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Executive Summary:
Storm Recovery and Update
A N E W S L E T T E R B Y
A N D F O R T H E
E M P L O Y E E S O F
H A R F O R D C O U N T Y
G O V E R N M E N T
HCG Connection J U L Y 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
On Friday, June 29, 2012
Harford County as well as much
of the State of Maryland
experienced a severe storm
called a “DERECHO”. Its
common definition is a
thunderstorm complex that
produces damaging winds
through an area of at least 250
miles, featuring a concentrated
area of convectively – induced
wind gusts exceeding 58 mph.
Such storms are very rare and
according to the National
Weather Service occur about
once every 40 years. Harford
County had the misfortune to
experience such a storm on
June 29.
The storm resulted in
significant power outages
beginning around 11:30 p.m.
Friday evening. During the
short period of time while the
storm passed through Harford
County, it lead to fallen trees,
downed power lines, and high
standing water in certain areas.
At the height of the storm
approximately 10,000 BGE
customers lost power.
For some, the power outage
lasted only hours, for others the
loss of power lasted nearly a
week during a period of high
temperatures and heat indices
over 100 degrees for several
days.
As a result of the “DERECHO”
and subsequent loss of power,
Harford County Government
faced many challenges during
the week meeting the needs of
our citizens, particularly the
young and our elderly
population.
The Harford County Division of
Emergency Operations under
the direction of Rick Ayers,
Emergency Manager, took the
lead in providing assistance to
those in need. But our talented
and dedicated staff of
professionals with the Division
of Emergency Operations did
not handle this task alone.
Working together with the
Department of Community
Services, the Office on Aging,
the Harford County Health
Department, the Harford
County Library and the
volunteer fire and EMS service,
in particular the Bel Air and
Abingdon Volunteer Fire
Companies, we were able to
mitigate a very serious and
dangerous situation.
Although Harford County
Government, as all political
subdivisions, has little or no
control over restoration of
electricity to the public during
severe weather events, we did
have daily contact with
representatives of BGE to
receive updates on the status
of power restoration efforts.
However, although we received
routine updates from BGE, the
county Division of Emergency
Operations was not provided
with address information as to
locations still without power
during the week. This made
emergency management and
health care for those who might
be in need very difficult due to
this lack of information.
County Public Library, under the
direction of Mary Hastler were
used throughout much of the
week as “Cooling Centers”.
Additionally, during the two
Sunday’s immediately after the
David R. Craig,
Harford County Executive
I N S I D E
T H I S I S S U E :
Executive
Summary 1
Lincoln Financial
2
Executive
Summary
(cont.)
3
Traveling
with Children 4
Know Your
Numbers
5
Harford Farm
Fair! 6
Employees of Notice
8
Milestones 10
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
P A G E 2
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
Our representative from Lincoln Finan-
cial, Stephanie Gavrilis, will be avail-
able JULY 10th and JULY 25, 2012 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM in the Depart-ment of Human Resources for new enrollments and changes/updates to existing accounts. To make an appointment, contact Beth Griffith at 410-638– 3202 or [email protected]
Mutual funds and variable annuities are sold by pro-spectus. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and ex-penses of a mutual fund and in the case of a variable annuity, the variable contract and its underlying in
vestment options. To obtain a mutual fund or variable annuity prospectus that contains this and other infor-mation 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 underly-ing investment options, and all assets accumulate tax-deferred.
Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59½, 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 con-tract 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, Syra-cuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Dis-tributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. For all other states, variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distrib-uted 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 affili-ate of Lincoln Financial Group, 1300 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Unaffiliated broker/dealers also may provide services to customers.
Recession takes a bigger bite from the
“Sandwich Generation”
The economic downturn during the past few years has had an impact on nearly everyone. But baby boomers ages 45 to 54 will be taking longer to recover.
1
That‟s according to recent research conducted by the global market research firm Mintel. Of that age group, the research shows:
● 51% say they‟re planning to permanently decrease the amount of unnecessary purchases
● 39% say they worry more about retirement now than ever
“This last recession has definitely not
treated everyone equally,” says Susan Menke, vice president and behavioral economist at Mintel. “One reason could be that the younger Boomers are the age group that was just getting started when the severe double-dip recessions of the 1980s hit. This group has never fully recovered.”.
“Another reason may be that this is the
„sandwich generation,‟ burdened with educational expenses for their kids and, for some, healthcare costs for aging parents,” she says.
Whatever your personal situation, financial
advisors say it‟s important to continue saving for your retirement. Take advantage of tax-deferred savings options, such as your employer‟s 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. They can help maximize your earnings. By setting the stage for a secure retirement, you can help eliminate the need to depend on your own children in later years. If you need help addressing the changing needs of your family, Lincoln Financial Group
® affiliates have products and
programs to help you meet your retirement goals. For more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting, contact Beth Griffith in Harford County Government HR @ 410-638-3202.
P A G E 3 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
storm when our libraries are not open,
the Bel Air and Abingdon Volunteer Fire
Companies stepped up and offered the
use of their facilities to the people of
Harford County as “Cooling Centers”.
Additionally from the on-set of the hot,
humid weather, Susan Kelly and the staff
from the Harford County Health
Department provided heat-related health
safety tips which were shared with the
media and the people of Harford County
through the Office of Media and Public
Affairs for Harford County Government,
as well as the Maryland Emergency
Management Agency (MEMA).
The Department of Community Services,
under the leadership of Director Beth
Hendrix and Deputy Director Sharon
Lipford reached out to the community to
assess those with special needs. For
example, the Office on Aging contacted
approximately 75 at-risk elderly
individuals to check on their status
throughout the week. Another 35 frail
elderly received home visits by staff
members to check on their well-being.
The Alliance Homeless Outreach team
made a special effort to reach out to the
homeless at various locations
throughout Harford County in an effort to
ensure individuals were properly
hydrated. One such citizen was found in
need of medical assistance and was
subsequently transported to an area
medical facility for further treatment.
Furthermore, the Department of
Community Serv ices rendered
assistance to a woman and daughter
with special needs in helping to secure
temporary housing for them. Another
woman with eight children without food
and electricity were also linked to
assistance thanks to the staff of
Community Services.
Finally, as we moved to the second
weekend without full power being
restored to BGE customers throughout
Harford County, a team of emergency
management staff, lead by Director of
Administration Mary Chance and
Emergency Manager Rick Ayers, went
door-to-door at various locations
throughout Harford County to check on
the safety and well-being of those left
without power.
During the eight days following the
storm, Harford County fire and EMS
personnel responded to 20 calls for
service related to the heat and humidity.
One person, a resident from nearby
Pennsylvania was treated at a hospital in
Harford County but died as a result of
medical complications from the heat.
The “DERECHO” poised a number of
challenges for the people of Harford
County and government. Fortunately
local government and our allied agencies
and partners came together as an
effective and efficient team to provide
assistance where needed to those
severely affected by the storm.
I am proud of the efforts of those who
stepped up during a time of need to help
our citizens. These employees deserve
the gratitude of the entire community for
the selfless, dedicated efforts.
In an effort to help
c o u n t y
g o v e r n m e n t
“spread the word”
about storms such
as the “DERECHO”
a n d o t h e r
s i g n i f i c a n t
weather events, I encourage everyone to
enroll the home, personal and business
phones with the Division of Emergency
Operations to receive our Connect CTY
messages. Connect CTY is a vital tool for
emergency management to notify
citizens of storms, natural disasters,
precautions to survive storms and
mitigation efforts following such events.
To learn more about Connect CTY and to
enroll visit the Division of Emergency
O p e r a t i o n s w e b s i t e a t
www.harfordpublicsafety.org or call 410-
638-4029 to obtain further assistance.
Finally, Harford County has joined with
Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Prince
George’s and Montgomery Counties, and
the City of Baltimore in asking the
Maryland Public Service Commission to
hold BGE and all utility companies
responsible for improving the response
to incidents resulting in the wide-spread
loss of power to citizens throughout the
State of Maryland. To say the least, we
are not pleased with the response of
BGE to the people of Harford County and
want to see improvements to reduce the
impact of power outages in the future.
As stated in our letter to the Public
Service Commission, the “Big 7”
jurisdictions believe “Emergencies by
definition are unpredictable. But
through planning, analysis and public
dialogue, Maryland’s electric utilities,
regulators, elected officials and the
public can work together to identify
areas of improvement, evaluate their
costs and benefits and move forward for
the benefit of all Marylanders”.
I will keep you apprised of our progress
regarding this matter.
Cordially,
David R. Craig
Harford County Executive
Storm Recovery and Update (continued)
A Preparedness Guide 2012 www.harfordpublicsafety.org/ Harford County Health Department - 120 S. Hays Street, Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-838-1500 www.harfordcountyhealth.com
P A G E 4
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
Traveling Safely with Infants & Children by Nicholas Weinberg, Michelle Weinberg, Susan A. Maloney
The risks that children face while traveling are likely similar to the risks that their parents face. The most commonly reported health problems among children are: · Diarrheal illnesses · Dermatologic conditions · Respiratory disorders Motor vehicle and water-related accidents are also major health problems for child travelers
AIR TRAVEL
Although air travel is safe for healthy newborns, infants, and children, a few issues should be considered in preparation for travel. Children with chronic heart or lung problems may be at risk for hypoxia during flight, and a physician should be consulted before travel. Ear pain can be troublesome for infants and children during descent. Pressure in the middle ear can be equalized by swallowing or chewing. Infants should nurse or suck on a bottle. Older children can try chewing gum. Antihistamines and decongestants have not been shown to be of benefit. Travel to different time zones, “jet lag,” and schedule disruptions can disturb sleep patterns in infants and children, as well as adults.
ACCIDENTS
Vehicle-Related
Vehicle-related accidents are the leading cause of death in children who
travel. Car seats always! In general,
children are safest traveling in the rear seat; no one should ever travel in the bed of a pickup truck.
Drowning and Water-Related
Illness and Injuries
Drowning is the second leading cause of death in young travelers. Children may not be familiar with hazards in the ocean or in rivers. Swimming pools may not have protective fencing to keep toddlers from falling into the pool. Close supervision of children around water is essential. Appropriate water safety devices such as life vests may not be available abroad, and families should consider bringing these from home. Protective footwear is important to avoid injury in many
marine environments.
ALTITUDE
Children are as susceptible to altitude illness as adults. Young children who cannot talk can show nonspecific symptoms, such as loss of appetite and irritability. They may present with unexplained fussiness and change in sleep and activity patterns. Older children may complain of headache or shortness of breath. If a child demonstrates unexplained symptoms after an ascent, it may be necessary to descend to see if they improve.
SUN EXPOSURE
Sun exposure, and particularly sunburn before age 15 years, is strongly associated with melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Babies should be kept in the shade and wear clothing that covers the entire body. A minimal amount of sunscreen can be applied to small exposed areas, including the infant‟s face and hands.
Travel Stress
Changes in schedule, activities, and environment can be stressful for children. Including children in planning for the trip and bringing along familiar toys or other objects can decrease these stresses. For children with chronic illnesses, decisions regarding timing and itinerary should be made in consultation with the child‟s health care providers.
Identification
In case family members become separated, each infant or child should carry identifying information and contact numbers in his or her own clothing or pockets. Because of concerns about illegal transport of children across international borders, if only one parent is traveling with the child, he or she may need to carry relevant custody papers or a notarized permission letter from the other parent.
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea and associated gastrointestinal illness are among the most common travel-related problems affecting children. Infants and children with diarrhea can become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Food
precautions should be followed diligently. Foods served to children should be thoroughly cooked and eaten while still hot; fruits eaten raw should be peeled immediately before consumption. Scrupulous attention should be paid to handwashing and cleaning bottles, pacifiers, teething rings, and toys that fall to the floor or are handled by others; water used to clean these items should be potable. Parents should be particularly careful to wash hands well after diaper changes, especially for infants with diarrhea, to avoid spreading infection to themselves and other family members. When proper handwashing facilities are not available, an alcohol-based hand cleaner can be used as a disinfecting agent. However, because alcohol-based hand cleaners are not effective against certain types of germs, hands should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible. Additionally, alcohol does not remove organic material; visibly soiled hands should be washed with soap and water.
Dehydration is best prevented and treated by use of ORS, (often available in pharmacies), Homemade sugar-salt solutions are not recommended, sports drinks, which are designed to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweat, do not contain the same proportions of electrolytes as the solution recommended by the World Health Organization for rehydration during diarrheal illness.
INFECTION AND INFESTATION
FROM SOIL CONTACT
Children are more likely than adults to have contact with soil or sand, and therefore, they may be exposed to diseases caused by infectious stages of parasites present in soil. Children and infants should wear protective footwear and play on a sheet or towel rather than directly on the ground. When traveling in countries with a tropical climate, clothing or diapers dried in the open air should be ironed before use to prevent infestation with fly larvae.
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNational Center for Emerging and
Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ)
P A G E 5 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
Brings you…
Medical Mobile Van
Health Screenings FREE: Blood Pressure, Body Composition, and Sleep Apnea Screenings.
Cholesterol Screenings $10 Osteoporosis Screenings $15 Full Cardiac Risk Assessment $20 (Cash/Check) UCMC Parking Lot M
4 – 7 pm
520 Upper Chesapeake Drive
Bel Air, Maryland 21014-4324
7/24, 8/28, 9/25
Klein‟s ShopRite Parking Lot
9 am – Noon 1606 Dooley Road, Cardiff,
8/20, 9/17
Dining with Docs Lectures – please see below for topics
$5 cash/check
Reservation Required
by calling HealthLink at 800-515-0044
Both Lectures held at
UCMC – Chesapeake Conference Ctr.
520 Upper Chesapeake Drive • Bel Air,
Maryland 21014-4324
Seeking relief from knee or hip pain? If you are one of the millions of Americans seeking relief from knee or hip pain, you are invited to attend a presentation on how improving joint pain can enhance your quality of life. Raj Yalamanchili, MD 9/18 5:30 pm Things That Go Bump In The Night Can‟t Sleep? Join us to learn about the many sleep disorders that can keep you from getting a good night‟s rest. Anita Naik, DO 9/19 5:30 pm
This information and more can be found in the
”Healthlink” Newsletter at
http://www.uchs.org/
Providing for you….
Tobacco Cessation Classes ……...
The HCHD offers tobacco cessation classes
at no cost to all tobacco users who want to
quit.
Pre-registration requested.
Please call 410-612-1781.
The HCHD can provide the following no
cost screenings to Harford County
residents, with limited income, and little
or no health insurance. Please call the
numbers listed below for eligibility.
Colonoscopies
Harford County residents aged 50-64. For
more information, call 410-612-1780.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings
Women aged 40-64. For more information,
call 410-612-1780.
HIV Screenings
Anonymous and confidential HIV
screenings. For more information, call 410-
638-3060.
Immunization Clinics for Adults and
Children
Immunization clinics for adults and children
are held on Tuesdays at the HCHD. Call
410-612-1774 to schedule an appointment.
GYN Services
Offers basic GYN services for women
needing birth control (including STD
testing) as well as comprehensive women’s
health care referrals. Also provides
emergency contraceptives and free
pregnancy testing. For more information
call 410-612-1768.
Know your Numbers Know your Numbers Know your Numbers
Health Screening & Education
“HdG Health-Tacular”
HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 12 – 5 PM
Havre de Grace Activity Center 351 Lewis Lane
Havre de Grace, MD 21078
●HEALTH
SCREENINGS
●FLU
SHOTS
●ASK THE
DOC
SESSIONS
LOOK FOR MORE
INFORMATION IN OUR
OCTOBER, NOVEMBER,
DECEMBER ISSUE
OF HEALTHLINK beginning in OCTOBER 2012
”Healthlink” Newsletter
at http://www.uchs.org/
Harford County
Health Department (HCHD) 120 S. Hays Street, Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone: 410-838-1500
www.harfordcountyhealth.com
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
P A G E 6
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
The 25th Annual Harford County Farm Fair at the Harford County Equestrian Center located at
608 Tollgate Road in Bel Air, Maryland 21014, promises many new and traditional fun
activities for the whole family!
The Fair will be held beginning : Thursday, July 26 through Sunday July 29.
The hours of the Fair are: from 10 am to 10 pm on Thursday through Saturday
and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday.
The Farm Fair is dedicated to promoting Agriculture, 4-H and the Future Farmers of America
(FFA) in Harford County - providing an opportunity to showcase the history, active local
economy and future of farming for folks throughout the region to enjoy.
To celebrate the 25th annual fair there are many new activities planned, as well as the return of
the traditional events which bring Fairgoers back to the Fair from one generation to the next.
During the Farm Fair from Thursday July 26 through Sunday, July 29 are new and familiar activities:
The Fair Board is pleased to announce that Fireworks!!! are returning to
the Fair and will be held on Thursday evening around 9:15 pm, following the
Antique Tractor Pull.
The East Coast National Truck and Tractor Pull will be held on Friday
and Saturday, beginning at 7:00 pm. This is a nationally sanctioned event
and provides lively entertainment for all.
The Antique Tractor Pull will be held at 5:30 PM on Thursday, July 26th.
The Tractor Pulls will be held at 7 PM on Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July
28th.
Another new offering at the 25th Annual Farm Fair is the Farm Fair Talent Competition which
will be held on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7:30 pm, in the Main Pavilion. Contestants will compete
in categories to include vocal, instrumental, dance, poetry reading, acting and other talent presentations
(unicyclists? baton twirlers? comedians? magicians?) . Guest judges will be announced. Prizes will be
awarded in each category of competition and video of all winners will be shown on the Farm Fair website
throughout the year following the Fair! The Friday evening competition will determine the top contestants
in each category and the Saturday evening competition will determine the prize winners. Check the Farm
Fair website for audition dates and entry information.
The Second Annual Harford County Farm Fair Food & Wine Fiesta with Craft & Farmer's Market
has been moved to Sunday afternoon - July 29 - during the Farm Fair . The Fiesta & Market is to
be held in the Main Pavilion beginning at 1:00 pm and will remain open through the close of the Fair at
6:00 pm. The Fiesta & Market is open to Harford County producers of retail consumables - a celebration
of our local Field to Table economy. Patrons will find a delectable array of cheeses, ice cream, frozen
meats, vegetables and fruits as well as Wine Tasting of local wine producers and the opportunity to
P A G E 7 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
purchase local wines by the bottle (or case!). Area restaurants are invited to participate to sell hot
and cold food items focused on the use of local, seasonal foods. Artisans will display their hand-
crafted decorative items for sale.
NEW for the 25th Annual Fair is the Seasonal Sensations Culinary Competition which will be held during the Fiesta. Prizes
will be awarded for the best culinary treat in the categories of hot or cold
appetizer, entree, dessert or beverage. Celebrity judges will be announced.
Winners of the Culinary Competition and the annual Peach Pie Contest will be
announced at 3:30 pm in the Main Pavilion.
Featured each day will be the Flying Hounds Dog Show, with presentations throughout the day.
This high-energy show will delight fairgoers of all ages.
Another New Attraction is the Puppenmeister Marionette Show with 27” marionettes to delight
children of all ages!
The Prayer Breakfast will start the Fair at 7:30 am on Thursday.
Fairgoers will enjoy the traditional, non-mechanized Kidway with face painting,
button making, inflatable activities, straw maze and the ever popular Pig Racing.
Candy 'n' Cupcake will return to the 25th Annual Fair, as well as the Horse Pulling
Competition Demonstration, the Liberty Wagon, Barn Yard, Farm Baby Costume
Contest, Pie Eating and Watermelon Eating Contests and the Annual 4-H Livestock
Auction on Saturday evening, beginning at 5:00 pm.
Test your spelling at the annual Harford County Public Library
Spelling Bee which is held on Sunday beginning at 1:00 pm. The 2012 Bee will be
held on the stage of the showmobile!
4-H Annual shows and exhibits are open throughout the Fair, and all
are invited to strut their stuff in the dozens of categories in the Open Classes
from flowers to needlepoint to photography to vegetables and more!
Admission to the Fair is $ 8.00 for adults; $ 5.00 for children 5 to
12 years and under 5 years, free. Seniors are admitted for $ 5.00 on Thursday, only. Adults
with military ID are admitted for $ 6.00 every day of the Fair. The Farm Fair Board is pleased
to announce that, for the second year, 1 free ticket to the Fair will be distributed to every 5th grader
in Harford County, including all public and private schools students. There is no additional charge for
activities within the Fair and fairgoers may bring their own food and beverages. No alcoholic
beverages or smoking are permitted on the fairgrounds. The wine tasting is restricted to the Main
Pavilion, during the Fiesta on Sunday, only. No pets are allowed on the fairgrounds except for
registered show animals. Free Parking will be available on Tollgate Road, Vale Road, Red Pump
Elementary School and Patterson Mill High School, with Shuttle Bus Service from the satellite parking
lots.
Area businesses find the Farm Fair to be a welcome opportunity to advertise their services and retail
sales with dozens of vendors of interesting and useful items on display and for sale throughout the 4-
days of the Fair. Learn about Agriculture at the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation trailer and
displays from the Harford County Extension Agency and Ag Economic Development Office. Don't
forget the classic Fair Food Court and t-shirts, too!
For lots more information about this year’s Harford County Farm Fair, please visit the website www.farmfair.org
P A G E 8
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
Lucinda Whittington Named
May Employee of the Month
Lucinda Whittington, Lead Bus Driver with the Department of
Community Services, Harford Transit, has been named
Employee of the Month for May 2012. Ms. Whittington, a 5-
year employee with Harford Transit was nominated by
Elizabeth S. Hendrix, Director of the Department of
Community Services.
Ms. Whittington was nominated for creating an internal
newsletter which helps inform Harford Transit personnel of
safety and training related information. In her nomination of Ms. Whittington, Director Hendrix stated, “On her own initiative,
Lucinda created the newsletter which has been so popular she continues to use it as part of her training effort with bus drivers and
dispatch staff. By going above and beyond the required, Lucinda is helping to make a difference at Harford Transit”.
Ms. Whittington was officially recognized by Harford County Executive David R. Craig at a brief ceremony on May 15, 2012.
Commenting on the award, Ms. Whittington stated, “I enjoy doing the newsletter and my job. I’m just going to keep doing what
I’m doing as long as it helps others”.
Regarding Ms. Whittington’s selection as Employee of the Month for May, County Executive Craig stated, “We applaud the
initiative of Ms. Whittington and those like her for their efforts in going above and beyond the required. I am pleased the
newsletter created by Ms. Whittington is helping other members of the Harford Transit team and I congratulate her on taking this
initiative”, Craig remarked.
Sybil Robertson Named
June
Employee of the Month
Sybil Robertson a custodian with the Department of
Administration, Division of Facilities and Operations has been
chosen as Employee of the Month for June 2012. Ms. Robertson
has worked for Harford County Government for 11 years, 10 of
which were with the Department of Parks and Recreation and
one with the Division of Facilities and Operations.
Ms. Robertson was nominated by Marylee Gorman of the
Department of Procurement; Carmela Ripple from the Law
Department; Christen Callon of the Department of
Administration, Office of Budget and Management Research;
Lori Pietrowski from the Office of the County Executive and
Sylvia Bryant, from the Department of Community Services.
In their joint nomination the employees stated, “The Employee
of the Month should be someone who stands out amongst their
peers and who makes a difference. Sybil Robertson is such a
person. Without question, Ms. Robertson performs her job
exceedingly well. However, it is the pride in her work and the
infectious positive attitude that merits the most recognition. Ms.
Robertson’s attitude is one that all employees should strive to
achieve.”
Ms. Sybil Robertson and
County Executive David R. Craig
In accepting the award from County Executive David R. Craig,
Ms. Robertson stated “I am honored to receive this award and
I thank everyone for their support and the nomination. I truly
enjoy what I do and love coming to work”.
Commenting on Ms. Robertson’s selection as Employee of the
Month for June, County Executive Craig remarked, “It is
obvious that Sybil helps make our county office building a
better place to work. Everything is so clean and well maintained.
Clearly Sybil does make a difference for all of us and we
appreciate her efforts each and every day,” County Executive
Craig remarked.
Mses. BethHendrix, Lucinda Whittington, and
County Executive David R. Craig
P A G E 9 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
Chad McGraw Named July
Employee of the Month
Chad McGraw, a Recreation Specialist with the Department
of Parks and Recreation has been named Employee of the
Month for July 2012. Mr. McGraw received the award
during a presentation by County Executive David R. Craig
on July 12, 2012.
Mr. McGraw, a 10-year employee with Harford County
Government, was nominated by his supervisor, Karen Green.
In her nomination Ms. Green stated, “Chad McGraw has
been a positive influence on the workplace and has cultivated
excellent working relationships with facility staff, the
Maintenance Division and volunteers within our region”. Ms.
Green added, “Chad had made time to instruct parents and
youth how to better ensure a positive first time recreational
experience for young athletes and their parents by
introducing them to a shared hands-on approach via a vehicle
called “Start Smart” for which he is a Certified Youth Sports
Administrator. Chad has taught dozens of children and their
families how to safely enter into team sports in a manner that
is age and skill level appropriate for the individual,” Ms.
Green stated.
Commenting on receiving the award, Mr. McGraw stated,
“There are many hard-working employees in Harford County
Government. I am very fortunate to have been chosen for
this award. A very special “Thank You” to Karen Green for
her nomination,” Mr. McGraw stated. County Executive
Craig presented Mr. McGraw with his award during a brief
ceremony at the Harford County Government Administration
Building in Bel Air. In presenting Mr. McGraw with his
Employee of the Month award, County Executive Craig
stated, “Clearly Chad is a person that truly works every day
to make a difference both with his co-workers and the
parents and children he meets as a Recreational Specialist.
Chad’s enthusiasm and his “can do” attitude help make him
one of Harford County’s finest employees and well
deserving of this recognition,” County Executive Craig
remarked.
“Give that fan a contract” On June 23th, Harford County employees along with their family and friends attended Harford County Employee Night
at Ripken Stadium. As part of the evening’s events, one deserving Harford County employee is granted the honor of
throwing out the 1st pitch. This opportunity is only given to an employee celebrating 35 or 40 years of service with the
County in 2012.
This year, County Executive David R. Craig escorted Mr. Archie Mann from the Department of Public Works, Division of
Highways and Water Resources, onto the field to throw out the 1st pitch. Mr. Mann celebrates 35 years of service with
the County this year. Mr. Mann said he was honored and excited to have been selected, and aside from being thrilled
about standing on the pitching mound, he felt privileged to throw the first pitch, especially since it was Ripken Stadium
and the Ironbirds 10th year anniversary celebration!
Ms. Karen Green, Chad McGraw, County Executive David R.Craig
H C G C O N N E C T I O N
Mr. Archie Mann and County Executive David R. Craig
P A G E 1 0 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6
● Milestones ●
Congratulations … Kara Angelo, Public
Safety
Dispatcher III with
the Emergency Operations Center
(911), became engaged on May 11 to her boyfriend of almost
two years Deputy State Fire
Marshal Mike Selvage. A destination wedding for June
2013 is already being planned for their families and closest
friends.
Patricia Standiford a 911 dispatcher at EOC and her husband Jeff Standiford became the proud parents
of: Jake Ryan Standiford
Baby Jake was
born on
Monday,
June 11, 2012
8lbs 11oz 22 inches long
On June 15th, the Solid Waste Association of North
America (SWANA) held its annual Mid-Atlantic Rodeo whereby the
top qualified solid waste equipment operators within Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey test their skills in operating various heavy equipment typically used in solid waste operations. We are pleased to announce, out of a field of 16 contestants, Harford County Senior Equipment Operators Mike Plott and Josh Ward came in third place in the roll-off truck and dozer categories
respectfully. Congratulations Mike and Josh for a job well done!
.
Congratulations to
Hazel Harris with
the Department of
Planning & Zoning. Hazel has recently
been promoted to Permits
Review Supervisor.
David R. Craig,
Harford County Executive
‘Preserving Harford’s past;
Promoting Harford’s future’
Published by
Harford County
Department of Human Resources
Scott T. Gibson, Director
Nancy Mahaffey—Editor & Graphic Design
Department of Human Resources
410-638-4870
Robert B. Thomas, Jr.— Contributor
Office of the County Executive
410-638-3258
Rebecca Macek - Contributor
Department of Community Services
410-638-3389
Erin Ferriter-Contributor
Division of Facilities & Operations
410-638-4707
James Ellwood-Contributor
Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits
410-638-3366
Is there someone in your work-place 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
Nancy Mahaffey at
or call 410-638-4870
We would like to include your milestone in the next HCG Connection. Please submit
information the 25th of the month to [email protected].
Digital photos are accepted.
H C G C O N N E C T I O N