Macomb Matters March 2019 Issue 63

Message from Mark
Employee Focus - Leo Ciavatta
Employee Accolades
New Hires/Retirees
OneMacomb hosts successful Celebration of Black Excellence
John Paul Rea applies extensive community insight to deputy county executive role
Providing support by keeping it casual
A bird’s eye view
Healthstyles
For Your Benefit - A message from Andrew McKinnon
Perks at Work - Summer Vacation
Walk for Warmth raises $20,000 to assist residents with heat emergencies
MMYH Ambassadors
Paw Print
Recipe Corner - Roasted Chickpeas
Event Calendar
Blog Log
News Nook

Click for a pdf of Macomb Matters

Message from Mark

I’d like to open the March issue of Macomb Matters by wishing everyone a happy spring! While there is still a chance for flurries and cold weather, I’m glad for the opportunity to spend more time outdoors in Macomb County and hope you are too. The latest Make Macomb Your Home blog has some great ideas for enjoying Macomb County parks, trails and other outdoor places.

Kudos to our outstanding Health Department for asking all county employees to get involved in celebrating National Public Health Week from April 1-5. I hope you’ll join me at the Macomb County Health Department Central Location in Mount Clemens for the one mile kick-off on Monday, April 1 at noon. Throughout the week, you’ll have a chance to join the conversation on social media. A special Move More Macomb Lunch and Learn called “Staying Fit While You Work” will be on Wednesday, April 3 from noon to 1 p.m. again at the Health Department Central Location. Lunch will be provided and space is limited, so email roneeka.pleasant-brown@macombgov.org to reserve a spot.

If you’re looking to take part in an event with something for everyone, check out our 8^th annual Sprint and Splash at Lake St. Clair Metropark on Saturday, June 15! Proceeds benefit the Huron Clinton Metroparks. And, especially for employees who want to walk, run, kayak or standup paddleboard, organizers are offering a special $5 discount code for you and your friends and family! Visit the Sprint and Splash for details and use the code “MacombEmployee19” for your discount.

Another notable event is our HR Department’s annual “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.” The event will take place on April 25, so mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details on how your kids can get involved.

Finally, we all know that spring is our most serious pothole season. I want to commend our Roads Department for the outstanding job they did over the winter. In this issue you’ll find two mentions of the work they do and the impact it has on all of us. For instance, you can read about Leo Ciavatta, a maintenance supervisor and 35 year county employee, or an instance where our workers prevented a sinkhole. You can also click here to access our real-time road projects map. We have a lot planned and this is the best way to stay looped in to what’s next. As always, if you want to report a dangerous pothole, fill out this easy request form or call the Roads Department at 586-463-8671.

However you choose to enjoy the longer days ahead, thank you for all you do to make Macomb County a great place to call home.

Employee Focus

Leo Ciavatta, Maintenance Superintendent at the Department of Roads

Meet Leo Ciavatta, a maintenance superintendent at the Department of Roads for just over 35 years! Leo began his career as a highway maintenance person, and over the years, he worked his way up through the ranks. He has inhabited a number of roles, including equipment operator, heavy truck driver and project leader. In his current role as maintenance superintendent, his many responsibilities include managing the maintenance budget for the Road Department, hiring outside contractors when needed, meeting with MDOT officials monthly and directing four maintenance service center garages and their employees. He also schedules meetings with MIOSHA and provides the media with updates on road conditions during adverse weather.

"Leo is a great friend and co-worker," said Bryan Santo, director of the Department of Roads. "His knowledge, experience and work ethic running our maintenance department is invaluable. Leo goes above and beyond to get the job done and it is nice to see him recognized for his hard work and dedication."

When asked what he found most rewarding about his career, Leo mentioned several things. “From a family perspective, I’m very fortunate that my career at Roads has given me a balance in my family life and work, fixed hours, weekends off and steady employment,” he said. “Those are important when you are raising a family.” He also stated: “As a public servant, keeping the roads safe and knowing that the maintenance department has improved the quality of life for Macomb County residents and motorists that travel Macomb County roads is rewarding.” Finally, he mentioned the many interesting people he has met and the friendships he has formed over the years while working for the Road Department.

One of the challenges Leo discussed was the delicate relationship he has to maintain with people who traverse Macomb County roadways. Part of his position includes resolving complaints and issues from the general public. He tries to remind people that the Road Department is responsible for maintaining over 1,800 miles of road, and that the Road Department, like so many others, has been asked to do more with less – fewer personnel, less funding and less equipment. He has many memories of working 16 hour shifts for several days in a row on multiple occasions during snow storms, and urges residents to be patient during that kind of weather. According to Leo, the Road Department prioritizes their level of service based on many factors, including whether or not the road is a state freeway or a primary road such as Ten Mile. It may be several days before subdivision streets are completed, but, says Leo: “We are aware of the conditions, and we have NOT forgotten about you.”

Leo, who is Italian and fluent in the Italian language, says when he’s not working, he likes to cook and eat! He is also the president of the San Marino Club in Troy, Mich., an organization founded in 1938 to promote camaraderie among Italian immigrants in the community. Planning events for club members keeps Leo quite busy, so he hits the gym when he can and when life becomes difficult, or even overwhelming, he urges people to “go back to basic steps and work through them. Simplify the process!” His philosophy: “Life is actually simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”

When Leo isn’t fielding his obligations as a maintenance superintendent or working for the members of the San Marino, he is spending time with his wife Sylvia, who he describes as “beautiful.” Married for over 30 years, they have three children. Their daughter Savana is an attorney who graduated from the University of Detroit – Mercy Law School. Their two sons, Santino and Angelo, are both at Ferris State University, seeking doctor of pharmacy degrees. Leo, who resides in Washington Township, graduated from Bishop Gallagher High School and attended Macomb Community College.

Employee Accolades

Macomb County represented at high school career fair

When invited, Macomb County is pleased to participate in career fairs at area high schools. Robyn DiCristofaro from HRLR and Amy Lafnear of PED recently spent time with students at L'Anse Creuse's Pankow Center. Robyn focused on the wide variety of career opportunities offered by the county while Amy offered perspective on the high-demand careers of the very near future.

Roads Department employees prevent sinkhole in Clinton Township

To the everyday individual, sinkholes seem to develop out of nowhere. One moment everything is fine, and then the next, there’s a hole in the ground. But for Steve Lorway, an employee with the Department of Roads Clinton Service Center, there are warning signs that can point to a larger problem. And that knowledge resulted in the prevention of a sinkhole at 15 Mile Road just west of Harper.

“Steve noticed the situation,” said Jim Rogers, foreman at the Clinton Service Center. “He met with the Clinton Township Water and Sewer Department at the location and it was determined that it was an area of roadway that had eroded due to a previous water main break.”

This quick action gave the county and city services time to close the road, backfill the hole with stone and patch the area.

“We were able to prevent the hole from getting larger,” Jim continued.

This is certainly important work that we can all appreciate. Macomb Matters would like to thank Steve, Jim and the rest of the Department of Roads staff for their quick response to the situation. Congratulations on a job well done!

Macomb County Planning and Economic Development celebrate positive jobs report

The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that nationwide, employment in manufacturing is trending upwards. The news is especially good in Macomb County, where new jobs created in the sector topped the nation. According to a new report from the White House Council of Economic Advisors, workforce data by industry indicates that between the fourth quarter of 2016 and the second quarter of 2018, there were 9,118 new manufacturing jobs created in Macomb County. Overall, the county’s manufacturing workforce is driven by 1,600 companies that employ more than 72,000 people.

The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development played a key role in this success by providing assistance to businesses with goals for growth, specifically in the manufacturing sector. Over the past five years, department staff have provided direct service to more than 146 existing and incoming companies. These companies then invested more than $1.4 billion in new facilities and equipment.

New Hires/Retirees

Laura Peeples retires after 25 years with the Sheriff’s Department

The Macomb Matters team is pleased to recognize Laura Peeples on her retirement from the Sheriff's Department. Laura was hired on March 1, 1994 and served as a communications administrator for 25 years. She recently reflected on her service for this newsletter:

What will you miss most about working for Macomb County?

“Regardless of the calls I have taken and listened to and experienced, it is the relationships I have built throughout the county. It’s the spirit of camaraderie that matters, keeping the public safe and first responders. I will miss the daily contacts and conversations. I will miss the honor and pride that I had working for Macomb County.”

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

“Twenty-five years ago, we went from three dispatchers a shift, to 11 dispatchers a shift and four supervisors. We made the move to the COMTEC building seamlessly and with a lot of support from a lot of employees in the county. All of us adapted to the changes and challenges together with support and encouragement and I always tried to lead the way with striving for excellence and exceeding that together as a team.”

What are your post retirement plans?

“I have had this sense of urgency for 25 years and now I would like to learn how to relax and slow down. Spending time with my husband, family and friends are on the top of my list for now.”

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

Click here for a list of New Hires/Retirees

OneMacomb hosts successful Celebration of Black Excellence

OneMacomb recently hosted its first-annual Celebration of Black Excellence, a daylong event to honor and celebrate the long history and contributions of Macomb County’s black community. The February 23^rd event featured a vendor and resource expo during the day and a ticketed awards gala in the evening. The vendor fair included 50 businesses and organizations selling wares and providing information. It also featured a panel discussion around issues in education, religion and health care with local experts.

The evening awards gala saw Rhonda Powell, director of Health and Human Services and OneMacomb co-chair, recognize five individuals that represent excellence in the areas of community involvement, athletics, business, education and the arts. They include:

Loretta Brownlee, recipient of the Community Advocate Award: Loretta is a longtime resident of Mount Clemens and the director of Citizens of Macomb Behind All Teens, a non-profit that provides free education and recreation for youth and families. Outside of her advocacy work, Loretta is a board member of My Care Health Center and is well-known for her commitment to the annual production of the Mount Clemens High School Talent and Fashion Show.
Roger H. Bunton, recipient of the Educational Impact Award: Roger was a longtime teacher within the L’Anse Creuse school district. He was also the district’s first black coach and likely the first black high school coach in the county. He now serves as the Mount Clemens city commissioner and mayor pro tempore, is the inaugural chairperson of the Mount Clemens Community Coalition for Youth and Families and is an active member of the North Broadway Church of Christ.
Dakei Harvey, recipient of the Artistic Impact Award: Dakei is a gifted song-writer, a published author and a director and producer for television. In addition to pursuing these artistic ventures, he also works hard for his community by volunteering at shelters, performing for the elderly and advocating for the causes he believes in.
Derrick Herring, recipient of the Business Impact Award: Derrick is well-known in the community for his successful business ventures, including his City Cuts barbershop, a construction and landscaping operation and Buck’s Cleaning Services.
Bonner C. Upshaw III, recipient of the Athletic Leadership Award: Bonner C. Upshaw III is co-founder and CEO of Troy-based Trion Solutions, Inc., which is among the largest Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and is the largest minority-owned PEO in the United States. Before he started his business career, Bonner was a professional basketball player in Europe. He played for 10 years on teams in France, Portugal, Macedonia and Switzerland.

Rhonda Powell was also named as the first recipient of the Rhonda M. Powell Community Leadership Impact Award. This award will be given annually to a woman from Macomb County who has broken barriers in the workplace or as a community advocate and is a catalyst for change and impact on behalf of the community and those around her.

Following the awards portion of the evening, more than 200 guests were treated to dinner and performances from local step teams, a choir from the Church of Christ Music Ministry and ballroom dancing from KC University of Dance.

All told, it truly was a night to remember!

John Paul Rea applies extensive community insight to deputy county executive role

John Paul Rea is the type of person who can easily answer any question about Macomb County. So if you’re looking for information on Fiat Chrysler’s latest investment in Warren, he can provide the details. Or, if you’re wondering what the zoning regulations are for Richmond, he’s got those specifics too. Even if you’re just hoping to find the best Italian restaurants in town, you guessed it – he knows the answer.

You see, Rea’s knowledge of all things Macomb County is vast and his passion for the area runs deep. He’s spent his entire life here. Only a brief stint in West Michigan for college and grad school kept him away; but he came back and put his talents to work in the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED).

“As I was figuring out what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always felt like I needed to do it in the place that has given me so much,” he said.

Starting as an intern with MCPED, Rea worked his way up to the position of director. And now, he’s Macomb’s newest deputy county executive – a position requiring the extensive community insight that comes naturally to him.

“With planning as the foundation of my service here at the county, I will now branch out and help advocate for the Department of Roads, Health and Community Services, Workforce Development and Veterans Affairs,” Rea said. “In my short time in the new role, I have witnessed the sheer impact of these service centers and I am excited to continue to learn from my peers.”

This teamwork mentality is something he fostered while with MCPED.

“Being the director of Planning and Economic Development has been one of the greatest professional joys of my life,” he said. “For more than 12 years I was able to work with some of my dearest friends and colleagues, and help put the county on a more prosperous path. We helped build buildings that were never here before, we helped solve problems that folks thought would never be solved and we cultivated bold visions for what our community could become.”

Building a list of all of these accomplishments might be impossible, but for Rea, there are a few that stand out.

“While I myself cannot take full credit for any one of our successes, there are several I am most proud of,” he said. “My first deal for the county, where we brought the Golden Corral restaurant and buffet to a space on M-59 and Hayes. The 1 million-square-foot Amazon facility is something I will never forget. Helping play a part in landing Jimmy John’s Field is truly special to me. And then there’s the future-focused relationship we have forged with our domestic automakers that has helped bolster billion dollar deals and develop next generation mobility strategies. The work has been diverse and certainly exciting.”

These examples reflect why Rea first started working in government. He wants to help people.

“Government all too often is viewed as the place where bureaucracy and regulation rule everything,” he said. “Yes, these things are the foundation in which we build the services we deploy, but this does not mean we can’t get creative…and that is what drew me to the public sector. We construct master plans that look 20 years into the future, and then through our partnerships, we watch them become reality. We talk about building new roads, and then we get to work on them. We understand the needs of our community, and then we develop services that will respond to their challenges.”

Now in his new role as deputy county executive, Rea envisions an even larger impact.

“I want to ensure that whether it’s filling a pothole, serving our veterans, connecting with our senior citizens or helping someone find employment, people know that Macomb County can have a positive, lasting impact on their lives,” he said. “I want each of the county’s 870,000 residents to know that there are dedicated professionals that work here each day and that these people are committed to helping our county grow and prosper.”

Of course, some of those residents will likely have questions for Rea along the way. But as previously described, he’ll have the answers.

Providing support by keeping it casual

Since 1994, the Macomb County Board of Commissioners has worked to support local nonprofits through its Casual Day Program, an initiative that assists various agencies in the region that are dedicated to helping lives in Macomb. For example, this April, the program will support Helping Hands Gifts and in May, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation will be the Casual Day recipient.

Helping Hands Gifts - Casual Days: April 5, 12, 19 and 26

This Shelby Township-based nonprofit has three main actions: connect, support and inform. Helping Hands Gifts connects businesses with opportunities to give products or services to charities and those in need. These connections are made through a network of organizations and by leveraging social media.

The nonprofit supports charities through finding donations, volunteers, building space, promotional efforts and more. Through this support, Helping Hands Gifts aims to fill specific gaps. For example, through the Christmas Shop, families in need can find holiday gifts for their loved ones at little to no cost.

Finally, Helping Hands Gifts informs the public about the good that businesses and charities are doing. It accomplishes this by spreading the word about positive actions of local businesses and organizations.

For more information on Helping Hands Gifts, visit helpinghandsgifts.com.

Myasthenia Gravis Foundation - Casual Days: May 3, 10, 17 and 25

The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation’s main goal is to serve the needs of those with the neuromuscular disease by helping them learn more about it. The foundation also has a strong community network with regular support meetings held in Warren and Ann Arbor, a newsletter, a peer-to-peer phone network, an annual education symposium and social events. Additionally, the foundation supports research into the cause, prevention and cure of the disease and raises funds to facilitate further individual services and programs.

For more information on the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, visit mgadetroit.com

Special Casual Day: May 31

In addition to the Casual Day Program supporting a single charity each month, there are also special Casual Days held throughout the year where different charities are the recipient of donated funds. On May 31, a special Casual Day will support the Anton Art Center. This nonprofit is located in Mount Clemens and provides community-based programming and artist support. To learn more about the Anton Art Center, visit theartcenter.org.

A bird’s eye view

Livestream of peregrine falcons on county building now available

Macomb County officials have launched a new EarthCam that will document a pair of peregrine falcons that nest on the roof of the Old Macomb County Building in downtown Mount Clemens. The camera will provide a 24/7 video feed for members of the public interested in watching the pair and its potential hatchlings. The feed is accessible here: http://macombgov.org/About-Peregrine

The peregrine falcons, named Nick and Hathor, were first spotted on the county building in 2005. The pair’s first successful nest was observed in 2008 and since that time, the nest has produced 53 eggs and 26 hatchlings. In the years with successful hatchlings, Macomb County held ceremonies to celebrate and band the baby birds with the help of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and The Detroit Zoo. This process was important, because in Michigan, peregrines are listed as an endangered species under state law and remain protected federally under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

“It’s been a team effort from the start,” said Julie Oakes, wildlife biologist, MDNR Southeast Region. “Since county officials first observed the falcons and their nest, we’ve worked closely with them to ensure the health of the animals and to make sure that their nesting area is protected. And with the addition of the EarthCam, we’ll be able to watch them without disturbing them.”

EarthCam is a global network of owned and operated live streaming webcams built to transport people to interesting and unique locations around the world that may be difficult or impossible to experience in person. The EarthCam installed on the Old Macomb County Building was given to the county free of charge.

Healthstyles

National Employee Health and Fitness Day

Save the date! Healthstyles of Macomb County invites you to participate in National Employee Health and Fitness Day with a Walk Around the Block on Wednesday, May 15. Come out and enjoy a scenic walk with your coworkers to promote the benefits of physical activity. Stay tuned for more information on this event including times and locations throughout the county. For more information on Walk Around the Block or Healthstyles email healthstyles@macombgov.org.

For Your Benefit

A message from Andrew McKinnon

Welcome to spring! This time of year is always exciting as the days get longer, green shoots start to sprout from the ground and the weather begins to warm. We even have a brief glimmer of hope that our Tigers might actually compete this year!

Now as we all know, spring brings growth and renewal, and this is certainly evident in the HRLR Benefits Department since we just welcomed Rachel Chordash as our new benefits administrator. Rachel comes to us from Paslin, an automotive supplier located in Warren. Here she worked as a human resource employee benefit coordinator. Prior to that she worked in various HR roles for Olympia Group Post-Acute Care Network, a long term care organization that runs Father Murray Nursing and Rehab Center in Center Line. Rachel’s Macomb credentials continue with her living in Harrison Township, where she states that her sister is a “Kroger Celebrity” (ask her about this if you see her). She also graduated from Baker College in Clinton Township. All this makes her a true Macomb product.

In closing, I’d like you all to know that we spent a lot of time finding the right candidate for this integral part of our leadership team. It should pay dividends in the short term, as Rachel has dug right into our leave processing and you should see immediate improvement in our response time.

Please join me in giving a warm Macomb welcome to our newest addition. Welcome Rachel!

Perks at Work

Summer Vacation

Starting to make plans for your summer vacation? Don’t forget to check out the deals available to Macomb County employees through Perks at Work! From flights and hotels to rental cars and theme parks, get the best prices to stretch your vacation dollars.

If your plans include a “staycation” this year, we’ve got you covered. Perks at Work has local deals as well, like admission tickets to The Detroit Zoo or the Sea Life Michigan Aquarium. By clicking on the “Eating” tab, you can find local restaurant deals, including $25 certificates for $5.

Check out all the deals at www.perksatwork.com. Not a member yet? No worries! Just sign up with your personal email. The company code is Macomb78.

Walk for Warmth raises $20,000 to assist residents with heat emergencies

This winter’s cold temperatures had many of us bumping up our thermostats a degree of two. And while this act to warm ourselves seems so simple, for some residents of Macomb County, it’s out of reach. Expensive heating bills or furnace issues prevent many folks from keeping warm in the winter – but there are ways to help that situation. For instance, the annual Macomb Community Action Walk for Warmth raises funds to assist low-income residents with heat-related emergencies. Over its 29 year history, the event has raised more than $750,000 for the cause and just last year, sponsorships and donations helped 66 families and 155 individuals in Macomb County. The following numbers tell an even larger story:

43 percent of the families were at 100 percent poverty level and below
24 percent were single-parent families
35 percent were children
14 percent were elderly
16 percent were disabled

This year, another $20,000 was raised at the March 2 Walk for Warmth event. Held at Macomb Mall in Roseville, organizers saw 130 individuals participate in the indoor 5k.

“It is always a heart-warming experience to help warm the homes of those in need, and there are thousands of Macomb residents who need such support each winter,” said Ernest Cawvey, director of Macomb Community Action. “Without our community partners, such as Macomb Mall, our financial and in-kind sponsors, and compassionate community members, this event would not be what it is today.”

Congratulations to Macomb Community Action on another successful event! For more information on the event and other Macomb Community Action initiatives, visit http://macombgov.org/MCA-Home.

MMYH Ambassadors

Serving the community is our career

Macomb County offers its residents many services – initiatives that can benefit our family, friends and neighbors. As a county employee, you can help guide these individuals to the right program that fits their needs. So in this section of Macomb Matters, we highlight different departments and their offerings to help you become an ambassador for the community. Here’s how it works:

We’ll share an article detailing a county service within this newsletter.
At the end of the article, you’ll find a link to a three question quiz on that service.
Five individuals that take the quiz will be randomly selected to receive Make Macomb Your Home swag!

In the last issue of Macomb Matters, we covered the Human Services Coordinating Body and its MATRIX program, a resource designed to link Macomb residents to health and human services. Five employees that took our quiz were selected at random and received Make Macomb Your Home swag. They include Kathryn Lohr, Jane Blazejewski, Martha Brooks, Sharon Ling and Sue Camarata.

You too can win MMYH swag! Just read up on our next MMYH Ambassadors topic and take our quick quiz. Today’s topic is the Macomb County Housing Rehabilitation Program, a resource offered by Macomb Community Action. The program has two levels of service:

The Comprehensive Housing Rehabilitation Program – which helps eligible homeowners repair their homes to achieve decent, safe and sanitary affordable housing as defined by Macomb County Housing Rehabilitation Standards. The program limit for repairs is $40,000.

The Limited Housing Rehabilitation Program – which helps eligible homeowners make essential repairs to their home as defined by program guidelines. The program limit for repairs is $15,000.

Each year a limited amount of funds are available for the program. Applications are processed on a “first-come, first-completed application” basis. There is then an eligibility verification period, inspections and the development of a scope of work. Other items to know:

Inspection results and the cost estimate are shared with the homeowner and if costs to repair exceed program guidelines, the project is denied.
If a decision is reached to move forward with the repairs, the project is bid to insured contractors. Staff will then recommend the lowest bidding contractor to the homeowner.
Once the homeowner selects a contractor, mortgage documents are signed with the county. The homeowner also signs a contract with the selected contractor.
Final inspections are conducted upon completion of construction. As long as the homeowner maintains the property as their primary residence and title does not change, the zero interest loan remains deferred. No payments are required.
Repayment of the loan occurs when the title of the property is transferred

For more information on this program, please visit the MCA website.

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 (MCAC) entertained a surprise guest last November. E. Saletta, DVM, from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stopped in unannounced and performed a “surprise” inspection. You’ll be pleased and proud to know that your Macomb County Animal Control is doing excellent work. In the final report, the inspector specifically commented: “This facility appeared to be kept meticulously clean, with good records, consistently followed standard operating procedures and close attention to detail. Management and the staff’s overall attention to animal care should be noted.” That is quite an accomplishment when you consider the number and type of animals that come into our care. In 2018, we cared for over 2,000 dogs and cats, as well as 60 “other” animals (including pigs, chickens, ferrets, rabbits, snakes, etc.). In addition to all the animals coming through, we also have many two-legged visitors. We get visits from pet owners renewing pet licenses (we now offer digital pet licenses!), people interested in adopting and volunteers.

We invite you to visit us as well – and unannounced is just fine! Our regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can see our facilities for yourself.

If you’re looking for a worthy cause, please consider the MCAC. As you can see by the results of our inspection, we use our resources well and wisely. The resources invested in the care of these animals is evident in our exemplary scores. You can donate, volunteer, adopt an animal or foster an animal while he/she is waiting for its fur-ever home. Visit our website for more information Macomb County Animal Control. Also, if you’d like to keep in touch, please subscribe to our newsletter, “The Scoop,” by calling us at 586.469.5115.

Happy Spring!

Recipe Corner - Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients:

1 15 ounce can of chickpeas
1 teaspoon olive oil
2 - 4 teaspoons of a favorite herb or spice (cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder,curry powder, cumin, smoked paprika, rosemary or thyme)

Directions:

1. Heat the oven to 400°F.

2. Rinse and drain the chickpeas.

3. Pat the chickpeas very dry with a clean towel or paper towels. They should look matte and feel dry to the touch.If you have time, leave them to air dry for a few minutes. Remove any chickpea skins that come off while drying, but otherwise, don’t worry about them.

4. Toss the chickpeas with olive oil.

5. Spread the chickpeas out in an even layer on the baking sheet.

6. Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir them or shake the pan every 10 minutes. A few chickpeas may pop – that’s normal. The chickpeas are done when golden and slightly darkened.

7. Sprinkle the spices over the chickpeas and stir to coat evenly. Serve while the chickpeas are still warm and crispy.

*MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. This information is for educational purposes only.

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:

Macomb Business Awards

Tuesday, April 23; 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Sterling Inn Banquet and Conference Center
Click here for more information.

Macomb County Tree and Plant Sale

Pre-orders accepted through April 4
In-person sale and plant pick up on Friday, April 26 and Saturday April 27
Dodge Park in Sterling Heights
Click here for more information.