A NEWSLETTER BY AND FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF HARFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Executive Summary: The Department of Emergency Services

As you may have heard, Harford County Government has a new department the Department of Emergency Services. The Department was established as a result of Executive Order 12-08 which was submitted to the Harford County Council on December 18, 2012. The Order became law and the Department of Emergency Services was created automatically when the County Council chose to take no action in opposition to the Order. On February 18, 2013 I appointed Russell J. Strickland, the Manager of the Division of Emergency Operations to assume the duties as the Acting Director of the Department of Emergency Services. Mr. Stricklands nomination to be the Director of the Department must be confirmed by the Harford County Council and we anticipate such action within the next 60 days. I chose to establish the Cabinet-level Department of Emergency Services as a result of recommendations received from the Harford County Fire and EMS David R. Craig Master Plan, also known as the Fire Study and the Harford County Public Harford County Executive Safety Commission. Upon a review of these recommendations, I determined it was in the best interest of County government to restructure and redefine the system and the current Division of Emergency Operations in an effort to coordinate all aspects of the county emergency operations, duties and responsibilities. The newly created Department is responsible for the oversight of the affairs in providing a high quality of fire/rescue protection, prevention, suppression, training and quality assurance. The Department shall also work to ensure high quality in the delivery of emergency medical services and training. Additionally, the Department shall coordinate funding for the volunteer fire service, as well as provide support and coordination to the volunteer fire and EMS service in Harford County. The Department of Emergency Services shall not include any law enforcement agencies within Harford County.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Executive Summary HR Update

Lincoln Financial

Employee of the Month

Tech Tips Know Your Numbers Sustainability Office Volunteer Expo & Arbor Day

Prior to joining Harford County Government in the fall of 2012, Mr. Strickland had an extensive and exemplary career in public safety. Mr. Strickland began his career in the early 1970s as a part-time clerk and dispatcher with the Elkton Police Department. He moved on to serve as a police officer with the University of Maryland at College Park and later as a fire investigator and inspector with the Office of the State Fire Marshal. From the late 1970s through 2004 Mr. Strickland was employed with the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute, where he served in a number of positions, ultimately retiring as Assistant Director of the agency. From 2004 through 2008, Mr. Strickland served as the Deputy Director of the Maryland Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Following his stint at MEMA, Mr. Strickland joined the staff of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (JHAPL) as a member of the Awareness and Response Information Systems Group. In this capacity Mr. Stricklands duties related to providing subject matter expertise in the areas of local, state and federal Homeland Security and Emergency Management. As with everything in life, there are changes which are necessary to ensure citizens of Harford County receive the best possible fire, rescue and EMS service available through our dedicated corps of volunteer fire and EMS providers. I am confident the Department of Emergency Services will help provide the coordination and leadership to enhance public safety in Harford County for future generations who will call Harford their home. Cordially,

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David R. Craig, Harford County Executive

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Department of Human Resources Update

Health Insurance Reminder Making Status Changes

submitted by Beth Griffith

As a reminder, we can only process status changes to your health insurance coverage within 30 days immediately following the actual event. For example, if an employee is married on March 5, 2013 the request for the change along with documentation to support the request must be submitted no later than April 5, 2013. Request for status changes are effective the 1st of the month following the actual event as long as they are filed in a timely manner. Any request outside the 30 day guideline will result in a delay in processing the request until the next Open Enrollment period for health insurance coverage. Should you have any questions, please contact Tamara Simmons (ext. 4871) or Beth Griffith (ext. 3202).

Scott T. Gibson, Human Resources Director

CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL AT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND RECEPTIONS

submitted by Janet Schaub

This is a reminder that use of alcohol is prohibited while on the job. Some employees, as part of their position, may attend community events and receptions. If the employee is being compensated while attending such events, the employee must refrain from indulging in alcoholic beverages. Compensation during normal work hours or after hours applies. Compensation would include the earning of regular pay, overtime, or compensatory time. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Human Resources at 410-638-3201.

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Boomers and the Bear Five retirement questions

An article contributed by Lincoln Financial Group If youre nearing retirement, here are five questions developed by financial professionals to help guide your decision making. 1. When should I retire? Typically, the decision to retire is made five years before the target date. Consider a full range of financial implications, including healthcare coverage and other benefits, and current financial obligations. Its also wise to have a contingency plan in place in case of unforeseen events, such as a layoff or illness. 2. How will I pay the bills? Identify monthly and annual expenses, as well as possible unplanned expenses, and develop a strategy to create income sources such as Social Security, a pension, savings withdrawals, and annuity payouts to meet expenses while protecting long-term financial security. 3. Which funds should I draw from first? Asset diversification is widely practiced in the accumulation phase, but is not as well understood when converting savings into retirement income. A financial advisor can help you navigate the tax implications and set long-term investment strategies. 4. What required minimum distributions do I need to perform and when? Again, a financial advisors help is recommended. Its important to know when these distributions occur to avoid certain tax penalties and adjust your finances to minimize the amount of taxes due. 5. What risks should I plan for when I retire? Longevity, illness, inflation, and market volatility are among the risks that could compromise your financial security. A financial advisor can help you prepare for such risks and face the future with confidence.
Source: Five Questions Retirees Should Ask Their Advisors, LIMRA.com, April 12, 2010. Not a deposit Not FDIC-insured Not insured by any federal government agency Not guaranteed by any bank or savings association May go down in value
www.LincolnFinancial.com Login : Employer Retirement Plans Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. Affiliates are separately responsible for their own financial and contractual obligations.

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.

Our representative from Lincoln Financial, Stephanie Gavrilis, will be available: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 The meetings will take place in the Department of Human Resources for new enrollments and changes/updates to existing accounts. Appointments are required. Please contact Beth Griffith at 410-638-3202 or bagriffith@harfordcountymd.gov.

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

Jeff Berthney Named February Employee of the Month
Harford County Executive David R. Craig has announced that Jeff Berthney, a Recreation Specialist with the Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation, has been named Employee of the Month for February. For the past 15 years, Mr. Berthney has conducted coaching education for the Department of Parks and Recreation.

Jeff Berthney and County Executive David R. Craig

Arden McClune, Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, nominated Mr. Berthney for the award. In her nomination, Mrs. McClune stated, Jeff has been an integral part of conducting the National Alliance of Youth Sports (NAYS) program with Harford County. Due to Jeffs tireless efforts with the Churchville Recreation Council, Inc., the 2012 National Alliance for Youth Sports Excellence in Youth Sports Award was awarded to the Churchville Recreation Council. Director McClune added, Jeff has gone above and beyond in his many years of volunteering to be the NAYS Chapter Director for Harford County. In doing so, Jeff helps run Start Smart programs, an introduction to youth sports for children ages three to five, and encourages and trains staff in becoming Certified Youth Sports Administrators, and also teaches area sport clinics for youth, administrators, coaches and parents. The goal of the National Alliance for Youth Sports is to make sports and activities safe and positive by providing programs and services that add value to youth sports. NAYS has become the nations leading youth sports educator and advocate with national programs and that educate administrators, coaches, officials and parents about their respective roles and responsibilities in the context for youth sports. Commenting on being named Employee of the Month for February, Mr. Berthney said, It has been a pleasure to be able to work with the Churchville Recreation Council and all the other councils in the county. Harford County is truly a great place to work and live. We are lucky to have the many volunteers that work with all the councils. They are a very special group of people and I am proud to work with them. During the recognition ceremony honoring Mr. Berthney, County Executive Craig said, Our Department of Parks and Recreation does a wonderful job serving both youth and adults with a number of quality recreational and sports programs. Through his work with local rec councils, Jeff has demonstrated excellence and outstanding performance supporting the youth of Harford County. I congratulated Jeff on this achievement and extend best wishes for continued success throughout his career with Harford County government. Preserving Harfords past; promoting Harfords future

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Tech Tips submitted by the Office of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Excel 2010 Relative and Absolute Cell References Cell references are an important part of creating formulas in Excel. Using cell references allows your formulas to update automatically if the value in a particular cell changes and can also assist you in updating formulas as cells are copied or moved. There are two basic types of cell references, each serving a different purpose. Relative Cell References Definition: References that will change in relation to the new location of the formula. Relative references identify cells based on their relationship to the cell containing the reference. EXAMPLE: In the example shown here, the function in D2 calculates Bob's pay by multiplying his hours (C2) by his rate of pay (B2). Since the rate of pay varies by student, we can use copy and paste or the fill command to copy the function to the other rows in the spreadsheet. Because the cell references are relative, the function will adjust to calculate the values in the appropriate rows. In other words, when we copy the function to Anna's total, her pay will be based on C3*B3. Absolute Cell References Definition: References that remain the same when a formula is copied to a new location. No matter where the formula or the values in the original cell are moved, the formula will continue to refer to the same cell. EXAMPLE: In the example shown here, the function in C11 calculates Bob's pay by multiplying his hours (B11) by the rate of pay for all students (C9). Notice the $ before both the column and row IDs ($C$9). By making the reference to the rate of pay an absolute reference, we can use copy and paste or the fill command to copy the function to the other rows in the spreadsheet. The same rate of pay will be multiplied by the appropriate hours for each student. In other words, when we copy the function to Anna's total, her pay will be based on B12*$C$9.

To make a cell reference absolute:

Within the formula, before the part of the reference (i.e., row or column reference) that you would like to be absolute, type $ OR In the Formula bar: Click within the cell reference you want to change, and press [F4]

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Blood Pressure Screening When: Wednesday, March 13, 10am 12pm, Where: Fallston Senior Center (The Chenowith Center) Cardiovascular Screening When: Wednesday, March 13, 8am 4pm, Where: Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Description: Registration is required by calling 1-800-515-0044 Medical Mobile Van Health Screening When: Tuesday, March 26, 4pm 7pm, Where: UCMC Parking Lot M Description: Free blood pressure, body composition and sleep apnea screenings. Cholesterol screenings $10, osteoporosis screenings $15, full cardiac risk assessment $20 (cash or check).

Do you know someone who should be recognized as a Green Star? If so, please share her/his Green Star action by e-mailing Marlana McKenna at
mlmckenna@harfordcountymd.gov To learn more about all of our Green Stars, please visit the Sustainability Office website. www.harfordcountymd.gov/Green/ index

SUSTAINABILITY OFFICE
Meet our newest Green Stars
Karen Green on behalf of the entire HdG Activity Center Parks and Recreation Staff and the HdG Drama Guild for Making a Commitment to Sustainability Mary James of Risk Management for Developing an Unused Cartridge Database Green Star of the Quarter (October December 2012) Marylee Gorman of the Department of Procurement for

Coordinating the Green Expo

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ARBOR DAY
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We are looking for individuals, groups, and organizations who want to help plant trees for the tenth annual Harford County Arbor Day Celebration and Conservation Project, sponsored by Harford County Government. Join us as we plant 500 tree seedlings and 130 balled & burlapped trees at Edgewood Elementary School and the Boys & Girls Club. The Arbor Day planting, awards ceremony, and activities will begin at 9 A.M. on Friday, March 29 at Edgewood Elementary School and the Boys & Girls Club. Parking will be available on site. Volunteers should bring work boots, gloves, a hammer for driving in tree shelter stakes, and a shovel. Light refreshments, a FREE tree, and FREE lunch will be provided for all participants. This project will occur rain or shine. For more information or to sign up for the event, please contact Betsey Greene, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 410-638-3103 ext. 1380.

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Eat Right
Food, Nutrition and Health Tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics -

13 Health Tips for 2013

Dedicate yourself to a healthy lifestyle in 2013 with these food, nutrition and exercise tips.
Eat BreakfastTheres no better way to start your morning than with a healthy breakfast. Include lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Try oatmeal cooked with low-fat milk, sliced almonds and berries, or top a toaster waffle with low-fat yogurt and fruit. Find more quick breakfast ideas at www.eatright.org/nutritiontipsheets. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and VegetablesFruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture plus vitamins, minerals and fiber to your plate. Make 2 cups of fruit and 2 cups of vegetables your daily goal. Dont let winter stop you from enjoying produce. It may be harder to find fresh options, but frozen and canned are great alternatives. See 20 Ways to Enjoy More Fruits and Vegetables at www.eatright.org/nutritiontipsheets. Watch Portion SizesDo you know if youre eating the proper portion size? Get out the measuring cups and see how close your portions are to the recommended serving size. Using smaller plates, bowls and glasses can help you keep portions under control. Use half your plate for fruits and vegetables and the other half for grains and lean meat, poultry, seafood or beans. To complete the meal, add a glass of fat-free or low-fat milk or a serving of fatfree yogurt for dessert. Visit www.choosemyplate.gov. Be ActiveRegular physical activity lowers blood pressure and helps your body control stress and weight. Start by doing what exercise you can for at least 10 minutes at a time. Children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per day, and adults should get two hours and 30 minutes per week. You dont have to hit the gymtake a walk after dinner or play a game of catch or basketball. Fix Healthy SnacksHealthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals. Whenever possible, make your snacks combination snacks. Choose from the MyPlate food groups: whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fatfree dairy, lean protein or nuts. Try low-fat yogurt with fruit, whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheese, or a small portion of nuts with an apple or banana. For more snack ideas, see 25 Healthy Snacks for Kids and Smart Snacking for Adults and Teens at www.eatright.org/nutritiontipsheets. Get to Know Food LabelsEver wonder about what the numbers in the Nutrition Facts panel really mean? Or, the difference between reduced fat and low fat? The Food and Drug Administration has strict guidelines on how food label terms can be used. To learn more about food labels, see Shop Smart Get the Facts on Food Labels at www.eatright.org/nutritiontipsheets.

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Eat Right
Food, Nutrition and Health Tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (contd)
Consult an RDWhether you want to lose weight, lower your cholesterol or simply eat better, consult the experts! Registered dietitians can help you by providing sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice and put you on the path to losing weight, eating well and reducing your risk of chronic disease. Learn more about RDs at www.eatright.org/RD. Follow Food Safety GuidelinesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that roughly one in six Americans gets sick from foodborne disease each year. Reduce your chances of getting sick by practicing proper hand washing. Separate raw meat, poultry and seafood from ready-to-eat foods like bread and vegetables. Use a food thermometer to make sure food is properly cooked. Refrigerate food quickly at a proper temperature to slow bacteria growth. Learn more about home food safety at http://homefoodsafety.org. Get CookingCooking at home can be healthy, rewarding and cost-effective. Resolve to learn some cooking and kitchen basics, like how to dice an onion or how to store herbs and spices. The collection of How do I videos at www.eatright.org/howdoi will get you started. Dine Out without Ditching Your GoalsYou can dine at a restaurant and stick to your healthy eating plan! The key is to plan ahead, ask questions and choose foods carefully. Think about nutritious items you can add to your platefruits, veggies, lean meat, poultry or fishand look for grilled, baked, broiled or steamed items. See Healthy Eating on the Run at www.eatright.org/nutritiontipsheets. Enact Family Meal TimeResearch shows that family meals promote healthier eating. Plan to eat as a family at least a few times each week in 2013. Set a regular mealtime. Turn off the TV, phones and other electronic devices to encourage mealtime talk. Get kids involved in meal planning and cooking and use this time to teach them about good nutrition. For more family mealtime tips, visit www.kidseatright.org. Banish Brown Bag BoredomWhether its a brown bag lunch for work or school, make it a healthy lunch packed with nutrition. Prevent brown bag boredom with these healthy lunch ideas. Theyre easy to fix the night before and ready to go in the morning. Try whole-wheat couscous with chick peas or black beans; whole-wheat tortilla filled with chicken, mushrooms, onions and tomatoes; baked potato topped with broccoli, low-fat cheddar cheese and salsa; or spinach salad with sliced pear, red onion and low-fat feta cheese. Keep lunches safe with tips from http:// homefoodsafety.org. Drink More WaterOur bodies depend on water to regulate temperature, transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, carry away waste products and more. For generally healthy people who live in temperate climates, the Dietary Reference Intakes from the Institute of Medicine recommend a total daily beverage intake of 13 cups for men and 9 cups for women.
For a referral to a registered dietitian and for additional food and nutrition information visit www.eatright.org. Adapted from the article 13 Health Tips for 2013 (www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442474069) byAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics staff registered dietitians.

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Milestones

WITH THE NEW YEAR JUST GETTING STARTED, 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 interoffice 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 @
tdsimmons@harfordcountymd.gov.

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
saballweg@harfordcountymd.gov

We would like to include your milestone in the next HCG Connection. Please submit information by the 15th of the month to saballweg@harfordcountymd.gov .

or call 410-638-3019

Sharon BallwegEditor & Graphic Design Department of Human Resources 410-638-3019 saballweg@harfordcountymd.gov Robert B. Thomas, Jr. Contributor Office of the County Executive 410-638-3258 rbthomas@harfordcountymd.gov Rebecca Macek - Contributor Department of Community Services 410-638-3389 ramacek@harfordcountymd.gov Erin Ferriter-Contributor Sustainability Office 410-638-4707 eferriter@harfordcountymd.gov Jennifer Boesch Contributor Information and Communication Technology 410-638-1286 jeboesch@harfordcountymd.gov

David R. Craig, Harford County Executive

Preserving Harfords past; Promoting Harfords future

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

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