting a healthy twist on traditional dishes. For example, instead of green bean casserole, try baking steamed green beans with cooked onions and mushrooms drizzled with olive oil and topped with parmesan cheese. Practice portion controlgive yourself reasonable amounts of each food, or try using smaller plates instead of large ones.

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Congratulations to Marlana McKenna of the Sustainability Office who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Dane Brody McKenna was born September 16th and was 8lbs 4 oz, 20 inches long.

Meet our newest Green Stars

Brenda Peisinger, Division of Budget and Management Research, for streamlining the grant process to increase efficiency. Rob Bailey, Department of Parks and Recreation, for keeping the lights on but saving money and reducing kilowatts with the BGEs Smart Energy Program at the Forest Hill/Hickory recreation Center. Eileen Frado, Office of Economic Development, for creating a paperless connection in OED. Charlie Burke on behalf of the DPW Highways Maintenance Shop, for the scrap metal recycling program. Karen Green, Department of Parks and Recreation, for initiating Green Week at Havre de Grace Activity Center. Sue Steinen of Parks & Recreation, Capital Planning & Development for efficiently planning surplus transfers. Glen Hebel and Tim Dorbit, DPW - Division of Highways & Water Resources, for developing and implementing a pavement preservation and maintenance program. GREEN STAR OF THE QUARTER (July Sept) Congratulations to Andrea Pomilla of the Department of Community Services, Office on Aging for her role in the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

To learn more about all of our Green Stars, please visit the Sustainability Office website. www.harfordcountymd.go v/Green/index Do you know someone who should be recognized as a Green Star? If so, please share her/ his Green Star action by e-mailing Erin Ferriter at
[email protected]

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Octobers Employee of the Month

submitted by Robert B. Thomas, Jr.

Christopher Younger Named October Employee of the Month

(Bel Air, MD) - - Christopher Younger, the Superintendent of Wastewater Operations, has been named Employee of the Month for October. Mr. Younger is a 21 year employee with the Department of Public Works. Scott Valis, Assistant Superintendent of Wastewater Operations nominated Mr. Younger for the prestigious award.
Christopher Younger and County Executive David R. Craig

Mr. Younger was promoted to his current position as Superintendent of Wastewater Operations a little more than a year ago. Since his promotion, he has worked developing and training a new management team, as well as preparing and planning for major construction projects at both the Sod Run Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Joppatowne Wastewater Treatment Plant. In his nomination, Mr. Valis stated, Mr. Younger exhibits a work ethic that is truly an example to those around him. He dedicates countless hours reviewing contract specifications and drawings, daily laboratory results and operations reports, preparing comprehensive monthly operating and discharge reports, while at the same time introducing innovative ideas in the treatment process. Christopher Younger is a fine example of a dedicated and professional Harford County employee and would be an excellent choice for the Harford County Employee of the Month award. Mr. Younger began his career with the Harford County Department of Public Works in 1991 as a Utility Worker III. He attended night school and earned his degree, while working up the ladder to a senior management position. Commenting on his selection as Employee of the Month for October, Mr. Younger said, I am fortunate to work with a capable staff of professional people in the Division of Water and Sewer. This accolade helps to inform others of the work we perform in this demanding environmental field. It is an honor to have been nominated by one of my peers and selected as the recipient of this award. I wish to thank everyone involved in this process. Harford County Government is fortunate to have dedicated, professional and exemplary employees such as Christopher Younger. He performs his work with little fanfare, but his work is vital to the people of Harford County. I congratulate Christopher on this award and look forward to many more years of outstanding service from he and his colleagues, County Executive David R. Craig said. Preserving Harfords past; promoting Harfords future

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Know your Numbers...

Health Screening & Education

Happy Thanksgiving!
submitted by Tamara Simmons

Thanksgiving is the first celebration to officially begin the Holiday Season. Family and friends from near and far all gather together to When: Tuesday, November 27 4pm 7pm have one scrumptious meal. From Aunt Nellies famous pumpkin pie to Uncle Bills secret turkey recipe. In spite of Where: UCMC Parking Lot M the joys of the festivities, food safety should be on the top your list. Description: Free Blood Pressure, Body Following are some simple reminders to help ensure a safe Thankscomposition, and Sleep Apnea giving dinner:
screenings. Cholesterol screenings for $10; Osteoporosis screenings for $15; full cardiac risk assessment for $20. Cash or check.

Medical Mobile Van Screening

FOOD SAFETY TIPS

Courtesy Toby Amidor of foodnetwork.com

Defrosting: Did you buy a frozen bird? If so, don't leave it at room temperature to defrost; that's another opportunity for bacteria to grow. Instead, plan to defrost the turkey in the fridge a few days before you cook it.
Blood Pressure Screening
When: Wednesday, November 28 10am 12pm Where: Havre de Grace Senior Center When: Monday, December 3 10am 12pm Where: Edgewood Senior Center When: Wednesday, December 12 10am 12pm Where: Fallston Senior Center

Prepping: 1. Wash your hands thoroughly and often. 2. The Happy Thanksgiving! longer food sits out at room temperature, the more likely bacteria will multiply. Keep food in the fridge or freezer until you need to use it. 3. Raw turkey and fresh produce don't mix you want to keep these foods on separate surfaces and prep them using different equipment.

eliminate a majority of those pesky bacteria. For a defrosted turkey, plan on cooking it at 350 degrees for 20 minutes per pound. Fresh turkey's cooking time is 10 to 15 minutes per pound. Check the temperature of the bird in two locations to ensure that it has been thoroughly cooked to 165 degrees.

Cooking: First you need to decide For more information regarding location if you're going to stuff the bird. and or to register, please call Health Then you need to be sure to cook Link at 1-800-515-0044. the bird for the appropriate amount of time. This will help

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Tech Tips
submitted by the Office of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Manage E-mail Conversations in MS Outlook 2010 Conversation View helps reduce information overload and manage large amounts of e-mail with ease. Entire e-mail conversations can be cleaned up and categorized with a few simple clicks.

Easily view the entire conversation: Click the arrow to the left of a selected e-mail to expand the conversation and reveal all messages in the conversation thread. Remove redundant messages and save valuable inbox space: On the Home tab, in the Delete group, click Clean Up and find options to clean up the selected conversation or all conversations in the active folder or subfolders.

To start using the Conversation View: 1. On the View tab, in the Conversations group, select Show as Conversations. 2. Choose to turn on Conversation View for the current folder or all folders. To modify your Conversation View preferences: 1. On the View tab, in the Conversations group, click Conversation Settings. 2. Select or deselect the various options in the list to modify your settings.

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Milestones

WITH THE BUSY HOLIDAY MONTHS AHEAD, NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO RENEW OR JOIN!!! To process your BJs membership we will need: A completed membership Application/Renewal form which can be sent to you through inter-office mail or you can stop by the Department of Human Resources between the hours of 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Your payment of $40 which gives you 15 month membership. Payment can be made in the form of personal check or credit card. Checks should be made payable to B.J.s Cash is not accepted. Once the paperwork and payment has been received in the Department of Human Resources, it will be forwarded to B.J.s for processing. Please keep the gold page for your records and use as your temporary membership pass until you receive your membership card. Normal processing time is 30 days. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Tamara Simmons at 410-638-4871 or email her @
[email protected].

Is there someone in your workplace who goes above and beyond for Harford County?

Why not nominate this individual as Employee of the Month?

What a great way to recognize your co-workers for their contribution to Harford County. For details contact Sharon Ballweg at
[email protected]

We would like to include your milestone in the next HCG Connection. Please submit information by the 15th of the month to [email protected]. Digital photos are accepted.

or call 410-638-3019

Sharon BallwegEditor & Graphic Design Department of Human Resources 410-638-3019 [email protected]

David R. Craig, Harford County Executive

Preserving Harfords past; Promoting Harfords future

Robert B. Thomas, Jr. Contributor Office of the County Executive 410-638-3258 [email protected] Rebecca Macek - Contributor Department of Community Services 410-638-3389 [email protected] Erin Ferriter-Contributor Sustainability Office 410-638-4707 [email protected] James Ellwood-Contributor Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits 410-638-3366 [email protected]

Published by
Harford County Department of Human Resources Scott T. Gibson, Director

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