December 2015 Employee Newsletter

Reminder: County offices will close at noon on

Thursday, December 24 in observance of Christmas Eve, and

will be closed Friday, December 25 in observance of Christmas Day.

In an effort to get to know one another better, we are featuring two employees who will be recognized later this month for their 35 years of service to the county.

Char Burklund, Lead Eligibility Worker in CVS: I started my career with Mille Lacs County Family Services on my birthday over 35 years ago. This has been my one and

only place of employment. It has been the awesome people I have met and worked alongside during this journey in my life that have kept me here all these years. I have administered all of the financial assistance programs over the years, but the best has been the last 10 years working with the Medical Assistance program in Long-Term Care services for the elderly and disabled. It has been a pleasure to serve the citizens of this GREAT county. I grew up in the little town of Pease and am forever known as a Peasite. I loved my little Dutch Town. As my dad would say, “If you’re not Dutch, you’re not much.” In 1973 my parents built a house and we moved to the country, living only ¼ of a mile from my BEST friend, and boy did we have fun growing up in a simpler time. I was born at the old Milaca Area Hospital, which is now an apartment building. I attended Pease Christian School through the 8th grade, graduating in 1975, and then graduated from Milaca High School in 1979. I then attended Anoka AVTI and received a diploma as a Legal Secretary, graduating in 1980. I interned here and was then hired to work for Mille Lacs County Family Services on 6/23/1980. If it all works out, I’m looking at retirement next year. I have been married for 34 years, and my husband and I have two children, ages 31 and 29. Anyone who knows me knows that my favorite thing to do is go shopping. I have trained some as little as 6 months old the talent of finding the best deal. My husband and I own a hangar and an airplane at the Milaca Airport, the best grass runway in the state. In the summer you will find me enjoying cookouts with friends and going to fly-ins at neighboring towns. During the winter, I like to hibernate and you will find me enjoying my favorite reality shows on TV — don’t bother me during Dancing with the Stars! If I had to choose anyone with whom I would have dinner and why, it would be anyone in my wonderful family or dear friends as they are the greatest gifts in my life.

December 5: Santa available for photos at Onamia Depot Library from 11:00-1:00 December 5: Story Time & Dream Catcher Kids’ Craft at Mille Lacs Indian Museum &

Trading Post in Onamia

Area EventsArea Events

Darlynn Gould, Case Aide in CVS: I have been working in the CVS Dept for 35 years…my, how time flies! The most rewarding part of my job is being able to help people and be a friendly & approachable person to the

clients and staff I work with. Prior to MLC, I worked at the Princeton Elim Home for 3 years & thoroughly enjoyed working with the elderly. I was born in Parma (suburb of Cleveland), Ohio. We moved to Milaca when I was in 2nd grade. I went from “city” girl to “farm” girl. What a shock! I’ll have you know I have still never milked a cow or driven a tractor — I had 3 brothers to do that! My chore was house-work & cooking, which continues to this day. Oh, and I did pick my share of field rocks! I attended school in Milaca and also went on to earn a degree as a Legal Secretary through Anoka AVTI. Scott & I have been married for 23 years. Our son Jared attends SCSU, and Megan is a senior in Milaca HS. Our children are our greatest joy and biggest priority in life! My favorite past-times are shopping, working out, biking, skiing, cake decorating, photography, and spending time with family & friends. My “Spotlight” question: What is your dream vacation and why? For me, anywhere tropical…so peaceful & beautiful. And everyone knows I love a tan!

MLC will be initiating online security training for em-ployees. You will receive an email regarding “Securing the Human Training” sometime in the next month or two. Be sure to add this sender to your “safe sender’s” list. Training videos range from 1-6 minutes, and will help

employees become more secure online. Feel free to contact Karly with any questions!

Holiday Safety Tips Decorating Safety Never use lighted candles near trees, boughs, curtains/drapes, or with any potentially flammable item. Wear gloves while decorating with spun glass “angel hair.” It can irritate your eyes

and skin. A common substitute is non-flammable cotton. When spraying artificial snow on windows or other surfaces, be sure to follow directions carefully. These sprays can irritate your lungs if you inhale them. Small children may think that holiday plants look good enough to eat, but many

plants may be poisonous or can cause severe stomach problems. Plants to watch out for include: mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis. Keep all of these plants out of children's (and pets’) reach.

When displaying a natural tree, cut about two inches off the trunk and put the tree in a sturdy, water-holding stand. Keep the stand filled with water so the tree does not dry out quickly’ this will help to avoid the risk of dry branches from catching fire from the heat of Christmas bulbs.

Place your tree away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources. Make sure the tree does not block foot traffic or doorways.

Avoid placing breakable tree ornaments or ones with small, detachable parts on lower branches where small children or pets can reach them.

If you use an artificial tree, choose one that is tested and labeled as fire resistant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems should have the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) label. Only use “indoor” lights indside (and only “outdoor” lights only outside). Look for

the UL label. Check lights for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, and loose connections. Replace or repair any damaged light sets.

Use no more than three light sets on any one extension cord. Extension cords should be placed against the wall to avoid tripping hazards, but do not run cords under rugs, around furniture legs, or across doorways.

Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Unplug extension cords when not in use.

When displaying outdoor lights, fasten them firmly to a secure support with insulated staples or hooks to avoid wind damage. Never nail, tack, or stress wiring when hanging lights, and keep plugs off the ground and away from puddles and snow. Ladder Safety When putting up holiday decorations, always use the proper step stool or ladder to

reach high places. Don’t stand on chairs, desks, or other furniture. If you have to use a step ladder near a doorway, lock or barricade the door and post

signs so no one will open it and knock you off the ladder.

2015Employee Recognition and Reception/Holiday Gathering

The 2015 Employee Recognition ceremony will be held during the County Board meeting on Tuesday, December 15; the program will begin at 11:00 am. All employees listed below are cordially invited to attend, so the County Board can express their gratitude on behalf of the County for your years of service. A reception and holiday gathering for all staff will follow from 11:15 am to 12:30 pm on the upper level of the Historic Courthouse. The following employees will be recognized:

Name

Years of Service

Trudy Wedell 35

Char Burklund 35

Dar Gould 35

Joyce Sproessig 30

Ben Davis 25

Richard Dukowitz 20

Connie Hodder 20

Deb Heying Viney 20

Nikki DePetro 15

Constance Varner 15

Char Kohlgraf 15

Brigid Halberg 15

Bruce Hoskins 15

Terry Boltjes 15

Randy Cook 15

Jason LaSart 15

Roseann Wiltsey 15

Reed Pederson 15

Teresa Corona 15

Chris Jaques 15

Name

Years of Service

John Sammis 10

Ryan Sullivan 10

Jill Murray 10

Marianne Fogel 10

Alan Carlson 10

Jessica Andrich 10

Angel Strandlund 10

Michele McPherson 10

Stephanie Anderson 10

Dennis Earl 10

Mary Gedde Bergmann 10

Mark Herzing 10

Casey Hamill 10

Danielle Ahner 5

Ana John 5

Holly Runyon-Martinson 10

Traci Beckstrom 10

Amy Streff 10

Kyle Burton 10

Jon Rasmussen 10

Sue Larson 10

Welcome, New Employees!

Employees Leaving

Rebecca Herman, Correctional Officer, left after 2 years of service

Kali Gardner Assistant County Attorney I CAO

Neal Kragt Senior Highway Maintenance Worker Public Works

Jodi Rahm Office Support Specialist CVS

Trisha Ellington Office Support Specialist CVS

Cassie Schmidt Probation Officer Probation Office

Citrus Fruit and You

Healthy Me. An Employee Worksite Wellness Initiative

December

2015

Volume 14

Mille Lacs

County

About This Issue

Funded and Supported By:

It is the Mille Lacs County Employee

Wellness Program’s mission to

educate, support, and empower

employees to improve and maintain

their overall health and well-being

through healthy lifestyle choices.

Visit our web page HERE !

Healthy Choices. Healthy Me.

This month we are looking at

the importance of sleep.

Diane Overby, CVS Kyann Hamilton, CVS Lisa Herges, ASO Alisha Voigt, CVS Sue Koosman, CVS Chris Jaques, Probation Dillon Hayes, LSO Susan Shaw, SWCD Karly Fetters, ASO Melissa Griswold, CAO

Current Wellness

Committee Members

Next Meeting

Be a part of the movement!

12/11/2015 3:00 pm

Battle the onset of winter blues with a little help from your friends in the citrus fruit category. Most people know that citrus fruits are rich in Vitamin C, but do you know that they are also a rich source of fiber and flavonoids? Besides giving you an energy boost, the Vitamin C in citrus fruits also: strongly enhances the absorption of iron in food by binding to iron in the digestive tract; is a powerful antioxidant; and is required for the synthesis of collagen, which helps wounds heal and helps hold blood vessels, ligaments, and bone together. (Dairy Council of California) Studies show that citrus fruits may help reduce the risk, or slow the progression, of diseases and disorders including : Cardiovascular disease Heart disease Hypertension Stroke Cancer Natural tube defects: spinal bifida and anencephaly Anemia (Food and Agricultural Organization) Here are some other ways you can add citrus to your diet: Add a boost of flavor to your water with a lemon (or any other citrus) slice or Juice. Try making a salad of greens with orange segments, avocado slices, onions, and lime vinaigrette. You can also try orange or grapefruit segments on greens with chicken, walnuts, and a vinaigrette with a dash of hot sauce , soy sauce, or ginger. Try sautéing your onions in orange juice, then add orange segments and some fresh dill to use as a topping for chicken or fish. Ditch the trans fats in salad dressing by topping your salad with a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Keep your sliced fruits/avocado from prematurely turning brown by spritzing them with lemon juice after they’ve been sliced.