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CCU Li UCU S Volume 16 No. 10
October, 2003
Congratulations to Debbie Strite and Meg Garvey
Mental Health Department Award Recipients
Submitted by Liz Croop, Mental Health
Debbie Strite awarded the Jane Y. Meg Garvey awarded the Ann Birnback
Hartz Human Service Worker Award Award - Outstanding Mental Health
Debbie Strite has been presented with the Jane Y. Professional - (MSW, CSW, Ph.D)
Hartz Award. This award honors a front -line worker Meg Garvey is the recipient of this award honoring a
or para - professional whose dedicated efforts make a mental health professional whose work has been
real and measurable difference in the everyday health distinguished by its quality, length of service and
and well -being of the people served. It is presented commitment to the profession. Ann Birnback was a
when there is an individual who has clearly invested generous and dedicated social worker who provided
his or her time and skill toward the service of others many hours of service to her clients and exemplified
and who has, on numerous occasions, demonstrably the highest standards of her field. She was devoted to
gone out of his or her way to ensure that the person on improving the care and treatment of people with a
whose behalf they are working attains an improved mental health diagnosis. This award is presented to an
quality of life and involvement in or re- engagement individual who epitomizes a humane and
with their family, friends or community despite the compassionate approach toward all and who has
presence of a mental health diagnosis. Congratulations carried Ann's standard of excellence forward through
Debbie! individual and community service in the field of
• y i mental health. Congratulations Meg!
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REPORT
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FROM
THE COUNTY
ADMINISTRATOR
By Stephen W1TI.icher
While I was thinking about what to write this month I looked over my County Corridors article from
October of last year. At that time the Legislature was wrapping up the budget and everything looked fairly
predictable. It was recognized as a tough year but the Legislature's hope was that by implementing a fairly
large tax increase in one year, the pressure on the County Budget would be relieved.
Even as this hope was expressed, the State was just beginning to come to grips with the dire problems
facing the State budget. As it played out, we all began to realize that the State circumstances were much
more severe than anyone suspected. In the end, the State leaders recognized a deficiency of approximately
11 billion dollars. After much give and take, the budgeters attempted to recognize a good portion of the
shortfall and through financial `management" moved the remainder to out -lying years. Now, as our County
Legislature moves to finalize our 2004 budget, the impact of some of the State's 2003 -04 budget decisions
are just beginning to see the light of day.
So where are we now? The budget issues are pretty much the same — although worse — and everyone has
now accepted the reality of the State's circumstances. The concept that difficult times will be here for at
least a few more years is beginning to take hold. This new realization has led many in our Legislature to
look for additional possibilities for reducing our overall costs. In addition to challenging the funding for
programs like the Road Patrol, Road Maintenance, Alternatives to Incarceration and other programs close to
many Legislator's hearts, the Legislature has postponed its own salary increases, has proposed postponing
management salary increases, and has asked CSEA to consider reopening their contract.
Several concepts must be recognized when the Legislature is forced to turn to the idea of eliminating or
reducing negotiated staff salary adjustments as a way to trim the budget. First, the Legislature recognizes
that the public sector is not the same as the private sector. Public servants do not benefit when our company
does well, and our customer demands and the resultant workload tend to increase when times are hard.
Second, it has taken a long time and a lot of hard work by all to make Tompkins County one of the best
places in the nation to live, and no one wants to see the quality of life deteriorate. Third, our fringe rates are
out of control. The taxpayers simply cannot afford increases in the cost of labor of nearly 16 percent per
year; something has to give. In the end, it will take a combination of program reductions and payroll
restrictions to reach an acceptable tax rate increase.
As the Legislature struggles with the final budget, I want to assure you that every Legislator and every
taxpayer in the county appreciates the superb efforts you give every day to deliver quality programs.
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Way To Go, Larry! wm a ° b /J f ftfl fl !
Submitted by Liz Croop, Mental Health Dept.
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Larry Ward will be leaving Mental Health at the end of this month. He plans on taking four or five
months to decompress through travel, home projects, and relaxation; he will also explore
opportunities in the Mental Health field.
Larry came to work for County DSS in 1974 as a Caseworker, and it was there that he met his
wife, Susan. He remembers being involved in a number of innovative new programs including: the
de- institutionalization of clients from psychiatric hospitals to the community, a family counseling
team, and the beginning of the CSS Case Management Program. He was able to obtain an MSW
from Syracuse University under a DSS Title XX training program - this required a commitment to
continue working for the County for at least one year upon earning his degree, which has turned
into more than 25 years. While at DSS, he also worked for the Mental Health Clinic's After Hours
Crisis Program. Finally, in 1981 he moved from DSS to the Mental Health Department to become
Program Director of Meadow House, which, you old- timers will recall, was over on State Street
where DSS now stands. Upon moving into the new Mental Health facility in 1991, Meadow House
changed its name to the Skylight Club.
Larry thanks the County for the many professional opportunities, and for his wife! Also for the
talented and supportive people he has worked with.
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Early Bird Walkers
By Jim Strehle
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If you have been walking, here is a route that you can step up a grade with a
steeper grade. This route still starts with a walk down the commons but gives you
a chance to challenge yourself by walking up Gun Hill. If you can work up to doing
this walk in 45 minutes, you will be getting a super work out. You will get to walk
along the edge of the Cornell campus and see a great view of the city down below
you.
The Commons/Hill Challenge
• Start HSB & State Street
• East through the Commons to Aurora Street
• Turn left to Aurora and head North
• The intersection of Yates is the 1 mile
• Turn right on to Lincoln Street
• And another right on to Lake Street
• Go up the hill and turn right on Stewart Ave.
• The intersection of Dewitt Place is the grid mile
• Continue down Stewart Ave. to State Street
• Turn right and head down the hill and on to Seneca Street
• The intersection of Geneva is the 3 1-d mile and end the of the walk
It's that time again!
Submitted by Barbara Blanchard and Roxanne Iacovelli
Untied Way
of America
Dear County Colleagues,
It's that time again. The United Way campaign for 2003 -04 is underway and, as we all know, the needs are
great. Given uncertain economic times and pressures on family life, support for our United Way agencies is
very important. You have always been real champions when it comes to responding to calls for support so
we're counting on you again to make the sacrifices necessary to help our less fortunate neighbors and friends.
This is a tough challenge when we're facing serious budget issues and I know some of you are concerned
about your own futures, let alone the plight of others. Nevertheless, I ask that you consider what is possible for
you to pledge and make that commitment again as you have done in the past.
Thank you for your stalwart support of United Way.
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F ir - T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
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Dale Gregrow, Equipment Service Manager
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Highway Division ►i
Years of Service: 19+ ►i
Brief Job Summary: Dale oversees the repairs and maintenance, the scheduling of replacements, (�
r and purchases of the highway equipment. (�
Personal Interests /HobbieslFamily: Dale has been married for 28 years. He and his wife, IA
F Debby, have three children (two sons — 27, 24, one daughter — 25) and four grandchildren (one grandson — ►
13, three granddaughters — 8, 3, 11/2). He enjoys remodeling their house and installing new features to cut
` down on energy costs. Dale also services and does most repairs on his own vehicles, including lawn ►J
r equipment, cars, trucks, and their motor home. He enjoys rebuilding old motors and small engines. He ►
and Debby enjoy traveling and camping. i
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Additional Information: Dale began his career with the County as a seasonal Motor Equipment ►
Operator, and moved up to a heavy equipment operator, a Supervisor, and a Heavy Equipment Mechanic i
prior to becoming the Equipment Service Manager in 1995.
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Submitted by Geri Lockwood
*Please continue submitting profiles, we need more! �J
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month!
Submitted by Sue Robinson, Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator
If you see people wearing purple ribbons during October, they are wearing them to raise awareness about the impact of
domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities around us. Domestic violence is often labeled a "women's issue,"
but in fact it is everyone's issue — women's, men's, and children's.
We often label women as the victims and men as the perpetrators of domestic violence (men are the perpetrators in 85 -90% of
domestic abuse cases). However, women can be the perpetrators and men can always be part of the solution!
The White Ribbon Campaign: Men Working to End Men's Violence Against Women is an excellent resource for men who
want to work to end domestic abuse. They are a Canadian group who are leaders in promoting men's involvement in this so-
called "women's issue." They can be found on the internet at: http: / /www.whiteribbon.ca/
The White Ribbon Campaign suggest ten things for, "What Every Man Can Do to Help End Men's Violence Against Women."
The following is quoted from this document:
1. Listen to women — learn from women: Who knows better about violence against women than women who experience
it?
2. Learn about the problem: Violence against women includes physical and sexual assault, sexual harassment,
psychological abuse, or emotional abuse. Not all violence leaves visible scars. Emotional violence includes regular
subjection to demeaning jokes, domineering forms of behavior, and sexual harassment. Some forms of violence have a
greater physical or emotional impact than others. But all forms of violence contribute to the very real fear and
suffering that women in our society endure.
3. Learn why some men are violent: Most individual acts of men's violence are a pathetic attempt to assert control over
women, children, or other men. Paradoxically, most violent acts by men are a sign of weakness, insecurity, and lack of
self - esteem combined with a capacity for physical or verbal domination and feeling that they should be superior and in
control.
4. Wear a white ribbon: Wearing a white ribbon is your personal pledge never to commit violence against women, not to
condone acts of violence, not to make excuses for perpetrators of violence, and not to think that any women "asks for
it."
5. Challenge sexist language and jokes that degrade women: Sexist jokes and language help create a climate where forms
of violence and abuse have too long been accepted. One of the most difficult things for men is to learn to challenge
other men — to challenge sexist language — to challenge men who talk lightly of violence against women, and to
challenge men who engage in violence.
6. Learn to identify and oppose sexual harassment and violence in your workplace, school, and family: Men can join
women in opposing sexual harassment by supporting efforts in our workplaces and schools to create a healthy and
productive environment.
7. Support local women's programs: Support services for women who are survivors of men's violence like safe houses
for abused women, rape crisis centers, counseling services, and legal aid clinics deserve men's support and financial
backing.
8. Examine how your own behavior might contribute to the problem: Many men will never be physically or sexually
violent. But let's examine ways we might try to control women. Do we dominate conversations? Do we put them
down? Do we limit their activities? Whether or not you've ever been violent, all men must take responsibility for
ending all forms of violence.
9. Work toward long -term solutions: Ending violence against women won't happen overnight. Real solutions are truly
long -term solutions. This is because men's violence against women is rooted in inequalities between men and women,
and in the way men learn to be men. Changes in attitude, behavior, and institutions take time. And so we must look at
how we raise future generations. We must teach our children, by example, that all forms of violence are unacceptable,
and that for boys to become men, they do not need to control or dominate women, men, or children.
10. Get involved with the white ribbon campaign's educational efforts: The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest
effort in the world of men working to end men's violence against women. The WRC is a grass -roots effort, relying
mainly on volunteers. Because the purpose of the campaign is for men to take responsibility for working to end men's
violence against women, it is an organization of men. But we greatly appreciate the help and support of women.
The White Ribbon Campaign website: http: / /www.whiteribbon.ca/
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"So -long, Jim Morris!"
Submitted by Liz Croop, Mental Health
Jim Morris will be leaving after seven years as an MSW in the Mental Health Department. His
experience with the County has been interesting — he worked summers for the Highway Department
starting in 1967 while attending Drew University during the school year. He then worked in the
Health Department, went back to college to earn his MSW, left us to work in Schuyler County for six
years, then returned here to Mental Health in 1996. He has been a board member of the
Employee's Credit Union, and has also been active in the CSEA Union, negotiating contracts and
serving on the grievance committee. He has worked nearly 25 years for Tompkins County.
Jim grew up in Ithaca, and he and his wife, Christine, have two sons — Kevin teaches English in
Shanghai(!), and Scott works in the entomology lab at Cornell. Jim also has two step - children, Adam,
a junior at Glasgow University, Scotland, and Louisa, recently graduated from Seton Hall. Upon
leaving Mental Health, Jim will take a week off to visit the Lancaster area in Pennsylvania, where he
and his wife enjoy visiting the car show and antique shops, and soaking up the Amish atmosphere.
Jim is leaving us because, "It's time for a change." He'll be serving in the Cornell EAP program.
Asked if he had a message for us, Jim said he thinks it was a mistake to put the County Corridors on
the Internet. He enjoyed getting the paper copy of the Corridors handed to him every month, but
never bothers to look at it now, and wonders how many County employees feel the same. Other
than that, he says, "I'll be around and I'll be seeing you here and there!"
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Good Luck Jim!
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America Recycles Day
The Last Collection Day of the Year for Household
Hazardous Waste at the D . E . P . O . T.
November 15 will be the last day in 2003 you can bring your household hazardous waste to
the DEPOT located at 122 Commercial Ave., Ithaca, next to the Tompkins County Solid Waste
and Recycling Center. You must call 273 -6632 to pre - register for this event.
November 15 is also America Recycles Day. We would like to invite you to help us celebrate
from 10 -2 at the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division in the administrative
parking lot. Our super heroes, "Reduce ", "Reuse ", and "Recycle" will be there. There will be lots
of contests, prizes and free refreshments:
• Cornell Cooperative Extension will have a compost contest, guess how many raw
materials it takes to make a bucket of compost
• The Solid Waste Division will have a bale of recycled paper and you guess how many
pieces of paper are in this bale;
• The Science Center will have a science project going on
• Computer All Stars and Babbages Basement will be there to give you information on
their programs and computer re -use and repairs, and
• Significant Elements will attend to give you information about their program. Guess
the number of doors that were donated to their program in 2003.
Stop by and meet the super heroes, enter contests, get information and enjoy free
refreshments. If you have questions about the events call 273 -6632.
Don't forget to take photos of costumes for the
annual corridors Halloween costume contest!!
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CLASSIFIEDS 4
For Sale: I
''
For Sale: 2002 HONDA CBR600F4I Motorcycle,
3,370 miles, 2 Shoei helmets, Joe Rocket jacket, M4 .�
pipe, other extras, asking $6,900. Also, 2000 HONDA 'Miff if/
j till ar
Foreman 450 ES ATV, 175 hrs., with snow plow and 2
helmets, asking $4,500. Call 659 -4643.
CLASSIFIEDS
Wanted: I Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County
employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may
WANTED: Do you have one or more phones (corded or be for any purpose, however personal ads will not be
cordless) that you no longer need? Also, wires that accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers
connect the phones to the wall outlets along with the may be listed in your ad, however, we do need your full
phones would also be appreciated. Adult Protective name and County telephone number submitted with the
Services can use them for their clients. Contact Louise ad in case there are questions. Submit your ad to County
Tomei at DSS 274-5275. (No cell phones please). Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Tompkins County
Services: I Legislature, Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via US or
interdepartmental mail or e-mail to: mpottorff@tompkins
oliday Gift Sale, Saturday, November 1 from 12 to 4 co.org
p.m., 473 Millard Hill Road, Newfield. Gifts, collectables, NOTE:
Mary Kay, handcrafted jewelry. Raffle. Call Jackie at If you would like to modify your classified or want to
564 -9346 with questions. Items available year round'. run it again, you must re submit it!
DEADLINE: i TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me help Articles to be considered for the November 27 issue,
with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever it takes must be received by noon on Tuesday, November 4.
to get you and your computer working together again. Call
James Keegan at 273 - 7957 evenings or weekends. Submit articles via e-mail as an attachment or on disk in
any file format that is readable by Word for Windows '95.
Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can put Send disk and hard copy to County Corridors c/o Michelle
relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an Pottorff, Tompkins County Legislature, Courthouse,
appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753- Ithaca, NY 14850. Please include a contact number in case
6383. questions arise.
French Tutor — Call Sarah at 257 -3047. Please leave a
message. COUNTY CORRIDORS
Goosa Arts - See our beautiful and affordable traditional Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are
Russian arts: nesting dolls, eggs, jewelry boxes, amber, selected by the Editorial Board based on their
etc. Alisa Mengel, 277 -2917, hours by appointment, 120 interest to Tompkins County employees and retirees.
Linn St. They do not necessarily express the opinions of the
Editorial Board. Material is solicited from current
Foster Care /Adoption Informational Meetings employees, retirees and others. The Editorial Board
Submitted by Ellie Arnold, DSS reserves the right to edit submissions, except in the
To anyone who may be considering becoming a foster parent instance of copyright materials.
or adoptive parent and wants more information. EDITORIAL BOARD
WHERE: Michelle Pottorff (Editor) TC Legislature
Human Services Building, Room 142 Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services
TO BE HELD FROM NOON TO 1 P.M. ON: Liz Croop Department of Mental Health
November 13 Katy Prince Health Department
December 11 Linnett Warner Solid Waste Division
Geri Lockwood Highway
For more information, please call Judy Voorheis @ 274 -5266.
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