A NEWSLETTER BY AND FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF HARFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Executive Summary:

Growing Businesses in Harford County

Each year at this time Harford County Government, in particular the Office of Economic Development reaches out to various businesses throughout our county to say Thank You for their work as part of Business Appreciation Week. This year was no exception. Recently I had the opportunity to join Director Jim Richardson and members of his staff as we visited more than 20 businesses from northern Harford County to the Rt. 40 corridor during Business Appreciation Week. These visits were both informative and interesting and provided insight as to the strength of our business community, especially during these challenging economic times. This past fall, after six years of careful and detailed planning and preparation, the BRAC transition was successful for Harford County and our federal partners. Additionally during the past several years, many news businesses have relocated or opened in our county. The development of these business opportunities are further evidence that Harford County is business friendly and provides a positive environment for business growth.
David R. Craig, Harford County Executive

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Executive Summary HR Update Lincoln Financial In Our Backyard,,, Know Your Numbers Tech Tips Community Services Events Healthy Harford Day At the Market

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The Office of Economic Development in cooperation and partnership with Harford County Public Library, Harford Community College, the Harford County Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Development Center and the Harford Business Innovation Center recently announced a new initiative to help develop new businesses in Harford County. The program is called Entrepreneurs Edge. The purpose of this initiative is to provide a coordinated and enhanced approach to support business start-up in Harford County. Entrepreneurs are opening businesses in Harford County because of our location and resources. Harford County Government is working hard to meet the needs of businesses, especially small businesses, to help position them for success. It has been said that the business of America is business. There is much truth to that statement. Growing business helps strengthen our tax base which ultimately pays for the services that government provides to our citizens. In short, growing our businesses and helping them to prosper helps keep taxes low, expands the economy and improves the quality of life for all who live, work or visit our beautiful county. Cordially,

Milestones

David R. Craig Harford County Executive

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H. R. Update

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS UNIT & EMPLOYEE HOTLINE

submitted by Janet Schaub, Deputy Director, Human Resources

The Department of Human Resources in conjunction with the Law Department has an Employee Relations Unit which is responsible for investigating claims of discrimination, harassment, and inappropriate activities in government; (i.e., stealing, misuse of County property, materials, etc.). An Employee Hotline is available for employees to call to report any claims of discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate activities in government. An employee may remain anonymous or provide their name. However, in cases of discrimination or harassment, an employee will be required to provide their name. The phone number for the hotline is (410) 638-4568. In addition to the phone number above, an e-mail address is available for employees to use and is identified in the Global Address List in Outlook as HCG Hotline. The outside email address is hotline@harfordcountymd.gov. If you have any questions regarding the Employee Relations Unit or their role, please feel free to contact Scott Gibson at ext. 3019, Janet Schaub at ext. 4869 or Debbie Duvall at ext. 4721.

Scott T. Gibson, Human Resources Director

Need Assistance From The Department of Human Resources?

Submitted by Beth Griffith Do you have a question or need assistance from the Department of Human Resources? Not sure who to contact? Let us help you. To reach Employment & Classification, please call ext. 3201 and select option 4. To reach Employee/Retiree Benefits, please call ext. 3201 and select option 2. We want to be sure that we are available when you stop by to see us. Please call ahead and schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you.

Important Patient First Update

submitted by Beth Griffith

We have been made aware that Patient First will occasionally bill under the name Richmond Medical Group which is the company that owns Patient First. The Richmond Medical Group is not recognized by CareFirst and will result in the billed charges being applied to your deductible in error. If this happens to you, please notify Beth Griffith at ext. 3202 and we will contact CareFirst to have the issue corrected.

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Do You Qualify for the Savers Credit?

You may be eligible for a unique tax credit just by contributing to your employer sponsored retirement plan. The Savers Credit allows retirement plan participants to save on their federal income tax. It applies to participants with annual adjusted gross income of up to $28,750 (individual filers) or $57,500 (joint filers) for 2012.

The rate is based on your adjusted gross income in the taxable year for which you claim the credit. The maximum annual contribution eligible for the credit is $2,000. For example: Lets say your annual adjusted gross income is $25,000, and you file individually. If you contributed $2,000 to your employer-sponsored retirement plan, youd qualify for a nonrefundable $200 credit on your income tax (10% of $2,000). Please note: These are just some of the provisions of the Savers Credit. You should consult with your accountant or tax advisor before you claim the credit. This credit applies to participants in 401(k), 403(b), 457, Simplified Employee Pensions (SEP), IRAs or SIMPLE IRAs. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years of age and not a full-time student, and you cannot be claimed as a dependent on another persons tax return. To learn more about the Savers Credit, contact your employer or your Lincoln Financial representative.

...allows retirement plan participants to save on their federal income tax

of a mutual fund and in the case of a variable annuity, benefit and cash surrender value. There is no additional tax-deferral benefit for an annuity contract purchased in the variable contract and its underlying in Our representative from Lincoln an IRA or other tax-qualified plan. options. To a mutual fund or Financial, Stephanie Gavrilis, will be vestment prospectus obtaincontains this andvariable Variable annuities sold in New York are issued by annuity that other available September 26, 2012 from information call: 800 4LINCOLN. Read the prospectus Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial 10:00 AM 3:00 PM in the carefully before investing or sending money. Distributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. For all other states, Department of Human Resources Variable annuities are long-term investment products variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National designed particularly for retirement purposes and are Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and f o r n e w e n r o l l m e n t s a n d subject to market fluctuation, investment risk and Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., a changes/updates to exist ing possible loss of principal. Variable annuities contain distributed by The Lincoln National Life Insurance broker/dealer. both investment and insurance components and have Company does not solicit business in the state of New accounts. fees and charges, including mortality and expense, York, nor is it authorized to do so. Contractual To make an appointment, contact administrative and advisory fees. Optional features are obligations are backed by the claims-paying ability of available for an additional charge. The annuity's value the appropriate issuing company. Beth Griffith at 410-638 3202 or fluctuates with the market value of the underlying bagriffith@harfordcountymd.gov investment options, and all assets accumulate tax- The mutual fund-based programs include certain services provided by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. deferred. (LFA), a broker/dealer (member FINRA) and an affiliate Mutual funds and variable annuities are sold by Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income of Lincoln Financial Group, 1300 S. Clinton St., Fort prospectus. Investors are advised to carefully consider and, if taken prior to age 59, may be subject to a 10% Wayne, IN 46802. Unaffiliated broker/dealers also may the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses federal tax penalty. Withdrawals will reduce the death provide services to customers.

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Right in our Backyards, or just around the Corner!

APPLEWOOD FARM
Pumpkin Picking Season Begins Saturday, September 29, 2012 10 AM to 4 PM Every Saturday & Sunday through October 28, 2012! Admission $3.00 per person. Children under 3, Free!
Included in admission: Hayrides (continuous) Petting Zoo Corn Maze Kiddie Maze Lawn Bowling Reindeer Antler Toss Model Trains Spooky Spot Picture Boards Applewood Play Ground Picnic Area

SARC'S THIRD ANNUAL RISING ABOVE IT HOT-AIR BALLOON FESTIVAL FAMILY FUN DAY
When: September 22, 2012 @ 11:00 am - 6:00 pm Price: $5 per person; kids 5 and under free Where: Harford County Equestrian Center, 608 North Tollgate Road, Bel Air, MD Family Fun Day, sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton, features a mix of activities for kids and adults alike including three stages with entertainment, horse rides for kids on Clydesdales (additional fee), a scavenger hunt, interactive art activities, moon bounces, face painting, fainting goats, games, Mr. Twister Balloon Man and hula hoop entertainment. A hot-air balloon hare and hound race, coordinated by Light Flight, is scheduled to lift off at 5:30 p.m. (weather permitting). Two balloon pilots and their balloon baskets will be on site from noon to 4 p.m. for guests to learn more about ballooning. In addition, the RE/MAX hot-air balloon will be available from 3 to 5 p.m. for guests to learn more about how a hot-air balloon works, inflates and stays in the air The musical stages will feature Patrick Red Dog Redmond, Julie Houtz and the D.J. Sage Band, among others. Other performers include Move It Move It Move It with Uncle Pete, Kinetic Youth Academy, Cheer competitions and a Zumba demonstration. Mascots from area businessesSquiggles from Celebree and Tales from the Harford County Public Librarywill also be on hand. A variety of vendors will be on site for shopping, dining and information gathering, such as Upper Chesapeake Health and the Harford County Sheriffs Office community policing unit. Food concessions include salads, sandwiches, wraps, pit beef, funnel cakes, cupcakes, Italian ice, smoothies, cotton candy, Hawaiian coffees and more. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.sarc-maryland.org or at the gate.

Applewood Farm, LLC 4435 Prospect Road Whiteford, MD 21160 443-417-6329 Cell 410-836-1140 Farm www.applewoodfarm.org

Steppingstone Museum
Fall Harvest & Crafts Festival
"Hooah with oompah!" FREE Admission! A local version of the famous fall festival held each year in Munich, Germany. The APG Oktoberfest is a family fun event focused on German beer, food, music, kids activities, and more! Festhalle, Carnival Rides, Volksmarch, Live Entertainment, Food Vendors and Souvenirs Thursday - Town of Aberdeen Nite Friday - Town of Bel Air Nite Saturday - Havre de Grace Nite Sunday - Cecil County Nite For more info call 410-278-4011 or go to www.apg.mwr.com/ocktoberfest/html
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September 29th & 30th (Saturday and Sunday)

11:00am to 5:00pm Admission $5.00

This event will feature activities such as craft booths; scarecrow making; pumpkin painting; apple bobbing & pressing; hay rides; straw maze; country music; clogging and square dancing; clowns; food; and tours. Rain or shine event.
Steppingstone Museum, 461 Quaker Bottom Road, Havre de Grace, MD 410-939-2299

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Know your Numbers...

Health Screening & Education
HdG Health-Tacular
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) 9/25 UCMC Parking Lot M 4 7 pm 520 Upper Chesapeake Drive Bel Air, Maryland 21014-4324

The 2012-2013 Influenza Season

What should I do to prepare for flu season? CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Getting a flu vaccine is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. When should I get vaccinated? CDC recommends that people get vaccinated against influenza as soon as 2012-2013 flu season vaccine becomes available in their community. Influenza seasons are unpredictable, and can begin as early as October. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. Flu vaccine is produced by private manufacturers, so availability depends on when production is completed. If everything goes as indicated by manufacturers, shipments are likely to begin in August and continue throughout September and October until all vaccine is distributed. When will flu activity begin and when will it peak? The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season. Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May. The 2011-2012 season began late and was relatively mild compared with previous seasons. It is not possible to predict how mild or severe the 2012-2013 season will be. I have heard of people who dont get vaccinated against influenza in September or October because they want it to last through the entire influenza season. Should people wait until later in the influenza season to be vaccinated? CDC recommends that influenza vaccination begin as soon as vaccine becomes available in the community and continue throughout the flu season. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza, and influenza seasons can begin as early as October. Therefore, CDC recommends that vaccination begin as soon as vaccine becomes available to ensure that as many people as possible are protected before flu season begins. For more info please visit the CDC website: www.cdc.gov/

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR

SPECIAL EVENTS
10/15 UCMC Chesapeake Conference Center Screenings start at 5 pm, speakers start at 6 pm.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 12 5 PM Havre de Grace Activity Center 351 Lewis Lane Havre de Grace, MD 21078

5th Annual Cardiopulmonary Health Seminar

Chronic Cough Jason Birnbaum, MD Metabolic Syndrome Are you at Risk? Sung Kim, MD, FACS Heart healthy snacks and drinks provided. Registration is required. For more information, call 800-515-0044. FREE CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENINGS 2012 Screening Schedule: (8 11:45 am and 12:45 3:45 pm) Oct. 10, Nov. 7 & Dec. 5 Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Oct. 17, Nov. 14 & Dec. 12 Harford Memorial Hospital
There are numerous veins and arteries in your body virtually impossible to count. Think of them as your bodys highway, circulating blood to all parts of your body. 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.

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/

Call HealthLink at 800-515-0044 to register.

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Tech Tips
The Ribbon:

submitted by the Office of Information and CommunicaThe enhanced Ribbon, available across Office 2010 applications, makes it easy to uncover more commands so you can complete your tasks quickly.

Your fast lane to the finish

Quick Access Toolbar: Add your frequently used commands for one-click access. Contextual tabs: Automatically appear for specific tasks, such as when a picture, chart, or table is selected. Dialog Box Launchers: Opens a related dialog box or task pane with more options. Galleries: Provide a set of clear results that set multiple options in a few clicks. Choose from effects and styles that bring professional polish to tables, pictures, charts and more. More Options: Additional commands and advanced customization options.

Tip: Customize your Quick Access Toolbar. Right-click a command on the Ribbon and then click Add to Quick Access Toolbar.
To reorder or add additional commands, right-click the Quick Access Toolbar and then click Customize Quick Access Toolbar.

Backstage View:

Prep your work for prime time

Get centralized access to prepare your documents such as save, share, print, and publish, or define settings and customize your application experience.
File tab: Opens Backstage view. Click any Ribbon tab to return to the main view.

Backstage tabs: Fast, easy, and organized access to tools and options that were previously spread across several locations. Info: Obtain information about your document, such as file properties, and get a single access point to new and improved file management tools, such as the ability to recover unsaved versions of your files. In Microsoft Outlook 2010, this is where you can set Out of Office notifications and account settings. Recent: Displays a list of recent documents. Click the pushpin icon next to a document to pin it to the list and move it to the top so its readily available. New: Quick access for starting new documents. Also find other options, such as a rich set of built-in templates or online and community-submitted templates. Print: Print options and Print Preview are now combined in one effortless view in several applications. Save & Send: Easily share your files in other formats, such as PDF or XPS. Send your documents to others via e-mail and find other options. Help: Get application help and links to other online self-help resources, such as training tutorials. Also find information about the version you are running, activation, and licensing information. Options: Offers extensive options for setting your preferences, including the ability to customize the Ribbon and Quick Access Toolbar.

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TO VIEW EACH FLYER MORE CLEARLY PLEASE THE ZOOM ICON or the ZOOM IN or ZOOM OUT

ICONS on your toolbar

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Healthy Harford to Host Healthy Harford Day at Bel Air Farmers Market
Healthy Harford, Harford Countys healthy community initiative will host Healthy Harford Day to promote healthy living in Harford County. Healthy Harford, a coalition of local government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and citizens dedicated to improving the health of Harford County residents, will hold Healthy Harford Day on Saturday, October 13, 2012, from 8:00 a.m. 11 a.m. in conjunction with the Bel Air Farmers Market. Healthy Harford Day will offer a full schedule of free classes including yoga, Zumba and Pilates beginning at 8:00 a.m. Broadcast personality Steve Rouse will serve as master of ceremonies. At 10:00 a.m., Harford County Executive David R. Craig will present the official Proclamation of Healthy Harford Day, with other local dignitaries expected to be in attendance. Led by the Harford County Health Department, Harford County Government, and Upper Chesapeake Health, Healthy Harfords sole vision is to make Harford County the healthiest community in Maryland. The event is designed to raise awareness about Healthy Harford, its mission, and progressive plans in the community driven by the Obesity Task Force, led by Councilwoman Mary Ann Lisanti and Health Officer Susan Kelly. In addition to the scheduled classes, Healthy Harford Day will feature vendors; ongoing demonstrations and activities, including cooking demonstrations and recipes from local restaurants; a childrens bike rodeo; balloon artist; and presentations from a master gardener on how to grow your own healthy garden. Additionally, the Upper Chesapeake HealthLink van will be on site to offer free health screenings, including: blood pressure tests; body fat analysis; and hip-to-waist ratio calculations. Attendees will also be able to meet with representatives from Harford County Planning and Zoning to review Harford Countys Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan. We are always looking for ways to make strides towards a healthier community. Healthy Harford Day is the perfect way to educate Harford County residents about Healthy Harford and the resources available right here in our community, says Bari Klein, Health Promotion Specialist. For more information on Healthy Harford, please visit www.healthyharford.org or follow Healthy Harford on Facebook. Healthy Harford Schedule of Free Classes: 8:00 8:25 a.m. Yoga 8:30 8:55 a.m. Cooking Demo 9:00 9:25 a.m. Pilates 9:30 9:55 a.m. Zumba
About Healthy Harford Healthy Harford is the Healthy Communities Initiative of Harford County. A non-profit 501c3, Healthy Harford is a coalition of local government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and citizens dedicated to improving the health of Harford County residents. Founded in 1993 by community leaders from the Harford County Health Department, Harford County Government, and Upper Chesapeake Health, Healthy Harfords sole vision is to make Harford County the healthiest community in Maryland.

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Milestones
Kudos to Marcus Williams who received his Masters in Business Administration. He is the Supervisor of Accounts Payable in the Department of the Treasury.

WITH THE BUSY HOLIDAY MONTHS AHEAD, NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO RENEW OR JOIN!!! Hello! To process your BJs membership I will need: A completed membership Application/Renewal form. I can interdepartmental mail you the 3-part application OR you can stop by the HR office and fill out application and pay all at once. Payment for your membership. A check or credit card information filled in on application form (no cash) The membership is for 15 months for a cost of $40.00. Please make personal checks payable to BJs. Once I receive everything, I will mail to the BJs office within 24 hours. The last sheet of your application form (gold colored sheet) provides you with an instant membership pass. Please do not forget to remove once application is filled in. The usual processing time is 30 days. Call 410-638-4870 or email me @ ndmahaffey@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 Nancy Mahaffey at
ndmaffey@harfordcountymd.gov

or call 410-638-4870

We would like to include your milestone in the next HCG Connection. Please submit information by the 25th of the month to ndmahaffey@harfordcountymd.gov. Digital photos are accepted.

Thank you! Nancy

Nancy MahaffeyEditor & Graphic Design Department of Human Resources 410-638-4870 ndmahaffey@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 James Ellwood-Contributor Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits 410-638-3366 jvellwood@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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