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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-02 ,�„ if-7 I i% - - - ,� A newsletter for ( \ism/ ! Employees and Retirees ,_„ of Tompkins County i , _,, .. - , \f ,-------,„ r --,.. / --,,, , ,..-1 r i..., ), , .... , , i 7 ,,, , , .., ) 7 .\s,....) L., ' ` FEBRUARY 1998 Volume 11 Number 2 Arthur D. Dawson IT AIN'T SIRLOIN, BUT... ...better known as Dewey mop i y N,. � fu4�k^��A T , 3%t , ,, OA 4 P M ∎ 1 A David C. Bush - Our Weatherman Extraordinaire "Dewey" joined the Tompkins County Sheriffs ...we hope you will find being on the front page of "the Department on May 25, 1970 and was promoted to the best little newsletter in Tompkins County" just as rank of Sergeant in 1975. Dewey played an important part tasty! We look forward to your regular weather updates in getting the accreditation from New York State awarded via e-mail. It's about time someone added the personal to the Tompkins County Sheriffs Department in 1991. touch" to the weather around here; your humorous slant He was also a part of the original Crash Team has helped take some of the sting out of the nasty days (state certified accident investigators), a state certified we've been having. We are anxiously awaiting an e-mail police instructor and taught many varied classes at the from you saying, "Good morning fellow county Police Academy. employees, it's not going to snow, sleet or rain today, We wish him a happy and rewarding retirement. but the sun 1S going to shine - all week!" Keep up the good work! A Terrible, Terrible Loss by Scott Heyman, County Administrator The death of Greg Kirchgessner today (February 4, 1998) is so devastating it can't be measured or understood. As a loving father and husband, as a caring, effective caseworker and case supervisor at the Department of Social Services; as the coordinator of the Assigned Counsel Program for the last decade; and as a contributor to his home town and community in countless different ways; Greg made a mark no one whose life he touched will ever forget. All of the people here in my office worked regularly with Greg to help him and Doreen and Bob do their vital work; today all of us are shaking and can barely speak. Several shocking deaths have struck other County departments in the last few years. Now all of us here know how very awful it is to have a colleague struck down in the prime of life. To all of Greg's family and friends, our very deepest sympathy and our prayers. Pitching In On The Road Again by Aurora Valenti, County Clerk by Scott Heyman, County Administrator Happy Birthday and congratulations to the Tompkins County Clerk's Office present and past members of the board of Takes the Passport - Application County Corridors. Process "On the Road." This month completes 10 years of continuous Milk publication. Corridors Board members have worked hard to provide employees and retirees 0 s l with news of interest and useful features. From the beginning when employees themselves For several years now, employees of the Tompkins submitted names for the publication, Corridors County Clerk in Ithaca, New York, have packed up their has been a volunteer effort. With no financial staplers, receipts, and information sheets and have support beyond the cost of printing the traveled to various high schools in the vicinity to assist publication and mailing it to retirees, it has members of traveling groups in obtaining their passports. managed to sustain a high level of interest Many high school students travel during spring break to countries where passports are required, and taking the among its readers. 0 application process out of a governmental office building and into the familiar school arena alleviates the stress often associated with obtaining a first - time passport. The Tompkins County "road show" also ■-C C'4 ` The camaraderie between the traveler and the --$ - `' . � s � o g overnment by demonstrating that the govemmental office c an be friendly as well as efficient and that we really do w ant to help in any way we can. if i --i � • ,,, Diabetes Screening Schedule ---A _� , Ili ,,l Made possible by a grant from the New York State _ , lr Department of Health Community Diabetes Coalition. 1 , :. Wednesday, March 11, 1998 1 J� vim,£ 1 Trumansburg Presbyterian Chapel A penny for your thoughts 9 - 10:30 AM Congratulations and thanks as well to County employees who pitched in to help our neighbors wedn Dryde April 8, 1998 in northern New York. When I think about Dryden 9 -10:30 0 AM AM Hurricane Hazel in 1954, the most frightening natural disaster that I lived through, I am appalled at the memory of tree limbs stopping all Wednesday, May 20 traffic on the street I lived on for several days, Newfield Fire Hall and of electric power being down for nearly a 9 - 10:30 AM week. I simply can't imagine the devastation suffered in the north country. The disaster There are also follow up educational meetings. brought forth heroic assistance from all corners of our state and from County employees and For more information call: community members. Particularly inspiring was Cayuga Medical Center at 274 -4127 the story of Mennonites who pitched in to help or their neighbors overcome the lack of electricity — Senior Citizen's Council at 273 -1511 I a luxury the Mennonites never use! Employee Health launches Snow Shoveling Safety "Lunch with a Bunch by Frank Croteau, Health andSafety Coordinator There is still plenty of time for a few more winter storms. If program, offers monthly blood pressure you have to shovel yourself out, here are some tips to checks at 10 County locations remember: by Jared Jones RN Employee Health 1. Maintain physical fitness all year long to reduce the risk of injuries when snow shoveling season iit Let's have lunch together! begins. ° .lr Starting in March, Employee 2. Wear clothing that both insulates and wicks away '''"' Health will offer a new series of moisture. Modern fabrics like polypropylene and LU H ME lunch time get-togethers for fleece keep you dry and warm. Wool remains a County employees. These time tested favorite since it maintains its insulation °� ro properties good even when wet. Cotton is not a informal events, affectionately p P 9 known as "Lunch with a Bunch," will provide a fun and winter choice because it doesn't insulate well when convenient forum to share information about food, nutrition wet. and other general health topics. These lunches will also be 3. Wear gloves that are loose fitting and non - an opportunity for employees to ask health questions, restrictive. suggest ideas for health promotion programming and try 4. Do stretching exercises - especially for your back, some new foods. Generally, "Lunch with a Bunch" will take legs and arms - before you start shoveling. place from 12:15 -12:45 on the dates chosen. Employee 5. Use a long handled shovel so you don't have to Health will provide the place and some healthy foods to bend so far; bend your knees and keep your back taste test. Bring your lunch and we'll talk! as straight as possible so you are lifting with your Just before lunch, in the same location between 11:00 and legs. 12:00, have your blood pressure checked and receive 6. Push the snow rather than lifting it when possible. private consultation from the Employee Health nurse. It will 7. Take small "bites" of snow rather than a full shovel take only 5 -10 minutes of your time. each time. These lunch time programs will be offered at the same 8. Take frequent breaks and stretch your lower back time each month at the following sites (watch your bulletin by bending backwards slightly with your hands on boards and memos for the exact times and locations): your hips. Downtown complex (probably Old Jail 9. If you get short of breath or develop chest or arm Conference Room): pain, stop shoveling and go indoors. Consult your Human Services Building: doctor as needed. Mental Health Solid Waste Health Department Department of Motor Vehicles . 4 ° " �f� f f Highway /Engineering /Public Works �` . Library , ry - ' ` J, yB ' r a < € 4. Public Safety Building (Sheriff /Jail) ,a � F '. . Airport/Fire and Disaster ' 'g ' ' - UTlurl �� • v0,vtt cA r If these locations or times do not work well for you, please ' r call Employee Health at 274 -6681. See you for lunch! r ' 9 , g , x a ,. ' t , .. �W.fi �r� k s �,j tr a. ; '. ,1 Library Needs Volunteers , . ,' . ' The Library is currently in need 464 '. :4 .�' of volunteers to answer business 1i '' • phones, shelf read, provide back -up , ' .- ' ' and maintenance in the Periodical i , Room, serve as Sunday greeters, and s 3 - 4'' to assist with special projects. Training ,:. : ` .' Aikt f : .. '; is provided for all volunteer positions. t'l 4 x ` i Anyone interested in �� , ` 4 � volunteering at the Tompkins County x-4,7 .. , Public Library is invited to call Gay' "' x' Huddle, 272 -4557, Ext. 234 to receive a volunteer form. Construction zone in Building C is now a hard hat area. Upcoming Programs from Training & Development The following programs are among those we expect to offer in the next few months. Look for our upcoming Web site, watch for flyers and emails, and /or contact Diane or Jerry for more information. You can reach us by email at diane @einstein.co.tompkins.ny.us or jfeist @tompkins - co.org, or by telephone at 274 -5590. Appreciating Diversity - Assessing Managing Conflict - Conflict is Presenting in Public - How to best the work environment for minority inevitable. Learn how to make it make your point when presenting employees, awareness and action as positive as possible for all to the public. training for all. concerned. If nothing else, see Preventing Burn - Out /Achieving Job Budgeting/Record Keeping & how you can improve your side of Satisfaction - Both "work" and Auditing - Essential information the equation. "play" are 4 -letter words, but for non - finance employees who Managing Your Career - Follow -up some days that seems like the only need to keep track of the numbers. session and second offering for thing they have in common. Learn Building Morale - How mid -level those who want to take an active how to discover or regain your supervisors and managers can help role in planning their professional sense of pleasure in work. I build employees morale. lives. Problem Solving/Decision Making - Civil Service Rules & Regulations - We do it all the time, but rarely Knowing, understanding, and e 1111S think about how to do it better. complying with important Civil Learn how. Service requirements. Professional Growth/Employee Dealing with Difficult People 44 . Development - Improve you Follow Up - Open to all, this individual competencies workshop will provide more (knowledge, skills, abilities) information on how to deal with through focused workshops. difficult customers or co- workers, New Employee Orientation to Sexual Harassment: Is It or Isn't It? - and will include practice sessions, Partners for Quality - What is and is not? Know what's , role playing, case scenarios, & "Everybody's talking about PfQ. right and wrong, and act "what if..." What does it mean? What does it accordingly. Essentials of Supervision - A two- have to do with me ?" An Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly session workshop for current orientation for the curious and Effective People - "Tearing Down supervisors, providing a broad uninitiated. Walls" - managing change and overview of effective supervision, Office Professionals Training - How dismantling barriers to better assessing professional strengths to be more competent with individual, team, and and areas for improvement, and telephones, messages, memos, organizational performance. developing action plans. filing, data and information Strategic Planning - Steps for short- Giving and Receiving Feedback - management (verbal, written, & long -range planning of projects This Ape foundation for working electronic), public contact,, , and services, aligning mission, I together: effectively - business Ting, grammar, vision and goals, measuring constructively shotnirinformation priority setti , managirr time, ` routcomes about our perceptio and : managi ; .fur oss, and ote.A - ' ;' ' or " fundam n3 r entals ea understanding other vi<eWs. i two p 'es 1hrouglt T 44 j ., '`work a d caching; selec ng, , Keyboarj Shol-tcu '- Tips and help }!oubecome a spArsta r ! , develo iii* and leadu gg ms; techniques for increasing'speed , Pe�fprmancle 1 eyiews,x o r to', bplution�to coinnnion it i___ _ _ and accuroey. and get the�'�mbst from this problems; repre§gnting groups on i pnderapprec a Td task; teams /committees. r ! Y i 1 Tompkins County Training & Development Please contact Jerry Feist or Diane Bradac at 274 -5590 if you have any questions or suggestions. Registration for the Tompkins County /TC3 Spring "Line -Up" of Computer Classes is happening now. Several classes have begun and some still have openings. Contact your Department Head or Program Contact for a more complete listing including class descriptions, pre - requisites, and training registration information. Introduction to Windows '95 will be offered a second time this Spring, dates and time to be announced soon. Introduction to Windows 3.1x, Introduction to Word 3.1x, and Intermediate Word 3.1x will be offered as a class series, dates and time to be announced soon. NEW! A second class in Principles of File Management is offered on Tuesday, 2/24, from 1- 4:OOpm. Intermediate Access - Queries on March 18` from 2 -4:00 has 4 openings. Intermediate Access - Forms on April 15` from 2 -4:00 has 5 openings. l Intermediate Access - Reports on May 13"' from 2 -4:00 has 5 openings. Intermediate Excel - Graphs and Charts on March 12 from 8:30 -11:30 has 5 openings. voiTrattigilisom Intermediate Excel - Macros on March 26 from 8:30 -11:30 has 4 openings. Intermediate Excel - Using Excel as a Database on May 14` has 4 openings. Introduction to Photo Shop has five openings - 4/8, 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6 and 5/13 from 9- 12:00. Many employees have requested information about the possibility of by- passing the Windows '95 or File Management t Pre - Requisites. Please read the following carefully. Class outlines are available. To by -pass Introduction to Windows 95, you need to: ... _ S Be comfortable using a mouse Know what a "desk top" is To by -pass Introduction to Word, Understand the difference between files and folders Introduction to Excel or Know how to create a sub - directory Introduction to Access you need to: Know how to find a file when it wasn't where you thought it was Know what "doc" means at the end of your file name Create a document, spreadsheet or Know how to use Explorer or Netscape database Edit the document - select, cut and To by -pass Principles of File Management, you need to: paste, and format Print, save or open the document Understand the difference between files and folders Know how to create a sub - directory These three introductory classes Know how to find a file ensure that all class participants Understand the different drives on which files can be located understand the basic features of the Know how to use Explorer or Netscape software programs. Employee Tips for Wintertime Exercise By Rosalie Fontana, RN Health Promotion In winter when the temperature drops, days are short, and streets are often wet, many people find that it's tempting to curl up on the couch rather than stick with their exercise plans. But an increasing number of people are quietly determined to get past the obstacles old man winter throws in their path and just keep going. To see if we could learn from each other, I asked County employees, via E -mail, for their ideas on staying fit in winter . Ideas seemed to fit into several categories so I grouped them that way. Tips on Outdoor Exercise Dull is dull , but it works. I walk all seasons. Walk my dog. Walk up stairs. Walk to meetings. Walk to get fresh air. Walk to get the mail and the paper. Walk to clear my head. So far, my mother was right: I haven't melted in the rain, frozen in the snow or been blown away by the wind." Jerry Feist, Training and Development I decided not to enter the parking lottery and then "My suggestion... If you like to run outdoors, don't I purposely park a block farther away[at least] so that I can give up in winter. While there can be long stretches when get some walking time in. Later I plan to walk to work at your favorite running spot is impassable, it's also the case least twice a week [ about two miles one - way]" that we have periods when running is every bit as Kirk Eby, Information Technology Service enjoyable as it is in spring and fall - - -and more enjoyable than in summer when it is impossibly hot. I didn't miss Suggestions for Indoor Exercise more than one or two weekends of running during our relatively light winter in 1996 -97." "I stair climb during my lunch break when I can, Scott Heyman, County Administrator especially when it's yucky outside. I wear a radio head set and listen to music. The reception is better on the third floor Well I don't always follow my own advice, but I try than in the basement, an incentive to get up there!" to: walk at lunch time when it is warmest. I wear my Karen Bishop, Health Department Gore -Tex hiking boots with good tread to keep my feet dry and keep good footing. We're lucky here to have roads "We purchased a treadmill approximately 4 years with little traffic and a great path through the woods ... I ago. It doesn't get used much in summer. In winter it also have a friend who likes to walk and ski. This is becomes part of our living room... Watching the news or a important because it's hard to get out on some cold days, program or two or listening to the stereo makes a 30 -45 but we can encourage each other to do it." minute walk go relatively fast." John Anderson, Environmental Health Brenda Bleck, Secretary to the District Attorney " We have one runner, one who uses a treadmill "I own a regular bike and I bought a bike stand and then there are those of us, including me, who try to from a local bike shop. You put your bike on the stand and walk for at least a half hour every day [ a couple of trips you have a stationery bike! Biking is great cardiovascular around the Commons, plus some errands]." exercise. One other tip. I often put my ankle weights on my Nancy Zook, Youth Bureau legs at home... The extra weight on my ankles creates resistance and therefore makes your body work harder just "XC skiing is by far the best way to stay fit... Snow to walk around the house." shoeing is excellent exercise too. I just bought a pair of Pam Lane, Probation Department snow shoes so I can get out even when the snow isn't good enough to XC ski. But you definitely need snow . I'm We began mall walking after Christmas as a "filler praying to the snow gods..." "until our low impact aerobic classes at BOCES restarted. Sharon Heller, Information Technology Services One trip around the mall perimeter , following the dark line is equal to a half mile. We try to walk two miles within " A twenty minute walk at lunch time not only thirty minutes." refreshes my mind and my attitude, but has given me the Sue Bowman and Roseanne Lahr, Health Department opportunity to meet someone new in the Health Department , which is a good thing because we are all so "How about Tai Chi? It can be done indoors or busy there is little time to meet or reconnect with other outdoors anytime of year. I teach at the Taoist Tai Chi people." Society and would be happy to answer any questions." Ellen B., Health Department Joan Jurkowich, Planning Ideas for Incorporating "For exercise I try to go to the City Health Club -- -they have More Activity into Work Routine= c very convenient punch card, 10 visits for $55 - -or go ice skating at Cass Park..." Use the stairs instead of the elevator! Good suggestion to Bar"bara" Hotchkiss, Recycling Coordinator those of us who work in the basement of the court house.By the time we reach The Board of Reps office on the second floor or the D. As office on the third floor we you don't ice skate or roller feel we have derived some benefit during these winter ." . skate, there is usually a walkway months of inactivity." around these type of places, so that Aurora Valenti, County Clerk you can take the kids skating and Ar 6 •. while they are skating you can walk "... I try to stand to work on the computer as much as I can. the walkway." When I save work I try to stretch [ control 's' for "save" Linette Warner, Solid Waste Management and "stretch "] Barbara" Hotchkiss, Recycling Coordinator " "The Rink in Lansing has a lunch time skate from 11:00 to I try to park my car as far away as reasonable from my destination and use the stairs in stead of the elevator" 1:00 Monday through Thursday. Show a business card and only pay $2.00 to skate. It's fantastic exercise and has Bill Mobbs, Public Works Department given me the chance to realize a childhood dream... I've finally realized that you won't stick with it unless it's something you really love to do. Anyone who wants to join Going to a Special Place me a couple of days a week, let me know." Suzi Cook, County Attorney's Office to Exercise ``g "I swim at either Cornell or at the YMCA. The best part is taking a sauna afterward ." I hope lots of people will learn something useful from these - Barb Eckstrom, Solid Waste suggestions. I know I have! The bottom line is to just get Management more activity into your day, do something that's enjoyable and think about inviting a friend to join you. ,., Rosalie Fontana , RN. , Health Promotion, " I always join a bowling league in winter, Tompkins County Health Department and walk even if it's somewhat cold." Sharon Cooper, Sheriff's Department dP. I am actually more aerobically active in winter than in ° summer...I walk as much as possible and go to water aerobics three times a week." 441k, Ann L., Home Care, Health Department Good Luck with your exercise program! "I go to the Fitness Center two to three times a week when I am unable to get outside [or lack the motivation because it is raining] With the. County discount, it is Be Yourself. really quite cheap. I like the Spinning Classes and Step No one else is qualified. Aerobics, but there are lots of aerobic machines to choose from." BUT, be the best self possible. Sharon Heller, Information Technology Services Unclassifieds Personnel Personals. For Sale: Congratulations to: '87 Ford Taurus, many new parts, rusty. Corporal William Shaff, T.C. Sheriffs $600 /Best Offer. 533 -7647. 4'1 Department Corrections Officer, and wife Elizabeth d A R A° on the birth of Noel James born 12- 28 -97. Lynn LaPlant Keelhar, Civil Account & Permit Clerk, married Kris Keelhar, Corrections Wanted: Tompkins County Employees _ Officer from Cortland County Sheriffs Department interested in joining on 12/27/97. the Tompkins - C ortland Community College Fitness Welcome to: Center. A minimum of Mike Condame, Corrections Officer , y = � five County s � Mike Searles, Corrections Officer ,;iy2 _ �r employees is needed i Dr. Trabout, Jail Physician `'"" , s to get corporate rate Shane Spencer, Deputy Sherrif 'e for the Fitness Center. Corporate rate for one year's membership is $200. This is a savings of Mike St.Angelo, Deputy Sherrif $40 per year over their regular rates - with the All of the above are new TC Sheriffs Dept. reimbursement from the County it would bring it employees. down to $100 per year. If interested please e-mail Bob Slocum at: Thank you to: Bob_ Slocum @einstein.co.tompkins.ny.us. Al! employees of Tompkins County Sheriff's Dept. "I want to thank everyone who helped make my transition from my position with Assessment to a new and completely different Pat Nowakowski, Finance, found the following situation with the Sheriffs Dept. a successful one. You have all and wanted to share it. been very helpful, friendly and a joy to work with. Thanks again." Sharon Cooper, Secretary - Criminal Investigations at the Sheriffs If it's a penny for your thoughts, and you put in Dept. your two cents worth, then someone, somewhere, is making a penny. Articles to be considered for the March 12 issue must be received by noon, Monday, March 2, 1997. Lengthy articles should be on disk. Send by interdepartmental mail to Ruth Pond, Finance, or 125 East Court St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Fax: 274 -5505. Any internal candidates interested in the position UNCLASSIFIEDS of County Administrator should submit Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may be for any purpose except no personal ads applications to the Administrative Transition will be accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers may be listed in Committee c/o Personnel. these ads, however we do need the full name of the person submitting the ad. Use this coupon to send your ad via interdepartmental mail to Ruth Pond, County $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Corridors c/o Finance, or 125 East Court St., Ithaca, NY 14850. Please type or print legibly! Thanks! NEWS RELEASE The Employees Union of TOMPKINS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT will be conducting a 1998 Fund - Raising campaign effective Thursday, January 29, 1998 through June 30, 1998 to generate monies for various Youth Activities, Community Programs & D.A. R. E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) which has COUNTY CORRIDORS proved to be quite successful. Our Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are selected by the volunteer representatives will be contacting local Business 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 Merchants and the General Public in Tompkins solicited from current employees, retirees and others. County. Only through your generosity and support Material for publication is selected by the editorial board which reserves the right can our association continue to support these to edit any submissions except in the instance of copyright articles. The Editorial organizations. Board is made up of: Bill Chapp, Social Services; Sharon Cooper, Sheriffs; Lisa Eaton, (Proofreader), Finance - Purchasing; Iretta Ellis, Information Services; Scott Any questions call the Tompkins County Heyman, County Administrator; Ruth Pond, (Editor), Finance; Michelle Pottorff, Bd. Sherrlfs Department at 607- 257 -1345, or Bill Of Representatives; Judy Tynyk, (Chair), Weights and Measures; and Vickie Morgan, Campaign Coordinator at 607- 275 -3342. Wagner, (Artist), Drafting Technician. $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Correspondence may be sent through County inter- department mail to: County Corridors, c/o Finance- Purchasing, 125 East Court St., Ithaca, NY 14850.