Macomb County, MI

11/20/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/20/2024 13:12

Macomb Matters - November 2024 Issue 96

Message from Mark

Hello and happy holidays! There's so much to look forward to this season in Macomb County. From family gatherings to community events, the end of the year is an exciting time in our community.

This will be the final edition of Macomb Matters for the year, so I wanted to share a few things with you. First and foremost, thank you. Thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the residents of this county. Your service makes a difference in the lives of many, and I'm grateful for your tireless efforts that make Macomb a great place to call home.

With that said, I'd like to show my appreciation for you all by extending an invite to the annual State of the County address- where I speak to the many things we have accomplished throughout the year. It's an event open to all county employees who register, and I'm certain that if you're able to be in the audience, you'll feel a sense of pride when you hear all that we've done together. So join me on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. I look forward to seeing you all there.

In closing, I'd like to touch on one more end-of-year tradition here at the County - it's time to Shop Local Macomb! Every year our Department of Planning and Economic Development hosts this initiative, which encourages shopping at independently owned and operated retailers during the holidays. From Nov. 22 through Dec. 8, join us in this effort. Big prizes are up for grabs, including 10 $150 gift cards donated by First State Bank and 10 $1,000 grants for our local businesses. As we all know, when we shop local, our money stays local, so take part in the effort and help us support our mom-and-pop shops this year.

Thank you again, and remember, visit makemacombyourhome.comand our Make Macomb Your Home Facebook and Events pages to find festive fun and other regular updates for the coming winter months. Here's to a restful end of year and a fresh start in 2025!

Mark

Employee news and accolades

MCA staff members recognized as Certified Community Action Professionals

Congratulations to Macomb Community Action staff members Jaquelyn Kaptur and Mary Frontiero who recently received recognition as a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) at the National Community Action Partnership Conference in Seattle, Washington. As Certified Community Action Professionals, Jaquelyn and Mary have demonstrated knowledge and application of the core competencies required to effectively carry out the promise of Community Action - "Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. Community Action cares about the entire community, and is dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other."

To achieve their certification, Jaquelyn and Mary passed a two-step CCAP examination process within a three-year period, passed an online, proctored examination, and completed an independent writing assignment.

Macomb County Sheriff's Office deputies receive national recognition for lifesaving actions

This fall, Deputies Nicole Miron and Anthony Gross were featured on Good Morning America and other national outlets in response to the lifesaving actions they took during a traffic stop. Together, the pair stopped a moving vehicle with a driver who was suffering a medical emergency. To achieve this, Deputy Miron bravely climbed out of the sheriff's SUV and through the open window of the truck, where she got control of the car and provided assistance to the individual in distress.

"I commend Deputy Miron for putting herself in harm's way to help a citizen in need and protect other drivers on the roadway," Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said in a news release. "Due to her quick thinking and selfless actions, she safely ended what could have been a tragic situation."

Lauri Morley announces baby Liam

Lauri Morley, marketing and communications program director for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development, welcomed Liam Morley in October. Congratulations on your growing family, Lauri!

Hunting season wins

Congrats to Rose Sharboneau, a juvenile probation officer, who recently harvested a 16 point buck. Now that takes some skill!

Celebrating employee milestones

Congratulations to all Macomb County employees who recently reached significant employment milestones.

Click here to find out!

Employee Focus: New leadership at Community Mental Health

Traci Smith

Congratulations to Traci Smith on her promotion to chief executive officer (CEO) of Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH). Smith was selected by the Macomb County Community Mental Health Board of Directors to lead the organization in August.

"Smith has been instrumental in driving MCCMH forward with her unwavering commitment to our mission and core values," said Phil Kraft, MCCMH Board chairperson. "On behalf of the board of directors, we are proud to appoint her as our new CEO, knowing that her vision and experience will guide us in continuing to provide quality services to the people we serve."

Smith became interim CEO in December 2023 while the MCCMH Board searched for a replacement following previous CEO Dave Pankotai's departure. As interim CEO, she successfully created a Strategic Plan to direct the organization, increased timely accessibility of MCCMH programs, increased special grant funding, and collaborative partnerships with Macomb County emergency personnel to provide effective mental health crisis support.

Smith has worked at MCCMH for eight years, serving in the roles of chief of staff and deputy director before acting as interim CEO.

"It's a privileged responsibility to have been selected as the CEO and lead the organization in its mission of putting people first," said Traci Smith, CEO of MCCMH. "I look forward to continuing the journey of enhancing access to services and reducing the stigma of mental health in our community."

Before MCCMH, Smith was the regional director for ResCare Workforce Services, where she oversaw federal, state, and special grant-funded workforce development programs throughout the eastern United States. Smith has over 25 years of successful program and leadership development experience, working with diverse populations. She is on multiple advisory boards for graduate-level health degrees and a mental health first aid instructor. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn and a Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University.

Helen Klingert

Congratulations to Helen Klingert on her recent promotion to deputy director of MCCMH. Klingert became interim deputy director in January 2024, where she secured grants to enhance care, establish policies, and ensure continued progress in achieving MCCMH's Strategic Plan.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to utilize my behavioral health and leadership experience to advance MCCMH's mission and help those we serve to achieve recovery," said Klingert. "By enhancing access to our robust system of care, we can improve the overall health and well-being of our community."

Before starting her current position as deputy director, Klingert led the Substance Use Department at MCCMH for four years as the Substance Use Disorders Director and 16 years as the Assistant Director. She is also an experienced therapist, providing services to individuals with serious mental health and/or substance use disorder issues as a Limited Licensed Psychologist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Klingert attained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Oakland University and completed her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University.

"Klingert's dedication to providing the highest quality of care has improved the effectiveness and efficiency of MCCMH's services," said Traci Smith, CEO of MCCMH. "I am confident that under her leadership, we will continue to expand our impact in the community, ensuring that those we serve receive the support they need to thrive."

Retiree spotlight

Click here for a list of retirees

Macomb County honors employee veterans

Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11, for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

For Macomb County, the occasion was marked early with a special event for employees who served. To recognize their service and sacrifices, Macomb County leaders came together on Friday, Nov. 8 and held a special event for these individuals. Employees from across all departments gathered at Freedom Hill for a luncheon, where they were presented with a token of appreciation. The event also featured county leaders expressing their gratitude and admiration for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

On behalf of the Macomb Matters team, thank you for your service.

Macomb County employees set their sights on Europe

This past year, Macomb County employees have been captivated by the lure of Europe, with more people taking 'holidays' across the pond than ever before (at least, in recent memory). For those wondering what enticed our friends and co-workers to trade in their planes for trains and coffee for espresso, we've asked Wendy Smith, team coordinator for Human Resources and Labor Relations to give us the scoop on her experience vacationing across the Atlantic:

Where did you go for your recent trip to Europe? What time of year was it, and for how long did you stay?

My husband Bill and I went to London in early October 2024. We were there for nine days. A visit to London is a great way to "dip your toe" into international travel because everyone there speaks and understands English, even if it isn't their first language. If you need any help, or have any questions, you don't have to overcome a language barrier to ask the person standing next to you.

Did you go through a travel agency? If so, which one, and would you recommend it?

We did not use a travel agency. We prefer to move at our own pace and plan our own itineraries. We bought an excellent London travel guide from the Rick Steves website. He has different guidebooks for different countries and for the major cities. I highly recommend his books. They include maps and travel tips. We bought it months ahead of time and studied it before we went.

What accommodations did you use (hotel, airbnb, etc)? What would you recommend?

It is hard to make recommendations because all travelers are different. The only thing I can say for certain is that the closer the accommodations are to downtown London, the more expensive they will be. We wanted an apartment to ourselves, with a kitchen, and we wanted to be near a "tube" (subway) stop. We found exactly what we were looking for on Airbnb, just a little outside of town.

What was the best method for transportation there?

I do NOT recommend attempting to drive in downtown London. They drive on the opposite side of the road, and it is also teeming with people. There are congestion fees. It gets expensive to rent and drive there. It is very time consuming and eats into sightseeing time. London is very walkable, and they have excellent, affordable public transportation. That is why we deliberately chose accommodations that were just a short walk to a tube station. We could leave our apartment and be in downtown London in a matter of minutes.

What type of activities did you do? Any favorite excursions?

There is so much to do in London. Some of the places are free, others require paid entry with tickets that sell out weeks or months in advance. Some offer guided tours and almost every place we visited had a self-guided tour available at low or no cost. Bill and I love history, so our "must do" list included historically significant places like the Churchill War Rooms, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. We did day trips, one to Greenwich and one to Windsor Castle. We went to the British National Library and saw original historic documents, such as ancient religious texts and the Magna Carta (a precursor to our very own Declaration of Independence, but this Magna Carta was written on sheepskin hundreds of years earlier).

I think our favorite day was the one we spent at the Tower of London. The guidebook said to allow a few hours there, but the Tower of London has an incredible and long history. Construction began in 1066! Bill and I knew there was no way we could soak up that much history in just a couple of hours, so we set aside the entire day. We were the third couple in line and were some of the last people to be kindly directed to the exit gates. We saw the White Tower and the Line of Kings, the Bloody Tower, and the Crown Jewels. We stood near the Traitor's Gate, which was what greeted Elizabeth I when she was brought there and imprisoned. Anne Boleyn was executed there (among others) and is also interred there in the Chapel Royal of St. Peter ad Vincula (St. Peter in chains). We walked in the footsteps of kings and queens and nobles and other notable figures who lived almost a thousand years ago. And even though we stayed all day, there were still some buildings we didn't have time to explore.

How was the food? Do you have a favorite dish or restaurant?

You can get any kind of food you want in London, anytime you want it. There are many different restaurants, serving all sorts of cuisine from all around the world. We really enjoyed finding the smaller, out of the way, local pubs. I think our favorites included "Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese Shoppe," which was a favorite of Charles Dickens, and it's been in business for hundreds of years. Our other favorite was the Feather Plume in Greenwich.

Were there any other cool experiences that you would like to share about your trip?

I don't know if one can consider this an "experience," but the remnants of WWII are everywhere. There are buildings that survived the blitz but bear the scars (chips and pock marks caused by shrapnel). Every museum and church has photos of the rubble and it makes you wonder how any of London survived. I marveled at the tenacity and determination of their leaders like Winston Churchill and the population in general. We look back and know they prevailed. They looked forward into the face of uncertainty, knowing only that their whole way of living was at stake. How they carried on in the face of all that is remarkable. And their gratitude to the American people who fought and died on their behalf is palpable. The memorial to the American servicemen and women at St. Paul's Cathedral moved me to tears. It was incredibly humbling, and it made me want to be a better person, to live up to the ideals that they died for.

If you had the chance, would you go again? If so, would you do anything differently?

We are absolutely going to go back. We had read the guidebook, studied the maps and made lists of everything we wanted to see. We were up early every day and got back late every night. We thought we could see it all, but we only scratched the surface. There is only one thing I would do differently - I would let my husband carry my luggage up the stairs when he offered. I insisted on doing it myself and twisted my knee. I tore my meniscus and will be having minor surgery at the end of November. It is my least favorite (and probably most expensive) "souvenir." However, it did provide me with the "out" I needed in order to pass on the climb to the uppermost level of St. Paul's Cathedral. St. Paul's is 365 feet tall, and the viewing platform at the top is very small. I am afraid of heights and the higher you ascend, the narrower and steeper those stairs get. The injury offered a good excuse to keep my feet firmly on the ground - in the basement crypt, with the long deceased knights and nobles.

The people behind parking

On September 30, Macomb County started repairs to the parking structure located on South Main Street in downtown Mount Clemens. The repairs were necessary due to wear and tear of the deck over the years. Michigan weather, and the amount of plowing and salt used during the winter months, required caulking in the joints and re-coating the deck. This large project has three phases of repair and has impacted parking for the public and employees alike. In total, 150 parking spaces of the 578-space structure were blocked for the duration of phase one.

If you wondered who was behind the management of this project, directing traffic flows, and greeting employees every morning, meet the members of the Facilities and Operations (F&O) security team. The team includes Nick Parent, fire and security coordinator, Tracy Caldwell, security leader, and security guards JD Branch, Tommy Turkaly, Jeff Johnson and Art Divers. These employees were stationed at each entry point Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Signs and barricades went up each morning and came down each night.

The team was outside every day, rain or shine, to provide employees an easy and effective parking experience. Working in shifts throughout the day, the team ensured that employees found a parking spot until each space is filled. As spaces became available, the staff directed employees into the structure. Additionally, they directed visitors to the yellow lot. Working together, each member of the team was stationed at one of the entry points greeting employees with a smile and helping anyone in need.

The repairs to the parking structures top deck have now come to an end! The F&O security team would like to thank employees for their patience during this transition. And the Macomb Matters team would like to thank F&O for their incredible work!

A message from Andy McKinnon

It's absolutely cliché, but my, where has the time gone? While this is going to sound ridiculous, I remember sitting in Mr. Pfunds class as a 6th grader in 1990 and doing the math of when I would turn 21. At the time, it was 1999 and it seemed a lifetime away! Fortunately, that meant I could take Prince's advice and party like it's 1999. Unfortunately now, 1999 seems like a lifetime away.

Time passes quickly, and many moments seem to be far off in the distance, in the rear view mirror. That's why reflection is important. Even from a work perspective. So today, I want to reflect on what has been done, what's being done and what will be done at our offices to see and appreciate the progress we have all made. More specifically, I'll focus on our first full year with Workday. This has been a transformative initiative, one that has tested us in many ways but also demonstrated the strength of our collective determination, resilience and flexibility.

When we started this transition, we knew it would not be without its challenges. We have seen those faced by Oakland County, Corewell (Beaumont) and Wayne County in implementing Workday. However, introducing a new system this complex and impactful requires significant change-not just in processes and tools, but maybe more importantly in mindset and approach. From navigating unexpected roadblocks to troubleshooting unforeseen issues, the path has not always been smooth. Yet, through it all, we've continued to learn, adapt and improve. With a special emphasis on improve.

I want to take a moment to express our gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this effort. Starting with our Board of Commissioners who approved the significant expense it takes to transition to a new system. Then onto our timekeepers, the Finance Department, HRLR, IT and the Treasurer who is consistently keeping us abreast of prospective challenges. Each has played a vital role in helping us reach this point and each will be integral partners as we move forward.

The good news is this: Workday is improving every day. We've seen tangible progress as more users become comfortable with the platform, processes become more streamlined, and the system begins to deliver on its promise of efficiency and insight. These successes are evident in so many places within Workday. From leave tracking to something as simple as how we view and understand our paystubs, it has been an undeniable improvement.

But our work is far from over. There's still much to do as we optimize, enhance and expand the system's capabilities. As discussed earlier, this is especially true in our mindset and approach to maximizing the value we receive from this system. In 2025, we will be spending a lot of time in the Finance modules focused on budgeting and analysis to help Workday operate at its greatest capacity.

As we move into the new year, we ask everyone to remain engaged, continue providing feedback and approach the next phase with the same commitment and resolve that have brought us this far.

Together, we are building something that improves each employee's experience, not just for today, but for the future of our organization. Thank you for being a part of this, for your patience during the trials and for celebrating the successes along the way. We will keep pushing forward, knowing that the best is yet to come.

I hope you have an exceptional holiday season and a great new year! Cheers to the best year yet, 2025!

HealthStyles

The HealthStyles team is pleased to present employees with two opportunities that encourage healthy living:

  • Strollin' with the strays
    Regular physical activity, like walking, has been linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease. Spending time with a dog can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Physical contact with animals is known to increase levels of oxytocin and reduce cortisol. And for the animals, walking keeps them healthy and socialized.

    Because of these reasons, a new program is launching: Strollin' with the strays. Make one of the shelter dogs at Macomb County Animal Control a workout buddy by taking one on a walk during your lunch! For more information contact Lori Hampton at [email protected], or sign up here.
  • Walk with Ease
    Macomb County MSU Extension is hosting the Arthritis Foundation's Walk with Ease program, an exercise initiative that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with the effort. The six-week program encourages walking 10-35 minutes, three times a week between Jan. 10 and Feb. 14. Register by Jan. 3 by contacting [email protected] or [email protected].

Did you know? It's time to shake your mailbox

During winter months, the roads aren't the only thing that take a beating. The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) is therefore urging residents to prepare for snow by shaking their mailboxes this fall.

It's important for residents to check the location, stability and durability of their mailboxes. To prevent damage from snow thrown by passing plow trucks, residents are encouraged to prepare mailboxes for winter by tightening screws and ensuring the post and mailbox are secure enough to withstand reasonable amounts of thrown snow. Mailbox damage caused by snow being plowed to the side of the road is the homeowner's responsibility to repair.

"While we gear up for winter operations to maintain safe and efficient roads during the winter months, taking a few minutes to ensure your mailbox is properly secured will save you time and hassle later on," said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. "Shake it to ensure the snow won't break it. If your mailbox moves when shaken, it may not survive standard snow removal operations and should be repaired or replaced before winter."

Mailbox damage can often be prevented with proper routine maintenance. If you have questions regarding mailbox maintenance, please contact the Department of Roads at 586-463-8671 or [email protected].

Shaking your mailbox is an opportunity for residents across Macomb County and the state to take proactive steps toward ensuring their mailbox is safely and properly maintained prior to the start of winter maintenance operations on Michigan roads.

For additional information or frequently asked questions about mailboxes or MCDR winter maintenance operations, visit macombgov.org/roads.

Shop Local Macomb returns to make holiday shopping even more special

Shop Local Macomb returns to make holiday shopping even more special

There's something special about shopping local for the holiday season: the initial trip to the store and the chilly air that pricks your skin as you trench through the cold, the resounding ring of the door bell as you enter the establishment, the diligent search for just the right present and the bright smiles you create when making a small business owner's day with your purchase. Macomb County is encouraging you to experience that feeling again as we kick off our annual Shop Local Macomb contest.

For those who don't know, this initiative gives residents who shop local a chance to win one of ten $150 gift cards, provided by First State Bank, and a $1,000 grant for their favorite business. The rules are simple:

  1. Go to a local retailer of your choosing and snap a photo of the experience.
  2. Submit your picture to the online portal found on Make Macomb Your Home and don't forget to include the business' name.
  3. If possible, don't hesitate to share the images on Facebook or Instagram using #ShopLocalMacomb

The contest runs from Nov. 22 until Dec. 8, with winners announced on Dec. 9. A PDF flyer for the contest can be found here, with updates posted weekly on our Make Macomb Your Home Facebook page.

So, don't be afraid to make your annual gift hunt a special occasion this year and shop local, Macomb!

Shop Local Macomb is an initiative of Macomb County in partnership with First State Bank, Macomb County Chamber, Connect Macomb, Anchor Bay Chamber, Eastpointe-Roseville Chamber, and Northern Macomb Regional Chamber.

Providing support by keeping it casual

The Board of Commissioners has announced the continuation of the Macomb County Casual Day Charitable Collections Program. Applications for 2025 are being accepted now through December 13, 2024. Guidelines can be found here. If you have questions, or need more information about this program, please contact [email protected] or (586) 469-5125.

As background, participating employees (with department leader permission) may wear casual clothing to work on Fridays (or other designated day), if they donate at least a dollar. Participating departments will be monitored, and donations are sent in a timely fashion. Collected donations are then sent by the Board Office to the assigned charities.

The final causal days for 2024 will support

MyCare
Provides quality yet affordable medical and dental care to the residents of Macomb County. November 22

Macomb Food Program
Supports food banks and food pantries to feed the hungry in Macomb County.
Special November 27

Roseville Junior Sports
A place where kids can learn and grow, both on and off the field by teaching the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication.
December 6, 13, 20, 27

IT download

A new intranet is coming.

Inside Macomb, our employee intranet website, reaches 10 years of age next Spring. It was launched in April 2015 and it served its purpose in the years leading up to the design of our new website. With the recent success of our redesign, we now focus our attention on our intranet content and our internal audience, our employees.

In September, we shared a survey with our departments to gather feedback on how an intranet can meet your needs. Our goal is to ensure the intranet serves as an efficient tool for communication, collaboration and access to resources, in a modern and secure way.

Most groups reported accessing our current intranet at least weekly if not daily for information. We know this is an important resource for you. We asked for responses about current challenges with communication or resource access. Many of you also provided additional thoughts and ideas. For your time and responses, we thank you.

In summary, the primary functions you hope the intranet to serve are (1) access to forms and templates, (2) a policy and procedure repository, and (3) an employee directory. Top feature requests included statements about being (1) easy to use, (2) easy to update, and (3) easy to access, including when employees are remote or otherwise off the county network.

In the coming weeks, we plan to relaunch our intranet content on our current macombgov.org website. This is an opportunity to consolidate the current internet site with Inside Macomb and take advantage of our modern workflows and content moderation features from our new site.

We will be able to manage both types of content, public and private, on the same site. We will also be able to allow remote and off-county network access by implementing user authentication on the site to reduce the risk of cyber security related incidents.

Recipe corner: Butternut Squash Pasta Bake

Serving size: 1/2 cup

Servings per container: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups butternut squash
  • 4 ounces dried whole wheat shell pasta
  • 3 Tablespoons shallot, diced
  • 1 Tablespoon sage, minced
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/8 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup low-fat ricotta
  • 2 ounces low-fat mozzarella, grated

Directions Wash hands and all food preparation surfaces.

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Cut butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the cut sides down in a large baking dish and fill with 1/4 inch water. Bake butternut squash until tender (about 45 minutes). Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  2. While the squash bakes, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside. Reduce oven to 375°F.
  3. From the butternut squash, measure out 2 cups of the squash. Place in a food processor along with the shallot, sage, garlic, salt and pepper. Pulse until squash is smooth. Add in low-sodium vegetable broth and pulse until well-combined.
  4. In a small baking dish, place a third of the squash purée in the bottom. Add half the noodles, followed by the low-fat ricotta. Top the ricotta with the next third of the sauce, then remaining noodles. Finish with remaining sauce and low-fat shredded mozzarella.
  5. Bake pasta for 25 minutes at 375°F. Cheese should be browned. Remove and serve warm.
  6. Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours


Notes

  • This dish works will with any type of squash purée- pumpkin or sweet potatoes
  • Any small shape of pasta would work-use what you have on hand!

Download a PDF version

MyPlate Kitchen, United States Department of Agriculture, myplate.gov

Department:Human Resources
Type:
Article