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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11 1 r— A Hewsletter for 1 7 Employees and Retirees 1 `., �. of Tompkins County. . 7 ........... ..... . .. ,. . 0 . . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . L-7 . r . . . . 01 t NOVEMBER 1998 Volume 11 Number 11 Are You REALLY Familiar County Administrator's Report with Hepatitis C? by Rick Erb by Louise McEwen, Retired ■(r1(,+ would like to thank the ?r' y/i, many employees who Having lost a friend in recent years who was W�`I�ii yf have welcomed me to diagnosed with Hepatitis C after many bouts of '�'� ri �` Tompkins County since a% illness and expensive and sometimes painful tests A i �� my arrival October 1st. h ;" to"rule out"other health problems, and knowing of �� �1ift .104;p g •�� 1•.r. � It has been thirteen at least one other person who underwent the same ',kpd..4f�� years since the County ` battery of tests before finally being diagnosed with has made the " "." , Hepatitis C, I thought I would pass along some adjustment to a new administrator, 4' information which I found in a recent issue of USA which happens to be the same period of %` TODAY which some of you may have seen. It time I served as Town Manager in was a real eye-opener for me and contained Kennebunk, Maine. So, we are both information I was not aware of, and could save experiencing a period of adjustment! f. lives if more people are aware of this dreadful I am not sure that I would have disease. chosen the start of budget hearings to Hepatitis C is a potential deadly, begin my new position. However, to look on the bright side, I can contagious disease caused by a blood-borne virus say that it provided a crash course on the function of each which involves the liver and may lead to serious department. It is a humbling experience to no longer be the person liver problems as it progresses. FOUR TIMES who understands the budget from one end to the other, and to more people have Hepatitis C than AIDS, and all instead be at the bottom of a very steep learning curve. I truly you have to do is come in contact with infected appreciate the knowledge Deputy Administrator Kathy West brings blood just once. Some people may have the to the budget process. disease, show no symptoms, and pass on the From the time I announced I was leaving Kennebunk to disease without knowing it! come here I was amazed at the number of people who approached You are at risk if you ... had a blood me to discuss their personal connections to Tompkins County. transfusion before 1992, had your ears or any They were an enthusiastic bunch, which tempted me to ask why other body parts pierced, shared a razor, they left here in the first place. Many wanted to tell me that I would toothbrush, or other item that could carry blood, find the winter much snowier than southern Maine. That remains snorted cocaine from a straw or bill or tried any to be seen. Coming from a coastal plain area, I can at least say intravenous drugs, have a tatoo, or had a hands- your hills are more ominous. on healthcare job or were exposed to blood in the I really am a native Maineiac, so if my accent doesn't live military. up to your expectations maybe it is a sign of too much television t If you have any risk factors noted above or growing up. I'm sure a few phrases give me away. If you hear me t are having some non-specific problems, ask your describe your work as "wicked good", trust me there is no higher medical provider to do the ELISA 2 blood test, a compliment where I come from. Yes, I will miss the ocean. But simple test that can be done with your regular lakes and waterfalls are wicked good too. blood work. Once properly diagnosed, therapy is available which could improve your health or, in After being on my own for the first two weeks here, I am fact, enable you to live longer! very pleased to say my wife Shannon and four year old son Garrett The information was provided by Schering have arrived in Ithaca. We have rented a home in Belle Sherman Oncology/Biotech. For more information or a and will begin house hunting in earnest in the spring. We are very doctor referral, one may call 1-800-HEP-7446, or pleased to be part of the community and look forward to enjoying all log on at www.epidemic.org ... I hope this that the area has to offer. information is helpful to you or someone you love. I am making my rounds through County departments. If Editor's note: Many thanks, Louise. We you see me I hope you will say hello, as I am looking forward to appreciate your sharing. working with you all. : - /1‹et v ' r k _ -� Tales From the Bush ? , }S) � ,, by Dave Bush, Sheriff's .i ° Howd hello and hi-de-ho.... r�r 11/ y _ i a� � •1. 9 Well, another month has _—.4 :; ! :,--_..� ,.� ,: _, �, passed us by. The leaves are ` ° �'1 turning and the weather is -V ''' ' (2)071/ne/le (Tam,ctevnt changing. It's time that we , remember what winter is all \ • about. We can always tell here \,`` i =' at the department as we start to V take numerous car/deer accident reports, it won't be long when the new drivers to our area Dear Danielle, will start slipping and sliding, so keep it in mind that some Yesterday I was in Burger King when a little boy of these people have never seen snow, let alone driven on dashed right in front of me. I tripped and fell. I assured it! the manager at that time that I was okay, but today I ache Before I forget as Christmas is getting close, if my all over.Should I contact Burger King now and tell them I'm weather watchers need to send presents to me, you can going to see a doctor? send them here to the Department! My reports will resume Sore in Slaterville as the weather breaks. If anyone is planning a trip this Dear Sore, winter, feel free to e-mail me and I can update you on the What did Burger King do? I guess I don't area you are headed for. understand why they would care that you go to the doctor. Now some fun stuff(as always) before I go... Are they responsible for the actions of that little boy? It's Some questions to ponder: unfortunate that you fell and bruised yourself, but I don't *Do you need a silencer if you are going to shoot a mime? know what Burger King has to do with it. If they were in * How come wrong numbers are never busy? some way negligent, and caused an injury, then they * If 7-11's are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, why should be held accountable. But it sounds like no one is at are there locks on the doors? fault. It was an accident, and you're sore, but hopefully * If man evolved from apes why do we still have apes? much better by now. * Is it OK to use an AM radio in the afternoon? ******...***************.***************............************** *A farmer had seventeen sheep, all but nine died. How many did he have left? Dear Danielle, So long high above Cayuga's waters Dave. I sent my money to the vending committee so that I can go to NYC,then called Radio City Music Hall and they were sold out for the day of the trip. Do you think I should r �,£,, go anyway? What can I do there? What if I get lost and . ,� 3` ) can't find the bus when it's time to go home. I'm sort of ' .;;._ , �� scared. -Scared to Go �, �, .c' , �"� ��ia ; Dear Scared, 1 One question at a time: Employee Benefits Day 1. YES, I think you should go anyway. Wednesday 2. YOU CAN DO a million things there. The shopping November 1 8, 1998 is unimaginable. Sightseeing is wonderful. Wander up 5'h Avenue. You won't believe the fun Human Services Building you can have just window shopping. First Floor Conference Room 3. You won't get lost, because the first thing you will 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. do is learn where you're supposed to be when it's This is an opportunity for employees to obtain information time to go. Memorize the address and area about the variety of benefits available,and to ask questions around you. Know the bus number. Latch on to of the experts. The following benefit programs will be someone to be with. Worse case? Take a bus represented: back to Ithaca on your own. You'll be fine. Health Insurance (BCBS, PHP, EHS) It's natural to be scared. I do the same thing. It's called Flexible Benefits (SIEBA) "pre-travel anxiety" and the only thing that makes it go Deferred Compensation (PEBSCO) away is getting on your way. It will be fine. Give yourself Employee Assistance Program (EAP) permission to be a little nervous, but tell yourself, it's only Credit Union (TEFCU) because it's a new experience, and NOT because you Long Term Care Insurance (MELTCA) should cancel out. Employee Health &Wellness Benefits Mark your calendar. Plan to spend some time talking to ****..****.***..*....*****....................*..**.*............ the pros about your benefits. Questions can be directed to the Personnel Department at 274-5526. Send questions to Danielle do Ruth Pond, Finance d Tompkins County Keep your eyes open for more details about these upcoming Training & Development P g 7? Personnel, 125 East Court Street programs and workshops: 607-274-5590 Employee Development- assessing individual and unit training needs and designing a training plan 0� 0 � `�el, /�1 Publication/Newsletter/Graphic User Group - a 15,16.,,,e,, ' ,�,r► v follow up user meeting for employees who have '� %���. 1��._/I� taken Designing Newsletters or Tips and i ' Techniques with using Graphics in Publications Training& Development Mission: Intermediate Pegasus - learning to use attachments, Working Together...Better distribution lists, extensions, folders and other tools ❑ To encourage employees to do their professional Surveys- an overview of survey development, use, best, and strengthen their skills and knowledge data analysis,reports and measuring outcomes through professional development workshops, computer classes, self-paced learning, and Managing Your Career Part Two - follow up for utilization of the professional lending library. employees who have taken Career Development or o To enhance Tompkins County employees' work Managing Your Career workshops performance within their work unit and improve Maintaining Web Pages - for employees who design unit and department effectiveness and productivity. and maintain County and Department web pages Lending Library Resources Photoshop 4.0 Follow-Up - for employees who took ❑ Books,Video and Audio Tapes - a new listing Introduction to PhotoShop with Bob Edgecomb will be available in the next few weeks Proofreading, Grammar and Punctuation o Equipment(multimedia LCD projector, video Refresher camera, 35 mm camera, cassette player, coffee service) Keyboarding- Improving Speed and Accuracy o Subscriptions (some old, some current) o Graphic/ClickArt Software(ASAP WordPower, Art Explosion, ClickArt) A Few Tips for Improving Project Teams Define and understand your common goals. Take personal responsibility for overall team 4 **NEW**NEW**NEW**NEW p p y effectiveness and performance. Have you heard about the new Strive for quality communication. Ask questions. lending library resource? Share information and insights. Be good at what you do. Build your own skills and Interactive Training CD Roms! you build the team. Follow through on agreements. Decision Making Delegation Back up others who need help. Jump in and help Excellence in Service Interviewing Skills when needed. Managing Change Managing Performance Experiment. Risk. Admit and learn from mistakes. Problem Solving Resolving Conflict Encourage others to perform well. Sexual Harassment The Coaching Edge Get to know and invest in your team members. Make sure you make a difference. Call to set up a half hour appointment to learn more Protect and nurture a climate of trust. about how these training CDs can be used with your Think for yourself. Be creative. work unit. Contact me at 274-5590 for lending details Laugh often. Use appropriate humor. Have fun. and computer systems requirements. Adapted from Pritchett and Associates L Celebrate America Recycles Day November 15, 1998 ),RECrC On November 15, communities around the country will be observing the second annual (,• co America Recycles Day,an event sponsored by the US Environmental Protection Agency, 15( G national environmental organizations,and recycling industries.The purpose of the event y is to promote the success of recycling and its environmental and economic benefits. ..:c t. siS c Recycling is one of the United States' most successful environmental accomplishments. • Ai 41 • We know that recycling saves energy,valuable natural resources and landfill space. But NO Y. 1S if recycling is going to keep working, we 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 local stores, such as glass food and beverage containers, steel and aluminum cans, paperboard packaging, paper tissue and toweling, and some plastic containers for detergent and other household products. Recycled products can also be found in office supply, clothing, building supply , and hardware stores. Look for them where you shop. As County employees, we can urge our departments to purchase recycled products, such as copier and computer paper, note books, rubber fatigue mats, absorbents, desk accessories, carpeting, rechargeable toner cartridges, rerefined oil, and much more. The Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division is celebrating America Recycles Day by offering public tours of the Recycling and Solid Waste Center Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, November 10, 12, and 13.To sign up for a tour, please call the Solid Waste Management Division at 273-6632 or 273-5700. Come see how recyclables are processed and to see our display of recycled products. Individuals can take the recycling pledge by committing to any of a number of waste reducing activities, such as the ones described in the list below.Those who take the pledge(and mail in the card)become eligible to win prizes in the drawing in Albany. They will then be eligible to win the American Green Dream House, an energy-efficient, three- bedroom home built with recycled and reclaimed materials, in the national drawing in December. 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.The address is printed on the cards. Pledge cards are available at the following locations:County Clerk's office in the Court House; Solid Waste Manage- ment Division office at 122 Commercial Ave.; Recycling and Solid Waste Center Drop-Off Area; Public Health Department in the Human Services Building; Cooperative Extension on Willow Ave.; East Hill P & C; Wegmans on Meadow St. ,� k) TEN GREAT WAYS TO CELEBRATE AMERICA RECYCLES DAY / and KEEP RECYCLING WORKING J 0 1. Commit to "Buying Recycled"at home and at work. 2. Organize a display of recycled products at your church, school or office. 3. Tell your local retailers you want them to stock more products made from recycled materials. 4. Look for "safe bets" that always have recycled content: steel and aluminum cans; glass bottles and jars; and molded pulp containers, such as egg cartons and berry boxes. 5. Purchase products you know can be recycled in your community. Avoid those that cannot. (more) 6. Read the labels and look for recycled content, especially for post-consumer content. 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 facility that manufactures recycled products in your area. 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 20, 1997. Your name and address will be kept confidential. For more information about America Recycles Day, call the Tompkins County 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 Staying Healthy Update and Coping with the Holidays by Jared Jones RN Employee Health As the year winds down and the holidays approach, it's In December(see schedule below): time to review the latest information about staying healthy Coping with the Holidays: Loads of tips on staying and think about getting through the holidays happy and healthy and happy through the holiday season by healthy. To help this process, Employee Health offers the preventing stress overload, balancing the foods of the following classes: season with healthy alternatives, staying active, and keeping a balanced emotional state. In November(see schedule below): Staying Healthy Update: the latest information on To sign up for the classes: Check the schedule below to maximizing your health and preventing disease in a fun and find the class most convenient for you. Fill out the County entertaining format. Topics will include a review of the training registration form and return the form via interoffice newest ideas on eating a healthier diet, the role of activity mail to Employee Health in the Health Department. in preventing disease, maintaining a healthy weight, and Questions: please call or e-mail Jared Jones at 274-6681 managing stress plus the latest thinking on preventing the or jjones @tompkins-co.org . most common serious diseases. Schedule for Fall Employee Health Classes: November and December '98 Location Staying Healthy Coping with the Room Update Class Holidays Class Human Services Tuesday 11/17 Tuesday 12/8 4`h Floor Building 1-3 1-3 Conference Room Old Jail Friday 11/20 Wednesday 12/9 Old Jail 1-3 1-3 Conference Room Mental Monday 11/16 Friday 12/11 6`h Floor Health 1-3 1-3 Conference Room Health Department Thursday 11/19 Thursday 12/3 Rice Room- 1-3 1-3 Library Friday 11/13 Thursday 12/10 Sherman Peer 1-3 1-3 Room- Unclassifieds The Personal Touch For Sale: Congratulations to: 1991 Honda Civic 4 Dr, Air, etc. $4,500. Judy Ryan, DSS, on her marriage to James Milks on Henry Theisen 277-3562. October 10, 1998. all the employees at the Tompkins County Sheriff's Tappan electric stove $25; GE Dept.for their large contribution to the"Million Dollar Can Drive"for Dishwasher$25. 564-7028 103.7. Scott Roman, Dispatch; Lynn LaPlant, Civil; Sharon Alpine ski boots - beautiful gray and hot Cooper, Criminal Investigations; and Lisa Siegard, Corrections pink. Also navy and lime green pair women/boys Office County Jail; on passing their Notary Public test. sizes 5-7 $30 each. Great condition. Maureen Reynolds on being appointed Deputy Tompkins Call 277-5359. County Clerk. Trudy McAdams,former deputy, has undertaken a new position with Borg-Warner, effective October 26, 1998. We Waterbed -Simmons Beautyrest Queen- wish both Maureen and Trudy good luck and happy futures!! sized, soft-sided. New tubes. Solid 9-legged Kathy Cornell, former Deputy of Motor Vehicles, now frame with Broyhill headboard. Queen sized solid Administrative Assistant in Tompkins County's Probation oak platform ideal for futon mattress OR the Department. Kathy commenced her new employment on October aforementioned waterbed. The whole package 19, 1998. We'll be looking for you "on campus," Kathy. $300. 1995 Buick Regal Custom Deluxe with Let's make 1 998 a banner year Grand Touring Package, leather seats, loaded and only 12,000 miles. $12,500. for kids! Computer - Packard Bell with full multi- The Tompkins County Sheriffs Department will once again media including modem, 14" monitor, and printer be involved with Cops, Kids&Toys. Show your support by taking $250. Evenings & message service 277-8475. an unwrapped toy for a child under 13 to Dave Bush at the Sheriff's Department or to the Finance Department, second floor at the Old Two Snow Tires used one season on a Jail. The toys will be distributed to Tompkins County children. Last Dodge Caravan. Size: P195 75R14 $50. year 1000 children were assisted - how much could we increase 564-9334 that number in 1998? The Drive is already underway so start bringing your toys in now. Thank you in advance for thinking of Free: someone else. Mother cat and 2 kittens looking for a good home. 564-0674 after 5 p.m. Articles to be considered for the December 17 issue must be received by noon,Monday,November 30. Lengthy articles should Wanted: be on disk. Send by interdepartmental mail to Ruth Pond, Finance, Dressers -Good, used, cheap. Call after or 125 East Court St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Fax: 274-5505. 6 p.m. 607-347-6881 or 607-844-8260 UNCLASSIFIEDS Wednesday evenings. 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 Services: these ads,however we do need the full name of the person submitting the ad. Use Tynyk Originals-Add a creative touch to this coupon to send your ad via interdepartmental mail to Ruth Pond, County your holiday gifts. Embroidered designs or Corridors Go Finance,or 125 East Court St., Ithaca,NY 14850. Please type or print legibly! Thanks! lettering on your teeshirt, sweatshirt, turtleneck, towels, pillowcases or... Over 50 designs to choose from. Call Judy, evenings or weekends at 564-9244. _4, , s ti ,•- COUNTY CORRIDORS I� � ' 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. L Material for publication is selected by the editorial board which reserves the right 11111:? \ to edit any submissions except in the instance of copyright articles. The Editorial J Board is made up of: Bill Chapp, Social Services; Sharon Cooper, Sheriffs; Liz T fE:! Croop,Mental Health;Lisa Eaton,(Proofreader),Finance-Purchasing;Iretta Ellis, Information Services; Ruth Pond, (Editor), Finance; Michelle Pottorff, Bd. Of rJ Representatives; Judy Tynyk,(Chair),Weights and Measures;and Vickie Wagner, (Artist),Drafting Technician. Correspondence may be sent through County inter-department mail to:County Corridors,do Finance,or 125 East Court St.,Ithaca,NY 14850.