In This Issue MacombKeeping You MattersConnected Page 2 Recipe July 2013 Issue 11 First Female JJC Director Twitter information Page 3 Sprint & Splash a success A Message From Mark Page 4 Blue Economy Fun I hope everyone enjoyed the Fourth of July holiday Did you know? and the many spectacular firework displays that Page 5 were prominent throughout Macomb County. Tech Talk As we move into August, many of our blue economy Page 6 activities will continue. Aquapalooza, the largest Pets of the Month on-the-water concert event, will take place from Gardening Tips 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. off the shores of Belle Maer Harbor on Lake Page 7 St. Clair Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. The event is specifically Healthstyles luncheon intended to celebrate boaters and, more specifically, Lake St. Page 8 Clair. For more information, visit www.colonymarine.net. Employee focus Additionally, Macomb County will be featured in the annual BassMaster Page 9 Elite Series fishing tournament. This tournament, which takes place from 2013 climate survey Thursday, Aug. 22 to Sunday, Aug. 25 and is aired on ESPN 2, will allow Macomb in the black Lake St. Clair to be viewed on a national level, which is obviously a huge Page 10 positive for Macomb County. Macomb’s Memories Freedom Hill also continues to bring many concerts, festivals and other Page 11 family-friendly events to Macomb County. Be sure to check out the schedule Macomb power brokers at www.freedomhill.net. This venue is a huge asset for not only the County, Zzzzzzzzzz but the region as well. Page 12 Newly hired As you can see, there is much to enjoy in Macomb County right now. Get Retirees out and have some fun. Have a great August! Get your Macomb on! Sincerely, Summer in Macomb Page 13 Calendar Facebook information Mark A. Hackel Macomb County Executive

www.macombgov.org (586) 469-7001 What’s Cookin!

Healthier Southern Peach Cobbler Ingredients: 8 fresh peaches – peeled, pitted, and sliced into thin wedges 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice First-ever female named 2 teaspoons cornstarch 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour 1/4 cup white sugar JJC director for Macomb 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder County youth facility 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and By Sarah Cormier cut into small pieces Macomb County Executive Office 1/4 cup boiling water 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel announced on July 8 that Rhonda Westphal will be the new director of the county’s Juvenile Justice Center (JJC). Westphal becomes the first-ever DIRECTIONS: female director of the JJC. 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). “Macomb County is happy to welcome Rhonda as part of our team,” said Executive Hackel. 2. Combine peaches, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, “Her wealth of experience will ensure that the center receives the type of oversight it requires.” lemon juice and cornstarch in a large bowl. Toss to coat evenly and pour into a 2-quart Westphal will be starting her new position on August 5, 2013. baking dish. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. From July 1996 to July 2003, she worked as the Juvenile Care Center director for Midland 4. Meanwhile, combine flour, white sugar, County. From July 2003 to December 2009, she was a human resource manager and 1/4 cup brown sugar, baking powder and consultant for DeGarA P.L.L.C. Westphal, who is from Lansing, has, since 2004, worked as a salt in a large bowl. Blend in butter with labor relations specialist for MSEA, AFSCME Local 5, which represents state employees and your fingertips or a pastry blender until mix- other public sector employees. ture resembles coarse meal. Stir in water until just combined. 5. Remove peaches from oven and drop The center, located at 400 N. Rose Street in Mount Clemens, provides a safe, secure and caring spoonfuls of flour mixture over them. environment for youth who are remanded to custody through family court. Charles Seidelman, 6. Mix together 2 tablespoons brown sugar who has been the JJC’s director for the last eight years, has decided to retire. and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle entire cobbler with the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Bake until topping is golden, about “I think it’s an honor to be the first female director of the Juvenile Justice Center, but with that I 20 minutes. think comes great responsibility. We have a great team in place and the bar is raised for me as the first female director,” said Westphal. Calories: 223 Fiber 1.3 g Fat 8.5 g She has a Master of Arts in organizational leadership & administration from Saginaw Valley Protein 1.7 g State University, a Master of Arts in school psychology from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University. She was certified as a Labor Relations Submitted by: MSUE Specialist at Michigan State University in 2009. Source:Allrecipes/MakeItHealthy www.allrecipes.com

Macomb County now offers a new way to keep up with the latest news in the County. The Twitter account @MacombNewsNow will provide followers with up-to-date information on road construction and conditions, County and community events, as well as other notable happenings. Page 2 Sprint and Splash raises nearly $10,000 for blue economy By Amanda Priemer Macomb County Planning and Economic Development The second annual Sprint and Splash event has proved to be a success as just under $10,000 was raised to benefit the local blue economy. All proceeds will benefit the Lake St. Clair Tourism Initiative, the Clinton River Watershed Council and Six Rivers Regional Land Conservancy, which all work on different levels to pro- mote Macomb County’s rivers and lakes. The event was held on Saturday, June 15 at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township. Thanks to beautiful weather, helpful volunteers and enthusiastic participants, the event was an enormous success. Sprint and Splash began at 8 a.m. with a 6-mile stand-up paddle board- ing competition. This was a World Paddle Association sanctioned race that attracted approximately 30 athletes, many of whom traveled across the state or the region to compete. The duathlon and 5K run kicked off shortly after with over 200 runners. Both of these events have grown significantly from the first year, 120 peo- ple participated in the 5K run and 84 people participated in the duathlon. The event concluded with an exciting 2-mile recreational stand-up paddle- boarding race. The sport has become increasingly popular and attracted around 50 racers, both novice and experienced. Henry Ford Health system was the presenting sponsor. Other sponsors included: Baker Machining, ITC Holdings, the Kayak Store, Snap Fitness, Chicken Shack, Renewal by Anderson, and Surf Company.

Page 3 Blue Economy fun continues into August By Amanda Priemer Macomb County Planning and Economic Development While Aquapalooza and the BassMaster Elite Series fishing tournament (information in Mark’s Message on page 1) are both key Blue Economy events taking place in Macomb County this year, here are a few others: The St. Clair Shores Activities Committee is hosting a Country Music Festival on Friday, August 2 and Saturday, August 3. The festival will feature live country music bands, a costume con- test, hog calling and a barbeque. The festival will take place at Veteran’s Memorial Park and admission is $3 per person. Visit www.ci.saint-clair-shores.mi.us for additional information. Also on Saturday, August 3, Lake St. Clair Metropark will host the 12th annual Bash at the Beach Car Show. Held on the shores of Lake St. Clair, this show is open to all pre-1979 Ford Motor Company vehicles, but specializes in 1962 – 1976 Ford and Mercury vehicles. There will be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and awards. This event is held in conjunction with the Gratiot Cruise, which is set for Sunday, August 4. Both events are free to the public. Visit www. metroparks.com for more information. Walter and Mary Burke Park in downtown New Baltimore will play host to Little Camille’s Music by the Bay on Saturday, August 10 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event benefits the Paula L. Tutman Children’s Tooth Fairy Foundation and will feature rock & roll, jazz and blues music as well as art displays, food and drinks! Visit www.littlecamillesmusicbythebay.com for more details.

Did you know?

If you have an outstanding direct student loan, you may qualify for the PSLF Program (Public Service Loan Forgiveness). The PSLF Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue to work full time in public service jobs. Under this program, borrowers may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance of their direct student loans after they have made 120 qualifying payments on those loans while employed full time by certain public service employers.

The Macomb County Human Resources and Labor Relations Department is more than happy to assist employees with completing the Employment Certification for Public Service Loan Forgiveness form. This form and additional information may be found at http:// studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/charts/public-service.

Page 4 Tech Talk Guidance for staying secure while going mobile By Steve Yelick Information Technology Department Mobile computing is very convenient, yet has its share of security challenges. To help you stay safe while on the go, here are some tips you can easily employ to make your mobile computing experience secure and enjoyable.

There are many types of devices one can use when it comes to mobile computing. These would be laptops, tablets, and smartphones (think iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile and Blackberry). Although each of these has their unique characteristics, they all share common threats that can be easily thwarted.

But, just what are the threats? The most obvious physical threat is loss or theft. This could be accidently leaving a smartphone or tablet on a table at a coffee shop, or an enterprising thief may steal the device. A less obvious physical threat is the old art of shoulder surfing, in which someone watches what you are doing, without you knowing about it, from behind you. Usually the person conducting the shoulder surfing will record what they see you typing in for a password, or perhaps some other private information you would normally never share.

There are also logical threats, and these are very much like what we are used to with desktop PCs. They include malware – which is an industry term for all things virus, Trojan, SPAM, worm, etc. related – data loss and access credentials. Malware can come from all kinds of sources, but one that is not well known to many mobile users is the apps that we download onto the devices. Some of these will access not just current location, but data on your device that you may not want shared, like messages and contacts, that are then transmitted to the vendor’s servers to be used as they wish. Data loss can come from a hacker “sniffing” a wireless connection and copying your data, or from a problem with the device that wipes the data out. Access credentials, like username and password, are typically compromised by shoulder surfing or a piece of malware that records this information and sends it to a hacker.

So, how are these threats combated? For loss and theft, the best advice is to keep an eye on your device. Think of a mobile device the way you would your house or car keys. We typically would not set our keys, purse or wallet on a table somewhere and walk away from them. It is important to think of your mobile device in the same way, especially since it may hold a lot of private information you would not want to fall into the wrong hands. For shoulder surfing, you can always make yourself more aware of those around you and how you are seated compared to them. There are also privacy screens that can make viewing a mobile device from anywhere other than your vantage point very difficult, if not impossible.

For the logical threats, the first best defense is anti-malware (often called “anti-virus”) software. Although the number of current viruses for mobile devices pales in comparison to those for PCs, they are still a threat to be taken seriously. Also, always make sure your anti-malware software is up to date, with the latest definitions. For SPAM and other nasty email, use the same precautions you would on a PC and don’t open that which you do not trust. For mobile devices, particularly phones, also be aware of text SPAMming – the best defense against that is the delete key.

To best protect the data on your mobile device, employ a two-fold strategy. The first part of this is encryption. Some devices can be configured to have everything on them encrypted, whereas with others you may only be able to encrypt files. Regardless, encryption is a good defense, and should also be used on any USB devices (like thumbdrives) that may be used with your mobile device.

The second way to prevent data loss is backups. Always back up your data to another device, like your home PC, then back up that data to yet another device or a CD/DVD. Hard drives crash, devices get dropped on the floor, coffee gets spilled and the list goes on of ways your data can be compromised. Make sure you back up your hard drive regularly and also make sure that both devices are clean of any malware before you do your backup, or you may inadvertently be infecting one device from another.

The last piece of advice for secure mobile computing is using passwords to keep the device locked. You should always use a password, PIN, or passphrase (basically a password that is a phrase rather than a single word) to keep others from using your device. It also makes the thieves work much harder if they do get hold of your mobile device. Also make sure to change your password on a regular basis, just to be safe.

Page 5 Pets of the Month

Gage, Nikki & Dexter By Jeff Randazzo Macomb County Animal Shelter Every month Macomb Matters will be featuring new pets up for adoption at our very own Macomb County Animal Shelter. Please help us find these loving animals a new forever home.

My name is Gage and I am a neutered male, black and white Boxer mix. The shelter thinks I am about 1 year and 5 months old. I have been at the shelter since February 21, 2013.

My name is Nikki and I am a spayed female, tan and white Siberian Husky. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years and 4 months old. I have been at the shelter since March 24, 2013.

My name is Dexter and I’m a neutered male, brown tabby and white domestic shorthair cat. The shelter thinks I am about 4 years old. I have been at the shelter since April 25, 2013.

For more information on Gage, Nikki, Dexter or any other available pets, call (586) 469-5115 or visit http://www.macombgov.org/AnimalShelter/index.html.

Summer gardening tips By Mary Gerstenberger MSU Extension

Now that everything is planted, it’s important during the summer to keep those plants growing and viable. The following are some tips to help in that endeavor.

• Pinch back leggy growth on annuals and deadhead (remove) spent blooms before they form seed to stimulate new growth and more blooms. • Mow grass high (about 3 – 3.5 inches) to encourage good root development and reduce damage from grubs. • Harvest vegetables regularly to encourage more production. • Plan a second sowing of cool weather crops. • Be sure, when working in the garden during the heat of summer, to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Information on current gardening concerns and helpful lawn and garden information can be found at http://msue.anr.msu.edu/ or go to the Gardening in Michigan website at http://migarden.msu.edu/.

The Macomb office has a gardening hotline available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with Master Gardener volunteers available to help answer gardening questions.

Page 6 Healthstyles luncheon sees healthy return By Carol Grant Macomb County Healthstyles The Healthstyles 25th Anniversary Annual Luncheon and Health Fair held on June 25 at Freedom Hill was a big success. More than 20 health-oriented vendors attended the event, giving out valuable information to Macomb County employees.

Natural Way Vitamins in St. Clair Shores supplied employees with valuable coupons and a free publication of Total Health, SVS Vision offered employees free eye screenings and portable eye glass repair kits, HAP provided free blood pressure screenings and Education Station for Holistic Healing offered light therapy treatments which are known to help anything from a rash to stress management.

Additionally, there were various raffle drawings for prizes, gift certificates and gift cards. Congratulations to all the winners. The winners of those drawings are as follows: Teresa Hall Terri Massimino Nancy Gomulinski Marie Denbaas Vito Pulizzi Elaine Kelley Erikal Lojko Michael Locke Lori Ferdig

A sincere thank you to our Co-Chair Diane Ehrler for her ongoing assistance with this event. Diane has given many years of volunteer service to the committee.

We would also like to give Vince Viviano, Department of Roads’ community relations and park coordinator, a special thank you. Vince played an integral part in the success of the event by diligently preparing the building so it functioned for the fair.

Although the weather did not fully cooperate, it did not stop Macomb County employees from visiting on their lunch breaks to receive good health advice and a healthy lunch. We are thankful for all the support and participation as we strive to keep Macomb County’s employees happy and healthy.

Healthstyles Committee Members: • Diane Ehrler, IT Co-Chair • Maria Swiatkowski, Health Department Co-Chair • Bernadette Russell, FOC – Secretary • Samantha Johnson, F&O – Treasurer • Ben Treppa, Human Resources • Jessica Catalano, Human Resources • Anne Page, IT • Renai Edwards, Health Department • Carol Grant, Circuit Court • Sherry DeVoss, JJC • Jennifer Delano, MSCETA • Cindy Donahue, F&O • Claudette Wiznuik, Public Works • Debbie Safian, MSUE • Concetta Kurple, MSUE • Julie Bachand, MCCSA • Karen Duenas, Finance • Marilyn Taylor, Prosecutors Office • Nancy Younes, Treasurer’s Office • Melissa Roy, Office of the County Executive • Nicole Faulds, Juvenile Court • Sandy Birkenshaw, Equalization • Susie Matteson, Martha T. Berry

Do not forget to visit the Healthstyles website on the Intranet for upcoming events and helpful health information. Also, it would be of great help if each employee could take a few minutes to complete a short survey as it will allow the Healthstyles Committee to better serve employees. Visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/VZX7XWT to complete the survey. Page 7 Employee Focus

GovernorBy Sarah Cormier recognizes Michigan Works! staff Macomb County Executive Office There are probably few greater honors than for a Macomb County department to be personally recognized by Gov. , but that’s exactly what happened on April 25 when John Bierbusse, executive director of the Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works group, attended a Macomb/St. Clair Workforce Development Board meeting with all 25 Michigan Works! directors representing various parts of the state. According to Chris Reilly, director of the Macomb/St. Clair Employment and Training Agency, cuts from the sequester affected how much money Michigan Works! is getting for the 2013 budget, which began on July 1. For example, last year, Michigan Works! was able to help 634 dislocated workers via classroom training, but this year, with the way the money is now allocated, only 187 can be helped at pres- ent. Many other programs are severely affected. Currently, Michigan Works! is able to assist 230 job seekers, 102 of them dislocated workers, with On-The-Job Training. A special National Emergency Grant allows for up to an additional 50 people to receive On-The-Job Training services. This prompted the eight business consultants that work for the five offices Reilly oversees -- Clinton Township, Mount Clemens, Port Huron, Roseville and Warren – to launch a letter writing campaign to Snyder, which they hoped would convince him of the value of Michigan Works! programs. The initiative worked and soon the business consultants were collecting a bevy of letters written by local employers who often use Michigan Works! services. Snyder took notice of the letters and specifically mentioned the Macomb/St. Clair entity at the April 25 meeting. He also recognized Jennifer DeLano, a business case manager, who was mentioned for her exceptional work in many of the letters sent in by employers. “During the meeting the governor complimented our system for the work we do assisting employers in meeting their talent needs. He singled out Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! stating that he had received a significant number of letters from our local employers about the great assistance we provide to them and he further commended Jennifer DeLano since many of the letters recognized her by name for the outstanding services she provides to them,” said Bierbusse. “I had chills,” said Reilly of how he felt when Bierbusse told him what happened. “I was so proud. I was just overwhelmed that we actu- ally were recognized.” DeLano said she was very excited to hear about the governor’s accolades. She also received an e-mail from one of his staff members acknowledging her hard work. “I was wowed, excited and proud to make a difference with the employers. It is an encouraging and motivating feeling to know that our efforts are recognized,” she said. Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel said the success of the letter writing mission shows how determined workers really can make a difference. “The Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! team stepped up to help show the value of a county program when it was really needed,” he said. “Their efforts show they really are passionate about what they do.”

Department Focus highlights the outstanding work of Macomb County employees who demonstrate a high level of excellence and commitment to their work. To nominate an employee for future consideration, send an e-mail to Executive@ macombgov.org stating in 250 words or less why they should be featured.

Gov. Snyder specifically applauded Eight Michigan Works! employees were acknowledged for starting Michigan Works! employee Jennifer a letter writing campaign. DeLano for her efforts. Page 8 County encourages residents to take 2013 Community Climate Survey

By Nick Posavetz Planning and Economic Development

For the second year, Macomb County is asking for input as part of a Community Climate Survey.

The Community Climate Survey measures residents’ sentiment on a wide variety of topics such as public safety, access to recreation and quality of government services. Gauging community sentiment is a priority of Macomb County government and this is one of many ways for residents to provide their feedback. The purpose of this project is to create a resource that can be used by leaders and decision makers in both the public and private sectors to guide future planning and policy development.

Last year more than 1,000 responses were collected in the first Community Climate Survey, and there were responses from all of Macomb County’s 27 communities. The insights and report generated from the 2012 survey are available online on the county web- site by visiting http://goo.gl/U99Nm.

The 2013 Community Climate Survey is just 20 questions long and should take less than 10 minutes to complete. It is open for responses from June 1 through July 31. To participate in the 2013 survey, visit www.MakeMacombYourHome.com.

Macomb County in the black for third straight year By Pete Provenzano Finance Department

As mandated by the Macomb County Charter, County Executive Mark Hackel submitted his third straight comprehensive balanced budget.

“We are proud of the turnaround and result