IN THIS ISSUE

MEET ALEX

At Your Fingertip!

Volume XIV, Issue 2 Feb. 16, 2018

SEE SIGHTS

2017 Service AwardsBENTLEY AWARDED

Employee of the Month

Kaltwasser Named the 2017 Employee of the Year

The county commissioners recognized Technology Services System Analyst II

Lynn Kaltwasser as the 2017 Employee of the Year for going above and beyond during an extreme weather event. Lynn was chosen from 12 employees recognized as employee of the month in 2017. Lynn was named employee of the month for December 2017 for his dedication to ensuring computer systems were working correctly to prevent a stop of integral county services. During the July 14, 2017 storm that caused power outages, ultimately damaging computers and electronic devices at the Appeal Landfill and the Chesapeake Hills Golf Course, Lynn jumped into action. The damage led to an interruption in county services. Lynn responded immediately to identify issues, expertly troubleshoot devices and create solutions to ensure work resumed for the weekend rush of customers. Lynn received an Employee of the Month award for his efforts but has done

so much more to be recognized for. “He could be on vacation and will still monitor the computer systems and provide assistance if called upon,” said Technology Services Director Joe Klausner. “He will do whatever it takes in order to get the job done.” Lynn is consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure county computer systems are running correctly. Recently, while celebrating Lynn’s achievement, employees reminisced about the many reasons Lynn was honored by the county. Lynn has spent countless extra hours, even staying in the office over night, to fix a payroll issue to ensure the work was complete before employees came in to work the next day. “The support and drive he has is inspirational,” said Technology Services Systems Analyst Wes LaPre. Thanks for all you do for employees Lynn.

County Administrator Terry Shannon presents System Analyst II Lynn Kaltwasser with the Employee of the Year award.

FRANCIS REACHES MILESTONE

Forty Years

Years of Superb Service Lead to Milestone Awards

Department of Public Works Landfill Operations Supervisor Francis Jones

had the distinct honor of being recognized for 40 years of service as a Calvert County employee during the Annual Calvert County Government Employee Service Awards ceremony Feb. 6. It was the first time an employee was recognized for reaching the 40-year milestone. The ceremony, held at the Calvert County Fairgrounds Building, also recognized 85 other employees celebrating five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35 years of service and their photos follow in the next few pages. In presenting him with his plaque, Department of Planning & Zoning Director Mark Willis said the query used to generate

the list of honorees for the awards ceremony did not include criteria for anything above 35 years. “We almost missed our first important and really impressive milestone,” said Willis. “It just never occurred to us that anyone would hang around here that long!” Francis started his career with Calvert County Government as a laborer in August 1977. He moved through the ranks from laborer, to equipment operator, to lead equipment operator, to assistant supervisor, to his current position as landfill operations supervisor. He shared that the new state-of-the-art convenience centers are the most notable improvement over the years. Congratulations Francis!

Pictured here are 35-year service award recipients Purchasing Officer Roberta L. Baker, General Services Director Wilson Freeland, Public Safety Director Jacqueline K. Vaughan and Correctional Officer Joseph R. Sutton Jr.

Pictured here are 30-year service award recipients Custodian Barbara J. Gross, Executive Administrative Assistant I Melissa D. Miller, County Administrator Terry L. Shannon, Senior Naturalist Andrew J. Brown III and Program Specialist I Linda M. Hofmann. Not pictured are Plumbing Inspector James K. Cross, Compactor Operator Oliver W. Smith and Public Safety Dispatcher I Rebecca E. Wathen.

Pictured here are 25-year service award recipients Grant Writer Barbara J. Warner, Purchasing Specialist Charlotte M. DeStephano, Client Service Manager Tunya M. Taylor, Compactor Operator William T. Harris and Highway Maintenance Service Coordinator Shirley Jean Steffey. Not pictured is Engineering Technician Joan M. Jaquette.

Pictured here are 20-year service award recipients Highway Equipment Operator Chuckie Zinn, Executive Administrative Assistant Karen E. Evans and Group Services Coordinator Melissa J. McCormick. Not pictured are Office Specialist I Kimberly R. Gott, Sergeant Kenneth W. Gregory, Deputy Sheriff Lieutenant Roscoe N. Jones IV and Deputy Sheriff Christopher M. Sloane.

Pictured here are 15-year service award recipients Director of Finance and Budget Timothy Hayden, Fire/Rescue/EMS Coordinator James W. Richardson, System Analyst I Eddie J. Vanover Jr., Equipment Mechanic II William S. Bowen, Correctional Sergeant Travis Harrod, Bus/Van Driver Jeffrei L. Dunagan, Exhibit Interpreter II Laura R. Cole, Maintenance Mechanic Phillip L. Freeland, Highway Maintenance Worker Keith F. Holland, Infrastructure Supervisor Josh A. Stinnett, Custodian Elaine C. Holland, Water and Sewer Mechanical Maintenance Technician Robert Lee Thomas, Accounts Payable Technician Dianne L. Phelps, Water and Sewer Plant Supervisor John E. Turner, Quality Assurance Coordinator Victoria A. Peake and Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Robert C. Selkirk. Not pictured are GIS/Planning Assistant Jennifer S. Bailey, Highway Equipment Operator Robert O. Boteler III, Custodian Steven E. Brooks Sr., Judicial Secretary Beverly J. Davis, Correctional Officer James A. Flynt, Highway Equipment Operator Thomas Gross Jr., Buildings and Grounds Worker II Alisa B. Hall, Highway Maintenance Supervisor Chris Harley, Buildings and Grounds Worker II Mary B. Johnson, Food Service Worker Harry A. Markward, Deputy Sheriff Corporal John M. McCarroll, System Analyst I James L. Mulligan, Planner III Robin P. Munnikhuysen, Highway Maintenance Worker Wilson L. Parran Jr., Highway Maintenance Crew Leader David E. Stonestreet, Office Specialist I Sheila P. Taylor, Correctional Officer Collette A.Traas, Crime Scene Technician Jan R. Veeder, Highway Maintenance Crew Leader Joseph W. Wade II, Corporal Richard S. Wilson and Deputy Sheriff Paul J. Wood.

Facebook is the Calvert County Government's social media platform. Employees are encouraged to 'Like' the Calvert County Government Facebook page and ask family, friends and neighbors to do the same, to keep up with timely news or general

announcements about Calvert County Government. Do you or your organization need support getting information to the public? Don't hesitate to contact Marketing and Communication Specialist Mark Volland at extension 2647, Public Information Specialist Angela Walters

Small at extension 2535 or Public Information Program Assistant Heather Skyrm at extension 2480.

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Pictured here are 10-year service award recipients Network Administrator I Robert W. Denton, Executive Administrative Assistant I Patricia A. Helms, Highway Maintence Worker Donald W. Eversfield, Benefits Supervisor Sherrie L. Myers, Program Assistant Kathy O. Shannon, Network Administrator I William J. Clark, Office Specialist II Elizabeth A. Youngblood, Animal Control Officer Timothy W. Lewis, Aging Services Coordinator Elizabeth T. Leclair, Correctional Officer Robert W. Lee Jr., Executive Administrative Aid Nola K. Formy-Duval, Network Administrator I Shannon M. L. Weaver, Office Aide Breann M. Kohlieber, Correctional Officer Ryan J. McGaffin, Deputy Sheriff Sergeant Jason A. Dean and Water and Sewer Mechanical Maintenance Technician Theodore R. Wood III.

Not pictured are Office Assistant II Raquel V. Bowlan, Deputy Sheriff Andrew J. Clas, Correctional Officer Joseph E. D’Agostino, Highway Maintenance Laborer/Operator R. David Daniels, Deputy Sheriff Nicholas DeFelice, Classification Supervisor Jay A. Haines, Executive Administrative Aide Amanda L. Halwick, Correctional Officer John C. Hotchkiss, Recreation Automation Specialist Robert W. Jaensch, Deputy Sheriff Roscoe T. Kreps III, Deputy Sheriff Christopher A. McDonough, Deputy Sheriff Seth M. Mitchell, Deputy Sheriff James M. Morgan, Deputy Sheriff Michael J. Mudd, Truck Driver Alan D. Myers, Family Services Coordinator Rose M. Naughton, Deputy Sheriff James D. Norton, Assistant State’s Attorney Andrew S. Rappaport, Assistant State’s Attorney Lisa M. Ridge, Legal Secretary I Jennifer L. Ruby, Driver Supervisor Tonya L. Russell, Correctional Officer Robert B. Scott, Animal Control Officer I Frederick W. Sheckels Jr., Purchasing Assistant Gypsy Stephenson and Deputy Sheriff Andrew L.Woodford.

Pictured here are 5-year service award recipients Custodian Michael E. Dickerson, Natural Resources Division Chief Karyn L. Molines, Public Safety Dispatcher I Casey L. Hayward, Division Chief R. Wayne Raither, Project Engineer II Kian H. Liong, Project Engineer II Andrew M. Hipski, Office Assistant II Sharon M. Hudson, Accountant III Rachel K. Griffith, Administrative Aide Rebecca S. Willis, Media Specialist Mark R. Curtis, Correctional Officer First Class Erik A. Snyder, Compactor Operator Supervisor Phillip L. Long Jr. and Correctional Officer Vincent P. Bowles.

Not pictured are Deputy Sheriff William W. Beisel, Deputy Sheriff Thomas A. Buckler III, Deputy Sheriff Nikki Gilmore, Bus/Van Driver Cynthia K. Hardesty, Sheriffs Communications Operator Rona M. Hays, Deputy Sheriff Troy D. Holt, Emergency Management Division Chief Alfred B. Jeffery III, Deputy Sheriff First Class Joseph F. Migliaccio, Deputy Sheriff Stephen W. Moran, Custodian Maurice C. Paddy, Aging Services Program Assistant Anne P. Sledge, Bus/Van Driver Joan M. Thompson and Deputy Sheriff Chase A. Ward.

Calvert County's eclectic restaurants will showcase their creative cuisine

and offer delicious deals during the sixth annual Restaurant Week starting today. Coordinated by the Department of Economic Development (DED), Restaurant Week will feature restaurants that draw on the region’s bounty to offer unique dining experiences Feb. 16-25. Whether your favorite fare is fresh seafood, Italian cuisine or anything in between, Restaurant Week has something to satisfy any taste.

“This annual event has become one of Calvert County’s favorite traditions,” said Kelly Robertson-Slagle, director of DED. “According to our citizens, visitors and restaurant owners, Restaurant Week gets better and tastier every year. It presents a great opportunity for patrons to try some of Calvert ’s best restaurants at excellent prices.” Restaurant Week patrons can enter a drawing for prizes by completing an online feedback form or filling out response cards at participating restaurants. A special section on the Calvert County tourism website at

ChooseCalvert.com/RestaurantWeek features full event details including the growing list of participating restaurants, menus and frequently asked questions. Employees are encouraged to make Restaurant Week reservations early. Special menus may be offered for both lunch and dinner. Some restaurants may offer the promotional pricing at one meal, rather than both. Visit online for a list of participating restaurants and check out restaurant offerings.

Animal Control Moves to Barstow RoadThe Animal Control Division moved

operations from the Calvert County Sheriff ’s Office into the Department of Public Safety building at 315 Stafford Road in Barstow this week. The move is part of the county’s reorganization which began last July. In the restructure, the Animal Control Division was moved from the Sheriff ’s Office to the Department of Public Safety to better align animal services with the county’s new Linda L. Kelley Animal Shelter expected to open in Fall 2018. The new animal shelter also reports to the Department of Public Safety. “The Animal Control Division remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and protection of animals,” said Chief Animal Control Officer Craig Dichter. “We are confident the move will be a seamless one and operations will continue as normal.” The Sheriff ’s Office will no longer issue pet licenses; citizens can purchase licenses from the Department of Public Safety. For more information about the Calvert County Animal Control Division, please call 410-535-1600, ext. 2526, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or call the Calvert Emergency Communications at 410-535-3491 for after-hours emergencies. Learn more by visiting online.

Sandy Bentley is Named January Employee of the MonthThe county commissioners recently congratulated Department of Economic Development

Executive Administrative Assistant Sandy Bentley for being named Employee of the Month for January 2018. Sandy was recognized for exceptional performance during the county’s recent reorganization. In July 2017, Calvert County Government split the Department of Economic Development and formed the Department of Communications and Media Relations in an effort to consolidate and streamline county functions. For months before and after the division, Bentley served as the office manager and the executive administrative assistant for both departments simultaneously. Her dedication and tireless service kept office functions running smoothly despite major organizational changes, staff changes and a physical relocation. “Sandy really has been the glue that has held us together during this reorganization process,” said Director of Economic Development Kelly Robertson-Slagle. “I couldn’t think of a more deserving person for this award.” Bentley’s accomplishments during this exceptionally demanding period included training employees and managing purchase orders, payroll, job applications and budgets for two departments. Her efficiency, effectiveness and support was a major factor in the success of the transition and maintaining seamless department operations. Congratulations on your achievement Sandy.

Tickets are on sale now for the Calvert County Farm Bureau’s 4th Annual Farm

to Table Breakfast, Saturday, March 24, at the Calvert County Fairgrounds. The breakfast menu includes locally sourced meats, eggs, waffles and so much more. This favorite event also includes an indoor farmers market and barnyard sale. The

event is scheduled for 7-10:30 a.m. Purchase tickets in advance at the Calvert County Farm Bureau Office, 3695 Hallowing Point Road, Suite 4, for $12 or $15 at the door. Contact Debbie Weber at 410-610-8107 to be a sponsor or vendor. Admission for children age 6 years and younger is free. Visit online to learn more.

Breakfast Features Local Farm Fare

Department of Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle has been

chosen to participate in the professional development program dedicated to building a stronger Maryland by educating, cultivating and connecting our state’s brightest leaders Robertson-Slagle is one of 52 individuals chosen for Leadership Maryland’s 26th class – the Class of 2018, which will complete the eight-month, hands-on learning program focused on the state’s most vital social, economic and environmental issues. Following a two-day opening retreat in April, the class will attend five two-day intense sessions traversing the state focusing on Maryland’s economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment and multi-culturalism/diversity. These sessions will be followed by a

one-day closing retreat in November and a graduation celebration in December. More than 100 experts representing business, government, education and the non-profit community will serve as panelists and guest speakers. “The selection process for the Class of 2018 was very competitive this year, as we had an extraordinary pool of diverse and experienced applicants to choose from,” said Renée M. Winsky ‘05, president and chief executive officer, Leadership Maryland. “The 52 selected participants represent a diverse and broad spectrum of highly-qualified executives from across the state, and we are confident that their Leadership Maryland experience will help them to play an even greater role in our unified effort to shape the future of our state.” Kelly Robertson-Slagle

Robertson-Slagle Joins Leadership Maryland

Job OpeningsInformation is available on the county website or by calling Human Resources at extension 2359.

Position DateCustomer Service Attendant II – Breezy Point 2/21/18Park Ranger – Natural Resources 2/21/18Curator of Maritime History – Marine Museum 2/28/18Customer Service Attendant II – Economic Development 3/7/18Webmaster – Communications and Media Relations 3/7/18Lifeguard I – Parks & Recreation ContinuousLifeguard Instructor – Indoor Aquatic Center ContinuousPool Manager – Indoor Aquatic Center ContinuousSwimming Lesson Supervisor – Parks & Recreation ContinuousWater Safety Instructor – Parks & Recreation Continuous

The Employee Recognition Committee (ERC) continues to offer the "Hey,

Someone Noticed" (HSN) employee-to-employee reward program. If you have a positive interaction with a coworker or notice an employee doing something commendable,

Recognize Your Peers for Jobs Well Donesubmit an application to Anita.Maher@calvertcountymd.gov and your nominee will receive a $5 Starbucks, Rita’s or WaWa gift card. Take credit for nominating a coworker or send the award anonymously. Nominees from previous HSN programs are eligible.

IN BRIEFOFFICE ON AGING

Maryland DogFestCharles County FairgroundsSaturday, April 28 Registration Deadline: April 5

This exciting, one-of-a-kind event is a must for dog lovers. See the Marvelous Mutts Canine Spectacular, the Applejack K-9 Academy’s protection dog demo, the Charles County Sheriff ’s Office K-9 demo, the doggie fashion show, the pet/owner lookalike contest and more. There will be food trucks and tents where you can purchase lunch. Register at any of the three senior centers. For more information call Calvert Pines 410-535-4606. Cost is $36 and includes transportation and entrance fee. For ages 50 years and older.

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

Nakida Claggett The Employee Recognition Committee is pleased to announce

Customer Service Attendant III Nakida Claggett is the February birthday winner. Nakida will receive a $25 check and two movie tickets

compliments of Flagship Cinemas in Prince Frederick.

FEEDING MINDSALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE

Did you know Calvert County is home to an ever-growing number of farmers that

offer meat products? Calvert ’s bounty includes beef, pork, chicken, lamb, goat and turkey. You can buy individual cuts of meat or purchase in bulk. Visit www.calvertag.com or www.southernmarylandmeats.com to view producer listings.

County Producers Offer Variety of Fresh Meat

MILESTONES

New HiresAllen L. Clark Bus/Van Driver, Transportation

Darius E. Granger Compactor Operator, Solid Waste

Terrence E. King Compactor Operator, Solid Waste

Mary L. Piper Bus/Van Driver, Transportation

Bradley M. R. Revoir Correctional Officer, Detention Center

PromotionBradley J. BoerumDeputy Sheriff First Class, Sheriff ’s Office

DeparturesRichard J. Dodds Curator of Maritime History, Marine Museum

Alexander S. Kropkowski Deputy Sheriff, Sheriff ’s Office

George A. SteelbergCompactor Operator, Solid Waste

Joshua B. Walker Site Engineering Technician, Public Works

Did you know you have access to an interactive, online resource with

thousands of tools to help you and your family find answers to many of life's challenges? BHS, the county’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, recently enhanced MyBHSPortal and Resource Library to be more user-friendly, responsive on any device and provide even more resources. Life can be challenging, so take advantage of the free resources. Here are some highlights of the BHS Resource Library:• An expanding library of more than 100

self-paced courses covering various popular topics such as creative problem

HR Announces the new BHS Resource Librarysolving, emotional intelligence and stress management. You can print off completion certificates and stop and pick back up at any time.

• Interactive tools, assessments, videos, quizzes, articles, calculators, legal forms and other resources in areas of health, wellness and personal growth. The types of tools you will find include: common legal forms, financial education tools, expert-led webinars, healthy recipes, assessments and an interactive resilience program.

• There are more than 20,000 resources from world-renowned publishers like Harvard Health, NOLO Legal Press, NBC

Universal, Educated Investor and more. Whether it is workplace, health, financial, legal, relationship or emotional issues, the effects of issues are felt in all areas of your life. MyBHSPortal is only a few keystrokes away and provides tips and resources all aimed to help improve overall well-being both at home and at work. To log into your MyBHSPortal: Visit portal.BHSonline.com and enter your MyBHS Username: Calvert. For assistance with MyBHSPortal, the BHS Resource Library or the EAP contact Human Resources Aide Denita Willett at 410-535-1600 ext. 2281 or via email denita.willett@calvertcountymd.gov.

COMING SOON: MEET

• A new plan has been added: BlueChoice Advantage• Premiums are yet to be determined• Benefits team will provide robust education• The Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) will be frozen; new hires will not be offered PPO• No changes to the prescription plan• No copays for preventative care and routine screenings• Copay changes (see the following):

Alex is a mobile-friendly website that will support and help you makebenefit enrollment decisions. Alex will:

• Communicate the differences between the plans to help you select the best-fit plan• Provide 24/7 real-time accessible information for you and your dependents• Create a more helpful, engaging and fun open enrollment and onboarding experience

SERVICE CURRENTPPO COPAY

NEWPPO COPAY

NEWBLUECHOICEADVANTAGE

COPAY

CURRENTHMO COPAY

NEWHMO COPAY

Primary Care Provider $10 $20 $15 $5 $10

Specialist $10 $25 $20 $10 $15

Emergency Room 0 $50 $50 $25 $25

(No Change)

2018 HEALTH CARE BENEFITS

STAY INFORMEDABOUT CHANGINGHEALTH CARE BENEFITS

The Board of Calvert County Commissioners have approved Human Resources’ recommended changes

If you have questions, concerns or suggestions to improve safety in your

work place, call Safety Officer Dan Baker at extension 2560.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY BREAK

Save a Life: AEDs Available in Five County ParksThe Department of Parks & Recreation

has installed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in five county parks to help responders treat park-goers who experience a medical emergency. An AED is a portable device that delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when a patient experiences arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest. “We worked closely with the county’s risk management team to install the AEDs in secure areas in our busiest parks,” said Parks & Recreation Director Shannon Nazzal. “The majority of our park staff was already certified in first aid, CPR and AEDs and all of our incoming seasonal employees will receive training on the AEDs as well.” The AEDs are located in the following areas:

• Dunkirk District Park maintenance shop, 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd.

• Marley Run Recreational Area concession stand, 1455 Mairfield Lane

• Hallowing Point Park maintenance shop, 4755 Hallowing Point Road

• Cove Point Park maintenance shop office, 750 Cove Point Road

• Solomons Town Center Park maintenance shed, 13320 Dowell Road

Shannon added that the AED locations are clearly marked and can be used by any member of the public assisting as a first responder during an emergency. If you are interested in taking a class in first aid, CPR or AED, please contact Risk Management Assistant Michelle Langham at extension 8530.

PARKS & RECREATION

Mystery ExtravaganzaSouthern Community CenterFriday, Feb. 23 (5-8 p.m.)

Come out for fun, laughter, face painting, a great show and a big mystery prize game. The Monkey Man Jerry Brown and his monkey pal Django will steal your heart away with their one-of-a-kind act. Enjoy juggling, storytelling, fire eating and more. All ages welcome and the cost is free.

Therapeutic Recreation Tot Swim TimeEdward T. Hall Aquatic CenterMonday, Feb. 26 (10-10:45 a.m.)

Children with special needs are encouraged to dive in and make a splash. Enjoy swimming in a leisure pool with friends. For ages 1.5 to 5 years. Parent or guardian required and cost is $5.

Senior Breakfast BingoSouthern Community CenterWednesday, Feb. 28 (9:30-10:30 a.m.)

Seniors, come out and enjoy breakfast and a few games of bingo. Prizes will be given to the winners. Pre-registration required and cost is free. For ages 50 years and older.

Therapeutic Recreation Sensory Sensitive Bunny Visit programMt. Hope Community Center, Monday, March 12 (2-3 p.m.)Southern Community Center, Friday, March 26 (10-11 a.m.)

These programs will feature a “sensory friendly” Easter Bunny visit for children ages 18 months to 5 years with special needs and their siblings and friends. Fun games and a craft will be provided at this event while children take turns visiting with the Easter Bunny.

March 2First Free Friday

5-8 p.m. Calvert Marine Museum

March 7- April 8Invitational featuring Larry Ringold and Ed Rupard

11 a.m.-5 p.m.calvART

March 16Nicole Zuraitis Group

7-9 p.m.Calvert Marine Museum

March 21Spaghetti and Sinatra

6-9 p.m.Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa

March 22 “At The Water’s Edge” Lecture Series presents

"Gambling"7-8 p.m.

Calvert Marine Museum

March 23Paint and Sip

6-8 p.m.Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

CALVERT COUNTYEVENTS CALENDAR

March 24Easter Event and Duck Race12-4 p.m.Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center

March 25“At The Water’s Edge” Lecture Series presents “Boats, Roads, Trains and Planes: A Look Back in Calvert County”3-4 p.m.Chesapeake Beach Town Hall

March 27CBL's Science for Citizens Seminars7-8 p.m.Chesapeake Biological Laboratory (Bernie Fowler Lab)

March 29Spring Has Sprung10-11 a.m. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

March 30Egg Hunt11 a.m.-1 p.m. Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

MARCELLA CONWAY-JONES

of the Detention Center

The Employee Recognition Committee is pleased to announce that Marcella Conway-Jones is the February It ’s Your Day winner!

Marcella will receive a day off of her choosing. A winner will be selected each month.