Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12 Cci intv Ccrri cltrs December 2010 A Newsletter for Tompkins County Employees and Retirees Volume 22, Number 4 http://www.tompkins-co.orgicountycorridors Long Awaited Health Insurance Consortium Ready to Go! By Joe Mareane, County Administrator At a time when people are demanding govemments find ways to cut costs by working together, Tompkins County and most other municipalities within the County GREATER ig are doing just that. ■ TOMPKINS COUNTY MUNICIPAL NMI INN HEALTH INSURANCE CONSORTIUM Beginning January 1, the County, City, and eleven towns and villages within the ff�� immommt . inimmilmow County will be providing health benefits to their employees and retirees through the Greater Tompkins County Municipal Health Insurance Consortium. The Consortium allows all of its member governments to pool their business, resulting in administrative cost savings for larger governments and very significant reductions in premiums for smaller governments. The savings are large. Compared to the cost of staying in existing plans, the Consortium will save employees, retirees, and taxpayers of all municipalities in the Consortium nearly $900,000 a year. (Costs will still rise, but at a lower rate than what they would have if the plan had not changed.) Importantly, the reduced cost does not mean reduced benefits. A cornerstone of the Consortium's plan — formalized in one of the Board's first resolutions - -is that benefits provided to employees and retirees would be equal to, or greater than, their current plan. And they are. Excellus will continue to administer our health benefits on behalf of the Consortium, so the network of doctors and providers will not change. Medco will continue to administer our prescription drug benefits, so no changes there, either. The Board that oversees the operation of the Consortium includes representatives of all thirteen municipalities plus two labor representatives. A Joint Committee on Plan Structure and Design will advise the Board on any prospective changes to the benefit plan. The Committee includes representatives of all bargaining units of all of the municipalities, plus representatives of those municipalities, and be chaired by a labor representative. The Consortium is the first to be organized in New York State since the State Insurance Law changed in the mid- 1990's. Already, several other counties in the State are considering following our lead. At a time when everyone is talking about intergovernmental cooperating and working smart, we should feel good about how Tompkins County is taking real action to cooperate, work smart, and save money without it coming at the expense of employees or retirees. Winter Weather Preparedness .Don't Depend on Fido! By Cheryl Ne /son, Chair of the Tompkins County Emergency Management /fanning Committee .e` Living in central New York means that you probably either love or hate winter. Although then=_ is beauty in a pristine snowfall on a crisp morning, winter around here usually means getting up early to de -ice your car, listening to hear if the kids have school, taking longer to get to places, or listening to the weather report to see if you need to strop at the store to get an extra quart �' of milk and loaf of bread to hunker down for a "noreaster" that might be approaching. Winter can be a little more tolerable by taking a few steps to prepare for the harsh realities. One primary concern for being prepared is the winter weather's ability to knock out heat, power, and communication services at home, work, or school. The National Weather Service refers to winter storms as the "Deceptive Killers ", because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm. People die in traffic accidents on icy roads and of hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold. So to help you get prepared before the winter weather hits, here are some suggestions for you to consider: o Build an emergency kit that includes items like non - perishable food, water, toiletries, battery- operated or hand -crank radio, and flashlights with extra batteries. Even if you have a kit, now's the time to check it out and be sure everything in it is in working order, and replace or add anything else that you might need. Remember to include items for children, family members with special needs, and pets. o Keep rock salt, other melting agents, sand, and shovels readily accessible for keeping walkways, building entrances, and driveways clear. o Keep adequate clothing and blankets on hand to keep you warm at home or in your vehicle for use in prolonged periods without heat. o Prepare or revise your Family Emergency Plan, including what you will do in case of an emergency, where your family would meet in an emergency situation, and how you will get back together as soon as possible. Remember that family members outside of the area may be good points of contact. o Inquire about emergency plans at schools and daycares that your children attend. o Prepare your home by repairing air leaks, leaming how 10 shut off water valves in the event of a pipe burst, checking fire extinguishers, and changing batteries in fire and carbon monoxide detectors. o Maintain your vehicle so all of the components and systems perform adequately, make sure your tires have adequate tire pressure and tread for proper traction, and keep all fluid levels at adequate levels. For additional tips on how to prepare yourself, your family, and assist your neighbors, click www.TomokinsReadv.ora, or www.readv.aov/arnericatbeinformedtwinterhtml Good - bye and Good Luck, Nancy Zahler! From Kris Bennett, Youth Services Youth Services Director Nancy Zahler retired in early November, _ 1 after 30 years of service. Nancy led the Youth Services - Department almost since its inception. • On October 28, a celebration for Nancy was held at the Moakley House. Over 80 people from many eras and arenas of Nancy's work life were able to attend. The next day, an in- house, drop -in reception was held in the Bev Livesay room. • A proclamation from Legislature Chair Martha Robertson, paying 0 official tribute to Zahler and her many accomplishments on behalf • 4 of Tompkins County, was presented at the Legislature's November 3 meeting. The proclamation noted, "Nancy's vision has literally created the mission and values of the Youth Services Department." and 4 expressed to Zahler the Legislature's "sincere admiration and gratitude for her 30 years of inspiring service." Nancy, with Ithaca Mayor Carolyn Peterson "For someone who has loved this work as much as I have, being celebrated for doing what has been a pleasure feels like a true privilege and a gift and I am deeply grateful," Nancy has said. "While I have gotten credit for a lot of positive changes, the fact is I couldn't have done any of it on my own. It has been unbelievably fi.in and gratifying to have been the catalyst and organizer who brought creative and passionate people to the table so that, together, we could create a powerful synergy that produced systems and life -changing services for thousands and thousands of children and youth in our community." 2 Sustainability Spotlight Want to be a "Green" Holiday Giver? By Barb Eckstrom, Solid Waste Do you want to give a green holiday gift? Then consider shopping at Finger Lakes ReUse. Finger Lakes ReUse, located at Triphammer Mall next to The Rose restaurant, is a non -profit organization providing a convenient alternative to buying new products and reducing trash. It offers three programs: 1. ReUse Center - accepts and sells quality, affordable furniture, household goods, building materials, art supplies, lighting, cabinetry, doors, windows, and much more! Holiday ideas, a set of china to start your children off with her or his own set, a new chair for the living room or bedroom, or a new lighting system. 2. eCenter - a computer reuse program accepting and selling low -cost refurbished computers (Windows, Macs, Linux), printers, cell phones, office supplies, office furniture, home electronics, and more. Want to give you child or a spouse a new more updated computer or printer, stop and see what great value for your money during the holiday and every day. 3. Deconstruction Services - offering salvage and full -scale deconstruction services as an environmental alternative to demolition. If you know someone close that has wanted that old building taken down, but don't want the lumber sent to a landfill, give a holiday gift of deconstruction. ReUse Center Hours - Mon -Sat 9 -6, Sun 12 -5 eCenter Hours - Mon -Sat 9 -6 Call or e-mail with questions about donating or check the website for more information: Phone: (607) 257 -9699 Email: info@fingerlakesreuse.org Website: www.fingerlakesreuse.org Confidential Document Handling By Kat McCarthy, Solid Waste 4114r Have you seen these bins? -101 \ ,�, i - Maybe you've noticed that your department has a new bin for confidential 1 ca documents. This is because Tompkins County recently signed a contract with Challenge Industries in collect, transport, destroy, and recycle confidential paper documents. Each department now has access ID a service that provides a locked bin with a slit for you to easily discard your confidential materials. Bins are sized and placed based on departmental needs. Since this new service can accommodate both ongoing and special, high volume generation associated with purges, materials will be picked -up on a schedule or on -call basis. You may be asking, why Challenge? Challenge Industries is a nonprofit vocational services organization that offers employment and placement opportunities to individuals who face barriers in employment. In partnering with Challenge, the County supports a local nonprofit organization, enhances the local economy, and improves the environment by recycling shredded materials at the Tompkins County Recycling and Solid Waste Center. Further, this new program will provide increased information security and reduce risks associated with handling confidential materials. Should you have questions about the service and how it affects your department, contact your Waste Reduction Representative. If you have not already, you will soon receive a one -page document explaining the details of the program. s4'1 0 : i 7) tie � ' c Microfiber Cloths Keep Offices Clean and Green By Nicole Stumpf, Solid Waste • Did you know the Facilities Department uses microfiber cloths to clean County buildings? Compared with paper and cloth towels, microfiber cloths are better for the environment and our health because they: 41 44 4i • • reduce the need for chemical cleaners • save water • are reusable • offer a better cleaning surface than cotton because they electrostatically • attract dust and dirt • tend to leave fewer streaks on windows because they pick up more dirt particles a While the initial purchase cost can be higher, microfiber cloths can save money in the long Cleaner Ida Besemer (Peanut), run by using less water, minimizing the need for chemical cleaners, and eliminating paper uses microfiber cloth to clean towels. Consider using them to replace paper and cloth towels in your home too! lunchroom tables at Public Works This message is brought to you by the Tompkins County Environmentally Preferred Facility. Procurement Sub - Committee. E -mail Nicole Stumpf at nstumpf@tompkins- co.orq with any questions or comments. Tompkins County Hoarding Task Force Hy Liz Norton, Adult and Long Term Care Services, DSS - 1 . In May of 2008 members from Tompkins County Health, Mental Health, • �` ' 3 . Social Services, Office for the Aging, Mental Health Association and Ithaca t ^;' , College Gerontology convened a meeting to the discuss the growing issue c',10) e,¢ ,'a , of Compulsive Hoarding in Tompkins County. The purpose of the meeting �,' was to determine how community agencies could work together to assist ;� a 4 individuals who are at risk due to their hoarding behaviors, and to learn �;• �i. .' what community resources are available. "' The group ultimately determined that education about the condition of compulsive hoarding was needed for professionals in the field who work with it on a day to day basis, and as a community we also needed Liz Norton, LTC Coordinator, OCFS Associate education on how to work together to effectively assist individuals. We Commissioner Kirk Maurer, NYS Director of Adult decided a conference featuring a national expert on development of local Services, Alan Lawitz and Molly Light, Adult Protective hoarding task forces would be the best way to begin. Caseworker (left to right). Molly and Liz are accepting the award for Tompkins County Hoarding Task Force. In January 2009 Christiana Bratiotis, from Boston University School of Social work provided a very successful, day long presentation to 75 community members from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including aging, health, mental health, social work, legal, zoning, animal control, and housing. The conference, called "Hoarding: Creating a Tompkins County Solution ", provided the group with much needed information about the complexities of compulsive hoarding and created a framework for the development of our Tompkins County Hoarding Task Force. Using the priorities established at the conference, the task force began development of a local resource guide to assist professionals in their work. The guide, which is available on the Tompkins County website on the Department of Social Services page @ irap: / /hoardinq.weebiy.com, provides professionals with resources which are available in our county, as well as a handy assessment tool that enables professionals to determine where to go for help. In September 2010 The Tompkins County Hoarding Task Force was the recipient of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services award for Outstanding Programs and Practices Promoting Protection of Vulnerable Adults. The multidisciplinary task force currently meets quarterly at Tompkins County DSS. Group members have worked together on several difficult cases with success in reducing clients' risk of becoming homeless and of living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. County professionals who are interested in becoming a member of the task force should contact Liz Norton at the Tompkins County Department of Social Services, 274 -5369 or by email liz.norton @dfa.state.ny .us. 4 2010 11L.otheeu. C.o5tuiue Competition. petition c And the winners are Group Individual c '.., R I 1r to Si\ lig -.. - • _ .. lIP t i pmw , _Jr_ qr Ai t t I. Roller Derby Rockers, County Clerks Little Miss Piggy, Kelly Nickerson, Health Department See all the great entries at http: / /www.tompki ns- co. orci/ countvcorridors/ HalloweenCostumeContest2010.pdf Thanks to everyone who participated and all who voted, and to the Vending Committee for providing a $20 award for the group winner and a $10 award for the winner of the individual category. Ithaca Carshare Offers new Easy Access Plan for Income - Eligible Members Ithaca Carshare is a local, non - profit organization that gives its members self -serve ' � r ,y . access by reservation to a network of cars around Ithaca. The program has been in 16 k operation for 2.5 years and currently has 12 cars, a pickup truck, and serves 1,000 members. The Easy Access Plan is a core component of Ithaca Carshare's joint project with ='� i i Cornell Cooperative Extension's Way2Go program and the Greater Ithaca Activities r; � f Center. The project, which is supported by federal transportation funds and by the � ' `, Park Foundation, aims to increase the convenience and affordability of transportation ' in Tompkins County. '' 5 Members on the Easy Access Plan pay $10 and get $15 in driving credit each month. Reservations cost $4.95 per hour and $0.20 per mile for any Ithaca Carshare vehicle. Application fees are waived and unused credits roll over indefinitely. Gasoline, insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance are covered. Compared against car ownership ($5,000 -8,000 /year) or frequent taxi trips, Ithaca Carshare can be a very reasonable and reliable transportation option. Members without credit or debit cards can make payments at Alternatives Credit Union. Individuals who are eligible for Medicaid, Family Health Plus, food stamps, free or reduced price school lunch, or who meet an income guideline 150% or less of the federal poverty level are eligible for this program. Ithaca Carshare also offers discounted organizational memberships to non - profit organizations and agencies. See www.IthacaCarshare.orq or contact Ithaca Carshare (607.277.3210, info @ithacacarshare.org) for details about the Easy Access Plan, organizational memberships, or regular memberships. Submitted by Cynthia K /oppel, DSS Happy Retirement, Linnett Short! We'II Miss You! from the Corridors Team - .. .a.. sy - f. i. t .' r , ` t f t ' . • .. , t fl C i Linnett Short, long -time administrative and communications coordinator at the Solid Waste Management Division, will retire from the County December 30. Linnett has served Tompkins County for 24 years, and in Solid Waste through her many contributions has played a key role in making sustainability and the "Four Rs" (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rebuy) guiding principles to live by in Tompkins County. At the December 21 Legislature meeting, Legislator Dooley Kiefer, who chairs the Legislature's Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, summed it up well, as she informed the Legislature of Linnett's upcoming retirement and paid tribute to Linnett and her fine service over the years, saying: "Her enthusiasm is unstoppable, and she will be missed!" But we on the Corridors Team will especially miss Linnett because of her bright and caring presence as part of the team and for all that she has done for County employees and retirees through this publication over many years. We were trying to determine how long Linnett has been involved in County Corridors and don't have a definitive answer —Geri Lockwood found her name appears as part of the Editorial Board since at least 2003; Editor Maureen Reynolds remembers Linnett's contributions to Comdors when Mo joined the County 18 years ago. Linnett could always be counted upon for good ideas, happy stories (yes, she is the "joke expert! "), and a positive attitude that infected all the rest of us. P Her colleagues at Solid Waste will have more to say later but we as members of the Corridors Team wanted to voice a special farewell and thank It t { you, with fond wishes fora happy and rewarding retirement. Linnett, we will sorely miss you and, as Dooley says, we agree that your • Set enthusiasm is (and will continue to be) unstoppable! k , %sir - l/ The Corridors Team, at its most recent meeting, celebrating Linnett's retirement: (clockwise from left) Trina Schickel, tinned, A Geri Lockwood, Maureen Reynolds, and Marcia Lynch 6 Department News Department of Assessment Three Times as Nice for the Franklin Family! iiirgr 2: They say "Three's a crowd" and in the case of the Franklin family, -. no truer words could be spoken. With the surprising news that ,' _ Jay and Dixie Franklin would be having not one, not two, but three — _ bundles of joy by the fall, needless to say, their family and friends ` rallied together to help with their pending arrival. What none of T. ob` " us anticipated was the unusual early arrival of the children. � �-_ + 1 r� ` ;"."' ' ,:-.: .... /...173(. - As the Assessment staff geared up for Grievance Day on May 25 i..7 ' Reese Opal Franklin had some grieving of her own to do. For on , ---'4'/ 3 this day, Reese decided she had enough of her siblings and arrived ''''`- ��• ,,� at 2:36 a.m., weighing in at 1 Ib. 6 oz. For 18 days, Reese hung 4 ' out at the NICU wing at knot Ogden waiting for her siblings to - -., — 7 join her. On June 12'", the "twins of the triplets" were born. Troy ' — �` • weighed in at 2 lbs. 2 oz., and Jillian at 2lbs. 0.4oz. . Mom and Dad did the daily trek from their home in Lansing to Elmira all summer long. All the while, Jay continued to stay in contact with the staff via his BlackBerry on a daily basis. Troy, having issues with his heart, was transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester for two weeks, and from there discharged to go home on September 1S Their original due date was September 15'". They were all home by September 16' All are well. Mom and Dad are up to their elbows in diapers, bottles and booties and couldn't be happier! The three peas in a pod have all quadrupled in size now, and the Assessment office looks forward to the " pitter- patter"" pitter- patter" "pitter - patter" of their little feet. Submitted by Tamara VanOrman Department of Social Services National Adoption Day I was the last one to catch the elevator and when I squeezed in we all wondered if we'd make it up to the second floor ' , Z. B - 1. ,.� _411 a . Courtroom. 4f. ` , Dressed up children riding with us on the packed elevator were quite excited and fidgety. One of the adults said, "Hey, r what are you doing ?" With a huge smile, a little girl said, "I'm ' > > • 1 being adopted today "! And all the stoic adult elevator faces " , '� changed to big smiles, too. That was the tone during National 1z _ •• Adoption Day at the Courthouse on Friday, November 19. IRS; 1!f 29/11/201 The Courthouse was decorated by the Surrogate Court staff, = and elegant appetizers and cake were donated by the Attomeys From left to right, DSS staff who worked on National for Children. Balloons were everywhere and cameras snapped Adoption day and with children and families: Francesqua continually. The whole building shook when the Judges Jiminez, Shanise Riley, Shelia Chace, Louise Sills, Debbie introduced each child and asked for drum rolls. McKane, Judy Voorheis, Tim Stephenson, Sally Ryan, David Weiner One new father asked everyone to say a prayer of thanks and for the future of his family and all the families. He talked about what a long road it had been, and how, through his family's experience, his view of the work of the Department of Social Services changed. As a taxpayer, he used to see Social Services as "just a tax burden ". Once he got involved in foster care and 7 adoption, he got to know more about all the work Social Services does, and now he see that it is all very important and worthwhile. Adoption is a small part of what we do in Children's Services at DSS. It is a small part of the network in Tompkins County working to build strong children, strong families, and a strong community. 11 children were adopted on November 19, and 27 to date this year. A Celebration of Success - What are Tompkins County DSS Casework staff doing? What are - N - t' $ teens in foster care doing? - # Friday night, September 24, over 25 teens were recognized for • } / their accomplishments. At Cayuga Nature Center, youth were congratulated for achievements like passing their GED, successfully ' , a , completing this year at college, being great employees, getting , 1 promotions, improving interactions with adults, maintaining a positive attitude, learning through life- changing events, obtaining a a � 2siosi2o,o driver's license, graduating high school while parenting a newborn baby, working on self - control, being on the honor roll, passing regents exams, improving sportsmanship, maintaining sobriety, returning home DSS staff left to right are: David Weiner, Krissy from foster care, participating in service trips, avoiding peer negativity, Hendley, Adam Scholl, Robin Pape, Pete Angie, Jen Browne, Peter Veintimilla, Allana McMillen, Lindsay pursuing a positive path, excelling in dancing and athletics, and Vidler. Learning Web staff Rebecca Bowersox is maintaining a focus on dreams and goals. second from left. Two youth were recognized for their leadership representing youth in foster care in meetings with Gladys Carrion, Commissioner of the NYS Office of Children and Family Services. Because of these dialogues, this month all county social services were directed to survey teens annually, about what's happening for them in foster care. Birth families, foster families, and DSS staff were on hand to congratulate these young people who are moving on to adulthood soon. As they will tell you, their situations are not easy to be in or to work with. Many have experienced severe adversity and trauma including abuse, neglect, poverty, Court and juvenile delinquency. It's a credit to our casework staff, that after long days at work, in court, dealing with safety and crisis, advocating and collaborating on behalf of youth and families, providing casework counseling and extensive paperwork —they made it their priority to recognize the hard work and achievements of these young people. Not only that, but to make it special, they raised funds and donations to make it a real "Celebration of Success!" Submitted by Maryanne Banks Youth Services • • 5 At a Sept. 29 luncheon, County Youth Services celebrated the 20th anniversary of the +l': ti ; /.'t.`,.- ' Municipal Youth Service System. The event celebrated and recognized the contributions of v ' youth commissions, community councils and local planning groups in every municipality in -` P the county which all contribute to making Tompkins County a community that makes youth a priority and invests in their future. Awards were made to each local commission /council and '.`4 • the Youth Services Department was proud to receive an award from the New York State - .., Office of Children and Family Services. r..., • Nancy Zahler, Legislature Chair I i Martha Robertson, and Denise On October 28, Youth Services Director Nancy Zahler was " .... Dyer (NYS OCFS) honored to receive the Alcohol and Drug Council's annual Community Service Award in recognition of outstanding ii ti i and far reaching service to the community. Nancy, with the Alcohol and Drug Council Community Service Award. Submitted by Kris Bennett 8 County Clerk Job Description, Deputy County Clerk From the photo at right, it appears that the description of duties to be performed by the Deputy County Clerk have been extended to include MOPPING AND w ;j _ ;{ , _} L 7 ; WAXING FLOORS. Maureen Reynolds seems to be pleased to add this to the - -- a 4 � – chores listed in the "Deputy Does" portion of her title. `� • 1 l � Keep up the great work, Mo!! — 4 . Submitted by Aurora R. Valenti, County Clerk - 1 Mental Health A fond farewell to Judy De Grusso, Administrative Assistant Serves as the Administrative Liaison to the Local Government Unit of the Tompkins Community Mental Health Services Board and its Subcommittees on Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Developmental Disabilities. Judy started with Mental Health in December of 1986 and her retirement started on December 16, 2010. She is looking forward to spending lots of time with her menagerie (dogs and cats). Her colleagues and members of the Board and Subcommittees will miss her. Geraldine (Jerry) Germano -Yaw, Nurse Practitioner. Jerry is a Nurse Practitioner in Psychiatry; she has been working with the entire spectrum of individuals with severe and persistent mental illness at the Mental Health Clinic. She has worked with the Adult, Outpatient, and Children and Youth Clinics, and one of her close colleagues sings her praises by saying "Jerry always took the phone call and tried to solve the problem." Jerry started with the Mental Health Department in January of 1996; her last day with us before retirement is December 24, 2010. She will evolve from Nurse Practitioner Extraordinaire to Organic Farmer Extraordinaire. A warm welcome to Daniel(Danny)Kornblum has returned to us as a Community Mental Health Nurse as of November 29, 2010. He worked with us from the early 90's to the end of 2006. We are so happy to have him back .... he hit the ground running and is working on the 3rd floor Clinic with patients who started to ask for him before he even walked back in the door. He is providing patient care, medication management and outreach services. Welcome Back, Danny. Submitted by Betsy Doling Highway Division /- at, Congratulations to the following on their retirement from the Highway ,• "; r Division atri ht - J ohn Navarro, Mo tor Equipment 0 erator on April ( 9 ) P P �� �• �' 23, Dale Gregrow, Equipment Service Manager, on November 18, and Mike Krauss, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, on November 27. Wer ; wish them all the best and will miss them sc Congratulations to Sid Dense on his daughter's adoptions of his 8 ear - g p 8-y ear- grandson, Colby Raymond Dense, on August 5, 2010, and his 13 -year- old grandson, Dominick Austin Dense, on September 22, 2010. 9 Highway High lights. • . Submitted by Geri Lockwood Road Swaps: Tompkins County recently completed road swaps with the Towns of Dryden and Lansing, swapping lower volume traffic roads for higher ones, as follows: Town of Dryden: Town of Lansing: • Tompkins County acquired the Town section of • Tompkins County acquired Farrell Road, CR108F Game Farm Road, CR173 (Municipal boundary to (entire length). Stevenson Road). • Tompkins County acquired the Town section of • Tompkins County acquired the Town section of North Lansing School Road, CR100N (Rt. 34 to West Dryden Road, CR108WD (Farrell Road to VanOstrand Road). Asbury Road). • Town of Lansing acquired Buck Road (formerly • Tompkins County acquired the Town section of CR153B, entire length). Hanshaw Road, CR182H (West Dryden Road to • Town of Lansing acquired East Lansing Road Neimi Road) (formerly CR152, entire length). • Tompkins County acquired the Town section of • Town of Lansing acquired Milliken Station Road Cobb Street, CR101 (Dryden /Groton town line to Rt. (formerly CR156, entire length). 34B). • Town of Dryden acquired Lake Road (formerly CR157, entire length). - I • Foster Homes or Respite Homes Needed! Become a respite parent —you could be qualified to provide short -term care for children in your home. If you relate well with teens, this may be an opportunity for you! Informational meetings for qualified persons interested in caring for children and teens in their homes by providing respite, foster care, or adoption are held on the second A Thursday of each month at the Human Services Building, J� 320 West State Street. The next Informational Meeting will be held on January 13 at Noon. Please come or call Judy Voorheis at 274 -5266 for more information. Submitted by Shawnae Milton, DSS 10 Employee Spotlight Marge Dean Marge Dean serves as Account Clerk- Typist at the Office for the Aging, • handling bookkeeping and receptionist duties. She has worked for the County for 22 years. Marge responded to the following questions from County Corridors: What do you like best about your job? "• - The people I work with and the clients. What do ou like least about your job? Y Y 7 The stress when the office is busy! What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Playing with my kitty, Flash and my horse, Sabrina. If you ran the world, what is the first thing you would do? I'd like peace in the world and for everyone to be honest and trustworthy. Vitelt4 C011111111 t I'V Post -Trip Information: NYC Spring Trip, May 1S 42 passengers enjoyed a day in the city. "Man of LaMancha" at Hangar Theatre, July 10 — was enjoyed by 34 people. Enchanted Forest /Water Safari, July 31S — 42 passengers enjoyed the park, and 35 people took advantage of the Paul Bunyan's All -U- Can -Eat Buffet while they were there. Fall Outing, October 2nd — cancelled, due to lack of participation. NYC Winter Trip, December 4 — 38 people had a great time. Farewell: To Judy DeGrusso, a long -time Vending Committee Member. We wish you the best on your retirement, and we will miss you! Website: Don't miss out on a chance to enjoy one of the trips or events being scheduled in 2011. Please remember to visit our website, on the employee Intranet (click on the link under "Events /News "), or http://www.tompkins- co.orgjemployee only/VendingCommitteeNews.pdf. Be sure to visit regularly for updated information on all trips, news, etc. Please see your Department Representative (names listed on the website) to share other ideas. 11 Classified Ads Dog Dayz Inn -= FOR SALE - Patio Table with 2 chairs and cushions. - ;rvoy Table is glass top with green trim and green chairs. $50.00. A place where your dog feels "at home". r IF +, Please call (607) 273 -5609 and leave message. Located in North Lansing „_ tit Sandy SYrehle, 315- 497 -3467 FOR SALE - Vitamaster treadmill, $50.00. Please call dogdayzinnAyahoo.com � s (607) 838 -3021, after 5:00 p.m. http: / /www.dogdayzinn.com' FOR SALE - Mark Master 5/24 snowblower, $150.00. Please call (607) 838 -3748, evenings. FOR SALE - 2001 Pro Sun Sapphire tanning bed, with 26 Power and Performance 100 -watt bulbs and 1 400 -watt facial, with a 220 -volt built -in body fan at the end, and has less than 200 hours on it. Strength & Conditioning and Fitness Asking $2,000.00, or best offer. I can e-mail pictures if Look for us on Facebook anyone is interested. Please call (607) 229 -5980, or e-mail Training done by a Certified Strength and Conditioning nailgirlapril a(� ►tva.net. Specialist FOR SALE - 1985 24' Tioga Sports Performance Training motor home on Chevrolet chassis. Sleeps 6, A /C, tilt steering wheel, 1 I L . Personal Training — Get healthy and back in shape cruise control, generator, 70,000 � � after the Holidays. miles, all new tires. Very good ---=` t Private training facility located at 145 Yaple Road, Ithaca. condition. Asking $7,500.00. Must ' ; �' Most Affordable Rates In The Area. sell due to health reasons. Please • - - Ages 12+ call (607) 898 -5196. Please call TJ, at (845) 866 -3199, or E -mail to Massaro31@yahoo.com. HQUi Y JOKES! What does the cat on the beach have in common 1 with Christmas? Sandy Claws What kind of bird can write out holiday cards? A Pen -ruin TI lE COIRLIDOLS TEAM What does snowmen eat for breakfast? Managing Editor Frosted Flakes Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk's Office Editorial Staff Why does Santa have 3 gardens? Geri Lockwood, Highway So he can Ho(e) Ho(e) Ho {e) Linnett Short, SW Management Division What Christmas carol is a favorite of parents? Katrina Schickel, COFA Classifieds Editor - Geri Lockwood Silent Night Advising Editor, Page Layout What is the difference between the Christmas Marcia Lynch, Public Information alphabet and the ordinary alphabet? Contributors The Christmas alphabet has no L (Noel) All County Employees and Retirees Interested in joining the Corridors team? What do elves learn in school? Contact Maureen at The elf - abet 274 - 5431 ormreynolds@tompkins co.org 12