Executive Summary:

Storm Recovery and Update

A N E W S L E T T E R B Y

A N D F O R T H E

E M P L O Y E E S O F

H A R F O R D C O U N T Y

G O V E R N M E N T

HCG Connection J U L Y 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6

On Friday, June 29, 2012

Harford County as well as much

of the State of Maryland

experienced a severe storm

called a “DERECHO”. Its

common definition is a

thunderstorm complex that

produces damaging winds

through an area of at least 250

miles, featuring a concentrated

area of convectively – induced

wind gusts exceeding 58 mph.

Such storms are very rare and

according to the National

Weather Service occur about

once every 40 years. Harford

County had the misfortune to

experience such a storm on

June 29.

The storm resulted in

significant power outages

beginning around 11:30 p.m.

Friday evening. During the

short period of time while the

storm passed through Harford

County, it lead to fallen trees,

downed power lines, and high

standing water in certain areas.

At the height of the storm

approximately 10,000 BGE

customers lost power.

For some, the power outage

lasted only hours, for others the

loss of power lasted nearly a

week during a period of high

temperatures and heat indices

over 100 degrees for several

days.

As a result of the “DERECHO”

and subsequent loss of power,

Harford County Government

faced many challenges during

the week meeting the needs of

our citizens, particularly the

young and our elderly

population.

The Harford County Division of

Emergency Operations under

the direction of Rick Ayers,

Emergency Manager, took the

lead in providing assistance to

those in need. But our talented

and dedicated staff of

professionals with the Division

of Emergency Operations did

not handle this task alone.

Working together with the

Department of Community

Services, the Office on Aging,

the Harford County Health

Department, the Harford

County Library and the

volunteer fire and EMS service,

in particular the Bel Air and

Abingdon Volunteer Fire

Companies, we were able to

mitigate a very serious and

dangerous situation.

Although Harford County

Government, as all political

subdivisions, has little or no

control over restoration of

electricity to the public during

severe weather events, we did

have daily contact with

representatives of BGE to

receive updates on the status

of power restoration efforts.

However, although we received

routine updates from BGE, the

county Division of Emergency

Operations was not provided

with address information as to

locations still without power

during the week. This made

emergency management and

health care for those who might

be in need very difficult due to

this lack of information.

County Public Library, under the

direction of Mary Hastler were

used throughout much of the

week as “Cooling Centers”.

Additionally, during the two

Sunday’s immediately after the

David R. Craig,

Harford County Executive

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

Executive

Summary 1

Lincoln Financial

2

Executive

Summary

(cont.)

3

Traveling

with Children 4

Know Your

Numbers

5

Harford Farm

Fair! 6

Employees of Notice

8

Milestones 10

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

P A G E 2

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

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

Our representative from Lincoln Finan-

cial, Stephanie Gavrilis, will be avail-

able JULY 10th and JULY 25, 2012 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM in the Depart-ment of Human Resources for new enrollments and changes/updates to existing accounts. To make an appointment, contact Beth Griffith at 410-638– 3202 or bagriffith@harfordcountymd.gov

Mutual funds and variable annuities are sold by pro-spectus. Investors are advised to carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and ex-penses of a mutual fund and in the case of a variable annuity, the variable contract and its underlying in

vestment options. To obtain a mutual fund or variable annuity prospectus that contains this and other infor-mation 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 underly-ing investment options, and all assets accumulate tax-deferred.

Withdrawals of earnings are taxable as ordinary income and, if taken prior to age 59½, 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 con-tract 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, Syra-cuse, NY, and distributed by Lincoln Financial Dis-tributors, Inc., a broker/dealer. For all other states, variable annuities are issued by The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN, and distrib-uted 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 affili-ate of Lincoln Financial Group, 1300 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, IN 46802. Unaffiliated broker/dealers also may provide services to customers.

Recession takes a bigger bite from the

“Sandwich Generation”

The economic downturn during the past few years has had an impact on nearly everyone. But baby boomers ages 45 to 54 will be taking longer to recover.

1

That‟s according to recent research conducted by the global market research firm Mintel. Of that age group, the research shows:

● 51% say they‟re planning to permanently decrease the amount of unnecessary purchases

● 39% say they worry more about retirement now than ever

“This last recession has definitely not

treated everyone equally,” says Susan Menke, vice president and behavioral economist at Mintel. “One reason could be that the younger Boomers are the age group that was just getting started when the severe double-dip recessions of the 1980s hit. This group has never fully recovered.”.

“Another reason may be that this is the

„sandwich generation,‟ burdened with educational expenses for their kids and, for some, healthcare costs for aging parents,” she says.

Whatever your personal situation, financial

advisors say it‟s important to continue saving for your retirement. Take advantage of tax-deferred savings options, such as your employer‟s 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. They can help maximize your earnings. By setting the stage for a secure retirement, you can help eliminate the need to depend on your own children in later years. If you need help addressing the changing needs of your family, Lincoln Financial Group

® affiliates have products and

programs to help you meet your retirement goals. For more information or to schedule a one-on-one meeting, contact Beth Griffith in Harford County Government HR @ 410-638-3202.

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

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

storm when our libraries are not open,

the Bel Air and Abingdon Volunteer Fire

Companies stepped up and offered the

use of their facilities to the people of

Harford County as “Cooling Centers”.

Additionally from the on-set of the hot,

humid weather, Susan Kelly and the staff

from the Harford County Health

Department provided heat-related health

safety tips which were shared with the

media and the people of Harford County

through the Office of Media and Public

Affairs for Harford County Government,

as well as the Maryland Emergency

Management Agency (MEMA).

The Department of Community Services,

under the leadership of Director Beth

Hendrix and Deputy Director Sharon

Lipford reached out to the community to

assess those with special needs. For

example, the Office on Aging contacted

approximately 75 at-risk elderly

individuals to check on their status

throughout the week. Another 35 frail

elderly received home visits by staff

members to check on their well-being.

The Alliance Homeless Outreach team

made a special effort to reach out to the

homeless at various locations

throughout Harford County in an effort to

ensure individuals were properly

hydrated. One such citizen was found in

need of medical assistance and was

subsequently transported to an area

medical facility for further treatment.

Furthermore, the Department of

Community Serv ices rendered

assistance to a woman and daughter

with special needs in helping to secure

temporary housing for them. Another

woman with eight children without food

and electricity were also linked to

assistance thanks to the staff of

Community Services.

Finally, as we moved to the second

weekend without full power being

restored to BGE customers throughout

Harford County, a team of emergency

management staff, lead by Director of

Administration Mary Chance and

Emergency Manager Rick Ayers, went

door-to-door at various locations

throughout Harford County to check on

the safety and well-being of those left

without power.

During the eight days following the

storm, Harford County fire and EMS

personnel responded to 20 calls for

service related to the heat and humidity.

One person, a resident from nearby

Pennsylvania was treated at a hospital in

Harford County but died as a result of

medical complications from the heat.

The “DERECHO” poised a number of

challenges for the people of Harford

County and government. Fortunately

local government and our allied agencies

and partners came together as an

effective and efficient team to provide

assistance where needed to those

severely affected by the storm.

I am proud of the efforts of those who

stepped up during a time of need to help

our citizens. These employees deserve

the gratitude of the entire community for

the selfless, dedicated efforts.

In an effort to help

c o u n t y

g o v e r n m e n t

“spread the word”

about storms such

as the “DERECHO”

a n d o t h e r

s i g n i f i c a n t

weather events, I encourage everyone to

enroll the home, personal and business

phones with the Division of Emergency

Operations to receive our Connect CTY

messages. Connect CTY is a vital tool for

emergency management to notify

citizens of storms, natural disasters,

precautions to survive storms and

mitigation efforts following such events.

To learn more about Connect CTY and to

enroll visit the Division of Emergency

O p e r a t i o n s w e b s i t e a t

www.harfordpublicsafety.org or call 410-

638-4029 to obtain further assistance.

Finally, Harford County has joined with

Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Howard, Prince

George’s and Montgomery Counties, and

the City of Baltimore in asking the

Maryland Public Service Commission to

hold BGE and all utility companies

responsible for improving the response

to incidents resulting in the wide-spread

loss of power to citizens throughout the

State of Maryland. To say the least, we

are not pleased with the response of

BGE to the people of Harford County and

want to see improvements to reduce the

impact of power outages in the future.

As stated in our letter to the Public

Service Commission, the “Big 7”

jurisdictions believe “Emergencies by

definition are unpredictable. But

through planning, analysis and public

dialogue, Maryland’s electric utilities,

regulators, elected officials and the

public can work together to identify

areas of improvement, evaluate their

costs and benefits and move forward for

the benefit of all Marylanders”.

I will keep you apprised of our progress

regarding this matter.

Cordially,

David R. Craig

Harford County Executive

Storm Recovery and Update (continued)

A Preparedness Guide 2012 www.harfordpublicsafety.org/ Harford County Health Department - 120 S. Hays Street, Bel Air, MD 21014

Phone: 410-838-1500 www.harfordcountyhealth.com

P A G E 4

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

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

Traveling Safely with Infants & Children by Nicholas Weinberg, Michelle Weinberg, Susan A. Maloney

The risks that children face while traveling are likely similar to the risks that their parents face. The most commonly reported health problems among children are: · Diarrheal illnesses · Dermatologic conditions · Respiratory disorders Motor vehicle and water-related accidents are also major health problems for child travelers

AIR TRAVEL

Although air travel is safe for healthy newborns, infants, and children, a few issues should be considered in preparation for travel. Children with chronic heart or lung problems may be at risk for hypoxia during flight, and a physician should be consulted before travel. Ear pain can be troublesome for infants and children during descent. Pressure in the middle ear can be equalized by swallowing or chewing. Infants should nurse or suck on a bottle. Older children can try chewing gum. Antihistamines and decongestants have not been shown to be of benefit. Travel to different time zones, “jet lag,” and schedule disruptions can disturb sleep patterns in infants and children, as well as adults.

ACCIDENTS

Vehicle-Related

Vehicle-related accidents are the leading cause of death in children who

travel. Car seats always! In general,

children are safest traveling in the rear seat; no one should ever travel in the bed of a pickup truck.

Drowning and Water-Related

Illness and Injuries

Drowning is the second leading cause of death in young travelers. Children may not be familiar with hazards in the ocean or in rivers. Swimming pools may not have protective fencing to keep toddlers from falling into the pool. Close supervision of children around water is essential. Appropriate water safety devices such as life vests may not be available abroad, and families should consider bringing these from home. Protective footwear is important to avoid injury in many

marine environments.

ALTITUDE

Children are as susceptible to altitude illness as adults. Young children who cannot talk can show nonspecific symptoms, such as loss of appetite and irritability. They may present with unexplained fussiness and change in sleep and activity patterns. Older children may complain of headache or shortness of breath. If a child demonstrates unexplained symptoms after an ascent, it may be necessary to descend to see if they improve.

SUN EXPOSURE

Sun exposure, and particularly sunburn before age 15 years, is strongly associated with melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Babies should be kept in the shade and wear clothing that covers the entire body. A minimal amount of sunscreen can be applied to small exposed areas, including the infant‟s face and hands.

Travel Stress

Changes in schedule, activities, and environment can be stressful for children. Including children in planning for the trip and bringing along familiar toys or other objects can decrease these stresses. For children with chronic illnesses, decisions regarding timing and itinerary should be made in consultation with the child‟s health care providers.

Identification

In case family members become separated, each infant or child should carry identifying information and contact numbers in his or her own clothing or pockets. Because of concerns about illegal transport of children across international borders, if only one parent is traveling with the child, he or she may need to carry relevant custody papers or a notarized permission letter from the other parent.

DIARRHEA

Diarrhea and associated gastrointestinal illness are among the most common travel-related problems affecting children. Infants and children with diarrhea can become dehydrated more quickly than adults. Food

precautions should be followed diligently. Foods served to children should be thoroughly cooked and eaten while still hot; fruits eaten raw should be peeled immediately before consumption. Scrupulous attention should be paid to handwashing and cleaning bottles, pacifiers, teething rings, and toys that fall to the floor or are handled by others; water used to clean these items should be potable. Parents should be particularly careful to wash hands well after diaper changes, especially for infants with diarrhea, to avoid spreading infection to themselves and other family members. When proper handwashing facilities are not available, an alcohol-based hand cleaner can be used as a disinfecting agent. However, because alcohol-based hand cleaners are not effective against certain types of germs, hands should be washed with soap and water as soon as possible. Additionally, alcohol does not remove organic material; visibly soiled hands should be washed with soap and water.

Dehydration is best prevented and treated by use of ORS, (often available in pharmacies), Homemade sugar-salt solutions are not recommended, sports drinks, which are designed to replace water and electrolytes lost through sweat, do not contain the same proportions of electrolytes as the solution recommended by the World Health Organization for rehydration during diarrheal illness.

INFECTION AND INFESTATION

FROM SOIL CONTACT

Children are more likely than adults to have contact with soil or sand, and therefore, they may be exposed to diseases caused by infectious stages of parasites present in soil. Children and infants should wear protective footwear and play on a sheet or towel rather than directly on the ground. When traveling in countries with a tropical climate, clothing or diapers dried in the open air should be ironed before use to prevent infestation with fly larvae.

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNational Center for Emerging and

Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ)

P A G E 5 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6

Brings you…

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) UCMC Parking Lot M

4 – 7 pm

520 Upper Chesapeake Drive

Bel Air, Maryland 21014-4324

7/24, 8/28, 9/25

Klein‟s ShopRite Parking Lot

9 am – Noon 1606 Dooley Road, Cardiff,

8/20, 9/17

Dining with Docs Lectures – please see below for topics

$5 cash/check

Reservation Required

by calling HealthLink at 800-515-0044

Both Lectures held at

UCMC – Chesapeake Conference Ctr.

520 Upper Chesapeake Drive • Bel Air,

Maryland 21014-4324

Seeking relief from knee or hip pain? If you are one of the millions of Americans seeking relief from knee or hip pain, you are invited to attend a presentation on how improving joint pain can enhance your quality of life. Raj Yalamanchili, MD 9/18 5:30 pm Things That Go Bump In The Night Can‟t Sleep? Join us to learn about the many sleep disorders that can keep you from getting a good night‟s rest. Anita Naik, DO 9/19 5:30 pm

This information and more can be found in the

”Healthlink” Newsletter at

http://www.uchs.org/

Providing for you….

Tobacco Cessation Classes ……...

The HCHD offers tobacco cessation classes

at no cost to all tobacco users who want to

quit.

Pre-registration requested.

Please call 410-612-1781.

The HCHD can provide the following no

cost screenings to Harford County

residents, with limited income, and little

or no health insurance. Please call the

numbers listed below for eligibility.

Colonoscopies

Harford County residents aged 50-64. For

more information, call 410-612-1780.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Screenings

Women aged 40-64. For more information,

call 410-612-1780.

HIV Screenings

Anonymous and confidential HIV

screenings. For more information, call 410-

638-3060.

Immunization Clinics for Adults and

Children

Immunization clinics for adults and children

are held on Tuesdays at the HCHD. Call

410-612-1774 to schedule an appointment.

GYN Services

Offers basic GYN services for women

needing birth control (including STD

testing) as well as comprehensive women’s

health care referrals. Also provides

emergency contraceptives and free

pregnancy testing. For more information

call 410-612-1768.

Know your Numbers Know your Numbers Know your Numbers

Health Screening & Education

“HdG Health-Tacular”

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16 12 – 5 PM

Havre de Grace Activity Center 351 Lewis Lane

Havre de Grace, MD 21078

●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/

Harford County

Health Department (HCHD) 120 S. Hays Street, Bel Air, MD 21014

Phone: 410-838-1500

www.harfordcountyhealth.com

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

P A G E 6

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

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

The 25th Annual Harford County Farm Fair at the Harford County Equestrian Center located at

608 Tollgate Road in Bel Air, Maryland 21014, promises many new and traditional fun

activities for the whole family!

The Fair will be held beginning : Thursday, July 26 through Sunday July 29.

The hours of the Fair are: from 10 am to 10 pm on Thursday through Saturday

and 10 am to 6 pm on Sunday.

The Farm Fair is dedicated to promoting Agriculture, 4-H and the Future Farmers of America

(FFA) in Harford County - providing an opportunity to showcase the history, active local

economy and future of farming for folks throughout the region to enjoy.

To celebrate the 25th annual fair there are many new activities planned, as well as the return of

the traditional events which bring Fairgoers back to the Fair from one generation to the next.

During the Farm Fair from Thursday July 26 through Sunday, July 29 are new and familiar activities:

The Fair Board is pleased to announce that Fireworks!!! are returning to

the Fair and will be held on Thursday evening around 9:15 pm, following the

Antique Tractor Pull.

The East Coast National Truck and Tractor Pull will be held on Friday

and Saturday, beginning at 7:00 pm. This is a nationally sanctioned event

and provides lively entertainment for all.

The Antique Tractor Pull will be held at 5:30 PM on Thursday, July 26th.

The Tractor Pulls will be held at 7 PM on Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July

28th.

Another new offering at the 25th Annual Farm Fair is the Farm Fair Talent Competition which

will be held on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 7:30 pm, in the Main Pavilion. Contestants will compete

in categories to include vocal, instrumental, dance, poetry reading, acting and other talent presentations

(unicyclists? baton twirlers? comedians? magicians?) . Guest judges will be announced. Prizes will be

awarded in each category of competition and video of all winners will be shown on the Farm Fair website

throughout the year following the Fair! The Friday evening competition will determine the top contestants

in each category and the Saturday evening competition will determine the prize winners. Check the Farm

Fair website for audition dates and entry information.

The Second Annual Harford County Farm Fair Food & Wine Fiesta with Craft & Farmer's Market

has been moved to Sunday afternoon - July 29 - during the Farm Fair . The Fiesta & Market is to

be held in the Main Pavilion beginning at 1:00 pm and will remain open through the close of the Fair at

6:00 pm. The Fiesta & Market is open to Harford County producers of retail consumables - a celebration

of our local Field to Table economy. Patrons will find a delectable array of cheeses, ice cream, frozen

meats, vegetables and fruits as well as Wine Tasting of local wine producers and the opportunity to

P A G E 7 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6

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

purchase local wines by the bottle (or case!). Area restaurants are invited to participate to sell hot

and cold food items focused on the use of local, seasonal foods. Artisans will display their hand-

crafted decorative items for sale.

NEW for the 25th Annual Fair is the Seasonal Sensations Culinary Competition which will be held during the Fiesta. Prizes

will be awarded for the best culinary treat in the categories of hot or cold

appetizer, entree, dessert or beverage. Celebrity judges will be announced.

Winners of the Culinary Competition and the annual Peach Pie Contest will be

announced at 3:30 pm in the Main Pavilion.

Featured each day will be the Flying Hounds Dog Show, with presentations throughout the day.

This high-energy show will delight fairgoers of all ages.

Another New Attraction is the Puppenmeister Marionette Show with 27” marionettes to delight

children of all ages!

The Prayer Breakfast will start the Fair at 7:30 am on Thursday.

Fairgoers will enjoy the traditional, non-mechanized Kidway with face painting,

button making, inflatable activities, straw maze and the ever popular Pig Racing.

Candy 'n' Cupcake will return to the 25th Annual Fair, as well as the Horse Pulling

Competition Demonstration, the Liberty Wagon, Barn Yard, Farm Baby Costume

Contest, Pie Eating and Watermelon Eating Contests and the Annual 4-H Livestock

Auction on Saturday evening, beginning at 5:00 pm.

Test your spelling at the annual Harford County Public Library

Spelling Bee which is held on Sunday beginning at 1:00 pm. The 2012 Bee will be

held on the stage of the showmobile!

4-H Annual shows and exhibits are open throughout the Fair, and all

are invited to strut their stuff in the dozens of categories in the Open Classes

from flowers to needlepoint to photography to vegetables and more!

Admission to the Fair is $ 8.00 for adults; $ 5.00 for children 5 to

12 years and under 5 years, free. Seniors are admitted for $ 5.00 on Thursday, only. Adults

with military ID are admitted for $ 6.00 every day of the Fair. The Farm Fair Board is pleased

to announce that, for the second year, 1 free ticket to the Fair will be distributed to every 5th grader

in Harford County, including all public and private schools students. There is no additional charge for

activities within the Fair and fairgoers may bring their own food and beverages. No alcoholic

beverages or smoking are permitted on the fairgrounds. The wine tasting is restricted to the Main

Pavilion, during the Fiesta on Sunday, only. No pets are allowed on the fairgrounds except for

registered show animals. Free Parking will be available on Tollgate Road, Vale Road, Red Pump

Elementary School and Patterson Mill High School, with Shuttle Bus Service from the satellite parking

lots.

Area businesses find the Farm Fair to be a welcome opportunity to advertise their services and retail

sales with dozens of vendors of interesting and useful items on display and for sale throughout the 4-

days of the Fair. Learn about Agriculture at the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation trailer and

displays from the Harford County Extension Agency and Ag Economic Development Office. Don't

forget the classic Fair Food Court and t-shirts, too!

For lots more information about this year’s Harford County Farm Fair, please visit the website www.farmfair.org

P A G E 8

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

Lucinda Whittington Named

May Employee of the Month

Lucinda Whittington, Lead Bus Driver with the Department of

Community Services, Harford Transit, has been named

Employee of the Month for May 2012. Ms. Whittington, a 5-

year employee with Harford Transit was nominated by

Elizabeth S. Hendrix, Director of the Department of

Community Services.

Ms. Whittington was nominated for creating an internal

newsletter which helps inform Harford Transit personnel of

safety and training related information. In her nomination of Ms. Whittington, Director Hendrix stated, “On her own initiative,

Lucinda created the newsletter which has been so popular she continues to use it as part of her training effort with bus drivers and

dispatch staff. By going above and beyond the required, Lucinda is helping to make a difference at Harford Transit”.

Ms. Whittington was officially recognized by Harford County Executive David R. Craig at a brief ceremony on May 15, 2012.

Commenting on the award, Ms. Whittington stated, “I enjoy doing the newsletter and my job. I’m just going to keep doing what

I’m doing as long as it helps others”.

Regarding Ms. Whittington’s selection as Employee of the Month for May, County Executive Craig stated, “We applaud the

initiative of Ms. Whittington and those like her for their efforts in going above and beyond the required. I am pleased the

newsletter created by Ms. Whittington is helping other members of the Harford Transit team and I congratulate her on taking this

initiative”, Craig remarked.

Sybil Robertson Named

June

Employee of the Month

Sybil Robertson a custodian with the Department of

Administration, Division of Facilities and Operations has been

chosen as Employee of the Month for June 2012. Ms. Robertson

has worked for Harford County Government for 11 years, 10 of

which were with the Department of Parks and Recreation and

one with the Division of Facilities and Operations.

Ms. Robertson was nominated by Marylee Gorman of the

Department of Procurement; Carmela Ripple from the Law

Department; Christen Callon of the Department of

Administration, Office of Budget and Management Research;

Lori Pietrowski from the Office of the County Executive and

Sylvia Bryant, from the Department of Community Services.

In their joint nomination the employees stated, “The Employee

of the Month should be someone who stands out amongst their

peers and who makes a difference. Sybil Robertson is such a

person. Without question, Ms. Robertson performs her job

exceedingly well. However, it is the pride in her work and the

infectious positive attitude that merits the most recognition. Ms.

Robertson’s attitude is one that all employees should strive to

achieve.”

Ms. Sybil Robertson and

County Executive David R. Craig

In accepting the award from County Executive David R. Craig,

Ms. Robertson stated “I am honored to receive this award and

I thank everyone for their support and the nomination. I truly

enjoy what I do and love coming to work”.

Commenting on Ms. Robertson’s selection as Employee of the

Month for June, County Executive Craig remarked, “It is

obvious that Sybil helps make our county office building a

better place to work. Everything is so clean and well maintained.

Clearly Sybil does make a difference for all of us and we

appreciate her efforts each and every day,” County Executive

Craig remarked.

Mses. BethHendrix, Lucinda Whittington, and

County Executive David R. Craig

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

Chad McGraw Named July

Employee of the Month

Chad McGraw, a Recreation Specialist with the Department

of Parks and Recreation has been named Employee of the

Month for July 2012. Mr. McGraw received the award

during a presentation by County Executive David R. Craig

on July 12, 2012.

Mr. McGraw, a 10-year employee with Harford County

Government, was nominated by his supervisor, Karen Green.

In her nomination Ms. Green stated, “Chad McGraw has

been a positive influence on the workplace and has cultivated

excellent working relationships with facility staff, the

Maintenance Division and volunteers within our region”. Ms.

Green added, “Chad had made time to instruct parents and

youth how to better ensure a positive first time recreational

experience for young athletes and their parents by

introducing them to a shared hands-on approach via a vehicle

called “Start Smart” for which he is a Certified Youth Sports

Administrator. Chad has taught dozens of children and their

families how to safely enter into team sports in a manner that

is age and skill level appropriate for the individual,” Ms.

Green stated.

Commenting on receiving the award, Mr. McGraw stated,

“There are many hard-working employees in Harford County

Government. I am very fortunate to have been chosen for

this award. A very special “Thank You” to Karen Green for

her nomination,” Mr. McGraw stated. County Executive

Craig presented Mr. McGraw with his award during a brief

ceremony at the Harford County Government Administration

Building in Bel Air. In presenting Mr. McGraw with his

Employee of the Month award, County Executive Craig

stated, “Clearly Chad is a person that truly works every day

to make a difference both with his co-workers and the

parents and children he meets as a Recreational Specialist.

Chad’s enthusiasm and his “can do” attitude help make him

one of Harford County’s finest employees and well

deserving of this recognition,” County Executive Craig

remarked.

“Give that fan a contract” On June 23th, Harford County employees along with their family and friends attended Harford County Employee Night

at Ripken Stadium. As part of the evening’s events, one deserving Harford County employee is granted the honor of

throwing out the 1st pitch. This opportunity is only given to an employee celebrating 35 or 40 years of service with the

County in 2012.

This year, County Executive David R. Craig escorted Mr. Archie Mann from the Department of Public Works, Division of

Highways and Water Resources, onto the field to throw out the 1st pitch. Mr. Mann celebrates 35 years of service with

the County this year. Mr. Mann said he was honored and excited to have been selected, and aside from being thrilled

about standing on the pitching mound, he felt privileged to throw the first pitch, especially since it was Ripken Stadium

and the Ironbirds 10th year anniversary celebration!

Ms. Karen Green, Chad McGraw, County Executive David R.Craig

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

Mr. Archie Mann and County Executive David R. Craig

P A G E 1 0 V O L U M E 6 , I S S U E 6

● Milestones ●

Congratulations … Kara Angelo, Public

Safety

Dispatcher III with

the Emergency Operations Center

(911), became engaged on May 11 to her boyfriend of almost

two years Deputy State Fire

Marshal Mike Selvage. A destination wedding for June

2013 is already being planned for their families and closest

friends.

Patricia Standiford a 911 dispatcher at EOC and her husband Jeff Standiford became the proud parents

of: Jake Ryan Standiford

Baby Jake was

born on

Monday,

June 11, 2012

8lbs 11oz 22 inches long

On June 15th, the Solid Waste Association of North

America (SWANA) held its annual Mid-Atlantic Rodeo whereby the

top qualified solid waste equipment operators within Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey test their skills in operating various heavy equipment typically used in solid waste operations. We are pleased to announce, out of a field of 16 contestants, Harford County Senior Equipment Operators Mike Plott and Josh Ward came in third place in the roll-off truck and dozer categories

respectfully. Congratulations Mike and Josh for a job well done!

.

Congratulations to

Hazel Harris with

the Department of

Planning & Zoning. Hazel has recently

been promoted to Permits

Review Supervisor.

David R. Craig,

Harford County Executive

‘Preserving Harford’s past;

Promoting Harford’s future’

Published by

Harford County

Department of Human Resources

Scott T. Gibson, Director

Nancy Mahaffey—Editor & 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

Division of Facilities & Operations

410-638-4707

eferriter@harfordcountymd.gov

James Ellwood-Contributor

Department of Inspections, Licenses & Permits

410-638-3366

jvellwood@harfordcountymd.gov

Is there someone in your work-place 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 the 25th of the month to ndmahaffey@harfordcountymd.gov.

Digital photos are accepted.

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