Download pdf - HCG Connection August 2013

8/22/2019 HCG Connection August 2013

1/10

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

ExecutiveSummary

1

HR Update 2

Employee of theMonth

3

Delta Dental 4

Lemons for Health 5

Upper Chesapeakeand Sick Leave Bank6

Sustainability Office 7

Mind Your Health 8

Tech Tips 9

Milestones and BJs 10

A N E W S L E T T E R B YA N D F O R T H EE M P L O Y E E S O F

H A R F O R D C O U N T YG O V E R N M E N T

HCG CONNECTIONA U G U S T 2 0 1 3V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 8

David R. Craig,

Harford County Executive

Executive Summary: County's Commitment to Our

Schools as Strong as Ever

David R. Craig

Harford County Executive

As you probably have noticed, the subject of education fundingHarford County has been a hot topic of late, and with good reason, sinthe education of our children and grandchildren is one of the mconsequential responsibilities we have as a society. Sadly, there been a great deal of confusion regarding how education is funded aadministered in the state of Maryland, which itself is a situation thneeds drastic change.

In Maryland, local Boards of Education are independent bodies creaby the state to administer local public education. County governmehave no oversight or direct involvement in the creation of educatbudgets, personnel decisions, or the general administration of the sch

system.

Local Boards of Education are funded by both the local jurisdictions and the State of Maryland, withsmall amount of federal monies also involved. The proportion of county to state funding varies, but Harford it is divided roughly 50-50.

While the county has never cut HCPS funding from one year to the next, the states share fluctuatbased on a number of factors. For Fiscal Year 2014, Harford County Governments contribution to school system will increase by $1.5 million, while the state is cutting its contribution by $3 million.

Since Fiscal Year 2006, Harford County Governments contribution to Harford County Public Schools hincreased by 26% -- and by 35% per student. In addition, county government has provided over $3million more for school construction and renovation. Over this same time period, the Board

Education has increased its staffing levels by over 550 employees, while student enrollment hdecreased by 2,500 students.

Regarding school funding for the coming year, a lot has been made of the fact that although tcountys contribution increased by $1.5 million, the Board of Education asked for it to be increasedroughly $21 million. The countys projected revenue for FY 2014 is $6 million more than last year, adespite absorbing additional state obligations and increases in the overall cost of doing business, managed to allocate 25% of that increased revenue to schools.

The boards request of $21 million above what we contributed last year works out to be roughly $5more per pupil, and would have required a significant increase in taxes. If the total increase was tofunded by increasing property taxes, the increase would amount to approximately 8%.

Despite increasing funding obligations being passed to county governments from the state, such as

recent shift of teacher pensions, Harford County Government is committed to not only maintaining support for the local school system, but to continuing to increase its allocation to the greatest extethat financial realities allow.

I am very mindful, however, that we have many obligations to meet. These include our responsibilitto agencies such as the public library system, the fire service, and the Sheriffs Office, and well as ocommitment to county government employees, who have been asked to make sacrifices over the yebut who have never let the citizens of this county down.

Cordially,


2/10

P A G E 2

Department of Human Resources Update

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

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 8

EMPLOYEE REVIEW OF PAY STATEMENTSIN INTERACTIVE WORKFORCE

submitted by Janet Schaub

Scott T. Gibson,

Human Resources

Director

Department of

Human Resources112 Hays Street

Bel Air, MD 21014410-638-3101

410-879-3564(f)

We would like to remind employees that it is in your best interestand your responsibility to review your pay statements inInteractive Workforce (IW), if not every pay, periodically. Youshould be reviewing your pay, benefits deductions and any otherdeductions to ensure appropriateness and accuracy.

We would recommend that you review your pay statement whenyou know that you have received a pay adjustment of any type,life style change for benefits, and after open enrollment. Whileeveryone in Human Resources and Payroll works very diligentlyto ensure accuracy and alleviate mistakes, we are human andmistakes can happen.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact HumanResources, ext. 3201 or Payroll, ext. 3335.


3/10

July Employees of the Month submitted by Ben Lloyd

P A G E 3V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 8

Linda Myers and Peggy Rumsey Named Employeesof the Month for July

Wanda Bhola and County Executive Craig


Harford County Department of Community Servicesemployees Linda Myers and Peggy Rumsey have beennamed the Harford County Employees of the Month forJuly 2013. Both work at the Edgewood Senior ActivityCenter for the Office on Aging and were recognized fortheir efforts to improve the facility.

Linda and Peggy have made a difference in both theappearance and the overall attitude of the EdgewoodSenior Activity Center. They have spruced the buildingup, making it more inviting for the seniors that utilizeit, said Danita Long and Joan Turbutt of the Division ofFacilities & Operations in nominating their co-workers.

Director of Administration Mary F. Chance stated, I have seen firsthand how well-received thework of Linda and Peggy has been by the citizens who utilize the Edgewood Senior ActivityCenter. They are two wonderful county employees, and I appreciate all that they have doneand continue to do.

Our Senior Activity Centers serve such an important role in the lives of a great number ofcounty residents, added Elizabeth S. Hendrix, Director of the Department of CommunityServices. As the population of our county ages, these centers will be utilized more and more.Therefore, it is vital that they continue to be as well run and maintained as they are now. Thisis why dedicated employees like Linda and Peggy are so valuable to county government and tothe citizens of Harford County.

Preserving Harfords past; promoting Harfords future

L-R: Peggy Rumsey, County Executive David R.Craig and Linda Myers


4/10


http://www.deltadentalins.com/


5/10



P A G E 5

Submitted by Tamara SimmonsLemons for HealthSubmitted by Tamara Simmons, Article from Vitamins Diary

Lemon is widely grown all over the world. Lemon grows in abundance in India, Sri Lanka,

Malaysia, Mexico and West Indies. Unripe lemons are green in color. When they are matured, thecolor is changed into yellow. Lemon is a must in the kitchen. It is a universally favorite fruit.

Benefits, Qualities and Uses of LemonThe Ayurveda has regarded lemon as a valuable fruit and admired its properties. Lemon is sour, warm, promoter of

gastric fire, light, good for vision, pungent and astringent. It checks the excessive flow of bile and cleanses themouth. It dislodges phlegm (cough) and expels wind from the digestive tract. It helps in digestion and removesconstipation. It prevents vomiting, throat trouble, acidity and rheumatism. It destroys intestinal worms.

Though lemon is acidic to the taste, it leaves off alkaline residues in the body. This is why it is useful in all symptomsof acidosis.

Lemon juice is a powerful antibacterial. It has been proved by experiments that the bacteria of malaria, cholera,diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases are destroyed in lemon juice.

It also contains some vitamin A. Natural vitamin C is much more effective than the synthetic one. Vitamin C of lemonjuice is very effective because it is combined with bioflavonoids (vitamin P). In addition to Vitamin C, lemon alsocontains niacin and thiamin in small amounts.

One should not take concentrated lemon juice. It should be diluted with water before taking it. Pure lemon juicecontains acid which is injurious to the enamel of teeth.

The body is well cleansed if lemon juice mixed with cold water and honey is taken on an empty stomach early in themorning. Warm water may be used occasionally to get relieved of constipation.

Lemon juice prevents or restrains influenza, malaria and colds.

Lemon juice gives good relief in fever. Lemon-juice mixed with water is useful in quenching the thirst of the patientssuffering from diabetes. It gives immediate relief in abdominal disorders. Lemon acts as a sedative for the nervesand the heart and allays troublesome palpitation.

Lemon is especially appreciated for its Vitamin C value. When Vasco da Gama made his voyage round the Cape ofGood Hope nearly two-thirds of his crew died of scurvy. But at present the recurrence of such a disaster is no longerpossible owing to the widespread use of lemon. Innumerable boatmen moving in sea have saved their lives with theuse of lemon.

Vitamin P in lemon strengthens the blood vessels and prevents internal hemorrhage. It is, therefore, extremelyuseful in high blood pressure, in which cerebro-vascular accidents commonly occur.

The most valuable ingredient of lemon, next to vitamin C, is citric acid, of which it contains 7.2 per cent. Lemoncontains more potassium than apple or grapes, which is beneficial to the heart.

Lemon is very much useful in maintaining the health of the teeth and the bones. The vitamin C content of lemon

helps considerably in calcium metabolism.

Lemon has been used for many years in gout and rheumatism. Lemon juice is a diuretic. It, therefore, gives relief inkidney and bladder disorders. It has been used in destroying intestinal worms. It prevents vomiting and helps to curehepatitis and other innumerable diseases.

Lemon has been proven to be a blessing for mountaineers. In the cases of insufficientoxygen and difficulty in breathing, lemon comes to their rescue. Edmund Hillary, the firstman to put his foot on the top of Mt. Everest, has admitted that his victory over Mt.Everest was greatly due to lemon.

www.vitaminsdiary.com
http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/lemon.htmhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/lemon.htmhttp://www.vitaminsdiary.com/lemon.htm


6/10



Blood Pressure Screening, Free

When: Monday, August 5, 10 am12 pm Where: Edgewood Senior Center

When: Wednesday, August 7, 10 am12 pm Where: McFaul Senior Center

When: Saturday, August 10, 10 am2 pm Where: Walmart, Abingdon

Cardiovascular Screening

When: Wednesday, August 14, 8 am4 pm, Where: Upper Chesapeake Medical Center

Description: Registration is required by calling 1-800-515-0044

When: Wednesday, August 21, 8 am4 pm, Where: Harford Memorial Hospital

Description: Registration is required by calling 1-800-515-0044

Sick Leave Banks Six Month Update for 2013Submitted by Jim Ellwood, SLB Chairperson

Hours on hand starting 1/1/2013 .......................... 9,887.85Hours distributed YTD............................................ 926.25

Hours returned thru accrual ...................................... 80.00Hours accrued thru new members .......................... 401.00

Current balance .................................................... 9,442.60Full time member (employees) .................................... 705

Part time members (employees) .................................... 43

Total number of members (employees) ....................... 748

The figures above represent 24 new members acquired through new hires and open

enrollment. Four members have been assisted in the first 6 months of 2013.

Currently we have 2 on going cases and had a meeting the last week of July toupdate these cases and review a new request. The Sick Leave Bank Board strives tobe diligent, fair, and consistent in all decisions. We would like to thank the

members of the Sick Leave Bank for being such good stewards with all of theirleave and their commitment to working with the board to keep the Sick Leave

Bank secure and strong.


7/10


V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 8 P A G E 7


8/10

P A G E 8



MIND YOUR HEALTHPart 2submitted by Tamara Simmons

As promised, following are three more delicious recipes which were sampled during eatinghealthy cooking demonstrations. These recipes are low in calories, filled with flavor, anddeliver a highly nutritious content.

More to come in the September edition of the HCG Connection. Enjoy!

Buffalo Chicken Salad16 oz. whole wheat rotini pasta1/2 cup light mayonnaise1 cup light blue cheese dressing1/2 cup mild buffalo wing sauce1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon black pepper1 pound boneless, skinless chickenbreasts; grilled and diced1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced1 cup diced red onion

Cook pasta and drain. Stir togethermayonnaise, blue cheese dressing, wingsauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.Add the chicken, bell peppers, red onion,and cooked pasta and toss to coat withthe dressing. Cover and chill in therefrigerator at least one hour beforeserving.

Shrimp Salad2 pounds cooked shrimp1 cup light mayonnaise2/3 cup chopped celery1 1/2 tablespoons Old Bay Seasoning1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauceSalad greens

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Chill for one

hour. Serve over salad greens.

Mango Peach Smoothie1 peach, sliced1 mango, sliced1/2 cup vanilla soy milk1/2 cup orange juice

Place all ingredients in a blender and puree untilsmooth.
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/buffalo-chicken-pasta-salad/photo-gallery.aspx


9/10

V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 8 P A G E 9


Tech Tipssubmitted by the Office of Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Microsoft Outlook 2010

Insert a Screenshot in an Outlook 2010 Message

When you want to save a thousand words by emailing a picture of a

dialog box, all or part of a browser screen or anything else that appears

on your desktop, begin writing your message, click on the Insert Tab on

the Ribbon, then select Screenshot. A tiny dialog box shows you all the

current windows open on your desktop so you can choose the one you

want to insert, or click on Screen Clipping and click to draw a box on

screen. Press Enter, and the contents of the box will be inserted into

your message.


10/10

David R. Craig,Harford County ExecutivePreserving Harfords past;

Promoting Harfords future

Published by

Harford CountyDepartment of Human ResourcesScott T. Gibson, Director

Sharon Ballweg

Editor & Graphic Design

Department of Human Resources

410-638-3019

[email protected]

Ben LloydContributor

Office of the County Executive

410-638-3420

[email protected]

Rebecca Macek - Contributor

Department of Community Services

410-638-3389

[email protected]

Erin Ferriter-Contributor

Sustainability Office

410-638-4707

[email protected]

Joan Ingold Contributor

Information and Communication Technology

410-638-1231

[email protected]

Is there someone in yourworkplace who goes

above and beyond forHarford County?

Why notnominatethis individual as

Employee of the Month?

What a great way to recognize yourco-workers for their contribution to

Harford County.

For details contact

Sharon Ballweg at

[email protected]

or call 410-638-3019

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO RENEW ORJOIN!!!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 8a.m. 5 p.m.

Your payment of $40 which gives you 15 month

membership. Payment can be made in the form

of personal check or credit card. Checks should

be made payable to B.J.s Cash is not

accepted.

Once the paperwork and payment has been

received in the Department of Human Resources, it

will be forwarded to B.J.s for processing. Please

keep the gold page for your records and use as your

temporary membership pass until you receive your

membership card. Normal processing time is 30

days.

If you have any questions or need additional

information, please contact Tamara Simmons at

410-638-4871 or email her @[email protected].

Milestones

We would like to include yourmilestone in the next HCGConnection. Please submit

information by the15th of the month to

[email protected].

Digital photos are accepted.

P A G E 1 0V O L U M E 7 , I S S U E 8

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]