ဟံၣ်My WebLinkဘၣ်ဃးဒီး1992-07 o A Newsletter ar f or Employees s a n Y o QQ and Retirees raa s of Tompkins n s u Co nt P Y :::: >. > : :::::<: >::::: July, 1992 ::::::::::, : . volume V, N Recycled a er 11111111 paper DIRECTOR RECEIVES WO -MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD RECEIVED b PERSE..EE Dc °T. by Louise McEwen IlIL 311992 For the fast time in the 85 -year history of the N.Y.S. Weights and Measures Association, their annual "Man" of tfie Year award went to a female Director of Weights and Measures in the State, our own Judy I. Tynyk. At the Association's Annual Conference banquet in Syracuse on July 1, 1992, Judy was honored with a plaque recognizing her efforts in enhancing the role and importance of all Weights and Measures officials in the State in the area of consumer protection. During 1991 -92, Judy acted as Chair of the Association's Legislative Committee which was instrumental in writing a proposed Scan- ner Accuracy Law, working closely with the N.Y.S. Food Merchants Association, to assure fairness not only to the consumer but the food marketing industry in New York State as well. In recognition of Judy's active role on the Legislative Committee, she was reap- pointed Chair of the Committee for 1992 -93. She has been directed by the Association's Executive Committee to work closely with the N.Y.S. Bureau of Weights and Measures in presenting this proposed law to the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture and Markets in Albany in anticipation of this important consumer protection legislation becoming a part of Article 16 of the N.Y. S. Agriculture and Markets Law. At the Annual Conference, Judy was honored further by her peers in the State when elected to the position of Secretary for the As- sociation for 1992 -93. In addition to protecting consumers and giving helpful advice and direction to retailers in the County on a day -to -day basis, it's easy to see that Judy is a very effective and dedicated advocate of consumer protection throughout New York State. Judy, our sincerest congratulations to you...Thank You on behalf of all the residents of Tompkins County...and keep up your good work! We appreciate you as an unsung hero in providing a valuable service to consumers in Tompkins County and New York State and we're proud of you! DAYCARE HAPPENINGS... This is such a wonderful time of year in the daycare business! Warm weather and sunshine seems to bring out the best in all of us, especially the children. There is so much laughter and pleasure heard out on the playground from voices of all ages. We have been keeping busy on our wonderful playground, going on nature walks in the "magic forest ", and on our many field trips. At TEDC we are committed to providing the kids with as many different experiences as possible. In our classrooms we are constantly thinking of new areas to explore and projects to do, but the best way for us to enhance the learning experiences of the kids is to take them on field trips. We have been very successful at this during the past year, and are proud of the many places we've visited. Our trips have included: The Burnett Zoo, The Hangar Theatre, The Roberson Planetarium, The Discovery Center, Cornell Apple Orchards, Cass Park Pool and Ice Ring, Old McDonald's Farm, Stewart Park, and Sapsucker Woods. This July marks the third anniversary of Tompkins Employees Daycare. We proudly boast of a sound financial picture, full enrollment, and a stable workforce. Many of the staff members of TEDC have been here from its inception. Sue Hallock, one of our treasured infant teachers, has recently been awarded the Governor's award of excellence in child care. For those of you who know Sue, you realize it's because of her uncompromised love for babies and her dedication to the field of child care. Marianne Arcangeli and Kieah Ficarro have also been with us since TEDC took over operations. Teaching two and three year olds, they continue to add their warmth and knowledge to the program. These teachers, along with many others who have dedicated several years to TEDC, are just some of the reasons that make our daycare so special. One of our goals for this upcoming year is to continue to serve Tompkins County employees as best we can. This Fall we will be welcoming several new "County babies" to our infant room. It's a pleasure to serve all County employees, and we welcome any suggestions on how we might improve our services to you. As Always the invitation is open to stop by and visit our classrooms or playground. 1 1 COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT By Scott Heyman - County Adminstrater Many hearfelt thanks to the many County employees who expressed their condolences on the death of my father in June. He had a long life, and one of the more interesting and exciting working lives anyone could ever hope for. He went to work at the Syracuse Herald Journal when he was only 15 years old, began working in its art department after short stints as copy boy and cub reporter, was promoted to Art Director at the ripe old age of 21, stayed in that position for 45 years with 21/2 years off to serve in the Navy during the World War II, and then proceeded to work yet another 18 years in his old department on a fill -in basis. He had tried to retire, but found he missed it too much. Thanks as well to the County employees who responded to the request in the Corridors for suggestions on how to save County money and improve efficiency in county operations. Many interesting and promising ideas came in, and several are being followed through upon now. I reported several months ago in this column, and will repeat now - -under the Fiscal Plan adopted early this year departments can, in effect, expect to allocate for their own use savings they are able to generate. No "raids" on unspent funds will occur, either during the year or at the end of the year, unless the department itself cannot identify a legitimate and useful way to expend the funds. One of the ideas we received is already being aggressively implemented. The Buildings and Grounds Division is well along on retrofitting County buildings with energy saving bulbs and devices. They estimate the main courthouse alone is saving over $1,000 per month in its electric bill. NYSEG pays for most of the cost of these improvements, and I've been working with Public Works Commissioner Mobbs and the County Board to make sure we find enough money to keep moving forward with this program which is bringing us immediate savings. Starting next month 1 am going to use this column to answer employee questions as well as to report on items of interest in County administration. Please send me any question you have in care of the Courthouse. All questions will be answered; if they are of general interest I will publish question and answcr in Corridors, if not I will answer the individual personally. Anonymous questions are welcome. Looking for Information about Senior Services? Tanned Look Grows Old Fast Many booklets are available free -of -cost from the Office for the Aging at 309 North By now, most people know that being out Tioga Street in Ithaca. Located on the second floor of the Thaler & Thaler Law Office in the sun too much ages your skin. But just Building, the office can be accessed from a ramp at the front door. An elevator is available in case you're not yet convinved, here's new from the first to the second floor where the COFA office is located. evedence from the sunny Southwest. In research supported by Procter & The following list is just a sampling of the many booklets available: Gamble, a group of dermatologists studied • *Financial & Legal Resources in Tompkins County the faces of 41 Caucasian women who had lived in Tucson, Arizona, for at least ten • *Long -Term Care Services in Tompkins County years. Using skin biopsies and other ex- • *Specialized Health Programs in Tompkins County amination techniques, the researchers found that the women with the most sun • *Housing for Seniors in Tompkins County exposure had the most facial wrinkling, sag- • *Resources for Caregivers in Tompkins County ging, and other measurable signs of skin damage. • *Leisure Time Activities for Seniors in Tompkins County They also found that when untrained judges were asked to estimate the ages of the women based on high - resolution color photographs of their faces, they tended to overshoot the chronological age of the The Credit Line Wholesale Depot women with a lot of sun exposure by about Credit Union Hours ten years. The Wholesale Depot will be arriving Another reminder that the short -term Mon. 8:30 -4:30 soon in Ithaca.The Depot is planning to pleasures of a handsome tan are not worth Tues 8:30 -4:30 open by the end of July. Being a member of the long -term hazards. Wear sunscreen and Wed 12:00 -4:30 the Credit Union makes you eligible to join a shade hat as much as possible. Thurs 8:30 -4:30 the Depot. A copy of your membership card Journal of the American Academy of Fri 8:30 -Noon will be required to show your eligibility. Dermatology 25 (11/91) • 1992 EMPLOYEE COUNCIL ELECTION CANDIDATE INFORMATION Ballots will be distributed to all voters in the three departments during the week of July 27th and should be turned in no later than Friday, August 7th. Management Staff - Public Works Cheryl Nelson has been with the County for seventeen and one -half years and as a Public Works Administrator at Public Works for five years. She wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I have been a member for 1991 representing PW Management. I would like to continue to serve to see certain items through that I have been involved with." She feels she can be effective on the Council because: I feel employees have good, strong points to convey that need to be heard by others." She feels the priorities of the Council should be: "Dealing with what employees feel are inequities in their work place." She feels the Council can be most effective by: "Acting as an intercedent in issues where employees feel their concerns have been stopped short of a resolution." Management Staff - Mental Health Barbara Karaviotis has been with the County for eleven years and works in Administration at the Mental Health Department. She wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I feel that the Council can be a valuable vehicle for employee involvement in the quality of their own employment experience." She feels she can be effective on the council because: "I have been a part of the process of the Council's defining itself and finding a voice for it's members." She feels the priorities of the Council should be: "To represent the interests and concerns of all County employees." She feels the Council can be most effective by: "Acting as an advisory board as per the Board of Representatives resolution." Line Staff - Mental Health Christine Decker has been with the County for six years and as a caseworker for CSS at the Mental Health Department for four years. She wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I believe that the best way to increase employee satisfaction in a workplace is by promoting a team of management and staff." She feels she can be effective on the Council because: "My past work in the recruitment and retention committee increased my awareness of County employee issues." She feels the priorities of the council should be: "Promoting the County's human resources by encouraging professional growth and development for all County employees." She feels the Council can be most effective by: "Opening communication among all segments of the County workforce." Line Staff - DSS Joanne Terwilliger has been with the County for 13 years and as a Trainer in Social Services for One and a half years. She wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I am interested in continuing my work with the Council and particularly with the Professional Growth and Development committee. Our committee is completing the process for recommending a Employee Performance evaluation policy. Our next step is to develop a county training policy, and a county training plan to meet the needs of all employees." She feels she can be effective on the Council because: "I have been employed in various capacities at DSS throughout my 3 years of service. I am aware of the problems which occur within the Department, as well as the County. My experience in Staff Development can and has assisted the Professional Growth & Development Committee in their work." She feels the priorities of the council should be: "To advise the County Administration on ways to promote a more effective work environment." She feels the Council can be most effective by: "Continuing its efforts in the area of Rewards and Recognition, Communication, Human Resources and Professional Growth & Development. By following through on the work that as begun to happen in the Council we can • make a difference." Line Staff - Public Works Leighann Baldwin has been with the County for 2 years and as a Secretary for one half year. She wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I have been working with the Council for a year and wish to continue the work we have begun." She feels she can be effective on the Council because: "I am familiar with the work that is being done and feel I could effectively continue the efforts being made." She feels the priorities of the council should be: "Continuing it's work on improving communication and working relationships between Administrators & Employees." She feels the Council can be most effective by: "Continuing along the paths that have been set during this past year." Management Staff - DSS Philip LaPadula has been with the county for 2.5 years and as a Staff Development Coordinator for 1.5 years. He wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I would like to complete the work that has been started. After formulating the council and its committees, the real work of problem solving is beginning. I would like to be a part of this process." He feels he can be effective on the Council because: "I have learned a great deal about the County and the people that work here. This knowledge and experience can assist me in working on our complex problems." He feels the priorities of the council should be: "To follow through on the projects designated by each working committee. the council needs to remain focused on the tasks that have direct results for County employees." He feels the Council can be most effective by: "Understanding the value of diversity within the council itself and within the various departments in the County." Line Staff - DSS Bill Chapp has been with the County for 12 years, 10 months and as a Social Welfare Examiner, Food Stamps for 12 years, 10 months. He wishes to be a candidate for the council because: "To continue with our work of the last year, which is organizing ourselves and determining our direction and goals, and starting to work towards those goals." He feels he can be effective on the Council because: "I have had a year's experience with the Council and working directly with several of its members gives me better knowledge of other members' perspectives and attitudes than I had at the start of my term." He feels the priorities of the council should be: "Based on the needs of the employees of Tompkins County as shown by the Recruit- ment and Retention committee survey and employees' current comments." He feels the Council can be most effective by: "Not accepting and being constrained by the assumptions and attitudes of County Management; by looking at issues from perspectives other than the conventional; and by exercising independence in its beliefs, at- titudes and affairs." Line Staff - DSS Hiroshi Takashima has been with the County for 7 years and as a Social Welfare Examiner for 5 years. He wishes to be a candidate for the council because: "I am one of very few employees who has guts to say what is right and fair." He feels he can be effective on the Council because: "I am aware what Administration is trying to do and what employee need but can- not say in fear of punishment by the Administration." He feels the priorities of the council should be: "Advising Administration how to deliver effective and fair service to clients & proper & fair Process of treating employees, including evaluation and promotion & commitment by administration to value & respect & im- plement council's recommendations." Management Staff - DSS David A. Chase has been with the County for 14 years and as a Welfare Employment Representative for 12 years. He wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I would like to continue contributing to the development and progress of the now 1 year old Employee Council." He feels he can be effective on the Council because: "Of my past experience of the Employee Council." He feels the priorities of the council should be: "Representing employee's concerns and developing the means to address these con- cerns." He feels the Council can be most effective by: "Addressing issues one at a time and pursuing them to conclusion." Line Staff - DSS Henry Lee Chan has been with the County for 5 years, and as a Social Welfare Examiner for 4 years. He wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I would like to continue my work from the past year as a member of the Employee Council." He feels he can be effective on the Council because: "I am familiar with the work that is in progress and I am committed to seeing that the projects that I have started will come to a completion." He feels the priorities of the Council should be: "To reach an understanding of all concerns of County Government as a whole and not take sides such as management vs. line staff." He feels the Council can be most effective by: "Working toward a better working environment for all involved. Not to take any sides with any issue but to be fair and concise with recommendations." Management Staff - DSS Michel Kelly has been with the County for 13 years and as a Case Supervisor - Child Protective Services for 2 1/2 years. She wishes to be a candidate for the Council because: "I believe the Council can be an effective mechanism for dealing with Employee concerns. I am willing to do the work necessary to help develop and facilitate the necessary procedures." She feels she can be effective on the Council because: "I am a long term County employee and have a good knowledge of what does and does not work for employees and what their concerns are. I have already been involved with the committee for the past year and would like to continue the work already started. She feels the priorities of the council should be: "1. To continue to address priorities identified in the employee survey. 2.To develop, refine, and follow through with action and policies started through the Council 3. Act as a conduit and advocate employee needs and concerns 4. Be an advisory board to the County Board. She feels the Council can be most effective by Listening and responding to employees. The board and the sub committees need to continue to educate itself not only what problems are but what and where solutions may be found. PERSONNEL CLASSIFIEDS PICNIC SAFETY PERSONALS Wanted Plastic Model Cars. Preferred With Labor Day approaching us, many CONGRATULATIONS TO... from 50's -70's Call Bernie 657 -8184 Americans are taking to the great outdoors for cooking and eating. Whether you're pic- Town & Country Landscaping Commer- nicking or barbecuing in your backyard, New Hires... cial and Residential. Free Estimates taking a few precautions will help keep your Seasonal Cleanups, Fertilizing Planting & activity enjoyable and safe, according to the Design Trimming Lawn Installation Serv- Tompkins County Health Department. ing: Tioga & Tompkins Counties. "Picnics can be fun, but not when food Planning Robert Stanley, Owner (607) 659 -4462 poisoning results from food that has not been kept at proper temperatures prior to Ted Himlan, GIS Manager /Analyst, who Rent: Like new house, Groton- Freeville cooking and eating," said John Andersson, began work with us on May 18. area. $550 /mo.+ Perfectforcoupleorsmall Director of Environmental Health, family. Available longterm or sublease Tompkins County Health Department. Loretta Bernal, Secretary, who joined the through October. Call 898 -3058; keep Mr. Andersson said illness caused by Department on July 6. trying. food poisoning occurs more frequently during the hot summer months because food Richelle Siclair, Secretary, who joined Wanted: Used car, moderately priced. I spoils quickly at warm temperatures. He the Department on July 6. am willing to fix up. 387 -3583 early am said bacteria that causes food poisoning multiply rapidly when foods are exposed to For Rent: One bedroom Apartment. In- temperatures between 45 and 140 degrees New Parents... terlaken. Yard /Parking. $265.00 Plus. Fahrenheit. Perishable foods, such as milk, Deposit Required. Anita 532 -9556 fresh meat, poultry, and fish, must be Tom Richardson, Solid Waste, as he & refrigerated or frozen to avoid the growth of his wife celebrate the birth of their first son, Mobile Home: 12x70, 2 bedroom on bacteria. Samuel, born July 7. shady lot in Newfield Park Stove, Mr. Andersson said food should be kept Refrigerator, Dishwasher, Washer, Dryer, refrigerated until it is time to leave for a Large Shed, New Carpeting.564 -7773 picnic. Perishable foods should be packed in New Grandparents... nights /wkends a ice cooler while being transported to the picnic. Once removed from refrigeration, Dianna Crane, Office for the Aging, a Wanted to buy: 1930 and 1931 Ithaca perishable foods should be eaten, or cooked granddaughter, May 26, Sibs. lloz. Tammy High Annuals (year books) call 273 -3745 and eaten immediately. Lee Crane. Safety measures are also important when I'm leaving Ithaca and need to sell my car! cooking on a barbecue or outdoor fireplace, New Couples... TOYOTA COROLLA 1983, 4 door, 5 Mr. Andersson said. Make sure your cook - speed, 110k, new muffler, tires, well - main - ing spot is well away from flammable ob- Congratulations to Julie Smith of Pur- tained. Call Carolyn at the Office for the jects, including house, tent, trees and picnic chasing & Central Services on her recent Aging at 277 -0148. $1,075/best. tables. Keep children and pets safely away June 20 marriage to Leo Wrench. from the cooking area. Cats to give away to a good home. Dianna Never use kerosene or gasoline to start a 387 -6569 evenings. fire. Special liquid or UL- approved electri- Moving Up... cal fire starters will ignite your charcoal Accounting Software for Small Busi- safely and effectively. Be sure to read labels Mary Sue Brenno, who is leaving Person- nesses DATA DIRECTIONS, 844 -3774 and operating instructions. nel to accept a position of Secretary to the The cook should wear a heavy apron, Principal at Newfield Central School. TYNYK ORIGINALS experienced potholder -type mitts, and use long - handled seamstress specializing in wedding and for- utensils. It's also a good idea to keep a fire mal attire for women of all ages. Reasonable extinguisher or a bucket of water or sand on Good -bye.. price quotes and assistance in material hand. selection. For more information, call 564- With a little planning, your outdoor Carolyn Croter and Hank McCrillis of 9244 evenings and weekends. cooking and eating activities can be safe and the Office for the Aging. enjoyable this year, "Mr. Andersson con - For Sale: Tandy 1000TX computer in- eluded. Jo Ann Drake, retiring July 19 as cook at eludes 31/2 floppy, 51/4 floppy, 32 meg hard the Jail. Best wishes for a long and happy drive, color monitor. 2 men's 10 speed retirement. bicycles. Call 387 -6942, leave message. Congratulations... Karen Rumsey, DSS Just received her Drivers License. J FIFTH ANNUAL COUNTY PICNIC Sunday, August 30, 1992 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. NEWHART'S LODGE (Maps available at the Budget & Finance Office) NTERTAINMENTI Chris Close - DJ Steak Sandwiches Baked Beans Hot Dogs Macoroni Salad Volleyball, Softball, Horsesh • - . Barbecued Chicken Tossed Salad Fun and Games Sausage Sandwiches Pita bread salsa sauce For The Kids Chips Fresh raw vegetables Watermelon Non - alcoholic beverages Return to: $5.00 for Adults and Children over age 10 BIGGS A - Michel Kelly, DSS $2.50 for Children ages 4 -10 BIGGS B - Carolyn Hewitt, Pub. Health FREE for Children under age 4 MOTOR VEHICLES - Coral McLaren PUBLIC WORKS - John Davis, Highway MENTAL HEATLTH - Judy DeGrusso COURT HOUSE & OTHER LOCATIONS - Return Jackie Kippola, Budget & Finance 11 August 7th Completed Registration Form and money are due back by AUGUST 7TH EMPLOYEE or RETIREE NAME Please Ilst names of family member(s) or guest(s) who will be attending: (Include kid's ages for entertainment purposes) Q � Amount Enclosed: $