ဟံၣ်My WebLinkဘၣ်ဃးဒီး2001-10 7 t 0 C(LiLdCI-IS F N¢ for EmployeQs and Retirees of Tompkins C oun ty 0 t tkttLiD O ctober 2 001 Vo lume 14 Number 10 bon'tf , ,,,„ , „,.. to vote on ,..,„ , ,, , ember N N umber o� f 1 11 ,.. Kevin Nic k erson , son of Kell Ni ckerson, Health Department employee JIM HANSON RETIRES September 28 was Jim Hanson's last day as the Commissioner of Planning for Tompkins County. There was a luncheon to honor Jim's eleven years of service to the County fib'; on September 27 At the luncheon, County Administrator, Steve Whicher, Sheriff Peter Meskill several members of the Board of Representatives, and representatives of local governments recognized Jim's accomplishments. Jim was � , also the recipient of several resolutions in his honor — from the Environmental Management Council, Better Housing for ' Tompkins County, and the Planning Advisory Board. Jim Hanson was appointed the Commissioner of Planning in 4 Nip April, 1990. During his tenure, Jim was integral in initiating - -�- :� several major programs in and on behalf of Tompkins County: Jim, from all the members of • Ithaca- Tompkins County Transportation Council; the staff of the Planning • First -Time Homeownership Program; Department and the Ithaca- Geographic Information System; Tompkins County • • Cayuga Lake Scenic Byway; Transportation Council, Thank Natural Resources Inventory; You for your inspiring • Commercial Center Revitalization Program; leadership, support • , and • Circuit Rider Program and humor — you will be greatly • missed. Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund 4 Internet Security and Privacy By King Houston, ITS REPORT I have received many inquiries from individuals FROM lately concerning privacy and security while using the Internet. Here are a few general guidelines for using the THE COUNTY Internet from home and from the office. ADMINISTRATOR The first thing to remember is that the Internet provides two -way communication. A live Internet connection is like an open phone line. This is necessary By Stephen Whither to make the system work. Some programs, however, send private information back to the originator. This information may include a list of sites you have visited, merchants you purchased information from and people The events of September 11 have greatly altered the you have e- mailed. Some versions of Comet Cursor and the CAT software that came from Radio Shack do this. state of our state and nation. Even our little part of the Programs that offer you money just for reading e-mail or world will feel the direct effects of this disaster. Some web surfing also fit in that category. You shouldn't load of our colleagues have already left or will soon leave to and run these programs. participate in the call -up of the Reserves and all of us realize that our way of life will be forever changed. You also need current anti -virus software on your PC to protect against "Trojan- horse" type viruses. While we should be thankful that most of us are not These viruses load a program on your computer that runs more directly involved, it will mean that the challenges in the background and transmits personal information of a difficult budget year will be made worse. Our hopes from your computer to the originator of the virus. of a supplemental state budget being passed to alleviate some of our greatest concerns are fading with each day. Some computers have a connection to the If the supplemental budget is not passed, we will face Internet that is always on. Our office PCs and home some direct and large gaps in both the current and next computers with broadband (Roadrunner, DSL, Satellite) year's budget. In addition, there are several areas of connections have persistent and fast connections to the major concern that may suddenly arise and create a Internet and are very vulnerable to probing from other further imbalance. systems. If your computer is compromised, the uninvited hacker has access to all the information on The Board of Representatives is currently building on your hard drive. If your computer has this type of the very sound base established by the departments in connection you should have some type of firewall their budgets and three -year plans. In fact, the Board established. Frrewalls can be either software or made very few changes in the budgets as presented by hardware based. There are some free or reasonably the departments and my recommended budget. In most priced firewalls available by companies like Zone cases the unanimity of positions among Board members Alarm, Black Ice, Symantec, and McAfee. Hardware is impressive. As we move through the final budget firewalls are also available for prices starting around stages and the Board responds to the current $80. I installed a software firewall at home on my environment, one should expect a number of changes to Roadrunner connection about six months ago. It detects the recommended budget. Be assured that the Board is and prevents approximately five penetrations per hour. making the best possible effort to preserve jobs and programs. Dial -up connections are much less susceptible. The slower speed and temporary connection makes them Putting the gloom aside for a moment, I would like to less attractive to hackers. A firewall is probably not wish Jim Hanson the best in his retirement. As many necessary on these machines, but good anti -virus noted at his retirement party, Jim is a true professional software is. known for both his capabilities and his great sense of humor. During the last five years I learned to appreciate More information on securing your home both. Best of luck, Jim, and please visit us when you get Internet connection can be found at: the "honey -do " list done! http:// www. cert. org /tech_tips /home_networks.html 2 -rof 1-14 3 101 4-4 J ;1 rse y fi ° c > j x i : # .A „ g � "fir .. m E cur .. .. Long may it wave! Don't look down! The flagpole at the Mental Health Center is mounted in a precarious spot, perched 6 floors above the canyon floor that is Green Street. A few years ago the cable used to hoist the flag broke. Its replacement that required the services of a very tall ladder and someone with the gumption to climb it, quickly found its way to the bottom of the building maintenance to- do list. That priority changed quickly however, after Sept.11th. This prompted Dave Jayne, our resident Facilities expert, to call the Ithaca Fire Department and ask for their assistance. Thanks to Dave's request At ~ to Deputy Chief Tom Dorman, Ithaca Firefighters Mahlon Irish and Ernie Williams responded with a huge IFD hook and ladder cherry picker. After &$ ( careful positioning the ladder came 6 feet short of reaching the pole. Undaunted, they telescoped it all back together and left, only to return a few minutes R+Y; later with a different truck. This one had a real ladder instead of a platform, whose reach was even taller. After repositioning the truck in the street below, they were finally able to reach the pulley at the top of the pole and thread the cable through. A few minutes later our new flag, loaned by Bob Mitchell of the Ithaca City Hall crew, was hoisted to half -mast. Thanks to those who made it possible for us to Dave Jayne "undersees” the operation restore this symbol of our solidarity to its rightful place. By Asher Hockett, Mental Health 3 October is Domestic Violence In Remembrance A wareness Month http:/ % %eh.a- znet.com;cdholdwtc.html Submitted by Sue Robinson, Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator September 11, 2001 - a date that will go down in history As one of the worst tragedies of our great country What is Domestic Violence? All of us stunned by the horrific acts of others Domestic violence affects people in all social, economic, Those who suffered were our sisters and brothers racial, religious, ethnic and geographic groups, whether So many began that day as they had in the past they are married, divorced, living together, dating, or in None of them knowing it would be their last a gay or lesbian relationship. Domestic violence is a They went into work like any other normal one pattern of coercive behavior, that may include physical, Unfortunately, normal we know it did not become emotional, psychological, economic, or sexual abuse, Passengers boarded four planes, eager to reach their destination used to establish and maintain power and control over a No way of knowing it would end with such devastation family member or intimate partner. This pattern does The panic they must have felt - their bodies paralyzed with fear not necessarily include physical abuse, and in fact, When the terrorists overtook their flights and their end was near includes many behaviors that are not criminal. The goal Families were destroyed with the loss of their loved ones is power and control. Parents lost wonderful daughters and loving sons Hundreds of children now without a mother or father Spouses who must go on without each other The behaviors that we usually associate with domestic abuse are assault, sex crimes, stalking offenses, We were all affected by the attack in some way intimidating property crimes, and child endangerment, Some worse than others on this devastating day all clearly criminal acts. And then there are some Rescue workers putting themselves in danger y Risking their own lives trying to save another behaviors that form a pattern that instills fear of injury or harm. In these cases there may be a basis for criminal Volunteers flocked to aid in the search for survivors charges such as coercion, menacing, or harassment. Assisting and feeding the officers and firefighters America's heroes - our thoughts and prayers with them These include things like threats of physical harm or As they continue their search to find each missing victim killing the partner, their pets, children, or other family members. Even things like sending flowers or a love Maybe you sent food, clothing, or a monetary donation We all did what we could to assist our hurting nation note can be threatening if the recipient knows from past To those who donated blood to stock the banks experience that this carries with it an implied threat. Since I am unable, to you I give my personal thanks But coercive behavior also includes abusive conduct that Geri Lockwood, Author is not illegal; for example, putting the family member down, calling them names, refusing to let them maintain friendships and family connections, preventing a partner COUNTY CORRIDORS 2 from going to work, refusing to allow a partner to have access to bank accounts, cash, or credit cards, or blaming ANNUAL HALLOWEEN COSTUME the victim for the abuse. CONTEST Domestic violence is not a single incident of abuse, but a 7. fixed imbalance of power created by the abuser over, time. If you are worried about yourself, a family member, or a co- worker, you can call the Task Force for Battered Women at 277 -3203 during business hours, or Hey ghouls and ghosts - It's that time of year the hotline at 277 -5000, 24 hours a day. Another source Time Time to don those costumes For of assistance is the Suicide Prevention and Crisis Wed nesday October 315' all hallows eve. Let's see Services hotline at 272 -1616. If you are looking for written information, the Task Force for Battered Women iFyou can outdo last year's winner, King Houston has an extensive library of information on domestic "The blizzard" and win this years prize. abuse, or you can contact me, Sue Robinson, at 274- 7504. I have booklets and brochures from the NYS lryou are interested in participating please call or Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and the NYS Coalition Against Domestic Violence. e -mail Iretta Ellis ahead of so that she can get your picture that day. Domestic violence isn't a shame — it's a crime! 4 Remember November • The flu shot is covered by Medicare part B. Flu clinics will be held at various locations By Karen Bishop, RN throughout the county again this year with the Community Health Nurse Supervisor fantastic assistance of hundreds of senior citizen There are all kinds of reasons to remember volunteers. Flu clinic schedules will be posted at all November.... Veterans Day, Election Day, the clinic sites and publicized via local radio stations Thanksgiving, and flu. That's right, November is and newspapers in October. Look and listen for a the right time to get a flu shot! Due to expected flu clinic nearest you! delays in shipment of flu vaccine to providers again this fall, we are planning to begin our annual flu You can protect yourself against the flu by clinics in November. Please note we will only following these simple steps: vaccinate those at highest risk of complications • Get a flu shot. It's your best protection against from flu illness including the following persons: the flu. • 65 years of age and older • Take care of yourself. Eat right, drink plenty of • adults and children with chronic heart or lung fluids, exercise and get plenty of rest. A healthy disorders, including asthma you is better able to fight off the flu. • adults and children with chronic metabolic • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze diseases (including diabetes), kidney disease, or cough. Dispose of the used tissue and wash immunodeficiency disorders including HIV your hands. • children and teenagers, 6 months to 18 years • When ill, stay home. old, receiving long -term aspirin therapy • health care workers For questions about the flu, flu vaccine, or flu • pregnant women with chronic illness or who will clinics, please call the Tompkins County Health be past the 3 month of pregnancy during the Department "FLUHot /ine "at 274 -6607. flu season • caretakers of persons 65 years of age or older TO M P K I N S COUNTY or caretakers of chronically ill children or adults HEALTH If vaccine is still available, we may offer it to the D E P A R T M E N T public (including healthy county employees) in December. Your Partner for a Healthy Community Some of you may worry that November may be too - -- late to get the flu shot. Let me reassure you that getting a flu shot in November is the optimum time >!0 to protect you throughout the winter months. !� , When I think of living in Papa Mouse's Flu facts you should know: house, I remember all kinds of music. Sister • Seniors and people with underlying health conditions who get the flu are much more likely Teensy would be practicing her violin in one room to have serious complications. A flu shot may while brother Louse Mouse sang his idea of save your life! grand opera up in his bedroom. As soon as I • You can't get the flu from the flu shot because stopped practicing for my weekly piano lesson, the vaccine contains killed viruses. Papa was apt to start his one- finger playing and • Protection develops approximately two weeks singing along of the tenor part for the Sunday after getting the flu shot. • The flu shot is effective only for illness caused anthem. And Mama Mouse would be in the by flu viruses and not for other causes of colds kitchen cooking while singing wonderful old and fevers. German songs from her childhood. Cacophony? • Since flu viruses change from year to year, a Not at all. Wonderful harmony in the Mouse yearly flu shot is necessary each fall. house. • The flu shot can be given at the same time as Annie N. Mouse the pneumonia shot, but in the other arm. 5 CLASSIFIEDS I DSS Staff changes: WELCOME: For Sale: Christine Alamond, new Youth and Family Services For sale: Two parakeet birds and one regular (small) Coordinator, will work with Krissy Barber and Donna Scott, size bird cage with supplies $10.00 to caring person. with adolescent preventive and foster care services; AND Sara Thorn, Child Protective Services, Senior Caseworker. Call Cindy at 647 -6405 between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. FAREWELL: For sale: Snow Blower; Troy Built; 8 Hp; Four years Betty Gloss went to work as a Social Worker at Kidspeace; old; like new; $1,000. Moved to Illinois. Call Steve Dolly Holt, retired; Linda Farley, resigned; Mary Wimsatt, 756 -7995 to see it. resigned. MOVES: For sale: Pontiac Grand Am SE (loaded) with low Nalani McKenna moved to Adoption Unit, DSS; Madi mileage, new brakes, new tires, and a new battery. Alridge moved to Child Protective Services, DSS; Loretta Green; $6,300 — Negotiable. Evenings call 272 -8243. Bernal moved to Legal Unit, DSS; Randy Good moved to For sale: 1997 Chrysler Cirrus WITH WARRANTY, Children's Services- DSS. V -6; 43,000 miles, very good condition, loaded, AM /FM CLASSIFIEDS cassette, automatic, power windows, mirrors, doors, A /C; $7,800. Call 272 -2204 evenings. Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County For sale Warm Morning coal stove -uses chestnut size employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may coal. Works well. Good condition. $275 o.b.o. over be for any purpose, however personal ads will not be $200. Call 589 -7848 after 5:30 p.m. accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers may be listed in your ad, however, we do need your full For sale: Brand New Rollerblades (Spiritblade) with name and County telephone number submitted with the knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and canvas bag; size ad in case there are questions. Submit your ad to County 6 -6 1/2. $75. Call 589 -6041 after 6 p.m. Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of Representatives, For sale: 1984 Kawasaki 550 LTD Motorcycle; 4 Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via US or interdepartmental cylinder; mileage — 7,417; $1,100. Call 589 -6041 after 6 mail or e-mail to: mpottorff @tompkins - co.org p.m. NOTE: If you would like to modify your classified or want to run it again, you must re- submit it! Services: DEADLINE: 1 TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me Articles to be considered for the November 29 issue, help with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever must be received by noon on Tuesday, November 6' it takes to get you and your computer working together Submit articles via e-mail as an attachment or on disk in again. Call James Keegan at 273 - 7957 evenings or any file format that is readable by Word for Windows. weekends. Send disk and hard copy to County Corridors c/o Tynyk Originals is proud to announce that selected Michelle Pottorff, Board of Representatives, items are now available at Contented Country Gifts Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850. Include a contact number located at 297 Jersey Hill Road, Danby; one of the most in case questions arise. unique shops in the area! Custom gifts and home decor COUNTY CORRIDORS items are still available by calling 564 -9244 evenings or Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are selected by weekends. If I can't make it, you don't need it!! the Editorial Board based on their interest to Tompkins County Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can put employees and retirees. They do not necessarily express the opinions of the Editorial Board. Material is solicited from current relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an employees, retirees and others. The Editorial Board reserves the appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753 right to edit submissions, except in the instance of copyright 6383. materials. EDITORIAL BOARD Kinetic Performance — specializing in Motorsports Michelle Pottorff (Editor) Board of Representatives engines, carburetion and general racing fabrication. Call Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services Dayton Umholtz at 277 -6442 evenings or weekends. Bill Chopp Department of Social Services Sharon Cooper Sheriff's Office French Tutor — Call Sarah at 257 -3047. Please leave a Liz Croop Department of Mental Health Katy Prince Health Department message. Vickie Wagner (Artist) Department of Assessment Donna Deputron (Distribution Coordinator) Bldgs. & Grnds 6