ဟံၣ်My WebLinkဘၣ်ဃးဒီး2003-10 cc usT ,„„, , ,, 4 t 81ell ft:1 1 Illlll ''v 'es and ['eiirtes ('f 1 i Illllhins t ( atilt CCU Li UCU S Volume 16 No. 10 October, 2003 Congratulations to Debbie Strite and Meg Garvey Mental Health Department Award Recipients Submitted by Liz Croop, Mental Health Debbie Strite awarded the Jane Y. Meg Garvey awarded the Ann Birnback Hartz Human Service Worker Award Award - Outstanding Mental Health Debbie Strite has been presented with the Jane Y. Professional - (MSW, CSW, Ph.D) Hartz Award. This award honors a front -line worker Meg Garvey is the recipient of this award honoring a or para - professional whose dedicated efforts make a mental health professional whose work has been real and measurable difference in the everyday health distinguished by its quality, length of service and and well -being of the people served. It is presented commitment to the profession. Ann Birnback was a when there is an individual who has clearly invested generous and dedicated social worker who provided his or her time and skill toward the service of others many hours of service to her clients and exemplified and who has, on numerous occasions, demonstrably the highest standards of her field. She was devoted to gone out of his or her way to ensure that the person on improving the care and treatment of people with a whose behalf they are working attains an improved mental health diagnosis. This award is presented to an quality of life and involvement in or re- engagement individual who epitomizes a humane and with their family, friends or community despite the compassionate approach toward all and who has presence of a mental health diagnosis. Congratulations carried Ann's standard of excellence forward through Debbie! individual and community service in the field of • y i mental health. Congratulations Meg! \ a /1 V fr, t . - ' 7 2 le F 1 . " r , . ', � L N11\\\„ltA REPORT 6 I FROM THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR By Stephen W1TI.icher While I was thinking about what to write this month I looked over my County Corridors article from October of last year. At that time the Legislature was wrapping up the budget and everything looked fairly predictable. It was recognized as a tough year but the Legislature's hope was that by implementing a fairly large tax increase in one year, the pressure on the County Budget would be relieved. Even as this hope was expressed, the State was just beginning to come to grips with the dire problems facing the State budget. As it played out, we all began to realize that the State circumstances were much more severe than anyone suspected. In the end, the State leaders recognized a deficiency of approximately 11 billion dollars. After much give and take, the budgeters attempted to recognize a good portion of the shortfall and through financial `management" moved the remainder to out -lying years. Now, as our County Legislature moves to finalize our 2004 budget, the impact of some of the State's 2003 -04 budget decisions are just beginning to see the light of day. So where are we now? The budget issues are pretty much the same — although worse — and everyone has now accepted the reality of the State's circumstances. The concept that difficult times will be here for at least a few more years is beginning to take hold. This new realization has led many in our Legislature to look for additional possibilities for reducing our overall costs. In addition to challenging the funding for programs like the Road Patrol, Road Maintenance, Alternatives to Incarceration and other programs close to many Legislator's hearts, the Legislature has postponed its own salary increases, has proposed postponing management salary increases, and has asked CSEA to consider reopening their contract. Several concepts must be recognized when the Legislature is forced to turn to the idea of eliminating or reducing negotiated staff salary adjustments as a way to trim the budget. First, the Legislature recognizes that the public sector is not the same as the private sector. Public servants do not benefit when our company does well, and our customer demands and the resultant workload tend to increase when times are hard. Second, it has taken a long time and a lot of hard work by all to make Tompkins County one of the best places in the nation to live, and no one wants to see the quality of life deteriorate. Third, our fringe rates are out of control. The taxpayers simply cannot afford increases in the cost of labor of nearly 16 percent per year; something has to give. In the end, it will take a combination of program reductions and payroll restrictions to reach an acceptable tax rate increase. As the Legislature struggles with the final budget, I want to assure you that every Legislator and every taxpayer in the county appreciates the superb efforts you give every day to deliver quality programs. 2 Way To Go, Larry! wm a ° b /J f ftfl fl ! Submitted by Liz Croop, Mental Health Dept. 't 1 . .%. ,, , 0 1 . # , 1 . .sc\% 4 , 0 ,4, A 1 cr ., 4 4 %;::,e;% cb (.. ‹ Ri*,‘ krif Whin en 0 "I''' -da." c 8et o <or"' . <�: AIR WQf ���y y Y • ..' ',. , . e ‘ f o no Larry Ward will be leaving Mental Health at the end of this month. He plans on taking four or five months to decompress through travel, home projects, and relaxation; he will also explore opportunities in the Mental Health field. Larry came to work for County DSS in 1974 as a Caseworker, and it was there that he met his wife, Susan. He remembers being involved in a number of innovative new programs including: the de- institutionalization of clients from psychiatric hospitals to the community, a family counseling team, and the beginning of the CSS Case Management Program. He was able to obtain an MSW from Syracuse University under a DSS Title XX training program - this required a commitment to continue working for the County for at least one year upon earning his degree, which has turned into more than 25 years. While at DSS, he also worked for the Mental Health Clinic's After Hours Crisis Program. Finally, in 1981 he moved from DSS to the Mental Health Department to become Program Director of Meadow House, which, you old- timers will recall, was over on State Street where DSS now stands. Upon moving into the new Mental Health facility in 1991, Meadow House changed its name to the Skylight Club. Larry thanks the County for the many professional opportunities, and for his wife! Also for the talented and supportive people he has worked with. 3 Early Bird Walkers By Jim Strehle r iltf;P If you have been walking, here is a route that you can step up a grade with a steeper grade. This route still starts with a walk down the commons but gives you a chance to challenge yourself by walking up Gun Hill. If you can work up to doing this walk in 45 minutes, you will be getting a super work out. You will get to walk along the edge of the Cornell campus and see a great view of the city down below you. The Commons/Hill Challenge • Start HSB & State Street • East through the Commons to Aurora Street • Turn left to Aurora and head North • The intersection of Yates is the 1 mile • Turn right on to Lincoln Street • And another right on to Lake Street • Go up the hill and turn right on Stewart Ave. • The intersection of Dewitt Place is the grid mile • Continue down Stewart Ave. to State Street • Turn right and head down the hill and on to Seneca Street • The intersection of Geneva is the 3 1-d mile and end the of the walk It's that time again! Submitted by Barbara Blanchard and Roxanne Iacovelli Untied Way of America Dear County Colleagues, It's that time again. The United Way campaign for 2003 -04 is underway and, as we all know, the needs are great. Given uncertain economic times and pressures on family life, support for our United Way agencies is very important. You have always been real champions when it comes to responding to calls for support so we're counting on you again to make the sacrifices necessary to help our less fortunate neighbors and friends. This is a tough challenge when we're facing serious budget issues and I know some of you are concerned about your own futures, let alone the plight of others. Nevertheless, I ask that you consider what is possible for you to pledge and make that commitment again as you have done in the past. Thank you for your stalwart support of United Way. 4 F ir - T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T WIPL ;._ ,1 ► i F ►i i ITO ►i ► i i ► Dale Gregrow, Equipment Service Manager ►� � � � Highway Division ►i Years of Service: 19+ ►i Brief Job Summary: Dale oversees the repairs and maintenance, the scheduling of replacements, (� r and purchases of the highway equipment. (� Personal Interests /HobbieslFamily: Dale has been married for 28 years. He and his wife, IA F Debby, have three children (two sons — 27, 24, one daughter — 25) and four grandchildren (one grandson — ► 13, three granddaughters — 8, 3, 11/2). He enjoys remodeling their house and installing new features to cut ` down on energy costs. Dale also services and does most repairs on his own vehicles, including lawn ►J r equipment, cars, trucks, and their motor home. He enjoys rebuilding old motors and small engines. He ► and Debby enjoy traveling and camping. i 1 Additional Information: Dale began his career with the County as a seasonal Motor Equipment ► Operator, and moved up to a heavy equipment operator, a Supervisor, and a Heavy Equipment Mechanic i prior to becoming the Equipment Service Manager in 1995. 1 Submitted by Geri Lockwood *Please continue submitting profiles, we need more! �J October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Submitted by Sue Robinson, Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator If you see people wearing purple ribbons during October, they are wearing them to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities around us. Domestic violence is often labeled a "women's issue," but in fact it is everyone's issue — women's, men's, and children's. We often label women as the victims and men as the perpetrators of domestic violence (men are the perpetrators in 85 -90% of domestic abuse cases). However, women can be the perpetrators and men can always be part of the solution! The White Ribbon Campaign: Men Working to End Men's Violence Against Women is an excellent resource for men who want to work to end domestic abuse. They are a Canadian group who are leaders in promoting men's involvement in this so- called "women's issue." They can be found on the internet at: http: / /www.whiteribbon.ca/ The White Ribbon Campaign suggest ten things for, "What Every Man Can Do to Help End Men's Violence Against Women." The following is quoted from this document: 1. Listen to women — learn from women: Who knows better about violence against women than women who experience it? 2. Learn about the problem: Violence against women includes physical and sexual assault, sexual harassment, psychological abuse, or emotional abuse. Not all violence leaves visible scars. Emotional violence includes regular subjection to demeaning jokes, domineering forms of behavior, and sexual harassment. Some forms of violence have a greater physical or emotional impact than others. But all forms of violence contribute to the very real fear and suffering that women in our society endure. 3. Learn why some men are violent: Most individual acts of men's violence are a pathetic attempt to assert control over women, children, or other men. Paradoxically, most violent acts by men are a sign of weakness, insecurity, and lack of self - esteem combined with a capacity for physical or verbal domination and feeling that they should be superior and in control. 4. Wear a white ribbon: Wearing a white ribbon is your personal pledge never to commit violence against women, not to condone acts of violence, not to make excuses for perpetrators of violence, and not to think that any women "asks for it." 5. Challenge sexist language and jokes that degrade women: Sexist jokes and language help create a climate where forms of violence and abuse have too long been accepted. One of the most difficult things for men is to learn to challenge other men — to challenge sexist language — to challenge men who talk lightly of violence against women, and to challenge men who engage in violence. 6. Learn to identify and oppose sexual harassment and violence in your workplace, school, and family: Men can join women in opposing sexual harassment by supporting efforts in our workplaces and schools to create a healthy and productive environment. 7. Support local women's programs: Support services for women who are survivors of men's violence like safe houses for abused women, rape crisis centers, counseling services, and legal aid clinics deserve men's support and financial backing. 8. Examine how your own behavior might contribute to the problem: Many men will never be physically or sexually violent. But let's examine ways we might try to control women. Do we dominate conversations? Do we put them down? Do we limit their activities? Whether or not you've ever been violent, all men must take responsibility for ending all forms of violence. 9. Work toward long -term solutions: Ending violence against women won't happen overnight. Real solutions are truly long -term solutions. This is because men's violence against women is rooted in inequalities between men and women, and in the way men learn to be men. Changes in attitude, behavior, and institutions take time. And so we must look at how we raise future generations. We must teach our children, by example, that all forms of violence are unacceptable, and that for boys to become men, they do not need to control or dominate women, men, or children. 10. Get involved with the white ribbon campaign's educational efforts: The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of men working to end men's violence against women. The WRC is a grass -roots effort, relying mainly on volunteers. Because the purpose of the campaign is for men to take responsibility for working to end men's violence against women, it is an organization of men. But we greatly appreciate the help and support of women. The White Ribbon Campaign website: http: / /www.whiteribbon.ca/ 6 "So -long, Jim Morris!" Submitted by Liz Croop, Mental Health Jim Morris will be leaving after seven years as an MSW in the Mental Health Department. His experience with the County has been interesting — he worked summers for the Highway Department starting in 1967 while attending Drew University during the school year. He then worked in the Health Department, went back to college to earn his MSW, left us to work in Schuyler County for six years, then returned here to Mental Health in 1996. He has been a board member of the Employee's Credit Union, and has also been active in the CSEA Union, negotiating contracts and serving on the grievance committee. He has worked nearly 25 years for Tompkins County. Jim grew up in Ithaca, and he and his wife, Christine, have two sons — Kevin teaches English in Shanghai(!), and Scott works in the entomology lab at Cornell. Jim also has two step - children, Adam, a junior at Glasgow University, Scotland, and Louisa, recently graduated from Seton Hall. Upon leaving Mental Health, Jim will take a week off to visit the Lancaster area in Pennsylvania, where he and his wife enjoy visiting the car show and antique shops, and soaking up the Amish atmosphere. Jim is leaving us because, "It's time for a change." He'll be serving in the Cornell EAP program. Asked if he had a message for us, Jim said he thinks it was a mistake to put the County Corridors on the Internet. He enjoyed getting the paper copy of the Corridors handed to him every month, but never bothers to look at it now, and wonders how many County employees feel the same. Other than that, he says, "I'll be around and I'll be seeing you here and there!" v } 1 oiomp . , • ;\ \ la ' 1 L. 'il,':.7,,. /- , * : s! \ -).').: tf.:All r , *.P ,.... k f -' r j L a ■ . i I ( 1 il \ aii f / t ! •~ i gt � ■ I II ; / l \ 1 1 I \\ Good Luck Jim! 7 America Recycles Day The Last Collection Day of the Year for Household Hazardous Waste at the D . E . P . O . T. November 15 will be the last day in 2003 you can bring your household hazardous waste to the DEPOT located at 122 Commercial Ave., Ithaca, next to the Tompkins County Solid Waste and Recycling Center. You must call 273 -6632 to pre - register for this event. November 15 is also America Recycles Day. We would like to invite you to help us celebrate from 10 -2 at the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division in the administrative parking lot. Our super heroes, "Reduce ", "Reuse ", and "Recycle" will be there. There will be lots of contests, prizes and free refreshments: • Cornell Cooperative Extension will have a compost contest, guess how many raw materials it takes to make a bucket of compost • The Solid Waste Division will have a bale of recycled paper and you guess how many pieces of paper are in this bale; • The Science Center will have a science project going on • Computer All Stars and Babbages Basement will be there to give you information on their programs and computer re -use and repairs, and • Significant Elements will attend to give you information about their program. Guess the number of doors that were donated to their program in 2003. Stop by and meet the super heroes, enter contests, get information and enjoy free refreshments. If you have questions about the events call 273 -6632. Don't forget to take photos of costumes for the annual corridors Halloween costume contest!! f Ea a) 8 CLASSIFIEDS 4 For Sale: I '' For Sale: 2002 HONDA CBR600F4I Motorcycle, 3,370 miles, 2 Shoei helmets, Joe Rocket jacket, M4 .� pipe, other extras, asking $6,900. Also, 2000 HONDA 'Miff if/ j till ar Foreman 450 ES ATV, 175 hrs., with snow plow and 2 helmets, asking $4,500. Call 659 -4643. CLASSIFIEDS Wanted: I Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may WANTED: Do you have one or more phones (corded or be for any purpose, however personal ads will not be cordless) that you no longer need? Also, wires that accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers connect the phones to the wall outlets along with the may be listed in your ad, however, we do need your full phones would also be appreciated. Adult Protective name and County telephone number submitted with the Services can use them for their clients. Contact Louise ad in case there are questions. Submit your ad to County Tomei at DSS 274-5275. (No cell phones please). Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Tompkins County Services: I Legislature, Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via US or interdepartmental mail or e-mail to: mpottorff@tompkins oliday Gift Sale, Saturday, November 1 from 12 to 4 co.org p.m., 473 Millard Hill Road, Newfield. Gifts, collectables, NOTE: Mary Kay, handcrafted jewelry. Raffle. Call Jackie at If you would like to modify your classified or want to 564 -9346 with questions. Items available year round'. run it again, you must re submit it! DEADLINE: i TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me help Articles to be considered for the November 27 issue, with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever it takes must be received by noon on Tuesday, November 4. to get you and your computer working together again. Call James Keegan at 273 - 7957 evenings or weekends. Submit articles via e-mail as an attachment or on disk in any file format that is readable by Word for Windows '95. Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can put Send disk and hard copy to County Corridors c/o Michelle relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an Pottorff, Tompkins County Legislature, Courthouse, appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753- Ithaca, NY 14850. Please include a contact number in case 6383. questions arise. French Tutor — Call Sarah at 257 -3047. Please leave a message. COUNTY CORRIDORS Goosa Arts - See our beautiful and affordable traditional Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are Russian arts: nesting dolls, eggs, jewelry boxes, amber, selected by the Editorial Board based on their etc. Alisa Mengel, 277 -2917, hours by appointment, 120 interest to Tompkins County employees and retirees. Linn St. They do not necessarily express the opinions of the Editorial Board. Material is solicited from current Foster Care /Adoption Informational Meetings employees, retirees and others. The Editorial Board Submitted by Ellie Arnold, DSS reserves the right to edit submissions, except in the To anyone who may be considering becoming a foster parent instance of copyright materials. or adoptive parent and wants more information. EDITORIAL BOARD WHERE: Michelle Pottorff (Editor) TC Legislature Human Services Building, Room 142 Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services TO BE HELD FROM NOON TO 1 P.M. ON: Liz Croop Department of Mental Health November 13 Katy Prince Health Department December 11 Linnett Warner Solid Waste Division Geri Lockwood Highway For more information, please call Judy Voorheis @ 274 -5266. 9