HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-01 ^��;r: achy g��,`,;.:v a ::.: >::. A Newsletter for :, - : x :4 ,i }:.i Employees and Retirees •: ¢: : �: ''�f:. }r,..r Y -.:`. x .#;.. }:: }; : wi:i- ::;: tti :. : " ":' }rrx. : of Tompkins County ox ,y+' :::.t. III iw .:E4: • :: : :d t •} / . } ..f ::. };;<. :.:.::: . n::.:.. } :�...... 1 i "" I January, 1991 i•• : ... -- Vol. III No. XI • AND THE WINNER ?1 IS.... .. by: Cheryl Nelson — Public Works e Administration it L , The second annual "Decorate Your __ - Door" contest was held in the Public Works IF Department over the holiday season. Any employee or group of employees who wished to, decorated their office door in a r._ 11111k • festive way. ,{ The honorable panel of judges consisted . '>! �• �, . of Scott Heyman, Frank Proto, and Collin �} I • A Heyman who substituted for Dan Winch �. `� ; 1 / who was ill at the time of the judging. The 1 ` % i doors were judged on the criteria of neat - '' j� ; ness, originality, and use of recyclable , : I 4 materials. There were nine doors decorated and ` . judged. The themes of the doors ranged „. 4 _ from "Scrooge" — a black plastic drape with "Bah Humbug" written across it, to "Frosty" — a snow man made of three different size trash can tops and all recyclable material, Herbie H. Heart and his "sweetheart" Leighann Sullivan, encourage you to give your which won the contest. This winning door valentine a unique gift this year: Give him/her your heart. your healthy heart. Quit was decorated by Bara Hotchkiss, Recycling smoking, eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and less fat. Invite him/her to take a walk Coordinator, and Lynn Leopold, Recycling with you a few times a week it will give you a chance to make exercise part of a regular Specialist. routine and spend some special time together. The staff of the Public Safety Building If you would like more information on nutrition, exercise and smoking cessation, stop decorated a window and wanted to know if by the Healthy Heart Program in the Health Department or call 277 -8171. they could be included in the competition. If other departments are interested in a "chal- lenge" from the experienced Public Works staff, let us know for next year's contest. ARE YOU GETTING CREDIT FOR ALL YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE COUNTY? Volunteers Needed! a decision was made that any you are receiving, or in the case of retirees County month. T h e needs a entail putting one Recently Y Y g day a month. The job will entail putting and all service for Tompkins County would have received, credit for ALL County ser- newsletters into envelopes that get sent out allowed in determining who receives Ion- vice. If you feel you have not, or would like to retirees. If a retiree or anyone else is in- 4IF vity payments per the contract for active to provide us with information so we may terested please drop a note to the following employees, and allowing membership in the review your file, please do so as soon as con- address or call (607) 274 — 5309 and ask for 25 -Year Club for active employees and venient. We would like to give all those who Karen. retirees. should have such credit the courtesy of a Corridors c/o Central Services If you worked for the County, then left, review and credit, if applicable and not given 301 Harris B. Dates Dr. then returned, we would like to assure that to date. Ithaca. NY 14850 NEW YORK STATE BUDGET DEFICIT HITS COUNTY HARD policy direction on the County' s reaction to them. They will have many choices — r Medicaid in 1991 $378,000 property taxes, raise fees for service, redo By: Scott Heyman — County Administrator Education of Handicapped expenditures. None of these are pleasant, Children in 1990 and 1991 302,344 but it should be kept in mind that the Coun- Once again a higher level of government Probation Aid in 1990 and 1991 73,459 ty does not have to reduce spending (if that On level vernment the State) has hit on the bright idea Miscellaneous Others in 1991 13,900 decision is made) in the same areas that the (th is On a State targets. of shipping its fiscal problems to its own local While these impacts are considerable, At its January meeting, the Budget & governments. they are much smaller than originally Administration Committee began the The recent actions by the Governor and proposed by the Governor in November process of developing guidelines for the the State Legislature to reduce or eliminate and a small fraction of current estimates for 1991 County budget that will focus on Coun- acurrent year deficit in the State budget will the next "deficit crisis" the 1991 -92 State ty and community priorities, rather than on have significant impact on County govern- budget. an across — the — board set of spending ment and taxpayers. The Governor's proposal for that budget limits. Committee members expressed the The State's measures have been analyzed should have been released before this edi- hope that such a process, while it will not be by County department heads and by Budget tion of CORRIDORS is distributed. easy, can better address the needs of the & Finance Director, Kathy West, and the in The County Board will be reviewing all community, particularly in light of take — creased local costs are these: of these impacts in coming weeks and giving backs of State revenue. EMPLOYMENT & TRAINING FINDS A NEW Training iscple and ased to be working towards HOME this goal. The CSC Concept is a new way of think- ing for the New York State Department of by: Kris DeLuca — Beach who could benefit from our combined Labor and only a few localities have been If you're looking for the Employment programs. fortunate to actually see this concept put into and Training Office up at Biggs A these Several small offices in the Community action. Tompkins County is one of only ap- days, you won't find us there. We've moved! Service Center are being made available to proximately 20 communities across the stalk Since late November, we have been lo- other agencies on a rotating, as— available with a CSC. Because of this, State office cated on the second floor of Center Ithaca, basis to further complement the programs are planning an event to showcase our cen- opposite the New York State Department offered by the four permanent residents. ter sometime (hopefully early) in 1991. But of Labor — Job Service. Employment and Additionally, efforts are underway to don't wait until then to come and visit us. Training has co- located with the Job Ser- develop an overall plan of coordinated Whether you're on the Commons return - vice, the Continuing Education Office of employment — related services among all ing those holiday surprises or just enjoying a BOCES and the Employment Unit of DSS agencies to foster a sense of cooperation as lunch at your favorite downtown estab- to form the Community Service Center well as easier accessibility for clients. This is lishment, stop in to our new offices and see (CSC). The intent of the CSC is to bring especially important given that all services how we look. That's the 2nd floor, Center together employment — related services for leading to a person's self — sufficiency and Ithaca (171 E. State St., Rm. 241B, 272 — closer collaboration and to provide "one- gainful employment will not be able to share 3665) across from the NYS Job Service. stop shopping" for community members the same roof. It is an exciting way to think We'd love to show you around. YOUR MONEY IS SAFE WITH US! by Roberta Chiesa — Tompkins �" „r�i Employees Federal Credit Union =� accounts is very similar to that provided by / Due to the recent "bank emergency” for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ( institutions in New England, several of our (FDIC). Members' accounts are federally a members have called to see if their funds are insured up to $100,000. • safe with TEFCU. The National Credit Union Share In- D All credit unions in New York State are surance Fund (NCUSIF) is the strongest / federally insured. Unlike Rhode Island, federal deposit insurance program in exist - there are no credit unions in New York that ence. Currently, the NCUSIF has $1.25 in have private insurance. reserve for every $100 of insured funds. That The type of insurance on our members' figure is more than double that of the FDIC. [D;ijptioyietlet of ac3 County: "Well, when I decided that 1 didn't want to try and do the music ... full -time anymore I was looking for some kind of job that offered me all the benefits and every- With My Banjo On My Knee" thing that I'd done without for so long.... I needed something that I could feel good by Bill Chapp — DSS about doing that wasn't going to be harmful playing music full — time. "I've always had a to anybody or the world or anything like that, Mac Benford has worked in the construe- big garden, and I got into raising critters to and ... [where] they'd hire a 40 — year — old tion trades and as a camp counselor and help g cut down expenses, [it] and banjo la and the County took me." secondary — school English teacher; is a P p and I enjoy player, 1 I think I get much healthier stuff to eat than But the music plays on. "I do keep music musician on of Super and in the currently holds what you can buy in the store." Kay "shares going a little bit," Mac says. His new band, the Unit of the Department of Social Services. a lot of the gardening ... and food — raising Mac Benford and the Woodshed All — Stars, His ninth year with the County starts next and preserving and stuff like that. We have a was formed last spring and consists of Mac month. i bg freezer and do a lot of canning ...." The himself, Marie Burns, Doug Henry, John English farming is pretty much organic; they also Kirk, John Rossbach, and Pete Sutherland, Mac was asecondary— school teacher in Lenox, Massachusetts, until English raise turkeys, chickens, hogs and beef, have most of whom are of national stature in the when he took up music full — time and sold eggs in the past and will probably sell world of traditional music. They are present - moved to the San Francisco Bay area. For them again in the future. Mac and Kay raise ly putting the finishing touches on an album fifteen years he made his living playing banjo more than they need and sell the extra to they've been recording; Mac hopes to get the in old tim bands such as Dr. Hugbad's cover the costs of production, thus getting master tape done by the end of this month their share for free, except that they don't and the album out this summer. The bane New Tranquility String band and the Fat City String Band. Because the musicians he make enough to get paid for the time in- also has appearances scheduled for this sum was playing within the early 70's were based volved. One sometimes hears people say, mer at festivals in Michigan, West Virginia in central New York he moved here and in about a particular undertaking, that it's Pennsylvania and Maryland. either got to make a lot of money or be a lot 1972, along with three other musicians, formed the Highwoods String Band. Though of fun. You may also have seen a bumper they broke up in 1978, the Highwoods are sticker that says, "Crime doesn't pay. Neither FOOD STAMPS — still one of the most well — thought of old — till on does farming." Farming doesn't make them till on ands in the country. The Highwoods any money, but Mac enjoys it and the food, Changing For The peared at numerous clubs and festivals and figures the physical labor is good for him. S d toured internationally for the State There are three children: a daughter Better Department. Jocelyn, 28, an aspiring actress in New York; Mac met his wife Kay in 1974 while on a a son Jake, 25, who, as Mac puts it, "has just 9— country State Department tour in recently been accepted in medical school so by: Joanne Terwilliger Central and South America —she was he's going to be the doctor; take care of me Starting February 1 people living in vacationing in Costa Rica and Guatemala. in my old age, and another son Wade, who's Tompkins and surrounding counties will Kay has been working for the last seven years 10 and in the fifth grade. Wade plays trum- receive their Food Stamp benefits in a more as a reading instructor, first in the Horse- pet and piano and has just started formal direct way. Instead of receiving an heads school system and now in Ithaca. piano lessons, and plays in the school orch- authorization in the mail and taking it to the Mac got started in farming when he was extra. bank, people will use a new identification Mac explains how he came to work for the card to get their Food Stamps at the grocery store. This will mean one less errand a month since food coupons will be available right at the grocery store with no need to f "" stop at the bank. Most participating stores will have convenient evening and weekend hours. In order to obtain Food Stamps each month the eligible recipient will take a New 1, Benefit I.D. card to a participating grocery it . -:;, store where a clerk will swipe it through a , .. ,� magnetic strip reader. The recipient will V _ ; then enter a private four -digit code to verify .. identification. The Food coupons can then be used at that store or any store that par- ._ _ ticipates in the Food Stamp program. The New York State Department of So- • cial Services will he mailing personal codes and a list of grocery stores that will be issu- lif ,i ing Food Stamps to all Food Stamp . . - recipients, late in January. If you have any questions about the Food �, Stamp program, please call 274 -5328 . FOR RETIREES... News Regarding The CSEA Retiree Cans For Kids Division by: Louise McEwen = I have been asked to publicize the CSEA surance program (auto, homeowner's and 4 Retiree Division, an organization to which renter's insurance); and access to some of our retirees belong but which may Automate, a road and travel plan not be known to all retirees. I quote from • Continuation of eligibility and/or access their literature: (Excerpted) to the AFSCME Public Employee Wrapping It Up "The primary purpose of the CSEA MasterCard Retiree Division is to promote the interests and well — being of retired public • Free subscriptions to three informative employees. Due to Taylor Law restrictions, publications: The CSEA Retiree by Bill Chapp, DSS legislative and administrative means are util- Newsletter, AFSCME Retiree Rights ized to protect and promote benefits gained newsletter and the AFSCME Public through years of public employment." employee magazine In the October issue of County Corridors "The Retiree Division currently has over • Discounted personal legal services refer - we reported on the Cans for Kids program 45,000 members organized into 21 Retiree ral network being run by Ted Merritt, Denise Greene Locals throughout New York State and one "Membership dues are $9.00 annually and Dave Chase of DSS. The results of the local in Florida State. The Retiree Locals and the membership year is October 1 can collecting are that more than 11,000 cans hold membership meetings based on through September 30." were redeemed, and a little over $583.00 was members' interests and receive a rebate to NOTE: Any County retiree wishing more received in cash donations. About a dozen subsidize their activities." information and/or an application for mem- people helped wrap presents and three or "Retiree Division members enjoy the fol- bership should write CSEA, Inc., Local 1000 four others volunteered to help distribute lowing benefits: AFSCME, AFL — CIO, 143 Washington the gifts during their lunch hours. All in all, • CSEA lobbying expertise provides clout Avenue, Box 7125, Capitol Station, Albany, presents were purchased for 215 kids in 70 with the N.Y.S. Legislature and in con - NY 12224. Membership is open to any per- or 71 families for just about $1,006.00. junction with the AFCSME Retiree son who was a CSEA member while At this time about $80.00 worth of cans Program members are represented employed OR is retired and receives a retire- have been donated and next year's Cans for ment allowance from the NY State & Local Kids drive is underway. before Congress. Employees' Retirement System or the • Continuation of CSEA— sponsored in- N.Y.S. Police and Firemen's Retirement A TIP FROM WEIGHTS & surance plans such as Group Life In- System. surance; access to hospital indemnity MEASURES coverage and the personal lines in- Get Full Measure, Plus RETIREES — Put Your Skills To Work Here's a supermarket tip that can help you get as much as 20% more when you buy pre — packaged produce and fruit. You may by: Louise McEwen have noticed that items such as potatoes, carrots, onions, apples and oranges (to We've been asked by the Retired Senior find just the right opportunity; they match name a few) have a weight indicated on the Volunteer Program, sponsored locally by the you with a non — profit organization whose package. A bag of apples, for example, might Tompkins County Senior Citizens' Council, needs match your talents. You will find that be labeled 5 pounds, but rarely will it weigh to make County retirees aware of this oppor- lending a hand, while expanding your own exactly 5 pounds. Due to the makeup of tunity to help you put your skills to work help- horizons, is very satisfying. some products, it is impossible to package it ing others in the community. RSVP also offers other benefits ... while and end up with the exact weight shown on When a retiree first stops work, im- you're volunteering, you're' eligible for (1) the package. Therefore, pre - packaged mediate relief is often followed by boredom. supplemental insurance, (2) transportation produce and fruit tend to "weigh heavy". Why not consider letting the folks at RSVP reimbursement, and (3) meal subsidy. In order to determine which package is help you open up new areas of interest? If you're interested in learning more the better buy, simply weigh several on RSVP's main benefit is helping you stay about this great organization — a part of either the customer scale or the estimat healthy. Through RSVP, you stay active, in- the Tompkins County community since scales that are available for consumer use terested and involved by working in a volun- 1977 — give RSVP a call at 607 -277— all supermarkets, and buy the heaviest. By teer position where you are needed. 4545. They're located in the DeWitt Office doing so, you could end up with an extra Your lifetime of knowledge and skills is a Complex, 215 North Cayuga Street in pound of product. That's getting 20% more valuable asset that can provide tremendous Ithaca. FREE since all the packages sell for the dividends to many people. RSVP helps you same price. • "The Banker's Secret" EMPLOYEE WELLNESS SURVEY UPDATE • The following article is excerpted from an article entitled "Protect Yourself from the Plastic Monster" which appeared in The Banker's Secret bulletin, published by Good Ad- vice Press, Box 78, Elizaville, NY 12523, and is provided to you with their permission. by Sigrid Larsen Kerr, MS, RN Use The Banker's Secret to Save Money on Your Credit Card Bills. The Te County Employee e ness Survey y I c ns conducted n ty lasst t May and June has finally reached the press. Two hundred Let's assume that you charged $2,000 on one card and have prudently decided to stop and ninety— eight of you returned the survey using it while you pay off the debt. Your credit card company, like many, requires a month- representing a 43% response rate. Many ly minimum payment of 2% of the average daily balance...or $15, whichever is higher...and ideas were shared about what kind of Well - that the annual interest rate is 20% (1.67% per month). ness Program you would like to have and over three — hundred concerns about your Figure #2 shows the first five payments from an amortization schedule for this loan. work environment were listed. Wellness Programming Figure #2 The Wellness Programs you were most in- Pre- Payment Schedule: Credit Cards terested in are listed in descending order: p'ynient M Interest Principal Balance Fitness Center (77 %), Stress Management Number Payment (71 %), Weight Reduction (63 %), Screening 1 40.00 3333 6.67 1,993.33 Clinics (65 %), Walking Clubs (61 %), 2 39.87 33.22 6.64 1,986.69 Aerobic Exercise (59 %), Women's Health (57 %), Healthy Back (56 %), Team Sports 3 39.73 33.11 6.62 1,980.07 (46 %), Family Participation (44 %), Martial 4 39.60 33.00 6.60 1,973.47 Arts (37 %), Parenting Skills (35 %), Rac- 5 39.47 32.89 638 1,966.89 quetball (34 %), Elder/Respite Care (26 %), and Smoking Cessation (20 %). Interest was also expressed in Jazzercise, Low — Impact III Aerobic Exercise, Single — Parenting Sup- port Groups, Men's Health Issues, and If, with payment #1 ($40), you send in an additional $6.64, you would save $33.22...the Glaucoma Screening. interest portion of payment #2...and you would reduce your payback time by one month. Over one -third of all respondents ex- pressed interest in Cholesterol, Blood Pres- You would never have to pay that $33.22! When your next payment comes due, it will sure and Comprehensive Blood Screenings. be for $39.73...the payment for month #3. Your pocket change prepayment of $6.64, less An additional third expressed interest in than a quarter a day, would save you five times that amount. Mammograms, Pre — Menstrual Syndrome, Menopause and Pre —Natal Care educa- Remember, that $6.64 pre — payment is nothing "extra ". It's an advance payment that tional Programs. would have been due next month. Anyway, $6.64 is money you'd never otherwise notice, Volleyball was the most popular team invest, or miss. sport written in, followed by Basketball, Ten- nis, Golf and Somer. In addition, Archery, The more you pre — pay, the more you'll save. For example: send in an additional $19.86 Bocceball, Jogging Club, Ping -Pong, Skiing, with payment #1 ... to cover payments #2, #3, and #4 ($6.64 + $6.62 + $6.60 = $19.86) Squash, Swimming, Tai Chi, Track, Weight- ... and you'll save $99.33 ($33.22 + $33.11 + $33.00). You'll also cut your term of indeb- Lifting and Yoga were all requested. tedness by three months. Wednesday was the most preferred day for Wellness Programs followed by So, whenever you have an outstanding loan balance, use The Banker's Secret to save a Thursday, Tuesday, Monday and Friday fortune on your credit cards, mortgages, car loans, and other loans. What's more, you'll be along with two brave souls who opted for buying a more secure future. weekend participation. However, most employees said that any day would be just NOTE: I've arranged to get copies of The Banker's Secret through its author, Marc fine. Lunch hour was the most popular time Eisenson. If you'd like more information relative to the preceding article, I suggest you ob- of day for participation, followed by after - tain a copy of his booklet for your personal use. It is very applicable to all types of mortgage work hours and before — work hours. The loans, car loans, student loans, credit cards, and any other loan where pre — payment of majority of respondents (76 %) said they principal will save interest monies for you! If you'd like a copy (maximum price is 59.95; would prefer a shared combination of work Of may get a discount depending on how many order), please send me your name and and personal time allotted to Wellness partment not later than February 6 and I will then advise you of the cost depending on Programs and another 77% would like to see number desired. these programs held at their workplace. However, the landfill crew would prefer an Louise McEwen — County Personnel off — site location. » continued on page 6 Wellness con't plain tired of sitting all day long at your Work Environment Concerns desks. Additional observations discussed lack of accessible physical fitness facilities • l' and inability to obtain healthy foods at the Q Many of you wrote helpful and encourag- workplace. ing comments. A few of you were just plain Concern about exposure to exhaust 6— String Blueridge acoustic guitar, will cranky, but all of you were specific enough fumes, pesticides, specific chemicals and/or hard case, $175. Radio Shack guitar tuner. so that each of these areas could be tabu- cleaning agents used in the workplace were Call 844 — 4127 evenings 6— 8 p.m. lated and categorized. The following shared including concern about the safety of Weekends 8 a.m. -8 p.m. categories are the areas of strongest concern computer screens. In addition, several con - listed in descending order, cerns about susceptibility to diseases and FOR SALE: Wedding gown, size 14— 16, Stress caused by a multitude of both in- colds from certain clientele were shared. beaded front, puff sleeves, high neck, 6 ft. ternal and external problems led the list. Lastly, concern about your personal safety long train. Asking $100.00, call 564 -7965 This was followed by concerns about Air when working with potentially dangerous after 5:00 p.m. Quality which included observations about clientele were listed. lack of fresh air, smoking abuse, dust, odors, All of the information gathered here has FOR SALE: 18 cubic' refrigerator — mold and asbestos removal. Lighting, Noise, been presented in detail to the County Per - $400.00 (Sears) Kenmore — almond color Temperature Control & Water Quality sonnel Office. They have started working on — 4 yrs. old, like new. Call Albert R. Moore received many comments, most involved too the findings of this report and are beginning (evenings) 257 — 0432 or Nancy J. Bogardus much or too little heat, lack of natural or in- to tackle the concern and preferences you 898 -3930 after 6:00 p.m. adequate lighting, cramped work spaces and have shared. My tenure as a graduate student poor quality of drinking water. has ended and will now be moving on to other NEED A SPRING OR SUMMER Numerous complaints about back, neck employment. I have enjoyed working with all GETAWAY? Plan for a day's charter on the and shoulder strains were received, either of you and feel fortunate that I was able to "Trophy Dancer ", a 28 —foot Carver, for from existing health problems or exacer assist you in the development of your Well- high -tech fishing or simple cruising on bated by sitting, driving, and lifting on the ness Program. Thank you! Cayuga Lake. Contact Captain Bob Dutcher job. Many of you stated that you were just ( 607 - 257 -2025) for more information and prices. Makes a great gift, too! New Caregivers' Support Group Available! APARTMENT FOR RENT: One bedroom $220.00 plus. Main Street, Inter - A new support group, called Caring and Tompkins County Office for the Aging. taken OR Rte 414, Valois. Call Anita 532 Sharing, is available to persons concerned The group is designed to be as con- 9556. Evenings and weekends. about or assisting a frail, elderly loved one. venient as possible for caregivers — meet - This program provides an opportunity for ing one Saturday morning per month. The Experienced seamstress will create caregivers to receive the support they need next meeting has been set for Saturday, women's and children's fashions, custom by sharing their thoughts and feelings with February 2, 1991, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. made especially for you by TYNYK others who understand and can sympathize. at the Cooperative Extension building, 615 ORIGINALS, from your pattern and Tips for stress management are also Willow Avenue, Ithaca. Refreshments will material. Reasonable price quotes in ad- provided. All information is held in the stric- be provided. For further information, con- vance and assistance in material selection. test confidence. Caring & Sharing is co— tact Carolyn Croke at the Office for the For more information call 564 -9244 even - sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Exten- Aging at 277 -0148 or Nancy Potter at ings and weekends. sion of Tompkins County and the Cooperative Extension at 272 - 2292.' Caregivers' Resource Center at the FOR SALE: GIFT BASKETS for everyone on your list... Ncw Executive, IMPORTANT HEALTH Writer's Retreat, English Afternoon Tea, Ale House, Lovers, New Homeowners, and INSURANCE NOTE more. THE MARKET SQUARE — 272- 2090. by: Louise McEwen In the fall of which the State cne d to Legislature acted on FREE UNCLASSIFIEDS bills which pertaine to making mammogram testing for women more readi- Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County employees, retirees and their im- ly available under health insurance in New mediate families. Ads may be for any purpose except no personal ads will be accepted. No York State. County addresses or telephone numbers may be listed in the ads. Use this coupon to send your ad to Corridors c/o Central Services. In checking with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Central New York, I am advised there will be no rider issued to enrollees on this sub- ject, but our enrollees and /or spouses should • know that Blue Cross Blue Shield covers any routine or diagnostic mammogram done at any time. This, of course, is paid through basic and the procedure itself has no deduct- ible.