ဟံၣ်My WebLinkဘၣ်ဃးဒီး1997-05 , 7 , 1 \4� A N ewsletter for { t Employees and Retirees _ \..... __ L. of Tompkins County i' ' \ i n 1 7, i ,„; - 7 , C 1 \ Lori Volume A 0 Number 5 rr" New Names for the Octopus Trioctathon The octopus is dead. The Squid Street Extension(s) Bonnie Scutt, Finance Trioctathon rules the West End. Henry Peterson, DSS Ventricle Avenue That area reminds me of the arteries in the heart. This is where Bridges of Tompkins County some major routes merge, bringing Sheila Ferrari, Finance people into the City, thus the term "heart" takes on special meaning. The Trident Sheila Ferran, Finance Bonnie Scutt, Finance Octopusless Judy Tynyk, Weights & Measures Mollusk Main Bonnie Scutt, Finance Inlet Crossing It blends in with the Traversing Tentacles surrounding area - like railroad trains (Sorta like Leapin' Lizards!!) and boating. Bonnie Scutt, Finance Jeffrey L. Vandermark, B &G. Bridgeton Bob Clauson, Retired Platypus After all, like the Platypus, getting the government to fix Bridgeville Bob Clauson, Retired something that's needed fixing for more than 30 years is quite rare. Also, West Bridges Bob Clauson, Retired the Platypus was isolated from the rest of the world when Australia broke Bridges West Bob Clauson, Retired away from India, Africa, and Antarctica ( "Bob thought of these because of the - kind of like the way all of the state increased number of bridges in that highways have "broken apart" from area). each other. J. Kirk Eby, Transportation Council. Spaghetti Junction Carol Santucci, DSS A Quarter of a Century WHERE TO BUY by Scott Heyman, County Administrator INEXPENSIVE H ELM ETS One of the highlights of this and every other from Sue Kilgore, Healthy Heart year is the 25 Year Club dinner. According to the newsletter Headlines (Center for Members and their partners will be the guests Injury Control, Winter 1997) your chances of getting free of the County Board at the Ramada Airport (North helmets from anyone are slim! These days, the helmet Triphammer business is very competitive and helmet manufacturers (as Road) Inn on well as bicycle dealers) are bombarded with requests for Thursday, May free helmets. 22. Cocktails - Helmet prices - especially in bulk - have and chatter from A dropped considerably, so they recommend that ' 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 rat organizations consider raising funds and purchasing p.m. with dinner e i '' 1 helmets from one of the following: to follow. A Z. The food = • RideSafe: RideSafe was created i s always .'1' about five years ago r ,, W . .` ', excellent, the �l �� specifically to help r `L ._ r0� company and school groups organize I? �- k conversation iir helmet promotion even better. 44111. programs. RideSafe sells a variety of Bell helmets in many If you ask' sizes, patterns, and designs. Prices range from $6.75 to a typical citizen r $10.50, depending on models. Minimum order is 20 'What are the helmets. Delivery schedules are reliable, and service is most important, great. 1 t he most *Children and Safety Program (formerly CNS - satisf in r '' ���� "Comfort 'N Safety): provides one model of a helmet in y g g. J solid colors in three sizes (toddler, small /medium, large /x- things <INF large). Their helmet is Snell B -90 certified. Prices range in your ` f ;. '�- from $6.95 to $7.95, depending on whether the 'Kid Pack" life ?" you will "' . v,tK,E informational package is ordered with the helmet. hear answers T Minimum order is 12; quantity discounts apply in quantities such as "my - greater than 10 dozen. family's health The Health Department has contact information and safety," "educational and career opportunities," for these companies. You might try local shops first, to see "savings for a rainy day," and "some leisure and if you can work directly with community businesses. recreation." To raise funds for helmets, you might try contacting County employees play a critical role in local civic associations for support. Some even produce enabling area residents to achieve all of those goals, bike safety events, often called bike rodeos, where children and many others so obvious and so basic we might actively learn about the essentials of safe biking. For more information call the Healthy Heart/Health not even think of mentioning them — roads and public Promotion Program at 274 -6710. transportation; accurate scales and package labels; courteous and caring assistance when I get a passport or a driver's license; services that enable You are invited... children whose families have collapsed to re- establish themselves in foster care; restaurant food, septic to the Annual Luncheon of the Advisory Committee of systems, and water supplies that do not spread the Tompkins County Office for the Aging: disease — and so many others. Monday, May 19, 1997, 12 Noon On May 22, we will say "thank you ", once Ramada Convention Center, Triphammer Road again, to the people who did these things for 25 Speaker Mary Clark, Regional Director, years, or more, and to all the employees of Tompkins Citizen Action of New York County. Join us if you can. "Utilities Deregulation and You!" Luncheon will be served at Noon. A choice of chicken divan or vegetable lasagna will be available Never judge a book for the entree. $10 will cover the cost of your meal, tax and tip. For further information and to make a by its movie reservation, call 274 -5482. Tompkins County Training & Development "T &D" will now be a regular insert in County Corridors. We will provide you with updates and information about in- service education, workshops, Partners for Quality efforts and initiatives, and helpful hints for your professional development. Feel free to contact Jerry Feist or Diane Bradac at 274 -5590 if you have ideas, questions, announcements or suggestions to be included. P Partners for Quality O �`' Many people are anticipating the opening of the new Human Services Building in January si t,. tJl Y P P P g P g g n' Lir partners 1 998. Among other things, this provides an opportunity for planning. The HSB Steering for g g P PP tY P g g ,1 quality ,a Committee is a PFQ committee that has been meeting for some time to anticipate problems <,,, and opportunities and suggest solutions. An off -shoot of that committee has been formed and �p '^- fi,� has now begun its work. This is the Building Standards Committee, also known as "the IT Toaster Oven Committee." Realizing that behaviors are easier to influence before they become habits, the BSC has been charged with identifying issues and developing building use standards for the Human Services Building which allow both employees and visitors to effectively and efficiently carry out their business within the building. The committee is to recommend standards to create a professional environment that is welcoming and respectful to the diverse populations we serve. The committee will consider building -wide standards and procedures for issues such as appliances, smoking, traffic flow, bulletin boards and notices, "good neighbor policies," what occupants can do to help each other in regard to cleaning and maintenance, and other topics. This is the first time the County has taken this proactive approach to moving into a new space. A cross - functional quality team provides a perfect means to insure the building will meet everyone's needs. Those who will be occupying the new building can expect to hear from members of the BSC as they do their work. The BSC team includes Jeanne Boodley, Pat Buechel, John Cooper, Vicki Farrell, Nancy Hopkins, J.J. Johnson, Shirley Kane, Arel Lemaro, Wendy Lutz, Ted Merritt, Barbara O'Brien, Tom Schlee, and Carla Trenchard. The Guidance Team includes David Chase, Mary Pat Dolan, Kathy Leinthall, Bill Mobbs, and Nancy Zahler. If any of these people ask your opinions about the new building and guidelines for occupancy, please speak up. The whole County will benefit. Training & Development Here are some ideas that people brainstormed at the Time Management workshop that waste time and reduce effective time management. Can you relate to any of these ? ? ?? Changes in priorities. Over- or under - staffing. Co- workers and/or self. Overly complicated procedures. Inability to delegate. 1 Personal problems. Inconsiderate scheduling. Poor penmanship. Interruptions. Procrastination. Lack of empowerment. Re -doing someone else's work. Lack of financial resources. 1....-1 Resistance to change. Lack of self esteem. Stress. Ii L 0 Too man unknowns. Losing or not following "To Do" lists. y Missing, incomplete, or wrong information. Too much socializing or gossiping. Mondays and Fridays. Traffic and bad weather. Negative or indifferent attitudes. Unexpected crisis. Non - urgent or un- important phone calls. Unnecessary or unproductive meetings. Not figuring out in advance a step -by- step -plan. Unnecessary paperwork. Not having the right office supplies handy. Unnecessary required signatures. Not knowing our limits - the inability to say NO. Unrealistic deadlines. Not listening to instructions or having wrong information. ttlgg Waiting for office equipment or technology. Not wanting or willing to confront or deal with conflict. Waiting for other people to complete their job first. Outdated office equipment. Waiting for unanswered phone calls. Here are some suggestions about how you can manage your time more effectively. Analyze your time habits: • Meetings: • Create a time log, a one- or two -week 15 or 30- - Be prepared (know purpose & be prepared to minute interval record of how time is spent: Time, participate). Activity, Importance, Causes of interruptions. - Have an agenda and time limits. • Analyze strengths, time - wasters, & areas to improve. - Stick to issues. • Develop specific action plans for each time -waster - Meet standing up to keep it short. and area to improve, one at a time. - Start & finish on time. Use a daily work plan • Paperwork & Reading: ( "Plan your work and work your plan. "): - Keep your desk top cleared for action. • Have a statement of objectives, with short- and long- - Take immediate action. Handle paper once (or range goals that are: Clear, Specific, Measurable, twice, at most). Time - bound, Attainable, Realistic, Consistent, & - Use the newspaper reading technique: scan, read Worthwhile selectively. • Create a daily "To Do" list. - Get off unnecessary mailing and circulation lists. • Prioritize: - Generate as little paperwork as possible. - 1's, 2's, & 3's in importance; - Throw away anything you possibly can. - A's, B's, & C's in urgency. - Don't read unimportant mail. • Realistically estimate the amount of time required for • Correspondence & Reports: each task. - Write less on paper. Use the telephone or • Schedule time: electronic media when possible. - Keep focus on objectives. - Answer written letters or memos by making - Block out already committed time segments. handwritten responses in the margin. - Schedule around key events and actions. - Think before you write or dictate. - Divide time & tasks into manageable parts. - Eliminate unnecessary words, sentences, - Know yourself, and plan most demanding paragraphs. activities during period of greatest energy. - Don't over -do revisions in the name of - Start with high priority tasks perfection; added benefits may be non- ( "First things first "). existent. - Group related items and actions. • Technology (e -mail, copy machines, etc.): - Allow enough time for each task. - Use it when it will save time. - Select the best time of the day for the type of - Don't always use it (e.g. a new computer program work required. to balance your checkbook). - Build in flexibility for unexpected events. • Don't Procrastinate: - Include some thinking time. - Remember your priorities. Take action based on importance, urgency, and time - Break up work into manageable parts. available: - Set deadlines. • Do, Delegate, Delay, Say "No." - Remove distractions. - Ask for help. 0 - Start earlier. �/� - Reward yourself. A • O Tips: �: - Anticipate and manage interruptions. � �` - Squeeze short tasks into otherwise wasted —�_- � �__ moments. - Keep telephone and personal calls in perspective, _ `� —r _ be prepared to manage others. - Help your boss make better use of your time. ii 1 out } - "One Minute Manager" type stuff. - Learn to say "No" graciously. Set up certain files: - Routines save time; establish and use them. A "tickler file ", quick tasks, to read, - Manage stress & tension. current projects, future, "I'm afraid to throw it away." - Stay healthy (exercise, well - balanced meals, etc.). Work efficiently: - Try to enjoy whatever you're doing. • Set deadlines. • Identify and control time - wasters, including your Evaluate progress, performance, & priorities on an on -going unscheduled action impulses. basis, and modify where necessary. For those who want to read more about time management, we recommend Stephen R. Covey's "Put first things first" in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1989. Ready For A Check Up? Time to Smile When was the last time you reviewed your financial status? Jackie Yoder, Benefits Manager My brother -in -law isn't smart. He got Your deferred compensation program currently administered ti to a Broadway show, but left by PEBSCO allows you to save as little as $20 per month, or up to Y 25% of your salary, while at the same time REDUCING state and in the middle because on the federal income taxes. Earnings on these monies also accumulate program he read, "Act II: One Week tax -free until withdrawn upon retirement or separation from County Later." service. TOOL SAFETY From Sue Kilgore, Health itii Keep tool safety in mind this spring when tackling household projects. To prevent injuries, 11 if read the owner's 4iii IP' 1 l manual for proper i I( maintenance and � operating instructions. Always � check the condition 1 i ` � � :� i/" " of your tools before stir° f ■ �< beginning work on any ` project. Never handle power t; � { Q Wi Al tools with wet hands; while � 'f , ,; ..�d: „�s_ ii! a ��.. - standing on a damp surface; or making contact with moisture or Suzanne Slimbaugh, our deferred compensation metal objects that form a ground connection. representative from PEBSCO will be available to discuss this Never leave power tools unattended, and make program with you on May 14 and May 15. If you are currently sure to unplug them before leaving the work enrolled, she will be prepared to discuss some changes in the law. area. If you are not currently enrolled, you may wish to consider this method of accumulating some extra money to supplement your County pension when you are ready to retire. Please consider participating in this program - it's a painless way to save money for N. retirement through payroll deductions. Group presentations will be given as follows: Wednesday, May 14 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Old Jail Conference Room ~- ���(�� 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sheriff's Dept. Conference Room '� Thursday, May 15 . ` 9:30 -10:30 p.m. Mental Health Board Room 1 r 11:30 -12:30 p.m. Biggs A, DSS Conference Room - • 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Biggs B, Rice Conference Room 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Public Works, Conference Room f If you are unable to attend a presentation and /or would like The Personnel Department will a personal meeting with Suzanne, please send me a note as soon as be handling the sending of flowers or possible with your name, department, work phone number, home phone number, and whether you are interested in enrolling and would memorials for county employees as like some additional information. Suzanne will contact you directly to usual. Please call Shirley in arrange a private conference. Personnel, 274 -5526. Unclassifieds Personnel Personals For Rent: Get Well Wishes to: Mobile Home, on Route 13 in Newfield: Jacqueline Bacorn, at Cayuga Medical Center. Our New 14 x 80', 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Non - smoking thoughts and prayers are with you. Jacqueline works at Tompkins couple welcomed, no pets. Security deposit County Public Library. required, $450 plus utilities. Available June 1st. Call anytime - 564 -7569. Reminder to Retirees If you and /or your spouse are enrolled in the Employment: County's health insurance program, you MUST Child care available May 26 by college remember to enroll for both Parts A and B of the student who has own transportation, is experienced and has references. Call Krissy at Medicare program to be effective the first of the month 277 -9872. in which you will mark your 65th birthday. You must also remember to send your Medicare copy to For Sale: Personnel so we may adjust your health insurance Water Bed: California King, Freeflow premium and provide the Medicare information to PHP Mattress, 3 sets of sheets. $150. GE Microwave or Blue Cross Blue Shield. Please check with Social $75. Call 564 -0674. Security the month before your birthday month unless `89 Chev Celebrity Eurosport. $2,700. you receive something in the mail from them. It is Call 564-7028. important that you enroll and have your card as Medicare becomes primary for retirees on their 65th Wanted: birthday. Ride back and forth, Monday - Friday, from Pleasant Valley Road, Groton, to Courthouse. I work 9 -5, but could be early. Call Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, Liz, 898 -9861. For they shall never cease to be amused. Articles, stories, jokes, pictures - contributions of most any kind for Corridors. Articles to be considered for the June 5 issue must be received by We'll be glad to edit for you. Send to Ruth Pond, noon, Wednesday, May 14, 1997. Lengthy articles should be on Finance or 125 E. Court Street, Ithaca, NY 14850. disk. Send by interdepartmental mail to Ruth Pond, Budget & Finance, or 125 East Court St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Looking Ahead to June UNCLASSIFIEDS Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County employees, retirees Fireworks Safety Month and their immediate families only. Ads may be for any purpose except no personal Y ads will be accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers may be listed in Helen Keller Deaf -Blind Awareness Week these ads, however we do need the full name of the person submitting the ad. Use Dairy Month this coupon to send your ad via interdepartmental mail to Ruth Pond, County Ragweed Control Month Corridors Go Budget & Finance, or 125 East Court St., 2nd floor, Ithaca, NY 14850. Safe Boating Week Please type or print legibly! Thanks! Safety Week World Diabetes Day Is • ", 4 COUNTY CORRIDORS Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are selected by the volunteer e editorial board based on their interest to Tompkins County employees and retirees. They do not necessarily express the opinions of the Editorial Board. Material is solicited from current employees, retirees and others. Material for publication is selected by the editorial board which reserves the right to edit any submissions except in the instance of copyright articles. The Editorial Board is made up of Bill Chapp, Social Seances; Sharon Cooper, Assessment Lisa Eaton, (Proofreader), Finance - Purchasing; Iretta Ellis, Information Services; Scott ` Heyman, County Administrator; Louise McEwen, Personnel; Ruth Pond, (Editor), Finance- Purchasing; Judy Tynyk, (Chair), Weights and Measures; and Vickie Wagner, (Artist), Drafting Technician. Correspondence may be sent through County inter - department mail to: County May 1st this retiree turned 59. Guess who. Corridors, c/o Finance - Purchasing, 125 East Court St., Ithaca, NY 14850.