County Communicator 2/17/23 Edition

COUNTY COMMUNICATOR FEBRUARY 17,2023

IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION FOR FUTURE COUNTY COMMUNICATORS: EMAIL HANNAH STACHNIK

WELCOME NEW HIRES Mandy Gates Emergency Telecommunicator Logan Wilson

FEBRUARY

Accountant Alissa Topping Environmental health Tech.

2023

Santos Delacruz Emergency Telecommunicator

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Upcoming

Events

YETI FEST

February

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Events for the whole family abound at this annual event celebrating the mythical Yeti!

On the agenda: a scavenger hunt (with 200 clues!), games and crafts, a chili cookoff, silent disco, figure skating on the public rink and more! Click here for all the details!

INTER-LOCH-NESS 3-COUNTY ICE FISHING DERBY Here's your chance to win excellent cash payouts for landing a prize catch!

Pre-register at Long Lake Grocery, 9374 N. Long Lake Road in Traverse City and then fish in any body of water in Grand Traverse, Leelanau or Benzie counties.

All legal types of fishing are allowed including fishing from a boat in Lake Michigan. Three will be five divisions - lake trout, pike, perch, walleye and bluegill.

You may enter as many divisions as you like! Fish can be weighed in at the Long Lake Grocery during store hours throughout the tournament. For more info on the official rules, call 946-4249.

Awards ceremony will be on Sunday at 3:00 PM at Long Lake Grocery.

THE TURTLE CREEK 250 SNOWMOBILE RACE Turtle Creek Casino and Hotel is proud to partner with the Midwest International Racing Association (MIRA) to host the "Turtle Creek 250" snowmobile race on January 28-29, 2023. If you like NASCAR racing, then you are sure to enjoy our Turtle Creek 250! Because it's basically, NASCAR on ice! The snowmobiling race will take place in the open field near the Acme Meijer store on M-72, where dozens of race teams from throughout the Midwest will come to compete on a newly created frozen ice track.

2023 TRAVERSE CITY RESTAURANT WEEK

Feb/March Here's a special week-long opportunity to experience

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first-hand the world-class cuisine Traverse City has to offer! Many local restaurants will be pulling out all the stops to create mouth-watering specialties (at special prices, too!) for your culinary enjoyment.

MEET YOUR COMMISSIONER

LAUREN FLYNN District 2

Lauren Flynn was elected to serve District 2 on the Grand Traverse County Commission in November of 2022 to her first term. District 2 includes precincts Traverse City 7 and Garfield Township 4, 6, & 7. With her father working for General Motors, she grew up in Grand Blanc, Michigan south of Flint. After attending CMU and living in South Carolina and Florida, Lauren returned to Michigan 19 years ago to raise her children and settled in Traverse City. She has two daughters, Rachel (19) and Allison (17). Rachel is currently a student at Ferris State University, and Allison is attending Greenspire High School.

As a single mother in Traverse City, Lauren worked many different positions in industries such as, hospitality, real estate, retail, and higher education, sometimes working more than one position at a time.

Lauren went back to school at Davenport University to earn her Bachelor’s in Business Administration and continuing to earn her Master’s in Business Management. Because she experienced as a young working mother what so many citizens in Grand Traverse County still face, affordable housing, finding daycare, lack of mental health services, she wanted to give back to the community that helped her through and serve as a County Commissioner to help solve the issues and crises in our community. As a new Commissioner, she has been appointed to the Economic Development Corporation, Veteran’s Committee, Networks Northwest, and Northern Nexus. Lauren serves on the board of Generations Ahead, a non-profit that supports teen parents in Grand Traverse County and is the Director of Operations for the Grand Traverse County Democrats.

myGTC RESOURCES GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY UNIVERSITY

myGTC

PAGE 5 UPCOMING HOLIDAYS OFF

Have you checked out GTCU? County employees now have access to a wide variety of training materials for onboarding, Microsoft 365 and myGTC. GTCU is housed in SharePoint, and can be accessed here. Your login will be the same as your Outlook email login and

February 20th - Presidents Day

password.

Other ways to access SharePoint: 1. Browser Outlook(Email) 2. Desktop Outlook (Email) Watch a tutorial on how to access SharePoint here.

VIDEO TUTORIAL ON FLIPBOOK Things you can do in myGTC: Just a few things we would like to highlight this month.

Update your 457(b) contributions, such as Nationwide or Mission Square - please note, going to the carrier website to update your contributions does not integrate with myGTC Open a new 457(b) plan, such as Nationwide or Mission Square.

Update your Federal and State W-4 Tax Elections Upload documents to your personal information such as - certifications, licenses, or anything required by your job description.

Update your contact information, address, phone number or personal email address.

Add or edit your Emergency Contacts

April 7th - Good Friday

myGTCWELCOMETIPS TO GTC JUDGE HAMLYN Things you can do in myGTC: Just a few things we would like to highlight this month.

Update your 457(b) contributions, such as Nationwide or Mission Square - please note, going to the carrier website to update your contributions does not integrate with myGTC Open a new 457(b) plan, such as Nationwide or Mission Square.

Update your Federal and State W-4 Tax Elections Upload documents to your personal information such as - certifications, licenses, or anything required by your job description.

Update your contact information, address, phone number or personal email address.

Add or edit your Emergency Contacts

COUNTY UPDATES

UPDATES

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GT COUNTY TO SURPLUS SALEHAMLYN WELCOME GTC JUDGE

What?

Grand Traverse County will be doing a surplus sale. The purpose of this event is to create an opportunity to clear our surplus property held at County facilities, freeing up space and capital.

When?

The Load will start on Thursday, May 18 (8:00 am‐2:00 pm). Sale days are Friday, May 19 (9:00 am‐3:00 pm), and Saturday, May 20 (8:00 am‐12:00 pm), and finally loadout will be on Monday, May 22 (8:00 am‐12:00 pm) How? Each department is asked to identify all saleable surplus property the department would like to include in the sale using this surplus item list by April 19, 2023. If any items you wish to sell are considered capital items (original cost $5,000+), please contact Dean Bott to determine if the item can be sold. The list will be provided to the Board of Commissioners with a request to declare the items surplus and eligible for sale Each department will need to coordinate delivery of surplus property to Howe Arena between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 18.

Departments will be assigned a space in the arena for their surplus items. All items must be clearly marked with a sale price and department identifier. A tag template will be provided to you as the sale draws closer.

Who? Departments will be responsible for delivering their items to Howe Arena on Thursday, May 18 and removing all unsold items from the arena on Monday, May 22. Items may not arrive earlier or be picked up outside of these dates. Limited dumpster space will be available on‐site. Facilities Management can accept limited requests for moving surplus equipment on a first‐ come‐first‐served basis. Each department will be expected to provide at least one representative from the department to be present at Howe Arena during the sale hours on Friday and Saturday. Representative may include monitoring the surplus equipment, assisting with loading, and taking payments. A sign‐ up sheet will be provided as the sale draws closer.

COUNTY UPDATES

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SHERRIFF'S OFFICE AWARD CEREMONY The Sheriff's Office will hold their annual Employee of the Year / Awards Presentation event on Wednesday, 2/22/23, at 3pm.The ceremony is tentatively set for the Commission Chambers however, if the chambers are not done then the ceremony will be held in the cafeteria of the Gov Center.

HR: PRESCRIPTION DRUG CHANGES HR: PRESCRIPTION DRUG CHANGES

Important Notice from Grand Traverse County About Your Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare Please read this notice carefully and keep it where you can find it along with the attached Annual Notices Packet. This notice has information about your current prescription drug coverage with Grand Traverse County and about your options under Medicare’s prescription drug coverage. This information can help you decide whether or not you want to join a Medicare drug plan. If you are considering joining, you should compare your current coverage, including which drugs are covered at what cost, with the coverage and costs of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage in your area. Information about where you can get help to make decisions about your prescription drug coverage is at the end of this notice.

There are two important things you need to know about your current coverage and Medicare’s prescription drug coverage: 1. Medicare prescription drug coverage became available in 2006 to everyone with Medicare. You can get this coverage if you join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or join a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO) that offers prescription drug coverage.

All Medicare drug plans provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare. Some plans may also offer more coverage for a higher monthly premium.

2. Grand Traverse County has determined that the prescription drug coverage offered by the Priority HMO High Deductible Health Plan is, on average for all plan participants, expected to pay out as much as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage pays and is therefore considered Creditable Coverage. Because your existing coverage is Creditable Coverage, you can keep this coverage and not pay a higher premium (a penalty) if you later decide to join a Medicare drug plan.

When Can You Join a Medicare Drug Plan?

You can join a Medicare drug plan when you first become eligible for Medicare and each year from October 15th to December 7th.

However, if you lose your current creditable prescription drug coverage, through no fault of your own, you will also be eligible for a two (2) month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to join Medicare drug plan.

What Happens to Your Current Coverage If You Decide to Join a Medicare Drug Plan?

If you decide to join a Medicare drug plan, your current Grand Traverse County coverage may be affected. If you do decide to join a Medicare drug plan and drop your Grand Traverse County coverage, be aware that you and your dependents may not be able to get this coverage back.

When Will You Pay a Higher Premium (Penalty) To Join a Medicare Drug Plan?

You should also know that if you drop or lose your current coverage with Grand Traverse County and do not join a Medicare drug plan within 63 continuous days after your current coverage ends, you may pay a higher premium (a penalty) to join a Medicare drug plan later.

If you go 63 continuous days or longer without creditable prescription drug coverage, your monthly premium may go up by at least 1% of the Medicare base beneficiary premium per month for every month that you did not have that coverage. For example, if you go nineteen months without creditable coverage, your premium may consistently be at least 19% higher than the Medicare base beneficiary premium. You may have to pay this higher premium (a penalty) as long as you have Medicare prescription drug coverage. In addition, you may have to wait until the following October to join.

COUNTY UPDATES

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HR: PRESCRIPTION DRUG CHANGES CONTINUED For More Information About This Notice Or Your Current Prescription Drug Coverage…

Contact the person listed below for further information. NOTE: You’ll get this notice each year. You will also get it before the next period you can join a Medicare drug plan, and if this coverage through Grand Traverse County changes. You also may request a copy of this notice at any time.

For More Information About Your Options Under Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage…

More detailed information about Medicare plans that offer prescription drug coverage is in the “Medicare & You” handbook. You’ll get a copy of the handbook in the mail every year from Medicare. You may also be contacted directly by Medicare drug plans.

For more information about Medicare prescription drug coverage visit www.medicare.gov.

Call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (see the inside back cover of your copy of the “Medicare & You” handbook for their telephone number) for personalized help Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

If you have limited income and resources, extra help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage is available. For information about this extra help, visit Social Security on the web at www.socialsecurity.gov, or call them at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Remember: Keep this Creditable Coverage notice. If you decide to join one of the Medicare drug plans, you may be required to provide a copy of this notice when you join to show whether or not you have maintained creditable coverage and, therefore, whether or not you are required to pay a higher premium (a penalty).

Date: February 8, 2023 Name of Entity/Sender: Grand Traverse County Contact--Position/Office: Human Resources Address: 400 Boardman Avenue, Suite 309, Traverse City, MI 49684 Phone Number: (231) 922-4599

COUNTY UPDATES

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ACTIVE SHOOTER DRILL Description: Traverse City Fire & Police and local First Responders Full Scale Exercise at the Government Center Date: March 1, 20223 Time: 5pm – 9pm Location: Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684 Exercise Description: Traverse City Fire & Police along with other local first responders will be conducting active assailant full-scale exercises at the Government Center on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Public Safety personnel will begin arriving at the building between 5 pm and 5:30 pm with exercises to start at 6:00 pm harp. Simulated gunshots will be utilized within the building. Additional personnel will be on hand to monitor entry/exit points and Grand Traverse County Central Dispatch is a participant as well.

No other building on the campus will be included in these exercises, and with the exception of a large number of first responder vehicles parked in the parking lot, the exercises will be 100% contained inside of the Government Center – particularly the 3rd floor and basement.

Traverse City Fire Department and the city of Traverse City will also be placing multiple “exercise in progress” signage in the parking lot and immediate vicinity of the Government Center.

CodeRED notifications will go out to employees Boardman Complex wide on February 28th and again on March 1 during regular business hours advising of the exercise details.

Questions can be addressed to City Fire Chief, Jim Tuller at: jtuller@tcfire.org or Grand Traverse Co. Emergency Management Coordinator, Gregg Bird at: gbird@gtcountymi.gov

TREASURY: PRENOTE IN MYGTC WELCOME TO GTC JUDGE HAMLYN

COUNTY UPDATES

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EARTHY DAY- RECYCLE SMART EVENT The Grand Traverse County Resource Recovery (RecycleSmart) Department is excited to announce that they will be hosting an Earth Celebration Event at the Civic Center in Traverse City on Saturday, April 22nd, from 11am-3pm. More details will be provided as the event takes shape.

2022 HHW NUMBERS Grand Traverse County because of your efforts, we were able to reuse, recycle or properly dispose of 139,086 pounds of Household Hazardous Waste and 2 Semi Trailers full of Scrap Tires at our special collection events in 2022.

2023 HHW EVENTS (Sign up will be available online approximately one month before each event.) Appointments are required.

Thursday, April 13th Thursday, May 11th Thursday, June 22nd Thursday, August 10th Saturday, September 16th

COUNTY UPDATES FREE COFFEE! WELCOME TO GTC JUDGE HAMLYN Expresso Bay is celebrating #FreecoffeeFebruary. See below for days when you can receive a free coffee!

UPDATES

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RECIPE OF THE WEEK

BBQ SALMON RICE BOWLS WITH MANGO JALAPEÑO SALSA. Ingredients 4 (4-6 ounce) salmon filets 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar 2 teaspoons chili powder 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 teaspoons dried thyme 1 teaspoon onion powder kosher salt 4 cloves garlic, chopped 4 tablespoons salted butter chili flakes 3-4 cups rice for, serving MANGO SALSA 1 1/2 cups diced mango 1 avocado, cubed 1-2 jalapeños, seeded – if desired, and chopped 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped 2 tablespoons lime juice

Directions 1. Instructions 2. 1. Preheat the oven to 450° F. 3. 2. On a baking sheet, rub the salmon with olive oil, honey, chili powder, paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.

Arrange in a single layer. Roast 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked to your liking.

4. 3. Remove the pan and then rub the salmon with garlic, add a pat of butter to each filet. Sprinkle with chili flakes. Switch the oven to broil and broil until lightly charred.

5. 4. To make the salsa. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.

6. 5. Serve the salmon over bowls of rice. Drizzle the butter over the salmon and top with basil or cilantro. Jalapeño sauce recipe in notes.

7. Notes Creamy Jalapeño Sauce: 1. 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 2. 3/4 cup salsa verde 3. 2-3 tablespoons pickled jalapeños, chopped 4. To make the sauce, melt together the cream cheese and salsa verde in a small skillet over low-low heat, whisking constantly until creamy.

Remove from the heat and stir in the jalapeños.

Feel, Think, Live, Be… Well!

February 14, 2023

MYREWARDSWINNERS All employees who logged 100 points or more last quarter in our My Rewards program with Marquee Health earned wellness swag and were entered into the raffle for a choice of grand prizes or half a day off.

Congrats to last quarter’s My Rewards raffle winners, Allison Brown from Family Court and Melissa Kilway from the Health Department!

Winners and participants will receive a follow-up email regarding prizes and swag pick-up, sent to the email address you use for Marquee Health.

JOINAGTCRAGNARTEAMREGISTRATIONISFREE! Courtesy of the GT Wellness program, employees can join a 2023 GT County Ragnar relay team with free registration!

For more info and signup link, email team captain Jenny at jmckellar@gtcountymi.gov.

THERAGNARFORMULA Set a crazy goal. Gather your tribe.

Divide and conquer. Bask in the joy of achieving something together that you could never do alone. With more cowbell, baby. Always more cowbell.

WANTIN? The current quarter runs through the end of March and there are tons of ways to earn points, from dental visits to wellness challenges.

Check out the Rewards tab at mymarqueehealth.com.

Ragnar TRAIL Michigan Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling June 23-24, 2023 Like summer camp for adults — with trail running and race medals The basics: Team of 8 people take turns running over two days and one night, relay-style, on three smooth, single-track trails perfect for any runner experience level. While not running, you're camping and hanging with teammates at the bonfire in Ragnar Village (base camp start/finish zone).

Ragnar ROAD Michigan Muskegon to Traverse City September 22-23, 2023 Relay adventure meets epic road trip The basics: Team of 12 people (split between 2 large vans) take turns running on picturesque roads and paved trails, starting Friday morning in Muskegon and finishing Saturday afternoon at the Open Space in Traverse City. While not running, you're napping/snacking/cheering on teammates from the van as you follow along the 200-ish mile course to each exchange point.

Not a runner but want to help the team? Stay tuned for volunteering options!

How to register with our wellness vendor, Marquee Health: 1.Go to mymarqueehealth.com, and click 'Register for a new account' (under the 'Next' button)

(Leave this blank)

Click here

2.Enter Grand Traverse County’s access code 'gtwellness' and click 'Next'

3.Create your personal account.

4. Download the app (optional).

You will use this username and password next time you log in.

GT Wellness Program Grand Prize Catalog Choose from the prizes below, or a certificate for a half day off with pay!

Massage Gun

Trekking Poles Backpack (2 Items)

Fitbit Inspire or Garmin Vivofit Smart Watch

and

Snowshoes with Poles

Resistance Exercise Board

Yoga Bundle (3 Items)

Coleman Tent

1-2 Person Hammock Plus Straps (2 Items)

All-Terrain Rolling Cooler

Mobile Garden Bed

Multipurpose Cart

Walk-In Greenhouse

Selections will vary depending on season and availability.

Click on images to view product descriptions and reviews on Amazon.

GTC FACEBOOK PAGES GRAND TRAVERSE 911

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

ANIMAL CONTROL

PARKS & RECREATION

EMERGENCY MANAGMENT

SENIOR CENTER NETWORK

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

VETERAN AFFAIRS

You deserve it. Take a break. Relax & read the County Communicator!