HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-10 7 t 0 C(LiLdCI-IS F N¢ for
EmployeQs and Retirees
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Kevin Nic k erson , son of Kell Ni ckerson,
Health Department employee
JIM HANSON RETIRES
September 28 was Jim Hanson's last day as the
Commissioner of Planning for Tompkins County. There was a
luncheon to honor Jim's eleven years of service to the County
fib'; on September 27 At the luncheon, County Administrator,
Steve Whicher, Sheriff Peter Meskill several members of the
Board of Representatives, and representatives of local
governments recognized Jim's accomplishments. Jim was
� , also the recipient of several resolutions in his honor — from
the Environmental Management Council, Better Housing for
' Tompkins County, and the Planning Advisory Board.
Jim Hanson was appointed the Commissioner of Planning in
4 Nip
April, 1990. During his tenure, Jim was integral in initiating
- -�- :� several major programs in and on behalf of Tompkins County:
Jim, from all the members of • Ithaca- Tompkins County Transportation Council;
the staff of the Planning • First -Time Homeownership Program;
Department and the Ithaca- Geographic Information System;
Tompkins County • • Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway;
Transportation Council, Thank Natural Resources Inventory;
You for your inspiring •
Commercial Center Revitalization Program;
leadership, support • , and •
Circuit Rider Program and
humor — you will be greatly • missed. Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund
4 Internet Security and Privacy
By King Houston, ITS
REPORT
I have received many inquiries from individuals
FROM lately concerning privacy and security while using the
Internet. Here are a few general guidelines for using the
THE COUNTY Internet from home and from the office.
ADMINISTRATOR The first thing to remember is that the Internet
provides two -way communication. A live Internet
connection is like an open phone line. This is necessary
By Stephen Whither to make the system work. Some programs, however,
send private information back to the originator. This
information may include a list of sites you have visited,
merchants you purchased information from and people
The events of September 11 have greatly altered the you have e- mailed. Some versions of Comet Cursor and
the CAT software that came from Radio Shack do this.
state of our state and nation. Even our little part of the Programs that offer you money just for reading e-mail or
world will feel the direct effects of this disaster. Some web surfing also fit in that category. You shouldn't load
of our colleagues have already left or will soon leave to and run these programs.
participate in the call -up of the Reserves and all of us
realize that our way of life will be forever changed. You also need current anti -virus software on
your PC to protect against "Trojan- horse" type viruses.
While we should be thankful that most of us are not
These viruses load a program on your computer that runs
more directly involved, it will mean that the challenges
in the background and transmits personal information
of a difficult budget year will be made worse. Our hopes from your computer to the originator of the virus.
of a supplemental state budget being passed to alleviate
some of our greatest concerns are fading with each day. Some computers have a connection to the
If the supplemental budget is not passed, we will face Internet that is always on. Our office PCs and home
some direct and large gaps in both the current and next computers with broadband (Roadrunner, DSL, Satellite)
year's budget. In addition, there are several areas of connections have persistent and fast connections to the
major concern that may suddenly arise and create a Internet and are very vulnerable to probing from other
further imbalance. systems. If your computer is compromised, the
uninvited hacker has access to all the information on
The Board of Representatives is currently building on your hard drive. If your computer has this type of
the very sound base established by the departments in connection you should have some type of firewall
their budgets and three -year plans. In fact, the Board established. Frrewalls can be either software or
made very few changes in the budgets as presented by hardware based. There are some free or reasonably
the departments and my recommended budget. In most priced firewalls available by companies like Zone
cases the unanimity of positions among Board members Alarm, Black Ice, Symantec, and McAfee. Hardware
is impressive. As we move through the final budget firewalls are also available for prices starting around
stages and the Board responds to the current $80. I installed a software firewall at home on my
environment, one should expect a number of changes to Roadrunner connection about six months ago. It detects
the recommended budget. Be assured that the Board is and prevents approximately five penetrations per hour.
making the best possible effort to preserve jobs and
programs. Dial -up connections are much less susceptible.
The slower speed and temporary connection makes them
Putting the gloom aside for a moment, I would like to less attractive to hackers. A firewall is probably not
wish Jim Hanson the best in his retirement. As many necessary on these machines, but good anti -virus
noted at his retirement party, Jim is a true professional software is.
known for both his capabilities and his great sense of
humor. During the last five years I learned to appreciate More information on securing your home
both. Best of luck, Jim, and please visit us when you get Internet connection can be found at:
the "honey -do " list done! http:// www. cert. org /tech_tips /home_networks.html
2
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Long may it wave!
Don't look down! The flagpole at the Mental Health Center is
mounted in a precarious spot, perched 6 floors above
the canyon floor that is Green Street. A few years ago
the cable used to hoist the flag broke. Its replacement
that required the services of a very tall ladder and
someone with the gumption to climb it, quickly found
its way to the bottom of the building maintenance to-
do list. That priority changed quickly however, after
Sept.11th. This prompted Dave Jayne, our resident
Facilities expert, to call the Ithaca Fire Department
and ask for their assistance. Thanks to Dave's request
At
~ to Deputy Chief Tom Dorman, Ithaca Firefighters
Mahlon Irish and Ernie Williams responded with a
huge IFD hook and ladder cherry picker. After
&$ ( careful positioning the ladder came 6 feet short of
reaching the pole. Undaunted, they telescoped it all
back together and left, only to return a few minutes
R+Y; later with a different truck. This one had a real ladder
instead of a platform, whose reach was even taller.
After repositioning the truck in the street below, they
were finally able to reach the pulley at the top of the
pole and thread the cable through. A few minutes
later our new flag, loaned by Bob Mitchell of the
Ithaca City Hall crew, was hoisted to half -mast.
Thanks to those who made it possible for us to
Dave Jayne "undersees” the operation restore this symbol of our solidarity to its rightful
place.
By Asher Hockett, Mental Health
3
October is Domestic Violence In Remembrance
A wareness Month http:/ % %eh.a- znet.com;cdholdwtc.html
Submitted by Sue Robinson, Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator
September 11, 2001 - a date that will go down in history
As one of the worst tragedies of our great country
What is Domestic Violence? All of us stunned by the horrific acts of others
Domestic violence affects people in all social, economic, Those who suffered were our sisters and brothers
racial, religious, ethnic and geographic groups, whether So many began that day as they had in the past
they are married, divorced, living together, dating, or in None of them knowing it would be their last
a gay or lesbian relationship. Domestic violence is a They went into work like any other normal one
pattern of coercive behavior, that may include physical, Unfortunately, normal we know it did not become
emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, Passengers boarded four planes, eager to reach their destination
used to establish and maintain power and control over a No way of knowing it would end with such devastation
family member or intimate partner. This pattern does The panic they must have felt - their bodies paralyzed with fear
not necessarily include physical abuse, and in fact, When the terrorists overtook their flights and their end was near
includes many behaviors that are not criminal. The goal Families were destroyed with the loss of their loved ones
is power and control. Parents lost wonderful daughters and loving sons
Hundreds of children now without a mother or father
Spouses who must go on without each other
The behaviors that we usually associate with domestic
abuse are assault, sex crimes, stalking offenses, We were all affected by the attack in some way
intimidating property crimes, and child endangerment, Some worse than others on this devastating day
all clearly criminal acts. And then there are some Rescue workers putting themselves in danger
y Risking their own lives trying to save another
behaviors that form a pattern that instills fear of injury or
harm. In these cases there may be a basis for criminal Volunteers flocked to aid in the search for survivors
charges such as coercion, menacing, or harassment. Assisting and feeding the officers and firefighters
America's heroes - our thoughts and prayers with them
These include things like threats of physical harm or As they continue their search to find each missing victim
killing the partner, their pets, children, or other family
members. Even things like sending flowers or a love Maybe you sent food, clothing, or a monetary donation
We all did what we could to assist our hurting nation
note can be threatening if the recipient knows from past To those who donated blood to stock the banks
experience that this carries with it an implied threat. Since I am unable, to you I give my personal thanks
But coercive behavior also includes abusive conduct that Geri Lockwood, Author
is not illegal; for example, putting the family member
down, calling them names, refusing to let them maintain
friendships and family connections, preventing a partner COUNTY CORRIDORS 2
from going to work, refusing to allow a partner to have
access to bank accounts, cash, or credit cards, or blaming ANNUAL HALLOWEEN COSTUME
the victim for the abuse.
CONTEST
Domestic violence is not a single incident of abuse, but a 7.
fixed imbalance of power created by the abuser over,
time. If you are worried about yourself, a family
member, or a co- worker, you can call the Task Force for
Battered Women at 277 -3203 during business hours, or Hey ghouls and ghosts - It's that time of year
the hotline at 277 -5000, 24 hours a day. Another source Time Time to don those costumes For
of assistance is the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Wed nesday October 315' all hallows eve. Let's see
Services hotline at 272 -1616. If you are looking for
written information, the Task Force for Battered Women iFyou can outdo last year's winner, King Houston
has an extensive library of information on domestic "The blizzard" and win this years prize.
abuse, or you can contact me, Sue Robinson, at 274-
7504. I have booklets and brochures from the NYS lryou are interested in participating please call or
Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the
NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence. e -mail Iretta Ellis ahead of so that she can
get your picture that day.
Domestic violence isn't a shame — it's a crime!
4
Remember November • The flu shot is covered by Medicare part B.
Flu clinics will be held at various locations
By Karen Bishop, RN throughout the county again this year with the
Community Health Nurse Supervisor
fantastic assistance of hundreds of senior citizen
There are all kinds of reasons to remember volunteers. Flu clinic schedules will be posted at all
November.... Veterans Day, Election Day, the clinic sites and publicized via local radio stations
Thanksgiving, and flu. That's right, November is and newspapers in October. Look and listen for a
the right time to get a flu shot! Due to expected flu clinic nearest you!
delays in shipment of flu vaccine to providers again
this fall, we are planning to begin our annual flu You can protect yourself against the flu by
clinics in November. Please note we will only following these simple steps:
vaccinate those at highest risk of complications • Get a flu shot. It's your best protection against
from flu illness including the following persons: the flu.
• 65 years of age and older • Take care of yourself. Eat right, drink plenty of
• adults and children with chronic heart or lung fluids, exercise and get plenty of rest. A healthy
disorders, including asthma you is better able to fight off the flu.
• adults and children with chronic metabolic • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze
diseases (including diabetes), kidney disease, or cough. Dispose of the used tissue and wash
immunodeficiency disorders including HIV your hands.
• children and teenagers, 6 months to 18 years • When ill, stay home.
old, receiving long -term aspirin therapy
• health care workers For questions about the flu, flu vaccine, or flu
• pregnant women with chronic illness or who will clinics, please call the Tompkins County Health
be past the 3 month of pregnancy during the Department "FLUHot /ine "at 274 -6607.
flu season
• caretakers of persons 65 years of age or older TO M P K I N S COUNTY
or caretakers of chronically ill children or adults
HEALTH
If vaccine is still available, we may offer it to the D E P A R T M E N T
public (including healthy county employees) in
December. Your Partner for a Healthy Community
Some of you may worry that November may be too - --
late to get the flu shot. Let me reassure you that
getting a flu shot in November is the optimum time >!0
to protect you throughout the winter months. !� ,
When I think of living in Papa Mouse's
Flu facts you should know: house, I remember all kinds of music. Sister
• Seniors and people with underlying health
conditions who get the flu are much more likely Teensy would be practicing her violin in one room
to have serious complications. A flu shot may while brother Louse Mouse sang his idea of
save your life! grand opera up in his bedroom. As soon as I
• You can't get the flu from the flu shot because stopped practicing for my weekly piano lesson,
the vaccine contains killed viruses. Papa was apt to start his one- finger playing and
• Protection develops approximately two weeks singing along of the tenor part for the Sunday
after getting the flu shot.
• The flu shot is effective only for illness caused anthem. And Mama Mouse would be in the
by flu viruses and not for other causes of colds kitchen cooking while singing wonderful old
and fevers. German songs from her childhood. Cacophony?
• Since flu viruses change from year to year, a Not at all. Wonderful harmony in the Mouse
yearly flu shot is necessary each fall. house.
• The flu shot can be given at the same time as Annie N. Mouse
the pneumonia shot, but in the other arm.
5
CLASSIFIEDS I DSS Staff changes:
WELCOME:
For Sale: Christine Alamond, new Youth and Family Services
For sale: Two parakeet birds and one regular (small) Coordinator, will work with Krissy Barber and Donna Scott,
size bird cage with supplies $10.00 to caring person. with adolescent preventive and foster care services; AND
Sara Thorn, Child Protective Services, Senior Caseworker.
Call Cindy at 647 -6405 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
FAREWELL:
For sale: Snow Blower; Troy Built; 8 Hp; Four years Betty Gloss went to work as a Social Worker at Kidspeace;
old; like new; $1,000. Moved to Illinois. Call Steve Dolly Holt, retired; Linda Farley, resigned; Mary Wimsatt,
756 -7995 to see it.
resigned.
MOVES:
For sale: Pontiac Grand Am SE (loaded) with low Nalani McKenna moved to Adoption Unit, DSS; Madi
mileage, new brakes, new tires, and a new battery. Alridge moved to Child Protective Services, DSS; Loretta
Green; $6,300 — Negotiable. Evenings call 272 -8243. Bernal moved to Legal Unit, DSS; Randy Good moved to
For sale: 1997 Chrysler Cirrus WITH WARRANTY, Children's Services- DSS.
V -6; 43,000 miles, very good condition, loaded, AM /FM CLASSIFIEDS
cassette, automatic, power windows, mirrors, doors,
A /C; $7,800. Call 272 -2204 evenings. Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County
For sale Warm Morning coal stove -uses chestnut size employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may
coal. Works well. Good condition. $275 o.b.o. over be for any purpose, however personal ads will not be
$200. Call 589 -7848 after 5:30 p.m. accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers
may be listed in your ad, however, we do need your full
For sale: Brand New Rollerblades (Spiritblade) with name and County telephone number submitted with the
knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and canvas bag; size ad in case there are questions. Submit your ad to County
6 -6 1/2. $75. Call 589 -6041 after 6 p.m. Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of Representatives,
For sale: 1984 Kawasaki 550 LTD Motorcycle; 4 Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via US or interdepartmental
cylinder; mileage — 7,417; $1,100. Call 589 -6041 after 6 mail or e-mail to: mpottorff @tompkins - co.org
p.m. NOTE:
If you would like to modify your classified or want to
run it again, you must re- submit it!
Services:
DEADLINE: 1 TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me Articles to be considered for the November 29 issue,
help with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever must be received by noon on Tuesday, November 6'
it takes to get you and your computer working together Submit articles via e-mail as an attachment or on disk in
again. Call James Keegan at 273 - 7957 evenings or any file format that is readable by Word for Windows.
weekends. Send disk and hard copy to County Corridors c/o
Tynyk Originals is proud to announce that selected Michelle Pottorff, Board of Representatives,
items are now available at Contented Country Gifts Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850. Include a contact number
located at 297 Jersey Hill Road, Danby; one of the most in case questions arise.
unique shops in the area! Custom gifts and home decor COUNTY CORRIDORS
items are still available by calling 564 -9244 evenings or Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are selected by
weekends. If I can't make it, you don't need it!! the Editorial Board based on their interest to Tompkins County
Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can put employees and retirees. They do not necessarily express the
opinions of the Editorial Board. Material is solicited from current
relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an employees, retirees and others. The Editorial Board reserves the
appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753 right to edit submissions, except in the instance of copyright
6383. materials.
EDITORIAL BOARD
Kinetic Performance — specializing in Motorsports Michelle Pottorff (Editor) Board of Representatives
engines, carburetion and general racing fabrication. Call Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services
Dayton Umholtz at 277 -6442 evenings or weekends. Bill Chopp Department of Social Services
Sharon Cooper Sheriff's Office
French Tutor — Call Sarah at 257 -3047. Please leave a Liz Croop Department of Mental Health
Katy Prince Health Department
message. Vickie Wagner (Artist) Department of Assessment
Donna Deputron (Distribution Coordinator) Bldgs. & Grnds
6