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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06 Ccuntv Ccrridcrs July2010 SUPPLEMENT A Newsletter for Tompkins County Employees and Retirees http: / /www. tompkins- co.org/countycorridors Save the date COUNTY EMPLOYEE BLOOD DRIVE Save the date r V , ' « 4, " Help save 3 lives by donating 1 pint of your blood • .j August 3 Tompkins County Public Library 9:00 am — 3:00 pm From the Red Cross..... au .. , Registration Our staff and volunteers will sign you in and go over basic eligibility and donation information. You will read information about donating blood, and will be asked to show a donor card, driver's license, or other form(s) of ID. Health History & Mini - Physical You will answer some questions during a private and confidential interview about your health history and places you have traveled. We will check your temperature, pulse, blood pressure and hemoglobin level present in a sample of blood. AUGUST The Donation Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat We will cleanse an area on your arm and insert abrand new sterile needle for the blood draw. This feels like a quick pinch and is over in seconds. The actual donation takes about 8 -10 1 2 C3) 4 5 6 7 minutes, during which you will be seated comfortably. Certain donation types, such as platelets, 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 red cells or plasma (apheresis donations) can take up to 2 hours. When approximately a pint of blood has been collected, the donation is complete and a staffperson will place a bandage on 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 your arm. Snack Time 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 After donating, you should have a snack and something to drink in the refreshments area. You 29 30 31 can leave the site after 10 -15 minutes and continue with your normal daily activities. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing that you have helped save lives. Circle your Cale dar for the 4 c 16 Annual Employee 10 Golf Tournament Trumansburg Golf Course Friday, September 10, 2010 Come join the fun....the rules are simple....you must have at least 2 County employees /former employees on a 4- person team. At least one person on the team should have a basic understanding of golf rules and the other teammates can be novices. The rest is fun in the sun with a barbeque afterwards and everyone leaves with a prize. Contact Jackie Kippola at jkippola @tompkins - co.org for details County Corridors June 2010 Volume 22, Number 2 A Newsletter for Tompkins County Employees and Retirees http: / /www.tompkins- co.org /countycorridors A Very Fond Farewell to Alice Cole M1 By Brenda Grinnell Crosby Alice has been with the County for 21 years, the last 17 as Public Health Director, and is happily joining her husband, Floyd, in retirement on June 30, 2010. 4 .r Between April 3, 1989 and July 12, 1993, Alice worked as a Supervising Public Health Nurse and Director of Patient Services. On July 13, 1993, she was appointed Public's • Fiji Health Director by County Administrator Scott Heyman and confirmed by the Board of ; Health and the Board of Representatives. rY '£' = ' P i { y am ' {� • � 'c 41 Scott noted, "Alice is the very rarest of leaders. She succeeds at all aspects of her. ,. 7 ..4.1-]-,t position - few people ever do this She is perhaps best known in the community as a •- r ; powerful advocate for, and educator about, the services her department's staff provides; � • ' :,Yh she truly is the keeper of the vision of public health. She might be best known within her department for the great support she provides to her employees and to the Board of Health. She is best known to the County Administrator and to the Legislature as someone who can handle (with great help from Brenda and others) the hard stuff - effective, honest budgeting and fiscal monitoring; the tough Human Resource issues; planning for the future. And in recent days she has even learned a lot about construction management." Highlights of Alice's career: As the Director of Patient Services, she initiated the County's Bloodborne Pathogen initiative, resulting in massive revisions to County Policy. The program continues today under the direction of the department's Director of Patient Services, Sigrid Connors. In 1993, she assisted in the creation of the County Health and Safety Coordinator position and program. The program continues, and the initial hire, Frank Croteau, continues the mission today. In 1995, there were two meningococcal deaths in the County. Alice handled multiple press conferences and educational presentations to convey a clear public health message and to minimize fear. In 1999, she co- facilitated with AIDSWORK a harm reduction coalition, developing a needle exchange program that still operates today. Alice served as President of the Health Planning Council in 2002, 2006, 2007, and 2008; treasurer in 2005; secretary in 2009 and 2010. Betty Falcao, Director of the Health Planning Council, noted that Alice has a wonderful way of helping to focus on what's important; because of this she both simplifies and strengthens community efforts. In 2002, she was a key member of the Tompkins County Dental Services Advisory Committee, which resulted in the dental case management program grant. That program is still in operation today through the Departments of Health and Social Services. Alice has guided and supported her staff through many public health crises during the last 17 years. Most recently, Alice provided the leadership to guide staff through the H1N1 pandemic. We are all better prepared for future public health crises because of her leadership! She has served on the County Affirmative Action Committee in 2000 and 2001, and on Cayuga Medical Center's Institutional Review Board during 2008 and 2009. 2 Alice also actively "negotiated" on behalf of management staff on the Managers Representative Group for many years. And....according to Alice herself, she "annoyed the heck out of every County Administrator she ever worked for!" Alice is a well - respected leader, colleague and mentor in her 3-fad, p y Retirement, Alice/ department. She has taken time out of very busy and full days to listen to staff, to provide support and guidance as needed. She has been supportive of many initiatives the Please join us as we wish Alice department has taken on over the years and helped us all see a happy, healthy retirement! what we were capable of accomplishing. Her abilities to look Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at the broader picture truly has led the department to be one of the most creative and recognized departments in the state. 2:00 p. m. - 4:00 p. m. Other departments often call asking for copies of policies or Rice Conference Room guidance on particular issues. Staff is recognized for Cake and punch will be served. important work that Alice so readily supported. Donations for a gift Sigrid Connors said, "A leader sometimes shines the brightest may be made to Patty Stamm or when things are at their worst. Alice gave steadfast support Brenda Grinnell Crosby. to me throughout the years on tough work issues, whether they were with a client, a co- worker, an employee or outside agency. We didn't always achieve what we had hoped, but she put her best forward to advocate for staffing and essential programming." From County Administrator Joe Mareane: "Alice has done an incredible job of managing a department that delivers a diverse array of critical services and that is on the front lines in the fight against threats to the public's health —most recently the effort to control the spread of H1N1. She has been a tenacious and effective advocate of programs that promote public health and the staff who deliver those programs. Alice led the Health Department into the 21' century, with new technologies, new programs to address new challenges, and even a new building. She has accomplished much, and we will miss her greatly." Scott Heyman summed it up best: "It was an enormous privilege for me to work with her for her first five years as Director - she is a leader I admire, I learned from, and that I will miss in her position." I know everyone in the County and in the public health community feel the same. Alice, it has been a pleasure to serve with you for 21 years and support you as your deputy for the last 17. Enjoy your well deserved retirement, you truly will be missed! Alice, from all of us... To your health! Reflections . Submitted by Cheryl Nelson, Public Works Administrator Oh, retirement, finally!!! After 35+ years of service to the County residents, all while working in the same department, and from the same building, I became retired on 4/10. •' I was asked by the Corridors staff to reflect on those years and share some comments \\ and reflections with Corridors readers. My original goal in life was to attend Cornell in 1973 and become a veterinarian, but due to a lot of factors, that didn't happen. After working on the typewriter assembly line in the Groton plant of Smith - Corona for 18 months, and being a waitress before and after my shift of building typewriters, I knew that neither of these was going to be my career path. My grandfather and mother both retired from Smith Corona and I knew I wasn't going to be the third generation of the family to carry on the tradition. 3 So, what would I do with the rest of my life? I paid a visit to Miss Brown of the NYS Employment office, and she encouraged me to take the Civil Service Typist test. I laughed at her because my high school typing teacher advised that I not pursue a career in office work due to poor typing skills. How ironic that I took the test in spite of that, scored well by some miracle, and was called for an interview for the County Highway Department. Bill Mobbs, former Commissioner of Public Works, was the interviewer, and he has reminded me on numerous occasions that the choice for the open position came down to an older, more experienced candidate or me, a nineteen -year old upstart with no experience. Thank goodness he saw that I had potential and took a chance on me!! At that time, the facility at 170 Bostwick Rd. was known as "the Highway Department." There was no Public Works Department at that time. Over the years, as the need for improved building maintenance, new building construction, ways to manage solid waste issues, expansion of airport Stir% operations, coupled with the impacts of an aging highway system, the C- "T" Public Works Department was created with the inclusion of the Airport tencril otogieget Division, Facilities Division (formerly Buildings and Grounds), Highway u t I..tug dielote►i.. Division, and Solid Waste Management Division. The department oversight OM • L°• T a'l and management was done by the respective divisions managers, the �. Commissioner of Public Works, and the Public Works Administrator (me). et d i . Wait t ° How exciting to have been part of the creation, incubation, and growth a *L ceMt.l` full- fledged department. I think the phrase - never a dull moment - would feet , certainly apply. I have often told the division managers that I feel like a mother hen and the divisions are my chicks!! Watching them all be established, go through growing pains, and develop into mature organizations has been both very challenging and rewarding. At the same time that the department was growing, technology was being introduced to office operations. When I started on January 9, 1975, office equipment included a typewriter, a copier, a two -way radio for contacting the highway crews, and a calculator. There weren't any desktops, laptops, cell phones, or fax machines. Moving manual record keeping and job cost tracking to automated systems was a task for sure. Can you imagine working today without a laptop, desktop, cell phone, thumb drives, and all the other gadgets on which we now depend ?? The thing I always find curious is that computers were going to cut down on paper. I handle more paper now than ever. However, the time savings are incredible. I can remember typing specifications for highway materials that were many pages in length. Then, a change error would be needed somewhere in the middle and back to the beginning you went to re -type the entire document. Now, just hit the delete key and make the change. Life is good!!! Way back then, communication was by phone or face -to -face. To me, something is lost in transitioning our communication from those formats to today's e-mail and texting. Talking to someone directly, hearing voice tones and inflections, and reading body language are as important as the words used. Without that non - verbal interaction, communication is often reduced to a few symbols on a screen. How can that possibly improve relationships? I have, in fact, seen it ruin some because too many things were left to interpretation. So, if you have the option to communicate with someone electronically or by phone or face -to -face, try the latter. You might be surprised how it can change an outcome. To steal a line from former Ithaca Fire Chief, Brian Wilbur, this community has a committee for every purpose and a purpose for every committee. As someone that has spent countless hours on a variety of committees, I find truth in that statement. Before leaving a meeting, often the date and time of the next meeting is set. If nothing else got accomplished, at least we ' [ h You! knew when we would next meet. All kidding aside, there have been incredible amounts of work and change done across this Thank you to everyone that helped me celebrate my County due to the dedication of all of the various teams, retirement on 4/9. I have had a very interesting committees, task groups, and working groups. No one can ever fault us on that. We are lucky to work for an organization that career here and I have enjoyed meeting and working values inclusion of stakeholders on any and all topics. We are with so many fine individuals along the way. known far and wide for being progressive and are often on the Thank you for remembering me and helping me to cutting edges, making a path for others to follow. achieve and celebrate this major milestone in my life. I have witnessed that the employees in this organization are certainly its backbone and strength. I have experienced many Cheryl Nelson times when employees might disagree or argue amongst +� 4 themselves, but will ban together when imposed upon by an outside force. It is sort of like a family where children will argue with each other but have each other's backs when someone outside that family tries to mess with one or more members. County employees cover the gamut of tasks and many of those tasks aren't easy or very glamorous. Many employees miss holidays with family, celebrations, or other important events due to their jobs. Some would say that is all part of what they signed on for when they took the job. That is true, but missing those special events cannot be quantified in dollars and cents and can never be re- captured. But, the employees take on the tasks at hand, any hour, day or night, 365 days per year to make Tompkins County a safe and great place in which to live and work. When I started here, little did I know of all of the wonderful people I would meet along the way, the education I would get, the wisdom I would acquire, the opportunities that awaited me, and the goals I would accomplish. In hindsight, I am so glad I didn't follow the advice given to me by that high school typing teacher. Thank you to all of you with whom I have had the opportunity and privilege to work. There are many of you that I not only consider a peer or co- worker, but are also my friends. As you move toward your retirement milestone, I hope that you can reflect on your experience as a Tompkins County employee and appreciate the journey and the ups and downs along the way that kept it all interesting. Thanks for the memories! Thirty Years and Counting!! In 1980, when Vicky Lynn Abbey (now Ahola) commenced employment at • .4 ' . the Tompkins County Department of Motor Vehicles, the office was located in • It the basement of the courthouse at 320 N. Tioga St., in the space now • • occupied by County Office for the Aging. During those 30 years, Vicky has / �" ; seen innumerable and effective changes and upgrades, including the physical • move of the DMV office to its present location in the Hancock Plaza, at the F - • corner of Third and Hancock Streets. She married Tom Ahola in 1980, only a month and a half after commencement of her employment. During the years, Aurora and Vicky they became parents of two children, a girl and a boy, now ages 25 and 22. You can understand, therefore, how all of us at DMV consider Vicky our mentor and historian. Thank you, Vicky, for your dedication, patience, and longevity. I wish you many more years of happiness during your DMV tenure and thereafter. Thank you, also, for your unabashed willingness to roll with the changes during the past 30 years. I consider it a privilege to have you as an employee of the Tompkins County Department of Motor Vehicles. Sincerely, Aurora R. Valenti Tompkins County Clerk, Director, DMV Tom Fox Memorial Tom Fox, former Director of Community Support Save the Date: Monday, July 5, 2010- Noon to? Services at the Department of Mental Health, passed A Celebration of the Life of Tom fox away on May2 Tom served the County in the Mental Health Department from 1977 until his retirement in Stewart Park, the small pavilion by the lake, Ithaca, NY 2001. Please join Tom's family and friends as we gather to remember a man who touched so many lives. There will be food, music, stories, ceremony, love, and laughter. We're working on setting up a web site or E -vite page with more details, but in the meantime if you would like to be part of the event, please contact Jini Fox at foxcom98@ilyahoo.com or 404.993.1074. We're planning the kind of community celebration that Tom would have wanted. Smoke -Free Policy For Areas Around County Buildings By Ted Schiele, Health Department In September 2009 the Tompkins County Legislature approved a new Administrative Policy (No. 01 -23) that effectively creates a smoke -free buffer around all county buildings. The Legislature endorsed voluntary "T -Free Zones" for County 5 buildings in March 2008, so the new policy formalizes that action. The procedure is for signs to "be maintained at entrances of all County-owned buildings indicating a smoke -free area within 30 feet from the building ". While this change is still in the process of being implemented, the concept of keeping tobacco smoke away from workplace doors and windows is not new to most people. The County joins other employers and municipalities in creating smoke -free areas. Cornell has had a similar policy for many years, and Cayuga Medical Center only allows smoking in areas far from the buildings. Ithaca's new outdoor smoking ordinance includes a 25 -foot buffer around City-owned buildings, and the Town of Lansing recently banned smoking on the property around their town hall. The Town of Newfield, Village of Trumansburg, and jurisdictions in Broome, Cayuga and Onondaga Counties have taken similar steps. For many, designated smoke -free buffers around buildings is necessary for ` �� • • personal safety. Doctors advise people with asthma to stay far, far away from "co` ne tobacco smoke, which is a well known trigger for asthma attacks. Also, even brief �O exposure to tobacco smoke significantly increases the risk of sudden heart attack for those with heart disease. For others, avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke is less based on the prospect of dire medical consequences and more a matter of Tobacco Free T 0 '" . 4vas preventing headaches, nausea, eye or nose discomfort, or smoke smells on their clothes. For all of us in the County workforce, the new smoke -free policy can be divisive — "right -to- smoke ", smoker vs. non - smoker, etc. — or it can be an opportunity to respect preferences, choices or needs. Here are a few points to consider: • Smoke -free outdoor areas policies are NOT anti - smoker, they are PRO- health and safety. The goal is to make buildings accessible to everyone who is affected by exposure to tobacco smoke. • Scientific evidence supports the fact that tobacco smoke is dangerous to smokers and non - smokers alike. • Please don't associate compliance with confrontation. No one should be out with a tape marking off a 30 -foot buffer. The purpose is to provide employees and the public with safe, smoke -free access to a building, and to prevent smoke from entering open windows or air intake vents. • Smoking is a choice for some, and an uncontrollable addiction for others. Surveys show that more than half of smokers would quit today if they could break the habit. Believe it or not, many smokers welcome smoke -free outdoor areas, because it helps them cut back. • Secondhand smoke from a nearby smoker can be much more toxic than breathing everyday air pollution, and studies have demonstrated that tobacco smoke is more toxic than exhaust from low sulfur diesel engines. Successful reductions in vehicle emissions have been made to protect the public health, and reducing exposure to tobacco smoke supports those goals. Prevention and behavior changes as a path to better health and lower health care costs requires that communities work together respectfully to encourage and support healthier lifestyles. Keeping the air smoke -free and supporting smokers who want to quit are among the best ways to protect health and safety for you and your fellow County employees. For help quitting smoking, call the NYS Smokers' Quitline at 1- 866 -NY -QUITS (1- 866 - 697 -8487) or visit www.nvsmokefree.com on the Web. Sustainability Spotlight: -t 4 2010 ReBusiness Partners Awards Presented at Showcase Tompkins !f 1 { . v n- Tompkins County Solid Waste's (TCSW) ReBusiness Partners Program began in 2006 as a , • way to help businesses practice the 4R's (reduce, reuse, recycle, and rebuy). Since the • program's inception, TCSW has assisted 226 businesses and organizations by conducting waste assessments, developing personalized reports with recommendations, offering free recycling bins, and providing hands -on technical assistance. Through working with these businesses, TCSW identified a few partners that went From left to right Kat McCarthy,Waste above and beyond with their recycling and waste reduction initiatives. To acknowledge Reduction and Recycling Specialist, Nicole their accomplishments and promote their efforts in the community, TCSW developed Stumpf, Recycling Specialist, Duncan Cooper, and presented the first ever 2010 ReBusiness Partners awards at Showcase Tompkins. Natalie Martin from Renovus Energy 6 Recipients include Alternatives Federal Credit Union as the Distinguished Recycler, Renovus Energy for their Leadership in Waste Reduction, the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce for their Outstanding Organics Diversion, and Taitem Engineering as the Exemplary Green Purchaser. While there were many strong candidates for each of these awards, these businesses stand out for their accomplishments. In addition to a framed certificate, award winners received gifts donated by Cayuga Compost, Computer All Stars, Finger Lakes Re Use, Giving Tree Cafe, Ludgate Farris, Staples, Tompkins County Solid Waste, and Wegmans. To leam more about the ReBusiness Partners Program, visit: www.recycletompkins.orq or call 273 -6632. Submitted by Linnett Short, Solid Waste Rabies Alert Rabid raccoons frequently bite and infect skunks and foxes. Much more rarely, raccoon, skunk, or fox attacks spread rabies to livestock animals, pets, and other wildlife. In the United States, since the 1970s, raccoon rabies has caused only one human death. There have been two raccoons and one fox from Tompkins County that tested positive for Rabies by the NYS Rabies Laboratory so far this year. Report bites, scratches, and contact with the saliva of terrestrial (non -bat) mammals to the Tompkins County Health Department for risk analysis. Bat variant almost exclusively infects bats. Other mammal species seldom contract it. However, there is a national average of two human deaths per year due to bat rabies. Rabies prevention protocol requires rabies shots for a person bitten by, scratched by, or in direct skin contact with a bat. Precautions are recommended if a bat is in close proximity to a sleeping or incapacitated person, or unattended child in case direct skin contact occurred without their knowledge. If possible, a bat or other wild animal that bites or otherwise exposes a person to its saliva should be captured. The Tompkins County Website has suggestions for capturing bats yourself and a list of professional persons who will assist you fora fee. If captured, Health Department will send the animal NYS Rabies Laboratory for testing. A positive test means the shots are necessary. A negative test removes all doubt and eliminates the possibility of side effects from the shots. If you have questions regarding rabies, call the Tompkins County Environmental Health Division at 274 -6688. Submitted by Audrey Balander, Health Department Congratulations to 17 of our County employees who were inducted into the 25 Year Club May 27 Frank PPrato, Legislature Steven CKern, Health Department Donna Shaw, Finance Ruth WFreeman, Mental Health Patricia Civiletto, County Clerk's Office Jon WKloppel Mental Health Coral A ()ugh, Dept of Motor Vehicles Shelia J Chace, Dept. of Social Services Bernadette Stranger, Probation and Community Jacqueline Hoffman, Dept. of Social Services Justice Pendleton Vanschoick Dept. of Social Services Janice A Goravitz, Probation and Community Justice Katherine Cornell Public Works Brenda L Grinnell - Crosby, Health Department RichardA Chase, Public Works MelissaA Gatch, Health Department Thomas Jacobs, Public Works Corridors editor Maureen Reynolds offers the following reflections on a magnificent evening at Lake Watch Inn: - ._ - "It was a glorious July- weather evening on the deck - people milled there. _ -- for as long as possible before heading in Jim Dennis presented Frank with " the first (and only) e-mail (framed) that Frank sent to him - and a gold , !I r ` I ; , F • Rolex watch that he purchased from a street vendor on Canal Street in NYC - if Frank stays another 25 years, he may also buy him the insides to ft the watch. It was a very nice evening. I was quite proud of what the ,• C 'x Enjoyment on the Lake Watch Inn deck at the 25 Year Club dinner supervisors said about each of the employees. It was definitely a fitting tribute to each of the awardees." Department News Airport -_ Roxan Elaine Noble Graduates with High Honors Congratulations to Roxan Noble, Administrative Coordinator at the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, who recently graduated from Tompkins Cortland Community College with an Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.). Roxan is a member of Alpha Gamma Nu Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, academic honor society, graduating with high honors (3.89 G.P.A.). ,e,� 1 Roxan's achievement is particularly noteworthy since she has been working full -time at the /1 \\\;% ; � A \ airport as well as running a household with her husband Kevin, and raising a teenage daughter, Brittney. She began her studies back in 2000 and has stuck doggedly to attaining her goal, with � all the distractions that life brings. Roxan began working for the County in the Probation Department in June, 1989, moving to the airport in March of 1995. Bob Nicholas, Airport Manager Department of Social Services Bernice Yarash, A Supervisor, was nominated and selected to participate in the National Leadership Academy for Child Welfare Middle Manager through the Muskie School of Public Service. Shelia Chace, Supervisor, is featured in a Best Practices video about permanency planning for children in foster care. Christine Manning, Supervisor, and Gina Newlin, Senior Caseworker, are featured in a New York State Best Practices video regarding achieving safety for children and families through the Family Assessment Response. Both videos are on the New York Office of Children and Family website. In addition, in April, Gina facilitated a national webinar with American Humane Association on "Collaborative Group Supervision ", and Christine will co- facilitate a national webinar on Solution Focused Practice in June. Christine is also featured in a New York state Webinar on Coaching. Amy Chaffee, Supervisor, was a panelist at the New York State Child Abuse Prevention Conference in April. Allana McMillen was promoted to Senior Caseworker in April. Shanise Rileywas recently hired as a Caseworker in Children's Services, Eliana Parra accepted a temporary position as case aide, and Alida Murphy - Osetek, who interned at DSS while studying for her Masters degree in Social Work, was recently hired as a Caseworker in Children's Services. When our clerical staff was short staffed in the beginning of the year because Shawnae Milton had a baby, two county retirees, EthelCratsleyand Janet Fuller, volunteered their time helping out in the Children's Services Clerical Unit. Planning Department Leslie Schilland her husband, Joe, welcomed daughter Frances Rosemary on April 14th. Leslie is a Senior Planner for the Planning Department. Solid Waste Management Division °"`" LinnettShort, Communication and Administrative Coordinator for Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division (at right) presented the reduce, reuse, recycle and rebuy efforts they have accomplished in incorporating 36 educational 1 institutions to the Go Green Initiative at the Northeast Resource Recovery ` ``- Association at the Radisson, in Manchester, New Hampshire on June 7'" and 8t ". �� ". Office for the Aging The Office for the Aging Advisory Committee held its 2010 Annual Luncheon at the Clarion Hotel May 11th. Karl Pillimer, PhD, Director for the Cornell Institute on Translational Research on Aging (CITRA) was the keynote speaker for the luncheon. His comments focused on the positive impact of older adults on environmental sustainability. Two area seniors were also awarded certificates of appreciation for their contributions to our community. Paul McGraw received the award for Senior Citizen of the Year. Paul has volunteered at Gadabout since 1993 as a driver and trainer. Carina Emerson received the Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Senior Citizen. Carina has volunteered with the Groton American Legion Auxiliary Post 800 for 41 years. Highway Highlights... Submitted by Geri Lockwood Work Zone Safety: Please be cautious, courteous, and patient when driving through highway work zones, and please also remember to , "give `em a brake ". New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) recommends that motorists observe the following 10 safety tips critical for safe driving in highway construction work zones: 1. Expect the unexpected in any work zone along any road, major or minor. Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people and vehicles may be working on or near the road. 2. Diamond - shaped orange warning signs are posted in advance of road construction projects. Slow down! Be R 0 A D alert! Pay attention to the signs! 'CO 3. In addition to other warning signs, a "flagger ahead" warning sign may be posted in the work zone. When you AHEAD see this, stay alert and be prepared to obey the flagger's directions. In a work zone, a flagger has the same Ai i authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying his or her directions. 4. Stay calm. Work zones aren't there to inconvenience you; they are necessary to improve the roads for everyone. 5. You may see flashing arrow panels or "lane closed ahead" signs. Merge as soon as possible. Don't zoom right ii up to the lane closure, then try to barge in; if everyone cooperates, traffic moves more efficiently. Motorists can help maintain traffic flow and posted speeds by moving to the appropriate lane at first notice of an approaching work zone. 6. Slow down when the signs say to. A car traveling 60 miles per hour travels 88 feet per second. If you are going 60 miles per hour and you pass a sign that states "Road Work 1500 feet ", you will be in that work zone in 17 seconds. 7. The most common crash in a highway work zone is the rear -end collision, so remember to leave two seconds of STOP braking distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. The amount of space required to provide two I seconds of stopping time will increase the faster you are driving. 8. Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and traffic barriers, trucks, construction equipment, and works. just z lik you, hi g h way wor wan t re turn home safely after each day's work. \ iri 9. Some work zones — such as for line painting, road patching, and mowing — are mobile, moving down the road as work is finished. Just because you do not see the workers immediately after you see the warning signs, does not mean they are not out there. Observe posted work zone signs until you see the one that states you've left the work zone. 10. Highway agencies use different ways to inform motorists about the location and duration of major work zones. Often, they will suggest a detour to help you avoid the work zone entirely. Plan ahead and try an alternate route. Source: http://readme.readmedia.com/New- York - State- Highlights - Highway- Work - Zone - Safety- During- National- Work- Zone - Awareness -Week 1235490 Typically, cones, as well as tubular markers and barrels /drums are used within work zones to form tapers and tangents, and to delineate buffer areas and the activity /work area. It is important to follow the directions of the flagger(s) when directed from the closed lane to the open lane and remain left of the cones until instructed by the second flagger to return to your original lane or otherwise directed. The general public has no obligation to know and understand anything about work zone setup. It is the responsibility of the contractor or agency doing the work to safely guide and direct vehicles, bikers, and pedestrians through the work zone. Drivers should always remain prudent and cautious within work zones and always expect the unexpected 9 Employee Spotlight David Stoyellr 1• *k. Job Title: Aging Services Specialist Department: Office for the Aging David has been working at the Office for the Aging since 1993, first as an Outreach Worker, and then as an Aging Services Specialist. Currently, David serves as the Director of the Caregivers' Resource Center, where he offers support to family caregivers with one -to -one counseling as well as facilitating support groups and giving workshops 9 g pp 9 P 9� 9 Ps in the community. He has also recently become an expert on the ins and outs of Medicare • and thus spends part of his day working with older adults to navigate the Medicare - prescription drug program and Medicare Health Plans. I asked David what he likes the best about his job, and he was quick to reply that the one - to-one counseling with older adults or their caregivers gave him the most satisfaction. When asked to respond to what he liked the least about his work, he didn't hesitate to say the "required documentation!" David is a proud father, with a wonderful family. He and his wife, Peg, have three children, a daughter and twin sons. Recently, he and his oldest child, Sally, retumed from a Youth Mission with the Lansing United Methodist Church to St. John's Island, South Carolina. The team stayed at a local Methodist Church them_ and worked at the homes of two elderly ladies. The group replaced floors and door frames and participated in small household projects. David's favorite thing to do outside of work is "Kiss my wife!" And finally, I asked him what is the first thing he would do if he ran the world? "I would make it so some people aren't paid dirt for a day's work while others are paid 100 times as much." The Office for the Aging and Tompkins County are fortunate to have David represent the interests of older adults in our community. Submitted by Tiina Schickel CityVan is up and running! CityVan is the newest way to travel from Town of Enfield, Newfield or southwest Town of CityVan Ithaca to Downtown Ithaca and back. Call 277 -7777 to schedule your CityVan ride! • r CityVan takes residents of the Towns of Newfield, and Enfield, and residents in the Town of • • Ithaca (between Bostwick Road to Route 13A and Route 13), to and from Downtown Ithaca, or n for in -Town trips. CityVan operates from early morning to early evening, Monday thru Friday. Ride to Ithaca CityVan is for people who do not Live close to TCAT bus routes or who need to travel at times TCAT does not run. The TCAT bus is always Less expensive than CityVan! CityVan is eligible for DSS Working Families Transportation Assistance (call 274 - 5022). CityVan is operated by Ithaca Dispatch under contract with Tompkins County. For more information on CityVan and other travel choices contact Cynthia, County Mobility Advisor, at 274-5022, send an email to Cynthia.kloppel @dfa.state.ny.us or go to www.cityvan.weebly.com . Submitted by Cynthia Moppel, DSS Workforce Diversity & Inclusion Committee WDIC Issues Mid- Series Report Card on Diversity and Inclusion Education and Development To / "/ � • Course: Undoing Racism Together Grade: A+ ( --;,/ Thanks to staff commitment and to the successful coordination of the first ever - Vv community partnership focused on bringing cultural education and development, �s p nearly a dozen and a half employees voluntarily participated in the three -day workshop. The Undoing Racism Together series, by the nationally acclaimed People's Institute, offered an altemative approach to understanding the realities of today's racism — critically, as well as optimistically and strategically. The significance of this groundbreaking approach in bringing awareness to issues of equity and fairness, not only had Corridor subscribers from across departments and job classifications involved, but it also included people from other Tompkins County businesses, agencies and organizations — an approach that is truly diverse and inclusive. Corridor participants offered the following feedback through a voluntary anonymous workshop evaluation: "Interesting, informational, engaging, shocking, and educational." "....the more llearn the better equipped I can be to lead my agency," "Reamed the historical construct of racism, that race and race relations are integrated into our American culture" A "Fall" series will be offered in September 2010. To be included, please contact your department head. Coming Soon - • Reminder, please participate and submit your WDIC "Valuing Our Workplace Climate Survey" responses no later than July 1st • July 10th - Paddlers & Spectators needed for the 5th Annual International Dragon Boat Festival, please contact Karen Fuller, kfullerfttompkins- oo.orq. • Nominations for the Tompkins County Employee Strength in Diversity Award (Watch your intemal mail and email account.) Mark Your Calendar - To bring awareness to an event or celebration not listed below for future publications, contact sreistetter @tompkins- co.orq. • July 10 - Don't Forget! 5 Annual International Dragon Boat Festival • September 15 October 15 — Hispanic Heritage Month WDIC Welcomes: We strive to engage a committee of volunteers representative of the community in which we serve. We continuously seek individuals from our community and neighborhoods, businesses, agencies and all Tompkins County organizations to accomplish our goals. To receive an application, please contact Karen Fuller at kfullerc tompkins- oo.orq. WDIC Welcomes and thanks Pat Pryor, Legislator- District 6 and Jamaica Breedlove, TC Health Department, for their dedication in service to the community of Tompkins County. Submitted by Sarah Reistetter, WDIC Project Assistant 11 VII DM a C01111111 1/E N LS Upcoming trips (available to all Tompkins County Employees & Retirees, and their families): (Please visit the website listed below for additional trip /event information.) Hangar Theatre Musical ae liVil "' r " Mnti - 1 10 4 tlX. 1 Ma i. alisaLt Man of La Mancha (an extraordinary musical tale of chivalry, courage, and `dreaming the impossible drecrna') Date: Saturday, July 10 Time: 3:00 P.M. Cost: $12.50 /person Reservations & Payment: Accepted through Friday, June 25 NOTE: 60 tickets will be available for this performance. Be sure to reserve your tickets soon! Enchanted Forest Water Safari, Old Forge, NY p .. . .!P�'?lrp �'nesw Oar [ - OuR .f�, ...: RIPE! r ¢ �_ s :'41: • ./ _ :pe New Double Tube Water Ride Amusement Rides Water Rides Timber Bear's Barnyard Date: Saturday, July 31 Cost: $30.00/pp (includes bus trip and admission to Enchanted Forest Water Safari) $10.00/pp (children two and under) $10.00 /pp (bust trip to Old Forge where you will be on your own for the day) OPTIONAL: Paul Bunyan's All -U- Can -Eat Buffet for $10.00/pp. Meal served from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m., at the Mal Wave Picnic Grove (featuring: BBQ chicken ribs, beef %# burgers, hot dogs, roasted corn on the cob, salmis, baked beans, fresh watermelon, and beverages). Depart: 7:00 a.m. SHARP! From the Tompkins County Public Works Facility on Bostwick Road.) Arrive: Around 10:30 a.m., at Old Forge (includes a rest stop en- route). Depart: From Enchanted Forest Water Safari at 7:00 p.m. Arrive: Back in Ithaca around 10:30 p.m. (includes a rest stop en- route). Minimum of 40 people needed to make this trip possible. Call now for reservations or for additional information. Reservations & Payment: Accepted through Friday, July 16 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.oro or Pete Coats, at pcoats©tompkins- co .ora. Website: Don't miss out on a dianoe 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.ora /emplovee onFWNendhaCommitteeNews.odf. Be sure to visit regularly for undated information on all trips, news, etc. Please see your DepatmentReoreseytative (names listed on the website) to share other ideas. 12 Classified Ads Doe Davz Inn FOR SALE — Two white wedding dresses in good condition. A place where your dog feels Sizes 14 and 18. $100.00 each. Please call (607) 659 -7685, "at home ". - � -. �� mat leave message. Located in North Lansing FOR SALE — Paddleboat with canopy, seats four. Great Sandy Strehle, 315 - 497 -3467 µ. condition —four years old, $300.00. Please call (607) 659 -7685, dogdayzinn@yahoo.com ) leave message. http: / /www.dogdayzinn.com FOR SALE —NEW HP printer color cartridge - #78, $15.00. NEW HP printer black cartridge - #15, $10.00. Please call (607) 659 -7685, leave message. FOR RENT — Wednesday, July 21 — Monday, July 26. FOR SALE — Saddles — all purpose English saddle, $100.00, Large Greek revival house in Trumansburg. 4 bedrooms, western barrel saddle, $400.00. Please call Gerry, at (607) porch, deck, 1 1/2 bathrooms. 1 mile from Taughannock 229 -3285. Park, 2 miles from Trumansburg Village. Terrific views. This is not a rental property, it is our home. We will be in FOR SALE — Marantz Stereo System — includes, turntable, California during this time. No smoking, no pets. Our two cassette, remote, and 2 large speakers, $200.00. Please call cats will be there...very friendly. Please call (607) 387 -5446. (607) 273 -5609 and leave message. FOR SALE — 1985 24' Tioga motor home on Chevrolet FOR SALE — Oster Conventional Oven/Toaster Oven — chassis. Sleeps 6, A /C, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, brand new, never used, bought at Sears and paid over 70,000 miles, all new tires. Very good condition. Asking $120.00, selling for $75.00. Please call (607) 273 -5609 and $7,500.00. Must sell due to health reasons. Please call (607) leave message. 898 -5196. FOR SALE — 1998 white Chevy Z28 Camaro, Black t -tops, I 12 disc CD player, 6- speed, with LS -1 motor, 40,000 miles. Clean, nice car that has never seen a winter (heated garage of 'hrei,s _ _ stored). Asking $9,500.00. Please call Ron, at (315) 374- - 0501, or Cyndy, at (315) 497 -3273. ... FOR SALE — 2005 Chevy Trailblazer (dark gray color) — FOR SALE —1999 Triple black Chevy Corvette convertible, LOADED!!! Also includes factory navigation system; Bose loaded, lots of chrome and extras. 24,000 miles. Nice, clean stereo system with touch screen; heated, electric leather car that has never seen a winter (heated garage stored). seats; GM running boards; etc. 60,000 miles. Asking Asking $25,000.00. Please call Ron, at (315) 374 -0501, or $12,000.00. Please call (607) 227 -6793. Cyndy, at (315) 497 -3273. FOR SALE — La -Z -Boy recliner — maroonish color. Very Power and Performance good condition. Asking $150.00. Please call (607) 838- 3748, evenings or weekends. Strength & Conditioning and Fitness Look for us on Facebook Training done by a Certified Strength and Conditioning THE CORRIDORS TEAM Specialist Managing Editor Sports Performance Training Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk's Office Personal Training— Get healthy and back in shape Editorial Staff Geri Lockwood, Highway after the Holidays. Linnett Short, SW Management Division Private training facility located at 145 Yaple Road, Ithaca. Katrina Schickel, COFA Most Affordable Rates In The Area. Classifieds Editor - Geri Lockwood Ages 12+ Multicultural Editor — Shanovah Moodie, Records Please call TJ, at (845) 866 - 3199, or E - mail to Advising Editor, Page Layout Massaro31@yahoo.com. 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 13