Hcg Connection October 2012[1]

7/31/2019 Hcg Connection October 2012[1]

1/9

Executive Summary:

County Employeesthe Unsung Heroes of Harford Count

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

Executive

Summary1

HR Update 2

Lincoln

Financial 3

Green Stars 4

September

EOM 5

In Our

Backyard...6

Know YourNumbers 7

Tech Tips 8

Milestones 9

HGC CONNECTIONO C T O B E R 2 0 1 2V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 9

The citizens of Harford County are blessed to have some

the finest, most dedicated, well trained and responsive puservants of any jurisdiction in the State of Maryland. Yes, said this before, but I find this statement is as true today

the first day I took office as County Executive back in 2005Whether it is repairing roads, working to ensure that

people of Harford County enjoy clean drinking wadispatching police and fire calls for service, assisting membof our elderly community or those with special needs

handling a myriad of other tasks throughout the departmeof county government, our employees perform their duwith little fanfare or recognition. That does not meanshould not show our appreciation for the outstanding wthey do each day.

As I indicated recently, I have introduced legislation currepending before the Harford County Council to provide couemployees with a 4% merit increase. The proposed pay ra

if approved by the County Council, will take effect in December, but will be retroactive to Juof this year.Over the course of the past several years, county employees have worked hard and w

dutiful to the citizens we serve, and been patient while the Administration has had to tbudgets and make other adjustments to help county government weather the tough econotimes. The hard work and sacrifices of our workforce have not gone unnoticed!

For four long years there have been no pay raises or merit increases to offset the rising coof living each of us are faced with. Now, I believe the time has come and the fundin

available to provide you, the backbone of county government, with a well-deserved pay raisEmployees who are eligible for this raise include those who are classified, exempt, grfunded or temporary.

Government is more than most of our citizens realize or come to know. YOU are the fac

government and YOU are what helps make Harford County a great place to live, work raise a family.

On behalf of Director of Administration Mary Chance, the Cabinet, and the citizens of HarfCounty we thank you for all you have done and continue to do.

Cordially,

David R. CraigHarford County Executive

David R. Craig,

Harford County Executive


2/9

P A G E 2

Scott T. Gibson,

Human Resources

Director

H. R.

Update

Important FLU SHOT Infosubmitted by Beth Griffith

BlueChoice Opt-Out Plus Participantssubmitted by Beth Griffith

During Open Enrollment CareFirst indicated that all outpatient lab testing needed to beprocessed through LabCorp in order for the services to be paid as an in-network benefitCareFirst is now indicating that Quest is an in-network provider and services rendered byQuest will be paid using the in-network benefit.

Should you have any questions, please contact either Beth Griffith at ext. 3202 or TamaraSimmons at ext. 4871.

H G C C O N N E C T I O N

V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 9

Beginning immediately, all County employees have the opportunity to purchase pet health

insurance through payroll deduction. This coverage is being provided by ASPCA at a 5%discount.

Advantages to the plan:

Increasing levels to cover your dog or cat for accidents, illnesses, wellness care, etc.Use any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. or Canada. Just pay for the services atthe time of the visit and submit our simple claim form with your receipts.

Convenient online account access, simple claim filing and excellent customer service.

To learn more about this plan, please visit the ASPCA website atwww.ascpapetinsurance.com/harford. Once you access the website, click on the gray GeStarted button. You will be prompted for your last name and Employee ID. TheEmployee ID is all six digits of your EIN. This will allow you to access the screen toreceive your free quote. Any questions, please contact Beth Griffith at ext. 3202 or Tamara

Simmons at ext. 4871.

New Voluntary Benefit Program Pet Insurance through ASPCAsubmitted by Beth Griffith

The Harford County Health Department will be providing flu shots at no charge to all employees oThursday, October 25th. This clinic will be held in the County Council Chambers located 212 S. BondStreet from Noon to 4:00 PM. Appointments are not required.

Please note that the flu shots are only being offered to County employees and retirees. You will brequired to show your County ID in order to receive your flu shot.

If you are not able to attend the clinic on October 25 th, you are welcome to participate in thCommunity Walk-In Clinics at the Health Department in Edgewood, at 1321 Woodbridge StationWay. The fee will be $20.00.

IMPORTANT:Please refer to emaildated 10/09/12 for thefollowing:At the request of the

Health Department, weare providing the

informational sheet and

consent form to you at

this time. Please

complete the consent

form and bring it along

with you on the day of

the clinic.
http://www.ascpapetinsurance.com/harfordhttp://www.ascpapetinsurance.com/harfordhttp://www.ascpapetinsurance.com/harford


3/9

P A G E 3V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 9

More Americans expect to delay retirement

Working Americans projected retirement age is creeping up, but the economyis only one factor in the mix. Slightly more than one-third of working Americanssurveyed in a recent Gallup poll said they expect to retire after age 65. Theirresponse is notable for two reasons:

Its historic. This is the first time that more workers have told Gallup theyllretire after age 65 than before that age.

Its a trend that predates the recent economic downturn. The projectedretirement age has gradually increased over the past 15 years.1

Most workers in their 50s intend to work to age 67.2 Younger Americans intend towork even longer. Across the total workforce, more than eight in 10 said theywant to work past age 67 to rebuild assets lost in the recent recession andmarket downturn. Nearly as many, however, plan to work past age 67 to staymentally engaged. Six in 10 said they enjoy working; the same number citedtheir need to retain health benefits.3

Moreover, seven in 10 American workers want to remain active even after theyretire. Four in 10 want to work part time; one-quarter want to volunteer. 4 Nomatter how many years you intend to continue your career, its a good idea toprepare for retirement now. Circumstances can change. Ask most Americans

whove already retired: Six in 10 found themselves out of the workforce soonerthan expected.5

1Americans Projected Retirement Age Continues to Creep Up, Gallup, April 26, 2010.22010 Baby Boomer Survey, Del Webb, April 2010.3 Confidence in Retirement Preparedness Keeps Slipping, PLANSPONSOR.com, October 22,

2009.4More Proof the Downturn Means Delayed Retirement, PLANSPONSOR.com, April 15, 2010. 5Study Finds Americans Not Prepared for Retirement, PLANSPONSOR.com, May 19, 2010.

Our representative from LincolnFinancial, Stephanie Gavrilis, will beavailable:

October 23, 2012from 10:00 AM

3:00 PM

in the Department of HumanResources for new enrollments andchanges/updates to existingaccounts. To make an appointment,contact Beth Griffith at:

410-638-3202 [email protected]

Mutual funds and variable annuities are sold byprospectus. Investors are advised to carefully consider

the investment objectives, risks, charges and expensesof a mutual fund and in the case of a variable annuity,the variable contract and its underlying investmentoptions. To obtain a mutual fund or variable annuityprospectus that contains this and other information call:800 4LINCOLN. Read the prospectus carefully beforeinvesting or sending money.

Variable annuities are long-term investment productsdesigned particularly for retirement purposes and aresubject to market fluctuation, investment risk andpossible loss of principal. Variable annuities containboth investment and insurance components and havefees and charges, including mortality and expense,administrative and advisory fees. Optional features areavailable for an additional charge. The annuity's valuefluctuates with the market value of the underlyinginvestment options, and all assets accumulate tax-deferred.

Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary incomeand, 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 additionaltax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased inan IRA or other tax-qualified plan.

Variable annuities sold in New York are issued byLincoln 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 NationalLife Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, anddistributed by Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., abroker/dealer. The Lincoln National Life InsuranceCompany does not solicit business in the state of NewYork, nor is it authorized to do so. Contractualobligations are backed by the claims-paying ability ofthe appropriate issuing company.

The mutual fund-based programs include certainservices provided by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.(LFA), a broker/dealer (member FINRA) and an affiliateof Lincoln Financial Group, 1300 S. Clinton St., FortWayne, IN 46802. Unaffiliated broker/dealers also mayprovide services to customers.

Working LateAn article contributed by Lincoln Financial Group

...more thaneight in 10 said

they want towork past age67 to rebuildassets lost inthe recentrecession andmarketdownturn.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


4/9

P A G E 4

To learn more about allof our Green Stars,

please visit theSustainability Office

website.www.harfordcountymd.

gov/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]


Meet our Green Star of the Quarter

Aaron Hall, Department of Procurement won the

(April June 2012) for collectively renegotiating the recycling

contract.

Meet Our Green Stars of the Year

Green Star of the Year(2011 2012)

http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/Green/index.cfm?ID=345http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/Green/index.cfm?ID=345mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.harfordcountymd.gov/Green/index.cfm?ID=345http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/Green/index.cfm?ID=345


5/9

Septembers Employee of the Month submitted by Robert B. Thomas, Jr.


Tamara J. Haney, a Dispatcher III with the

Division of Emergency Operations and 10-year

employee with Harford County, has been

named Employee of the Month for

September. Ms. Haney was nominated by

Timothy Coale, a Public Safety Supervisor at

the EOC.

Coale nominated Ms. Haney, not for a

singular event, but for multiple examples that

demonstrate she routinely goes above and beyond her required duties andresponsibilities in order to provide better service to both law enforcement

officers and the general public.

In his nomination of Ms. Haney, Mr. Coale stated, While acting as

a police dispatch supervisor she encourages others to provide a higher level

of performance than dictated in policies and procedures. She has

successfully trained many dispatchers, teaching them multiple ways of

doing things and holding them to a higher standard of service.

Additionally, Mr. Coale stated, Tamara has been a tremendous

help in maintaining shift minimum staffing requirements. She modifies her

schedule to fill shortages at the EOC, both with flex time and overtime.

Furthermore Tamara is the first to volunteer for any committee that may be

needed by the agency. Although it would not be fair to put her on all

committees, Tamaras enthusiasm is duly noted.

Commenting on receiving the award, Ms. Haney stated, I am

honored to have been selected for this award. I love my job as a Public

Safety Dispatcher and I am proud to be part of such an amazing team ofpublic service employees.

Tamara clearly demonstrates the positive attributes of our county

employees. She consistently has performed above and beyond the call of

duty and we are proud of her dedication and selfless service on behalf of

the citizens of Harford County, County Executive Craig said.

I love my

job as a Pub

Safety

Dispatcher

and I am

proud to be

part of such

an amazing

team of pub

service

employees


6/9

P A G E 6



Parlor Concert FeaturingPlaxity Plaid

Harvest of Quilts ShowSaturday, October 20, 2012, 10 AM to 5 PMSunday, October 21, 2012, 11AM to 4:30 PM

NEW LOCATION"Roni" Chenowith Activity Center, Route 152 and Oakmont Road

1707 Fallston RoadFallston, MD 21047

Tickets $7; children (6-11yrs) $4QUILT APPRAISALSBoth days during show hours, Karen Dever, from Moorestown, NJ, is an AQS Certified

Appraiser with extensive training and experience in antique and new art quilt appraising.www.karendever.comWritten Appraisals are $45.00/quilt (1/2 hour appointment)Verbal Appraisals are $25.00/quilt (10 minute appointment)To schedule an Appointment, please contact Didi Salvatierra at [email protected]

Flying Geese Quilt Guild Inc.Harford County, Maryland

PO Box 1894, Bel Air, Maryland 21014-7894

HARRIET'S HAPPIEST

HALLOWEEN

October 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st

Harriet's off to another fun-filled adven-ture. Join her if you dare! Please checkthe website for showing times.

Harford Community CollegeHarford Dance Theater;401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air;443-412-2211www.harford.edu/cultural/
http://www.karendever.com/http://www.karendever.com/mailto:[email protected]?subject=2012%20Quilt%20show%20appraisalsmailto:[email protected]?subject=2012%20Quilt%20show%20appraisalsmailto:[email protected]?subject=2012%20Quilt%20show%20appraisalsmailto:[email protected]?subject=2012%20Quilt%20show%20appraisalshttp://wems.d3corp.net/ct/9849674:13289863611:m:1:350798043:6BA132D01EDFF0B55B011894B2AAE5A8:rhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGhWFBQUkTU&feature=plcphttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcfRJFYvtt8&feature=plcpmailto:[email protected]?subject=2012%20Quilt%20show%20appraisalsmailto:[email protected]?subject=2012%20Quilt%20show%20appraisalsmailto:[email protected]?subject=2012%20Quilt%20show%20appraisalshttp://www.karendever.com/


7/9


Know your Numbers...Know your Numbers...Know your Numbers...

FREE: Blood Pressure, Body Composition,and Sleep Apnea Screenings.

Cholesterol Screenings $10Osteoporosis Screenings $15Full Cardiac Risk Assessment $20

(Cash/Check)

10/23

UCMC Parking Lot M

4

7 pm520 Upper Chesapeake Drive

Bel Air, Maryland 21014-4324

11/19

Kleins Parking Lot

9am-12 noon

1606 Dooley Rd. Cardiff, MD

FREE CARDIOVASCULARSCREENINGS

2012 Screening Schedule:(8 11:45 am and 12:45 3:45 pm each day)

Nov. 7 & Dec. 5Upper Chesapeake Medical Center

Nov. 14 & Dec. 12Harford Memorial Hospital

T h e r e a r e

numerous veins

and arteries in

your body

v i r t u a l l y

impossible to

count. Think of

them as your

bodys highway,

circulating blood

to all parts of

y o u r b o d y .

Keeping those

highways open is vital to your health. To learn if

you are at risk for carotid artery disease,

peripheral artery disease (PAD) aneurysm,

attend one of our upcoming FREE

cardiovascular screenings.

Call HealthLink at 800-515-0044 to

register.


Antibiotics are the most important toolwe have to combat life-threatening bacterial

diseases, but antibiotics can have side

effects.

Antibiotic overuse increases the

development of drugresistant germs.

Patients, healthcare providers, hospital

administrators, and policy makers must work

together to employ effective strategies for

improving antibiotic use ultimately

improving medical care and saving lives.

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteriachange in a way that reduces or eliminates

the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Infections with resistant bacteria havebecome more common in healthcare and

community settings, and many bacteria have

become resistant to more than one type or

class of antibiotic.

Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections,not viral infections. Not only does treating

viruses with antibiotics not work, it increases

the likelihood that you will become ill with an

antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection.

It is estimated that more than 50% ofantibiotics are

unnecessarily

prescribed in

t h e o f f i c e

set t ing for

u p p e r

r e s p i r a t o r y

i n f e c t i o n s

(URIs), like

cough and cold

illness, most of which are caused by viruses.

Up to 50% of antibiotic use in hospitals iseither unnecessary or inappropriate.

In children, reactions to antibiotics are themost common cause of emergency

department visits for adverse drug events.

Children may have up to nine colds eachyear. Three out of 10 children who visit an

outpatient provider with the common cold

receive an antibiotic. This is an improvement

from previous years, but antibiotics are not

indicated for a common cold.

The way we use antibiotics today or in onepatient directly impacts how effective they

will be tomorrow or in another patient; they

are a shared resource.

Antibiotic resistance is not just a problemfor the person with the infection. Some

resistant bacteria have the potential to

spread to others promoting antibiotic

resistant infections.

Since it will bemany years before

new antibiotics are

available to treat

some res istant

infections, we need

to improve the use

of antibiotics that

a r e c u r r e n t l y

available.

Take the antibioticexactly as the doctor

prescribes. Do not

skip doses. Complete the prescribed course

of treatment, even if you start feeling better.

Only take antibiotics prescribed for you; donot share or use leftover antibiotics.

Antibiotics treat specific types of infections.

Taking the wrong medicine may delay correct

treatment and allow bacteria to multiply.

Do not save antibiotics for the next illness.Discard any leftover medication once theprescribed course of treatment is completed.

Prevent infections by practicing good handhygiene and getting recommended vaccines.

Do not ask for antibiotics when your doctorthinks you do not need them. Remember

antibiotics have side effects. When your

doctor says you dont need an antibiotic,

taking one may do more harm than good.

Antibiotics:

.
http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/healthcare/learn-from-others/factsheets/images/resistance_doubles_large.jpg


8/9

P A G E 8



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

E-mail a snapshot of your calendar in Outlook 2010

A copy of your calendar can be sent to anyone in an email message. The calendar is included as an attachment andalso appears within the message body. You decide what dates are included and the amount of detail.

1. In the Calendarlist, choose the calendar to send.By default, the default Calendaris chosen.

2. In the Date Range list, choose the amount of calendardata to include in your message, or clickSpecify dates to enter a custom date range.

3. In the Detail list, choose the amount of detailto show the recipients.By default, the Availability only option is selected.

Optionally, you can restrict the information includedin the message to your working hours by selecting theShow time within my working hours only check box.To change your working hours, clickSet working hours.

Click OK.In the Tobox, enter the recipients name.

In the message body, enter any information you want to include.Click Send.

The calendar appears to the recipient within themessage body. The attached iCalendar file witha file extension of .ics can also be opened in manycalendar programs, including Outlook.

TIP: If you choose a large date range

or select Whole calendar, you might

create a large message.

In Calendar, on the Hometab,in the Share group,click E-mail Calendar.


9/9

Preserving Harfords past;

Promoting Harfords future

Published by

Nancy MahaffeyEditor & Graphic Design

Department of Human Resources

410-638-4870

[email protected]

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]

Is there someone in yourworkplace who goes

above and beyond forHarford County?

Why notnominatethis individual asEmployee of the

Month?

What a great way to recognize yourco-workers for their contribution to

Harford County.

For details contact

Nancy Mahaffey at

[email protected]

or call 410-638-4870

To process your BJs membership we will need:

A c o m p l e t e d m e m b e r s h i p

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. 5p.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 30days.

If you have any questions or need additional

information, please contact Nancy Mahaffey at

Call 410-638-4870 or email her @

[email protected]

Milestones

We would like to include yourmilestone in the next HCGConnection. Please submit

information by the15th of the month to

Digital photos are accepted.


mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Hcg Connection October 2012[1]

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Transcript of Hcg Connection October 2012[1]