Macomb Matters December 2014 Issue 27
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Photos courtesy of Anne Nicolazzo.     
To read all about the Taste of Macomb afterglow, visit our MMYH blog. How to pick the perfect Christmas tree
Trying to find the perfect Christmas tree for your family and home can be a challenge. Read some tips from Macomb County's MSU Extension on how to make the experience a little more merry. Healthstyles December update
Healthstyles has a recap of the flu vaccine program and information on an upcoming Lunch and Learn session. Click here for more info. Recipe Stop
Grinch Kabobs 4 servings 24 green grapes 1 large banana cut into 24 slices 24 hulled strawberries, tips removed 24 miniature marshmallows 24 toothpicks Click here to get more of this simple and healthy holiday recipe. |
Click here for a pdf version of Macomb Matters. Mark's Message
I appreciate all of your support before and during the event. So much of the success of this event has to do with the participation of county employees. If you weren’t able to make it, the speech this year focused on Macomb County’s last four years with the executive form of government and how, since the charter was adopted, Macomb County has become more efficient, economical and ethical. We had to identify what we stood for, build an agenda, create a sense of pride and, finally, we needed a call to action. Our self-made brand, Make Macomb Your Home, has evolved into a distinctive identity creating a new energy in Macomb County. During these four years, Macomb County has become more diverse. We have added more than 23,000 new residents. That’s 16 people each day, on average, making Macomb their home. Through countywide initiatives like OneMacomb, we are leading the way by celebrating cultural diversity and inclusion. Click here to read more of Mark's Message.
Demotion begins at Old County Building
Nearly 20 months after the Old County Building fire, the interior demolition project is just about to kick off! This is a gateway project to prep the County Building for remodeling planned to begin in 2015. Over the next couple months you can expect to see a lot of foot traffic and dumpsters in and out of the building as we make our way through the project. The project includes demolition on each floor, from the ceiling down to the original floors. We expect this project duration to be around 60-90 days and are going to do our best to limit any disruption to activity outside of the facility.
--Update by Ben Treppa, Facilities and Operations Michael Hudson, Macomb County Animal Control
By Sarah Cormier, Macomb County Executive Office
Hudson acts as an assistant to Animal Control Chief Jeff Randazzo, helping to do whatever it is Randazzo needs – everything from new hiring to social media to taking care of the animals if necessary. “It’s always different. It’s not a regular desk job,” said Hudson. This is a new gig for Hudson, who formerly worked in marketing for the Ann Arbor Art Fair. He is graduating this semester from the University of Michigan with a master’s degree in public administration. He is interested in nonprofit work. Click here for more Employee Focus.
Movember at the Macomb County Health Department During the month of November, the Macomb County Health Department participated in Movember, a global event that raises awareness of men’s health issues and raises funds for the Movember Foundation. Ten employees from the Health Department and one Facilities and Operations employee grew moustaches and beards and obtained donations from staff totaling $650. Donations raised during Movember were donated to the Livestrong Foundation and Prostate Cancer Foundation.
“Getting involved in Movember is a fantastic way to unite a workplace, have some fun, and raise awareness and funds for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health,” said Macomb County Health Department Director Willliam Ridella. “We hope to have more men in our department participate next year.”
What's your favorite Christmas movie?
Elected Officials Christmas Vacation with Chevy Chase. It's a hilarious movie that depicts some of the frustrations of the holiday season. -- Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham My favorite holiday movie is A Christmas Story because it reminds me of my childhood. --Macomb County Public Works Director Anthony Marrocco For me, It’s a Wonderful Life captures the essence of the holiday season: the spirit of sacrifice and forgiveness, the healing power of love and the understanding that we stand tallest when we bend to help our fellow man. I’m overwhelmed by the movie every time I see it. -- Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith Click here for more What's your favorite Christmas movie?
Macomb's MemoriesJohn C. Charbeneau, "The Christmas Tree Man"
By Cynthia S. Donahue, Macomb County Facilities and Operations John Charles Charbeneau, born Dec. 31, 1856, was a lifelong resident of Mount Clemens. Known by many as “The Christmas Tree Man,” he sold Christmas trees on his property for over 40 years that he grew on his Black River, Alpena property. John was one of nine children born to Great Lakes Captain Louis and Matilda (Moore) Charbeneau. Louis and Matilda were also born and raised in Mount Clemens and virtually all of their children lived within a mile of their old homestead on Rathbone Street. In 1926, their children donated four and a half acres of the family farm to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit for a church to be built in Mount Clemens, which was named St. Louis in honor of Louis Charbeneau.
By Jeff Randazzo, Macomb County Animal Control
Rex is a 6-year-old rottweiler/shepherd mix. He is a sweetheart that is waiting to be a couch potato with his new forever family. 
Gabby is an approximately 7-year-old cat that is currently available. She came to the shelter a little overweight, but she is a very loving girl. 
The shelter has many senior cats that are free to good homes! For more information on us or any other available pets, call (586) 469-5115 or visit http://macombgov.org/AnimalShelter. |
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On Dec. 3, we had our fourth annual Macomb County State of the County Address at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts. With over 1,200 attendees (at capacity!), it was our most successful State of the County yet. Our afterglow party, Taste of Macomb, had 32 participating restaurants, also a record number.
