A WEEKLY NEWSLETTER FOR CHARLESTON COUNTY

Groundbreaking Ceremony Held for Materi-

al Recovery Facility On Monday, May 15, Charleston Coun-

ty officials hosted a ceremony to mark

the beginning of construction of

Charleston County’s new Materials Re-

covery Facility (MRF). Located in North

Charleston on Palmetto Commerce

Parkway, the County’s new recycling

center is the culmination of a multi-year

development process. Designed to

meet future regional recycling needs,

the building size is 57,000 square feet

and will include a multi-media education center, modern recycling equipment,

and administrative offices.

Components of the new MRF include:

State-of-the-art processing equipment, such as optical sorting equipment,

which will produce high quality material and reduce labor costs.

A fully automated scale, the first of its kind for recycling facilities in South

Carolina.

Capacity to process all of Charleston County recyclables, 25 tons of recy-

clables per hour, operating one shift, five days per week.

“Building this new recycling facility is a necessary investment in order serve the

needs of our community for many years to come,” said Charleston County

Councilmember Brantley Moody. The plan to build the MRF was first formally

approved by Charleston County Council on April 23, 2013. Mashburn Construc-

tion, a local Mount Pleasant firm, will build the facility and Machinex will provide

the processing equipment.

This $30 million project is funded solely

from the annual solid waste user fee

generated from residential and com-

mercial properties county-wide. The

approved capital improvement project

budget includes property acquisition,

infrastructure improvements, and turn-

key design-build construction

costs. The building is estimated to be

completed by June 2018. The project is

being managed by Charleston County Facilities Management Department.

Listen to the Naturalist Corner Podcast

Employees Recognized for their Excellent Work

Administrator Keith Bustraan presented the nominations and awards for last quarter’s employee recognitions during the De-

partment Head meeting on Thursday, May 11. He also presented the 2017 Spring Team Award.

Supervisor of the Quarter

David Cusick of Public Works displayed a positive attitude and exemplary leadership in repair projects and debris removal

following Hurricane Matthew. His initiative to assist a team on complex construction projects has increased production and

efficiency, therefore saving the County time and money.

Supervisor of the Quarter Nominee

Kenneth Smalls of Environmental Management shows his commitment to his new role as supervisor by exceptional

planning and the implementation of overtime cost saving methods by executing a fill-in system on the compost pad

during heavy sales times. His expansion of the training program to include a variety of procedures and DHEC regula-

tions shows his dedication to his team.

Employee of the Quarter

Employee of the Quarter Nominees

Nikia Creech of the Sher-

iff’s Office goes the extra

mile to assist and train

others to ensure accurate

records of inmates

Thomas Dashiell of the

Public Works Department

has excellent customer

service skills, and is al-

ways willing to help out

when needed.

Sam Dunham with Magis-

trates’ Courts demonstrated

leadership when volunteering

to train a new Constable , and

going above the call of duty to

make sure he would be suc-

cessful in his new role.

Molli LeMin of Transportation

Development remained calm

and answered questions and

concerns during the Harbor

View Road project despite

many challenges.

Octavio Hernandez–

Acosta of Public Works

has a “ can do” attitude

and often works 12 hour

shifts, seven days a

week, to get the job

done.

Cephus Holmes of Environmental Management was recognized for being dedicated to co-workers and citizens. He is al-

ways willing to help other drivers, fill in at Convenience Centers so others can go to lunch, and work Saturdays as a lead

driver saving the department hours of overtime and reducing costs to the County. Holmes is the “go to person” and a role

model in his department.

Kristen Sailsbury, Deputy Clerk of Council, handles all requests with a “can do” attitude and went the extra mile to assemble

a team of employees to manage preparations for Senator Tim Scott’s Town Hall meeting.

Carol Simmons of Environ-

mental Management en-

gages positively with citi-

zens and showed initiative

and team work during Earth

Day preparations.

Spring 2017 Team Award

The Spring Team Award was given to employees for their willingness to

“jump into action” on short notice to participate in preparations to host Sena-

tor Tim Scott’s Town Hall Meeting. These employees collaborated with other

departments to ensure smooth operations and a successful outcome.

Kristen Salisbury, Bill Tuten, Jason Scott, Donnie Giacomo, Vasant Chan-

dorkar, Michael Reeves, Christopher Hochreiter,

Muthukuma Ramasundaram, Ashish Temkar, Bhujang Gaikwad, Harikiran

Pillalamarri, Shanmugam Murrugappan, Jen Matto,

Carolyn Caruso, Hal Crawford, Downing Godbold, Fred Jeffers, Sauniatu

“Sunny” Mackey, Paul Salvo, Johnny Washington,

Walter Smalls, Tim Przybylowski, Anderson McPherson, James Brabham, Ray-

mond Shelley, Capt. Thomas Robertson, Lt. Fletcher King, Sgt. William White, Deputy Lisa Branham, Deputy Robert Smith,

Deputy James E. White, Deputy Demetrius Sansom, Deputy Scott Brown, Deputy Richard Hamill, Deputy Thomas Campbell,

Deputy Gary Combs, Capt. Ed Blakeley, Joe Frazier, Danny Hughes, Harry Bannister, Danny Schwec

Charleston County Offers Legal Benefits

Charleston County Government now offering Legal Benefits to employees. Legal bene-fits can ease two of the biggest stresses – finding and paying for a lawyer. Legal-GUARD is an affordable legal benefit plan presented by Nationwide® Insurance that protects members from unexpected personal legal issues. Be prepared and confident when it comes to unexpected legal issues. With LegalGUARD, you’ll save time and costly legal fees. You’ll also have access to one of the largest networks of attorneys to help navigate common individual or family legal issues. Most importantly, you’ll gain peace of mind while minimizing a stressful and time-consuming process. The Legal-GUARD Plan is only $7.32 (individual coverage) per paycheck* or $9.42 (family cover-age) per paycheck* via payroll deduction.

*Based on a 24 pay period deduction schedule.

Enrollment begins June 1, 2017. Visit https://www.legaleaseplan.com/charleston for detailed plan information. Pierce In-surance will be onsite throughout June explaining these valuable benefits and enrolling.

Some of the Spring Team Award Recipients

Jennifer D. Brown Graduates from Oklahoma Economic Development Institute

Jennifer D. Brown, Director of Business Retention and Expansion for Charleston County Economic Development, graduated from the University of Oklahoma Economic Develop-ment Institute on May 4, 2017 at the OU EDI Spring session held in San Antonio, Texas. OU EDI is an intensive week long, three-tier program which provides a broad spectrum of advanced education for the economic development professional. “As the premier organization dedicated to training economic development professionals, I am very pleased with this year’s graduates.” Said OU EDI Dean Peter Abramo. “They represent some of the finest economic development practitioners in the U.S. working to support their local communities. My congratulations to them.” Charleston County Economic Development Director Steve Dykes commended Brown in her efforts, stating “continuing education ensures a high standard of professional service

and quality here in Charleston County. We want our community to know that we are always seeking to enhance our knowledge base and competency in order to encourage Charleston County’s growth and vibrancy.” OU EDI classes focus on three major core areas including: Business Retention and Expansion, Real Estate, and Finance, as well as areas of concentration in Marketing, Strategic Planning, Entrepreneurship, and Managing Economic Development Organiza-tions. Students complete 117 hours of instruction with curriculum selected from more than fifty seminars, workshops and dis-cussion groups. Beginning in 1962, OU EDI is celebrating its 54th year of service to the economic development community. Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council, the program has trained over 4,000 graduates and remains the world’s lead-ing economic development teacher. Brown has been with Charleston County Economic Development since 2013. She has a BS degree in Management from Clem-son University and a MBA from The Citadel Graduate College.

The Emerging Leader Program Subcommittee is pleased to announce the application process for the second emerging leaders

class. The two-year program is designed to grow and retain talent and to prepare individuals for future leadership opportunities in

Charleston County.

The first year will be devoted to giving participants an in-depth understanding of the County’s varied operations both internal and

external and to develop effective and inspiring managers and leaders. Emphasis is on five core competencies: Understanding Lo-

cal Government, Thought Leaders, Results-Driven Leaders, People Leaders and Personal Development. Monthly day-long classes

will use a blended learning approach that will include both lectures and experiential learning opportunities such as case studies,

small-group projects, book assignments and site visits to various County operations. In the second year of the program, partici-

pants will complete approximately 96 hours of hands-on experience and applied learning including working with a team on a long-

term significant project, and training opportunities, coaching experience and job training.

All applicants must:

Have a minimum of two years of service with Charleston County;

Have taken professional development training, supervisory training or management training provided by the County or an

equivalent verifiable training conducted through other sources and/or have held a functional leadership role in the County or

elsewhere (such as taking on a leadership role on a County-wide or organization-wide committee or holding a supervisory or

management position);

Be available to attend all classes and complete all assignments (an average of 20 hours per month), including the final team

project in year two of the program;

Obtain endorsement from their supervisor and Department Director, Deputy County Administrator, County Administrator or

Elected/Appointed Official;

Be in good standing regarding their performance and not on any type of disciplinary action;

Must demonstrate the ability to pursue a career path to leading people and demonstrate the ability to be competitive as a

management candidate and a leader in Charleston County.

Application/Selection Process

Interested candidates can find an application packet (a) on the Charleston County Intranet, (b) by calling Human Resources (843-

958-4700) and asking that a copy be sent to them, or (c) by sending an email to emergingleaders@charlestoncounty.org. Applica-

tions open June 15, 2017 and are due July 21, 2017.

Application packets will be reviewed in August and all candidates will be notified by the first week in September. Those not select-

ed will be offered a one-on-one meeting with a coach to prove feedback and encouragement for future development opportunities.

Informational Drop-in Dates (Tentative Schedule)

PSB: June 6, from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Blake Building HR Room: June 8, from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Sheriff’s Office: June 5

Emergency Management: TBD

A representative will also be reaching out to other outlying locations

If you have questions about the Program, please feel free to contact anyone on the Emerging Leader Program Subcommittee: Fa-gan Stackhouse, fstackhouse@charlestoncounty.org, 958-4710, Christine DeStefano, cdestefano@charlestoncounty.org, 958-4081, Patricia Garrison, pgarrison@charlesotncounty.org, 958-2101, Andrea Harris-Long, aharris@charlestoncounty.org, 202-7203, Kelsey Barlow Roland, kbarlow@charlestoncounty.org, 202-6090, Carolyn Russell, crussell@charlestoncounty.org, 958-4716, Susan Steed, ssteed@charlestoncounty.org, 958-4715, Mina McCann, mmccann@charlestoncounty.org, 958-4714, Doug Wurster, dwurster@charlestoncounty.org, 958-4062

May is Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month

In 1977, U.S. Congress designated May as a month to celebrate Asians and Pacific Is-

landers in the United States. Asian/Pacific includes all of the Asian continent as well as the

Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.

The month of May was selected for commemoration due to the immigration of the first

Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the comple-

tion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid

the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

More details and resources are available from the Library of Congress at

www.asianpacificheritage.gov.

In honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month at the County, the Diversity Committee

invites you to share in the following:

Food Trucks will be at the Public Services Building (4045 Bridge View Drive) on June 1st

from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00.

Featured food trucks include Dashi (Asian and Latin cuisines), Mobile Munchies (a little bit of everything) and Sweet Lulu’s

(Desserts).

The mission of the Diversity com-

mittee is to promote diversity

awareness and cultural responsive-

ness in our workplace through vari-

ous committee activities and by

being role models and leaders with-

in the county.

Chicken Adobo Recipe

Edrian Trakas from Revenue Collections shares his favorite Pilipino recipe:

Many people have asked me for a great recipe that I could give them reflecting the Asian style of cooking I have grown up with. This

specific recipe has been handed down from generation to generation and truly incorporates the background of what it means to be Fili-

pino. The ingredients especially highlight the fusion of the Asian and Spanish heritage that the Philippines embodies. It accompanies

rice as the complimenting starch. I have updated it to make it easier to eat and enjoy.

2 lbs. chicken (I use boneless thigh meat.)

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup vinegar (Any type works fine. I prefer apple cider vinegar myself.)

1 cup water - (It is important to note that the three above liquids should stay in equal parts to each other so if you need to add a half

cup of Soy Sauce then a half cup of vinegar and water is also needed.)

3-4 cloves of garlic

½ - 1 full onion sliced or quartered (Quartered is easier to remove for kids who don’t like them.)

1 tablespoon of black pepper (This is also a key ingredient. Other variations of this recipe use whole unground peppercorn.)

1/8 to 1/4 cup of cornstarch (Optional for thickening the sauce. It is good to use and creates a gravy like thickness.)

1 – 2 cups of sugar

4 whole bay leaves (This can be optional but really accents the taste of the sauce.)

Season the chicken with garlic salt, black pepper and oregano and cook at 350 for 30-45 minutes.

To make the sauce: Combine the soy sauce, vinegar and water in a deep sauce pan over medium heat. Mince garlic and add to the

sauce. Add bay leaves and quartered or sliced onions. Shortly before the chicken is done cooking, empty the juices that have cooked off

the chicken into the sauce. Let cook for 15 minutes or until the sauce begins to boil then lower to a simmer.

Once the chicken is fully cooked add it to the sauce. Continue to cook the chicken in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes. Remove the

bay leaves. Once the sauce and chicken is at a good simmer (about 10 minutes) add 1 cup of sugar. Once it is dissolved, taste the sauce

and add additional sugar if necessary. The sugar is necessary because it counteracts the acidic nature of the vinegar and soy sauce.

Finally , in a bowl, mix the corn starch with cold water, add to chicken. I would suggest adding half the mixture at first and more as need-

ed. It is a thickening agent, and will cause the sauce to thicken into a loose gravy. This will happen after the mixture begins cooling once

it has been removed from the heat.

This meal is traditionally served with an Asian style white rice such as Jasmine or Calrose rice. Other types of rice can be substituted.

The sauce is generally poured over the rice like a gravy. Other than that, just sit back and enjoy.

National Public Works Week

This week is National Public Works Week. National Public Works Week celebrates the

vital role public works plays in our community. Public works provides, maintains, and

improves the structures and services that assure a higher quality of life for the County.

This year’s theme is “Public Works Connects Us.” The Public Works Department will be

reaching out to students this week to educate them on services they provide that make

our community a healthier and safer place to live, work, and play.

The week kicks off today at the PSB rotunda from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with a display, pam-

phlets, and educational information, plus a chance for citizens or employees to don a

hard hat and vest and have their photo taken as a show of support for Public Works.

Free CPR and AED Training Classes

Charleston County employees can sign up for free CPR and AED training . An automated external

defibrillator (AED) is a device that delivers an electric shock to the heart. During a cardiac arrest

event, the AED analyzes the heart rhythm, and if necessary will let the user know to press a

flashing button to deliver a shock to the heart. When used quickly and properly, it can dramati-

cally increase the likelihood of survival. According to Lowcountry CPR and AED Alliance only two

percent of the people they surveyed were comfortable using an AED in the event of someone having a cardiac arrest. AED’s

are very easy to use and designed to be used by the general public. Turn it on, follow the voice or visual commands, don’t

touch the victim, and initiate a shock if it is indicated. The pads even have pictures to show where the pads go on a victim’s

chest. If you would like to sign up for free training click here. There are several classes available and they can be held at the

Blake Tenement Building for those who work in Downtown Charleston.

Charleston County Employees to give Seminars at Sweetgrass Festival

The East Cooper Civic Club will offer its annual Gullah Geechee seminar featuring important information to local Gullah

Geechee citizens. Topics include Gullah Geechee culture, health disparities among Gullah Geechee people, land preservation

issues including gentrification, real property taxes, heirs’ property, family communication, and family mediation. Sessions are

conducted in an “expert panel format” that allows for interactive dialogue between local residents and lowcountry profession-

als who have substantial expertise in these subject areas. This year we are pleased to have the participation of two Charleston

County employees Ms. Chanda Brown, director of the Charleston Center and Ms. Tyese Miller, a Charleston County Youth In-

tervention Program Counselor.

The Gullah Geechee culture is a “land based” culture. Preserving land takes a stronger commitment than ever before. Attorney

Willie B. Heyward will share information regarding rights, responsibilities and resources available to Gullah Geechee citizens

who own or anticipate owning Gullah Geechee land. Common myths about heirs’ property will also be explored. Attorney Hey-

ward will also discuss recent changes in laws that govern heirs’ property.

The Gullah Geechee culture historically stresses the importance of education. Presenters will address today’s learning envi-

ronment, school discipline and resources available to parents.

Doctor Carolyn Jenkins returns to the festival again this year to talk about heath issues within the Gullah Geechee community.

Dr. Jenkins has long been committed to reducing diabetic disparities in Charleston and Georgetown African American commu-

nities through activism, education and outreach. There will also be seminars about mental health and licensed professionals

will be available to attendees.

Seminars will be held in the Cooper River Room. Tyese Miller will be speaking from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and Dr. Chanda

Brown will be speaking from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in the Public Service Week PROUD TO BE A COUNTY EMPLOYEE activi-

ty. Reading through all the entries was truly heartwarming. Here are some of the responses:

“I am paid to do what I love!”

“I get to work with some of the most talented people.”

“I believe Charleston County provides its citizens with the best public services.” And

“I enjoy helping members of our community improve their lives.”

Each completed form was entered into a drawing for a boat tote. CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners listed below!

How to Get Your Tote:

Winners should stop by Human Resources (PSB, 2nd floor) by May 31 to claim their tote. If you are picking up another

winner’s tote, please bring a note that is signed by the winner and authorizes you to pick up the tote.

ALETHA SMOAK * ANDY MURPHY * ANGELINA FRAZIER * ASHLEY GOSNELL * BARBARA FORD * BARBARA KENNEDY

BETH BELL * BRANDY BYRGE * C. DENTON MATTHEWS * CAMIKA SIMMONS * CHARLES COUNTERMAN SR

CHARLOTTE SMITH * CHRIS ZERBST * CHRISTINE DURANT * CINDY CAHILL * CONNIE DARLING * CYNTONIA AIKEN

DOMINIC DISANDRO * DOUG EASTER * JACKIE PROVEAUX * JANET BURNS * JANUARY O'NEALE * JASON SCOTT

JEAN SULLIVAN * JENNIFER LIVELY * JESSICA CHILDRESS * JOHNNIE POINT * JOYCE GORDON * JUDY DAWKINS

LARRY LIBATER * LAURIE HAGBERG * LOELLA SMALLS * MARIANNE CAWLEY * MARIE RODRIGUEZ SOLLITT

MARTI McPHERSON * MATT FILLMORE * MIKE MASSENBURG * NAOMI NATION * PAM PORCHER * PATTY PLEDGER

PAUL MORRIS * PAUL ZLOBA * PAULA MACK * PHYLLIS COLE * RONALD DARR * ROY COOKE * RYAN EVANGELISTA

SASHA FIMIANI * SHARON CLARK * SHAWN SMETANA * SHERESSE MYERS * SUE FROST * SUMMER GILLESPIE

SUSAN FROHNSDORFF * SYNOVIA GREEN * TAMI FRALICK * TERRI FIFE * VALERIE GREER * VICKY SEIGLER

wellness

On-site Health Screenings County-wide

To register for a health screening sessions, CLICK HERE or go to the Wellness Training link located on the intranet under the

Health & Wellness section.

Please make sure that you fast beginning at midnight (no food or drink, water is okay) before your blood is drawn. Once you

have had your blood drawn you can eat & drink.

Blood pressure, height, weight and BMI (body mass index) will also be provided. The screening is available at no cost to all county employees that are benefits eligible.

Dates Location Appointment Times

5/23/2017 Detention Center – Conf. R 5:30am – 6:00am

5/24/2017 Detention Center – Conf. R 5:30am – 6:00am

5/30/2017 Detention Center – Conf. R 5:30am – 6:00am

6/1/2017 PSB - 3rd Floor - B339 7:00am - 10:15am

Financial Wellness Workshops

Wells Fargo is offering new Lunch N’ Learn programs in the upcoming months.

June 6 - Budgeting and Savings

July 11 - Let’s Talk Credit

August 15 - Paying for College

September 12 - Wills and Trusts

All these workshops will be held at the PSB on the 3rd floor in room B-339. Please register in advance and lunch will be pro-

vided.

Registration: http://ccintranet.charlestoncounty.org/TrainingRegistration/Trainingregistration.php?id=1

Dear Readers,

Every week, the new Courier edition will replace the previous edition. Archives will not be available on the

link. However, we are providing two ways to access the archive Courier editions.

Archive editions will be available on the Intranet.

Archive editions will be available on the County’s Internal WordPress site:

www.chascountygov.wordpress.com

(The password to access the Courier editions is: countycourier1234.)

Thank you!

Shawn Smetana, Public Information Office

County Courier Editor

All articles can be submitted to Kelsey Barlow Roland at kbarlow@charlestoncounty.org by

Wednesdays!