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CCU I ECUS Volume 16 Number 3
April 1, 2003
IF Revised County Policies Effective April 1S f
In a last ditch attempt to resolve the County's budget crisis and escalating gas
prices, County Administrator Steve Whicher is implementing new policies on County
transportation, garbage collection, office hours, and telephone usage.
Effective immediately, all County vehicles will be sold at auction and replaced with
bicycles, scooters, and horses. Employees are encouraged to find alternative
transportation to work, including bicycling, scooting, horseback, or walking (walking
time will be included as part of the workday).
Effective April 1, there will be no garbage collection or maintenance performed at
County work sites. Each department will have assigned compost piles and
employees will be asked to B.Y.O.B. (Bring Your Own Box of tools).
Also, County phone service will be terminated and operating hours will change as
follows: All offices will be open 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.; all offices will be open on
Saturdays and Sundays. All employees are encouraged to bring cell phones to work
and take advantage of "free nights and weekends" to conduct County business.
Please note the above policies are effective April lsf.
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Iretta Ellis, ITS, decides not to wait and begins contributing to the budget crisis immediately.
REPORT Kindness and Kidneys
From Cheryl Nelson, Public Works
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FROM Thank you to all of my fellow county employees that have
shown concern for my son Barry, and my family during Barry's
THE COUNTY - most recent medical emergencies. A special thank you to Cathy
Covert, Michelle Pottorff, Anita Fitzpatrick, Jackie Yoder, and
ADMINISTRATOR Geri Lockwood for their assistance to me during this difficult
time, and to the employees that voluntarily donate their fringe
By Stephen Wiiicher time to the emergency pool so that it is available when it is
needed.
Many employees know that for 20 years, my son, Barry, and
I am writing this early in the morning on March 7th our family have wrestled with all of the complications that
occur as the result of chronic kidney disease, kidney failure
and I am still mulling over the images from the (end -stage renal disease), dialysis, and kidney transplant. Barry
President's news conference of last night. It is clear became ill with a chronic kidney disease when he was 4, and he
that the President has concluded that Iraq is a direct received a kidney transplant when he was 10. After 12 years,
threat to the United States and that by the time this that transplanted kidney failed, and he is on the waiting list for
article is published, we may be at war. What is also a second donated kidney. For him, the wait will be
apparent is that the President has included a regime approximately three years. In the meantime he, and others
change among the mission's goals. waiting for kidney donations, survive by being on dialysis.
Even though dialysis keeps the patients alive, there are all kinds
of complications that can arise from it, also, and contrary to
While opinions will vary concerning the political and what most people may think, it is certainly no substitute for
moral issues surrounding the President's position, it having a healthy, normal kidney functioning in your body.
is important to recognize that removal of the current Kidney disease affects millions of Americans, and without
regime in Iraq will change the nature of the conflict therapy, these individuals will die. Kidney transplant is the
and the resulting consequences. The consequences only treatment for end -stage renal disease that allows patients to
for us will be both financial and personal. The enjoy an independent lifestyle free from dialysis.
potentially large and long- lasting financial People often ask me about kidney donations. Since Barry, and
commitment necessary will limit the federal about 5,000 other New York State residents are waiting for
government's needed assistance to the states. This kidney donations, I thought it might be helpful to share some
reduction of federal assistance will make the next few information that may be of interest to those considering organ
years even more difficult for New York State. donations.
The financial issues, of course, pale when compared There are two kinds of organ donations. Cadaveric transplant,
which involves transplanting an organ obtained from a stable,
to the personal sacrifices that many will make. I am heart- beating individual who has been declared brain dead. In
sure that all of us have friends and/or relatives who these cases, consent for organ donation is obtained from the
have been called to active duty. Within our donor's family. Individuals wishing to have their organs
workforce up to ten people are subject to activation donated after death need to let their family members know of
orders, three have been activated and one person, Ed their wishes and do things such as completing the organ donor
Hague of DSS, has just returned from active duty in information on their drivers license. Living donor transplant
Uzbekistan. Ed, welcome back. It is great to know involves a kidney donated by a healthy, live person. There is
now, a new, laparoscopic process for removal of live donor
you have returned safe and sound. To all the others kidneys which is less invasive, less painful, and reduced
who have been or may be activated, we wish you a recovery time. Because of this new laparoscopic process, it is
speedy and healthy return. hoped that there will be more live organ donations for
transplant. As someone that has been living this kidney disease
Although our friends, relatives or coworkers may be nightmare for a long time, I hope that this new procedure will
the ones called upon to carry out the President's entice more living donations and help those that are in desperate
orders, there is a part for all the rest of us to play as need of a transplant in order to elevate their quality of life.
well. Please show everyone around you just a bit If you, or anyone you know is interested in finding out more
more understanding and tolerance as we all face about kidney donations and transplantation, information is
concerns about our country going to or being at war available from the SUNY Upstate Medical University Hospital,
and that the call -up of a friend, relative or coworker Transplant Dept., 750 E. Adams St., Syracuse, NY 13210, or
may cause additional stress. by calling 315- 464 -5413.
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Tompkins County
Training & Development - Meeting Challenges Together
Web Site: www.tompkins- co.ora /personnel /trainin
F iiw Quick Tips T &D Website I
"Quick Tips" is a new feature on the T &D website that will link employees to a short paragraph about
various work place topics, one or two resources in our library for additional information (books or videos),
and a few links to other web sites.
We hope these short summaries will provide you a first step in exploring the topic for individual exploration.
They can be used while working with teams and can assist staff meeting discussions. We will continue to
compile additional topics, as well as edit and change these summaries. Contact us if you have suggestions,
ideas or comments about any of the summaries or web site links
Affirmative Action/Diversity Delegation Meeting Management
Assessing Employee Training Delegation Quiz Motivating Employees
Needs Ethics Orientation
Burn Out Prevention Life and Work Balance Performance Management
Career Development and Generations At Work Public Speaking
Planning Goal Setting Rewards and Recognition
Change Management Employee Hiring & Selection Stress Management
Coaching Ice Breakers Time Management
Communication Interviewing The Learning Environment
Conflict Resolution Illegal Interview Questions Violence in the Workplace
Dealing with Difficult People Measurement and Outcomes
Upcoming Workshops
Tuesday, March 25, 2003 — Annual Reports Workshop, Wendy Skinner, Jackie Kippola, Diane Bradac and Naomi
Arndt, 2:00 —3:30 pm, Scott Heyman Conference Room. This workshop is being offered a second time and has been
prepared to provide guidance to department heads and employees responsible for preparing annual reports. The
various sections highlight commonly used terms and definitions and provide tips for reporting program plans,
progress and results. It will focus on communication and the development of program goals, objectives and measures
within the context of an annual report design and presentation.
Friday, March 28, 2003 — Adobe Acrobat — PDF's from Start to Finish, Steve Estes, 10 -11 am, Scott Heyman
Conference Room, Old Jail Building. Registration deadline: 3/20. This workshop is geared for Web developers and
other County employees who have current publishing rights.
Tuesday, April 8, 15, 2003 - Access I, Bill Vernola, consultant and trainer, and Lori Wahila, consultant and
trainer, TC3 Extension Center 9:00 a.m. - 12:30p.m., TC3 Extension Center. Registration deadline: 3/31. Learn
Access basics, as well as designing databases, tables, queries, forms, and reports (concepts and terminology specific
to Access); manipulation and entry of data into tables; the use of Access queries to select and analyze information in a
table; the creation of reports that summarize and group data - and the performance of database maintenance
procedures.
Tuesday, April 22, 29, 2003 - Access II, Bill Vernola, consultant and trainer, and Lori Wahila, consultant and
trainer, TC3 Extension Center 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., TC3 Extension Center. Registration deadline: 4/15. Learn how
to enhance database designs using the principles of data normalization, table relationships and referential integrity; by
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using querying multiple tables for data used in customized forms, reports, and subreports; and creating data Access
pages. Prerequisite: Access I 2000 or equivalent knowledge.
Tuesday, May 6, 13, 2003 - Access III. Tricia Edgecomb, consultant and trainer, and Lori Wahila, consultant and
trainer, TC3 Extension Center 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., TC3 Extension Center. Registration deadline: 4/29. Learn to
make select queries more versatile and useful by using parameters. Use action queries to update data values and add
or delete records, generate different query types by creating various types of joins between tables. Automate tasks by
creating macros to open forms and control for properties; make forms more functional by using macros to provide
user interaction and automate data entry; make reports more concise and easier to understand by using properties and
functions in report controls; use Internet- related Access tools by inserting hyperlinks and using the Web toolbar,
integrate Access data with other Office 2000 applications. Prerequisite: Access II 2000 or equivalent knowledge.
Wednesday, May 7, 2003 — Proiect Management, Marc Whitney, 1- 4:30pm, Beverly J. Livesay Conference Room,
Human Services Building. Registration deadline: 4/25. Managing projects from the planning process to completion is
a daunting task. Learn how to choose the right team players, understand stakeholder expectations, identify component
parts of projects and critical pathways, allocate time and resources, influence and direct activities and ensure a
successful end.
To register or if you have questions, please contact Diane or Naomi.
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ACROSS
1. Heavy , used for road construction
2. Worn on head for safety (two words)
3. Term for material roads are made with
4. The highway department is a division of (two words)
5. Color of most Tompkins County Highway trucks
6. Item often used to direct /control traffic in work zones
DOWN
1. Vehicle used to haul highway materials (two words)
2. Large animal often hit by a vehicle
3. Used to clear roads of snow
4. Color worn for safety
Unscramble shaded words (two words)
(Hint: a County Department)
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Hugs and Health
Submitted by: Katy Prince, Health Dept. From Sometimes improving health and enhancing life quality are
http: //www.hesonline.com easy... hug someone today.
RECYCLING TIPS
Submitted by Linnett Warner, Solid Waste Division
til
'1,r A properly prepared curbside recycling bin:
Put all containers in the same recycling bin.
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Today's work atmosphere isn't conducive to liberal hugging in 4
most organizations. A new study reported at the American
Psychosomatic Society in Phoenix last weekend shows a brief Items such as:
hug and 10 minutes of handholding with a romantic partner Glass bottles and jugs (brown, green and
greatly reduce the harmful physical effects of stress. clear)
Metal cans and aluminum oil
Other studies over the years have shown lots of touch and Plastic bottles and jugs
affection given to youngsters can protect against the negative
effects of adult stress. We're betting the beneficial impact goes Paper milk and juice cartons
both ways - adults feel better giving hugs and showing
affection to children. Put all recycled paper together in a paper
bag and place on top or beside your recycling bin.
We don't know if there's a national hug -a -child month, but
there should be. You could start one in your organization,
anyway. Some programming ideas: Items such as:
Newspaper
* My Favorite Hug as a Child Essay Contest. Encourage Corrugated cardboard or boxboard
employees to write clown their most memorable childhood hug
Mixed paper
- from a grandparent, teacher, parent, coach. Post essays for all
to read.
* Hug Log. Hand out charts to track hug events for a week. If you have any questions at all about your curbside
Set a 3 -hub a -day minimum. Award prizes to all who turn in recycling, please call the Tompkins County Solid
Hug Logs - ateddy bear, Hershey's Hugs & Kisses Candy, etc. Waste Management Division at 273 - 6632.
* Be Nice to Me - I Gave a Hug Today. Create and distribute
stickers like those for blood drives with an adult embracing a
child. ATTENTION DEDICATED
* Hub a -Bug. Hand out bug ears parents can give to their RECYCLERS:
child, with the instructions that each time they wear them
they're entitled to a big hug.
Have you any knowledge of a small or large business
The power of touch to heal, relieve pain, ease anxiety, reverse that needs help with an existing or new recycling
depression, and generally make us feel better about ourselves program? Please give Linnett Warner a call at 273 -
is well documented. So maybe your health promotion program
model should be to exercise, eat right, maintain ideal weight, 5700. Do you know of any business that doesn t
and give and get lots of hugs.
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CLASSIFIEDS 1 Welcome:
For Sale: I To Ivy Presthus, ITS, who began employment on
March 10, 2003.
For sale: Electric and manual wheelchairs, and other
various handicap /disability equipment. For more ( Reminders:
information call 607 -659 -4180.
For sale: Birding in Costa Rica: Upcoming Trips -- July Daylight Savings Time begins April 6
2 -13 and an All — Women's Trip July 16 -27. $1,575 Tax Returns are due April 15
includes lodging, food, local transportation, excursions.
Contact Sandra Pollack at Journey Weavers: Educational CLASSIFIEDS
Travel, Ithaca NY (607) 277 -1416 or e-mail
journeyweavers craol.com Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County
I employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may
S ervices: be for any purpose, however personal ads will not be
accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers may
Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me help be listed in your ad, however, we do need your full name
with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever it and County telephone number submitted with the ad in
takes to get you and your computer working together case there are questions. Submit your ad to County
again. Call James Keegan at 273 -7957 evenings or Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Tompkins County
weekends. Legislature, Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via US or
interdepartmental mail or e-mail to: mpottorff @tompkins-
Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can put co. org
relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an
appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753 NOTE:
6383. If you would like to modify your classified or want to
run it again, you must re- submit it!
Kinetic Performance — Custom racing carburetors parts,
and racing fabrication. Call Dayton or Margo Umholtz at DEADLINE: 1 TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
277 -6462 evenings /weekends or email Articles to be considered for the April 17 issue, must be
KineticPerformance @thedirtforum.com. Visit our received by noon on Tuesday, April 1S Submit articles via
website at www.KineticPerformance.net e-mail as an attachment or on disk in any file format that is
readable by Word for Windows '95. Send disk and hard copy
French Tutor — Call Sarah at 257 -3047. Please leave a to County Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Tompkins
message. County Legislature, Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850. Please
include a contact number in case questions arise.
Goosa Arts - See our beautiful and affordable traditional COUNTY CORRIDORS
Russian arts: nesting dolls, eggs, jewelry boxes, amber, Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are
etc. Alisa Mengel, 277 -2917, hours by appointment, 120 selected by the Editorial Board based on their interest to
Linn St. Tompkins County employees and retirees. They do not
necessarily express the opinions of the Editorial Board.
Answers to Puzzle on page 4: Material is solicited from current employees, retirees and
ACROSS others. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit
1. equipment 4. public works submissions, except in the instance of copyright materials.
2. hard hat 5. yellow
3. blacktop 6. flag EDITORIAL BOARD
DOWN
1. dump truck 3. snowplow Michelle Pottorff (Editor) Tompkins County Legislature
2. deer 4. Orange Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services
Liz Croop Department of Mental Health
Unscrambled words: "Highway Department" Katy Prince Health Department
Geri Lockwood Highway
Linnett Warner Solid Waste Division
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