News for Calvert County Government Employees

Volume IV, Issue IIIFeb. 1, 2013

Annual Service Awards Ceremony is Feb. 5The Annual Service Awards ceremony will be held Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. in the

Calvert Pines Senior Center auditorium, followed by an informal reception. A listing of employees who will be honored for reaching service plateaus in 2012 can be found on page two.

Those eligible for service awards include appointed, full-time merit, contract, grant and part-time employees who work more than 50 percent of the time. Employees with the Housing Authority and Calvert Library, along with seasonal, temporary and part-time employees who work less than 50 percent of the time, are not eligible.

At the awards ceremony, the Employee Recognition Committee will also announce the Employee of the Year for 2012. Don’t miss it!

Maureen Frederick Appointed Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners has announced that Maureen Frederick has been appointed clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. Frederick replaces Corinne Cook, who served in the position for seven years. Frederick’s primary responsibility is to coordinate the commissioners’ agenda, acting as liaison with county department heads and outside agencies to schedule business items and presentations to the board. She will also be responsible for maintaining official records. “I’m excited about the position and my new responsibilities,” Frederick said. “I’m also flattered by the board’s confidence in me. I love what I do for the county and our citizens and look forward to this exciting challenge as I transition to my new position.”

Frederick started working for Calvert County Government as a temporary employee in March 2009. She was hired permanently in the county commissioners’ office in August 2009.

Before joining county government Frederick held other administrative positions and also served in the U.S. Army.

Frederick will work under the supervision of county administrator Terry Shannon, who describes Frederick as “awesome.”

“Maureen is a hard-working, dedicated ‘roll up your sleeves and get it done’ employee,” Shannon said. “She always displays a positive, can-do attitude.”

Commissioners President Pat Nutter said he is excited to see Frederick get the new position. “I’ve known and worked with Maureen for several years and have always been impressed with her organizational skills, professionalism and work ethic,” Nutter said. “I’m confident she’ll be an asset to the county and the board of commissioners.”

Frederick was appointed on Jan. 3

Calvert County Restaurant Week Kicks Off Today!

Calvert County’s eclectic restaurants will showcase their creative cuisine and offer delicious meals during the first-ever

Calvert County Restaurant Week

Feb. 1-10. Whether your favorite fare is local seafood, Italian cuisine or

anything in between, Restaurant Week has something to satisfy

any taste. Participating restaurants are

offering lunch specials between $10 and $15, and dinners from $20 to $30. Tax, gratuity,

beverages and alcohol are not included in

the price. Restaurants will still offer their

regular menus during the promotional week.

Patrons can enter a drawing for prizes by completing an online

feedback form or filling out feedback

cards at participating restaurants. The

drawing will be held on Feb. 17. For

complete details visit ChooseCalvert.com/

RestaurantWeek.

John Hotchkiss, Detention CenterRobert Jaensch, Parks & RecreationCraig Johnson, Sheriff ’s OfficeBreann Kohlieber, Detention CenterRoscoe Kreps III, Sheriff ’s OfficeSteven Kullen, Community Planning & BuildingShannon Latimer Weaver, Technology ServicesElizabeth Leclair, Office on AgingRobert Lee Jr., Detention CenterTimothy Lewis, Animal ControlGene Libby, Sheriff ’s OfficeJustin Livingston, Sheriff ’s OfficeFrances Longwell, State’s Attorney’s OfficeJason Lord, Sheriff ’s OfficeRyan McGaffin, Detention CenterChristopher McDonough, Sheriff ’s OfficeAmanda Mills, Detention CenterSeth Mitchell, Sheriff ’s OfficeJames Morgan, Sheriff ’s OfficeMichael Mudd, Sheriff ’s OfficeAlan Myers, Solid WasteSherrie Myers, Finance & BudgetRose Naughton, Circuit CourtWilliam Nix, Solid WasteJames Norton, Sheriff ’s OfficeAndrew Rappaport, State’s Attorney’s OfficeJennifer Rawlings, State’s Attorney’s OfficeLisa Ridge, State’s Attorney’s OfficeEugene Ridgeway, Buildings & GroundsHeather Roe, Finance & BudgetTonya Russell, TransportationRobert Scott, Detention CenterKathryn Shannon, Office on AgingFrederick Sheckels Jr., Animal ControlJulia Stephenson, Economic DevelopmentTheodore Wood III, Water & SewerageAndrew Woodford, Sheriff ’s OfficeElizabeth Youngblood, Office on Aging

Thirty-five YearsFrancis Jones, Solid Waste

Thirty YearsRoberta Baker, Finance & BudgetClarice Fletcher, Buildings & GroundsV. Wilson Freeland, General ServicesRichard Robinson, Buildings & GroundsJoseph Sutton Jr., Detention CenterJacqueline Vaughan, Public Safety

Twenty-five YearsViolet Brooks, TransportationAndrew Brown III, Natural ResourcesRoger Buck, Detention CenterPatricia Chew, Solid WasteJames Cross, Inspections & PermitsBarbara Gross, Buildings & GroundsLinda Hofmann, Office on AgingNevelin Mackall, Public WorksMelissa Miller, Public WorksDeborah Root, Control CenterTerry Shannon, County AdministratorOliver Smith, Solid WasteRebecca Wathen, Control CenterJames Wood Jr., Water & SewerageGenevieve Zentgraft, Finance & Budget

Twenty YearsCharlotte DeStephano, Finance & BudgetWilliam Harris, Solid WasteWilliam Hatfield Jr., Parks & RecreationWalter Jackson Jr., Parks & RecreationJoan Jaquette, Public WorksMatthew McDonough, Sheriff ’s OfficeRobert Rawlings, Buildings & GroundsDeborah Shirley, General ServicesShirley Jean Steffey, Highway MaintenanceTunya Taylor, Office on AgingBarbara Warner, Finance & Budget

Sheila Pilling, Technology ServicesJames Richardson, Fire/Rescue/EMSRobert Selkirk, Sheriff ’s OfficeLea Ann Smiley, Marine MuseumJosh Stinnett, Water & SewerageDavid Stonestreet, Highway MaintenanceSheila Taylor, Sheriff ’s OfficeRobert Thomas, Water & SewerageLeah Townsend, Detention CenterCollette Traas, Detention CenterJohn Turner, Water & SewerageEddie Vanover Jr., Technology ServicesJan Veeder, Sheriff ’s OfficeJoseph Wade II, Highway MaintenanceRichard Wilson, Sheriff ’s OfficePaul Wood, Sheriff ’s Office

Five YearsAlexandra Bynum, State’s Attorney’s OfficeRaquel Bowlan, Sheriff ’s OfficeWilliam Clark, Technology ServicesAndrew Clas, Sheriff ’s OfficeJoseph D’Agostino, Detention CenterRuby Daniels, Highway MaintenanceJason Dean, Sheriff ’s OfficeNicholas Defelice, Sheriff ’s OfficeMegan D’Hondt, Control CenterRobert Denton, Technology ServicesDonald Eversfield, Solid WasteCarolyn Ezerins, Office on AgingIsabelle Field-Wilcoxon, Water & SewerageMark Fitzgerald, Sheriff ’s OfficeNola Formy-Duval, Parks & RecreationJay Haines, Detention CenterAmanda Halwick, Sheriff ’s OfficeJustin Harrington, Water & SewerageRicardo Hawkins, Sheriff ’s OfficePatricia Helms, Finance & Budget

Fifteen YearsJames Edwards, Marine MuseumKaren Evans, Technology Services Kimberly Gott, Emergency ManagementKenneth Gregory, Sheriff ’s OfficeV. Dianne Griner, PersonnelJeanine Howard, Sheriff ’s OfficeRoscoe Jones IV, Sheriff ’s OfficeMelissa McCormick, Marine MuseumTimothy Pyles, Sheriff ’s OfficeHarold Roy Jr., Sheriff ’s OfficeChristopher Sloane, Sheriff ’s OfficePatrick Zinn, Highway Maintenance

Ten YearsJennifer Bailey, Community Planning & BuildingRobert Boteler III, Highway MaintenanceWilliam Bowen, Fleet MaintenanceSteven Brooks Sr., Parks & RecreationGarfield Butler Jr., Highway MaintenanceLaura Cole, Marine MuseumBeverly Davis, Circuit CourtJeffrei Dunagan, TransportationJames Flynt, Detention CenterPhillip Freeland, Buildings & GroundsRichard Gordy, TransportationThomas Gross Jr., Highway MaintenanceAlisa Hall, Buildings & GroundsFloyd Harley, Highway MaintenanceTravis Harrod, Detention CenterTimothy Hayden, Finance & BudgetElaine Holland, Buildings & GroundsKeith Holland, Highway MaintenanceMary Johnson, Parks & RecreationHarry Markward, Office on AgingJohn McCarroll, Sheriff ’s OfficeKathryn McDonald, Sheriff ’s OfficeJames Mulligan, Technology ServicesRobin Munnikhuysen, Community Planning & BuildingWilson Parran Jr., Highway MaintenanceVictoria Peake, Control CenterDianne Phelps, Finance & Budget

2012 Annual Service Award Recipients

ON TAP Calvert Marine Museum

M I L E S T O N E SPromotionsMarguerite K. HolzbergerOffice Assistant III, State’s Attorney’s Office

Toni L. ZinnOffice Assistant III, County Attorney’s Office

ChangeDonald W. EversfieldHighway Maintenance Worker, Highway Maintenance

DepartureShannan T. BiseseNaturalist I, Natural Resources

AARP Tax-Aide ProgramTax-aide counselors will be available Monday, Feb. 11, through Friday, April 12, to prepare senior tax returns for low- to moderate-income senior citizens age 50-plus. The senior centers will start taking calls Monday, Feb. 4, to schedule appointments beginning Feb. 11. Before making your appointment, please ensure you have all the documentation necessary to complete your return including last year’s tax return and any income and expense documentation for 2012. Bring a voided check (for proof of direct deposit account) for any refunds or payments. To schedule an appointment call Calvert Pines Senior Center at 410-535-4606 or 301-855-1170, North Beach Senior Center at 410-257-2549 or Southern Pines Senior Center at 410-586-2748.

IN BRIEF Office on Aging

Calvert Marine Museum Books First Concert of 2013 Season!Calvert Marine Museum’s 2013 concert season will start May 17 with The Band Perry, a hugely popular group best known for the smash hit “If I Die Young” and the currently rising song “Better Dig Two.”

The family trio will perform live at the museum’s PNC Waterside Pavilion. Museum members will be able to buy tickets starting at 10 a.m. April 2; tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. April 9. To have a shot at the best seats, make sure your membership is up to date! Anyone who is not a member should consider supporting the museum year-round for as little as $40 a year. Proceeds from membership and the summer concert series benefit the education and preservation efforts of the Calvert Marine Museum.

Without support from the following sponsors, the musem would not be able to bring these concerts to Southern Maryland. Please support and thank the following businesses: Prince Frederick Ford/Dodge; PNC Bank; Bozick Distributors - Coors, Coors Light, Killians; All American Harley-Davidson; Holiday Inn Select Solomons; Roy Rogers; Comcast; Quick Connections; DM Group; Isaac’s Restaurant; Papa John’s Pizza; United Rentals; The McNelis Group;The Enterprise, The Independent and The Tester newspapers; JWE-LLC; Quality Built Homes and Bay Weekly.

For more information please visit www.calvertmarinemuseum.com or call 410-326-2042, ext. 16 or 18.

Want to do a better job of emailing coworkers and county residents? We’re offering a couple tips that will prevent common email problems.

Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation. Be professional and show you care. Always use spell check and proofread your emails.

Do not use all caps. Did you mistake the meaning of that statement because “not” wasn’t in caps? No? Neither will your recipient.

EMAIL TIPS Suggestions to Prevent Common Email Problems

Marc Castelli: The Art of the WatermanThrough Sunday, Feb. 24Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

This exhibit features 23 paintings by renowned Chesapeake artist Marc Castelli, on loan from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. Seventeen of the paintings were donated to the museum from the Diane Simison collection. The remaining images are from the artist’s personal collection.

War of 1812 Exhibit BarnTuesdays, Feb. 5, 12, 19 and 26 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

Enjoy the new War of 1812 exhibit as well as the farm equipment and “12,000 Years on the Chesapeake” exhibit.

Around Town ... Calvert County Events Calendar

Job OpeningsInformation on job openings is available on the county website or by calling the Personnel Office at extension 2359.

Position (Open to Public) Closing DateAquatics Facility Manager, Parks & Recreation 02/06/13Parks Maintenance Coordinator, Parks & Recreation 02/06/13Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff ’s Office 02/13/13Temporary Building Inspector, Inspections & Permits 02/13/13Temporary Electrical Inspector, Inspections & Permits 02/13/13Temporary Plumbing Inspector, Inspections & Permits 02/13/13Water & Sewer Area Supervisor, Water & Sewerage 02/13/13

Position (In House) Pool Manager, Indoor Aquatic Center 02/05/13 Highway Maintenance Crew Leader I 02/06/13

Position (Seasonal/Hourly) Lifeguard I, Parks & Recreation 02/06/13Mosquito Control Truck Driver Operator I, General Services 02/06/13Facility Coordinator, Parks & Recreation 02/20/13Grounds Maintenance Worker, Parks & Recreation 02/20/13

The trading post is still open for business! Send your Trading Post items to employeenews@co.cal.md.us. Please note that all items will be posted for two consecutive newsletters only.

From the Division of Emergency ManagementWalking Safely in a Winter Workplace

Walking to and from parking lots or between buildings at work during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling. Slips and falls are some of the most frequent types of injuries during the winter months. No matter how well snow and ice are removed from parking lots or sidewalks, employees will still encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter. It is important for everyone to be constantly aware of these dangers and to learn to walk safely on ice and slippery surfaces.

Keep these important safety tips in mind:• In cold temperatures, approach with caution and assume that all

wet, dark areas on pavements are slippery and icy.• During bad weather, avoid boots or shoes with smooth soles and

heels. Instead, wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice; boots made of nonslip rubber or neoprene with grooved soles are best.

• Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support.

• Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and other frozen areas can be hazardous. Look ahead when you walk; a snow- or ice-covered sidewalk or driveway, especially if on a hill, may require travel along its grassy edge for traction.

• Point your feet out slightly like a penguin! Spreading your feet out slightly while walking on ice increases your center of gravity.

• Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible.• Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance. • Keep your hands out of your pockets. Hands in your pockets while walking decreases your center of gravity and

balance. You can help break your fall with your hands free if you do start to slip. • Watch where you are stepping and go slowly!• Take short steps or shuffle for stability.• Wear a heavy, bulky coat that will cushion you if you should fall.• Try to avoid landing on your knees, wrists or spine. Try to fall on a fleshy part of your body, such as your side.• Try to relax your muscles if you fall. You’ll injure yourself less if you are relaxed.

Let’s work together to fix common mistakes in our writing. Email us with suggestions for future tidbits.

Use these tips in your everyday life, not just in communication with coworkers and constituents, and they’ll become habit.

You never mean: preventative

You always mean: preventive

Why? Grammar sovereign H.W. Fowler banned the long form almost 100 years ago. So someone who is health-conscious might seek preventive care; responsible homeowners might take preventive measures to keep their roof from leaking.

WRITING TIDBITS Working Together to Fix Common Mistakes in Our Writing

DISCOVERING NATURE Natural Resources

KINGS LANDING PARKFamily Programs - Families can experience the fascinating natural world found in our area. These programs often incorporate activities to entertain learners of all ages. Fee is $5 or $3 for BCNES members. Under age 2 is free unless otherwise noted. With each paid non-member adult, children pay members’ fee. Reservations and payment are required in advance.

Owl Night HikeFriday, Feb. 22Session 1 - All ages (6-7:30 p.m.)Session II - 12 years and up (8-9:30 p.m.)

Join a naturalist at Kings Landing Park for an exciting winter night hike. With the moonlight and the stars to light our way, it will be a picturesque evening as we search for owls throughout the park. Hopefully, with a little luck, we might see or hear one. Please dress for the weather and bring flashlights. We will meet by the barn.

Call 410-535-5327, email CypressSwamp@co.cal.md.us or visit www.calvertparks.org.

BATTLE CREEK CYPRESS SWAMPNature Puppet Playtime - For children 18 months to 5 years. This program meets the first Monday of the month and introduces children to the natural world with puppets, stories and exploration. Reservations are required. Fee is $3 or $1 for BCNES members. Adult participation is required.

Whistle Pigs and Other Animals that HibernateMonday, Feb. 4 (10-11 a.m.)

What kinds of animals hibernate? And what in the world is a whistle pig? Come to Cypress Swamp and discover the answers to these questions through indoor activity stations and a puppet show. We will end with a short walk to look for places where hibernating animals might hide.

Nature Tykes - For ages 18 months to 3 years. This half-hour discovery program allows the child to experience nature with a parent through the use of senses and motion. Reservations are required. Fee is $3 or $1 for BCNES members. Adult participation is required.

Tree HuggersSaturday, Feb. 16 (10-10:30 a.m.)Thursday, Feb. 21 (10-10:30 a.m.)

The trees are bare of leaves which is the best time to look at bark and branches. We’ll go outside and hug some trees to find out how each bark feels and try to identify a tree by its bark.

Did you know there is an Employee Selection Manual?

It provides a general overview of the county’s hiring process and serves as a reference to those department, bureau and division managers who are responsible for directing the employee selection process within their respective departments. There is also a handy tool to use as a cheat sheet for the hiring process. Both documents can be found on the S Drive, under Personnel, Manuals.

For more information please contact Paula Gray in Personnel on extension 2367.

PRACTICAL TIPS from the Office of Personnel

Learn More About Employee Benefits OptionsAFLAC representative Dee Dee Tobin will be available on Wednesday, Feb. 6, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the Department

of Finance and Budget’s Conference Room at the courthouse. To schedule an appointment, please call Sherrie Myers on extension 2257.

FAMILY FUN Parks and Recreation

Black History CelebrationSouthern Community Center

In honor of Black History Month, Parks & Recreation Southern District will honor African-American leaders and heroes of Calvert County communities. The “Outstanding African- American Community Service Award” will recognize African- Americans who have made significant contributions to their community. We are looking for individuals who have and/or are supporting, serving and giving back to the community. Recognize those individuals by nominating them for this award. Please submit a brief write-up and picture (optional) to the Southern Community Center by Feb. 9. Submissions may be emailed to Diane Holloway at hollowdd@co.cal.md.us.

Mother/Son Whacky Valentine EventTuesday, Feb. 5 (6:30-8 p.m.)Southern Community Center

An evening of whacky relays for mothers and sons! This event will include a light dinner, various relays and, most importantly, a whole lot of fun and laughs. Note that the activities are designed for a mother and son team. If there is more than one son, a mom may switch off per event and/or have a grandmother or aunt help out. Sneakers and old clothes are required! For ages 5 and over. Cost is $5 per person.

Parents’ Night OutFriday, Feb. 8 (5:30-8:30 p.m.)Hall Aquatic Center

Need a night out, but don’t have anyone to watch the kids? Bring them to the Hall Aquatic Center to spend the evening with Therapeutic Recreation! Individuals with disabilities and siblings ages 7 and up are welcomed to join us for swimming, pizza and a movie. Please notify staff of food allergies and swimming ability by calling 410-414-8350.

Cost is $10.

Celebrate Chocolate!Friday, Feb. 8 (7-7:45 p.m.)Northeast Community Center

Don’t bother making dessert. We’ll have plenty of tasty chocolate treats for you to devour. There will be taste tests, trivia and other fun things to do with chocolate. For more information please call 410-257-2554. For ages 1 and over. Fee is $3.

Sweetheart BashWednesday, Feb. 13 (10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.)Mt. Hope Community Center

Therapeutic Recreation Services is hosting a dance to celebrate Valentine’s Day for individuals with various disabilities ages 21 and older. Refreshments will be served so please notify us of any food allergies prior to the event by calling 410-257-6770. Free.

Wednesday, Feb. 6, 1-4 p.m.Northeast Community Center4075 Gordon Stinnett Ave., Chesapeake Beach(next to Chesapeake Beach Water Park)

Free; preregistration is required.Find out about local summer and seasonal job opportunities. Employers with job openings will be interviewing, collecting job applications and sharing details on available jobs.

For more information, please call 410-257-2554.

Calvert County Parks and Recreation, Northern Area