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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09 A Newsletter for IJ n Tompkins County Employees and Retirees • September 2007 Ccrrldors Volume 19, Number 3 http :// www .tmpkins- co.orglcountycorridors Sustainability Spotlight: "Buying Green" with Lisa Jehu By Kat McCarthy Lisa Jehu has worked for Tompkins County for the past twenty years. function, and utility. For example, a "green" all- purpose cleaner would Lisa is currently the County Buyer, but she began her tenure as a be compared to a conventional cleaner in the same form {i.e. liquid }, Supply Clerk for the Department of Social Services, and has since which fulls the same function (i.e. surface cleaner), while providing worked as a Purchasing Clerk and Purchasing Assistant. As the utility by cleaning the surface just as effectively. County Buyer, she focuses on helping departments find the best Lisa currently sits on the EPP sub - committee as established by the pricing for products while procuring the materials and goods that they Tompkins County Sustainability Initiative. Through her work with the need. sub - committee, she has helped research programs across the nation Most recently, Lisa has taken a new approach to her job; she has and has provided valuable input in drafting an EPP policy for the shifted her focus to the innovative practice of Environmentally county. As an important next step in this process, Lisa would like to Preferable Purchasing {EPP} while meeting departments' needs. EPP increase communication with other employees about the initiative. focuses on a product's lifecycle, resulting in minimal resource use When people feel as if they have been a part of the decision making during manufacture, Tess packaging upon arrival, an extended lifespan process, and have been given all the information necessary to form in which components can be replaced, and less waste during their own opinion, they are much more likely to be interested and find disposal. This diminishes stress on our environment and improves works for them. According to Lisa, these efforts provide great human health by reducing air pollution and the types of chemicals to opportunities for improvement, which means that everyone can have a which we are exposed. When all of these factors are taken into positive impact on the future. (See related stories on Page 4.) account, the best value of a product on the market becomes clear, justifying any initial cost difference. The fact that many products can be easily replaced by practical alternatives provides hope that we can shift to a greener future through procuring environmentally preferable products. a t : " l Lisa aims to continually educate herself about green purchasing and has attended numerous conferences where she was surprised to learn the full implications associated with buying green. In 2005, she began working with the Cleaning Supervisor, Barb O'Brien, to procure - green cleaning products that are healthier for both employees and the environment. After attending workshops, reading trade magazines, and additional sample testing conducted by the cleaning staff, the two arrived at a list of products that Barb was satisfied with purchasing. Some of her favorite products now include Mr. Clean Eraser Sponges and microfiber cleaning cloths, which reduce the amount of chemicals required to clean a surface. Lisa has noticed the prevalence of environmentally friendly products INSIDE THIS ISSUE growing as requests from county departments for items with recycled Dragon Spirit!, 2 content, minimal packaging, or other green attributes rise. This year Note From the County Administrator 3 an increasing number of departments are beginning to procure office Blood Drive Results 3 paper with recycled content. Popular items replacing the "old standby" County Waste Assessments Begin 4 include pens made from old headlights, remanufactured toner EPP Consortium 4 CSEA Picnic 5 cartridges, and reusable and recyclable corrugated cardboard binders Golf! 6 that replace binders made from polyvinylchloride {PVC }. County Staff volunteer 7 While buying green has many benefits, Lisa also understands that a Employee Spotlights 8 product must be functional in order for it to be practical. This often Diversity Communications Program 8 involves a process of trial and error through which Lisa follows state Highway Highlights 9 guidelines that compare products based on form, Department News 10 Classified Ads 12 -2- 0 �rn900 Spirit 4r 4baunds By Karen Fuller • _ s ue" Saturday, July 14, 2007, was a day full of emotions! Earlier in the day I said goodbye to a very special Tompkins County resident, my grandmother Margaret "Peg" Wilkinson. She had lived in Tompkins County for all but the first two years of her ninety -seven plus years and shared a great deal of its history in that time. She spoke of limited finances her family faced as a child that meant only one pair of shoes per child and a single dress to wear to school that was washed by hand every evening! Also, I remember hearing stories of what life was like during war times and the rationing that residents lived with. She and other Tompkins County citizens pooled their ration stamps to help fellow residents with children have adequate blankets and food. That is the type of person I have had to look up to all my life — one who did not complain, though there were plenty of reasons, and one who thought of what was good for all, not just herself. For over half a century, she shared experiences with me that clearly indicated that although things are tough, people can get through by not giving up, and it is a good thing to help others by giving of yourself. As she said on more than one occasion, the more things change, the more they stay the same. Oops, back to the race... I would like to thank the members of the 2007 Dragon Boat team for agreeing to dedicate the team's efforts to my grandmother. Although we did not win the race I believe we were winners due to the tremendous effort and team spirit of all those who paddled, supported, and cheered us on. Again this year, we were afforded the opportunity to meet other staff members, their families, and just have some plain -old fun, not to mention keeping the dragon since the City did not have a municipal team. I hope that over the course of years every employee will participate in the race that brings a tremendous sense of accomplishment to all present. 2007 Dragon Boat Team and Sponsors Kathy Beissner Kate Hackett, Planning Tyke Randall, Legislature Bob Bohdan, Board of Elections Kathy Herrera, Legislature Martha Robertson, Legislature Chantalise DeMarco, Mental Health Jocelyn Jones, Personnel Joe Stacy, Highway Kristie DeMarco, Mental Health Tim Joseph, Legislature Greg Stevenson, Legislature Bob DeLuca, Mental Health Dooley Kiefer, Legislature Paula Younger, Administration Jim Dennis, Legislature Carrie Koplinka -Loehr Victor Younger Scott Doyle, Planning Michael Koplinka- Loehr, Legislature Vicki Wagner, Assessment Anita Fitzpatrick, Personnel Marcia Lynch, Public Information Stephen Whicher, Administration Jill Friedmutter Pam Mackesey, Legislature Kevin/Kathy Wilsea, Planning Karen Fuller, Legislature Shinovah Moodie, Personnel Patti Zalewski, DSS Shawn Martel- Moore, Administration -3 A Note from the County Administrator: Update on Health Insurance Review Recently, an article outlining the County's desire to change the Health team of staff, retirees, community health care experts and our Heatlh Insurance plan for retirees appeared in the Ithaca Journal. I thought Insurance consultant reviewed this request. you might be interested in a more comprehensive overview of what is going on. The team concluded that Medicare eligible retirees were indeed paying a very high premium for the benefit received. An internal staff team A few years ago it became clear that we had to address the alarming continued the review to determine what coverage could be offered at a rate of growth in the County's fringe (benefits) rate. The two largest reduced premium without negatively impacting the pool. cost drivers in the fringe rate are Health Insurance and Retirement. Since State law regulates retirement payments, we concentrated our At this time, the Personnel Committee is considering four options: efforts on Health Insurance. It quickly became apparent that the drug benefit was the fastest growing component. To offset this growth we 1. Existing plan — unchanged; negotiated a change in the drug plan design with the unions and 2. Allow the Medicare Eligible retirees to be a separate group; changed to a less expensive drug plan administrator. These moves 3. Move all retirees to the core plan; have helped to control costs but should be considered intermediary 4. Grandfather all existing retirees but offer only the core plan to steps. new retirees. To develop a more comprehensive solution we began to address the The County -wide consortium initiative is being supported by a problem on three levels: $260,000 State grant and is about to begin its first phase. This program has three distinct phases: • Plan benefit design for active employees; • Retiree benefit plan and cost; and 1. Establish Consortium; • A County -wide consortium to establish a single health 2. Design the overall Healthcare plan and; insurance plan for all municipalities. 3. Plan implementation. Last year active employees were asked to consider a core plan which Once the consortium is established, all stakeholders MI be involved in would increase costs at point of service but would be entirely paid for building the plan design and the implementation of the plan. by the County. In addition this plan provides debit card convenience as well as a $250 incentive for individuals and $500 incentive for families. The goals of this project are to reduce overall health insurance For the vast majority of staff this plan would result in a net savings. premiums in the county through plan design and by establishing a pool that is large enough to command the best pricing. It is anticipated that This year we will initiate a Canadian drug plan called CanRx, which this project should take approximately two years to complete. should result in a reduction in drug costs. In addition we continue to negotiate plan design changes with the unions. It is important to understand that these moves are being made to preserve the highest level of benefit possible for all current and retired The review of the retiree plan began approximately two years ago with staff. Taking no action and allowing the fringe cost to exceed 37% of a request from the Medicare eligible retirees for a reduction in their payroll is simply not affordable and would require direct offsets from premium since Medicare paid a very large portion of any medical bills future pay increases. and drug costs were offset by a Federal contribution to the County. A Steve Whicher Blood Drive a Success The blood drive held on August 9 rendered 51 units collected from Tompkins County employees and other non - employee individuals that walked in to donate — exceeding our target of 45 units! This means that up to 153 individuals benefited from the units collected during the drive. On behalf of Jackie Kippola and myself, the co- coordinators of this annual event, I would like say a very heartfelt "thank you" to all of the employees that donated blood, served refreshments at the canteen, or worked at the registration table. I would also like to especially thank all of the employees that serve as the contact person for their building and work so diligently in the weeks before the drive to sign up the donors and volunteers. Without their continued commitment to this role, it would be very difficult to get donors and volunteers scheduled throughout the day. Thank you, too, to the department heads for allowing the employees to participate in this very worthwhile, annual event. Cheryl Nelson County Begins Department Waste Assessments An EPP Consortium for Tompkins County Since the adoption of the County Sustainability Initiative, a noticeable The Tompkins County Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) change can be seen throughout the county. With employees from sub - committee has recently formed an EPP Consortium to promote the various buildings and departments joining the County Sustainability procurement of "green" products and services. Through the consor- Committee, a heightened awareness about being green is visible tium, member institutions work together to share resources, such as throughout county departments. In response to this initiative, Tompkins purchasing language and product research. Current members of the County Solid Waste will begin conducting waste assessments in county consortium include Tompkins County, TST BOCES, the city of Ithaca, departments beginning this August and continuing until February 2008. Cornell University, Ithaca College, TC3, and the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce. At this time, the consortium is in the process With assistance from Cleaning Supervisor Barb O'Brien of the Facilities of benchmarking current purchasing practices. With this information, Division, Recycling Specialist Leo Riley and Assistant Recycling the group will work together to pursue options for improvement. Specialist Kat McCarthy will visit departments in order to target potential opportunities to reduce waste, practice reuse, increase recycling rates, and adopt green purchasing practices. Leo, a new addition to the Solid Waste team, has over twenty-five years of Nappy 10th Qnni : _ experience in the private sector managing recycling and solid waste, 1 . and is enthusiastic about this program. "Waste assessments provide �' ' ' "''' " "" an excellent opportunity to help county employees become involved ..; with the County Sustainability Initiative and increase recycling rates," - • says Leo. After having conducted waste assessments in businesses - _ .► -�, fin I a 1 within the county, Leo has found that `most places are currently Y �w . ,1 &IR recycling, but even the places that are doing the best can stand to 4 benefit from a waste assessment in one way or another." %. ACNIIIFEr As a recent graduate of Ithaca College, with a degree in Environmental • Studies, Kat McCarthy has thoroughly enjoyed her time with the county thus far, beginning as a Project Assistant in 2006, and becoming the N saber 3 Ithaca Nall 10 am pm FREE Event for ALL AGES! Assistant Recycling Specialist this past December. Kat comments, "I OVER 70 Environmental Exhibitor! share Leo's enthusiasm for this program and look forward to finding Live Performances, innovative ways to solve waste management headaches in the 1" Annual Pumpkin Composting Smash, departments ". As the chair of the new Environmentally Preferable Games, Prizes, & More! Vi it recycletornplains.org for more inform n. Purchasing sub - committee of the Sustainability Committee, she is also looking forward to working with the departments to find products that 9 9 p p fulfill their purpose while reducing their impact on the environment Each department head has been asked to appoint a Waste Reduction Representative who will act as a contact to provide the waste assessors with information about current practices and needs during implementation. From the information gathered through the waste DID YOU KNOW...? assessment, the assessors will compile a comprehensive report of recommendations that are designed to help the department practice Last year the amount of energy saved from recycling the 4Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle, and rebuy). Throughout the process, aluminum and steel cans, plastic PET and glass containers, assessors will work closely with the Waste Reduction Representative in newsprint and corugateci packaging was equivalent to: each office and will be available to provide assistance with implementation of these suggestions. • The amount of electricity consumed by 17.8 million Any questions regarding this process should be forwarded to Leo Riley Am oI1caI1$ in a e lectr at Idriley @tompkins co.org. • 29% of nuclear electricity generation in the America in one y ear. • 7.9% of electricity generation from fossil fuels in the ............ ............................... ARRA/ . - - -- �---------------------- �--- �--- �--- �--- �------------------- �--- �--- �--- �--- �------------------- �--- �--- �--- �--- �--- �------ - - - - -- ti America in one year. Have a Tip or Question About "Going Green ?" • • 11% of the energy produced by coal fired power plants in • • the U.S. • Contact Linnett Short at County Corridors • • The energy supplied from 2.7% of imported barrels of (1short cr tompkins co.org). We'll publish your tip or the ; crude oil into the U.S. answer to your question! ; • The amount of gasoline used in almost 11 million passenger automobiles in one year. • :.--- i::::::::::Ti7 iTi7'''' i 7 By recycling just one glass bottle, the amount of energy that is being saved is enough to light a 100 -watt bulb for four hours. i -5- "The Picnic" cpsEk By David Chase, President CSEA LOCAL 10o0,AFSCIAE,.AFL.CK CSEA Local 855 On August 18th CSEA Local 855 held their annual picnic at Stewart Park. The weather cooperated this year with exception of a consistent gale force wind coming directly off the lake. It was a struggle at times to hold onto your plates, napkins and cutlery, but the food provided by Hope's Way was once again worth the extra effort. I can't imagine anyone walking away from this spread hungry. This year we made a serious attempt at "going green ". This included recycling, and even the use of bio- degradable cutlery. It's all part of CSEA's commitment to the sustainability effort being put forth throughout Tompkins County. Once again we had a host of prize winners who were extra glad they decided to join in the festivities. They are: James Van Ostrand - Barnes & Noble Gift Card Janet Haines - Citgo Gas Card Carol Reeves - Hillendale Golf Package Marlena Terouw - Taughannock Farms Inn Gift Cert. Paulette Fisher - The Boatyard Grill Gift Card Rita Leubner - Hess Gas Card - _ Bea Valent - Chili's Rest. Gift Cert. ' Shirley Kane - DVD Player - N _ Melissa Sumers - Bed Bath & Beyond Gift Card t- ;, • v Jesse Williams - Newman Golf Course Package . \ Pat Rueb - Hollywood Video Gift Card , kl , \ James Decker - Pier 1 Imports Gift Card 'a t Beth Hornic - Trumansburg Golf Package Cindy Hart - Chili's Rest. Gift Card Gary Heffron Sr. - Hollywood Video Gift Card Betty Streeter - Barnes & Noble Gift Card Judith Johnson - MP -3 Player �:. • Millicent Viscotha - Pier 1 Imports Gift Card — 41 •h l`_ Lee Carter - Flat Screen TV 7-7+` F : 0 %,� - ' ' Congratulations to all! - . -` -4 41) , N lit :1 war _______,. - _ 4 , 7 "" \ 16 11 1 0., 'A 00, V' i 44* l - .f-4 .._ r ; iv. .p e • / or A • r A ` A ' - A ■ s k e'4 ' t \\\* :t ‘ f• 11 -6 Golf Golf Golf Golf Golf Gol 1 111 Fun and Competition at the Employee Golf Tournament By Jackie Kippola Each year, on the Friday after Labor Day, representatives from over 15 departments, plus former employees and close friends, take the day off and head to golf course at Trumansburg. For some folks, it is the only time of the year that they play golf; it is also the only time of the year that they see colleagues from other departments. One person even flies to Ithaca from Houston, Texas, just to play in this tournament. Why would you only play golf once a year? The Tompkins County Employee Golf Tournament is a fun event, we love it, and that is the way it is! Thirteen years ago, we thought it would be great to create an event where County employees could talk to people who work in other departments. This tournament provides that opportunity, and more. Here is a snapshot of the day: Tee off at 8:45 am, play golf for 5 hours, enjoy plenty of sunshine and breeze, eat a fabulous lunch, receive a nifty prize - courtesy of the Vending Committee, and if you are really good, take home the 1st place trophy.. In addition, if you do win 1st place, you get ownership for a year of "The Plaque ", which displays the past winners' names, which comes with certain departmental bragging rights. Thank you so much to the Vending Committee for sponsoring this event and adding to the fun of The Tompkins County Employee Golf Tournament. 19t Place 10th Place Gerry Surine (SHER) Robin Korherr (RET) Bob Nicholas (AIR) Jack Russell Suzanne Alexander Bob Mastropaolo Ralph Napolitano 2' Place 11th Place (tied) Denny Fairchild (DSS) Mark Fairchild Tim Kessler (RET) Jeff Potter (RET) David Chase (DSS) Frank Justice (RET) Tom Walpole (RET) Daryl Avery (RET) 3"" Place 11th Place Jay Franklin (ASMT) Michael Xayarath (ASMT) Tom Richardson (SWAM) Lynn Leopold (RET) Chuck Wah Oong Vann Oung Tom Powers John Gale 4th Place 12th Place (tied) David Squires (FIN) Jonathan Wood (ATTY) Missy Cooper (MHLTH) John Cooper (FAC) Jim Dennis (LEG) Bill Marquardt Scott Brind Debbie Preston 5th Place 12th Place Alan Scheer (DSS) Doug Perine (DSS) Frank Croteau (PHLTH) Joe Crosby Marty Fulton BJ Robison Sue Bowman (PHLTH) Ronny Bowman 6th Place 13th Place Autumn Bieberich (FIN) Steve Chaffee Bill Shaff (SHER) Roger Griswald (SHER) Neil Bieberich Bob Pietila (RET) Linda Griswald Mark Miller 7th Place 14th Place Jack Crance (DOER) Greg Stevenson (LEG) Amy Miller (MHLTH) Sue Munson Carl Smith Dan Garrison Kristie Demarco (MHLTH) Shawn Flynn 8th Place 15th Place Nancy Curtis (DSS) Harold Baylor (WKDV) Bob Slocum (COFA) Anne Mike Hughes Mark Smarr Gladys Brangman (COFA) Matthew Dowdle 9t Place (tied) 16th Place Craig Hopkins (RET) Jackie Kippola (ADM) Ron Schoneman (MHLTH) Allen Terry David Hopkins Paul Darby Shane Jaynes (MHLTH) George McCheyne 9th Place 17th Place Matt Whittemore (HWY) Marty Adams (RET) Shirley Kane (DSS) Karen Cornell (DSS) Troy Whittemore Billy Fo)o< Darlene Robison (DSS) Sharon Drader -7- County Folks "Give Back "... Note: Beginning with issue, County Corridors will spotlight employees and retirees who volunteer in this community. if you would like to recognize someone for their volunteer service, contact the Corridors Team, care of Maureen Reynolds, editor at mreynoids@tompkins-co.org. Airport Employees Volunteer Airport Manager Bob Nicholas provided the names of the following employees in his division who provide volunteer service to the community: Dave Crawford (Airport Operations and Maintenance Tom Smith (Airport Operations Technician) Supervisor) - Lieutenant Trumansburg FD - Assistant Chief - Interlaken FD Noel Terwilliger (Airport Operations Technician) Tom Cooper (Airport Operations Technician) - Firefighter Spencer FD - Firefighter /EMT Lansing FD Kerry VanEtten (Airport Operations Technician Trainee) Mike Drake (Airport Operations Technician) - Assistant Chief Hector FD - Firefighter /EMT Lansing FD Tom Warner (Airport Operations Technician) Fritz Hess (Airport Operations Technician Trainee) - Deputy Chief Dryden FD - EMS Captain Moravia FD Bob Nicholas (Airport Manager) Josh Nalley (Airport Operations Technician) - County Office of the Aging - visits County seniors - Deputy Chief Genoa FD to talk, read books, help with shopping, etc. Jeremy Puterbaugh (Airport Operations Technician) - Firefighter Trumansburg FD Bob Slocum, Office for the Aging Submitted by Lisa Holmes For some people, volunteering in their off hours is a way of life. This is definitely the case for Bob Slocum, Principal Account v ,� { _ , L.mam Clerk of the Tompkins County Office for the Aging. ► • '-'1..!41 .:. Bob has been active in Dryden Kiwanis for over 16 years, • t :..,.. . ■ . ; �,a serving as Chair of its Youth Baseball and Softball Program for + the past eight years. Through this program, 300 Dryden school • b ! .. ;•b; district children from pre -k through 7,h grade play baseball and 4 ; softball in six organized leagues every spring. Bob is also active :# -Y '� �� ':� throughout the holiday season with the Kiwanis Christmas Tree `* at: � , Sale as well as the annual Christmas parties for residents of �► � �.•:;; Willowbrook Manor and Lehigh Crossing senior apartments. At r Vii . � - ., _ various times in the summer months, Bob can be found at the � - - + roadside cleanup sponsored by the Dryden Kiwanis Club. Over the years, Bob has donated thousands of hours to his Dryden I. `' community. He has become so known for community volunteering, many at COFA have nicknamed him: "Mr. Dryden." Bob Slocum in the dunking booth at June's Dryden Dairy Days. About volunteering, Bob muses, If anyone approaches you about joining a service club, I would consider it seriously. It is a good way to serve your community." When he is not volunteering, Bob can be found enjoying Cornell sports, the Buffalo Bills or the Boston Red Sox. 8 Employee Spotlights Pete Reilly Pete Reiiiy is a Caseworker for Long Term Care in the Department of Social Services. He has worked for the County for seven years. 1■1 Pete says that having the opportunity to work with fine co- workers is - - the favorite part of his job. Asked what he likes least about his job, Pete responded, "Not a dam thin :d P g." Pete's favorite thing to do outside of work? "Anything with my tl' , boys. If Pete ran the word, the first thing he would do would be to establish - - "mandatory fishing" and 'free pizza and brews for one and all!" Leo Riley and Kat McCarthy Leo Riley was hired as the Recycling Specialist at the Solid Waste Management Division this April, after having worked 25 years in the waste management industry. Leo currently lives in Homer with his wife, two daughters and a son, who keep him busy attending high • — school sporting events. His oldest daughter currently lives in I Cortland where she attends college. Kat McCarthy began her work with the Solid Waste Management Division as a Project Assistant in February 2006 and has since • , been promoted to the position of Assistant Recycling Specialist. After graduating from Ithaca College in 2005, Kat remained in Tompkins County where she could spend time with friends while �► enjoying all the area had to offer, including its many parks and gorges, the Farmer's Market, and its never ending supply of local Alit a) events. As a part of the county sustainability initiative, Leo and Kat will be �1 conducting waste assessments in county offices through next spring. Be sure to say hi when you see their smiling faces visit your office. catior WDIC Begins Diversity Communications Program Following up on the successful kickoff on the Ithaca Commons in June celebrating the County's commitment to diversity and conducted with senior staff in several departments. Additional inclusion, the County's Workforce Diversity and Inclusion departmental needs assessment meetings will follow this fall. Committee (WDIC) has initiated a diversity communications The information gathered in this part of the process will form the program, whereby representatives of the WDIC are conducting basis of diversity communication initiatives scheduled to begin brief meetings with departments to gather information about their next year. diversity communication needs and advice conceming how the WDIC can most effectively begin the conversation about If you have questions or suggestions concerning the diversity diversity and inclusion throughout county government. communications program, please contact me at 274-5555 or mlynchOtompkins -co. orq_ . Through the assistance of Charlie Marchant, a graduate student in Cornell's Department of Public Administration, the effort Marcia Lynch began this summer, and discussions already have been Chair, Diversity Communications Subcommittee S� q *cvy , Submitted by Geri Lockwood Administrative Assistant Road Swaps Effective August 1, 2007, Tompkins County completed road swaps with the Towns of Ithaca and Ulysses, swapping lower volume traffic roads for higher ones, as follows: Town of Ithaca: Town of Ulysses: • Tompkins County acquired Burns Road, CR116 (entire • Tompkins County acquired Iradell Road Extension, length). CR177A (entire length). • Tompkins County acquired Town section of Game Farm • Tompkins County acquired Town section of Krums Corners Road, CR173 (Municipal boundary to Ellis Hollow Road). Road, CR141 (Rt. 96 to Iradell Road). • Town of Ithaca acquired Bundy Road (formerly CR138, • Town of Ulysses acquired Falls Road (formerly CR143F, entire length). entire length). • Town of Ulysses acquired Agard Road (formerly CR144, entire length). Vending Committee "Vends" Save Energy, Save Money, Save Hassle - It's here!!!!: Use the County's Our new website is now available on the employee Intranet (under "Events / News "). Please be sure to visit for updated Free Bus Pass Program! information on all trips, news, etc. Just a reminder that if you are a county employee (full - Scheduled Trip: time or part -time) you can ride a TCAT bus for free for work or work - related activities. New York City Winter bay Trip Employees are encouraged to consider a bus pass, even When: Saturday, December 15` if they don't expect to use it every day. Cost: $30.00/pp To obtain a bus pass, just download the form from the The bus will leave from the Tompkins County Public Works employee intranet — see the "Forms" section under Facility on Bostwick Road, at 7:00 a.m. sharp, with an expected "Personnel Forms": TCAT Bus Pass Application arrival in New York City around noon. You will be let off at (available in Microsoft Word and PDF formats.) You Radio City Music Hall (50th St. and Ave. of the Americas) or also can fill out the application at the Personnel Office, Macy's (34th St. and 7th Ave.). You're on your own to explore or it can be mailed to you. the vast and exciting city, and enjoy your own interests. Departure will be from Radio City Music Hall at 8:00 p.m., Make it easy on yourself and save resources and dollars arriving back in Ithaca around midnight at the same time. Every little bit helps! A minimum of 40 people are needed to make this trip possible. Reservations and payment must be received by Friday, November 16 Call Patty Stamm, at 274 -6674, or e-mail at pstamm@tompkins- co.ore for reservations or additional information. -10- Department News Department of Social Services Office for the Aging Noteworthy Employee of the Month Danielle Conte New Planner at COFA When you talk about a great person to work with, Mary Rounds from the Departent of Social Services stands out. She is always easy to talk with, a pleasure to get information from, she has a wonderful wealth of knowledge, is great at lessening the stress level with her infectious laughter, goes the extra mile to help her co-workers, is a spectacular = r baker, and pitches in whenever needed without being asked. She's been known to pick strawberries for co- workers who couldn't, bake pies . or breads just to lift everybody's spirits, invite her co-workers for walks around town or to go on the arthritis fund raiser walk- a- thons. So, if The Tompkins County Office for the Aging is pleased to welcome you see Mary tell her thanks for all she does! Danielle Conte as its new Planner. Danielle brings a wealth of experience with older adults to her position. As Director of RSVP at Lifelong for four years, Danielle interacted with , ; �j both older adult volunteers as well as the various agencies and ✓" 1 organizations in Tompkins County. Prior to her position at Lifelong, she was an Aging Seances Specialist and Coordinator at the Office for the Aging in Tioga County. Danielle's degree from SUNY Cortland in sociology and gerontology reinforce her ability to successfully meet the demands of her new position as Planner. Dust Settling From the Great Moves at DSS I asked Danielle what she enjoys most about her job and she was quick to reply, "I really like the coordination of events. I enjoy dealing Many people at DSS have recently received promotions or accepted not only with the crunching of numbers, but also interacting with folks lateral moves. Below are their names: from other agencies and organizations to provide useful information for older adults." Jodi Lucas, Rhonda Grier, Gerry Veninsky, Holly Stevenson, Nancy Curtis,Cindy Hart, David Chase, Autumn Edwards, Pam Gibson, When Danielle is not busy on her computer or dashing off to meetings, Frankie Glass, Maxine Lelik, Rita Leubner, Amy Mills, Linda Minges, she most enjoys spending time with her husband, Sean and her and Shanrnae Milton. beautiful daughter, Megan who will soon be four years old. We are thrilled to have Danielle as part of our team here at COFA. Please feel If I've missed anyone, please accept my deepest apologies. free to stop by and welcome her! Ede Spaulding Trina Schickel Highway Division Bicycle Maps Available Congratulations to Scott Metcalf, for his promotion to Highway Crew The Ithaca - Tompkins County Transportation Council ( ITCTC) has Supervisor. produced a color map of Tompkins County that highlights the suitability of the roads for bicycling. Welcome to Tim Lupo, Equipment Service Technician at the Highway Division. The maps are meant to be used for the beginner to advanced cyclist and are available from the ITCTC, 121 E. Court Street, 274- Geri Lockwood 5570 for free to everyone: individuals, businesses, schools, clubs, or organizations. DON'T FORGET!! We have recently distributed them around the county to town and village halls, bike shops, fitness centers, coffee shops, the Farmers Halloween is coaling! sl Market, Cornell University (3,000), The Visitor's Center (1,300), etc. More information can be found on ourwebsite: Send your pictures to be part of the annual Halloween www.tompkins- co.orglltctc Costume Competition! Email your entry to Maureen Teresa Linde Reynolds, editor at mreynolds @tompkins- co.org. -11- ; �1 r ONE An older lady gets pulled over for speeding... if Officer 2: Ma'am, could you step out of your vehicle Older Woman: Is there a problem, Officer? please! The woman steps out of her vehicle. Officer: Ma'am, you were speeding. Older woman: Is there a problem sir? Older Woman: Oh, I see. Officer 2: One of my officers told me that you have stolen this car and murdered the owner. Officer: Can I see your license please? Older Woman: Murdered the owner? Older Woman: I'd give it to you but I don't have one. Officer 2: Yes, could you please open the trunk of Officer: Don't have one? your car, please. Older Woman: Lost it, 4 years ago for drunk driving. The woman opens the trunk, revealing nothing but an empty trunk. Officer: I see...Can I see your vehicle registration papers please. Officer 2: Is this your car, ma'am? Older Woman: I can't do that. Older Woman: Yes, here are the registration papers. The officer is quite stunned. Officer: Why not? Officer 2: One of my officers claims that you do not Older Woman: I stole this car. have a driving license. Officer: Stole it? The woman digs into her handbag and pulls out a clutch purse and hands it to the officer. Older Woman: Yes, and I killed and hacked up the owner. The officer examines the license. He looks quite puzzled. Officer: You what? Officer 2: Thank you ma one of my officers told Older Woman: His body parts are in plastic bags in me you didn't have a license, that you stole this car, the trunk if you want and that you murdered and hacked up the owner. to see. Older Woman: Bet the liar told you I was speeding, The Officer looks at the woman and slowly backs away too. to his car and calls for back up. Within minutes 5 police cars circle the car. A senior officer slowly approaches MORAL: Don't Mess With Little Old Ladies! the car, clasping his half drawn gun. -12- Classified Ads Pec. 1' Do* Lan Inn FOR SALE: Liberty blue and white dinnerware, Historic Colonial ' scenes, circa 1960's, service for eight, $100.00. Call (607) 533 - 1' yl A place where your dog feels 9 ( ) `: at home 9133 evenings. Located in North Lansing FOR SALE: 2000 Volvo 570 GLT SE, 4 -door sedan. 112K, fully loade Sandy Strehle, 315 - 497 -3467 sun/moon roof, leather seats, 2 -wheel drive, traction control. Excellent - -` q 4'. dogdayzinn(a),yahoo.com condition, $7,200. Call Fred, at (6070 351 -0535. http: / /www.dogdayzinn.com FOR RENT: Lansing schools - 2 bedroom, 1 bath FOR SALE: K10 Royale Virgin Mobile cell phone, complete basement apartment, available August 15' ". $600, plus package, one year old, excellent condition, $20.00. Call (607) utilities. Dogs okay. Call Debra Bamard, at (607) 257- 533 -9133 evenings. 4615, ore -mail dib1956(o)hotmail.com. WANTED: 3 -point hitch backhoe attachment, or an older backhoe. Call Jim, at (607) 532 -4092. FOR SALE: 1995 Buick Regal. One owner, runs great, FOR SALE: 1988 Bayliner Capri, 16' bowrider, 2.3L, 140HP, 10, well maintained, leather interior. Carfax report available. new full canvas stereo. Excellent condition, runs great, $2,900 or best offer. Call (607) 272 -5527 $4,500.00. Call Sharon or Gary, at (607) 387 -6250. WANTED: 28' aluminum extension ladder that holds up to FOR SALE: 1940's Pepsi -Cola metal bottle carder, 10' 'A" 300 lbs. Call Jim, at (607) 532 -4092. double dot, $50. Call (607) 533 -9133 evenings. FOR SALE: Little Tikes swing set with two swings and a FOR SALE: Las Vegas Grandview Timeshare - 1 bedroom slide over a playhouse, for children up to 6 years old, condo, Red week. Paid $20,000 - will sell for $9,500. Serious $200.00. E -mail Samantha, at svarner(dlightlink.com inquires only, please! Call Carol Griep, at (607) 753 -0402, or e- mail hillcaro119700yahoo.com FOR SALE: Ladies medium "new" insulated black leather FOR SALE: Harley Davidson helmet, like new, wom cross - jacket, wom four times, $75. Call Carol Griep, at (607) 753- country once, $50. Call Carol Griep, at (607) 753 -0402, or e-mail 0402, ore -mail hillcaro11970(avahoo.com hillcaro11970(rlvahoo.com Thsteof Hume FOR SALE: Canon mini camcorder with extended life battery and ENTERTAINING carry case. Bought new at Christmas for $500 - will take $250 for all. Call Carol Griep, at (607) 753 -0402, or e-mail Wanted A FEW GOOD PARTY CONSULTANTS. hillcaro119700,yahoo.com Mist love to entertain. The ability to show off beautiful Fornrad classified guts to Geri Lockwood at the Highway tools and accessories for home entertaining with style and Division, ftockssuort( era kins co.ore ease is a plus. Income potential, benefits, and opportunities for personal growth are unlimited. Only applicants who Corridors is printed on 30% recycled paper, know how to work and play at the same time need apply. THE CORRIDORS TEAM Contact us today to leam more about this great opportunity!! Managing Editor Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk's Office At last, a party where you get to pick your own gifts! Editorial Staff Taste of Horne Entertaining wants you to host a gathering at Geri Lockwood, Highway Lin your house to show off all of the fabulous products we have nett Short, SW Management Division Sa in store. We'll take care of all the planning and details. S Edie Spaulding, Stark, DSS aulding, DSS You'll simply sit back, relax with your guests, and earn free Katrina Schickel, COFA products, free monthly host specials, and discounts on all Classifieds Editor - Geri Lockwood your favorites from our catalog - all for doing something Multicultural Editor - Heather Stewart, Personnel you love... having a party! Contact us today for all the Advising Editor, Page Layout details. Marcia Lynch, Public Information Jackie Maloney P: (607) 564 -9346 Contributors Email: jackiemalnatrotmail.com All County Employees and Retirees Linnett Short P: (607) 844 -8075 Interested in joining the Corridors team? Email: geehillAfrontiemet.net Contact Maureen at 274 -5431 or mreynolds©tompkins- co.org