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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11 7.. .. N.7. .... ... N Q wslat tQr for ...::::.::::::::::::MR.;::::11!:.]:::‘,... •:,„,...:„..„:„. .................. . C :;. ... . Employees and Retiree s .:''!: :::!::::IP '.'''' a ' :'1::'::: ' •IN L , , of Tompkins County ::.:: 7 a ' I THANKSGIVI ........ ....... . ...... ...... . .. , ..'." .... ...... • ...... .. . ..... ..,:.:::: , , , :::::::::::::::: _ , , ::::::::::::::::„.......... ...„... ................., . :. NOVEMBER 1997 •.. .:::„:::::„.....,„:„..:. Volume 10 Number 14 Third Annual Appeal ?? M.. ?? ai n P 9 This year Tompkins County Public Library Foundation's theme is Families Connect @ the Library. . Their fund - ,eem,enther rY raising goal is $143,000. The library hopes to be able to provide more books, films, books on tape and music geared specifically for families and children. The library also wishes to increase the access to '. information technology available at the library for children and their �.../ parents and to offer additional family oriented on -site programs. ow. The first phase of the Annual Campaign fund - raising Sundays a* at the Library has been an overwhelming success with 15 Sundays in 1997 funded and several more planned for January and February of 1998. - .�. 'Y To�iinar a ', ,; How many of you remember when " '' " " "` ` ' " Smokey" used to walk around the ,,,.F., .1.0, I !.f! 414^ 5 ,.w , ,,,, , �,; ,R, 041 Courthouse saying, Where's the party? 4 Courthouse Cat Update prior i i iglittp f by Diana Crane, COFA t • ( *. For everyone who remembers the k i $ C ounty Courthouse "CAT." I went to a Of! funeral recently at St. Paul's Church around the corner. The minister who was t, 4 presiding over the funeral happened to be i :, �° l. l. the "father "of the cat. He sent everyone • ^*f s;' his best and wanted us all to know that 'Smoke our name for him but not his y „ _ real name, is now retired. s _ After the family moved from here, ,: �4 �� Smokey joined a college fraternity next door to them. They then retired and moved to Mexico, NY. The cat retired at With the help of corporate donors, the Friends of the Library and the same time. He now only visits around many individuals, the Tompkins County Public Library opened on the neighborhood, going in and out of Sundays for the first time September 7, neighbors homes at will. He is doing very 1997. Shown in the photograph are staff members who volunteered well to work on the historic day. Just thought you would like to know. ,' 'il ef2)ue to 14,e 7iaubi ivirt Italic/ay, , the deadline for ' "° — ,..kwr_ . sJ co pra fo E li e o(Jecember iJOue u/if be � / /ovema�er 7. ' IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL ' NEW YORK STATE & LOCAL `144,, RETIREMENT SYSTEM MEMBERS L f+ by Jackie Yoder, Benefits Manager ' u 1 i/ ' .. Recent legislation permits qualifying individuals an opportunity to make transfers between public retirement , , 1 ` systems in New York (exclusive of New York City). Under Section 801, members who were eligible to ' ' vi ,,r,,, transfer between public retirement systems in New York ULIL �Ja i j ij f i State and who did not transfer while both memberships 12 I I were active may now be eligible to apply for a retroactive iiii I .' .1 transfer. The law also permits retroactive transfer, in . I certain cases, by members who began employment which made them eligible to join a second public retirement system before their membership in the first system terminated. ATTENTION The filing deadline is January 1, 1998. If you believe you qualify or have questions about this opportunity, ALL please contact the Personnel Department at 274 -5526. COUNTY RETIREES by Louise McEwen, Retired - Personnel l/ Did you know that any Tompkins Noon iI e.Nch,ivei County retiree receiving a NYS pension check can join CSEA's Ithaca Retirees Local 905, regardless of whether you were a CSEA member during your employment? I wasn't, ..•.. aware of this until recently but thought I'd pass the information along to you. c , =' The dues year runs from 10/1 - 9/30 and ,.0 R dues are $12 per year, fifty cents of which is used for political action purposes. Dues may be paid w from your pension check at a rate of $1.00 per :1 4' month or a personal check for $12.00. A ` membership application must be filed. £3 " II! - Local 905 will be meeting at 1:30 p.m. on „ it November 12 at the Ithaca Transit Center on Willow Avenue. Bonnie Barber, County Hospital retiree and Local president, has indicated that one �`' a' of the principle topics will be Cost of Living Adjustment for NYS Pensioners. Since this issue has been of great concern for a long time, retirees back row: I to r: Newman, Hutchins, Young, Hottes should plan to attend the meeting and be heard. Harrington; If you are not a member of the Retirees middle row: Kennedy, Ganoung, Boice, VanOstrand, Conklin, Thompson; Local, Bonnie has indicated she will have seated: Hart, Marion, Todd. membership applications available on the 12th at (Dated 1894 - 95) the meeting so please feel free to attend and make your thoughts on the issues known to CSEA. Knowing what's right / hope to see many of you on the 12th I'm sure doesn't mean much unless this will be an informative discussion. you do what's right. Staying Healthy Through the Winter Months by Jared Jones RN Employee Health +� �� ilk Ali Sy S° fi i 4 . : "..) �.- J1 ti. , 4 t} �i, .Stiff f 3 ` may' I 1. 4� 1,. 1 , The challenges of staying healthy in the winter in our climate haven't changed fundamentally in 2. Maintain physical activity. In addition to thousands of years. From ancient times to our modern tuning up your immune system, exercise also improves age, people still get sick more often during the winter sleep and reduces stress. Suggestions might include: months and their illnesses are more severe. Why? walking outside at lunchtime to boost energy for the rest We're indoors more of the time. That means of the day, shoveling snow, sledding and cross-country we have more contact with people who are already sick skiing, or beginning the day with a few stretching with colds and flu like illnesses. exercises. Try to include activities that enhance strength, flexibility and conditioning. Call Employee Health at 274 - We get less exercise. Sometimes its just too 6681 for more information about maintaining or wintery out there to exercise or even get to an indoor increasing your physical activity or join a health club with facility! Exercise is an important immune system booster a certified fitness instructor. Memberships are partially and a great stress management tool. reimbursed by the Wellness Committee. If you're already We're sleeping less than we should. This is exercising regularly, continue your program! not a problem that is limited to winter time! Most 3. Watch your diet. In many cases, frozen Americans are under significant time pressure and often vegetables packed at peak ripeness may be more try to squeeze extra "work" time out of their "sleep" nutritious than "fresh" vegetables picked before full hours. The result: too little sleep and difficulty sleeping ripeness and shipped thousands of miles to a local due to stress overload. grocer. Maximize your intake of dark green, yellow, Our relationships are under increased strain orange and red fruits and vegetables; they are high in in the winter. Our relationships with friends, relatives valuable vitamins and minerals. Don't forget locally grown and colleagues play an important role in keeping our squash, cabbage, and potatoes. Consider a vitamin immune system strong. In winter, we are more likely to supplement if you are having trouble getting highly be stressed out for all the reasons above and our nutritious fruits and vegetables. interactions usually suffer due to that stress. Additionally, 4. If you're a smoker, stop or cut down as the overcast weather and holiday pressures sometimes much as possible. Smoking depresses your immune make us less interested in getting together with people in system and puts you at higher risk for many respiratory our network of social support. Winter transportation infections in addition to dramatically increasing your risk difficulties can also interfere with opportunities for seeing of heart disease, lung cancer and many other diseases. friends. 5. Get enough sleep. Try going to sleep half an hour earlier. , 1�, 6. Find creative ways of getting together with friends. Some examples might be sharing healthy meals with friends, a hike on foot, skis or snowshoes �` . followed by a healthy brunch, etc. 7. Manage your stress. Getting enough sleep and exercise can go a long way towards dealing with THERE IS HOPE! Take responsibility for your stress as can eating a healthy diet. Other measures, health! Here are some tips to help keep yourself healthy including meditation and muscle relaxation techniques, through the winter months and beyond: may also be useful. Questions? Comments? 1. Get outside for at least a few minutes every Suggestions? Call Employee Health at 274 - 6681. day. It helps offset "cabin fever" and increases your activity level. Dress for the conditions; clothes made from synthetic fibers like polypropylene are designed to help ER 1_ you stay warm and wick away moisture to help you stay comfortable wis ., ,,,„,,,,,A4 Tompkins County Training & Development This section provides you with updates and information about In- Service Education and Workshops, Partners for Quality, and helpful hints for your professional development. Feel free to contact Jerry Feist or Diane Bradac at 274 -5590 if you have questions, concerns, or suggestions. - -Tr_ -_ "ISMlLINlM! fiE ®lItItlMM !Ir! "UVI4OR VIC WQRSPLACC" The Tompkins County Future Search rIl9CSQA,t", MO1►BMOXA t► ®ifF Conference on Racism will be held on ZOMP 4J9QPM November 20, 21 and 22 at Ithaca College. LOCOS A, SAPP A CONF. ROOM The goal of this conference is to create When we are stressed, tired, overwhelmed, or systematic and sustainable changes using discouraged, a dose of "humor" may be just the right medicine. Humor may provide the achievable goals that will help vanquish the "psychological medicine" that boosts morale, destructive elements of racism County - wide. It stimulates productivity and increases individual isn't just talking about problems. It's making motivation in the workplace. specific plans to solve them and then carrying out those plans. This conference will be part of How does humor appropriately fit into the the County's ongoing efforts to transform workplace? Where is the balance between work policies, practices, and initiatives to assist and play and how are guidelines set in the I community efforts to eliminate racism. workplace? Chas McMullen, professor of I y - Psychology at TC3, has been teaching and Seventy - two diverse county residents will consulting in the area of fun and humor for over 20 meet to design realistic, long term strategies for years. He brings a common sense perspective to diversity and unity in Tompkins County. The work, life and human interactions. We take humor seriously. participants represent a variety of views, perspectives, ages, ethnicity's, socio - economic The two hour workshop will cover: strata, and geographical references. November's • What is humor and what is not conference is designed to serve as a catalyst for • Why humor is a great coping tool and how it changes that will be developed can be used to reduce stress and implemented in Tompkins County. • How humor can be used to both add years to Community Change Consortium of Kansas City your life and life to your years has been engaged to manage the program. • t humor can have a positive effect on productivity Tammy Blossom assisted by Pat Riley from New • Pragmatic advice on how to maintain a York City, have been working with the planning humorous perspective on life committee which includes Beverly Livesay, Tim Joseph, Susanne Davis, Cathy Covert, and Jerry Our hope is for a good cross - representation from Feist. The conference is designed to be a all County Departments. To register for this springboard - one of many steps to come. workshop first check in with your supervisor, then call 274 -5590, fax 274 -5401 or e-mail Diane at _ If you would like to become active in Tompkins diane bradac @einstein.co.tompkins.ny.us County's efforts to eliminate racism County- wide, please contact Cathy Covert at 274 -5434 or Jerry Feist at 274 -5590. There's no reason that work has to be suffused with seriousness... Fun is a stimulant to people. They enjoy their work more and work more productively. Herb Kelleher, CEO, Southwest Airlines J dlt "I learned... I think... I wonder... I want... 4' 0 Comments from employees' workshop evaluations Self Esteem with Susan Lerner - Susan, back by employee request, presented a three hour workshop that defined self esteem, explored personal assumptions that block growth and improvement, helped people identify strengths, shared ideas and methods to overcome and decrease negative thought patterns, and provided an opportunity to practice skills and methods. It's okay not to be perfect, just do your best and take a serious look and plan for regular self- ?[ improvement. Superman and Superwoman are really just make- believe characters. gir It's okay to make mistakes. It's important to take time to laugh at/with myself. Mistakes will occur - they do not define who a person is. What a relief. You have provided the opportunity to relieve myself of the stress of negative assumptions and all the corresponding negative emotions. I can't thank you enough. We all have self - esteem hang ups BUT there are effective techniques for changing. It was a wonderful, support building time in a comfortable, supportive environment. Thanks. Now that I am an adult, who else but me is going to make me a " #1" priority? Sexual Harassment with the Cornell Interactive Theatre Ensemble - This program gave a unique twist to two difficult work problems around sexual harassment in the workplace. Professional actors role-played scenarios with follow -up discussions to educate, explore, and discuss feelings, responsibilities, and prevention strategies. Anita Fitzpatrick provided an overview of County policy and clarified procedures and responsibilities. This group of actors were especially effective and convincing. I feel much more confident of my responsibilities and reactions. Keeping informed is the best defense. This has been a fuzzy area for me. It's much more clear now with the key being "perceptions." It was very thought provoking and fun at the same time. It clarified for me my responsibilities for ACTION. The need to document, document, document is critical. It's important to view all sides of interactions and different perspectives when dealing with sensitive and tough issues. This approach not only made us think about the situations, but to also "feel" about the issues. I'd like more training in the area of hostile environment, supervisor's responsibilities and legal implications. It's good to know there are solid resources in the County. • It all boils down to perspectives and assertive communication. "No" and "Stop" can be difficult to say and do, but absolutely essential to good communication. We still need to caution ourselves in regards to sexual harassment stereotypes. Female to female, male to male, female to male, and co- worker to co- worker situations exist too. Dealing with Difficult People with Kirby Edmonds - This workshop was designed to help participants develop insight, skills, and strategies for dealing with complaints and other difficult interpersonal interactions in the workplace. Sixty two employees attended the sessions. It was clear from evaluations that participants want more skill practice and concrete ideas for dealing with groups of different people (public, co- workers, supervisors, etc.) I find Kirby intellectually stimulating, insightful, and able to engage the participants. Looking at behaviors before and after a difficult incident can be revealing and may cast light on potential solutions and practical prevention steps. * . Amazing how often I have ignored or buried my feelings after handling difficult people or situations. Hmmmm - I'll have to explore that. I recommend separate workshops focusing on specific groups (clients, co- workers, work units, or levels of staff.) It may help employees discuss and practice real situations in a more efficient way. •■• It's much more complicated when your difficult person is your supervisor or manager, or spouse. Kirby has wonderful energy, humor, ability to relate and translate information and keeps on target. I want more sessions with him to "practice or role - play." Confidence is key. The method for relaxing was one I'll use regularly. It may help lower my blood pressure and keep my stress in check. Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today, because if you enjoy it today you can do it again tomorrow. James A. Michener ECYc Celebrate America Recycles Day jr5, a November 15 • a 4kir • On November 15, communities around the country Not fS will be observing America Recycles Day, an event sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency, national environmental organizations, and recycling industries. The purpose of the day is to promote the success of recycling and its environmental and economic benefits. Recycling is one of the United States' most successful environmental accomplishments. We all know that recycling saves energy, valuable natural resources and landfill space. But if recycling is going to keep working, we all need to buy products made from the materials we collect and process in our recycling programs. The main focus of America Recycles Day is to foster a greater awareness of the connection between healthy, stable recycling programs and the end markets upon which recycling programs rely. To put that awareness into action, municipal governments, schools, businesses and individuals must commit to buying recycled products, thus closing the loop. Many recycled products are available in grocery stores in the form of glass food and beverage containers, steel and aluminum cans, paperboard packaging for a wide variety of products, paper tissue and toweling, and some plastic containers for detergent and other non -food items. Recycled products can also be found in office supply stores, clothing stores, building supply outlets, and hardware stores. Look for recycled products where you shop. The Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division is promoting America Recycles Day through public service announcements, possible newspaper articles, and letters to schools and local businesses. It will also be distributing recycling pledge cards and posters to outlets around the county. Individuals can take the recycling pledge by committing to any of a number of waste reducing activities, such as recycling at home, work and at school, adopting waste prevention methods, requesting recycled products from local retailers, leaving grass clippings on the lawn, or starting and maintaining a compost pile. Those who take the pledge (and mail in the card) become eligible to win the American Green Dream House, an energy- efficient, three - bedroom home built with recycled and reclaimed materials. Persons 18 years of age or older are eligible to enter the drawing. The pledge cards must be mailed to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation in Albany, whose address is printed on the cards. Pledge cards are available at the following locations: County Clerk's office in the Court House; the Solid Waste Management Division office at 122 Commercial Ave.; the Recycling and Solid Waste Center Drop -Off Area; Public Health Department at Biggs B; Judd Falls P & C; Tops Market on Meadow St. TEN GREAT WAYS TO CELEBRATE AMERICA RECYCLES DAY 1. Commit to "Buy Recycled" at home and at work. 2. Think before you buy. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. 3. Start a paper recycling program in your office, school or community. 4. Ask your local recycling coordinator about adding steel, glass or plastic to your community's recycling program. [These materials are already part of the Tompkins ` ` p RE County Program.] y> ar 5. Tell your local retailers you want them to stock more _ . 7 products made from recycled materials. 6. Encourage the use of recycled- content products in your \ 1 M ill place of business. 1 'I u �VI 7. Leave grass clippings on the lawn as a fertilizer. 8. Start a compost pile with yard trimmings and food scraps. 9. Take children to visit a recycling facility or a landfill in your community. 10. Recycle your used motor oil and oil filters at an approved collection center, and buy re- refined oil for your next oil change. Take the recycling pledge. Fill out a pledge card and send it in to the Department of Environmental Conservation in Albany before November 15, 1997. Your name and address will be kept confidential. For more information about America Recycles Day, call the Solid Waste Management Division at 273 -6632 or 273 -5700. You can also make your pledge via the Internet by visiting the website at: www.americarecyclesday.org 1 Unclassifieds Personnel Personals For Sale: Congratulations to: Sega Genesis System, Sega CD Sharon Cooper, Assessment on her transfer to the System, 2 Controllers, AC Adapter, TV Sheriff's Department. Connector and Dust Case. Comes with 12 Sega Genesis Games, and 7 Sega CD games. Most Game Manuals are included. Call 898 -4621 after `" 6 p . m. .. , - `. Dog Kennel & Insulated Doghouse - best offer. Dorm size 33" tall Kenmore - J. --��,. Refrigerator like new $150. Two drawer Filing - - -�� Cabinet - $25. 257 -3366. v � i :.: - ter♦ 1992 Toyota Camry, 92,000 miles, 5 �i N __i speed manual transmission, 4 door, good �� condition. Asking $6200. Please call Carol at 257 -3100 (days). IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING Maple Table - Perfect condition. Has two self- storing leaves. Fully opened seats six. COUNTY CORRIDORS, $150 - C211 evenings 387 -5446. PLEASE CALL RUTH POND, FINANCE, AT 274 -5580. Home: 3 Br 1 -1/2 bath remodeled farm house on 106 acres. Only 35 mins. To Ithaca. Articles to be considered for the December 4 1/2 mi. Road frontage. State land bordered $135,000. All offers considered. 273 -1824. issue must be received by November 17, 1997. Lengthy articles should be on disk. Send by interdepartmental mail to Ruth Pond, Finance, For Rent: or 125 East Court St., 2nd floor, Ithaca, NY One Bedroom Apartment in Interlaken. 14850. $275.00 plus. Off street parking, large yard, deposit required. Call 387 -7049 evenings and weekends. UNCLASSIFIEDS Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may be for any purpose except no personal ads will be accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers may be listed in these ads, however we do need the full name of the person submitting the ad. Use w this coupon to send your ad via interdepartmental mail to Ruth Pond, County Corridors do Finance, or 125 East Court St., 2nd floor, Ithaca, NY 14850. . t ir Please type or print legibly! Thanks! I , \ NI COUNTY CORRIDORS 6 ` r� Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are selected by the volunteer - editorial board based on their interest to Tompkins County employees and retirees. They do not necessarily express the opinions of the Editorial Board. Material is solicited from current employees, retirees and others. i Material for publication is selected by the editorial board which reserves the right to edit any submissions except in the instance of copyright articles. The Editorial Board is made up of: Bill Chapp, Social Services; Sharon Cooper, Assessment; Lisa Eaton, (Proofreader), Finance- Purchasing; Iretta Ellis, Information Services; Scott Heyman, County Administrator; Ruth Pond, (Editor), Finance; Michelle Pottorff, Bd. Of Reps.; Judy Tynyk, (Chair), Weights and Measures; and Vickie Wagner, (Artist), Drafting Technician, Assessment. Guess who's turning 50 on November 30th. Correspondence may be sent through County inter - department mail to: County Corridors, do Finance, 125 East Court St., 2nd floor, Ithaca, NY 14850. If you see her, wish her a Happy Birthday!