IN THIS ISSUE

CHECK OUT THE FUN

Crab Feast

Volume XIV, Issue 10 Nov. 15, 2018

SEE SPOOKY SIGHTS

Decorating ContestSTAFF RECOGNIZED

Life-Saving AwardEMPLOYEES LAUDED

Leadership Program

Pictured with the board to receive her award is Michelle Langham.

The county commissioners honored Risk Management Assistant Michelle

Langham as the September Employee of the Month. Michelle was tasked with updating Calvert County’s risk management and safety manual, an 82-page document that provides a standard for Calvert County safety policy and procedures.

Langham Recognized as Employee of the Month She spent countless hours updating the document with feedback from many employees to ensure its accuracy. The document went through a total of 15 rewrites before it was released to the public. Michelle’s strong work ethic, attention to detail and drive make her an asset to Calvert County Government.

“When you think of all the attributes that a model employee possesses, Michelle hits all the marks,” said Risk Manager Ellen Simpson. “I am so fortunate and proud so say she’s a member of the Risk Management Team.” Congratulations on your award Michelle.

BOCC Celebrates Leadership Program Graduates In celebration of the 10th anniversary

of the Leadership Southern Maryland (LSM) program, the county commissioners designated the week of Oct. 23 as Leadership Maryland Week. The regional executive leadership program is dedicated to building a cadre of informed leaders prepared to address

common issues and bring long-term benefits to their neighbors and communities through experiential learning, regional action, cooperation and service. LSM’s graduates from Calvert County Government include county commissioners, county administrators, department heads and other employees.

LSM graduates and upcoming participants pictured from left with the BOCC are Department of Economic Development Director Kelly Slagle, Buildings & Grounds Division Chief Tom Jones, Planning and Zoning Deputy Director Britany Waddell, County Administrator Terry Shannon, Parks & Recreation Director Shannon Nazzal, Public Works Deputy Director Danielle Conrow, Technology Services Director Joe Klausner, LSM Executive Director Denise Foster, Planning and Zoning Deputy Director Mary Beth Cook, Public Safety Director Jackie Vaughan, Chief Enforcement Officer Chris Breedlove, Calvert Library Director Carrie Plymire, Community Resources Director Jennifer Moreland and Deputy County Administrator Wilson Parran.

Life-Saving Efforts Lead to LGIT AwardThe Local Government Insurance Trust

recognized Water and Sewer Mechanical Technicians Bobby Thomas and Stefon Ryan with a Life Saver Award for their rescue efforts in August 2017. Bobby and Stefon were performing maintenance at a county pumping station on Charles Street, across the creek from the Solomon's Island Yacht Club. They heard screams from the yacht club and immediately ran towards the screams. They found a female victim overboard in deep water between the dock and her boat. Without hesitation, they boarded her boat and were able to grab her arms and pull her onto the boat. The woman was clearly shaken from nearly

drowning and suffering from an apparent broken leg sustained in the fall. Stefon and Bobby contacted 911. They are both First Aid Certified and were able to administer aid until Solomon's Emergency Medical Services arrived. They treated her on the scene before

transporting her to the hospital. Without their quick actions, the victim was within minutes of drowning. If it wasn't for the life-saving actions and heroism of these two exemplary employees, the outcome of this event could have been tragic.

Pictured here are Water and Sewer Mechanical Technicians Bobby Thomas and Stefon Ryan

Spooky Sights Abound With Spirited Decorations

Feast Your Eyes on Employee Crab Feast Fun

PARKS & RECREATION

Turkey Bowl & Games: A Bowl Full of FunSouthern Community CenterFriday, Nov. 16 (11-11:30 a.m.)

Kids will enjoy bowling at turkey bowling pins and fun harvest games. For ages 2.5 to 5 years. Cost is $2.

Thanksgiving Crafts: School’s OutSouthern Community CenterWednesday, Nov. 21 (10:30-11:15 a.m.)

Enjoy turkey day crafts and festive games. For ages 3 to 12 years.

Applications Being Accepted for Citizens Academy Informative, fast-paced, nine-week program starts January 2019

The county commissioners announced applications are being accepted for the

third annual Calvert County Government Citizens Academy. The informative nine-week program is tailored for residents interested in learning more about the inner workings of local government. From public safety, recreation programs and road maintenance to water service, senior programs, building codes and public outreach, county government performs a vital role in the well-being of our community. The Citizens Academy will meet every Thursday evening, Jan. 10 through March 7, 2019, from 6-9 p.m. and will offer residents an in-depth look at how the government works. The free initiative features site visits and

discussions with county employees who will give residents a unique insight into their daily work. “One of the primary reasons the Citizen’s Academy was created was to enhance communications and relations with our community,” said County Administrator Terry Shannon. “Participating in the program provides an opportunity for the citizens we serve to meet county staff and see firsthand how some of their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent.” The 2019 Calvert County Government Citizens Academy program is accepting applications for up to 25 county residents 18 years of age or older, selected on a first-come, first-selected basis.

To learn more about the academy schedule and application process, visit online at www.calvertcountymd.gov/CitizensAcademy or call 410-535-2003.

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

GEOFFREY WESTBROOK

of Soil Conservation

The Employee Recognition Committee is pleased to announce Geoffrey Westbrook is the October It’s Your Day winner! Geoffrey will receive a day

off of his choosing. A winner will be selected each month.

HR Updates Risk Management and Safety Manual

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

Kenneth GregoryThe Employee Recognition Committee is pleased to announce

Master K9 Trainer Kenneth Gregory is the October birthday winner. Kenneth received a $25 check and two movie tickets compliments of Flagship Cinemas in Prince Frederick.

On Sept. 11, 2018, the county commissioners voted to adopt revisions

to the Risk Management and Safety Manual. The manual provides a guide for county government policy and safety standards which have been updated to the current industry and regulatory requirements. It serves as a county-wide resource for both employees and supervisors. The revised Risk Management and Safety Manual can be accessed by visiting S:\Human Resources\Risk Management and Safety and clicking Safety Manual-Approved.

The revised manual contains many notable changes and highlights including:

• Updates to provide more directive language and to reflect current job titles and department names.

• All sections have been updated to current Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and county government procedures.

• The prohibition of smoking in county buildings and county-owned vehicles has been updated to include electronic cigarettes and vaping devices.

• The definition of a “Preventable Accident” was added.

• The Safety Review Committee’s functions were updated to include the determination of a preventable accident for consideration of disciplinary measures.

• Preventable accident penalties have been expanded to include accidents involving mobile equipment.

• Departments are required to ensure a copy of the manual is maintained and accessible to all employees and to provide an orientation and annual training on the Risk Management and Safety Manual.

• Any county employee operating a county-owned vehicle must be at least 18 years of age.

• Employees who maintain an out-of-state driver ’s license and operate a county-owned vehicle must provide a driving record annually to the Risk Management Office.

• The use of a handheld cell phone is prohibited while operating a county-owned vehicle in alignment with state law.

• The personal use of county-owned vehicles is prohibited.

This is a brief summary of some of the revisions to the Risk Management and Safety Manual. Thank you for your commitment and continued support to maintaining a culture that promotes a safe environment for all employees and the citizens who visit county facilities. Please feel free to contact the Risk Management Team at extension 8530 with any questions.

MILESTONES

New HiresGregory M. BowenCustodian, Building & Grounds

Harry W. BrownGolf Course Maintenance Mechanic, Golf Course

Hilary W. Dailey Tourism Program Specialist, Economic Development

Jesse R. Evans Water & Sewer Trainee, Water & Sewer

Brittany S. Feagans Office Aide, Board of Elections

Terrell N. Gross Computer Services Technician I, Technology Services

Kristen A. Gullotti Animal Care Attendant, Animal Shelter

Charity E. Higgs Public Safety Call Taker, Calvert Emergency Communications

Stephen M. Lehrter GIS Analyst, Technology Services

Eryn N. Lowe Communications Program Specialist, Communications & Media Relations

Natalie A. Moody Animal Care Attendant, Animal Shelter

Elizabeth C. Morlock Public Safety Call Taker, Calvert Emergency Communications

Wesley J. Pheobus Locksmith Mechanic, Building & Grounds

Katy M. Rosche Animal Control Officer, Animal Control

Amanda L. Seymour Aging Services Case Manager, Office on Aging

Joshua M. Tyrrell Animal Care Attendant, Animal Shelter

Brandi N. Wallace Animal Care Attendant, Animal Shelter

Doratha C. Yunger Aquarist, Marine Museum

Promotions Lauren M. Barrett Human Resources Assistant, Human Resources

Daniel R. Glenn Compactor Operator, Solid Waste

Laura L. Sacker Legal Secretary I, State’s Attorney

Benners E. SpeddenPark Maintenance Specialist II, Parks & Recreation

ChangesBonnie L. AndersonCompactor Operator, Solid Waste

Sabrina D. Harbin Office Assistant III, Mosquito Control

DeparturesDereck R. Barnes Correctional Deputy, Detention Center

Shelby L. Fox Public Safety Dispatcher Trainee, Public Safety

Kathryn A. Marsh Deputy State’s Attorney, State’s Attorney

Victoria N. Savage Procurement Administrative Technician, Finance & Budget

Christopher M. Sloane Deputy Sheriff First Class, Sheriff ’s Office

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 Public Information Program Assistant II Heather Skyrm at extension 2480 or Public Information Assistant London Mackall

at extension 2685.

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EMPLOYEE SAFETY BREAK

Seasonal Alert!

If you have questions, concerns or suggestions to improve safety in your work place, call Safety Officer Dan Baker at extension 2560.

Beware of Dangerous Deer Collisions

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates there were more than 1.5 million

deer-to-vehicle collisions totaling $1.1 billion in physical damages and 180 human deaths last year alone. Fortunately, there are some simple things all of us can do while driving to prevent a collision with a deer. The best way to spot a deer is to look for movement on the side of the road. Most often, deer are seen at dawn and dusk. When driving conditions allow, travel with your vehicles high beams on to look for reflection from the deer's eyes. Remember that deer frequently travel in herds. If you see one deer, another is nearby. The most likely time of the year to strike a deer is during the hunting or mating season between October and December. If you are faced with a deer collision, there are a few important points to remember:• Turn your vehicle to the right and not to

the left. If you must pull out of your lane to avoid a collision, turn your vehicle to the right as far as needed, off the road if necessary.

• Never pull into the opposite lane, as this could lead to a head-on collision with another vehicle, which is likely to be worse than hitting the deer itself.

• Remember to travel at a speed that is appropriate to the area and the conditions. The slower you are traveling, the more time and options you have.

• If you must leave the road, do so by simply guiding the car off the road,

avoiding sudden and forceful actions. If possible, try to gently guide the car back onto the road. Slamming on the gas or the brakes when turning off or back onto the road can be more dangerous than simply guiding the car where you intend for it to go.

If a collision with a deer cannot be avoided and the deer is struck, there are a few simple guidelines to follow:

• Immediately inspect the damage to the vehicle and, if possible, move the vehicle off the road.

• Make sure your hazard lights are on. If the vehicle is immobile, make sure to set up the correct traffic devices such as fluorescent triangles or flares.

• Never attempt to touch or move the deer. Remember that deer are wild animals that carry diseases and, when injured, are likely to try and defend themselves.

• If you must travel through areas known to have a large deer population, slow down, stay alert and stay safe.

the

Honey Dewdrops to Perform at the Marine Museum

The Calvert Marine Museum announces the Honey Dewdrops band will be performing at the museum Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m.

The Honey Dewdrops perform a unique blend of folk and roots music with tight harmonies and a musical ensemble that includes claw hammer banjo, mandolin and guitars.

ON TAPCALVERT MARINE MUSEUM

Used 6-foot fiberglass and metal ladder for $60. Very sturdy and strong. Contact Melissa McCormick at 410-326-2042 or email Melissa.McCormick@CalvertCountymd.gov.

CALVERT COUNTYEVENTS CALENDAR

FEEDING MINDSALL ABOUT AGRICULTURE

Shop Local to Prepare for the Holidays

Throughout 2018#PatuxentChallenge

Jefferson Patterson Park & MuseumKings Landing Park

Through Jan. 27, 2019Spotlight Series:

Celebrating the Legacy of the Creative Arts ForumHours Vary

Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

Nov. 29MAC Lab Tours

11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (1 p.m. only Nov. 2)Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum

Nov. 16Maritime Performance Series: Honey Dewdrops

7-9 p.m.Calvert Marine Museum

Nov. 1711th Annual Ornament Show and SaleHours VaryAnnmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

Nov. 17Calvert Hospice Festival of Wreaths10 a.m.-4p.m.Calvert High School

Nov. 30Light Up the Town7 p.m.North Beach

Nov. 30 Through Jan. 1Annmarie Garden In Lights5-9 p.m.Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center

Calvert County producers offer all you need to decorate your home and

feed your family for the holidays: custom handmade wreaths, swags, Christmas trees and even firewood for a cozy Christmas celebration around the fireplace. Maybe you aren’t sure what to make for your holiday dinners. Try local meats or seafood. Local meat producers will work with you to find the perfect cut of meat for your holiday dinner. Visit www.calvertag.com to learn where to shop local.