HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-01 CIDINTY A %ier *sl 1th'r fur Ifni nn11 yr PPS S dnd Lies re w ► M 1 it 111 akiris 4:t tin1' CCLUIUCLS Volume 16 Number 1 %TAN'I' • 1 : - -0 )1 I 1 f I 7 Ir) , , , , 8 104...1 v-- )7r 7 y . 111i MO' I N N EW MEM The County Corridors Editorial Board is looking for new members. In 2003 the Board will meet the r Tuesday of each month at 1:30 p.m. in the Information Technology Services (ITS) Conference Room. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Iretta Ellis at 274 -5417. up temporary shelters, and NYSEG was distributing dry ice. A lot REPORT --74. of people were obviously going to have a lot harder weekend than a UN me. I began to feel a bit less sony for myself and comforted by the FROM Fl s eed and competence of the highway and emergency management ,'fi - speed p P� Y g Y g Nr Arai responders. THE COUNTY Anticipating a miserable evening after spending the weekend at a friend's house and missing the majority of the playoffs, I made my ADMINISTRATOR way up Hunt Hill Sunday evening to face a cold and dark house. Rounding a curve, an unexpected site appeared - a fleet of orange By Stephen Whicher acs and white trucks with flashing orange lights. NYSEG had made it i to Hunt Hill earlier than promised. The crew chief said that they anticipated having the repairs done within the hour. With dreams of a hot shower, heat, lights, and the last playoff game running through my head I returned to my now wonderful home. True to Shortly after the Fiesta Bowl on a recent Friday night, Farfel, Sam their word, NYSEG had my home restored to normal within the and I headed off to an expected peaceful sleep. For those who don't hour and my peaceful life magically reappeared. know, Farfel is my dog (a Bichon Frise), and Sam is the resident beaver who has won the war over who rules my pond. More on Sam It is trite but true to say that one does not know what one has until another time. On Saturday morning the house felt cool but I had no it is no longer there. It is equally true that one does not truly idea what was in store. It all started mildly enough: the radio did not appreciate services provided by the men and women who deliver work so my Saturday routine of listening to the news of the world them day -in and day -out until one needs them. I think many of us was already disrupted. Soon it got serious - the coffee maker had not i Tompkins County have a renewed appreciation for the turned on and my usual cup of hot coffee was not going to happen. dedication of the NYSEG crews, highway departments, and our network of emergency responders. Congratulations for a job well As Farfel and I walked up the drive to pick up the Saturday paper I done. I know you have all put in a great deal of effort to protect realized what had happened overnight. The trees that had been and serve us all. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. coated with a heavy layer of ice now had an additional heavy load of fresh snow. Although we had tracked the snowstorm during the day on Friday, it was surprising to see the 18 -plus inches of snow that Health Care Coverage had fallen overnight, and the frequent sound of the soft pines and poplars snapping from the unusual weight was alarming. I should Enhancements mention that my home is located in a relatively remote part of Ellis By Jackie Yoder, Health Benefits Manager Hollow and is surrounded by woods. As I began to assess the overall damage my heart sank. Most of the Blue Spruces and White Pines New women's health mandate legislation took effect January that I had spent untold hours planting and attempting to shape were 1, 2003 in New York State that expands coverage for certain devastated. It will be a long spring clean -up and my little hide -a -way medical and prescription services provided under Tompkins will be forever changed. County's health insurance plans. Enhanced services include: The Saturday paper was not going to happen either, my usually very reliable delivery person having rightfully determined that delivering . , ++M ammography Screening. The mandate requires papers under these circumstances was not an intelligent decision. I coverage for a mammogram every year for women aged 40 began to wake up and soon realized I was in trouble. My house is and older without a physician's recommendation. In entirely dependent on electricity to run the furnace, provide water addition, the new legislation provides coverage for a from the well, and to run everything else in the house. I began to mammogram at any age upon the recommendation of a calculate my situation: three bathrooms, three flushes ... hmmm, ok physician for a woman who either has a prior history of for now. The house was at sixty-five degrees and falling, but the breast cancer or who has "a first - degree relative" (for outside temperature was not that bad so I figured I could just dress example, mother, child) with a prior history of breast cancer. warmly and it would be ok. After all, NYSEG would have the electric restored at worst by nightfall. A call to NYSEG shattered my ,„„ Bone Density Testing and Treatment. The confidence. The damage was very widespread and their prediction legislation provides coverage for bone mineral density was that it would take two to three days to repair the lines. Considering my location, the three -day prediction was the more measurements and tests, and prescription drugs and devices likely. Now I knew I was in trouble. And the playoffs started in a approved by the FDA for the treatment of bone density matter of hours. My happy little world was beginning to crumble. problems. Coverage may be subject to deductibles, coinsurance and copays consistent with other benefits. My mode quickly changed. Taking quick stock, no call had come in from either the Sheriff or Lee Shurtleff, which meant the County was ^+^+Contraceptive Coverage. The mandate requires not operating under disaster conditions. I should be able to make it to coverage for the cost of prescription contraceptive drugs or town to acquire a back -up heating system and /or a generator. The devices approved by the FDA. Coverage may be subject to roads were in good shape, especially the County roads - way to go deductibles, coinsurance and copays consistent with other Highway Department! Radio reports also were encouraging. The medical or prescription drug benefits. emergency management system was at work, the Red Cross had set 2 0 w P u II ic W C e l e b roted Submitted by Geri Lockwood, Highway fl* This whimsical sign n ,- ,, • = Made it quite clear, '' " '" '' '' a " ./ A lot of fun people T w _ � ` '�. "' a i ', ` Were working in here. ' ere. _ r;ri 06 ,) • { D ' HIGHWFlI _ _,_ Snowflakes and Hoyt A � garland f g =;_" And lights in the hall, t . , .• * _ Bade a cherry "Hello" t . C# t 1 - i 1 I ° P� To all who did call. y 4 7. S,gNTA � � � 4,71 emu -- ' ) _ k K i l I ilk 1 sir ' .�; * �. 1 II Creativity ran rampant ■ .. As desks disappeared, And turned into images That made us all cheer. Our kids colored pictures •• r, ' Er Which we shaped like a tree — it a ■r ■ i ■... ■� ■.� e �;��� asp■ " I.= la■t. alar 1 And displayed in the lunchroom w '� . ' " r.rmaimi For the whole world to see. * * * . ' ■ '� l ir *r -� r n ' .■■w °�' r Tz� • x : ---: « - `- This chubby stranger :' Got smashed to the wall, When somebody shouted ` `'� "There's food down the hall ". n - . Don't worry about him ',,, / . . t `' _,_-gel( I took him a treat, ' A plate full of goodies I placed at his feet. 3 ma7umf, .. There was plenty of food For good friends to share .- • ' "a With laughter and merriment `;.1, 1 Heard everywhere. t T _ a r i 14 it r -.�� , f a. T ~ `. , . c , . 1 1 r A Grinch paid a visit L -- And brought us a gift, 1 V � .. This giant 8 -foot Frosty - That we had on our list. ‘ .& `\ � �I ■ �y • , � i , 1 y . • He's a friendly addition • With his smile and good cheer, i _ y _� And we'll anxious) await L t His return here next year. 3. Retiree, Bill Schaufler = bid make a new friend, t 1 Reggie the Reindeer " I To hang in his den. 9 ll -- n Morale was so high That Santa did flip, _ - w C As he flew overhead I • . , 1 t `-■ v " A On his annual trip. i e � j . ' • But I heard him exclaim ' . 1� As he turned with a jerk Party's over people ....= ,�, Time to get back to work! ` r • Air II 7� , < Everyone at the Public Works Facility wishes you . 11111P- and yours a happy and healthy New Year! 4 Don't Discs rd A BI& Thank You from the Your Old CeII = Assessment Department Ph ones... The Department of Assessment would like to express their appreciation to the Facilities crew, Submitted by Sue Robinson, Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator who did an amazing job of moving around the Did you receive a new cell phone as a gift over content of several offices. David Jayne, Larry the holidays? Is your old cell phone sitting around Bentley, David Browe, and Mike Conklin started your home collecting dust? For victims of early in the morning and by noon the major move domestic violence, a cell phone can provide a was done with such efficiency that we were still critical link to emergency assistance no matter able to provide uninterrupted service to our where they are. Your donation of a cell phone, customers. A special thanks to Barb Hurd for now or anytime in the future, can supply that link putting the finishing touches on this move. for victims of domestic violence in our community. At the some time, we would like to thank Iretta The Advocacy Center (formerly the Task Force for Ellis, Kim Moore and Angie White of ITS for Battered Women /Child Sexual Abuse Project) uses accommodating our electronics moving needs. Their the cell phones received to offer to victims of prompt and expert service gave us a seamless domestic violence who either have no access to a transition for the &IS units' new office space and the telephone, or who need the security that an Department of Assessment front office space. It is unwired phone provides. Donated cell phones reassuring to know that we con count on the help of without service are still useful for calling 911, and our fellow county employees, even during the busiest some of the cellular phone companies will also program them to call the Advocacy Center Hotline, holiday times. 277 -5000. i if I ... Drop off points for donated cell phones have been By Geri Lockwood established at each of the Tompkins County Village Police Departments: Cayuga Heights, Dryden, While we were all enjoying Christmas Day with our Groton, and Trumansburg. In Ithaca, cell phones families and friends, several of the highway crews were may be dropped off at the United Way of plowing. We would like to extend our sincere "THANK YOU " to all of those who had to work (including those Tompkins County Livermore Building, 313 North who worked "behind the scenes ") on this holiday. We Aurora Street, or at the Community Justice Center would also like to mention to their families that we located in the basement of the old library, on the appreciate their support and understanding that these corner of North Cayuga and Court Street - enter at men were unable to be with them as they had planned. the ramp on the Court Street side. Please package your cell phone with the service turned off and These men spent their holiday behind the wheel of the address book cleared in a box or bag together with snowplows, trying their hardest to make it possible for its charger or adapter and bring it to one of these us to reach our destinations safely. The snow came locations. A victim of domestic violence in our down hard and fast, making their job even more community will benefit significantly from your old difficult. Most of them were at this tedious job for colt phone. several hours that day. Their sacrifice of the holiday time with their families was very much appreciated. Thank you for doing such a great job! If you have any questions, please call Sue Robinson, Domestic Violence Prevention P.S. A huge "THANK YOU!" is also in order for the Coordinator, 274 - 7504, ext 104; or email her at long, tedious hours that have been put in dealing with srobinsonOtompkins co.orq the ice and snow that have come in with the new year. Your hard work is greatly appreciated! 5 Critical Incidents in the Acceptance: Show acceptance of the fact that Workplace the reactions and emotions people have are normal Excerpted from EAP Connections, Family & Children's Services, Winter reactions and emotions to an abnormal event. 2003; Submitted by Jackie Yoder, Benefits Manager Normal feelings, symptoms and reactions you or your employees may experience following a critical Critical Incidents in the Workplace: Are You incident include: Prepared? 'Shock, disbelief, numbness A critical incident in the workplace could happen at •Loss of sense of safety any time and challenge even the most skilled HR , - ,, Sadness, tearfulness professional and management of an organization. ^Difficulty concentrating, poor memory A critical incident could be an employee death, ^Guilt or fear suicide, homicide, an act of violence or a criminal ^Change in eating and /or sleep habits act occurring at the workplace. Incidents such as , - ,, Anger, frustration, irritability these can have a profound impact on employees' ^Headaches, stomach aches, fatigue productivity and ability to function at work for a , - ,, Anxiety, tension period of time. It is important for employers to understand how incidents can affect employees By providing a caring supportive workplace and how to deal with these situations effectively to employers can help employees recover from these return to normal. feelings and symptoms, thereby helping the workplace recover and return to normal The job of management and HR during and after a productivity and functioning. critical incident is to gather as much information as possible, perform thorough documentation and What can you do to prevent violence, critical follow internal policies for incident reporting. incidents and protect your workplace? Obviously, if a death, suicide, homicide or criminal • act occurs, contact the proper authorities, security Take threats and warning signs of violence and emergency personnel. That may be the seriously. Do not ignore them. easiest part. But what about after you do the • Report warning signs, threats and incidents to obvious and you have the aftermath? Employees management and HR immediately in order to may experience a range of emotions, or fear for examine personnel policies and develop a their safety and this can result in disruption of your safety plan. workplace. • Train all employees how to report threats and incidents. Communication: Communicating accurate • Document, document, document! Document information is essential. As much as confidentiality any problems, warning signs, threats or will allow, provide employees with information as incidents, plus communications to others, often as necessary in a uniform manner to ensure interventions used, plan disciplinary action. that all employees are receiving the same • Take applicable disciplinary action and follow information and that it is accurate. Critical your policies. Violence tends to erupt when incidents can really set the rumor mill in motion. threats or incidents continue on and employees This can create more anxiety and confusion. are not disciplined for inappropriate behavior Encourage open lines of communication. and violation of policies at work. When Employees should be encouraged to ask questions employees violate policies, follow through with if they hear rumors and to talk to supervisors if your disciplinary procedures. feeling extra stressed. • Properly train management /supervisors on how to deal with disciplinary issues effectively. Support: Creating an atmosphere of support will Continuously work on efforts to create a help employees return to normal functioning more positive, supportive and respectful work quickly. Remind people about the EAP and keep environment. brochures visible, especially after a tragic event. 6 The Impact of Stress NYS Retirement System Announces A critical incident is certainly not the only issue that Toll -Free Line creates stress and anxiety for employees at work. By Jackie Yoder, Benefits Manager There are many other workplace pressures that often cannot be avoided, such as deadlines, At long last the NYS Retirement System has productivity goals, and personality or work style implemented a toll -free telephone line for members conflicts with coworkers. In today's world, most and retirees living outside the Albany area. The people are having to juggle many other things in new toll -free number will first connect callers with their lives with their jobs: childcare, caring for older their interactive voice response (IVR) system that relatives, financial stress, family and household provides answers to a variety of questions. You responsibilities, and personal problems. can get fast, concise and, in some cases, personalized information about loans and service Often times, people choose to juggle more than credit. Customer service representatives are they can handle, which can result in lack of time for available every business day from 7:30 am to 5:00 oneself, resentment, and stress. John Lennon once pm to give information that can't be found by using said: "Life is what's happening when you're making the IVR system. other plans." 1 -866- 805 -0990 Beyond the emotional component of stress is the The Retirement System website at physiological one. An issue that many stress www.osc.state.ny.us can also be a great resource for sufferers overlook. The "fight or flight" response is members and retirees looking for retirement a term most people have heard. It is our body's information or using the on -line benefit calculator response to stress and includes various to project your retirement benefits. physiological changes such as increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, shallow /rapid respiration, slowing or stopping of gastrointestinal functions, Department of Social Services and secretion of various hormones. This is normal. However, when we are experiencing extends thank you to Helen prolonged stress, these fight or flight responses Snyder for donations in may be turned on and left on. Like a light bulb that is turned on and left on, it burns out. We are memory of Nancy Inman much the same. Over time, a chronic state of fight Harvey or flight can do damage to us physically. Submitted by Kit Kephart, DSS Coping with Stress The Department of Social Services would like to thank Helen Snyder for her donations of Since stress resides in your body, you must take personal needs items and personal/ responsibility for removing it! professional development audio tape series' in • Schedule times in your off -work hours to relax memory of her sister, Nancy Inman Harvey and engage in enjoyable activities. • Try something new! Take a pottery class, learn who was a former employee of the how to sew, learn how to fish....always department. The personal needs items will be wondered about the gym you pass by everyday offered to women that are returning to the on your way to work? Try something different. work force after having been receiving financial • Leave your work environment during lunch: go support through the department's Temporary to a nearby store or park. Allowing yourself to Assistance Programs. The audio seminars have be in a different environment for even just a been added to the Staff Development library at short time can be very refreshing to your mind. DSS and will be used as valuable training tools and personal development resources. And, remember — your Employee Assistance Program is just a phone call away. You can reach them at 273 -7494. 7 4 Tompkins County Training & Development Meeting Challenges Together • Improving Programs and Services * Improving the Quality of Work Life Web Site: www. tompkins- co.orq /personnelltraininq For questions, suggestions, requests, or to register for classes, please contact: Naomi Arndt, narndt0t, ompkins- co.orq, 274 -5591 or Diane Bradac, dbradacAtompkins- co.orq, 274 - 5590 The County is continuing its strong commitment to communication, computer skill development, customer service, innovation and process improvement, workplace diversification, human relations, and community collaborations. The training and development program has made adjustments this year to provide the above programs despite limited funding. We are emphasizing some lower cost and in -house options to continue to meet individual, team and organizational needs. We will continue to offer professional development workshops, computer training assistance, requested or customized department workshops, leadership and supervisor support, and coaching on performance and continuous improvement processes. We will keep you informed as to our plans and as always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions. Please keep in touch on howwe can best serve you in 2003. Employee Calendar: wwwtompkins- co.orq /personnel /training /calendar =UNIT CAL We are updating the new employee calendar regularly. The calendar currently MINNIMMIECE includes workshops, classes, activities, County -wide holidays, meetings, and some local agency and community events. If you would like to include an event, meeting, 1/31111® ®080 La L Su trip, or program that may be of interest or open to County employees, please send ` ?�'' us an e-mail with the details. The calendar also serves as a scheduling guide for - -� �—' our program's lending equipment. Training and Development Web Site: wvwv.tompkins- co.orq /personnel /training We're continuing to build and update our web site. The site has six main sections; employee calendar, civil service and employment assistance, program and staff contact information, library resources, rewards and recognition and a quote of the week. If you would like to submit a quote to be used on the main page, please send it our way. Training and Workshop Schedule ton the NEW employee calendar): Focus Areas for January - May are: Project Management and Priority Setting, Annual Report Writing, Managing Performance, Employee Coaching, Managing Change, Problem Solving, Sexual Harassment Prevention, Delegation, Decision Making, Conflict Resolution, HIPPA Informational Sessions, Domestic Violence Prevention, and Workforce Diversification If you are interested in registering for any of the workshops, please obtain approval from your supervisor and send us an e-mail of the course(s) of interest. If for any reason you are unable to attend after you've registered, please notify us immediately and as soon as possible before the course starts to ensure that Tompkins County is not billed for a vacant slot. 8 NEW "Hot Topics" Reference Section (to be posted soon): We've been tracking County workplace issues, difficulties, questions, and training needs. We are compiling one -two page summaries and resource lists for appx 40 topics; ie: motivation, time and stress management, employee hiring, interviewing, family and work balance, burn out prevention, affirmative action, etc. We will soon "go live" with these reference sheets on our web site. We hope they will provide a solid reference source for individuals, teams, or staff meeting discussions. Contact us if you would like to recommend resources or suggest web site links. Lending Library: We've added some new resource books to the lending library. Contact us if you would like to borrow one of these books or stop by on third floor and check out other available books, materials, videos, and tapes. Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson = — 1001 Ways to Energize Employees by Bob Nelson FISH! Workplace Motivation and Culture by Philip Strand FISH Tales by Stephen Lundin, John Christensen and Harry Paul How to Get Ideas Flowing in your Workplace by Jack Foster The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni 101 Biggest Mistakes Managers Make and How to Avoid Them by Mary Albright and Lay Carr Crisis Management, Planning for the Inevitable by Steven Fink (AMA Membership Edition) The Memory Jogger– A Pocket Guide by Michael Brassard and Diane Ritter (GOAL /QPC) Computer Training Lab: We've re- opened the Computer Training Lab on ground floor in the Old Jail. This two - person room is designed to provide a comfortable and quiet location for one -on -one computer help, independent on -line classes, two person project work, and self -paced CD Rom computer training. We will not be offering a full schedule of computer training of classes at TC3. However we will be offering some on -line classes, one - on -one skill coaching and a limited number of open - enrollment classes. We call this 2003 approach just enough – just in time. If you have questions about a particular function in Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, keyboarding, the Web, E -mail, Publisher, etc, call and arrange a coaching time with us. We'll walk you through the steps or help find you a resource person who can answer your questions. DRAFT Employee Suggestion Program: We've drafted an "employee suggestion" program based on a successful state -wide model and will be recommending it for County -wide consideration soon. The program would provide a County -wide mechanism for employees in getting ideas, suggestions, and work improvement ideas heard and discussed. Many innovative and cost saving ideas have been suggested in the past and despite busier work schedules and more limited resources, we want to continue to encourage creative problem solving, out of the box thinking, and original ideas. Contact us if you have questions or want to become involved with the program. NEW Reward and Recognition Focus: Everyone wants and needs to be appreciated. We're often too busy or too stressed to remember to thank or extend appreciation for work well done. We'd like to encourage all employees to make recognition a regular part of the workday. Throughout the year, we will make suggestions, provide ideas and resources, and highlight programs and events that already exist at the County. We would also like to highlight and post department and individual recognition, programs and special events on our web site. If you or a co- worker has been recognized recently and would like to be included, please contact us with a short summary and /or photo and well include it on the site. Thanks! 9 CLASSIFIEDS Welcome New Department For Sale: Heads: For sale: Health Club Membership - $80 - for 3 months Stephen Dewitt, Democrat Election Commissioner, at the City Health Club; expires April 9, 2003. I will pay effective January 1, 2003; and the $25 transfer fee out of the $80. Contact Regina at Don Ellis, Director of Weights and Measures, 272 -8243. Leave message. effective January 5, 2003 For sale: Electric stove, good condition $45. TIRES: 2 all /weather, 215 /70R15, like new $40, 205/75R15 $25, 4 MIS 225175R15 mounted rims (from S10 Blazer) $40 ea. CLASSIFIEDS 2/$75,4/$145. Contact Ken Thompson at 607- 898 -9992. For sale: Electric and manual wheelchairs, and other Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County various handicap /disability equipment. For more employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may information call 607 - 659 -4180. be for any purpose, however personal ads will not be accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers may For sale: Birding in Costa Rica: Two upcoming trips. be listed in your ad, however, we do need your full name July 2 -13 and July 16 -27. $1,575 includes lodging, food, and County telephone number submitted with the ad in local transportation, excursions. Contact Sandra Pollack case there are questions. Submit your ad to County at 277 -1416 or at journeyweavers @aol.com for specific Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of Representatives, itinerary. Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via US or interdepartmental WANTED: A kerosene /fuel oil, preferably top- ducted, mail or e-mail to: mpottorff@tompkins- co.org used furnace in good working order. Mobile home NOTE: furnace possible option. Call (607) 838 -3748 after 5:30 If you would like to modify your classified or want to p.m. run it again, you must re- submit it! Services: DEADLINE: 1 TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me help Articles to be considered for the February 20 i ssue, must with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever it be received by noon on Tuesday, February 4 Submit takes to get you and your computer working together articles via e-mail as an attachment or on disk in any file again. Call James Keegan at 273 -7957 evenings or format that is readable by Word for Windows '95. Send weekends. disk and hard copy to County Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of Representatives, Courthouse, Ithaca, Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can put NY 14850. Please include a contact number in case questions relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an arise. appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753- COUNTY CORRIDORS 6383. Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are selected by the Editorial Board based on their interest to Kinetic Performance — Custom racing carburetors parts, Tompkins County employees and retirees. They do not and racing fabrication. Call Dayton or Margo Umholtz at necessarily express the opinions of the Editorial Board. 277 -6462 evenings /weekends or email Material is solicited from current employees, retirees and KineticPerformance @thedirtforum.com. Visit our others. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit website at www.KineticPerformance.net submissions, except in the instance of copyright materials. EDITORIAL BOARD French Tutor — Call Sarah at 257 -3047. Please leave a Michelle Pottorff (Editor) Board of Representatives message. Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services Liz Croop Department of Mental Health Goosa Arts - See our beautiful and affordable traditional Katy Prince Health Department Russian arts: nesting dolls, eggs, jewelry boxes, amber, Vickie Wagner (Artist) Department of Assessment Geri Lockwood Highway etc. Alisa Mengel, 277 -2917, hours by appointment, 120 Tammy VanOrman Assessment Linn St. Donna Deputron (Distribution Coordinator) Facilities 10