Macomb Matters - March 2026 Issue 102

Message from Mark
Employee News and Accolades
Celebrating employee milestones
Employee Focus
Retiree spotlight
Mental Health Matters Awards to celebrate people making an impact
For your benefit
MSU-E Corner
HealthStyles
Walking together to keep Macomb County warm
Reasonably priced trees and plants now available through annual Macomb County sale
IT download
Providing support by keeping it casual
Pawprint
News Nook
Blog Log
Events

Message from Mark

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Macomb Matters!

I’d like to begin this message with a special shoutout to our team at Macomb Community Action for organizing this year’s successful Walk for Warmth that was held this past Saturday. We saw more than 200 people, including representatives from across our departments and workforce. It was an incredible day, all focused on an incredible cause, and I want to thank everyone involved in making it one of the best walks yet.

Now, it’s the beginning of March and we’re on the cusp of daylight saving time, where we’ll get that extra hour of sunlight we’ve all been missing. It's only a matter of weeks before we’ll also begin to see warming temperatures and with that, the opportunity to regularly get outside and enjoy our 27 municipalities. From shopping in our downtown cores, to getting active along our trail systems, there’s so much to do. Don’t know where to start? Find inspiration for the months ahead at makemacombyourhome.com and on the Make Macomb Your Home Events Facebook page.

Outside of the warmer weather and sunshine, this season also brings the start of road construction season and National Work Zone Awareness Week. Over the next few months, you’ll see the hard-working crews from the Macomb County Department of Roads out on projects across our community. So please do your part to protect these workers by following this annual guidance:

Plan ahead. Expect delays, plan for them and leave early to reach your destination on time. When you can, avoid work zones altogether by using alternate routes.
Obey road crews and signs. When approaching a work zone, watch for cones, barrels, signs, large vehicles or workers in bright-colored vests to warn you and direct you where to go.
Slow down. Look for signs indicating the speed limit through the work zone. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead of you and follow the posted speed limit.
Move over. Most state move-over laws apply when passing work crews and official vehicles parked on the shoulder with flashing warning lights.
Avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and off your phone at all times.
Watch for sudden stoppages. Don’t make sudden lane changes in front of trucks that are trying to slow down.

As you can see, it’s everyone’s responsibility when it comes to the safety of road workers. So be mindful when you get behind the wheel.

Outside of construction, we’ll begin to notice other signs of spring and early summer in Macomb County – and I’m thrilled. For our gardeners, we’ve got our Green Macomb tree and plant sale going on right now, which you can read about in this newsletter. We’ll also start to see the return of outdoor concerts at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill. And before you know it, annual festivals and parades will be a regular weekend occurrence. So it’s clear, there's a lot to look forward to in the weeks ahead and I for one am excited to see what’s ahead for Macomb. Let’s make this next season a good one.

Thanks and take care,

Mark

Employee news and accolades

Truck being filled with salt for the roads

County workers expertly handle tough winter season

The Macomb Matters team would like to give a huge shoutout to all of the county workers who have battled the snow and ice this season as part of their job. This includes teams from the Department of Roads, Public Works and F&O.

In the case of F&O, these individuals often work behind-the-scenes to ensure our sidewalks and facility entrances are clear of snow and ice free so employees and members of the public can access our buildings safely. Thank you to this hard-working team for their tireless efforts.

When winter weather hits, the Department of Roads (MCDR) is responsible for the maintenance of more than 1,700 miles of roads in Macomb County. MCDR trucks don’t operate themselves and don’t run on their own. They’re driven by maintenance professionals and kept on the road by skilled mechanics. Behind every piece of winter maintenance equipment is a team of professionals working behind the scenes to keep our fleet of more than 100 trucks, graders and snowplows on the road – no matter what day or time it is and no matter what the weather throws their way. More than 100 MCDR maintenance employees are ready 24/7 to keep the roads clear during the winter months, often working around the clock. Their dedication and commitment keeps our trucks working to ensure the roads are as safe as possible for all Macomb County motorists. A big kudos to all of these of individuals.

Finally, our team at Public Works is doing phenomenal work above and below ground this season. Per Commissioner Candice S. Miller:

“At the Public Works Office, we have immense respect and gratitude for our drain maintenance team, our soil erosion/soil control inspectors and construction inspectors and, quite frankly, all county workers who have endured the very cold temperatures and snow while working outdoors this season in service to county residents and fellow employees. We appreciate all of you!”

Macomb County Health Department completes transition to an all-new Electronic Health Record System

Kudos to the Macomb County Health Department on its recent completion of a transition to an all-new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. The name of the new EHR system is Patagonia Health and is a clear upgrade over its 20-year-old predecessor. Patagonia Health offers the Heath Department and the clients they serve more streamlined documentation, improved data accuracy and better connectivity with other providers and community resources. The bottom line? Patagonia Health helps provide staff better tools to deliver coordinated, high-quality care.

The EHR update impacts ten Macomb County Health Department programs, including Hearing and Vision, Immunizations, STI, Family Planning, three Maternal Health Home Visiting programs, Tuberculosis Control, School Immunizations Waiver program, and Children’s Special Health Care Services. Throughout the transition process, there was no interruption to services.

The transition to Patagonia Health required significant coordination and collaboration between the Macomb County Information Technology Department, the Health Department’s Informatics team and Patagonia Health to securely transfer decades of data and train staff.

Since the transition – which was effective the week of December 8, 2025 – Health Department staff have been ramping-up use of the new system and making system and process modifications and improvements to maximize the quality of care for those served by the Health Department.

HRLR employee welcomes first Macomb County baby of 2026

Big congrats to Stacy Flemming, an HRLR employee, who rang in 2026 with the birth of her newborn baby, Julia Elizabeth Flemming! She was born at 12:03 a.m. Jan. 1 at the Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township. Her original due date was Dec. 26, but she held on just a little longer so she could be the first Macomb County baby born in 2026.

Celebrating employee milestones

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

January

February

March

Employee focus

Kristin Deceuninck, program supervisor with Head Start

Let’s get to know another member of Macomb County’s workforce! In this edition of Employee Focus, we feature Kristin Deceuninck, a program supervisor with Head Start.

What is your current position and what do you do?
I am currently a program supervisor at the Macomb County Head Start 0-5 program. I have worked for the county/Head Start for over 26 years.

What led you to this career and what are some of the challenges you face?
I enjoy helping families, and empowering them to better themselves and their families. It is challenging when resources are slim and there isn't a way to help the family, or when sometimes the families are not ready to help themselves.

What have you found most rewarding about your career?
I always say that working for Head Start is a paycheck of the heart. It is rewarding to see families grow and excel.

What attracted you to a career at Macomb County?
I have lived in Macomb County my whole life, I wanted to make an impact in our county.

Briefly describe your education/alma mater.|
I graduated from Oakland University with a degree in Human Service and Development with a specialization in Training and Design.

Briefly tell us about your family (pets count too!).
I am currently a single mom. My son will be 21 this year. I just recently got engaged, and my future stepdaughter and grandson are currently living with us. We have 2 dogs, 2 cats and my son has a bearded dragon. Life at my house is never boring.

What do you like to do outside of work?
I enjoy being active and going on adventures. My fiancé and I have a permanent campsite (May - October ) in Port Sanilac. We enjoy spending our weekends at the lake. I also love to be creative, and I enjoy taking art classes to learn new things.

Briefly describe something you are passionate about, or a philosophy you embrace, or a topic that matters greatly to you, etc. (your choice).
I am passionate about photography. I enjoy capturing the beauty of simple things. I have always been intrigued with taking pictures. Both my dad and my brother were into photography, so I would tag along with them a photograph what I saw. The best things in life are the people you love, the places you have seen, and the memories you have made along the way.

Retiree spotlight

The Macomb Matters team would like to congratulate three employees on their recent retirement. Thank you for your years of service, hard work and dedication to the county and its residents!

Family sitting in front of a Christmas tree

John Brennan - Hire Date: August 2010

What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?
I will miss my coworkers the most. The people I’ve worked with over the years have made the job meaningful and enjoyable.

What are you most proud of in your career with Macomb County?
I’m most proud of the changes we implemented during COVID to continue serving and taking care of the public during such a challenging time. It was a difficult period, but we adapted and made it work.

Post-retirement plans?
I’m looking forward to relaxing and enjoying retirement, focusing on getting my wife healthy, and doing some traveling.

Any words of advice?
Work hard, take pride in what you do… and don’t root for Michigan. Go Green!

Tammy Brennan - Hire Date: December 2000

What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?
I will miss my team the most. We are truly like family. We’ve been through so many ups and downs over the years, including changes in clerks, but we always stayed true to who we are and supported one another.

What are you most proud of in your career with Macomb County?
I’m most proud of my work as a supervisor and what I was able to contribute to the Clerk’s Office—especially in strengthening customer service and helping people in our community. Making a positive difference for residents has always meant a lot to me.

Post-retirement plans?
First, I plan to focus on improving my health. After that, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my grandkids and family and traveling with John.

Any words of advice?
Stay true to yourself, work hard and build strong rapport with your coworkers. The relationships you build along the way truly matter.

Meghan Cassidy - Hire Date: March 11, 1996

What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?
I have been very fortunate to work with such wonderful, kind and caring people. The senior office assistants I worked with at the Prosecutor’s Office were always supportive and thoughtful when I was experiencing something to celebrate as well as dismal. My years at Michigan State University Extension have been very educational both professionally and personally. My office manager and coworkers have been the nicest, brightest and genuinely happiest people to work with. As my career comes to an end, I am grateful to have become friends with the best of the best.

What are you most proud of in your career with Macomb County?
My proudest moment with the county does not revolve around a career achievement. Again, it has been a series of knowing and working with such successful and dedicated coworkers. Including attorneys in the Prosecutor’s Office in District Court, Circuit Court, Court of Appeals and the Paternity Division whose work within the justice system resulted in the community feeling safer, and justice being served. I worked with Michigan State University Extension educators who have provided programming for the Master Gardeners of Macomb, 4-H club youth, Adulting 101 courses for teens and young adults, providing financial resources for housing, and educating about mental and physical wellness. In addition, educators have worked in India and Egypt educating about resources and healthy behaviors. Being involved with the educators and their programs is what I have been most proud to be involved with.

Post-retirement plans?
Anything I want to do. I am planning my summer trips to places in Michigan. I am googling overseas travel. I will be able to spend more time with my family and friends

Any words of advice?
Stay out of the sun so you can age gracefully. Actively work on saving and funding your retirement accounts. If you do you may not have to worry about finances when you retire and may possibly retire earlier.

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.

Mental Health Matters Awards to celebrate people making an impact

Nominations are now open for the 4^th annual Mental Health Matters Awards. Hosted by Macomb County Community Mental Health, these awards focus on celebrating those in the community who made a significant impact on mental health awareness and support. Eligible individuals and organizations can nominate themselves for one of the five categories:

Advocate Champion: An organization or individual who advocates for individuals living with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, or substance use diagnosis.
Caregiver Champion: A caregiver is someone who provides care to a MCCMH person served.
Provider Champion: A mental health or substance use provider within the MCCMH system who goes above and beyond in delivering services.
Community Partner Champion: An organization that partners with MCCMH to support and advocate for people served.
Self-Advocate Champion: An individual who is currently receiving or has received services from within the MCCMH system and advocates for themselves or others.

Local storyteller Amyre Makupson will join MCCMH in honoring the award winners. For more information and to access the nomination form, visit the Mental Health Matters website. Submissions close on April 21, 2026.

Submit your nomination for outstanding individuals and organizations in behavioral health by April 21, 2026, using this survey.

For your benefit

Final FSA spending

Attention Macomb County employees with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)! March 15 marks the annual grace period deadline for accounts. Meaning that is the last day for participants to spend their remaining funds from 2025.

Here are some spending tips courtesy of the Society of Human Resources Management:

Keep track of your FSA balance. Not sure how much you have left in your FSA? Contact your FSA administrator ahead of the deadline so you have time to spend down any remaining money.
Explore your eligible expenses. You can find information about covered expenses in your plan document or by contacting your FSA administrator. There are specific products and services that are and aren't eligible for FSA spending. You can view an online eligibility list of products and services that can be purchased using FSA dollars.
Use your FSA to shop for products. Health care products like breast pumps, first-aid kits, hot and cold therapy packs, and contact lenses are among thousands of other items covered by an FSA.
Use your FSA to pay for medical services. Use an FSA for co-pays and deductibles when visiting physicians, dentists, ophthalmologists, and for alternative medical services such as chiropractic care and acupuncture.

MSU-E Corner

Support for your family and the families they serve

Did you know MSU Extension offers free, online, research‑based classes for parents, grandparents, foster parents, and individuals who work with youth? We do!

These classes are designed to help caregivers and professionals build confidence, improve communication, and support a child’s development. Programs cover all age ranges — from infants and toddlers to teens and young adults — and they are practical, approachable, and easy to attend online from the comfort of home.

Whether you work in human services, public health, family court, early childhood, law enforcement, or family support services, you may meet parents who could benefit from additional guidance — but may not know where to start. Your familiarity with MSU Extension’s website and its parenting education classes could be exactly what a family needs to gain skills, confidence, and support at a crucial moment.

Please consider sharing the website as a helpful resource so families can access tools that strengthen communication, reduce stress, and promote healthy development for children of all ages. And remember — these classes aren’t just for the general public; they’re for you and your family, too!

If you would like to receive the monthly digital guide highlighting MSU Extension programs, please send them an email to be added to the distribution list.

Below are classes you can attend and recommend to others.

Extension Extras for Parents – Weekly Online Workshops

Tuesdays, 7:30 pm–9 pm

These sessions provide useful, real‑life tools for navigating everyday parenting challenges.

March 10, 2026 — Talking With Kids About Differences
This workshop takes a broad view of talking with kids about differences between people. These conversations acknowledge the differences that are around us and form the foundation for open and honest communication between adults and children.

March 17, 2026 — Exploring Parenting Styles
Have you ever noticed yourself saying something to your children that your parent said to you? Or have you ever wondered how to guide and support your children effectively, while still preparing them for independence? In this workshop we will explore and reflect on our parenting styles, how they have developed, the benefits and drawbacks of each kind of parenting style, and how to find a balance that best supports a strong family for you.

March 24, 2026 — Setting the Stage: Promoting Social-Emotional Health in Young Children
Social and emotional development, a critical aspect of overall brain development, begins at birth. Social-emotional skills are nurtured through daily routine, language and play. They are the foundations of social competence that affect a child’s ability to adapt in school and to form successful relationships throughout life. Learn about social emotional health, activities and resources that promote social emotional health, and explore ways to provide an environment that is responsive to social emotional health.

March 31, 2026 — Mathematics for Infants and Toddlers
This workshop will help participants learn about the five math concepts that infants and toddlers should be exposed to in natural ways throughout their day, explore ways to support early math learning, learn about ways to develop an early appreciation for math and ways to bring math into the outdoor environment.

Professional Development for the Early Childhood Workforce

MIRegistry hours available

These trainings support early childhood staff, childcare providers, and caregivers.

Importance of Outdoor Play
March 19, 2026, 7 pm–8:30 pm

Providers learn why structured outdoor play is important; what to do to increase the interest of kids that are reluctant to go outside; How to make the playground experience more meaningful; Techniques for engaging and responsive interactions between provider and child.

Understanding a Toddler’s World
March 27, 2026, 1 pm–2:30 pm

Toddlerhood can be challenging! This workshop helps you decode toddler behavior — from tantrums to biting — and offers strategies to make the “terrible twos” feel more like the “terrific twos.” Designed for caregivers of children ages 12 to 30 months.

HealthStyles

The Healthstyles Committee is proud to present the following opportunities for Macomb County employees. Please email healthstyles@macombgov.org to register.

Lunch and Learn Animal Control Tour
March 10; Noon-1 p.m.
Macomb County Animal Control

Lunch and Learn Continuous Learning with CMU
April 9; Noon-1 p.m.
Virtual

Red Cross employee blood drive
May 14; 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.
VerKuilen Building

Note: Every blood donor can save up to 3 lives!)

Walking together to keep Macomb County warm

A woman registers at a check in desk for a 5k walk to support a good cause

This article was contributed by Ed Scott, director, Macomb Community Action

It can be easy to take everyday comforts like heat and warmth for granted. For most, our homes, workplaces, stores we visit, restaurants we enjoy, and virtually countless places in our community offer a warm, comfortable environment. We’re very fortunate.

But many are not quite as fortunate. Maybe a furnace isn’t working properly, or not at all. Maybe an individual or family is unable to make ends meet and is at risk of losing gas/utility service. There are many reasons why individuals and families are facing the reality of cold days and even colder nights. The bottom line is that these people need help.

For the last 35 years, Macomb Community Action (MCA) has hosted Walk for Warmth, an annual community-based fundraising event that assists low-income individuals with heat-related emergencies like paying utility bills or repairing/replacing a broken furnace. To date, Walk for Warmth has raised over $800,000 for Macomb County residents in need. Our 36th annual event was held on Saturday, February 28 in downtown Mount Clemens. If you are reading this from anywhere in Southeast Michigan, you know that this winter has been brutal, with plenty of snow and bone-chilling temperatures. While many in our community have been able to remain warm and comfortable, others have not been as fortunate, and that’s why this year’s event was especially important.

Although Walk for Warmth is a terrific event that makes a real difference in our communities, it is a small example of the work we do every day to help diminish the effects of poverty. Last year, over 300 Macomb County residents facing potential homelessness were rapidly rehoused or were able to avoid eviction because of our programs. Over 900 children and families benefited from Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The Community Food Bank of Macomb County, through its network of 55 pantry partners, distributed 3.5 million pounds of food. That’s 150,000 households fed as a result of our efforts, and this is just a snapshot of the programs and resources we provide as an agency. To learn more, visit https://macombgov.org/mca

We see evidence of life-changing momentum every day. Progress is indeed possible when people come together. We are committed to serving our clients and are incredibly proud of the work we do.

Reasonably priced trees and plants now available through annual Macomb County sale

Hands pushing dirt on tree that was just planted

The Macomb County Parks and Natural Resources’ Green Macomb initiative and the Blue Water Conservation District have announced the 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 open now through April 1.

Items available for order include arborvitae, Douglas fir, Norway spruce, paper birch, redbud, red osier and more. Prices range from $7 to $55. 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 23 and 24 - Clinton Township Civic Center

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

Since the sale began nine years ago, more than 180,000 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.

IT download

Protect your identity and stay cyber safe this tax season

Tax season is officially upon us, and while most of us are focused on spreadsheets and refunds, cybercriminals are busy sharpening their tools. During this time of year, we see a significant spike in spoofing, phishing, and social engineering attacks. These scammers are experts at creating a false sense of urgency, often sending fraudulent emails, texts, or making phone calls that look like they’re coming directly from the IRS, TurboTax, Workday, or your bank. Their goal is simple: to trick you into handing over the keys to your financial life.

It is important to remember that professional organizations and government agencies will never ask for your sensitive data through an unsolicited text or email. If you receive an unexpected message requesting personal details or claiming there is a "problem" with your filing, take a breath and pause. Scammers rely on panic to bypass your better judgment. By staying calm and skeptical, you act as the first and strongest line of defense for both your personal assets and our company’s security.

To keep your data locked down, follow these simple but effective rules of engagement:

Do not respond to suspicious messages with any personal details.
Do not click links or download attachments in unexpected emails or texts.
Always log in directly to the official website or application (like Workday or your bank) to verify if a request is legitimate.

Beyond just avoiding suspicious links, practicing good "digital hygiene" can provide an extra layer of security. Ensure that you are using unique, complex passwords for your financial accounts and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This simple step means that even if a scammer manages to obtain your login credentials, they still can't access your account without that secondary code from your phone or authenticator app. Think of it as a deadbolt on your digital front door.

Protecting your information is about maintaining control over your digital footprint. Never share your Social Security number, passwords, or financial codes via email or phone. By staying vigilant and verifying every request at the source, you can ensure that the only person benefiting from your tax return this year is you.

Let’s keep our data secure and stay one step ahead of the scammers.

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.

2026 Casual Days will support:

January – North Star Junior Sailing
February – Love One Another
March – CARE of Southeastern Michigan
April – American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Northeast Macomb County
May – Macomb Symphony Orchestra
June – The Bettye Harris Larynx Cancer Awareness Center
July – Comprehensive Youth Services
August – The Resolution Center
September – Neighbors United – Helping Firefighters Fight Cancer
October – 4 Paws 1 Heart
November – Stahls Automotive Foundation
December – Turning Point
Special Casual Day (Months with a 5th Friday) – The Discovery Center

Paw Prints

Macomb County Animal Control, in partnership with the Martha T. Berry Foundation, has launched Martha’s Mutts, a new program connecting adoptable shelter dogs with residents at the Martha T. Berry Medical Care Facility.

The program features regular visits that bring residents, staff, volunteers and shelter dogs together for meaningful interaction and shared moments of joy. Residents benefit from companionship and engagement, while shelter dogs gain socialization and positive exposure as they await adoption.

All participating dogs are temperament-tested and accompanied by trained staff or volunteers to ensure a safe and positive experience.

Through this partnership, Macomb County Animal Control and the Martha T. Berry Foundation together are strengthening community connections while showing the powerful bond between people and animals.

For more information about Martha’s Mutts, adoption opportunities or volunteer involvement, contact Macomb County Animal Control at 586-469-5115.

To visit all the animals available for adoption, visit MacombAdopts.org