News for Calvert County Government Employees

Fall is the Time to Feast!

The final touches are being put on the annual

Employee Fall Feast and the menu features lobsters. Scheduled for Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m., the feast will be held at the Calvert Elks Lodge

on Dares Beach Road in Prince Frederick.

For $25 a person, you can enjoy two, 1-pound

Maine lobsters, fried chicken, potatoes, green beans, rolls, cheese and

crackers and a variety of desserts. Tickets are $10 a person if you opt for everything on the menu

but the lobster.

There will also be a cash bar*, 50/50 raffle, live

music and entertainment. There is a limit of two tickets per employee.

Contact any ERC member to buy your

tickets. *No outside alcoholic beverages allowed.

Volume VI, Issue 14Sept. 18, 2015

A free raffle at the employee summer

luncheon set the stage for the county commissioners and the county administrator to each spend a day doing an employee's job.

The winning tickets created a win-win situation: six employees would get the day off and the commissioners and the county administrator would get great insight into the inner workings of county government. In addition, county employees and commissioners who worked alongside each other for the day got to know each other better and their efforts strengthened the county team.

County Administrator Terry Shannon worked for Donna Bethge at the Office on Aging. She said her experience was a real eye-opener.

“I got to see first-hand the challenges our employees deal with every day and I was very impressed with their juggling multiple situations with elderly care,” Shannon said.

Commissioner Tom Hejl spent the day doing Prince Frederick Waste Water Plant Operator Chris Bartlett’s job. Commissioner Pat Nutter did the job of Calvert Marine Museum Registrar Robert Hurry. Commissioner Evan Slaughenhoupt filled in for Charles Braden doing

road maintenance. And Commissioners Steve Weems and Mike Hart are scheduled to work for Chance Underwood at the Solomons Waster Water Plant and Allanna Huffman with Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, respectively.

The idea was hatched by the luncheon organizers as a way to have fun at the lunch and reward employees.

The luncheon is one of several events that the Employee Recognition Committee (ERC) holds to recognize employees for their hard work. The ERC is an all-volunteer committee appointed by the county commissioners. If you would like to join the committee or learn more about it, visit them online.

Trading PlacesEmployees Win Day Off; Commissioners, Administrator Fill In

Commissioner Evan Slaughenhoupt flags traffic on Coster Road in Lusby.

County Administrator Terry Shannon, center, serves lunch at the Calvert Pines Senior Center with Program Assistant Sally Schofield.

To Serve and ProtectServing and protecting the Calvert County community can

mean many different things. In this case, it meant a whole lot to a resident who locked her keys in her car at the Subway in Prince Frederick. Thanks to Calvert County Sheriff's Deputy

First Class Brittany Schaefer for helping a senior citizen in need.

Eighteen county government employees and two county commissioners joined dozens of volunteers Sept. 9 during the United Way of Calvert County’s 21st annual Day of Caring. The event has businesses pay employees to go into the community to spend time with the elderly, do various maintenance and landscaping projects at non-profit organizations or stock and organize food pantries, to name just a few of the activities.

Calvert County

Day of Caring is Yet Another Way We Help CitizensGovernment employees who participated this year were: Jennifer Boswell, Christopher Breedlove, Pete Carlson, Danielle Conrow, Susan Evans, Chris Goldsmith, Paulita Gross, County Commissioner Mike Hart, Tim Hayden, County Commissioner Tom Hejl, Virginia Hoad, Doris Holland, Curt Hules, Christine Kriner, Anita Maher, Ginger Manifold, Yvette Myers, Carolyn Narvell, Erick Pate and Beth Anne Rimmer.

Learn more about the United Way of Calvert County

Mailroom Clerk Christine Kriner, Office Specialist 1 Virginia Hoad and Recruitment & Retention Specialist Ginger Manifold spent the day volunteering at the End Hunger warehouse.

Sprint Offers DiscountSprint is offering all Calvert County Government

employees a discount to make the switch, and if you are already a Sprint customer, the discount applies to you too!

The details include: an 18 percent monthly service/data plan discount (some restrictions may apply); waived new activation fees; and an online ordering portal for Calvert County government employees (sprint.com/mdlocalgov). Just identify yourself as a Calvert County government employee and use the discount code: GLSMD_WCA_ZZZ.

Sprint also offers a buyback program that lets customers earn extra cash for their old devices. Sprint will take your unwanted eligible wireless devices off your hands and you

can earn up to $300 in account credit when you trade in your devices – no matter what carrier it’s from. Visit sprint.com/buyback for more information. For more information about this discount, contact Crystal Jeffries, Account Manager – Employee Programs, at crystal.jeffries@sprint.com or (mobile) 301-343-0091.

Calvert County Fall Farm Festival is Fun for the Whole Family!Calvert County has a deep agricultural tradition, and each year families experience it

anew during the annual Fall Farm Festival. The 2015 event, held Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 17 and 18, includes five working farms. Visit one or all of the farms in this year’s festival.

Double Oak Farm at the American Chestnut Land Trust, Prince FrederickFridays Creek Winery, OwingsHorsmon Farm, St. LeonardPerigeaux Vineyards and Winery, St. LeonardSpider Hall Farm, Prince FrederickCall 410-535-4583 to learn more or visit online at www.calvertag.com.

ON TAP Calvert Marine MuseumMaryland Lighthouse Challenge – 10th AnniversarySaturday, Sept. 19 and Sunday, Sept. 20 (8 a.m.-6 p.m.)

How many Chesapeake Bay lighthouses can you see in a weekend? Visit Maryland’s historic lighthouses at some of the most picturesque spots in the state during this two-day driving tour. Visit one or more of the 10 lighthouses and receive a complimentary souvenir at each. Visit all 10 lighthouses and receive a souvenir proclaiming that “you’ve seen the lights!” Find driving directions and information at cheslights.org/Maryland-lighthouse-challenge/

Fossil Field ExperienceSaturday, Sept. 19 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Come explore the fossils of Calvert Cliffs. This program is designed for people who want to learn more about fossils, where to find them, how to identify them and what they can tell us about the past. For adults and children 8 and older, accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Preregistration required at least two days before the program.

Pirate Day!Wednesday, Sept. 23 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Throw on your best pirate outfit and head for the museum to hear pirate stories, sing sea chanteys, make a pirate hat, get a pirate tattoo, learn to tie knots and walk the plank of the pirate ship. This event is free with admission to the museum.

Lighthouse Adventure Cruise - Southern RouteSaturday, Oct. 3 (7:45 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

Lighthouse enthusiasts, enjoy a day-long lighthouse adventure cruise aboard a private charter vessel. Southern Bay participants will see Point No Point, Point Lookout, Smith Point, Solomons Lump, Hooper Island and Drum Point lighthouses. Lunch will be on your own at the Bayside Inn on Smith Island. Cost: $130; $120 for Calvert Marine Museum members. Preregistration required. Contact Melissa McCormick at 410-326-2042, ext. 41 or mccormmj@co.cal.md.us.

Call 410-326-2042 ext. 41 or visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com

Congratulations Chuckie Zinn and Robert Helms

Employee Golf League Playoff Champions!

Register in person at the main office or at any community center, over the phone

or online at www.webtrac.co.cal.md.us.

FAMILY FUN Parks and Recreation

Zumba Fitness Mt. Hope Community CenterMonday or Wednesday,

Sept. 21 through Sept. 30 (7:15-8:15 p.m.) - $17Monday and Wednesday, Sept. 21 through Sept. 30 (7:15-8:15 p.m.) - $34

Have fun with this cardio dance total fitness program. This motivating workout is Latin inspired and easy to follow! For ages 13 and older.

Foundations for Investing Tuesday, Sept. 22 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)Mt. Hope Community Center

Discuss key features of bonds, stocks, mutual funds, asset allocation and the impact of inflation. For ages 18 years and older. Cost is $10.

Ice Cream Cone DayTuesday, Sept. 22 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) Northeast Community Center

Get the scoop on one of America’s frozen treats. Take an ice cream quiz and learn more about ice cream. There will be ice cream for sale from a local creamery. Cost is free.

School's Out Fun DayWednesday, Sept. 23 and Friday, Oct. 2 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)Southern Community Center

School is out and fun is waiting to be had! Children will enjoy fun and games, arts and crafts, cooking projects, contests and more! Bring a lunch and two snacks. For ages 5 to 12 years. Cost is $15.

Demo Mesh WreathFriday, Sept. 25 (11 a.m.-noon)Mt. Hope Community Center

Learn how to make a beautiful wreath with deco mesh. Have fun and make new friends. Materials included in fee. For ages 18 years and older. Cost is $49.

Play and CreateFriday, Sept. 25 (10-11 a.m.)Southern Community Center

Enjoy free play with balls, cones, hula-hoops, Legos, tunnels and more. There will also be a craft corner with crayons, glue, paper, etc. Great time for parents and children to play and socialize for free. For ages 1 to 5 years.

Topsy Turvy ToddlersWednesday, Sept. 30 (10-10:45 a.m.)Mt. Hope Community Center

This exciting event is a non-structured activity that encourages little ones to interact freely as well as to learn by having fun! Moon bounce and snack included. For ages 2 to 5 years. Cost is free.

New York Shopping and Sightseeing Trip Saturday, Oct. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 5 (8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Enjoy shopping, sightseeing, a Broadway show or fine dining. Charter bus will depart Prince Frederick Shopping Center at 7 a.m. and Sunderland Park and Ride at 7:20 a.m.

Bus will depart New York City at 6 p.m. For all ages, under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $56.

IN BRIEF Office on Aging

Job Openings Information is available on the county website or by calling the Personnel Office at extension 2359.

Position Closing Date

Capital Projects Supervisor – General Services 09/23/15

Planning Assistant – Community Planning and Building 09/23/15

Fossil Preparation Lab Intern – Calvert Marine Museum 09/23/15

Park Aide l – Natural Resources 09/23/15

Park Ranger – Breezy Point 09/23/15

Correctional Officer l – Detention Center 09/30/15

Facility Supervisor l – Breezy Point 09/30/15

Inventory Control Clerk – Fleet Maintenance 10/07/15

Water and Sewer Mechanical Maintenance Technician – Water and Sewer 10/07/15

Concession Stand Assistant – Recreation Continuous

Grounds Maintenance Worker – Recreation Continuous

Lifeguard l – Recreation Continuous

Lifeguard Instructor – Recreation Continuous

Pool Manager – Kings Landing Pool Continuous

Swimming Lessons Supervisor – Recreation Continuous

Water Safety Instructor – Recreation Continuous

Are You Dealing with High Blood Pressure?

Join Health Coach Melinda Gaines online as she implements the American Heart Association’s Heart360®, a program that is effective in increasing exercise levels and decreasing high blood pressure.

Heart360® is an easy-to-use tool which helps you understand and track the factors that affect your heart health, including blood pressure, physical activity, cholesterol, glucose, weight and medications. Heart360® safely and securely stores your information in Microsoft® HealthVault™. Melinda will monitor your progress online. This program is free.

Here is how you sign up today to manage your heart health:• Go to www.heart360.org/cca and log in as a participant• Create a Heart 360 account• Go to My Connection Center, click Provider/Volunteer• Click Invite a Volunteer• Click By Code• Enter volunteer card number 489BP3.

M I L E S T O N E SNew HiresGeorge A. BaconWater and Sewer Plant Operator Trainee, Water and Sewer

Matthew A. SeligWater and Sewer Plant Operator Trainee, Water and Sewer

Danny P. Switzer, Jr.Correctional Officer, Detention Center

Richard A. ThomasDeputy Sheriff Captain, Sheriff ’s Office

ChangesChristopher J. BartlettWater and Sewer Technician, Water and Sewer

Burgess C. WoodCase Manager, Circuit Court

DeparturesRita LubranoDeputy Sheriff, Sheriff ’s Office

RetirementsJames F. EdwardsModel Maker, Marine Museum

DISCOVERING NATURE Natural Resources

CypressSwamp@co.cal.md.us or visit www.calvertparks.org.

BATTLE CREEK CYPRESS SWAMPFirst Fridays Homeschool Day - FishFriday, Oct. 2 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

Homeschool First Fridays are a series of environmental education programs developed especially for homeschoolers ages 4 to 12 years. These classes are a great way to get hands-on science and nature lessons, receive help on projects, and research and network with other homeschooling families. This fall’s homeschool series focuses on animal classification. Each month will focus on a different animal group. October’s class will be an investigation on fish. Learn what makes them special and search for examples. Free for society members and $8 for nonmembers. Registration is required by Monday, Sept. 28. Register online, by mail or by phone at 410-535-5327.

Owl Eyes and Raccoon PawsFriday, Oct. 2 (6:30-7:30 p.m.)

As the sun sets and the darkness spreads like a blindfold across your eyes, even the most familiar places take on an air of mystery. Keep your ears, nose and eyes open for nocturnal animals as you explore the park. Bring a flashlight. For ages 6 years and older, adult participation required. Free for members, $8 for nonmembers. Registration is required by Wednesday, Sept.

30. Register online, by mail or by phone at 410-535-5327.

We Want to Hear from You!The Cavalier is your newsletter. Tell us what you'd

like to see in it. Please submit your stories, story ideas and photographs via the employeenews

mailbox. We value your input!

SPOTLIGHT On Training

For information contact Susan Landale by email at landalst@co.cal.md.us or call extension 2359

Assertive Communication SkillsTuesday, Oct. 6 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.)Courthouse Square Conference Room

Highlights: • Project a more credible, self-assured communication image• Speak with greater ease in meetings and presentations• Handle conflicts with dignity and control• Express opinions with authority and tact • Recognize passive, aggressive and passive-aggressive behavior• Learn what it means to be assertive

Around Town ... Calvert County Events Calendar

For information about these events, visit www.choosecalvert.com.

Saturday, Sept. 19 Public Sail Aboard the Dee of St. Mary’s 2-4 p.m.Calvert Marine Museum410-326-2042

Saturday, Sept. 19 - Sunday, Sept. 20Artsfest10 a.m.-5 p.m.Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center410-326-4640

Sunday, Sept. 20Calvert County Watermen’s Festival 12-4 p.m.Watermen’s Wharf, Solomons410-326-3929

Thursday, Sept. 24 Jefferson Patterson Park Speaker Series Presents: “Food at Sea in 1812” 7-8:30 p.m.Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum 410-586-8501

Friday, Sept. 25 Little Big Town Concert 5-10 p.m.Bayside Toyota Pavilion410-586-1713

Saturday, Sept. 26The Battle of St. Leonard Creek: A War of 1812 Re-enactment 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum 410-586-8501

Wednesday, Sept. 30 - Sunday, Oct. 4Calvert County Fair Calvert County Fairgrounds410-535-0026