A NEWSLETTER BY AND FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF HARFORD COUNTY GOVERNMENT

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Executive Summary:

County Employees the Unsung Heroes of Harford County

The citizens of Harford County are blessed to have some of the finest, most dedicated, well trained and responsive public servants of any jurisdiction in the State of Maryland. Yes, Ive said this before, but I find this statement is as true today as the first day I took office as County Executive back in 2005. Whether it is repairing roads, working to ensure that the people of Harford County enjoy clean drinking water, dispatching police and fire calls for service, assisting members of our elderly community or those with special needs, or handling a myriad of other tasks throughout the departments of county government, our employees perform their duties with little fanfare or recognition. That does not mean we should not show our appreciation for the outstanding work they do each day. As I indicated recently, I have introduced legislation currently David R. Craig, pending before the Harford County Council to provide county Harford County Executive employees with a 4% merit increase. The proposed pay raise, if approved by the County Council, will take effect in December, but will be retroactive to July 1 of this year. Over the course of the past several years, county employees have worked hard and were dutiful to the citizens we serve, and been patient while the Administration has had to trim budgets and make other adjustments to help county government weather the tough economic times. 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 costs of living each of us are faced with. Now, I believe the time has come and the funding is available to provide you, the backbone of county government, with a well-deserved pay raise. Employees who are eligible for this raise include those who are classified, exempt, grant funded or temporary. Government is more than most of our citizens realize or come to know. YOU are the face of government and YOU are what helps make Harford County a great place to live, work and raise a family. On behalf of Director of Administration Mary Chance, the Cabinet, and the citizens of Harford County we thank you for all you have done and continue to do. Cordially,

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Executive Summary HR Update Lincoln Financial Green Stars September EOM In Our Backyard... Know Your Numbers

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3 4 5 6

Tech Tips

Milestones

David R. Craig Harford County Executive

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BlueChoice Opt-Out Plus Participants

H. R. Update
submitted by Beth Griffith During Open Enrollment CareFirst indicated that all outpatient lab testing needed to be processed through LabCorp in order for the services to be paid as an in-network benefit. CareFirst is now indicating that Quest is an in-network provider and services rendered by Quest will be paid using the in-network benefit. Should you have any questions, please contact either Beth Griffith at ext. 3202 or Tamara Simmons at ext. 4871.

New Voluntary Benefit Program Pet Insurance through ASPCA

submitted by Beth Griffith 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 at the 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 at www.ascpapetinsurance.com/harford. Once you access the website, click on the gray Get Started button. You will be prompted for your last name and Employee ID. The Employee ID is all six digits of your EIN. This will allow you to access the screen to receive your free quote. Any questions, please contact Beth Griffith at ext. 3202 or Tamara Simmons at ext. 4871.

Scott T. Gibson, Human Resources Director

IMPORTANT:
Please refer to email dated 10/09/12 for the following: At the request of the Health Department, we are 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.

Important FLU SHOT Info

submitted by Beth Griffith
The Harford County Health Department will be providing flu shots at no charge to all employees on Thursday, October 25th. This clinic will be held in the County Council Chambers located 212 S. Bond Street 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. required to show your County ID in order to receive your flu shot. You will be

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

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Working Late
An article contributed by Lincoln Financial Group

More Americans expect to delay retirement Working Americans projected retirement age is creeping up, but the economy is only one factor in the mix. Slightly more than one-third of working Americans surveyed in a recent Gallup poll said they expect to retire after age 65. Their response is notable for two reasons: Its historic. This is the first time that more workers have told Gallup theyll ...more than retire after age 65 than before that age. eight in 10 said Its a trend that predates the recent economic downturn. The projected they want to 1 retirement age has gradually increased over the past 15 years. Most workers in their 50s intend to work to age 67. Younger Americans intend to work even longer. Across the total workforce, more than eight in 10 said they want to work past age 67 to rebuild assets lost in the recent recession and market downturn. Nearly as many, however, plan to work past age 67 to stay mentally engaged. Six in 10 said they enjoy working; the same number cited their need to retain health benefits.3 Moreover, seven in 10 American workers want to remain active even after they retire. Four in 10 want to work part time; one-quarter want to volunteer.4 No matter how many years you intend to continue your career, its a good idea to prepare for retirement now. Circumstances can change. Ask most Americans whove already retired: Six in 10 found themselves out of the workforce sooner than expected.5
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work past age 67 to rebuild assets lost in the recent recession and market downturn.

Americans Projected Retirement Age Continues to Creep Up, Gallup, April 26, 2010. 2010 Baby Boomer Survey, Del Webb, April 2010. Confidence in Retirement Preparedness Keeps Slipping, PLANSPONSOR.com, October 22, 2009. 4 More Proof the Downturn Means Delayed Retirement, PLANSPONSOR.com, April 15, 2010. 5 Study Finds Americans Not Prepared for Retirement, PLANSPONSOR.com, May 19, 2010.
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. 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.

Our representative from Lincoln Financial, Stephanie Gavrilis, will be available: October 23, 2012 from 10:00 AM 3:00 PM in the Department of Human Resources for new enrollments and changes/updates to exist ing accounts. To make an appointment, contact Beth Griffith at: 410-638-3202 or

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- The mutual fund-based programs include certain bagriffith@harfordcountymd.gov services provided by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. deferred. (LFA), a broker/dealer (member FINRA) and an affiliate Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income of Lincoln Financial Group, 1300 S. Clinton St., Fort Mutual funds and variable annuities are sold by and, if taken prior to age 59, may be subject to a 10% Wayne, IN 46802. Unaffiliated broker/dealers also may prospectus. Investors are advised to carefully consider federal tax penalty. Withdrawals will reduce the death provide services to customers.

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Meet our Green Star of the Quarter

...submitted by Hollie Miller

Aaron Hall, Department of Procurement won the Green Star of the Quarter (April June 2012) for collectively renegotiating the recycling contract.
To learn more about all of our Green Stars, please visit the Sustainability 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
eferriter@harfordcountymd.gov

Meet Our Green Stars of the Year

Laura Dahl, Economic Development, Barbara Brown and Kathryn Hewitt of the Treasury Department won the Green Star of the Year (2011 2012) for developing the paperless direct deposit pay advice.

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

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Right in our Backyards, or just around the Corner!

Flying Geese Quilt Guild Inc. Harford County, Maryland PO Box 1894, Bel Air, Maryland 21014-7894

Harvest of Quilts Show

HARRIET'S HAPPIEST HALLOWEEN
October 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st
Harriet's off to another fun-filled adventure. Join her if you dare! Please check the website for showing times. Harford Community College Harford Dance Theater; 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air; 443-412-2211 www.harford.edu/cultural/

Saturday, October 20, 2012, 10 AM to 5 PM Sunday, October 21, 2012, 11AM to 4:30 PM NEW LOCATION "Roni" Chenowith Activity Center, Route 152 and Oakmont Road 1707 Fallston Road Fallston, MD 21047 Tickets $7; children (6-11yrs) $4
QUILT APPRAISALS Both 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.com Written 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 Didi@DidiQuilts.com

Saturday, November 3, 2012

7:30 a.m. Furry Friends 5K Registration 8:30 a.m. til 1:00 p.m.

Walk & Wag-a-Thon and Pet Fair Harford County Equestrian Center 608 N. Tollgate Road, Bel Air, MD www.harfordshelter.org
Enjoy a multitude of contests including: best costume, best kisser, musical tails, and best trick. Watch the amazing sheep herding demonstration and the thrilling Mid-Atlantic Disc Dogs show, enjoy delicious food, great vendors, and family fun! Visit the Mobile Adoption Unit and consider expanding your 4-legged family or test your dog for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate.

Parlor Concert

Featuring

Plaxity Plaid

October 28th Hays House Museum, 324 Kenmore Avenue. Listen to a concert of Celtic traditional music in the Hays House Parlor by Planxty Plaid fiddle player JoAnn Appel and guitar player Jim Selway. Light refreshments. Seating is limited. Reservations are required. Tickets are $8. Call 410.592.8693 or 410.838.7691 as soon as possible to reserve your ticket.
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Know your Numbers...

Health Screening & Education
Antibiotics:
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) 10/23 UCMC Parking Lot M 4 7 pm 520 Upper Chesapeake Drive Bel Air, Maryland 21014-4324 11/19 Kleins Parking Lot 9am-12 noon 1606 Dooley Rd. Cardiff, MD

Will they work when you really need them? In children, reactions to antibiotics are the most common cause of emergency department visits for adverse drug events. Children may have up to nine colds each year. 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 one patient directly impacts how effective they will be tomorrow or in another patient; they are a shared resource. Antibiotic resistance is not just a problem for the person with the infection. Some resistant bacteria have the potential to spread to others promoting antibiotic resistant infections. Since it will be many years before new antibiotics are available to treat s o me re s is tan t infections, we need to improve the use of antibiotics that are currently available. Take the antibiotic exactly 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; do not 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 the prescribed course of treatment is completed. Prevent infections by practicing good hand hygiene and getting recommended vaccines. Do not ask for antibiotics when your doctor thinks 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.

With the Flu, Cold and just all around germy season nearly upon us, lets get some information before we stock up on over the counter remedies, and once again place our doctors numbers on speed dial... Did you know?

Antibiotic resistance is one of the worlds most pressing public health threats.
Antibiotics are the most important tool we have to combat life-threatening bacterial diseases, but antibiotics can have side effects. Antibiotic overuse increases development of drugresistant germs. the

FREE CARDIOVASCULAR SCREENINGS

2012 Screening Schedule: (8 11:45 am and 12:45 3:45 pm each day) Nov. 7 & Dec. 5 Upper Chesapeake Medical Center Nov. 14 & Dec. 12 Harford Memorial Hospital
There are 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 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.

Call HealthLink at 800-515-0044 to register.

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. Scope of the problem Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in a way that reduces or eliminates the effectiveness of antibiotics. Infections with resistant bacteria have become 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% of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed in the office setting for u p p e r respiratory infections (URIs), like cough and cold illness, most of which are caused by viruses. Up to 50% of antibiotic use in hospitals is either unnecessary or inappropriate.

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Tech Tips
submitted 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 and also appears within the message body. You decide what dates are included and the amount of detail.

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

1. In the Calendar list, choose the calendar to send. By default, the default Calendar is chosen. 2. In the Date Range list, choose the amount of calendar data to include in your message, or click Specify dates to enter a custom date range. TIP: If you choose a large date range or select Whole calendar, you might create a large message. 3. In the Detail list, choose the amount of detail to show the recipients. By default, the Availability only option is selected.

Optionally, you can restrict the information included in the message to your working hours by selecting the Show time within my working hours only check box. To change your working hours, click Set working hours.

Click OK. In the To box, enter the recipients name. In the message body, enter any information you want to include. Click Send. The calendar appears to the recipient within the message body. The attached iCalendar file with a file extension of .ics can also be opened in many calendar programs, including Outlook.

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Milestones

WITH THE BUSY HOLIDAY MONTHS AHEAD, 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 inter-office 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 Nancy Mahaffey at Call 410-638-4870 or email her @ 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

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

or call 4870

410-638-

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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