HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-12 CO u A Newsletter for
Tompkins County
E mployees and Retirees
December 2009
1 d o rs Volume 21, Number 4
http://www.tompkins-co.org/countycorridors
Ways to Reduce Waste During the Holidays
By Stephanie Egan - Engels, Solid Waste
For the past two decades, Tompkins County Solid Waste Division has been Make your own...
helping our community to reduce waste and manage valuable resources. 41
One of our most recent initiatives has been "Environmentally Preferred Gifts
Procurement (EPP)." The recent EPP Vendor Fair was very successful in • Scarves, blankets,
helping Tompkins County employees become more educated in buying socks, etc.
recycled and safer products and services. • Bubbles — soap and
water!
As Tompkins County employees, it is important that we take this valuable • Dolls from scrap fabric
information beyond where we work, sharing it with our friends and families and yarn
at home and where we live, to have waste reduction, reuse, recycling, • Treasure map from scrap piece of paper or an old map and include a
and green purchasing in mind throughout the year and this is especially bandana and eye patch
significant around the holidays. According to the Environmental Protection • Make a bird house together from scrap pieces of construction material
Agency (EPA), on average Americans generate 25% MORE waste between you have from another project
Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than during the rest of the year, from 4 • Save seeds from your garden and give them to someone else to start
million tons to 5 million tons. Here are a few suggestions on how to reduce their garden next year
your holiday shopping waste:
Shadow box of a special experience you shared with a friend or family
Non - material gifts member
• Family vacation
Donate your time, volunteer, to community service organizations • Concert or play you saw together
• Food pantries • Wrapping paper from old maps, calendars, magazines, brown paper
• Youth programs, etc. bags, the comic strips, puzzle, or game section from the newspaper
• Envelopes from old calendar and magazine pages
Give your time to others in the form of redeemable coupons • Gift tags from out dated business cards or other paper
• Shovel a sidewalk
• Mow the lawn If you are going to buy, buy...
• Help do other chores around the house
• Do dishes for a week, month, 6 months, a year! Items that are durable and reusable
Items that have multiple purposes
Spend time with friends and family by giving redeemable coupons to
• Go out to dinner Items that are gently used from second hand shops, the Finger Lakes
• Go to a movie ReUse Center, or online resources
• Play a board game Continued on Page 8
• Go visit their favorite park, museum, etc.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Donate money to an organization in someone's name that helps an organ- Notes From the County Administrator: 2
zation's cause, community, county, or country Farewell to Departing Legislators 2
• Cancer organization Tompkins Care Connection 3
• Animal shelters The County Seal 3
• Food Pantries Summer in Tutova 4
• Homeless shelters The Puzzle 5
Highway Highlights 5
Donate clothes, food, and other items to those in need United Way 5
Halloween 6
Plant a tree with your friends and family Employee Spotlight 8
Coupons for discounts on everyday or splurge items Department News 10
Kudos Korner 10
Gift Certificates to the movies, grocery store, concert, or for gas Classified Ads 12
-2-
Notes From the County Administrator:
Accomplishments in a Challenging Year
.•i The past year has been report on how cities handle their waste. While the economy was in a deep freeze,
pr- V .r_ extraordinary. We've Our Social Services staff is in one pilot the H1N1 virus arrived. Our Health Depart -
IF
l ived through the worst program to change the way child protective ment staff rose to that enormous challenge,
Iw economy since the services are handled in New York State and combating hysteria with facts and clear infor-
, R Hoover Administra- another to reduce barriers to receiving food mation and mobilizing every resource to get
,; P tion, a pandemic, and stamps. vaccines to where they were most needed.
a tough budget of our
own. Our Mental Health staff has been recognized All the while, we maintained our high bond
by Human Rights Watch for the way they ratings, kept the roads plowed, redeveloped
Still, the County workforce has accomplished care for inmates suffering opiate additions. a new Health Department Building, moved
some amazing things. closer to a fully digital records system, imple-
We did a lot of things very well this year, es- mented a whole new type of voting machine,
Some of our work has impacts that extend pecially in responding to the human conse- received accreditation for our jail, and a host
well beyond our boundaries. quences of the global economic meltdown. of other things that, by themselves, would be
worthy of a lot of pride.
Our planners and environmental health staff, We put hundreds of young people to work;
for example, have provided valuable insights processed food stamp, temporary assis- As I said, we've done some amazing things
to a national debate about the environmental tance, and Medicaid applications for a tidal this year.
consequences of natural gas drilling. wave of people who never thought they'd
need our help; counseled those suffering For that, on behalf of an entire County, thank
Our airport developed the first green master personal or family stresses; secured a $2 you.
plan ever to be approved by the Federal million "rapid re- housing" grant to help those
Aviation Agency. at risk of homelessness; and expedited
stimulus - supported infrastructure projects to - Joe Mareane
The United Nations selected our Solid Waste get people working.
Division to be featured in a best practices
A Fond Farewell to Our Departing Legislators
The end of a legislative term is a time of change. Mike, Tyke, and Mike have served since January 2006; Greg since
December 2005.
We say good -bye to five representatives who will leave the Tompkins
County Legislature at year's end, with our thanks to them for their Joining the Legislature January 1 will be Pat Pryor, representing
commitment and devoted service to the citizens of Tompkins County District 6; David McKenna, representing District 8; Brian Robison,
during their terms. representing District 9; Peter Stein, representing District 11; and
Mike Lane, returning to the Legislature to represent District 14. We'll
Our thanks to profile each of our new legislators in the next edition of County
Corridors.
Chair Mike Koplinka -Loehr (District 11— Town of Ithaca)
(First elected in 1997, Mike is ending his second year as To all who are leaving us, thank you again for your service.
Chair of the Legislature.)
We will miss you!
Legislator Mike Sigler (District 6 - Part of the Town of Lansing )
Legislator Greg Stevenson (District 8 - Newfield and part of
Enfield)
Legislator Duane "Tyke" Randall (District 9 - Groton and parts gepeetae&
of the Towns of Lansing and Dryden)
Legislator Mike Hattery (District 14 Eastern Dryden)
-3-
Tompkins Care Connection Did You Know?
By Caryn Wiestling, Department of Social Services The County Seal
Do you or a loved one need long term care assistance?
We can help. / j *
Navigating the field of Long Term Care services can be frustrating,
overwhelming, and sometimes downright scary. There are so many ,
services available to the residents of Tompkins County that it is r
often hard for one to figure out where to start. Also, it is common for
to not think about long term care until they find themselves in
the thick of it. That's where Tompkins Care Connection comes in.
We see and use the Tompkins County Seal all the
Tompkins Care Connection is part of a statewide program called time. Ever wonder what it means?
NY Connects. The program is heading into its fourth year and is Karen Fuller of the Legislature Office thought you
a partnership between the Tompkins County Office for the Aging would like to see the description of the Seal, con -
(COFA) and Long Term Care services through the Department of tained in the County Charter. (Thanks, Karen!)
Social Services (DSS). The purpose of Tompkins Care Connection
is to provide accurate and unbiased information regarding long term
care needs to assist senior citizens, adults, and children with dis- § C -1.05. County Seal.
abilities. These services are available to Tompkins County residents
at no cost. Tompkins Care Connection also provides services such The Tompkins County Seal shall consist of an American bald eagle,
as the Expanded In -Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP), whose body faces forward with head turned to the eagle's left, with
Medicaid Home Care services, in -home assessments, and case wings widespread and claws.outstretched. In the eagle's right claw
management. Additionally, Tompkins Care Connection can perform is a bunch of arrows and in its left an olive branch. Rising above
a Patient Review Instrument (PRI), which is the assessment required the eagle's head and between its wing tips are three arcs of stars
by New York State for placement in a nursing home. numbering five, seven and eight respectively, for a total of 20 stars
representing the number of states in 1817, the year of the founding
Tompkins Care Connection can make remaining at home with of Tompkins County. Framing the above eagle, arrows, olive branch
Long Term Care needs less complicated by connecting you with and stars is one narrowly spaced smaller concentric circle, and one
other agencies in the county that can assist you with getting home- widely spaced larger concentric circle. In the arc portion between
delivered meals, medical equipment, respite services, transportation, the small circle and the larger circle are 13 stars representing the 13
counseling and support, plus many other services. original colonies. In the arc portion above the eagle, between these
same circles are the words, in upper case lettering, TOMPKINS
You can contact Tompkins Care Connection at 607 - 274 -5222, Mon- COUNTY. These words extend from right of the eagle's right wing tip
day through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to the left of the eagle's left wing tip.
A Message from The Corridors Team:
The Future of County Corridors
The face of County Corridors is about to change. ees without e-mail access. The issue also will This format change, prompted by a suggestion
continue to be posted on the County Corridors made through the Employee Suggestion Box, will
Beginning with the next issue, County Corridors website (http: //www.tompkins- co.org /countycor- enable us to maintain our information link with
will become primarily an e-mail newsletter, similar ridors) . employees and retirees, at a lower cost and with
to other e -mail newsletters you probably already a shorter production schedule.
receive from other organizations. We will continue to mail paper copies of each
issue to retirees; however, if you are a retiree We look forward to hearing your comments and
Each quarterly issue will be distributed through and would prefer to receive Corridors by e -mail, suggestions. Look for the roll -out of the new
an "all county employees" e -mail, and depart- please contact editor Maureen Reynolds at electronic format in March 2010.
ments will be asked (as is often done now) to mrevnolds@a tompkins- co.orq, and we will add you
make hard copies to circulate to those employ- to the electronic distribution list.
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SUMMER IN TUTOVA, ROMANIA!
By Caro! Booth, Tompkins County Mental Health Board and MR/DD Chair
Lei... Wooden Horse-drawn Wagons... Milk from the Cow Next Door... Stray Dogs... Gypsies...
and a Failure to Thrive Clinic that helps some of Romania's most Vulnerable...
These are my most vivid memories from my The bonding had begun!! We tasted Romanian doctor. and the nurses /assistants were so loving
summer work /vacation. I certainly can say that I food and included, over the two -week period, to the children. They simply did not have enough
know much more about Romania now than I ever such specialties as stuffed cabbage, Romanian time to perform any extra therapies or stimulation
thought I would. pie, Bulgarian salad, and absolutely delicious — Global Volunteers provided that.
soups. Bogdan, our waiter, practiced his "cus-
My husband, Dick, and I went to Southern tomer service' and we all tried to help. Later in As the days passed, we became more familiar
Poland last year to teach Conversational English the day we were assigned a child to focus on with the children and they with us. Alexandra,
through a program called Global Volunteers. over in the Clinic and learned something about despite her serious challenges, I do believe,
We had such a wonderful lime, and learned so each of the children — we also visited the Clinic recognized me when I arrived each day and
much about that part of Eastern Europe, that for the first time. showed me, in her own way, that she wanted to
we chose to take on another adventure this July go outside. She would often hold out her arms.
2009. This year we chose to travel to Tutova She had no verbal language and she needed
and Barlod, in a very poor, rural part or northeast assistance in walking but we did begin to under -
Romania — me to work in a Clinic for "failure to stand each other. Maria simply needed to be
thrive° babies, and Dick again to teach Conver- held, talked with and fed... even Maria was able
sational English. to show some increased focusing with her eyes
after stimulation. I took Gabriella and Emma and
We arrived in Bucharest on July 2, 2009, and 10% played on the therapy ball in order to break up
explored this city of almost 2 million on our own. � . their spasticity.
We saw an odd convergence of very beautiful
old world architecture with the terrible decay of The Volunteers on our Team worked for five
the Communist era. There were the most unique : days, and then were off for the weekend. My
Orthodox Churches lucked into corners or the husband and I went with six others and traveled
city, and at the same time -- lots of stray dogs four hours north to the region of the famous
roaming the alleys. In the early 1990's, at the Painted Monasteries and small mountain vil-
time of the Revolution, times were very difficult, I was assigned to Alexandra, a six - year -old with lages. The Carpathian Mountains cut across
and many families could not afford to keep their brittle bone disease, mental retardation, and Transylvania and come down in Bucovina where
pet dogs and often their children. The dogs were autism — also spent a good deal of time with we traveled. These monasteries are on the
set free and many children were abandoned Maria, a child with severe, presently inoperable World Heritage List and are very unique and
and later sent to state -run orphanages. Nowa- hydrocephaly, and shorter periods of time with beautiful. Once back in Tutova, we returned to
days there are still stray dogs, but there are not Gabriella and Emma, both one - year -olds with our regular routine at the Clinic and at the Eng-
"orphanages" — only child placement centers for cerebral palsy. We quickly began our routine of lish classes. We were all learning so much about
typical and special needs children. There is also Clinic work — a full morning stint, another from the country and culture of Romania.
the beginning of a foster care system. 2:30 p.m. — 4 p.m., and then either another shift
from 5:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m., or after dinner from Being and working in another culture is an inde-
On Saturday, July 4 we met our team at the 7:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. During our times at the scribable experience — so very different and end -
Bucharest Airport and began our five -hour van Clinic, we helped to feed the children, played lessly interesting, yet at the same time, so very
ride to Tutova — with one stop mid -way at a with them inside, and walked with them outside. much the same. We all love our children, and
McDonald's Restaurant! We finally arrived at the We volunteers chatted with each other and used we certainly want our young people to be part of
Raluca Motel — similar to a small tourist home body language combined with a few Romanian the Global Society. We sometimes go about this
or pension — and were assigned our rooms. We words to communicate with the staff. more slowly and in different ways. In volunteer -
met briefly that night for a short `Welcome" meet- ing with Global Volunteers, I have been able to
ing and then were off to bed. Don, our Global Everyone at the Clinic was so friendly and help- offer a small part to the "change I want to see in
Volunteer Team Leader, and his wife, Michaela, ful, although their ways were different. Health the world" My husband and I love to travel and
our Country Manager, were so helpful right from standards were unlike ours in some cases — chil- are so very grateful for the opportunities we have
the beginning of our work. dren were fed from common bottles and dishes, had in parts of the world where we have learned
children were diapered without gloves or dispos- so much, shared so much, and hopefully added
The next day we spent many hours learning able mats, and the fear of drafts was rampant! some to cross - cultural understanding.
about each other — there were 19 of us — and We all had to wear masks for the first week,
about the children and the country of Romania. due to the possibility of swine flu. However, the Note: Carol is married to former County Legislator
Dick Booth.
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THE 1
By Jackie Kippola
BS H S K 11 E D E D1 L O G P M A C N C
W K T O M E 1 K O E X A G O I 1 00
0 0 Z l y i I Z A H 1 L E M M E E O K U J
E H S D H T S A D Y MA r v i I N H O W O I
1 S E A B AA D S EP A G L OE I-li N E
L S E C K A ICJ L S K L N A Z K N S K C
T U W O R R E B C O O T L 1 S K E R H
N J N L Z O 'V S S O 'Y' E H O T U O Y A
E A OE Y S F F G G M C ICI D N A 1 H B
MN 1 O Z 1 K J Z E M S N E E T S U
Y E T .A DA K T K S H N K U E A R. O L S
O S A N U Z A J P A T Z K N M.4 O O Z L
L H E Y T K L P1 HT E A T 1 X A AO
P E R B R K C N E N N G T Z O T P H O
MP C G E Z 05 G B Z S U E N N 1 L H
E L E G B K 5 G S 1 X T E R T 1 BE C
K E R D L O F y i R K 1 S M . 4 I .A D D U R S
1 S M Y A A M T T E N N E B S S A N W
S MA O O B M U P 1 H S R E N T R A P H
CAMP GUIDE VITAL COMMUNITIES EMPLOYMENT
BENNETT SCHOOLS COLEMAN
ANSWERS TO "THE PUZZLE" TEENS ZAHLER DRUG TASK FORCE
are on Page 12 EMPLOYMENT JOHNSON KIDS
RECREATION ALBERT ZOOK
HESS PARTNERSHIP
BONUS: NAME OF BUILDING YOUTH BUREAU LOCATED (ABBREV.)
S bmitt b y Jo hnDolan, Associate Civil Engineer & United
•
Bill Sczesny, Highway Manager 1{�v
• 7y
During the 2009 construction season, there has been much activity on
the Warren Road reconstruction project. Water mains were relocated, Campaign Update
and new water services were installed. New storm water utilities were
installed, and natural gas mains and electric utilities were relocated.
We anticipate that by December 2009 the project will be shut down for Campaign coordinator Shanovah Moodie reports that, as of December 9,
the season. more than 70 county employees have contributed a total of $13,811 toward
meeting community needs through the 2009 Tompkins County United Way
In the spring of 2010, the project will resume, with a new traffic signal campaign.
to be installed at the post office. Paving two miles of top coat asphalt
and new roadway striping will be done. In addition to the new pave- Shanovah expresses appreciation to Administrator Joe Mareane and his
ment, there will be improved pedestrian, bike, and transit accommoda- staff for support of this year's campaign...and, to all who gave, voices a
tions. The anticipated completion will be in mid -2010. special "thank yotf for their generosity.
The $5 million dollar project is a result of the American Recovery and As of December 10, the local United Way campaign has achieved more
Reinvestment Act (ARRA), which reached Tompkins County through than 68% of its goal of just over $2 million.
New York State stimulus funding.
If you'd still like to participate, ifs not too late! For more information, contact
Shanovah at 274-7532 or smoodie @tompkins - co.org.
Ti)attottieen tConte5t QLompitition
Group
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isc place Goes To:
Richard Simmons & Fans
ITS Department
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Go
COMM!
Ceiling Fans The Doctors are in
Solid Waste Sheriff's Department Civil office
r 4 ..i 4 , k te . 1
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- rsb-ir \ :. l Masquerade Ball
County Clerks Bowling Team Health Department CHS Unit
County Clerks Office
-7-
Jtattotueeu Coute5t Competition
Individua l ,..:
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6
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1st place Goes To:
®•. L Peanut the Personal Trainer 0
"Peanut" (Ida Besemer)
F ^_ Facilities
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Ghoul
Cell Grier
Solid Waste
Another great year for the Halloween Britney Spears
Costume Competition! Stephanie Egan - Engels
Solid Waste
Congratulations to our winners...and
to all who competed.
Thanks to the Vending Committee for
sponsoring this competition again this
year.
-8-
Employee Spotlight
Rick Baker
Rick is a Heavy Equipment Operator in the Highway Division. He has
worked for the County for more than 25 years, starting out as summer help
and advancing to Motor Equipment Operator before assuming his present
position. / /EN DNG COMMIT Itth
Rick responded to the 011 BEN S ,•
following questions from ,e111111114-
County Corridors:
What do you do here
Post -Trip Information:
(your job duties)? — NYC Spring Trip, May 16th — cancelled due to lack of reserva-
Operate /run equipment, tions.
run paver, operator Darien Lake, July 25th — 29 scheduled, 24 attended.
for the sweeper truck "Rent" at Hangar Theatre, August 15th — 80 tickets were sold.
vacuum truck, and Buffalo Bills Game, November 29th — 26 attended.
shoulder machine, NYC Winter Trip, December 5th — 44 attended.
drive 10- wheeler dump
trucks, patrol and plow roads overnight in the winter, and a wide variety of
jobs. Website:
What do you like best about your job? Don't miss out on a chance to enjoy one of the trips or
The variety of different jobs. events being scheduled in 2010. Please remember to visit
our website, on the employee Intranet (click on the link under
What do you like least about your job? "Events /News "), or www .tompkins- co.orglemployee_onlyl
Working in the rain in the summer and salting on ice in the winter. VendingCommitteeNews.pdf. Be sure to visit regularly for
updated information on all trips, news, etc.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Riding 4- wheeler and motorcycle, and helping with the hot -air balloon. Please see your Department Representative (names
listed on the website) to share other ideas.
If you ran the world, what is the first thing you would do?
Try to get the U.S. out of debt.
Reducing Waste for the Holidays
Continued from Page 1
Items that have no packaging like books, clothes ic, durable, and reusable building mainte- e
nance supplies (paint and painting accesso- i•—.0C1
Items that are green by visiting FingerLakes ries, lighting, building materials, etc.) ��
BuyGreen.org �
• Find places that you can purchase recycled Reusable items such as mugs, water bottles, and Q �i�
=t
and non -toxic office and school supplies bags , /
(computer paper, envelopes, notebooks, • Buy multiples and leave a set at your office
folders, markers, pens and pencils, etc.) — and the other in your car /
Create your own gift bag! Items that have recycled content packaging 7 / • Find places that you can purchase non -toxic - -� l
laundry and other cleaning supplies (soaps, Items that have packaging that can be recycled — ((y (O
softeners, tools, etc.) — Create your own gift • Styrofoam vs. Cardboard
basket!
• Find places that you can purchase recycled, Traditions are what is passed on from genera -
durable, or non -toxic yard and garden tion to generation. Let us pass on the tradition of
supplies (tools, soil conditioners, seeds and less waste, reuse, recycle, and if we do buy, buy
plants, etc.) —Place items in a flower pot! green!
• Find places that you can purchase non -tox-
-9-
Comprehensive Plan Receives Award
By Kathy Wilsea, Planning Department
The New York Upstate Chapter of the American Planning Association For information on what consumers can do to improve the energy ef-
awarded its 2009 Planning Excellence Award for Innovation in Sustainability ficiency of their homes, visit the website of Cornell Cooperative Extension
to the Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan 2008 Amendment — Energy of Tompkins County:
and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Element.
http://www.ccetompkins.orgkonsumer/Energy/SaveEnergy.htm
The award specifically acknowleged the work of Katie Borgella, Principal
Planner; Leslie Schiff, Senior Planner; and Ed Marx, Commissioner of Plan-
ning and Public Works; however, upon acceptance of the award, staff noted Action Strategy Highlights:
the leadership role of the County Legislature in moving this project forward
and the keen interest the topic received from the community at large. Comprehensive Plan Energy and
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Element
The project that received the award was adopted on December 16, 2008,
•
when the Tompkins County Legislature approved an amendment to the Work with local municipalities, school districts,
County Comprehensive Plan to address the issue of energy and
green—businesses and others in the community to
house gas emissions. The amendment sets in motion a multi- faceted plan develop a 5 -year strategy to reduce community
for the Tompkins County community to reduce energy demand, improve greenhouse gas emissions by at least 10% of
energy efficiency, make the transition to renewable sources of energy, and 2008 emissions levels;
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Develop a plan to address the specific energy
The overarching goal of the Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Ele- needs of low- income people, including recom-
ment is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Tompkins County by at least mendations for improvements to existing energy -
two percent annually for the next 40 years, achieving at least an 80 percent related programs and identification of potential
reduction from 2008 levels of greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. pilot projects to address energy needs;
This goal is tied to the greenhouse gas emissions reductions target pro-
posed by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, • Promote green business development and create
which asserts that this stated decrease in greenhouse gas emissions is green job training opportunities for workers, high -
necessary in order to mitigate human impact on climate and to avoid the school students, and college students.
worst effects of global climate change.
To see the element and all 17 action items, please visit
http: / /www. Tompkins- co. orq /planningibompplan /index.him
L PAvo f
WDIC Welcomes Sarah Reistetter • A
For those of you have yet to meet her, the WDIC years of human resource professional experi- Rosie Rice and Becky Norris for their contribu-
is pleased to introduce to you Sarah Reistetter. ence to our organizational knowledge. tions of event space, materials, and for volun-
teering their professional time to the success of
As WDIC project assistant, Sarah is responsible Starting at the end ofAugust, Sarah immediately these programs.
for the development, implementation, planning, began to work; on developing a comprehensive
and coordination of initiatives that promote and strategy and action plan to support our inclusive Over the course of the next few months, as these
sustain diversity, equity, and respect throughout and diverse community; on a series of surveys in projects and many others mature, look for the
our workplace community and those we serve. order to get impactful data from our stakeholders; new and improved WDIC website.
and has also created and implemented a civil
Prior to this role, she was a human resource service education workshop that she and Sieve Please feel free to send Sarah an e-mail
strategic consultant in the New York CityTri- Estes and Diane Bradac facilitated in October. (sreisteiter co.ora) or give her a call,
State area who provided guidance to organiza- at 277 -4083, I know that she would enjoy hearing
tions, much like ours. Sarah is an '01 graduate The workshops were well received by our corm from you.
from Cornell Universitys School of Industrial munily, and we are looking forward to offering
Labor and Relations and contributes nearly ten similar workshops in 2010. A special thanks to Happy December.
-10-
Department News
Kudos Korner...
Sheriff's Office County Clerk's Office
Clerk's Office Recognized as Challenge Partner of the Year
Deputy Koskinen Receives Award
Challenge Industries recognized Alanna Congdon and Maureen Reynolds,
Deputy Kyle Koskinen of the Tompkins County Sheriff's Office recently com- as representatives of the Tompkins County Clerk's Office, as the Chal-
pleted two weeks of training sponsored by the Federal Bureau of Investiga- lenge Business Partner of the
tion in Fort Dix, NJ. Year. lir 4 .
This very intensive training focused on Basic and Intermediate Police Sniper This award as given in recogni- j
skills which involved classroom and live -fire activities. Participants were tion of their longstanding partner -
ranked according to their scores from various courses of fire throughout the ship with Challenge in providing
two weeks. employment opportunities for •
individuals with disabilities and illi `
School officials awarded Deputy Koskinen with a plaque, for his first place other employment barriers.
ranking. A total of 16 participants from along the east coast attended, many Alanna and Maureen
from much larger metropolitan areas.
Deputy Koskinen joined the Sheriff's Office in 2003 and is a member of Solid Waste Division
the joint Special Weapons and Tactical Team with the City of Ithaca Police
Department. Waste Reduction and Recycling Team 2009 Recycler of the Year
The Tompkins County Waste Reduction and Recycling Team, made up
of Kat McCarthy, Leo Riley and Linnett Short, has been recognized by
Women's Opportunity Center Honors the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recyling, Inc.
(NYSAR3) as the association's 2009 Team Recycler of the Year.
Shanovah Moodie
The Women's Opportunity Center honored Records Officer Shanovah The award, the group's first -ever Team recognition, was presented at the as-
Moodie at the organization's 30'h Anniversary Celebration September 24. sociation's meeting in Albany last month. The Tompkins County team was
Shanovah received an award for her accomplishments throughout the recognized for its collaboration to significantly reduce waste in Tompkins
County schools, as part of the countywide goal to achieve reduce waste by
years. 75% by 2015.
"I was once an apprentice at WOC through the Youth Outreach apprentice NYSAR3 notes that "by
program and then a participant," Shanovah says. "The WOC is such great promoting the international 1 1 ''t J Q_
place and I am blessed that they were able to see fit to give me this honor." Go Green Initiative and Re ii. .
Business Partners, the team
has impacted 25 county ®�, ( -
public schools to date. As a \ ..- ,'`
lit .
result, on average, schools `I ji��
in Tompkins Counnty have
increased their 21% �'
•
n
waste diversion rate to Leo Riley and Kat McCarthy with
.. 34 %. Further, a culture association president Dianne Woske (center)
f of environmenbtal
'' sustainability has been created in schools at all levels."
dt.. 4.. ,-. : '. -.14 '' -'.---- i
l
Facilities Division
Shanovah (center) with Senator James Seward and Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton Welcome to...
Bob O'Laughlin, Assistant Director of Facilities.
�► ������? -11-
" VJVJ I� BON 7C� consider this a dead -end job with no upward mobility.
Automation of the process may permit the maids to try
a mending, a mentoring or a mulching.
1 5 \ HOL IDAY DOWN SIZING
Nine ladies dancing has always been an odd number.
This function will be phased out as these individuals
Today's global challenges require the North grow older and can no longer do the steps.
Pole to continue to look for better, more
competitive steps. Effective immediately, Ten Lords -a- leaping is overkill. The high cost of Lords
the following economy measures are to take place in the plus the expense of international air travel prompted the
"Twelve Days of Christmas" subsidiary: Compensation Committee to suggest replacing this group
with ten out -of -work congressmen. While leaping ability
The partridge will be retained, but the pear tree never may be somewhat sacrificed, the savings are significant
turned out to be the cash crop forecasted. It will be re- because we expect an oversupply of unemployed congress -
placed by a plastic hanging plant, providing considerable men this year.
savings in maintenance.
Eleven pipers piping -
The two turtle doves represent a redundancy that is simply and twelve drummers
not cost effective. In addition, their romance during work drumming is a simple
ing hours could not be condoned. The positions are there- case of the band getting
fore eliminated. too big. A substitution
with a string quartet, a
The three French hens will remain intact. After all, every- cut back on new music
one loves the French. and no uniforms will
produce savings which
The four calling birds were replaced by an automated will drop right down to
41
voice mail system, with a call waiting option. An analysis the bottom line.
is underway to determine who the birds have been calling,
how often and how long they talked. We can expect a substantial reduction in assorted people,
fowl, animals and other expenses. Though incomplete,
The five golden rings have been put on hold by the Board studies indicate that stretching deliveries over twelve days
of Directors. Maintaining a portfolio based on one com- is inefficient. If we can drop ship in one day, service Levels
modity could have negative implications for institutional will be improved.
investors. Diversification into other precious metals as well
as a mix of T -Bills and high technology stocks appear to be Regarding the lawsuit filed by the attorney's association
in order. seeking expansion to include the legal profession ( "thirteen
lawyers -a- suing "), action is pending.
The six geese -a- laying constitutes a luxury which can no
longer be afforded. It has long been felt that the produc- Lastly, it is not beyond consideration that deeper cuts may
tion rate of one egg per goose per day is an example of the be necessary in the future to stay competitive. Should that
decline in productivity. Three geese will be let go, and an happen, the Board will request management to scrutinize
upgrading in the selection procedure by personnel will as- the Snow White Division to see if seven dwarfs is the right
sure management that from now on every goose it gets will number.
be a good one.
The seven swans -a- swimming is obviously a number cho-
sen in better times. Their function is primarily decorative. he appiest of o idays
Mechanical swans are on order. The current swans will be
retrained to learn some new strokes and therefore enhance Fro m
their outplacement.
The Corridors Team
As you know, the eight maids -a- milking concept has been
under heavy scrutiny by the EEOC. A male /female balance
in the workforce is being sought. The more militant maids
-12-
Classified Ads
Dog Dayz Inn ! ;
FOR SALE - Male Golden Retriever with papers, 20 months
A place where your dog feels � (• 1 old, people friendly, $600. Please call Lisa, at (607) 592 -
"at home ". 2176, or e -mail Lisa@htva.net.
Located in North Lansing
Sandy Strehle, 315- 497 -3467 — FOR SALE - Marantz Stereo System, includes: turntable,
dogdayzinn s yahoo.com ,r 0 f. `io„ < : cassette, 2 large speakers, and remote, $250. Please call (607)
http: / /www.dogdayzinn.com 273 -5609, leave message.
FOR SALE - 1995 31' Challenger 5th -wheel camper. Fea- FOR SALE - JUST IN TIME FOR THAT NEW CHRIST -
tures include two slide -outs, basement, full -size bathroom, and MAS PET! Small animal cage (guinea pig, hamster, gerbil),
a queen -sized bed. Excellent condition. Asking $10,000.00, 24 "x16 "x15 ", two hanging water bottles, and small food dish.
complete with hitch. Also, 2000 Chevy Silverado 3 /4 -ton, ex- PLUS smaller carry cage with exercise wheel. $25 takes all.
tended cab, 3 -door pick -up. Loaded, with 81,000 miles, 6.0 Please call (607) 277 -6878.
Vortec engine, new tires, solid tonneau cover, excellent con-
dition. Asking $12,000, complete with 5th -wheel package. FOR SALE - Portable DVD Player - Axion LMD -6708Y
Both for $21,000. Will consider selling separately, only if the Brand new, gift, never used. Perfect for those long holiday
camper sells first. Must sell due to health reasons. Please call drives. $50.00. Please call Suzanne, at (607) 351 -6943.
(607) 898-5196.
FOR SALE - 1985 24' Tioga motor home on Chevrolet chas- WANTED - 1 or 2 bedroom apartment in private home -
sis. Sleeps 6, A/C, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, 70,000 downtown Ithaca or Triphammer area. Please call (607) 273 -
miles, all new tires. Very good condition. Asking $7,500.00. 5609, leave message.
Must sell due to health reasons. Please call (607) 898 -5196.
,A . I I -
I% ,1--, I r \ Ii /11 ��P/,
``./ 1
d11i\ \
ANSWERS TO "THE PUZZLE "
II S H
1 K
THE CORRIDORS TEAM
Managing Editor
Z Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk's Office
11 6 1 Editorial Staff
N i 1 t Geri Lockwood, Highway
1 0 1 Linnett Short, SW Management Division
.I S N E C T Katrina Schickel, COFA
T ' Classifieds Editor - Geri Lockwood
1 A . T Multicultural Editor- Shanovah Moodie, Records
E u Advising Editor, Page Layout
II R w IM Marcia Lynch, Public Information
c Contributors
1 E , 1 All County Employees and Retirees
R I „ Interested in joining the Corridors team? •
T T E N N E B Contact Maureen at
PI H S R E N T R A P 274 -5431 or mreynolds @tompkins- co.org