Macomb Matters September 2019 Issue 66

Message from Mark
Employee Focus - Kristen Sieloff
Employee Accolades
New Hires/Retirees
Meet the Health Department
Badges and Backpacks reports record results!
City Sneakers
What is a Flexible Spending Account?
For Your Benefit - A message from Andrew McKinnon
Perks at Work
Providing support by keeping it casual
MMYH Ambassadors
Paw Print
Recipe Corner - Apple Bread
Event Calendar
Blog Log
News Nook

Click for a pdf of Macomb Matters

Message from Mark

Welcome to Macomb Matters! I'm thrilled to share this edition of the newsletter as it features several stories around Macomb County employees and the work they do at their jobs and in their communities. For instance, there's a great piece on two Roads Department employees who helped the Sheriff stop a robbery. Then there's an article on City Sneakers, a Mount Clemens-based run/walk group organized by county employees. You'll even see a story about Macomb County Animal Control and how they helped reunite a lost dog with their owner -- all the way in Georgia!

I'm inspired by their impact and after reading through this edition of Macomb Matters, I'm sure you'll feel the same.

In closing, I'd like to thank our Macomb County employees for their hard work and dedication – including Deputy County Executive John Paul Rea and John Cwikla, who were both honored at the recent MISD Opening Day event. All of your efforts truly make Macomb a great place to call home.

If you have an idea for a story or would like to see a co-worker recognized for their good work (inside and outside of the office), please contact maria.zardis@macombgov.org. And be sure to embrace the season upon us by visiting a Macomb County orchard for fresh cider, hot doughnuts and u-pick apples.

Mark

Employee Focus

Kristen Sieloff, Director of Equalization

Kristen Sieloff has had an interesting career path. During the summer of 1988, as part of a co-op program, she worked as a clerical employee at the Macomb County Sheriff's Office. Four years later, in 1992, she transitioned to an afternoon shift clerk in the Prisoner Information Office. She then left the county in 1993 to work for the Shelby Township Clerk’s Office before moving into their Assessing Department, where she worked for 17 years. In 2011, Kristen left Shelby Township to become the director of Assessing for Independence Township. Then, in 2015, she rejoined Macomb County as the director of Equalization - a position she currently holds.

“So many people ask me: ‘What is Equalization?’” Kristen remarked. “The purpose of county equalization is to ensure that assessments determined at the local level are fair and equitable and in accordance with the law, and when necessary, to make corrections.”

It’s not an easy task. “We study sales and perform our own independent appraisals,” she explained. “Those appraisals are compared to the local unit assessments.” If the local units have met the proper requirements, the values are submitted to the county commissioners for approval. In the end, those values will be submitted to the state for the state equalization process. Kristen summed it up, saying: “It is this process which determines taxable values and subsequent property tax levies for each property within the county.”

“Let’s face it,” she said, “No one ever grew up saying they wanted to be a tax assessor.” But for Kristen, it isn’t really about assessing. “The process of property tax administration is a confusing one. It is absolutely necessary, but can sometimes be upsetting or even discouraging, depending on the day and which side of the counter you’re standing on… we’re all instructors to some degree.”

That is the part she finds rewarding. “I am an instructor and a mentor…we continually teach the public and each other the process and all aspects of property assessment. That has always been the part of the job I’ve loved. Helping others to understand why we do what we do, and why it’s so important to do it right.”

Kristen embraces her role as leader of the Equalization Department. “My goal is to create and maintain a healthy and rewarding work environment for my employees so that we may provide the highest level of service to our fellow county departments, local units, school districts, other taxing authorities and ultimately, the taxpayers.”

She mentioned her dad. “When I was just beginning my assessing career, my dad gave me something to think about. He said: ‘Never forget where you came from.’ Twenty-five years later, I haven’t. I strive to be the boss I wish I would’ve had, and to always make sure my employees know how much I value them. Everything that comes out of our department is a direct result of their dedication to their job and their very hard work. I am truly blessed to work side by side with such a talented and professional group of people.”

“The biggest challenge has been dealing with change,” she said. “In my profession, we are in a constant state of change.” For instance, there are changes in the law that affect procedures, and changes in technology. There are also significant changes in statutory duties, required education and training. But, while change is a challenge for a lot of people, Kristen, embraces it. “I am pleased to share that through the hard work and dedication of the department and the local units we serve, we’ve become more standardized within our county during the past four years than we’ve ever been, and we will continue that transformation in order to provide even better answers tomorrow.”

Outside of work, Kristen enjoys spending time with family and friends. Most of her family lives out of state, but she travels to visit them as often as possible. She is a single mother to her 20-year-old son, Danny, who she proudly describes as “wonderful.” On a nice day, you might see her out riding her Harley, referring to it as “wind therapy.” “I’ve seen some of the most beautiful places in Michigan and the islands of the Florida Keys while on two wheels.” She adds: “Look twice, save a life!”

Kristen holds a Michigan Master Assessing Officer (Level 4) designation with the Michigan Department of Treasury – State Tax Commission, and an Accredited Senior Appraiser designation in Real Property through the American Society of Appraisers.

Employee Accolades

Department of Roads Crime Stoppers

Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) employees are keeping the streets safe in more ways than one. Paul Schmidt and Sean Mullins, part of the highway maintenance team at MCDR, recently helped the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office catch two burglars red-handed in Harrison Township.

While driving to a project site in July, Schmidt and Mullins noticed two individuals behaving suspiciously and witnessed them taking two bicycles from a home on Mallast Street. Recognizing something was off, the two promptly notified the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office. The two suspects, who were also wanted for other activities in the area, were immediately apprehended.

“From traffic incidents and roadway hazards to suspicious activity, a lot can happen on the roads,” said Bryan Santo, director of the Department of Roads. “Not only are our employees dedicated to providing the county with a quality road system, they are also committed to our community.”

The Macomb Matters team would like to recognize Paul and Sean for going above and beyond for the county. Thank you!

(Pictured above: Paul Schmidt; Sean Mullins was not available for a photo)

John Babcock

The Macomb Matters team would also like to congratulate John Babcock, an employee with Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works!, on his selection as a 2019 Michigan Works! Annual Conference Shining Star award winner. The Shining Star award celebrates Michigan Works! Agency frontline staff who, through dedication and outstanding contributions to workforce development, personifies the Michigan Works! mission.

John started with Macomb/St. Clair Michigan Works! in 2009 and has worked in several of the agency’s program areas. Most notably, he is part of the career planning team that facilitates the Macomb/St. Clair Veterans’ Employability Boot Camp, a weeklong job seeker training for veterans and spouses of veterans. John’s personal interactions with the veterans and relationships with local partners enable a well-rounded offering of services for this population.

John also regularly volunteers for tasks within Michigan Works! Recently, he took the lead on redesigning the resume workshop that is offered in the career centers. He was also one of the first staff members to help with the agency’s social media, creating and directing a video blog (“Guy with a Tie”) aimed at educating online audiences.

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication, John. And again, congratulations on the Shining Star award!

John Paul Rea and John Cwikla

Each year the Macomb Intermediate School District hosts an Opening Day ceremony that includes performances by MISD students and special awards for staff, businesses and individuals. Two of this year's honorees were John Paul Rea and John Cwikla, both from the Office of the County Executive. John Paul Rea was recognized for his leadership and strong commitment to economic development in Macomb County communities and for his stewardship in helping to improve quality of life. John Cwikla was honored for his more than 40 years of service to the citizens of Macomb County through his influence with local, state and national media. His leadership, commitment and ability to make connections and report positive accomplishments for the community makes a difference every day. Thank you both for your hard work and dedication.

New Hires/Retirees

Kim Green retires after 30 years with the county!

The Macomb Matters team is pleased to recognize Kim Green on her retirement from Macomb County! Kim served as a crime victim rights coordinator for the Prosecutor’s Office. She recently reflected on her years of service for this newsletter.

What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?

I will miss the Crime Victim’s Rights Unit staff. This group of dedicated and knowledgeable women provide rights and services to victims of crime in Macomb County. They truly care for victims and do their best to help them through a difficult time. They are amazing and excellent at their jobs.

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

When I started in the Crime Victim’s Rights Unit, we had four staff members who were responsible for providing crime victim rights. I wrote grants and secured funding so that by the time I left, we had 10 staff members in the Crime Victim’s Rights Unit. I am proud that I was able to grow the unit and provide more services to crime victims in Macomb County.

What are your post-retirement plans?

My post retirement plans include: Watching my grandson, reading and traveling.

On behalf of the Macomb Matters team, congratulations on your well-deserved retirement Kim!

Click here for a list of New Hires/Retirees

Meet the Health Department

County departments and employees serve our local community in a number of ways. Together, we make Macomb a great place to live, work and play. To help our readers better understand the various jobs and tasks we all take on, the Macomb Matters team recently launched a new feature where we ‘meet’ a new department every issue.

In this edition, you’ll learn more about the Macomb County Health Department (MCHD), which works to protect and promote the health and well-being of all those who live, work and play in the county through more than two dozen programs with over 250 staff. MCHD, a state of Michigan accredited Health Department, provides services at six different buildings spread throughout the county. Department programs and interventions support state and local public health laws and regulations, as well as utilize evidence-based prevention strategies and best practices. Programs include:

The Family Health Services Division, which offers a wide variety of personal health services to promote wellness and provide health information for the residents of Macomb County. Programs within FHS include:
- Family Planning
- Immunizations
- Maternal Child Health Outreach
- Nurse Family Partnership
- Community Public Health Nursing
The Environmental Health Division, which works to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all county residents. Programs within EH include:
- Bathing Beach and Surface Water Quality
- Community Health and Safety
- Emergency Preparedness
- Food Service Sanitation
- Groundwater Protection
- Property Transfer Regulation
- Septic System Waste Management
The Community Health Planning and Promotion Division, which works to improve opportunities for healthy living. CHPP uses a data driven approach to address social determinants of health, reduce barriers and provide education and outreach in the community. Programs within CHPP include:
- Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS)
- Health Planning
- Healthy Communities
- Hearing and Vision Screening
- WIC (Women, Infants & Children Supplemental Nutrition Program)
The Disease Control Division, which focuses on reducing the occurrence and impact of communicable disease on residents of Macomb County through surveillance, investigation, education and testing. Programs within DC include
- Communicable Disease Surveillance
- Foreign Travel and Health Information
- HIV Counseling and Testing
- School Immunization Program
- Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Clinic
- Tuberculosis Control
The Office of the Medical Examiner, whose duty is to investigate deaths and determine the cause and manner of death for all cases that fall under the office’s jurisdiction. The Macomb County Office of the Medical Examiner is a Nationally Accredited Medical Examiner Office that:
- Conducts autopsies, forensic examinations and death investigations
- Reviews and approves cremation permits
- Provides annual statistics for number, cause and manner of deaths in the county

“Our exceptional public health workforce are hard at work protecting the environment, providing care and services to our most vulnerable residents and promoting health and wellness through many programs focused on prevention,” said William Ridella, director/health officer for the department. “Today's local health departments are evolving to become “Chief Health Strategists” within their communities, and in Macomb County, our strong partnerships across many sectors challenge us to engage, inspire and collaborate to achieve the healthiest Macomb for all residents.”

All told, the MCHD has a significant impact on our community. Here are just a few of the 2018 statistics, which truly speak for themselves:

Family Health Services administered vaccinations to almost 24,000 adults and children.
FHS also conducted 982 home visits to children and pregnant women, provided reproductive health services to almost 1,500 residents and hosted 131 community Hepatitis A clinics.
The Environmental Health Program continued to protect Macomb County’s environment by conducting 8,200 compliance inspections of restaurants, well water systems and septic systems.
Public health emergency preparedness program volunteers educated 2,110 students on understanding and responding to a household and/or community emergency.
The Disease Control Nurses investigated almost 9,000 infectious and communicable disease cases in the county.
Community Health Planning and Promotion conducted 96,490 childhood hearing and vision screenings.
The Office of the Medical Examiner conducted 692 forensic examinations and investigated almost 3,100 death cases.

This work has been recognized both locally and nationally. For instance, just recently, the Macomb County Health Department was honored with the Model Practice Award at the 2019 Annual Conference of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). The award celebrates local health departments for developing programs that demonstrate exemplary and replicable best practices in response to critical local public health needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about MCHD’s accomplishments, its overall mission and the programs that it offers, visit its website here. And if you have questions, reach out or stop by one of the six locations. Whether you need a simple vaccination or help for a friend or neighbor (with or without insurance!) – please know that the Macomb County Health Department is a community resource for everyone.

Badges and Backpacks reports record results!

In the last edition of Macomb Matters, the team published information about a Badges and Backpacks initiative designed to deliver backpacks filled with supplies to school-aged children in need. Donations of backpacks and school supplies were accepted until August 2. Julie Juncaj, administrative assistant to Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, spearheaded the drive and said that although getting the supplies together and stuffing the backpacks is not an easy task, “every second is worth it, knowing that you are helping a child in need and putting smiles on their faces.”

Donations in 2019 far surpassed those received in previous years - with 404 backpacks stuffed and distributed to four area schools (Chippewa Valley, L’Anse Creuse, Mt. Clemens and New Haven). All donations for the initiative came from the Macomb County Human Resources and Labor Relations Department, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and Reserve Units, Fraternal Order of Police – State Lodge of Michigan (Lodge #187), On Duty Gear, L’anse Cruese Math, Science and Technology Program and of course, private citizens throughout Macomb County.

In addition to the donations from the above organizations and individuals, the Macomb Diamond Challenge Charity Softball Game netted approximately $1,100, which will be used for the 2020 Badges and Backpacks initiative.

City Sneakers

Creating a healthier community ‘stride by stride’

Sometimes it seems that Tuesdays are worse than Mondays. On Mondays, you can chat with your co-workers about the weekend. On Tuesdays, there’s only Monday to talk about. Unless you decide to join City Sneakers, a running/walking club taking Mount Clemens by storm! Then you can talk about the adventures that await you Tuesday evening.

City Sneakers is a non-competitive group dedicated to creating a healthier community “stride by stride.” It’s free to join, and walkers/runners of all ages are welcome. Each Tuesday, participants meet at a different downtown Mt. Clemens restaurant at 5:45 p.m. Walking/running begins promptly at 6 p.m., and walkers/runners can choose a two-mile, four-mile or six-mile route. Once they’ve completed their route and returned to the restaurant, they can stay for food, drink and friendly conversation.

Nicole Urban, program manager for the Office of Senior Services, has been a part of the group since its inception. She’d been running on her own for a while, and was looking for like-minded individuals. She even started taking her nephew, Sean. “For the last three years, we come every Tuesday and have both made so many new friendships,” she said.

Jack Johns, project manager in the Planning and Economic Development Department, also participates and echoed Nicole’s positive statements. “Besides the economic impact that City Sneakers brings, it is way more than just a walking and running group to me. It is a night out to hang with close friends that I only met because of the group that I walk and run with on Tuesday nights.” One of Jack’s favorite experiences was the group’s participation in a Polar Bear Plunge. The event was sponsored by Michigan Law Enforcement and it raised funds for the Macomb County Special Olympics. “It was eight degrees out,” he said. “What a rush!” Jack is looking forward to a repeat this year. “What is so amazing (about City Sneakers) is the size of this group, run by volunteers, and the amount of good that has come from it.”

Lauri Cowhy, senior communications specialist in the Planning and Economic Development Department, also has accolades for the group and the program, calling it a “fun and friendly Tuesday evening out of the house...I have so many memories or great moments.” “It has two parts for me,” she added. “Personal connections…it has not only helped me be a better runner, but I have made so many friends. Being on the planning committee has been very rewarding. I have seen and helped the group grow year after year. Hour Detroit Magazine named us one of the top five run groups in southeast Michigan. Tuesday night run group is like the new Friday night!”

The next event is Tuesday, October 1. Meet up with the group at the Rec Bowl, and you’ll have plenty of fun things to talk about at the water cooler on Wednesday, October 2!

For more information, visit their web page here.

What is a Flexible Spending Account?

Open Enrollment is just around the corner, so it’s a good time to sit down with your benefit summaries and decide which benefit plan is right for you and your family. As usual, if you are happy with your current plan, you can do nothing and it will all roll-over into next year – EXCEPT – your Flexible Spending Account. If you want to participate in a Flexible Spending Account, you MUST re-enroll on a yearly basis.

So, what exactly is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? The county offers two different types. One is an account for dependent care. The funds can be used for children under the age of 13, and the children must be “claimable” as a dependent on the employee’s taxes. This account allows employees to fund dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis. The funds are only available after the employee has deposited them into the account.

The other is an account for medical expenses. Money deposited into this account can be used to pay for qualifying services or for qualifying purchases, including some over-the-counter items (per IRS guidelines). This is a “front-loaded” program. The full amount will be deposited by the employer into the account, and available to use, on January 1 of each year. Enrollees are provided with a debit card to access the funds (alternatively, the employee can submit a claim form). Employees who sign up for the medical FSA will be asked to pre-select the amount of money they’d like to contribute to the account. The employer then deducts the full amount from the employee’s pay over the 26 pay periods. For example, if an employee decides to have $1,300 placed in the account, the employer will deduct $50 from each paycheck throughout the year. It’s a pre-tax deduction.

These programs are regulated by the IRS, so there are some guidelines that must be followed. It’s important to note that, per IRS guidelines, these benefits are a “use it or lose it” proposition. Unused funds are forfeited and do not “roll-over.” Employees can prevent this loss by carefully estimating their future expenses. A worksheet to help employees calculate their projected medical expenses is available here. Questions? Contact HRLR.

For Your Benefit

A message from Andrew McKinnon

Announcing a new Mother’s Room

This is one of the more exciting announcements that I have had the pleasure of making in this “For Your Benefit” section of Macomb Matters. The Executive’s Office, with the help of Facilities and Operations, Human Resources and the 16th Judicial Circuit Court, has created a Mother’s Room. This is a space for working mothers to breastfeed, or express breast milk, in a comfortable, quiet and private environment.

The room is located on the 13th floor of the Old County Building, in a space that has been completely transformed. We chose this place for its seclusion, while also being directly in the center of our central campus. Once the room was identified, HRLR chose colors and had the room painted Lavender Haze. We then moved in comfortable seating, a table and hung appropriate artwork on the walls. As you will see in the accompanying photos, it turned out really nice.

My predecessor, Karen Bathanti, began this work and without her we would not have this space today. She originally looked into “pods” that could be placed throughout the county. Unfortunately, those cost tens of thousands of dollars and they just weren’t feasible. Additionally, they would have been installed in public spaces and using them may not have been the most comfortable experience. The new Mother’s Room that we created cost the county less than $1,000 in labor, materials and decorating. Additionally, it is very private and located near a single-use bathroom.

While the Department of Labor does not require the county to provide a dedicated space for this purpose, it does require a private space and reasonable breaks. We were allowed to go above and beyond and I am grateful to the Executive’s Office for that and for assisting us in creating an ever more inclusive workplace.

For any new or expectant mothers who are interested in using this space, please contact our office so that we can arrange access. Additionally, if you are a new or expectant mother and you aren’t working on our central campus, please reach out to your department head or HRLR so that we can assist you with finding a space in your building where you can feel comfortable as well.

Perks at Work

Perks at Works is pleased to announce a new exclusive discount for Macomb County employees. The Macomb Athletic Club (MAC) in Mount Clemens is offering a 45 percent discount on their membership as follows:

$49 to start (with four free personal training sessions, including partner-assisted stretch therapy) and $25 per month (secure pricing)

MAC is proud to be a locally owned athletic club located in the heart of Macomb County.

Check out what they offer in their 20,000-square-foot facility:

21,000 pounds in free weights and dumbbells up to 180 pounds
Group Fitness Classes seven days a week
Boxing and Bootcamp
Kids Club six days a week
Newly renovated locker rooms and dry saunas
“The Yard” – a covered outdoor training area

MAC is located at 40 N. Groesbeck Highway in Mount Clemens. Stop in, show your Macomb ID, and take advantage of this offer. For more information visit https://macombathleticclub.com/. Or, contact Membership Advisor Garry Sparkman at 586-493-9393 or gsparkman.macgym@gmail.com

Providing support by keeping it casual

Start thinking about what charities you would like to see supported through the Macomb County Board of Commissioners Casual Day Program, because nominations will open soon. Come October, employees can expect to see an email detailing how they can nominate a charity to be considered as a recipient for the 2020 Casual Day Program. This program started in 1994 and, through the generous support of employees, has raised $702,000 for various charities. Let’s keep this momentum going and raise additional funds in the months of October and November to support the organizations detailed below.

Macomb County Warming Center - Casual Days: October 4, 11, 18, 25

For the month of October, donations received through the Casual Day Program will benefit the Macomb County Warming Center. The mission of this charity is to provide a safe, warm place for individuals to spend the night and receive nourishing evening and morning meals. In addition to helping individuals find a safe place to stay when they otherwise have nowhere to go, the Macomb County Warming Center also helps individuals find medical care, employment and permanent housing. For more information on this organization and the programs they offer, click here.

Turning Point - Casual Days: November 1, 8, 15, 22

Turning Point will receive funds raised through the Casual Day Program for the month of November. Turning Point’s mission is to provide programs and resources that enable victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to regain control of their lives. The organization serves the community by providing education on the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault while also advocating for victims. They also offer a variety of programs and assistance, including a 24-hour crisis line, which can be reached at 586-463-6990. For more information on this organization, click here.

Macomb Food Program - Casual Day: November 27

The Macomb Food Program provides food at no cost to a network of more than 60 pantries and hunger relief missions in Macomb County. For more information click here.

MMYH Ambassadors

Dining Senior Style

Welcome to MMYH Ambassadors! Where all you need to do is read this article and take the quiz for a chance to win cool county swag! Why do all this? Well, as a county employee you can help guide your family, friends and neighbors to important programs that fit their needs. Our goal with this ambassador section is to help you get to know these programs.

So let’s get started. In this edition, we highlight Dining Senior Style, a program provided through Macomb Community Action. Dining Senior Style is a daily lunch program that provides an opportunity to have a well-balanced meal while engaging in social activities with peers, like card games, seasonal parties and crafts. The program is offered at 22 locations throughout Macomb County and staff work hard to ensure each meal meets recommended dietary guidelines.

Seniors must be aged 60 or older to participate in Dining Senior Style. Spouses of those 60 and older can participate in the program, regardless of their age. Lunch is served on a "first come, first-served" basis, Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted. A $3 contribution is suggested for each meal. All donations go directly back into the program to help serve more seniors.

To learn more about the program, and to find a location serving seniors near you, click here.

Now - think you’re ready to complete the ambassador quiz? Click here to get started and stay tuned for the next issue, where we’ll cover a new topic.

Paw Print

Greetings from Chief Randazzo!

Macomb County Animal Control urges all pet owners to get chips for their pets. Not crunchy or ruffled or nacho-cheese flavored. I’m referring to micro-chips – small, readable devices implanted under your pet’s skin. If your pet is ever lost and then found, animal clinic locations everywhere have chip readers and can help reunite pets and owners.

For instance, in early 2018, Missy, a terrier mix from Tennessee, went missing. In July 2019, she turned up in Michigan. Of course, we didn’t know it was Missy when she was brought to us here at MCAC. We only knew we had a terrier mix on our hands. But after reading her chip, we learned Missy’s true identity and found contact information for her owner, Marcelle Alleyne. Marcelle was thrilled to hear from us, but she now resided in Georgia. So after making sure Missy was well enough to travel, we prepared to drive her home. Fortunately, we were spared the 20-hour round trip when Don Reinhold, owner of Flying D Horse Farm in Oxford, offered to fly her on his private aircraft. About 18 months after she vanished, Missy was reunited with Marcelle. We were delighted to be a part of this reunion, as was Mr. Reinhold, who refused compensation for his efforts.

MCAC takes pride in the way we care for and protect the animals in our custody. When we have unclaimed animals suitable for adoption, we groom them, give them vaccines and medications as needed, spay or neuter and then – always – we micro-chip them. Because chips work! Missy is proof.

If you’re interested in micro-chipping your pet (which we can do at reduced rate!), please get in touch at 586-469-5115. And for more of Missy’s incredible story, as well as a heartwarming video of her reunion with her owner, please check out The Macomb Daily story here.

(Featured images by The Macomb Daily)

Recipe Corner - Apple Bread

2 eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup applesauce, unsweetened
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 cups apples, chopped or grated

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat the eggs in a large bowl then add the sugar, applesauce, oil and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Sift flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Add the dry ingredients and apples to the first mixture and ensure all the ingredients are blended. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for one hour.

The Macomb Matters Committee would like to thank the hard-working staff at MSU Extension for their recipe contributions. For more information about the programs MSU Extension offers, please click here.

Apple Bread Nutrition Facts

Serving size 1 1/2 inch slice - 16 servings per recipe
Calories……………………………………… 140calories
Fat………………………….………………… 4.5g
Saturated fat………………………...........… 0.5g
Cholesterol…………………......…………… 20mg
Sodium………………….…………………… 150mg
Carbohydrate…………………......………… 23g
Fiber……………………….....……………… 2g
Sugars…………………….....……………… 10g
Protein……………………….……………… 3g
Vitamin A…………………….……………… 0%
Calcium……………………………………… 2%
Vitamin C…………………….……………… 2%
Iron……………………...…………………… 4%

*Recipe courtesy of Michigan State University Extension.

Event Calendar

New! Be sure to check out the new calendar feature on InsideMacomb, our intranet homepage.

Make Macomb Your Home also maintains a comprehensive calendar of community events. Be sure to check it when you are looking for ways to enjoy Macomb with friends and family: