Macomb Matters - February 2025 Issue 97

Message from Mark
Employee News and Accolades
Celebrating employee milestones
Employee Focus
Retiree spotlight
In Memoriam
Macomb County Anti-Trafficking task force awareness seminar and resources
MSU – Extension launches 2025 “Adulting 101” educational series for young adults
For your benefit
HealthStyles
Annual Macomb County tree and plant sale returns, reasonably priced product available
Macomb County and Anchor Bay High School team up to paint the plow
Providing support by keeping it casual
Pawprint
IT download
Recipe Corner
News Nook
Blog Log
Events

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to Macomb Matters. We’re nearing the end of February, which means spring is right around the corner. And while we’re all dreaming of warm weather and longer days, we’ll likely have to deal with snow and ice a bit longer. So with that said, I’d like to thank our Macomb County Department of Roads for their continued efforts to keep our streets safe this season. Days and nights, weekdays and weekends, our crews are out plowing, salting and performing a number of other winter operations. It’s not easy work, but they have done an incredible job and I’m thankful for their service.

Now, as mentioned, we’re still a few weeks away from spring, so if you need a distraction while we count down the calendar, might I suggest checking out our Make Macomb Your Home website and Events page. Both of these platforms offer fun things to do in our community, suitable for any age. Additionally, now is a great time to volunteer and Macomb County has several opportunities for people interested in helping their neighbors. For instance, our Animal Control unit and Meals on Wheels program is always in need of volunteers, as is our Friendly Caller program. And Macomb Community Action requires volunteers to assist its Community Food Bank of Macomb. There are plenty of ways to get involved and give back.

In closing, I hope you can enjoy these final weeks of winter. But more importantly, here’s to the months ahead.

Take care,

Mark

Employee news and accolades

Warren family receives assistance from Macomb County programs and Kelly Clarkson

Last year, Veterans Services and Macomb Community Action’s efforts to assist a family in need eventually led to an exciting house redesign and a feature on the Kelly Clarkson show.

Veteran Wilford Bearden and his family were in a tight spot when he lost his job at Rent-A-Center following an injury. This led to a home eviction, leaving the family of five to temporarily pay rent at a relative’s Airbnb. To help with rent and vehicle repairs (two weeks after beginning his new job, Wilford’s car broke down), Wilford applied for assistance through Veterans Services, as well as Macomb Community Action’s (MCA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program.

MCA helped in keeping their Airbnb rent up-to-date and assisted with finding housing, eventually moving them into their own space. They also paid $1200 towards the vehicle repair, while Veterans Services supplied a little under $1000 through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund.

As things were looking up for the Bearden family, they were suddenly presented with yet another amazing gift. The family was chosen to be featured on the Kelly Clarkson Show in December 2024! Kelly Clarkson’s team also furnished the Beardens’ entire home with brand new furniture, completely unbeknownst to them. To read all about the big reveal, visit WXYZ’s article here.

MCA and Veterans Services are grateful to have been a part of the Beardens’ journey to self-sustainability and economic stability.

If you or someone you know needs economic assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Macomb Community Action. For veterans and their families, Veterans Services offers benefits and resources.

Sheriff’s dispatcher Cidnee Schramm delivers baby

On December 29, 2024, at approximately 5:42 a.m., the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Dispatch Center received a call from a male whose wife was in active labor. The wife’s water had broken, and her contractions were one minute apart.

Dispatcher Cidnee Schramm calmly helped the caller successfully deliver the baby and stimulate the baby’s breathing post birth. Dispatcher Schramm stayed on the phone with the caller until Clinton Township Fire Department arrived to continue care.

“We are incredibly proud of the composed and professional manner in which Dispatcher Schramm handled this call,” stated Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. “Dispatchers like Cidnee prepare diligently for instances like this, and we are thankful for this positive outcome.”

MCSO is happy to report that mom and baby are both doing well.

Macomb County Medical Examiner earns national accreditation

The Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office was recently awarded full accreditation from the National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME). NAME is the premier accreditation organization for medical examiner and coroner offices nationwide and promotes the highest quality forensic pathology practice and medicolegal death investigation in the world. Originally accredited in 2014, the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office most recent accreditation marks 10 consecutive years of this distinction.

“By achieving and maintaining NAME accreditation, the Macomb County Medical Examiner’s Office continues to advance its level of service to Macomb County residents and law enforcement agencies,” said County Executive Mark Hackel. “This accomplishment is a testament to the commitment and professionalism of the Medical Examiner’s Office and the entire staff who helped earn this recognition.”

Celebrating employee milestones

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

January

February

Employee Focus: Audrey Cox

No one wants nor expects tragedy to befall their loved ones. For Audrey Cox, administrative coordinator for Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED), seeing her bonus son, Jacob Reinhart, suffer a spinal cord injury was devastating.

While serving in a Marine bootcamp as part of his enlistment in October 2023, Jacob (19) suffered a spinal stroke which left him paralyzed from the neck down.

(The term used above, “bonus son,” is how Audrey prefers to call Jacob as his stepmother, rather than using the traditional term, “step son.”)

With a 25% chance of ever walking again, Jacob and Audrey both believed the road ahead would be difficult but not impossible. Thus, they began taking the appropriate steps to get Jacob back on his feet.

Today, Jacob (21) is able to walk with ankle braces and has been cleared by the State of Michigan to drive again. He currently takes classes at Macomb Community College with plans to transfer to Wayne State University. But this is not where Jacob’s whirlwind story ends.

From a former acquaintance, Audrey learned of the Detroit Lions program, Hometown Hero presented by Meijer. Having deep pride in her bonus son’s journey, she filled out their nomination form. On Halloween of 2024, Audrey was contacted by the Detroit Lions and their corporate sponsor, and the rest was history.

A surprise interview for Jacob was held at their house in November, where Aidan Hutchinson (Lions’ defensive end) met with Jacob and the family. In October of 2024, Hutchinson (24) also suffered a leg injury while playing against the Dallas Cowboys. He broke the tibia and fibula bones in his left leg during a play and has since spent time in rehab and relies on crutches.

After Hutchinson spoke to Jacob and heard his story, the Detroit Lions, the NFL and Verizon awarded Jacob two remarkable gifts: four tickets to the Thanksgiving Lions game and two tickets to the 2025 Super Bowl, the former of which was presented by Mrs. Sheila Ford-Hamp during the Thanksgiving game festivities.

Jacob also had the opportunity to step out onto Ford Field and meet Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions’ wide receiver), who then autographed Jacob’s jersey. He even got the chance to talk smack with a few of the Chicago Bears’ coaches.

“He is so my child,” said Audrey when expressing her excitement at the Thanksgiving game.

After leaving the field, Audrey, Jacob and their family were able to watch the Lions win from a beautiful suite inside the stadium.

Despite his paralyzation in 2023, Jacob continues to have a bright future ahead of him and Audrey expresses that she could not be happier.

Audrey began her employment at Macomb County in 2013 with the Treasurer’s Office. In 2023, she branched out in her career and accepted a position in MCPED as an administrative coordinator, two weeks before Jacob’s injury.

“I have always said the County is the best place to work,” Audrey reflected, “and without a doubt my new department showed me the most compassion during this incredibly difficult time in my life.”

To see the feature detailing Jacob’s story and his amazing experience with the Detroit Lions, check out this video.

Retiree spotlight

Sue VanSteelandt

The Macomb Matters team would like to congratulate Sue VanSteelandt from the Macomb County Department of Roads on her retirement in January. Sue worked for the county for more than 20 years and was an integral part of our team.

How many years have you been with the County?

My hire date was December 3, 2003.

What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?

The camaraderie with co-workers makes the workday a little easier and a lot more fun. It’s tough to spend that much time with people for so many years and then simply walk away. I’m happy that I have the opportunity to return periodically to help out and see everyone!

What are you most proud of during your career with Macomb County?

My ongoing fight against the public’s perception of government workers being lazy, uncaring and always passing the buck to avoid problems that arise. When I go that extra mile for someone, I love to see or hear their surprised reaction when I call or email back so quickly, then top it off with an answer to their question…plus some extra info to assist them even further.

What are your post-retirement plans?

Enjoy a leisurely morning -- every morning! I will certainly have more time for traveling, volunteering and spending time with family and friends.

Any words of advice?

Never stop learning. Even after 21 years at the same exact desk in the same job, there is always something new that can pop up and provide an opportunity to learn! I love that this job has taught me so much over the years, and there is so much going on that it was never boring!

Congratulations on your retirement Sue! It is well deserved!

Click here for a list of retirees

In Memoriam

Jeffrey Huyghe

Jeffrey (Jeff) Huyghe passed away unexpectedly on December 2, 2024.

Jeff had been with Macomb County and Human Resources and Labor Relations since 2015. He was hired as a typist clerk, quickly promoted to an account clerk and had been a position control assistant since 2017.

The following was provided by Karlyn Semlow, director of HRLR:

“Jeff’s career with Macomb County is one to be highlighted. Prior to coming to Macomb County, he was a security supervisor at Macomb Mall where he performed payroll functions. With that experience we took a chance on him, and it was one of the best hiring decisions we ever made. Due to the work Jeff performed across our organization many of you have also worked with him. Jeff is one of the hubs of the Human Resources wheel and he was exceptional at what he did. Detailed, accurate, calm, resourceful, always going above and beyond to assist others and he loved to solve problems so we gave him a lot of problems to solve.

Jeff lived a life full of health challenges, but you wouldn’t know it. What continued to set him apart was the way he approached life. He was devoted to his family and friends, Jeff NEVER complained, he was reliable and loyal, funny, adventurous, loved photography, architecture and the Detroit Tigers, was always doing things for others and maybe the most patient man I have ever met.”

Please keep the HRLR team and Jeff’s family and lifelong friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Macomb County Anti-Trafficking task force awareness seminar and resources

The Macomb County Anti-Trafficking Task force (MCAT) recently hosted a seminar to explore best practices and resources for those who serve trafficked persons and work to prevent human trafficking in the area.

MCAT is a Macomb County organization, formed in 2018, whose mission is to support and provide services to trafficked individuals and survivors of human trafficking. This support comes in the form of countywide collaborative efforts that work to educate, protect and advocate. The task force includes community partners, service providers, Macomb County government departments and law enforcement.

The first seminar of 2025 was hosted on Tuesday, January 28 at the Macomb Intermediate School District (MISD), and included panel discussions from not only experts on the subject, but those with lived through experiences, as well.

In addition to their recent event, MCAT provides services such as awareness training and resources for those who may be affected by human trafficking. Throughout the county, our building restrooms host pull tab posters within the stalls that hold valuable information for any victim in need, including hotline information and resources provided by MCAT and Turning Point partners.

MCAT also supplies educational cards , available to order, that provide potential red flags and indicators of someone being trafficked. Some of these tips include:

Spotting someone who is hesitant to leave public spaces
Spotting someone who is not in control of their ID, money or other possessions
Spotting someone whose housing is controlled by their employer, etc.

If you see something, say something. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a 24 hour confidential service which can be reached at 1-888-373-7888, or Text* 233733, "HELP" or "INFO". You can also report suspicious activity to the Michigan State Police at 1-855-MICH-TIP or 9-1-1 in case of emergency. The Local Human Trafficking Hotline by Turning Pointe is another 24 hour confidential service. Just dial 1-586-463-6990.

MCAT continues to raise awareness within the community and our county government. For more information on the program, resources and future training, visit their home page .

MSU – Extension launches 2025 “Adulting 101” educational series for young adults

MSU Extension recently started its highly popular "Adulting 101" educational series, a program designed to help young adults transition from dependence on parents or guardians to becoming self-sufficient, independent individuals. This program equips participants with the skills needed to navigate both the expected and unexpected challenges of everyday life.

Adulting 101 focuses on practical life skills that are essential for independent living but are often overlooked in traditional education. Topics include managing daily responsibilities like budgeting and meal planning, as well as preparing for life’s curveballs, such as navigating difficult conversations and resolving conflicts.

Adulting 101 is a free, monthly online program, open to everyone. Registration for all live classes is available here. Recordings of past Adulting 101 classes can be found here (click on the videos link).

Here is a listing of the remaining 2025 schedule:

Get It Together: Time and Organization Tips to Thrive - March 3 at 7 p.m.
Wealth Building - April 8 at 5:00 p.m.
Stay Safe Out There - May 15 at 6:00 p.m.
International Travel on a Budget - June 2 at 6:30 p.m.
Mastering Meal Planning - July 9 at 4:00 p.m.
Navigating Life: Addressing and Handling Peer Pressure - August 18 at 6:00 p.m.
Professionalism: Communicate, Dress, and Deliver with Confidence - September 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy your Holidays on a Budget - October 23 at 5:00 p.m.
Navigating Tough Talks: Conflict Resolution & Civil Discourse - November 13 at 6:30 p.m.

For your benefit

Macomb County partnership renewal with Central Michigan University

Macomb County recently renewed its educational partnership with Central Michigan University (CMU) Online with a ceremonial signing and information session held on January 29, 2025.

Through this partnership, county employees, their spouses, and their dependents under 24 admitted to a CMU Online program may receive a tuition savings of 15%, including the Master of Business Administration degree.

Several proud CMU alumni attended the event including Brian Jacks, service director (class of ’07), who hosted the signing agreement ceremony with Dr. Kaleb Patrick CMU’s interim vice president of Innovation and Online Programs, and Mark Hackel (class of ’96) County Executive.

Nicole Venegas, (class of ’01 & ‘24) office assistant senior, shared her story on how she achieved both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees by using the tuition discount program.

Jaclyn Fortier, CMU’s associate director of Business and Community Outreach, concluded the event by presenting the specifics of the tuition discounts available.

A virtual follow-up information session with CMU Online is available for employees to attend on Tuesday, March 4^th from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Registration is open here: https://fireup.cmich.edu/register/CMUMacombMarch25

To learn more about Macomb County partnership programs visit Macomb County Partnership

Special thanks to Matt Pierscinski, communications specialist senior, (class of ’02) who helped with the event photography.

Fire Up Chips!

HealthStyles

Join the Healthstyles team on Wednesday, March 12 at Noon for an informative lunch and learn on health and wellbeing. The event’s speaker will be Rachel Harris of Exact Sciences, who will discuss the importance of early detection for colorectal cancer, ways to get screened and other important facts and statistics. There will also be a virtual option to attend.

The event will be held at the Verkuilen Building in the MSU-E Assembly Room B. Limited spots are available. Please email HealthStyles@macombgov.org to RSVP.

Annual Macomb County tree and plant sale returns, reasonably priced product available

Green Macomb and the Blue Water Conservation District have announced the return of their annual tree and plant sale, an opportunity for the public to purchase young trees, fruit trees, flowering shrubs, wildflower seed and other fruits and vegetables at reasonable prices. The sale is currently open and will run through April 4.

“Since the sale began eight years ago, we’ve sold thousands of affordable trees and plants to anyone interested in sprucing up their yard or starting a garden,” said Gerard Santoro, program director for Macomb County Parks and Natural Resources. “Not only does this enhance our neighborhoods, it increases our overall green canopy, which is a goal of our Green Macomb program. The benefits of this are wide ranging, including the reduction of air pollution, decreases in energy costs and improved management when it comes to water runoff.”

Items available for order include arborvitae, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, paper birch, redbud, red osier and much more. Prices range from $7 to $55 while supplies last.

“Once again, we are proud to partner with the Blue Water Conservation District in promoting this tree sale,” Santoro said. “It’s an affordable and convenient way to add to your landscaping, and to increase the abundance of greenery in Macomb County.”

All items purchased can be picked up in person or shipped to your home. There will be two pick-up locations in Macomb County:

April 21 and 22 - Armada Fairgrounds
April 24 and 25 - Clinton Township Civic Center

A limited stock of trees and plants will be available for purchase on site.

Since the sale began eight years ago, more than 100,000 trees and plants have been purchased by residents, businesses and communities throughout Macomb County. For more information on the tree and plant sale, visit the Green Macomb website.

Macomb County and Anchor Bay High School team up to paint the plow

When the snow starts to fly, the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) will hit the roads with a freshly painted snowplow, known as Blizzard Wizard. As part of the agency’s annual paint the plow program, MCDR partnered with Anchor Bay High School to paint one of the department’s snowplows ahead of the winter season.

High school graphic design and art students from Anchor Bay High School created and submitted designs for the snowplow in the fall and the winning design was voted on by Macomb County and MCDR staff. The snowplow was unveiled by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, MCDR director Bryan Santo, Anchor Bay High School principal Michael Mackenzie, graphic design teacher Liz VanNuck, art teacher David Stumpf, and students from Anchor Bay High School.

“The Department of Roads is dedicated to keeping Macomb County roads as safe as possible around the clock during the winter months,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “Thanks to the creativity and work of students at Anchor Bay High School, one of our snowplows will be hitting the roads in style for the entire community to enjoy.”

MCDR has more than 100 snowplows, salt trucks and graders in its fleet and more than 100 maintenance employees that are dedicated to keeping the roads clear of ice and snow. This is the third plow that has been painted as part of MCDR’s paint the plow program.

“Thanks to the talented students at Anchor Bay High School, we’ll be putting Blizzard Wizard to work this winter to help keep the roads clear,” said MCDR director Bryan Santo. “The paint the plow program serves as a friendly reminder to the motoring public to drive safely and steer clear of snowplows during winter weather operations.”

Previously, MCDR partnered with Switzer Elementary School and Collins Elementary School to paint county plows, which are still in service today. Macomb County residents can catch a glimpse of the painted plows patrolling this winter.

“We appreciate the partnership with the Department of Roads to showcase the work of our talented students at Anchor Bay High School. We have many gifted design and art students, and this was an exciting and creative way for them to be recognized,” said Anchor Bay High School principal Michael Mackenzie. “It is a great example of a cross-curricular activity that encourages students to work together to create a project from start to finish. I applaud our teachers, Ms. VanNuck and Mr. Stumpf, for taking on this fun but challenging endeavor and appreciate the support from Cori Wiley, the Anchor Bay supervisor of maintenance and facilities, for making it possible.”

Schools and teachers that are interested in participating in MCDR’s annual paint the plow program can contact the Department of Roads at 586-463-8671 or geninfo@rcmcweb.org for additional information.

“This was such a cool opportunity for our students to see their work come to life in a real-world project. They started with designs in Photoshop and Illustrator, which were voted on by the Department of Roads and their maintenance service center personnel.” said Anchor Bay High School graphic design teacher Liz VanNuck. “Watching Mr. Stump’s traditional art students bring the design to life was amazing. This is an experience our students will never forget. We enjoyed the opportunity to be part of this!”

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:

March-Leadership Macomb

April-Cassie Hine’s Shoes Cancer Foundation

IT download

A message from Jako Van Blerk

We're incredibly proud of the progress we've made together as a county in cybersecurity awareness. The Phishing Awareness Campaign will continue throughout 2025 as we remain committed to this important initiative.

Since the launch of the Phishing Awareness Campaign in July 2023, we've witnessed a significant improvement in identifying and reporting suspicious emails. The initial click rate on simulated phishing emails was 12%, which has remarkably decreased to just 2% by the end of 2024. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of our collective efforts and the valuable role you play in safeguarding our county’s data.

We remain committed to providing you with the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively identify and avoid real-world phishing attempts. To help you stay informed and prepared, we've updated resources of How to Report a Phishing email, which you can locate on the Intranet, under the Information Technology Department’s How-to Documents & Comparison Guides.

By working together, we've significantly strengthened our defenses against phishing attacks. We encourage you to continue reporting any suspicious emails, and we thank you again for your commitment to enhancing our overall cybersecurity posture. Together, we can strengthen our defenses and continue to build a more resilient cybersecurity posture for our county.

Paw Prints: February is Pet Dental Health Month

The team at our Animal Control Department would like to remind our fellow county workers that February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Just like humans, our pets need regular dental care to maintain their overall health and well-being. Poor dental hygiene can lead to serious issues such as tooth loss, infections, and even organ damage.

This month, take a moment to check your pet’s teeth and gums. Look for signs of bad breath, discoloration or difficulty eating, which could indicate a dental problem. Regular brushing, dental treats, and professional cleanings can help keep your pet’s smile healthy.

Let’s keep our furry friends happy and healthy!

Recipe corner: Zingy Lemon Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti, uncooked
1 Tablespoon tub margarine
1 tablespoon olive oil
20 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
5 green onions, sliced
1 clove large garlic, minced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/3 cups chicken broth
2/3 cups skim milk
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Topping

1/4 cup chopped almonds
2 Tablespoons chopped chives or green onions
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Directions Wash hands and all food preparation surfaces.

Combine flour, salt, pepper and cayenne in a saucepan; gradually add chicken broth and skim milk, stirring with a wire whisk until smooth.
Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Add mustard and lemon juice. Allow to cool.
Heat margarine and oil in a skillet. Add chicken pieces, green onions and garlic. Sauté until chicken is just firm and cook though to 165°F, about 10 minutes.
Prepare pasta according to package directions and drain. Combine sauce, chicken and pasta mixture.
Put into a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle top with almonds, chopped chives, and paprika (if using).
Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes or until heated through.
Store leftover in the refrigerator within 2 hours.

Download a PDF version

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