HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-12 Ccuntv A Newsletter for
T ompkins County
Employees and Retirees
Cc rridcrs ecember 2006
Volume D 18, Number 4
A Note From the County Administrator:
Highs and Lows
Two events dominated our section of the world since our last I grew up in Ithaca, and I was in the same class as
publication. One brought out the best in us and the other broke our his sister Becky. The Dentes family, one and all,
hearts. The first was a lightning strike that cut all powerto the entire earned the respect of the entire community. George
Health Department. The second was the very sudden and tragic took it one more step. George excelled in
death of our former District Attorney, George Dentes. everything he did and never lost sight of what it
meant to be a friend. I will remember George's
About4:00 on Wednesday October 4th, I was in a meeting in the sparkling eyes, broad smile and commanding voice,
conference room on the first floor when a very dark cloud passed and his great wit. May your journey bring you
over and a loud thunderclap shook the building. Little did I know peace. Thank you forgiving so much.
that the next 48 hours would test our organization. Within minutes - Steve Whicher
my cell phone rang and I was informed that the Health Department
Building was without electricity and that it looked very bad. Later
that night Brenda Crosby (Alice Cole was out of town on business)
called to let me know the status and to go over some remaining
strategies for closing the building and moving their entire operation
to new locations. ' I 1\
The next day our organization, including nearly all departments, got -
a taste of what our emergency responders deal with almost every f -
day. The logistics were daunting. Think about moving an entire t 'OS}
department, including phone and computer systems overnight.
Thanks to the good work of ITS and many department heads, all
was complete and operational by noon. Not bad. To add the nice
touch Personnel brought in pizza. , 4
Then, just to make things interesting, Facilities did an outstanding f '
job and had the Health Department building fully operational that
evening and everything had to be returned the next day. By 5 `.
o'clock the building was back to a reasonable level of operation,
thanks to a generator that was brought in overnight. Within a 48-
hour period, the building had transformed from an abandoned hulk
to an operational facility!
Thanks to all of you who pitched in to make everything happen; your
efforts were impressive. INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Diversity Policy & Calendar 2
Employees Praise Bus Passes 3
It is often said that life is not fair, and certainly that is the case in the Wellness Reimbursements 3
death of George Dentes. In most people's eyes, George epitomized SustainabilityProgram 4
the embodiment of all that is good and just. George was both New Probation Youth Program 5
physically fit and mentally fit. George conducted his entire life as if Employee Spotlight 6
his life was being recorded for posterity. To say that George was a Highway Highlights 7
Weights & Measures 7
wonderful family man, a scholar, a great coach, a District Attorney Dep aliment News 8
with absolute integrity, and a leader in his church and community, Kudos Korner 9
simply does not capture the essence of the man or his life. Halloween Costume Competition to
Classified Ads 11
-2
Diversity Policy Guidelines
By Heather Stewart Diversity Calendar
The informa tion listed here is a compilation of several Diversity
and Interfaith Calendars on the web. If something is incorrect,
In an effort to keep the momentum behind the diversity and inclusion excluded, or if you have something you wish to include please let
initiatives, the Legislature approved diversity policy guidelines at its July us know. Thank you.
18 meeting. The Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Committee (WDIC)
aids departments in carrying out the County's diversity efforts formulated December
these guidelines outlining the purpose and goals of the future diversity 151 World AIDS Day (UN), Day Without Art
policy as well as strategies, expectations, and responsibilities. 2nd_ Independence Day (Laos)
3rd- 1S1 Sunday of Advent (Christian)
The establishment of a diversity and inclusion policy allows the County 6 St. Nicholas Day (International)
to be a forerunner in New York State municipal government by moving
81h _ Bodhi Day- Buddha's Enlightenment (Buddhist),
from a culture of Affirmative Action (reactive) to a more pro- active Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
approach. It allows us to acknowledge that we need to change the way (Christian)
we do business and interact with each other and the community, and 10 - 2nd Sunday of Advent (Christian), Constitution Day
move beyond that which Federal, State and local laws mandate. Such a
policy allows us to recognize, acknowledge and accept the advantages (Thailand)
that a diverse and inclusive workforce will provide. 12 Virgin of Guadalupe (Mexico)
13 - National Day (St. Lucia), Santa Lucia Day (Sweden)
This policy of diversity and inclusion must allow for assessment of the 16 25 Las Posadas (Mexico)
current culture of our organization and identify policies and practices that 16 24 Hanukkah (Jewish)
both help and hinder the inclusion of a wide range of employees and the 16 National Day (Behrain), Victory Day (Bangladesh)
culturally sensitive provision of services to the community. It will 17 3rd Sunday of Advent (Christian), National Day (Bhutan)
emphasize diversity and inclusion as a core organizational value 21 Yule (Christian), St. Thomas Day (Christian)
practiced at all levels of county government, thereby requiring efforts to 2 41h C tm )
"increase the consciousness and appreciation of differences associated 24 Christmas Eve (Christian), 41h Sunday of Advent
with the heritage, characteristics, and values of many different groups, 25 Christmas (Christian), Feast of the Nativity (Eastern
as well as increasing the respect for the uniqueness of each individual ". Orthodox)
26th - Jan 1 - Kwanzaa (African American)
As a result of these efforts we will be expected to develop and utilize 28 Holy Innocents (Christian)
opportunities to engage the diverse skills, knowledge, and perspectives 29 — Hajj begins (Islam)
of all employees to create a climate in which people can achieve their full 30th Holy Family (Catholic), Rizal Day (Philippines)
potential, thus becoming a more efficient and productive organization. 315 New Years Eve, Watch Night (Christian), Feast of the Holy
Annual diversity training wil be required of all employees; tensions, Family (Catholic); Eid ul Adha (Islam)
conflicts and culture clashes will be worked through toward respectful January
and productive resolutions; and a checks and balances system for
recruitment, hiring, transfers and promotions will be developed to review 1 Gantan sat (Shinto); Feast of St. Basil (Christian, Orthodox);
and improve the process when necessary. Anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclimation
1863; Mary mother of God (Catholic)
The strides we make as individuals and departments will not go 2nd— Ancestor's Day (Haiti)
unnoticed. In fact, those who achieve their diversity and inclusion goals 3rd_ Mahayana New Year (Buddhist)
will be recognized, and those who do not achieve their goals will be 4th— National Negro Baseball League Founded in 1920.
worked with to develop a corrective action plan that will be presented, 5th — Guru Gobind Singh's Birthday (Sikh); 12th Night (Christian)
discussed and acted upon with all the employees within that department. 61n _ ); Dia (Christian); Feast of the Theophany (Orthodox
Christian); ia de los Reyes (Three Kings)
If you are interested in the diversity and inclusion efforts or have any 7 Baptism of the Lord Jesus (Christian)
ideas, do not hesitate to contact me at Tompkins County Personnel at 10 — League of Nations founded in Geneva 1920.
274-5557. 11th — Yennayer:Amazigh (Berber)
13 Maghi (Sikh)
14 Pongal: Hindu Harvest Festival
County Diversity Reading Circle 15 — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Born 1929 (observed on
Third Monday of the month)
Interested in participating in a monthly reading circle? As part of the 16 — World Religion Day (Baha'i)
Tompkins County Diversity Initiatives, the Personnel office is Third Week- Healthy Weight Week
establishing a reading circle. This circle will read about any number of 20 — Hijra New Year (Islam)
topics from diverse perspectives. 22nd — 26 — Religious Awareness Week
23rd — Vasant Panchami (Hindu)
If you are interested in participating please contact Heather Stewart at 29 — Ashura (Islam)
2745557 or hstewartatompkins- co.orq.
(Continued on Page 9)
-3
Tompkins Employees Say "Thanks!" For Bus Pass Benefit
Under a pilot program initiated in June, Tompkins County has offered free TCA Tbus passes to all county employees. County officials are
currently considering whether to continue the program, and in what form, after the pilot program expires at year's end. Here are some of
the messages received from employees who are grateful for the TCATpasses.
To the Tompkins Co Legislature: Thank you, Tompkins County, for issuing the bus passes to
County employees. I use it regularly for going to and from work
Thank you for issuing the county bus pass. I have used it throughout the and really appreciate having it.
summer and will continue through September.
Lirita Meir
I had used the county issued bus pass when I worked in the downtown Tompkins County Health Dept.
area. Now to continue the same benefit while working at the TC DOH is
wonderful.
I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the county
Thanks, Linda Shutts subsidized bus pass I have been using. I feel that using the bus
helps with traffic, and the environ -ment. Hope this program can
continue, as I had been purchasing a pass ($45) each month. I
I wanted to say thank you to the "powers that be" that elected to give all had questioned the old policy before. Thanks for taking a
county employees the ability to have a bus pass. I work at the Health Dept positive action for all of us!
and I got a pass and have enjoyed riding the bus very much.
Janice Wood
I have discovered a whole new world that I never knew existed through Environmental Health
riding the bus. The people who ride regularly have a comradery for each
other and really seem to care for the well being of others around them.
The first day I rode the people on the bus were passing around a card for a Important Notice on Wellness Committee
lady that had been ill. When you are new and don't know what bus to get Health Club Reimbursements
on, others help you find the bus and watch out for you.
Dave Squires, Director of Finance informed the Wellness
Although it takes an extra hour of our day to go into town on the bus and Committee that the IRS views health club reimbursements as a
another extra hour to get home, it still feels like you are making taxable fringe benefit. This will mean that separate checks for
contribution to the world as a whole by riding the bus and reducing the health club reimbursements will no longer be issued. Instead, the
pollution that goes into the air. reimbursement will be run through payroll in order to report the
As gasoline has gotten so expensive it truly has given me a greater income. The only exception to taxable status would be if the
membership was prescribed by a physician to address a medical
appreciation for the bus ticket. It has made the benefit as a county condition. This will take effect in January 2007. Questions should
employee even more worthwhile and it is with gratitude that I would say be forwarded to the Finance Department.
thank you and hope that it continues in the future. - Theresa Lyczko
Sincerely, Jamaica Breedlove, Sr. Clerk, WIC
A Note From the Managing Editor:
I would like to thank the county for providing staff with free bus passes for
our work commutes. I have been using mine for about 2 months and I love Starting with December County Corridors issue, we will
it! Not only are my gasoline bills lower but my stress level is way down be sending one copy of the newsletter with paychecks to
since I don't have to deal with road construction, weather and the other th person who picks up the paychecks and that person
drivers on the road. I have also been able to catch up on my reading, chat will be responsible for making copies for their staff or
with fellow riders and see the sights. It all contributes to a more productive department. County Corridors remains available online.
employee.
Each department can make each person a copy or make a
I hope that the decision is made to make the pilot program permanent for routing slip and just pass it through the department; if
staff in time to plan for the winter weather. your department is a large one you may want to route 3 -5
copies at the same time.
Steven Kern, Senior PH Sanitarian
Division of Environmental Health This new procedure arises from an increase of printing
Health Department costs and a desire to reduce waste. Thank you all for your
cooperation with this new distribution.
- L innett Short
- 4 -
Legislature Endorses Sustainability Program Becoming Energy Smart
By Carole Fisher, Community Educator
The County Legislature on November 21st , endorsed Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County
development of a county government sustainability Do you know where your energy dollars are going? In New York State, the
program, as proposed by a group of county employees. average household spends about 60% of its energy dollars on heating and
The Legislature, without dissent, directed the County cooling costs. Water heating, refrigerators and other appliances, and
Administrator to formally appoint the Tompkins County lighting make up the next largest pieces of our energy pie.
Sustainability Team and to charge the team with
developing an action plan to promote sustainable practices It makes sense then, to put your time and energy into the energy- saving
by Tompkins County government. ideas that will have the most impact on your bills. When you use less
energy, the dollars that are saved become available for other household
Two months ago, employees from several county essentials and are more likely to stay in your community. The environment
departments, assisted by Cooperative Extension's Energy also benefits by a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Get energy smart
Smart Program, informally began to investigate how to now with these tips:
promote sustainable practices in government operations, • Have your heating system checked and serviced to maintain its
benefiting future generations through social, environmental highest efficiency.
and economic stewardship. • Install a programmable thermostat, which will automatically lower
the temperature while you are asleep or away during the day, and
Sustainable practices to be developed will include raise it before you return home. By lowering the setting 10 °F for 8
hours each day, you can save 10% on your heating bill.
• Energy reduction and conservation in county • Check to see if your attic is adequately insulated. Heated air will
facilities and fleets, with utilization of alternative escape through the roof if there is inadequate insulation.
and renewable energy sources; • Seal cracks around windows and doors. Caulk around any gaps
• Solid waste reduction through increased reuse or cracks. Use weather - stripping on windows, doors, and access
and recycling; hatches.
• Environmentally preferable purchasing programs; • Make sure windows are latched so they remain tightly closed.
• Efficient infrastructure design and service delivery; • If you don't have storm windows, use clear plastic sheeting taped
• Employee involvement and endorsement; and to the window frame to reduce air leaks.
Natural resources protection and community • Lower your water heater temperature to 120 °F.
•
development in accordance with the Tompkins • Use less hot water by installing energy - efficient showerheads
and faucet aerators.
County Comprehensive Plan. • Replace incandescent Tight bulbs with compact fluorescent
bulbs, which use only a quarter of the energy and last up to 10
The team will report on its progress each year by Earth times longer. Replacing bulbs that are used frequently can save you
Day. $10 -12 per year per bulb. (An average home contains about 50 light
- Marcia Lynch bulbs!)
• When replacing appliances, purchase ENERGY STAR® products
whenever possible. The ENERGY STAR® means that the product
A Note From Payroll: Withholding Allowances exceeds federal standards for increased energy efficiency over
Information from Fran Armstrong standard new models.
Looking for more energy- saving ideas? Come to a free workshop on home
The IRS modified its Withholding Compliance Program last year. energy conservation offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins
Under the current procedures, if the IRS identifies serious County, (607)272 -2292. Workshops are offered on an ongoing basis, and
underreporting of withholding by an employee, it will notify the pre- registration is necessary. You can also fill out a worksheet to assess
employer via a "lock in letter" specifying the maximum number of your potential savings at http: // counties. cce .cornell.edu /tompkins /enerav /.
withholding allowances permitted for the employee. Upon receiving
such a notification, Payroll will give the employee a copy of the
proposed "lock-in letter" and must impose the new withholding rate
within 60 days.
The notice an employee receives from the IRS explains the process Employees will find IRS Pub. 919 (How Do Adjust My Tax
if a change in withholding status and allowances from single /zero is Withholding ?) and the online W4 calculator helpful. Both are
desired. An employee will need the following information when available at www.irs.aov.
calling or writing the IRS:
• Copy of Form W4 and worksheets When submitting Form W4, Fran advises employees to keep the top
• Most current pay stub(s) part (containing the worksheet) for their personal files, sending Payroll
• Chidren's Social Security numbers and birthdates only the bottom part. Fran also asks employees to take only the
• Proof of any deductions to claim additional withholding number of allowances to which they are entitled.
allowances
-5-
Tompkins County Probation National Adoption Day
Youth Early Intervention Program November 18, 2006 was National Adoption Day. Forthe first
(Pre time since its beginning in 2000, all 50 states participated.
In an effort to identify and reach out to youth, families, and schools Thousands of children all over the country were adopted on
more rapidly, the Tompkins County Probation Department has that day. I n Tompkins County we celebrated the day at the
initiated the development of a Pre -PINS x program. The majority of the Museum of the Earth. We invited all the families that had
calls Probation receives from the community are from parents and adopted during the yearto join us in the festivities. We had a
school personnel. Problem behaviors identified in these referrals wonderful celebration with several families, lots of cake,
include: habitual disobedience, running away, violent behavior in teddy bears, books, and a tour of the Museum.
school, or truancy. In the legal field these are called "status offenses!'
Pre -PINS is an attempt to assist parents and school administration Many thanks to all who participated.
through a short term, usually 3 to 6 week, intervention targeting those
areas of concern. It is an attempt to avoid a more formal PINS - Shelia Chace
Diversion referral and possible court intervention..
School administrators who are beginning to identify concerns about a
youth's behavior initiate most Pre -PINS referrals.. A meeting is then
set up with school staff, parents, Probation and in some cases a
member of the Community Dispute Resolution Center (CDRC) staff.
CDRC staff serves as a mediator and assists in developing a contract i * r -
for all the involved parties. This meeting is designed to ensure thatall . „�, ,t —
parties are aware that a problem is being identified. It is a time to • "!
brainstorm what services may be needed to help get the youth back - • ` 1
on a positive path.. There is discussion about what specific behaviors
need to be addressed, what strengths the stadent has that can be ,
built upon, how to measure change, what rewards may exist to
motivate change in the youth, as well as what repercussions exist for
continued negative behaviors or attendance problems. This meeting is -
also a means to link the presenting issues with relevant resources. National Adoption Day participants
If a child continues to display negative behaviors in the home or
school setting, a referral may be made to the PINS Diversion program,
a more formalized service that has no arbitrary end date. Efforts will
continue to focus on assessing the needs of the youth, identify
services available, provide supervision, and work towards resolution.
This program's goal is to avoid any contact with the court system,
instead utilizing services that can help curb the negative behavior. Foster CarelAdoption Informational Meetings
Obviously, court intervention is the last option we try to exercise. If it is
determined that a youth requires court intervention, a PINS petition Submitted by Ellie Arnold
will be prepared for the court's review.. A youth referred to court may
be given a warning, may be returned b Probation for further Diversion To anyone who may be considering becoming a foster and/or
Services, may be placed under court ordered Probation Supervision adoptive parent, Tompkins County Department of Social
for one year, or placed out of the family home. Services will hold an informational meeting at the Human
Services Building, Room 142,320 W_ State St., on December
The ultimate goal of the Pre Pins program is to provide early 14,2006. (These meetings are held every 2nd Thursday of
intervention services that may prevent youti as young as the primary the month.) Tompkins County has a special need for foster
level from ever needing formalized Probation Supervision. This famlies in the Ithaca City School District and for those who will
partnership with schools, families, and community agencies increases foster teenagers.
communication and service provision while promoting the individual Please call 274-6266 for more information. Thank you.
strengths of the youth who may be at -risk without these preventive
services.
-Chris Porcheddu -ion
-Karen Burns
* PINS stands for persons in need of st oeniision"
-6
Employee Spotlight
.4
Bob Miner has served as an Electrician in the Facilities
Division forthe pastfour- and -a -half years.
As electrician, Bob handles anything to do with electrical
maintenance in the county, including HVAC systems. His
responsibilities sometimes extend to general maintenance
and whatever is needed to complete a task. Skip Parr is Recycling Specialist in the Solid Waste Management
Bob says he most enjoys working with people as part of his Division, a position he has held since April 2005. Before joining
Tompkins County, Skip was employed by Onondaga County as a
job, the diverse responsibilities of his job title, and the sense
of accomplishment he feels after completing a job. He says sanitary engineer.
he is satisfied with all aspects of his job, at least the portions As Recycling Specialist, Skip oversees curbside collection and
he can control household hazardous waste collection and promotes waste
Outside of work, Bob enjoys family time, reading, and reduction and recycling throughout Tompkins County.
'working out" to stay healthy. In his job, Skip most enjoys working with a group of people who
If he could control the world, Bob would "end all wars and are committed to maintaining a healthy environment for future
generations. He least likes the awareness his job creates of how
suffering." wasteful our society can be.
Outside of work, Skip most enjoys spending time with friends and
family, outdoor activities, and following sports.
't '.\ , If he ran the world, Skip notes that he "couldn't do it alone ", so
: I�� . would be sure to "surround (him)self with a lot of good people."
W.rvM:�"...tC
it ITHAC _
• .' Skip urges his County colleagues to take advantage of the next
r � • 1 Household Hazardous Waste collection event April 21, 2007 and
l� li i�_!
■ r ,, . , �� reminds them to call the Solid Waste Management Division office •
�' at 273 -6632 to obtain a registration form priorto the next event.
I ARY • s:1 , J - vik
NO If
MB a
' i Congratulations!!!!
... to Michael Xayarath on his marriage to Sara
On October 25 ", Aurora R. Valenti (County Clerk) and John Hernandez
Andersson (Environmental Health) were both awarded the and
Rotary Pride of Workmanship Award at the Downtown
Holiday Inn. They were both commended forthe outstanding ... to .lay Franklin on his engagement to Dixie
service that they provide to the community. Chaffee.
(See John and Aurora at left.)
-7
Highway Highlights...
submitted by Geri Lockwood
(source: www. tompkins- co.org/highway /snow.html)
County crews remove snow and ice from designated about the snow and ice maintenance on a County
State, County, and Town highways through plowing, Road, please call 274 -0300 for information, or the
salting, and sanding. The objective of Snow and Ice Town Highway Department where you reside.
Maintenance is to provide the traveling public with the
ability to travel on highways at reasonable and prudent Winter Tips:
speeds within the limitations imposed by weather, and • Snowplow equipment and sanders operate at
within the resources of the Highway Department. approximately 25 mph.
• Approach snowplow equipment with extreme
Salt and/or abrasives will be applied on roadways during caution.
inclement weather, which will cause, or has caused, • Do not leave snow on the roadway or
slippery conditions. Salt will be applied in accordance shoulders of roadway after clearing snow
with the County Policy, "Salt Use for Snow and Ice from driveway.
Control ". Abrasives may also be applied to improve • Do not tailgate plow trucks or sanders, and
vehicular control. stay back at least 200 feet.
• Park vehicles off roadway and shoulder so
The Towns of Lansing, Groton, Dryden, Caroline, Danby, plowing can be conducted safely and
Ithaca, and Ulysses assist in Snow and Ice Maintenance effectively. If you park on a shoulder, park
on County Roads. If you have questions or concerns where plowing has cleared the shoulder.
Weights & Measures
Submitted by Don Ellis, Director
(Information provided by the National Bureau of Standards, in cooperation with the National Conference on Weights and Measures, and published and
distributed by the Bureau of Weights and Measures, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.)
In the Kitchen...
Common equivalents:
Tea- Table- Fluid Liquid Liquid Milli-
Units spoon poon Ounce Cup Pint Quart liter Liter
1 teaspoon = 1 1/3 1/6 * * * 5 *
1 tablespoon = 3 1 1/2 1/16 1/32 * 15 *
1 fluid ounce = 6 2 1 1/8 1/16 1/32 30 *
1 cup = 48 16 8 1 1/2 1/4 240 ** .24 **
1 liquid pint = * * 16 2 1 1/2 470** .47**
1 liquid quart = * * 32 4 2 1 950 ** .95 **
1 milliliter = 1/5 * * * * * 1 1/1000
l liter = * * 34 4.2 2.1 1.06 1,000 1
* Equivalent not commonly used. * * Approximate.
Approximate weights (ounces per cup):
Beans (dry) 6.5 Flour (cake, sifted)....3.5 Raisins (seedless) 5.0
Butter, margarine, cooking oil 8.0 Milk (whole, fluid) ...8.5 Rice 7.0
Citrus fruit juice (fresh) 8.5 Milk (dry) 4.5 Shortening (vegetable) 7.0
Cornflakes 1.0 Nutmeats (pecan) 4.0 Sugar (brown, firmly packed).7.5
Com meal 5.0 Oatmeal 3.0 Sugar (granulated) 7.0
Eggs (whole) 8.5 Pancake mix 5.0 Water 8.33
Flour (wheat, all- purpose, sifted) 4.0 Prunes (dried) 5.5
-8-
Department News
Probation DSS - Children's Services
Welcome to Denise Hayden, a new Probation Officer with the John Talbot, Senior Caseworker retired 10/30/06 after
Department. Denise was an intern for us a couple of years ago 15 years of service.
and is the daughter of Sr. Probation Officer William Bell. Her
current assignment is in the Family Court unit. Tom Partigianoni was promoted to a Senior
Caseworker position working with adolescents and
Congratulations to Harold Gregoire who was recently promoted their families. Tom had been a caseworker in Family
to Sr. Probation Officer. His assignment is currently in the Treatment Court.
Family Court unit, working with more difficult cases. Harold has
worked in Probation since before dirt was invented (sorry Michael Burgos accepted the Life Skills Coordinator
Harold), first in Cortland County, and since 2001 in Tompkins position. Michael has a broad range of experience
County. working with young people.
Congratulations also to Eleanor Spink, Probation Officer with Due to a special allocation of funds from New York
the Criminal Courts. Ellie has announced her retirement State to reduce caseloads in CPS, Diana Koon joined
planned for the end of October. However, Ellie will return to a the Children's Services division and is working in CPS
half -time Probation Officer position after January 1. Must be as a temporary Senior Caseworker.
she just loves her job and can't stay away from us.
Peggy Thomas-Carr moved from a Caseworker
position in Children's Services to Adult Services.
Office For The Aging
Jessica Schifilliti accepted a permanent Senior
Caseworker position in CPS. Jessica had been
working as a Caseworker in Youth and Family
Services.
Facilities Division
A warm welcome to
s Rachel Kissinger,
Assistant Director of Facilities!
Assigned Counsel Office
Tompkins County Office for the Aging welcomes Aging
Services Specialist, Marilyn Roberts Chase. Marilyn joins our ATTENTION, ALL....
staff with a rich and diverse background that enhances
COFA's abilty to provide assistance to older adults. The Tompkins County Assigned Counsel Office has
moved just down the hall.
Marilyn spent her childhood in New Jersey. As a young adult,
she attended and graduated from Ohio University with a Our new address is now Center Ithaca, 171 E. State Street,
Bachelor of Science degree in botany. She then went on to Suite 223, Ithaca, NY 14850.
work in her family's photography business for eighteen years
where she successfully worked with the public. When her
family decided to close the business, Marilyn continued her Health Department
education by completing a degree in nursing. Her nursing
experience includes extensive critical care, surgical nursing Rabies Clinic: Wednesday, January 24, 2007
and clinical research in both cancer & respiratory illnesses. (7 -9 pm)
Her experience in retail, healthcare, and as a HospiCare All cats, dogs and ferrets are required to be vaccinated by
volunteer, along with her serving as a caregiver for various 4 months of age. Bring your certificate of vaccination for all
members of her own family make Marilyn an ideal member of pets receiving booster shots. Questions? Call 274-6688.
the staff at the Office for the Aging.
-9-
Department News, continued...
Solid Waste Management Division ii . -
America Recycles Day
America Recycles Day took place at the Pyramid Mall on November 4th ,�
and was a complete success. TC Solid Waste Management Division had '
over500 visitors to this event with games, music, live shows and much
much more. Wait to see what next year brings.
Luuiett Short at America Recycles Day
•
Finger Lakes Buy Green
y Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division and Sustainable
Tompkins announces the launch of Finger Lakes Buy Green, a guide for
i individual consumers and businesses that educates about green purchasing.
. I . -
• - J . Visit the website at www.fingeriakesbuygreen.org for information about
environmentally preferable purchasing, a guide to finding green items in office
Compost Theatre at America Recycles Day supply catalogs, examples of green office products and much more!
Kudos Korner
The Health Department thanks the following County departments for their Diversity Calendar
collaboration and assistance during the Biggs Building outage October 4. With (Continued from Page 2)
your help, all essential public health services were maintained during the outage.. February (Black History Month)
portable generator that was delivered within 4 hours. The 2nd — Candlemas (Christian); Imbolc (Wicca)
FACILITIES: Located a
p g 31d — 15th Amendment ratified by Congress 1870; Tu B'Shvat
department identified a permanent power source to replace the transformer that (Jewish)
was destroyed. The Health Department is now operating from that source: First Sunday & Monday — African American Read -In
INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY SERVICES (ITS): Provided technical 4h'U —�tL beria'founded" 1822
support allowing the Health Department to maintain the necessary computer 8th D 8th Dawes Act " 1 18 d" 1822
855: Native Americans were promised 160
capabilities and phone service. And they provided meeting and operating space for acres in reparation for land lost.
Health Department administration. 10th — "Repatriation" of Mexicans back to Mexico started in
DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY RESPONSE: Provided the space for Health
Los Angeles 1930
Department staff to answer phones and to connect to the Count network.. 12th Lincoln's Birthday
De
p p y 14th- Valentine's Day
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE: Alerted the public and the media of the 15th — Nirvana Day ( Buddhist)
p 16th- Maha Shivratri (Hindu)
situation.
18th — Transfiguration Sunday (Christian); Chinese New Year
ADMINISTRATION and PERSONNEL: Provided the "behind the scenes" support 1 ort a begs s (Chris i
9th —Lent begins (Christian)
that made the collaboration possible. 20th — Shrove Tuesday (Christian)
HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF: Continued to put the health of Tompkins County 2 —Ash Wednesdayt Bath of Malcolm X 1925
p
residents first, and provided the necessary public c health services. 222 Washington's Birthday
26t March 1 Intercalary Days (Bahal)
Support from community partners was also greatly appreciated: Cayuga Medical
Center provided space and communication capabilities for community health
nurses; St. Catherine of Sienna Church provided the location for the WIC clinic
and NYSEG for restoring the Department's power.
- Theresa Lycsko
- 10 -
Halloween Costume
Voice your choice for the best costume! Submit your vote to
Competition! Maureen Reynolds — 274 -5431 ormreynolds(dttompkins- co.orq.
We'II announce the winner in the next issue of County Corridors.
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- 1 1 David Weiner (Waldo), Deb Patterson (witch). Rest
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Ceil Grier Kayla (vampire) & Selena (bunny), son Noah (devil)
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Heather Stewart
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Ad.
Classified s
To Buy: I am looking for a used moped or scooter and a gas clothes 2000 MERCURY VILLAGER ESTATE
dryer. Sonya Hicks e-mail: shane14850@yahoo.com, phone (607) Nice family van. Fully loaded: Remote
339 - 1041. programmable starter, leather– power seats with 2
--- --- ---- position memory, sun roof, front and rear (separate
,. Dog Dayz Inn controls) AC, AM/FM/CASSETTE/MULTI CD,
– — Cruise, Tilt, Digital display: (outside temp, MPG –
-- - - ' A place where your Average and instant readout, Miles left on tank,
,
4 - I ? dog feels "a t home" MPH in both English and metric, two trip
Y Located in North Lansing odometers), Removable folding seats, heated
toil mirrors, Auto climate control, aluminum rims, 2
r Sandy Strehle extra snow tires for front included, towing package
315- 497 -3467 with trailer hitch, Power windows, 24 MPG
Highway, Mobil 1 oil used, 105,000 miles. Kelly
Blue Book Value between $6845 and $7700. All
4( .
-1 - do gdayzinn@yahoo. com reasonable offers considered. Call 564 -1088.
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,T www. dogdayzinn. com
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Birding in Costa Rica. Winter Trip – January 5 -16, 2007 and Fall
Hawk Migration Trip – September 26- October 7, 2007. Many local
birders have participated in previous trips. For details, contact
Sandra Pollack at 277 -1416, j oumeyweavers@aol. com or
www.journeyweavers.com.
For Sale: Clarke weld arc welder /stick 110V 30 -80
For Sale: 1995 Ford F150 XLT 4X4, 62,000 original one -owner amps - never used $100; MIG 100 wire feed welder
miles, automatic, loaded w /options, push button automatic 4 wheel 63 -90 amps 110V - never used $100.; Mossburg 12
drive, running boards, bedliner. Minor rust. Like new interior. ga. bolt action clip shotgun excellent condition.
Excellent condition. Driven daily. Very sharp truck! $2995 Call $100; Noble 22 cal. single shot excellent condition
Roger @ 657 -2654. - $100; 2 mounted studded snow tires 175/13 $50.
Call Jim anytime, 607 -532 -4092.
For Sale: Sailboat, Sunfish style, 12 1/2 ft, always stored inside,
excellent condition. $300 Call Roger @ 657 - 2654. For Sale: Two cedar chests. One is lacking afoot -$50.
The other is OK. - $70. Roll -top desk. It has damage
For Sale: 1998 SKI - DOO MXZ 440, $1,000. 2000 SKI DOO from the cats - $100 OBO. Also brd. woman's vanity -
Formula S 380, $1,000. Call (607) 227 -0863. $100. Call Ron at 272 - 1037.
NI C' S KIDS FUNCARE - Licensed Home
For Sale: Four shiny Mille Miglia alloy wheels, elegant 5- spoke, Daycare. Trained First Aid/CPR/MAT (medicine
open -lug design, 16" diameter. $200 obo. Call 272 -2204. administering). Groton schools. Call Nicole at
For Sale: PetSafe invisible fence with radio collar and 500' Extra (607) 898 -5976.
wire. Still in the box (pup trained easier than expected). $230 new,
asking $150. Call 272 -2204. For Sale: Garage Heaters – Janitro1125,000 BTU
natural gas heaters. 2 units available, good
For Sale: 1/2 Size Kaces Cello bag. Padded shoulder straps, lots of condition, $85 each. E -mail trudyl@atwcny.rr.com
pockets and handles. High - density foam padding with water or call Tony, evenings at 539- 7265
resistant luggage -grade nylon surface. Heavy -duty zippers.
Excellent condition, good for 1/4 and 1/2 sized cellos. Asking $25.
Call Fernando at 272 -0446. r ____;.. Sale: Conn Upright Piano - Oak w/bench, very good condition.
Mi ll
Asking $1750 - Melanie 838 -3439.
Free: Desperately seeking good homes for kittens. Immediately - -
available - all litter trained. Call Barb at 535 -8121 or 275 -1609.
-12
Did you know that the Vending Committee: Classified Ads, continued
♦ is financially supported solely on the commissions from the vending Warm up your holiday party with elegant live
machines? jazz!
Now accepting bookings for the holiday season
♦ sponsors the employee trips, events, etc., subsidizing a portion of the costs American jazz classics (seasonal or secular)
to help make them more affordable to the employees and their families? Ensembles to fit any space from living room to
This includes the hours of "legwork" to investigate and schedule the trips, large hall
as well as coordinating the events with the appropriate businesses, etc. Cookie Coogan
jazz vocalist
♦ sends memorial donations or flowers when an employee loses a family (607)273 -7957
member (limited to the passing of family members listed in the contracted cookiecoog,an(?a yahoo.com
bereavement clause)?
www.cookiecoogan.com
♦ sends flowers to celebrate the birth of an employee's child?
Professional, courteous; swingin'!
♦ annually contributes $5.00 per employee toward a party or event of the References available upon request
department's choice?
Two BR apt available 1/1/07. Will have new light
To ensure the continuation of these benef its: cherry flooring throughout. First floor unit in a
duplex, owners live upstairs. Washer /dryer
♦ Support the Vending Committee with your purchases from the vending available in the laundry room. 900 sq ft. No
machines! smokers please. Includes heat, hot water, water/
Commissions have decreased considerably over the past several months. If sewer, and trash. No dogs. Cats OK. On TCAT bus
you have suggestions, please forward them to a Vending Committee Member #50 route. Parking or storage available in garage
from your department (or building). Don't have one? Why not join? It's a great for additional $75 /month. Call 607-272-1203.
group of employees! Meetings are held once every two or three months, for
approximately one hour. For meeting information, please contact Patty Stamm, Free: Cot on wheels w /folding aluminum frame
at 274 -6674. (The Committee is seeking one Representative per building, (old but OK); fiberglass basketball backstop
minimum, to assist with vending machine questions and/or concerns. If your w/hoop needs cleaning); double bowl aluminum
building does not have a Representative, please designate one and contact sink with single lever faucet (good shape - just
Patty at the above number for meeting information. THANK YOU!) remodeled kitchen!). Call 539-7096 or email
r.-
/ ', janderssonW,twcny.rr.com.
"1..,71ft \y,
c /4/ Forward classified ads to Maureen Reynolds at the Office
of County Clerk, mrevnoldsatonwkins -co. ore
Corridors is printed on 30% recycled paper.
THE CCI?FIDCI?S TEAM
Managing Editor
FUNNY ONES Linnett Short, SW Management Division
Editorial Staff
Geri Lockwood, Highway
There was once a czar in Russia whose name was Rudolph Sara Stark, DSS
the Great. He was standing in his house one day with his Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk
wife. He looked out the window and saw something Edie Spaulding, DSS
happening. He said to his wife, "Look, honey. It's raining." Katrina Schickel, COFA
She, being the obstinate type, responded, "I don't think so, Classifieds Editor - Maureen Reynolds
dear. I think it's snowing." But Rudolph knew better. So he Multicultural Editor Heather Stewart, Personnel
said to his wife, "Let's step outside and we'll find r rcia d out." Lo Advi c ia Lynch, Page Layout
Public Information
and behold, they step outside and discover it was, in fact, Contributors
rain. And Rudolph turns to his wife and replies, "I knew it All County Employees and Retirees
was raining. Rudoph the Red knows rain, dear!"
Interested in joining the Corridors team?
Holidays to All Contact Linnett at
Happy Y 273 -6632 or (short@tompkins - co.org
From the Corridors Team!