Macomb Matters - July 2025 Issue 99

Message from Mark
Employee News and Accolades
Celebrating employee milestones
Employee Focus
Retiree spotlight
County partners offer strong support at Macomb Business Awards
Community Food Bank Of Macomb County collects over 188,500 pounds of food to support Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
For your benefit
A message from Andy McKinnon
HealthStyles
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 seems like just a few weeks ago we were experiencing cold and rainy weather. Now we are days away from the Fourth of July holiday, and while the forecast has been very hot, and sometimes a little questionable, it’s still the season for taking advantage of our great community assets. You can kayak the Clinton River, dine on the water and walk, run or bike our nature trails. There are also fireworks lined up, and a variety of other fun events too. So grab your sunscreen and sunglasses (and an umbrella just in case), get your friends and family together and get going! Summer only lasts a few months, so we have to enjoy it while we can!

Now, since we're speaking of summer and warm weather, I want to take a moment to acknowledge our Macomb County workforce who is out in the field, braving the heat to do their jobs. Whether this means our road workers or our deputies, our teams at F&O or our crews at Public Works, these individuals deserve a big shoutout. Thank you for all you do to keep our county running.

A few other housekeeping notes for Team Macomb. Messages have been circulating about new ID badges replacing old ones, and that project is underway. We appreciate your patience during this transition. Finally, open enrollment for voluntary benefits is now in effect. Learn more about this process and what you need to do in the 'For Your Benefit' article later on this newsletter.

Here’s to a great holiday weekend. Take care and stay safe. -- Mark

Employee news and accolades

Macomb County Sheriff Commander Abro graduates FBI National Academy

The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office proudly announced that, on June 5, 2025, Commander Jason G. Abro graduated from the 294th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Nationally, fewer than 1% of law enforcement officers are selected to attend this prestigious program. Commander Abro now joins the ranks of an elite group of graduates from the FBI National Academy.

Internationally recognized for its academic excellence, the FBI National Academy provides 10 weeks of advanced training in communication, leadership, and physical fitness. Participants must demonstrate a proven record of professionalism, integrity, and strong moral character within their respective agencies. On average, graduates have 20 years of law enforcement experience and often return to serve in executive-level positions.

Each session of the National Academy features instruction from experienced FBI instructors, special agents, and professional support staff. Many of these instructors are internationally recognized for their work in various disciplines, including criminology, leadership, communication, and fitness. Since its establishment in 1935, the FBI National Academy has graduated more than 55,000 law enforcement leaders.

“I am honored to have had the privilege to learn and gain wisdom from the finest instructors at the FBI National Academy,” said Commander Abro. “I am humbled by the opportunity to represent our extraordinary county and Sheriff’s Office in this remarkable program.” Commander Abro plans to apply his experience at the FBI National Academy to further strengthen his leadership as he continues to serve the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and the communities it protects.

MCCMH celebrates recipients of the 2025 Mental Health Matters Awards

Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) honored nine Macomb County-based mental health champions and organizations at its third annual Mental Health Matters Awards on Thursday, May 15. Awardees have made a significant impact on mental well-being and substance use prevention in the county.

“Our honorees inspire communities through their selflessness, advocacy, and commitment to delivering quality care. It’s an honor to recognize them during Mental Health Awareness Month,” said Traci Smith, CEO of MCCMH. “Macomb County is a better place with these individuals and organizations in it. Today and every day, we thank you.”

Honorees were selected from an open call for nominations. Each individual or organization has been involved with MCCMH in some capacity within the past year.

The 2025 honorees are:

Advocate Champion – Samia Yousif
Caregiver Champion – Shelley Petty
Provider Champion – Life Enrichment Academy – New Haven
Community Partner Champion – Anita Pillai, Genoa Healthcare
Self-Advocate Champion – Angel Vice
Board of Directors Award – City of Sterling Heights
Drita Gjelaj Award – Adam Wright, Network Operations Coordinator, MCCMH
Putting People First Award – Amy Strick, Case Manager, MCCMH
Reducing the Stigma Award – Tati Amare, WDIV

Learn more about the event here.

Maria Hernandez from Family Planning recognized for outstanding work

The Macomb Matters editorial team recently received a nomination from Family Planning, which wanted to highlight one of the incredible members of its team: Maria Hernandez

Mary “Chris” Fleischer, a public health nurse, shared:

“Maria is truly a “Jack or Jill of all trades.” I liken her to the ever-ready bunny. She is constantly on the move helping so many of our clients in all these programs: MIHP, NFP, Maternal Child, Family Planning, and assisting clients with Medicaid applications. Not only does Maria effectively translate for our many Hispanic clients, but she also provides many, many resources for the community. Her “job” does not end with her work for the County but encompasses SW Detroit and surrounding suburbs of Macomb County. Maria welcomes everyone with her warmth, compassion and open arms. She is truly one of the most caring nonjudgemental compassionate individuals I have ever met. It is a privilege to work with and alongside her. The Macomb County Health Department is blessed to have such a loyal, dedicated employee.”

Thank you Maria for all you do for our community. The Macomb Matters team would like to give you a big round of applause!

a team of volunteers sort through food donations and pack them into boxes

Macomb County HRLR volunteers time at the Community Food Bank of Macomb County

A special shoutout to the hard-working team at Macomb County Human Resources and Labor Relations. This group recently spent time at the Community Food Bank of Macomb County, where they sorted and boxed up donations for local residents. Thank you for your efforts. They make a big impact for people in need.

Celebrating employee milestones

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

June

July

Employee focus: Scott France

Have you ever had a home improvement project that was especially challenging? Maybe you felt like you could use a little (maybe a lot!) of help? Now imagine that you are older, and maybe not as capable as you might have been earlier in life.

Enter Scott France – a home maintenance technician for the Office of Senior Services’ Safe at Home and Handy Helper programs. In this issue’s Employee Focus, Scott shares some information on the great work that he does and the dramatic impact he has on the clients he serves. Keep up the awesome work you do, Scott!

Q: When did you first join Macomb County and how did you find the job?
A: I started with Macomb County in January of 2019 as a Meals on Wheels route driver for the Office of Senior Services. I saw the job posting on the county website and applied for it. I had previously retired from the automotive industry and was looking for something different, meaningful and part-time. Helping our seniors seemed like a great way to accomplish that. I delivered meals for four years and enjoyed that job the entire time I was doing it. In January of 2023 I saw a job posting for a Home Maintenance Technician – also with the Office of Senior Services – on the county website. I applied for the job because I would still be helping seniors, and I could also utilize other skills I have acquired from previous experiences.

Q: What does your current role entail?
A: As a home maintenance technician, we perform work under two different programs. One program is called Safe at Home for which we install a lot of different items such as grab bars, handrails, smoke alarms and other safety devices to help our seniors stay in their homes safely. The other program is the Handy Helper program, in which we install things like faucets, door locks and perform some plumbing repairs. We also do a lot of cleaning such as carpets, walls, windows and floors. These are tasks that many of our seniors struggle to do themselves or find someone to help.

Q: What is one aspect of your job others would find surprising?
A: The vehicles we drive have Macomb County program information printed on them that attracts public attention. A lot of people will approach me when I’m outside the home I’m working at, to ask questions about our program. They almost always feel they wouldn’t qualify for any help, but want to ask about the service anyway. After a brief discussion and giving them an informational hand-out, they are shocked to learn that the county offers these services and want to learn more about this service. They are then extremely happy to find out they could qualify for help. I have been to many homes to do work, only to find I have actually met the customer previously when I provided them with information about the program.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
A: My favorite part of this job is meeting our clients and doing work that is appreciated and helpful to them. When I first arrive at a client’s home, I do an assessment to identify what their needs are, based on the services we provide. While talking with them, I like to ask things like what kind of hobbies they have, or things they like to do. The answers I get and the stories they tell are always enjoyable. I then tell them a little about myself, so they don’t feel I’m just a stranger in their home. Most clients like to talk with you while you are working and if possible, I like to make them feel they are part of the process. I do this by always asking their opinion, before making permanent changes to their property. I work with three other home maintenance technicians that are very good at what they do and are always willing to help each other out if needed. Our office staff and management do an excellent job supporting me and provide everything I need to successfully complete jobs properly and safely.

Q: What do you do outside of work?
A: Outside of work I enjoy camping, kayaking, boating and fishing. My strongest passion is fly fishing the rivers in Northern Michigan and I tie all my own flies. At home I’m usually engaged in some sort of a home improvement project, and previously I have completely renovated two different houses. Warmer weather has finally arrived here, so I’m very interested in spending time on the lake.

Retiree spotlight

Congratulations to all Macomb County employees who recently retired. Thank you for your service. We wish you the best in your next chapter.

Click here for the most recent list of retirees.

County partners offer strong support at Macomb Business Awards

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) held the 13th annual Macomb Business Awards, presented by Consumers Energy, this past May 2025. Business and community leaders gathered at AMC Forum 30 in Sterling Heights to celebrate 200+ nominees and witness the six category winners for Best Place to Work, Fueling the Talent Pipeline, Green Macomb Sustainability Award, Hidden Gem, Manufacturer of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year.

The morning event leaned heavily on a movie theater theme, serving popcorn, decorating the establishment with film strips and even presenting the categories with a Hollywood flare. A rousing success, the ceremony would not have been possible without the support from sponsors, including two Macomb County affiliates: Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! And OneMacomb.

Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! is committed to providing comprehensive workforce development, employment and training services by offering friendly and accessible resources for both job seekers and businesses in the community. There are multiple centers in both Macomb and St. Clair counties that can supply career planning, financial assistance, training programs, workshops and specialized support for veterans and individuals with disabilities.

OneMacomb strives to strengthen the local economy by enhancing local, regional and global connections and foster multiculturalism and inclusion in Macomb County through the arts and community engagement. The organization uses best practices that ensure the County's diverse population receives the key services it needs and deserves.

For their sponsorship contributions, Macomb/St. Clair Works! received the title of ‘Director’ sponsor, whereas OneMacomb became a ‘Cast Member’ sponsor.

To see the full list of winners and sponsors, visit the Macomb Business Awards website.

Community Food Bank Of Macomb County collects over 188,500 pounds of food to support Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Macomb Community Action announced recently the successful Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive put on through the Community Food Bank of Macomb County. The 33rd annual event was held on May 10 this year and collected 49% more food than 2024 – the largest amount of food collected since the pandemic. All donations will be distributed to those in need through the Community Food Bank of Macomb County’s network of over 40 food pantries and hunger-related organizations. This means the collection acts as emergency food supplies for thousands of families and individuals in the community, including veterans, seniors, children and the homeless.

Since its inception in 1993, approximately 2 billion pounds of non-perishable food has been collected to help restock the shelves of food banks, soup kitchens and pantries throughout America and here in Macomb County.

To learn more about the Community Food Bank of Macomb County and its work in the county, visit their website.

For your benefit

Open enrollment for voluntary benefits underway

Open Enrollment for voluntary benefits started on Monday, June 23, 2025. Please note the following important updates for the 2025 enrollment period:

New Enrollment Platform: All voluntary benefits elections must now be completed through Workday.
Active Enrollment Required: This is not a passive enrollment. If you wish to keep, change, or waive any of your voluntary benefits, you must log in to Workday and complete the enrollment process.

Be sure to review your options and submit your selections in Workday before the enrollment deadline.

Please visit the voluntary open enrollment website to review all of the available plans.

Onsite Support – July 10, 2025

A representative from TMR will be onsite at the Human Resources and Labor Relations office on Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist with any questions regarding voluntary benefits.

If you currently have an AFLAC product, it is strongly recommended that you meet with the TMR representative to review and compare the new group plan options versus your existing coverage.

You may schedule an in-person appointment on July 10 or choose to meet with a TMR representative through their call center at 586-300-1869.

A message from Andy McKinnon

It seems like I am always talking about the weather in these articles, but maybe that's the thing that binds us currently, as everything else seems to be pushing us apart.

All spring, we kept saying the same thing: “When is it going to warm up?”

We grumbled through gray skies, damp days and chilly mornings. Memorial Day came and went, and we were still layering up, still waiting for that first truly warm weekend. We checked the forecast like it owed us something.

Then—almost overnight—it hit. The heat showed up, unapologetic and intense. One minute we were complaining about needing a jacket in May, the next we were cranking up the AC, swatting mosquitoes and muttering “It’s too hot.”

It’s the most Michigan thing ever: we long for one thing, and the moment it arrives, we start missing the version we just had. Too cold, too hot, too humid, too dry—never quite just right.

But maybe that’s the lesson. Seasons here don’t ease in, they arrive with personality. And while we can’t control the weather, we can control how we respond to it. Instead of wishing it away, I'm trying better to roll with it — whether it's the current sunburn or in a few short months buying long johns for pond hockey, I like that we here in Michigan get to enjoy the best of all of it.

I hope you all have a tremendous 4^th of July and spend time with your family, friends and neighbors, talking about the weather.

God Bless America!

HealthStyles

Save the date! Macomb County’s annual employee health fair is returning August 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will be held at Macomb Community College’s East Campus Criminal Justice Training Center at 21901 Dunham Rd. More details and an invitation will soon be released by the Healthstyles committee, so keep an eye on your inbox and make sure to mark your calendars. This is a popular event with plenty of vendors, information and giveaways!

IT download

A message from Jako Van Blerk

Multi-Factor Authentication - Why?

To significantly enhance our cybersecurity posture, we are implementing County-wide Multi-factor authentication (MFA) throughout June. This crucial initiative adds an essential layer of security beyond passwords, safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining operational continuity making it substantially harder for unauthorized individuals. MFA is vital for protecting the County from evolving cyber threats and ensuring the integrity of our critical services.

In today's digital world, email accounts are often the gateway to sensitive personal and professional information. A compromised email can lead to identity theft, data breaches, and unauthorized access to other connected accounts. MFA significantly enhances email security by requiring more than just a password to log in. By adding an extra layer of verification—such as a one-time code sent to a mobile device, or authentication app approval—MFA makes it much harder for cybercriminals to gain access, even if they obtain your password.

Passwords alone are no longer enough to protect against increasingly sophisticated hacking methods. MFA ensures that, even if a password is compromised, a second verification step is still needed. This added hurdle greatly reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, making email accounts far more secure. In fact, many cybersecurity experts consider enabling MFA one of the simplest yet most effective defenses against cyber threats.

Beyond individual protection, using MFA also safeguards businesses and organizations by reducing the risk of data leaks and financial fraud. With email often used as a primary communication tool for internal and client interactions, the impact of a breach can be devastating. Implementing MFA across all user accounts not only protects sensitive information but also demonstrates a commitment to cybersecurity best practices. In an era where digital trust is crucial, multi-factor authentication is no longer optional—it’s essential.

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:

July – Carol’s Angels and Warriors

August – Community Housing Network

August 31 – Sparkle Network Inc.

Paw Prints

Macomb County, it’s hot out there and it’s not just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous.

Never Leave Pets in a Hot Car
Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a vehicle can skyrocket to fatal levels in just minutes. Heatstroke can kill in under 15 minutes. If you’re running errands, leave your pets safely at home.

Outside with No Shade or Water? Absolutely Not.
Pets don’t sweat like we do. Dogs, cats, and livestock all rely on us to keep them cool and safe. That means access to fresh water, shaded shelter, and ideally, cooler indoor spaces. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.

Don’t Forget Livestock
Farm animals need protection too…shelter from the sun, good airflow and plenty of clean water are essentials, not luxuries.

It’s Not Just Kindness, It’s the Law
Animal neglect during extreme heat is illegal. If you see an animal in distress, don’t hesitate — call your local police department right away.

The Good News? Macomb County Steps Up.
We know our community cares. By watching out for one another and for all animals, we can make it through this summer safely.

Stay cool. Stay kind. And let’s keep all our animal friends safe.