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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04 Ccuntw Corridors April 2010 Volume 22, Number 1 A Newsletter for Tompkins County Employees and Retirees http://www.tompkins-co.org/countycorridors O E, to the new electronic issue of County Corridors! County Condors will be sent by e-mail every quarter to all county employees with access to e-mail. As in the past, we ask departments to print a copy or copies to circulate to those without e-mail access. Each issue will also be posted on the County Corridors web site (URL listed above) and mailed to county retirees. If you're a retiree and would rather receive your issue by e-mail, please send your e-mail address to editor Maureen Reynolds at mreynolds©tompkins-co.orq. United. States Have You Filled Out Your Census Form Yet? C eSUS Everyone Counts in Tompkins County! 2010 rY p tY Every 10 years through the U.S. Census, the United States counts everyone living in the United States, as directed by the Constitution. 2010 is a Census year, and Tompkins County kicked off its Complete Count census campaign with a celebration at the Tompkins County Public Library on March 10. Legislator Pam Mackesey chairs the County's Complete Count Committee. By taking just 10 minutes to complete this simple, secure 10- question form, you provide the population information that affects federal and state dollars that support our community services, as well as our area's government representation. The Census counts you where you are living as of April 1. You have probably already received a census form. If you haven't already, it should come to you soon. If you receive your mail through a post office box, however, you have not yet received one, since the Census does not mail questionnaires to P.O. boxes. By late April, Census workers will drop off a census form to addresses that receive mail from a P.O. box. If an address does not mail back the completed form, Census workers will come to the address and attempt to make contact up to six times to ensure the form is filled out. If you need a census form, have questions, or need help, there are six local "Questionnaire Assistance Centers" (QACs) where you can talk to a Census employee and seven "Be Counted" (BC) Sites where you can pick up materials. QACs include our own Human Services Building and the Tompkins County Public Library (complete list on our Census web site — URL below). Be sure to be counted. 15x1// out your census form. Send it back. For more on the 2010 Census, including information about local locations where you can receive help and pick up census forms, visit the County's census web site at http: / /www. tompkins- co. ora /ctvadmin /census2010 /index.htm. Submitted by Jerry Stern, Highway Technician /Permit Agent Traffic Data Analysis: Traffic data is collected and analyzed annually by a crew of one to three persons, depending on the season of collection, with support from other staff members as needed. Typically, myself and two summer Seasonal Workers collect all the traffic data. The latest three -year average was 171 counts. The Seasonal Workers are trained in the tasks of installing, monitoring, recovering, and processing the data, as well as work zone safety. It is very advantageous to have the same - trained workers return each year. Traffic data collection locations are typically determined by future projects, updating existing traffic data, problematic locations, and special requests. Traffic data collection is accomplished by two methods: • The tube counters collect and store data that is sent to the counter by two rubber road tubes typically spaced eight feet apart, and the air pulse that comes from the tube, once it is ran over, goes to an air switch that converts the air pulse to an electrical signal that is sent to a micro - processor for analysis and storage. The distance between axles and the number of axles tells the counter unit micro - processor the size or class of the vehicle, the number of, or volume of, vehicles, and the speed of the vehicles, as well as the direction, if needed. Traffic data collection by the road tube method is limited by weather conditions. Road tubes are installed on the roadway with web straps and 2- or 2.5 -inch nails, or a special road tape, and are vulnerable to snow plowing. .,, 1 _# _s • 8 ft Apart i .- a i •L ; T±? - • We currently have three Sierzega radar traffic data collector units. Two units have radar speed display units, and one does not. The advantage of having the radar units is two -fold. First, less time is spent in and around the travel lane, reducing exposure time to vehicle traffic and eliminating the need to stop traffic and install traffic control devices. Second, traffic data collection can be done year- round, since no road tubes are needed. 711111 i :_. t ; fit \ tv ire ` sit 1 \ \ ` - The data collected by the radar units is downloaded in the field to a laptop, using a blue tooth device. The data is put into the Sierzega traffic data programs, and numerous reports and graphs can be generated. Bus Pass Program Renewed Our TCAT bus pass program has been renewed for 2010. All county employees are eligible to receive a free pass for Tompkins County TCAT bus service. The new passes took effect as of January 17. New bus pass applications are required for this phase. The application form is available on the employee intranet (in the Forms section, Personnel Dept.) or via interdepartmental mail from me. Use of the pass is free to you, though the county pays for each ride. For that reason, a bus pass may be used only by the employee to whom it is issued, and only for commuting to and from work or for work - related travel during your regular work hours. Call me at 274 -5526 if you have questions. Anna Smith, Personnel Dept. 2 Department News Airport C &S Donates $1,000 to Tompkins County SPCA The C &S Companies donated $1,000 to the Tompkins County SPCA with a check presentation at the agency's shelter on Hanshaw Road on Tuesday, January 5. C &S gave the donation as part of their work on a sustainable airport master plan for the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. As part of the project, the firm conducted passenger, business, and pilot surveys in the local community. As an incentive for people to participate, a donation was made to the SPCA for each completed survey. With more than 550 survey responses, C &S was able to make a substantial donation to an organization that makes a huge difference in the local community. Charlie McDermott, C &S's airport planning manager commented, "this was an , exciting opportunity for us to both increase participation in a valuable survey that will help us develop a more sustainable and valuable airport for the , • community as well as support a wonderful organization like the SPCA." Airport manager Robert Nicholas added that "the SPCA was a natural choice for this r 1 , donation because of their proximity to the airport and their commitment to }, ■ sustainability, which is demonstrated by their achievement of being the first 'li green animal shelter in the country." From 1 -r Robert Nicholas, manager of the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport; Courtney Armbruster, C &S Companies; Abigail Smith, Tompkins County SPCA executive director; Maggie Thomas, SPCA director ofdeve /opmen( Caro/ Travis, SPCA board of directors member; and Charlie McDermott, C &S Companies. Highway Division Congratulations to Tom Jacobson the birth of his granddaughter, Alli Noelle Thane, on December 19, 2009. Congratulations to Sid Dense on his daughter's adoption of his 3 -year old grandson, Jayden Matthew Dense, on September 1, 2009, and also on the birth of his granddaughter, Christina Katheryn Hickey, on January 18, 2010. Congratulations to Ed Kellogg, who retired on January 8, 2010, after 30 1/2 years with the Highway Division. +!►(Er ' • Best wishes to Jamie Wright, Sr. Sign Shop Mechanic, who left on January 21, 2010, after almost 13 years with the Highway Division. Probation Department Staff Changes /Updates The Probation Department congratulates Daniel Cornell, who has been promoted to Probation Supervisor, and Karla Brackettwho has been promoted to Senior Probation Officer in the Family Court Unit. Also, Robin Chernow, Probation Supervisor, retired on 12/30/09. Tom Partigianoni, formerly in the Department of Social Services, has been hired as a Probation Officer. 3 ASSESSMENT GIVES BACK! The Department of Assessment began its Casual Friday for Charity back in November of 2009. Each Friday, in exchange for a $1.00 donation, employees can wear blue jeans to work. Once the donation jar reaches $50.00, a participating employees name is drawn and the money is donated to the charity of their choice. To date, we have donated $150.00 to the Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes, Hospicare and the SPCA of Tompkins County. At the Assessment Department we like to think that we are fairly certain if given capes, crowns and jeans, we can make a difference in our community. Submitted by Tammy VanOrman Upcoming COFA Workshops for Caregivers The following workshops are offered free of charge by the Caregivers' Resource Center of the Tompkins County Office for the Aging and will be held at the Cooperative Extension Education Center (615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca). Call the Office for the Aging to register or for details (274 - 5492), Pre - registration is encouraged, but not required Alzheimer's: Managing Challenging Behaviors Friday, April 16, Noon -1:30 PM Michael Massurin, Director of Programs and Services for the CNY, Director of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer's of Central New York, will discuss what causes dementia - related behaviors like suspicion, repetition, sundowning, agitation and aggression and how to respond to these behaviors. Bring your brown bag lunch if you wish. Beverages provided. Legal and Financial Concerns for Caregivers Thursday, May 20, Noon — 1:30 PM Marcie Finlay, a local elder law attorney, will address common legal and financial concerns of the elderly and their caregivers such as planning for the expense of long -term care and planning for incapacity (advance directives, guardianship, trusts). Bring your brown bag lunch if you are coming on your lunch break. Beverage and snack provided. COFA C elebr'ate*35 Year'! 4 v1.41 May 11 (0 .erica, 24 , Keynote Speaker at COFA's annual luncheon will be KarlPillemer, PhD, Director for Cornell Institute on Translational Research on Aging p "Gray & Green? Connecting Aging, Engagement, & Environmental Sustainability" Appreciation awards for `Senior Citizen of the Year" and "Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen" n 1 we, . Tuesday, May 11, 12:00 Noon, Clarion Hotel, 1 Sheraton Drive, Ithaca $17.00 including tax and tip. Reservations Required! Call the Office for the Aging at 274 -5490 for more information or e-mail dcontePtompkins- co.orq. Please RSVP by Wednesday, May 4, 2010. 4 25 Year Club Dinner May 27 ( The 25 Year Club Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2010 at Lake Watch Inn. re 71117rte Come celebrate 17 of your colleagues who have achieved this milestone and will be inducted into the 25 year club this year: Frank Porto, Legislature Ruth Freeman, Mental Health Donna Shaw, Finance Jon Kloppel, Mental Health Patricia aviletto, County Clerk's Office Sheila Chace, Dept. of Social Services Coral Ough, Dept of Motor Vehicles Jacqueline Hoffman, Dept. of Social Services Bernadette Stranger, Probation and Community Justice Pendleton Vanschoick, Dept. of Social Services Janice Goro vitz, Probation and Community Justice Katherine Cornell, Public Works Brenda Gunnell- Crosby, Health Department Richard Chase, Public Works Melissa Catch, Health Department Thomas Jacobs, Public Works Steven Kem, Health Department Personnel will be sending out more information about the 25 Year Club Dinner in the next few weeks. Thank you, Administrative Professionals! On April 21S Administrative Professionals Day, we want to say a special thank you to all the Administrative staff for all their hard work and dedication throughout the year(s). Celebrate the Earth! Earth Day is Coming! Submitted by Linnett Short, Solid Waste Thursday, April 22n will be the 40 year celebration for Earth Day. What will you be doing to celebrate this wonderful day? You can volunteer a group to clean up your street, water way, road way or plant a tree or flowers. There are so many things you can do to celebrate by giving back to the Earth. A celebration that I have been helping put together through Center for Environmental Sustainability organization will happen on April 24 at the Southside Community Center at 305 Plain Street. The Center for Environmental Sustainability And Southside Community Center are working together on this event. It will be a day to pause, reflect, share, collaborate and converse with one another. Everyone is invited for a day of celebration and meeting new friends. 11 a.m.: Make masks, costumes 11:30 a.m.: Honor the Earth 12 noon: Parade of the Earth 12:30 p.m.: Opening remarks and Invocation Potluck lunch to share Conversations and Earth Day Cake 3:30 p.m.: Closing ceremony with Fe Nunn Hope to see you there. 5 VI ?MING Cti . VE IV S ~. The Committee has planned and /or discussed 2010 trips as follows (trips and /or events are available to all Tompkins County Employees & Retirees, and their families): New York City Spring Day Trip, May 1, 2010 T •i T. ll Skyline CentralPark - Spring Times Square Statue of Liberty Radio City Music Hall Date: Saturday, May 1 Cost: $35.00/pp Depart: 7:00 a.m. SHARP! (From the Tompkins County Public Works Facility on Bostwick Road.) Arrive: Around noon, at Bryant Park (41st Street and 6 Ave.) or Macy's (34th St. and 7th Ave.). You're on your own to explore the vast and exciting city, and enjoy your own interests. Depart: From Bryant Park at 8:00 p.m. Arrive: Back in Ithaca around midnight. Minimum of 40 people needed to make this trip possible. Call now for reservations or for additional information. Reservations & Payment: Accepted through Wednesday, April 21' New York City Winter Day Trip, December 4, 2010 • y � • a lam: Skyline Central Park Times Square Shopping Date: Saturday, December 4 Cost: $35.00/pp Depart: 7:00 a.m. SHARP! (From the Tompkins County Public Works Facility on Bostwick Road.) Arrive: Around noon, at Bryant Park (41st Street and 6 Ave.) or Macy's (34th St. and 7th Ave.). You're on your own to explore the vast and exciting city, and enjoy your own interests. Depart: From Bryant Park at 8:00 p.m. Arrive: Back in Ithaca around midnight. Minimum of 40 people needed to make this trip possible. Call now for reservations or for additional information. Reservations & Payment: Accepted through Monday, November 22 WE NEED YOU! > Are you interested in assisting with the planning and /or organizing of the trips and events? > Do you have approximately one (1) hour to devote every couple of months (on average) to meeting with a great group of people? > The Vending Committee is in need of additional team members. If you are interested, please contact Patty Stamm, at pstamm @tompkins- co.orq, or Pete Coats, at pcoats @tompkins- co.orq. Website: Don't miss out on a chance to enjoy one of the trips or events being scheduled for 2010. Please remember to visit our website, on the employee Intranet (click on the link under "Events /News "), or www.tompkins- co.orq /employee onlvNendingCommitteeNews.pdf. Be sure to visit regularly for updated information on all trips & news. Please see your Department Representative (names listed on the website) to share other ideas. 6 Classified Ads Doe Dan Inn FOR SALE – 10 acres on Dassance Road, Newfield. Private and wooded, 4 miles to Newfield Schools. A place where your dog feels "at home ". ; $43,000.00. Please e-mail to ptr116�?ahotmail.com. Located in North Lansing " FOR SALE – Marantz Stereo System – includes turntable, 2 Sandy ,Strehle, 315- 497 -3467 _; la speakers, cassette, and remote. $250.00, or best offer. dogdavzinn@yahoo.com — r Please call (607) 273 -5609, leave message. http://www.dogdayzinn.com r ` `� FOR SALE – Patio table set, $50.00. Please call (607) 273- - 5609, leave message. FOR SALE – 1995 31' Challenger 5 -wheel camper. WANTED – Nice 1- or 2- bedroom apartment in nice Features include two slide -outs, basement, full -size complex or private home, in downtown area or Triphammer bathroom, and a queen -sized bed. Excellent condition. area. Please call (607) 273 -5609, leave message. Asking $10,000.00, complete with hitch. Also, 2000 Chevy Silverado % -ton, extended cab, 3 -door pick -up. Loaded, with 81,000 miles, 6.0 Vortec engine, new tires, solid tonneau cover, excellent condition. Asking $12,000, complete with 5 -wheel package. Both for $21,000. Will consider selling separately, only if the camper sells first. Must sell due to health reasons. Please call (607) 898 -5196. FOR SALE – 1985 24' Tioga motor home on Chevrolet Power and Performance chassis. Sleeps 6, A /C, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, Strength & Conditioning and Fitness 70,000 miles, all new tires. Very good condition. Asking Look for us on Facebook $7,500.00. Must sell due to health reasons. Please call (607) Training done by a Certified Strength and Conditioning 898 -5196. Specialist ,.•'� Sports Performance Training '' Personal Training — Get healthy and back in shape I ;,� r , after the Holidays. �,, . Private training facility located at 145 Yaple Road, Ithaca. r . - Most Affordable Rates In The Area. Ages 12+ Please call TJ, at (845) 866 -3199, or E -mail to Massaro31@yahoo.com THE CORRIDORS TEAM * Managing Editor Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk's Office Editorial Staff Geri Lockwood, Highway Linnett Short, SW Management Division Katrina Schickel, COFA Classifieds Editor- Geri Lockwood Multicultural Editor– Shanovah Moodie, Records Advising Editor, Page Layout Marcia Lynch, Public Information Contributors All County Employees and Retirees Interested in joining the Corridors team? Contact Maureen at 274 -5431 or mreynolds@tompkins-co.org 7