- Message from Mark
- Employee News and Accolades
- Celebrating employee milestones
- Employee Focus
- Retiree spotlight
- In Memoriam
- Join the Department of Roads to learn more about Complete Streets in your community
- MSU Extension asks: Is your soil healthy?
- For your benefit
- A message from Andy McKinnon
- HealthStyles
- Emergency Management: Be prepared for severe weather
- Employee discount available for Walk for Warmth event
- Macomb County and Center Line schools partner to teach students marketing
- IT download
- Providing support by keeping it casual
- Pawprint
- Recipe Corner
- News Nook
- Blog Log
- Events
Message from Mark
Hello and welcome to Macomb Matters. It’s the last day of April, which means summer is just around the corner. This is my favorite time of year here in Macomb County. Our community comes to life with festivals, outdoor concerts, sporting events and parades. Speaking of, I hope I’ll see you at the 72nd annual Memorial Day Parade in St. Clair Shores on May 25. I’ll be walking the route again, so be sure to say hello.
Of course, this season is also the perfect time to get out on the water or on one of our trail systems – or even to participate in a walk/run event in our community! For instance, we’ve got Macomb Community Action’s annual Walk for Warmth coming up on May 10, which is fun-filled, family and pet-friendly. It’s also connected to an important cause – raising funds to help families that need assistance with utility bills or help with furnace repairs and replacement in Macomb County. Learn more and register here. And as mentioned, let’s dust off our shorts and sunglasses and get going! Summer is short but sweet, and we have to enjoy it while we can! Find inspiration and more at makemacombyourhome.com and the Make Macomb Your Home events page.
Now, another important and timely item to note, just a few days ago we celebrated Arbor Day, an occasion for recognizing the importance of trees and for hosting tree plantings. I’ve marked this holiday many times with the Green Macomb program and its organizers, our Department of Planning and Economic Development. And I’m proud to share that this year, the initiative is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Back in 2015, this effort started with the goal of increasing tree canopy in Macomb County, and several numbers demonstrate how they’ve advanced this cause. For instance, the program is responsible for 4,056 trees planted across our community – that’s 391,105-square-feet of canopy cover gained! This translates to so much more, from cleaner water and air, to energy savings and increased property values, the benefits are impressive and wide-ranging. So I’d like to commend all of the county employees who have assisted this effort over the years. You’re all making a real difference in our community, and you’re doing your part to make Macomb a great place to call home.
Thanks and take care,
Mark
Employee news and accolades
Community Mental Health employee takes action to save the life of a client
A big round of applause for Amy Strick, a case manager for Macomb County Community Mental Health, who recently went above and beyond to save the life of one of her clients. Strick works within the ACT program, which is designed to allow individuals who are diagnosed with a mental illness to be treated in the community and avoid hospitalization. Managers meet them where they are at, come up with a realistic treatment plan and encourage them to meet the goals they have set for themselves and then managers assist them where they can.
During a recent home visit, Strick faced an incredible challenge. Unable to reach her client via phone or through his housemates, she had a choice to make.
“My gut was telling me that something was wrong,” she said. “I went to my car and talked to my team and supervisor. I wanted them to know that I was going to go into the home, even though the homeowner did not allow this, because I felt like something was very wrong. My team and supervisor supported this decision. I went straight down to the basement where I saw the consumer lying on his back on the basement floor in a very small space. The consumer appeared swollen and pale. I felt for a pulse and called out his name. He did not respond, however, he was gasping for air. I immediately called 911 and put it on speaker phone. After describing the situation to the operator, I was instructed to begin compressions. I began them while the operator counted them out for me. I kept talking to him to try and keep him conscious and did sternum rubs until first responders arrived.”
Afterwards, Strick went to the hospital to stay updated on the client’s condition. According to doctors, if she hadn’t taken action, he most likely would not have survived. Two days later, Strick was able to visit the client off his ventilator and out of the ICU. To date, the client has taken more of an active role in his health and is doing much better.
She told the Macomb Matters team: “In the moment, I felt like my training and intuition took over and I somehow clearly knew exactly what to do….. I was grateful that I was in the right place at the right time and hoped and prayed he would recover, which he did. Once I saw him grateful to be alive, I felt honored to have played a part in that and he was extremely appreciative of me which made me feel good.”
Macomb County Sheriff’s Deputy rescues dog from house fire
Another job well done for the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, who in February, was involved with an amazing animal rescue. This accolade highlights a remarkable act of bravery from the office and showcases the commitment and quick response of our local deputies.
On Monday, February 17, 2025, MCSO Deputies were dispatched to assist with a fire on Brentwood Street in Macomb Township. The homeowner had successfully evacuated after detecting smoke and flames emanating from a gas dryer, but their dog remained tethered outside.
Without a moment's delay, Deputy Eric McCombs retrieved a leash from his patrol vehicle, swiftly approached the side of the house, and securely brought the dog to safety, delivering him to the homeowner’s arms. Thanks to the exceptional coordination from Dispatch and the prompt actions of our MCSO Deputies, both the homeowner and their cherished pet emerged unscathed.
Let us express our gratitude to Deputy McCombs and the entire MCSO team for their unwavering dedication to safeguarding both residents and their furry companions!
Macomb County HRLR hosts another successful Bring Your Child To Work Day
Shoutout to Macomb County Human Resources and Labor Relations which hosted an incredible Bring Your Child To Work Day on April 24! Attendees visited several County departments, including the Macomb County Information Technology, Macomb County Animal Control and the Community Food Bank of Macomb --- where they got to have hands-on experiences and learn about future career opportunities. All in all, it was a great day, and we hear everyone had a great time! Thank you to all involved.
Employee focus: Alysse Campbell
There’s always something to learn about food and safety. Luckily, those working in Macomb County Health Department’s (MCHD) Food Safety Program are here to educate people on just that.
Alysse Campbell is an environmentalist IV for MCHD, working to positively impact restaurants and other establishments in Macomb County. But her job is no walk in the park. In this article, Alysse gives us the scoop on her role in the food program, the misconceptions that come with the job and the fun surprises, as well!
When did you first join the County and how did you find the job?
I started with Macomb County in June 2015. My first job after college was with District Health Department (DHD) #10 as a sanitarian in the Food Program. I was with them for 2 ½ years before I started looking to move back home to be near my family and friends. I found the job posting for Macomb County on the Michigan Environmental Health Association (MEHA) website and I applied immediately. Now that I’ve moved back to the area, I’ve been able to spend more time with my family and friends.
What does your current role entail?
As an Environmentalist IV in the Food Safety Program at the Macomb County Health Department, my daily duties include restaurant inspections as well as daycare and pool inspections throughout the year. I am responsible for answering questions my coworkers may have regarding their daily tasks, and I am the go-to person for special processing questions. I also help my coworkers in the field when needed and I train new employees by taking them out for inspections.
What's one aspect of your job you think others would find surprising?
Some people think my job is about enforcement, but in reality, I am here to promote food safety in order for businesses to thrive. My job is about education and understanding. I educate restaurant owners and staff so they can provide safe food and environments for their customers.
What's your favorite aspect about your job? Or, do you have a core memory that sticks with you?
I enjoy educating restaurant owners and staff about food safety. I want facilities to succeed. One memory that sticks with me is when I began inspecting a facility that had a language barrier between myself and the owners and staff. I brought food safety posters and other learning materials to help the staff understand how to provide safe food. After providing these materials, the inspections became easier for myself and the facility because we now understood each other. Good communication is key for helping these businesses.
Are there any misconceptions people may have about the work you do?
A very common misconception people have about my job is that when I come in to inspect, I purposely find violations to write up. While sometimes I do have to write violations, I am actually there to help my facility owners, as well as their staff, maintain safe practices for the public. My goal is for people to see me as a part of their team. I strive to help them both thrive and be successful in an ever-changing line of business.
To learn more about Macomb County’s food safety program, you can visit their webpage here.
Retiree spotlight
Click here for a list of retirees
In memoriam
Najah Floyd
In March we shared how deeply saddened we were to hear of the passing of Juvenile Division Probation Officer Najah Floyd, who had a long battle with cancer.
Najah was an invaluable member of the Juvenile Probation team and served the children and families on her caseload with dedication and compassion since she joined Macomb County in 2016. Despite significant health battles, Najah was always smiling and always positive. Close friend and co-worker Karlesha Simmons shared: "Najah was private about her struggles and did not want us to feel sorry for her. She was one of the most optimistic people I've ever known. Even when the doctors advised her to get her affairs in order, Najah planned to beat this, like every other challenge in her life
Najah was a talented student athlete at Central Michigan University and a standout on the Track and Field Team. Her 2006 record setting times in the 200M (23.66) and 400M (52.29) sprint still stand in the CMU Hall of Fame. Before struggling with illness and while balancing the demands of completing her master's degree, Najah was also a track coach at Southfield High School. Najah saw potential in every young person she encountered and embodied the Juvenile Court philosophy of, "EVERY child is capable of success - NO exceptions
Najah leaves behind a mother, sister and fiancé. Her optimistic spirit and forever hopeful smile will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Please keep her family and work family in your thoughts and prayers as they struggle to come to terms with her passing.
Robert Schindler
On April 11, 2025, Robert Schindler of the Purchasing Department passed away. Rob was a long-term employee, originally hired as a custodian with Facilities and Operations in February 2001. In 2014 he opted for a change of pace and transferred to the Purchasing Department and had been performing records maintenance ever since. Debbie Gunn, warehouse services manager, shared: “We lost a wonderful team member and friend and are heartbroken. Rob had made so many friends throughout his time here.”
Rob’s obituary shared: “He loved planning get togethers of all kinds, bird watching, helping with favorite local animal rescues, U of M football, exploring Detroit, trail rides all over Michigan, going to flea markets, walking the Mackinaw bridge, finding new restaurants to try, repurposing and making old things new, spreading humor, and taking beautiful pictures.” Visitation and funeral information can be found at Robert J. Schindler Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information.
Please keep Rob’s wife Jennifer, his family and his Purchasing family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Join the Department of Roads to learn more about Complete Streets in your community
The Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) is developing Complete Streets guidelines to assist our agency and the communities we serve. Complete Streets serve as a design guide for various types of projects that support and enhance transportation access, safety and connectivity for all users and multiple modes of transportation using the complete streets planning approach.
We invite you to attend a meeting in your region to learn more about Complete Streets in Macomb County and in your community. MCDR will be hosting public open houses at multiple locations for the convenience of the public. Below are the dates, times and locations for each open house and region of Macomb County.
Central Region Open House
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Sterling Heights Community Center
40250 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
South Region Open House
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Recreation Authority of Roseville & Eastpointe
18185 Sycamore Street, Roseville, MI 48066
Additional information can be found online at macombgov.org/roads.
MSU Extension asks: Is your soil healthy?
Healthy, productive plants start with healthy soil. Whether you're tending a backyard garden or managing large-scale crops, a soil test is one of the most important steps you can take. MSU Extension has two soil test kits available to help you understand your soil’s pH and nutrient levels—so you can grow stronger plants and get better results.
Which soil test should you choose?
- For home lawns and gardens
Use a home soil test mailer for lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables or fruit. Each test kit includes simple, easy-to-follow instructions. Cost is $26 per kit. - For farms, wildlife plots and commercial use
MS Extension has a commercial soil sample bag for large agriculture areas such as farms, food plots, nurseries and other larger-scale operations. Recommendations are provided per acre to support efficient, cost-effective soil management. Cost is $18 per kit.
What will MSU Extension soil test kits tell you?
Results are sent via email. A customized soil report will show current levels of key plant nutrients as well as information on soil pH and organic matter. Plus, you’ll receive tailored fertilizer recommendations based on what you’re growing.
Where to get your soil test kit?
Call 586-469-6440 to reserve your test kit and then pick it up during your lunch hour. MSU Extension is located in the back of the Robert VerKuilen building (Entrance E). 21885 Dunham Road, Suite 12, Clinton Township, MI 48036.
Need more help?
MSU Extension’s Diagnostics Lab is also available to help identify and diagnose any plant diseases, leaf damage, insects or weeds. The lab is well-equipped, and most samples can be identified and diagnosed the same day. Cost is $7 per identification.
The Diagnostics Lab will be open on the following dates in May:
- Clinton Township office - May 13, 20, 27, from 9:30 a.m. until Noon, and also by appointment.
- Warren office – May 28, from 10 a.m. until Noon.
For your benefit
REAL ID compliance events
Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini has partnered with the Secretary of State for "Mobile Office" events at the Clerk's Office where employees can satisfy the State's upcoming REAL ID requirements.
Beginning May 7, 2025, Michigan residents must present a REAL ID-compliant document to fly within the United States and enter certain federal facilities to comply with federal law. For more information about the REAL ID requirements, please visit the Secretary of State’s website at michigan.gov/sos/license-id/real-id
Or, join us at the Clerk’s Office on Friday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where staff will be helping attendees via their one stop shop. Obtain Macomb County birth certificates or marriage licenses that enable you to apply for REAL ID right on the spot.
For more information about the REAL ID requirements, please visit the Secretary of State’s website at michigan.gov/sos/license-id/real-id or learn more via this flyer.
Mental health first aid training
Mental health challenges – such as depression, anxiety, psychosis and substance use – are common in the United States. In fact, more than one in five Americans will have mental health problems in any given year. The National Council for Mental Wellbeing certifies individuals throughout the nation, including Macomb County Community Mental Health, to provide mental health first aid courses to prepare their communities with the knowledge and skills to help individuals who are developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The training helps the public better identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses in youth and adults.
MCCMH is pleased to present the following training opportunities for Macomb County employees and the public:
Adult courses (for individuals helping adults):
- June 25, 2025 @ MCCMH West
- July 10, 2025 @ MCCMH West
- October 9, 2025 @ MISD
- November 18, 2025 @ MISD
Youth courses (for individuals helping children)
- May 13, 2025 @ MCCMH West
- August 18, 2025 @ MISD
All courses are from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the specific locations listed above. Addresses for those locations are:
MCCMH West, Training Department
6555 15 Mile Rd. Sterling Heights, MI
Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD)
44001 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI
Trainers include Agnes Ward, Traci Smith, Anne Bicego, Marchelle Washington, Karen Slattery and Leslie Styer, all of Macomb County Community Mental Health. To register email Trainingoffice@mccmh.net. For more information on mental health first aid, visit mentalhealthfirstaid.org.
Note: This training is for those who are not clinicians and does not offer CEs
A message from Andy McKinnon
Hallelujah
This article has a title — Hallelujah. While the word is often tied to faith — and timely for many who celebrated Easter this month — I’ve been struck by how it’s surfaced in so many parts of my life lately. It feels worth sharing.
The first hallelujah is the obvious one. For those who observed Easter, it echoed in churches and homes this past Sunday. It’s a word of joy, of renewal — and it stuck with me as I sat down to write this.
The second hallelujah is for the change in season. This winter felt longer than most. Whether it is because the last two have been mild, or everything going on in the world made it seem heavier — it seems like spring has finally broken through. And my goodness that deserves a hallelujah, it’s over.
Another hallelujah came this past weekend, when I had the chance to visit my mom in Florida. Time with an aging parent is a gift. During our visit, she mentioned how rarely all four of her sons are in the same place anymore. She wonders how many more times she’ll get to see us together. That hit me.
I’ve seen a lot of posts lately about the “lasts” in life — the last time you fished with your dad, or spent a carefree summer, or swung on a swing. We rarely know when we are having a “last.” If we did, we’d probably be more present, more patient, more grateful. So hallelujah for still having the chance — and yes, we will all be getting together before the year is out. Even the self-centered baby of the family (Sorry, I had to, I am a middle child).
Finally, hallelujah for the kind of workplace that allows time for these things. Our PTO policy is a great benefit, especially the PTO conversion opportunity. And while the payout is valuable, sometimes the time is worth more. Think about the last time you spent a day with someone special — would you trade it for a few extra hours of pay? Probably not. So take the time. Make the call. Write the letter. Sit with someone and savor the moment. Maybe that’s how we prepare ourselves for the next winter — by gathering what warmth we can now.
Here’s to the season ahead. I hope it’s a good one for all of us.
HealthStyles
The Healthstyles team is pleased to provide the following opportunities for Macomb County employees:
Springtime Strollin’ with the Strays
The weather is getting warmer and now is the perfect time to get outside for a nice break during your work day. Sign up for Strollin’ with the Strays to walk a shelter dog from Animal Control on your lunch break. Email to register: HealthStyles@macombgov.org
Yoga with James from Maria Marino’s Fitness Pros
Join us for a 6-week yoga series for $48!
Dates: May 14 - June 18
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Verkuilen Bldg, Senior Auditorium, 21885 Dunham Rd. Clinton Twp, MI 48036
Email to register: HealthStyles@macombgov.org $48 payment is due to Sandy on the first day of class - cash or check is accepted. Price may be prorated at $8 per class. No refunds.
Lunch and Learn: Building Resilience to Avoid Burnout
Join us as Dr. Miloni Rathod of MSU-E presents on using mindfulness to build your resiliency to avoid burnout and bounce back at work and home.
Date: Wednesday, May 14
Time: 12:15pm - 1:00pm
Location: Verkuilen Bldg, MSU-E Assembly Room, 21885 Dunham Rd. Clinton Twp, MI 48036
Email to register: HealthStyles@macombgov.org
Lunch and Learn: Healthy Cooking Demo with Amy Ervin
Learn how to make high-protein breakfast to-go using cottage cheese.
Date: Tuesday, June 10
Time: 12:15pm - 1 pm
Location: Verkuilen Bldg, MSU-E Assembly Room, 21885 Dunham Rd. Clinton Twp, MI 48036
Email to register: HealthStyles@macombgov.org
Emergency Management: Be prepared for severe weather
A message from Director Brandon Lewis
It’s something that many residents of Southeast Michigan take for granted: that the outdoor weather warning sirens in their area will go off at 1 pm on the first Saturday of every month (in Macomb County, at least) and of course when a tornado is spotted in their area. But have you ever wondered who actually sets them off and why?
Here in Macomb, each local community owns and operates its own siren system. Additionally, all communities, except for Shelby Township and Warren, participate in a countywide activation protocol. Through this protocol, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch activates the sirens for the following reasons:
- A monthly test on the first Saturday of each month at 1:00 pm.
- A tornado warning is issued by the National Weather Service for Macomb County.
- A tornado and/or funnel cloud has been verified in or very near Macomb County by a public safety professional or trained weather spotter.
- When the National Weather Service issues a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Macomb County that is forecast to include winds of 70MPH or greater. Shelby Township and Warren have similar activation policies.
Now, tornadoes you probably knew about, but why 70 MPH winds? Fun fact: winds with that velocity are classified as “considerable” by the National Weather Service, and can cause significant damage to structures, trees, and power lines; not to mention the potential for flying debris. In fact, some tornadoes with an EF-0 rating on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which measures tornado intensity, have weaker winds than a severe thunderstorm warning with 70 MPH winds.
When the sirens go off, the message that public safety officials really want you to take away is this: dangerous winds are approaching, and if you are outdoors, take cover in a sturdy structure immediately, preferably on the lowest level in an area with no windows.
Outdoor warning sirens are intended to provide warning of imminent threats to those individuals engaging in outdoor activity. Depending on the model in use, the sirens produce approximately 100-115 dB of sound and can be heard from approximately 4,500-6,000 feet away.
Now that you’re in the know about when we activate our sirens, you might be wondering what exactly qualifies as a weather warning? For summer severe weather, the National Weather Service typically issues two varieties of weather alerts: Watches and Warnings.
A Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that the atmospheric ingredients (like temperature, humidity, or instability) are present for a tornado or severe thunderstorm to develop over the next several hours, usually 3-6 hours from issuance. A Tornado or Severe Thunderstorm Warning means that the ingredients have come together, the severe weather will occur shortly, and the public should take protective action immediately.
Since the sirens are an outdoor warning tool, I hope you’re asking yourself if there’s anything you can do to be prepared for weather events inside your home… and there is. You can purchase your very own weather radio. Quality units cost $40-$50, and when set to the correct volume, they are easy to hear anywhere in your home, alerting you and providing details when a weather watch or warning is issued for your area. You can also listen for Wireless Emergency Alerts, which work similarly to Amber Alerts and can be used by authorities to alert you of the most severe weather events.
If there’s one thing I hope everyone takes away from this article, it’s this: when you see or hear a severe weather watch for your area, it’s time to plan and prepare. When you see or hear a severe weather warning, it’s time to take action.
For more information on planning for severe weather or other emergencies in Macomb County, visit our Department of Emergency Management and Communications online at www.macombgov.org/emergencymanagement.
Employee discount available for Walk for Warmth event
Registration is now open for the 35th annual Macomb Community Action Walk for Warmth. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 10 at the Robert A. VerKuilen Building located at 21885 Dunham Road in Clinton Township. On-site registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. This is a family-friendly, pet-friendly event. All funds raised through the event will be used to assist low-income individuals with heat-related emergencies, like paying a utility bill or repairing/replacing a broken furnace.
Individuals interested in participating in the 2025 Walk for Warmth can find details and a registration link at RunSignup.com/w4w2025. The registration fee is $30 per walker; children ages 12 and under are free. Macomb County employees can receive a $5.00 discount by entering coupon code “MacombStaff2025” at checkout.
Macomb County and Center Line schools partner to teach students marketing
The Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) marketing team has been dishing out some guidance and fun to Center Line Public School sixth graders.
As part of the ongoing Fueling the Talent Pipelineinitiative, MCPED has partnered with multiple schools and organizations to help provide meaningful career exploration opportunities for school-aged children so that they may find a career that best suits them in the future.
Last year, Center Line Public Schools(CLPS), a Ford Next Generation Learning(Ford NGL) district, proposed that MCPED’s marketing team teach a lesson on digital design and marketing for the students studying that pathway.
On Thursday, Sept. 19, the MCPED team convened at Wolf Middle School to present to their first Academy Explorer 6 Digital Design class. As part of the lesson, they related much of their topics to Takis, a popular brand of chip that targets the younger demographic and spicy food lovers for their advertisements. It was a ‘hot topic’ for the sixth graders and proved effective in showcasing how brands like Takis go about creating marketing campaigns. MCPED spoke to three classes in total and returned in November to give the students feedback on their semester projects. The team was invited back in December to see the sixth graders present their completed marketing materials.
CLPS, Macomb County and even the students had an overall positive response to the partnership, and so, MCPED is continuing to provide marketing and digital design instruction to more Academy Explorer 6 Digital Design classes in the future, including for the current semester of Wolf Middle School sixth graders.
IT download
A message from Jako Van Blerk
Mimicking a relative’s voice in a fake, urgent call.
With this imposter scam a fraudster impersonates a loved one, colleague or government official; it cost Americans nearly $3 billion last year. As an example, a scammer mimicked a woman’s voice, called her mother claiming she had been kidnapped and convinced the mother to wire $2,000 to Mexico. GenAI has made such scams more effective - it only takes three seconds of audio to clone a voice with 85% accuracy and more than half of Americans have shared their voice online.
After former President Biden’s voice was cloned using AI in fake robocalls discouraging voting in the New Hampshire primary, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously outlawed the use of AI-generated voices in scam robocalls.
Rahul Sood, the Chief Product Officer Pindrop says such scams on social media platforms are only growing, and voice cloning "is far more mature" and widely accessible today than facial cloning technology. He said the quality of voice cloning has now passed the so-called "uncanny valley" — meaning the human ear can no longer detect the difference between what is human and what is machine-generated.
We are communicating this to you so we all can avoid such pitfalls whether at work or our personal life:
- Avoid oversharing personal information on social media (children’s names, addresses, phone numbers, voices).
- Encourage family members to use geolocation trackers (e.g., Find My iPhone).
- Try to call, text, or contact the victim via social media -- request that the victim call back from his or her cell phone.
- Stay calm and avoid giving out personal information -- ask a question only the victim would know and insist on speaking directly to them.
- Listen carefully to the voice of the victim if they speak.
- Notify the police.
Steve Grobman, McAfee’s Chief Technology Officer, acknowledges it's not practical in a digital world to expect everyone to erase their voice from the internet, but added "I think of it a little bit like developing a healthy skepticism," recommending a family code word to verify a caller's identity.
Providing support by keeping it casual
The Board of Commissioners proudly coordinates the Macomb County Casual Day Charitable Collections Program. With department leader permission, participating employees may wear casual clothing to work on Fridays/designated days if they donate at least one dollar. Departments must collect and send their donations to the Board office in a timely fashion.
The Casual Day program was first adopted by resolution of the Board of Commissioners in 1994 and it has continued to grow thanks to Macomb County employees’ commitment to helping others. Since the program’s inception, nearly $720,000 has been generously donated to various charities.
Upcoming casual days will support:
May – Champ Life
May 30 – Clinton River Watershed Council
June – Six Rivers Land Conservancy
Paw Prints
Earlier this month, we celebrated National Animal Control Appreciation Week, a time to recognize the important and often challenging work of our animal care and control officers. The dedicated staff at Macomb County Animal Control works around the clock to protect animals from harm, reunite lost pets with their families and ensure public safety in our communities.
From rescuing stray dogs and investigating cruelty cases to educating the public on responsible pet ownership and supporting emergency response efforts, our team does it all with compassion and courage.
This is also a perfect time to do our part to remind everyone:
- Keep your pets up to date on vaccinations to prevent the spread of disease.
- Make sure your pet wears an ID tag and consider a microchip as a permanent form of identification.
- Know your local ordinances – Understanding leash laws, pet limits, and tethering rules can help you stay compliant and avoid issues.
- Never leave pets in hot vehicles – Even in spring, temperatures can rise quickly. If you see a pet in distress, report it immediately.
- Leash up – When out and about, keep dogs leashed unless in a designated off-leash area. It keeps everyone, humans and pets safe.
- Report concerns – If you suspect animal cruelty or see a stray in need of help, don’t hesitate to contact us. Your call could save a life.
- Get involved in adoption events – One of the best ways to make a difference is by attending or volunteering at one of our many adoption events. Help us connect animals with loving families and give them the chance they deserve for a fresh start in a forever home.
- Be kind – Animal control officers often deal with difficult situations. A thank-you note, a smile, or even a social media shout-out goes a long way.
These small actions can make a big difference, and help our animal control team do their job even better for people and pets.
Upcoming events:
- April 30: National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day - 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
- June 7: Vaccine Clinic - Bethesda Church
- Strolling with the Strays still available - walk a dog during lunch hour
Recipe corner: Coffee Cooler
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1% milk
- 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
- 1/2 cup coffee, cooled to room temperature (4 fluid ounces)
- 3 ice cubes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
Directions Wash hands and all food preparation surfaces.
- Combine all ingredients in a blender; purée until smooth
- Pour into a chilled glass and sprinkle with cinnamon, cocoa or nutmeg if you like.
- Store leftovers in a refrigerator within 2 hours.
Download a PDF version
MyPlate Kitchen, United States Department of Agriculture, myplate.gov
