HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-12 1 A Newsletter for Coun-tv Tompkins County Employees and Retirees Cc rridcrs December, 2005 Volume 17, Number 10 C' el County Corridors is returning to a regular Program Focus G Q \( pu schedule with this issue. Paper copies of S VA the newsletter will be distributed to all County employees and also mailed to any County retiree who requests it. The newsletter SWAP, JACS Programs will be posted on the County Intranet. Corridors will be published in Benefit Many March, June, September, and December. (see page 10 for more details!) By Patricia Buechel, Probation and Community Justice Department Riding the Bus with my Co- workers You may have heard the acronyms is the County's Bus Pass Polic y Fair? SWAP and JACS, and perhaps department has been helped by y s one e o of By Katy Prince, Tompkins County Health Department these programs just what are they Due to the increase in the price and what do they do? The Department of gas, I recently started riding of Probation and Community Justice . I r I the bus to work every day. I got operates both of these supervised this idea when, after Hurricane community service programs. , Katrina, all County employees SWAP stands for Service Work !I 1 1 • _ ' got an e-mail from either Lorraine Alternative Program, an Alternative to TAT Steele or Maryanne Banks about Incarceration program for non-violent ' " free" bus passes for County em - offenders who are ordered by the courts ' ployees that work downtown. to perform a certain number of hours of contacted the appropriate community service. JACS is the Juvenile f person indicated in the e and Accountability Community Service !hi '' was told that I am not eligible program for youths involved in family • Yom' because I don't work downtown. court and who have been ordered to perform community service. I started riding the bus anyway to save on gas, be more environmentally In both SWAP and JACS, par - friendly, and avoid traffic congestion — but I am still upset that the people ticipants develop work skills and self - who work downtown get a free pass to ride the bus and I do not. I have to esteem, and the community gains from pay $45 a month to ride the bus. I feel like I am being discriminated against the work they perform. While the for working "on the hill. "And I'm not the only one. Several other people up department has work sites all over the (continued on page 6) county, we are proudest of our involve - Goodb and Hellos ment in the Grassroots Festival and the Cornell University Dump and Run In January 2006, the Tompkins County's Legislature will have its largest program, both of which benefit Cops, turnover since 1960. Seven new members — four Democrats and three Kids and Toys (CK &T), a not - for - profit Republicans — are coming in. The departing Legislators are all long -time (continued on page 5) incumbents who will take with them 98 years of cumulative experience. Also departing is District Attorney George Dentes, who served as our INSIDE DA for four consecutive four -year terms. From the County Administrator 2 Goodbye to: Hello to: Notices & Announcements 2 Barbara Blanchard, D Legis. District 1 Pam Mackesey, D Kudos Korner 2 Nancy Schuler, D Legis. District 4 Nathan Shinagawa, D D & Honors 3 Dee part part ment News 4, 5 Thomas Todd, R Legis. District 6 Michael Sigler, R opinion 6 Daniel Winch, R Legis. District 8 Greg Stevenson, D Employee Spotlights 7 GeorgeTotman, R Legis. District 9 Duane Randall, R Union News 8 Michael Lane, D Legis. District 14 Michael Hattery, R Health & Wellness 8, 9 Peter Penniman, D Legis. District 15 Jim Dennis, D Small World: Holidays 9 George Dentes, R County D.A. Gwen Wilkinson, D Report: Corridors Survey 10 Halloween Contest 10 Puzzler 10 10 Corridors is back — but should it have a new name to Farewell Pix and Party Invitations 11 1 celebrate its return? What do you think? Send in the coupon Classified Ads 12 on the back page. Kathy Leinthall's Joke 12 2 A Note from the Notices & Announcements County Administrator Cops, Kids & Toys Welcome Back, Corridors! After a long hiatus, it is good to The Finance Department is once see the return of our employee newsletter. As you may notice, again collecting for the Cops, Kids the Corridors team has worked hard to reflect the results of the staff survey. & Toys Program. New unwrapped Regarding the survey, I was gifts can be dropped off at the Old '-. particularly pleased to find that my Jail, 125 E. Court Street, 2nd Floor, contributions came in solidly behind through December 12, 2005. Gifts the classifieds in popularity — may also be dropped off at the Solid Waste Man - provided I stick to real - life events agement Division office on Commercial Avenue. rather than the mundane world of budgets and governmental affairs. I United Way of Tompkins County will do my best to oblige. It's not too late to make a contribution to the United As I write this column, I am on \y of Tompkins County. The agencies supported vacation. I am writing from my by the United Way assist children, teens, and adults daughter's house in the suburbs of with both emergency help and sustained support. Phoenix where the weather is On the back of our pledge cards is a list of the United delightful, just perfect for the list of Way's "partner agencies." When you make a pledge chores that has accumulated since to the United Way you may designate agencies to my last visit. It amazes me how which you wish to direct your contribution, and you much work is required to keep up a 0.15 acre lot in suburbia. may likewise designate agencies from which you Maybe my daughter just knows that I need the therapy of wish to exclude a contribution. sunshine and manual labor. I must admit it does feel good. Sooner or later we all need a helping hand, so My days here begin with a short bike trip to Starbucks for a please consider a contribution to our United Way. It's Grande Latte, an obligation of anyone west of the Mississippi. easy to pledge via payroll deduction, and a modest I then bike over to what I think of as "my mountain," really biweekly contribution accumulates into a valuable gift. just a large hill. I park the bike and take a three -mile strenuous If you have questions or need a pledge card, call Anna hike. Then I go for a three- or four -mile bike ride through Smith in the Personnel Office: 274 - 5526. neighborhoods that I can no longer afford since the Californians have doubled the prices, and then on to my Passport Photos chores for the day. I also manage to play a few rounds of golf Get your passport photo taken at the each day at one of the two golf courses within walking Tompkins County Clerk's Office for only distance. There seem to be more golf courses than Starbucks. $8. Compared to $14 elsewhere. Want I can easily see why this place is booming. The constant your photo for other purposes? We can sunshine is revitalizing and the results of healthy living are take it here. Come see us in the base - readily apparent in nearly everyone around. However, trying - ment of the Courthouse. to stay alive in a metropolitan area of millions of people takes Kudos Korner more energy and wariness then I am willing to give. The traffic here is simply unbelievable and the smog is beginning to From Michael Koplinka Loehr, Legislator: creep across the valley on a regular basis. In addition, one is 1. I would like to acknowledge and thank Bob Deluca, constantly accosted by young men claiming to be trying to Betsy Doling, Michelle Eighmey, Jay Franklin, Tom rehabilitate themselves and they just need you to buy some magazines to help them get back on their feet. The news Herden, Norma Jayne, Pat Nowakowski, Greg Pot - stations warn that these young men are actually checking ter, David Squires, and Jackie Thomas for their in- out your house in preparation for a later nefarious visit. Quite spiring teamwork to develop the Department Bud- a world. get Database. Your hard work is much appreciated. As much as I love this sunshine and warmth, 1 long for the 2. Our deepest thanks go to each county employee tranquility of my place in the hills of Tompkins County. for the dedication and caring which you bring each Traveling certainly helps to reaffirm the quality of our own life and every day for the "common good" of the public at home. Take care, everyone, and appreciate our little place whom we serve. Your contribution is a significant in the world; it is made even more special by the good works and essential part of the local quality of life which all of you perform each day. we all enjoy, but never take for granted. THANKYOU! Thank You and Happy Holidays! Want to acknowledge someone for a job well done? — Steve Whicher Send your kudos to Corridors @tompkins - co.org 3 Awards & Honors Nancy Zook Receives Award from she was co -chair for community service, organizing Challenge Industries Share the Warmth, and other charitable activities. Eliza- beth both likes and believes in her work. "Working for Nancy Zook from the County Youth Services Depart- so many years in County government, and to be em- ment was honored by Challenge Industries as their ployed to promote democracy, on which our country is 2005 Partner of the Year for her commitment to work- founded, has made me a very blessed individual," she ing toward providing opportunities for people with dis- says. abilities and support for Challenge's mission. In 2004, the County Youth Services Department developed a Laura Owens and Tom Paolangeli collaborative proposal to use Workforce Investment Earn State Board of Elections Honors Act funds to serve low- income youth and those with In May of 2005 the State Board of Elections presented barriers to employment. to the Tompkins County Board of Elections a Certifi- Nancy worked actively to recruit and connect eli- cate or Merit for "innovative concepts developed in the gible out -of- school youth so they could receive em- field of election administration and operation." ployment training and job coaching from Challenge The award was for papers discussing the use of through the Job LINK program. Karen Coleman from Microsoft Access in election night reporting, by Demo - the County Youth Services Department also works cratic Senior Clerk Laura Owens, and the develop - collaboratively with area schools, youth programs and ment of inexpensive web sites for county Boards of DSS to recruit and connect eligible in- school youth Elections, by Democratic Deputy Commissioner Tom with the Job LINK program. The whole County Youth Services Department was Paolangeli. praised by Challenge as a department that really prac- ticestruecollabora- Karen Bishop and John Andersson tion in working with Receive State Awards for Excellence others on behalf of A young people. Two County Health Department employees were hon- • -- ored by the New York State Department of Health Nancy zahler (NYSDOH). John Andersson, Tompkins County Envi- ronmental Health Director, received the "Environmental Health Outstanding Service Award" for professional ex- cellence; Karen Bishop, Supervising Community Health Nurse, received NYSDOH's "Gerald A. Errion Award" Nancy Zook speaks to the Legisia- for outstanding efforts in immunization by local health ture after receiving the Partner of the Year award. In the background department staff. is Challenge Industries' president, Patrick McKee, who presented the award (right). Elizabeth Cree Named 2005 "Woman of Distinction" Elizabeth Cree, Board of Elections Commissioner, In .Memory of f Janis .Avery was recognized as a "Woman of Distinction" at a ceremony in Albany in June. She was nominated for devoted eanpCoyee, the award by Senator Michael Nozzolio as part of a loving wife and mother celebration to honor women in NewYork State whose a nd a loyal friend accomplishments have contributed to an improved - �, It's hard to believe a year quality of life in their communities. has passed since we Cast ,` saw your smiling face. Elizabeth has been an elections commissioner t t• since 1997, and was a senior elections clerk at the 1ve think of you each, and BoE for ten years before that. She is a past chair of ; every day. your simile the NYS Election Commissioner Association. She fives on forever in our also chairs the Tompkins County Republican Com- hearts and minds, mittee. As a past member of the Ithaca Rotary Club, 4 Department News County Clerk -- New Passport Requirements in 2006 Highway That includes you, Santa! We Have Lots of New Faces! By Alanna Congdon, County Clerk's Office ,11 By Geri Lockwood, HighwayDivision Starting Dec. 31, 2006, passports will be required for Tompkins County Highway normally has a low personnel all persons, fictitious characters, wanted persons or turnover rate, but 2005 has become an exception. Not only talking animals to enter Canada, Mexico, Central and do we have new leadership, but we also have five new crew South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda by air, sea members, a new Secretary, and a new Civil Engineer! or sleigh. Land border crossings will require a passport Ed Marx, previously the Deputy starting Dec. 31, 2007. Passports are processed at County Administrator and Commis — sioner of Planning, became the Com the the County Clerk's Office (274 -5432) - please allow missioner of Planning and Public J' six weeks for processing, just as Santa and his helpers Works. William "Bill" Sczesnyjoined HIGHWAY have. For more information, visitwww.tompkins - co.org/ us in June as the new Highway Man- cclerk/ or www.travel.state.gov. ager, a position that John Lampman 1 (111 1,6 held as interim manager for one year. DSS Bob Bunce, Kyle Henderson, Kevin Hulbert, and Lorri Stage all came on board in May as Motor Learn About Foster Care /Adoption Equipment Operators (MEO's), as two new MEO positions By Ellie Arnold, DSS were added, and two were vacated due to the promotions of For anyone considering becoming a foster parent or Joe McCoy and Mike Piotti to Heavy Equipment Operators adoptive parent, Tompkins County Department of Social (HEO's), also two new positions. Phil Royce, who began Services holds informational meetings on the 2nd as a seasonal MEO in May, was hired full-time in June, Thursday of each month at the Human Services when an M EO position was vacated. Kathy Cornell, a former long -term County employee, joined Building, Room 142. The next meetings are December us in September as the new Secretary when Geri Lockwood 8, 2005 and January 12, 2006 from noon to 1 PM. The was promoted to Administrative Assistant due to that posi- Youth Services Department is also looking for host tion being vacated. John Kupiec filled the two -year vacant homes for teenagers for short - term respite. CaII 274 - Civil Engineer position in October. 5266 for more information. I County Clerk tr y ' Citizenship Ceremony Goes to Boynton S , - _ By Aurora Valenti, Tompkins County Clerk ' In November, 29 applicants, representing 18 countries, f became citizens of the United States at a ceremony taken "on the road" by the Tompkins County Clerk, R Aurora R. Valenti, and her staff. The Hon. Walter J. Relihan, Jr., State Supreme Court Justice, presided at +I the naturalization service at Boynton Middle School in !, Ithaca, in the presence of the families and friends of the newest citizens, as well as the entire student body 1 1 il A IIII ',,` * �' * of the school. * * * The Boynton Concert Band and Student Chorus * ; * * * provided patriotic music, and an extensive reception Aurora Valenti (right) and was held following the ceremony, with elegant "red, Judge Relihan (center) white & blue" pastries and punch (made by staff and congratulate a new citizen. faculty). Ms. Jackie Fazio of the Boynton Administration I qiit �, a, coordinated the events at the school, assisted by +'' �� ----:- faculty and staff. The Tompkins County BarAssociation • '' % • graciously donated the flowers by Flowerfield Florist. * ` - ' �=. ,I ': Patriotic attire was visible throughout the school; flags and national memorabilia were strategically '�° ' placed; clothing was color- coordinated; and one young -_ "`` man came to school with red, white & blue hair. 5 DSS Dump and Run is a collaborative effort between Cornell University, local police agencies, and this department. The November was National Adoption Month idea is to collect things left behind by students in May, resell By Maryanne Banks, DSS them to students when they return in August, and give the November was National Adoption Month. Tompkins County proceeds to charity. Cornell staff collects all the items: Department of Social Services celebrated on November 21 clothing, furniture, radios, appliances, lamps, stereos, TV's, by recognizing the staff within our office who are striving for DVD players, crates, food, hygiene products, computers, permanent homes for children, and have turned positive etc., which are delivered to attitudes about adoption into results. Current research shows a warehouse. Over the next that caseworkers' "belief in the adoptability" of all children, three months the SWAP --;` li ►�"t - ! no matter how seemingly difficult the issues, leads to success and JAGS participants begin , in finding permanent homes for children. making sense out of all the $ ► or Last year Tompkins County DSS caseworkers were items by sorting them into I • in in facilitating adoptions for 14 children on our labeled boxes. It is a r�� %v,� �1r► yi caseload. Caseworkers assisted many more adults in daunting task; the piles are ! o =li a exploring their options, creating adoptive families, and huge and seemingly ; E o ff , ®` Vi� supporting families after they have adopted. insurmountable and never- 0 Through a partnership with Franziska Racker Centers, the ending. Finally, the items Department also provides a support group and clinical services are delivered back to the University for a giant two -day sale for foster and adoptive parents involved with DSS. In addition, that is open to students and the Ithaca community. over the past few years we have The event isa win -win for everyone. The environment does received some small grants not suffer from items going to the landfill, buyers are happy and donations to provide with their bargains, SWAP and JACS participants develop a 1 ) professionally facilitated sense of pride for their efforts, and proceeds from the sale �' go to local charities. This year we were thrilled that the sale r activity groups for adopted g y / 0o children and families, including netted $20,000, with $12,000 going to CK &T, $4,500 to the Q camping weekends at the Dream Factory, and $3,500 to the Advocacy Center. i Earth Connections Camp and Now that the holiday season is here, the SWAP and JACS Cayuga Nature Center. These programs will help CK &T by sorting gifts for the families who id Alo events provide opportunities for adopted children to meet other have signed up for the program. Over 750 families and approximately 1,800 children are served by this program. adopted children and provide The task of organizing and sorting the gifts by the deadline safe and nurturing places for is massive and involves the teamwork of many people, 1 adoptive children to explore including many police personnel from various agencies. �'' and talk about their feelings The Probation Department is pleased to be an integral and thoughts around issues of piece of the community programs that have come to rely on adoption and families. These SWAP and JACS for help. For our participants, it gives true events have been very well received by adoptive families and meaning to the concept of repaying the community, and for children. some, the experience of feeling successful and being a part According to the 2000 US Census, Tompkins County is of something meaningful isa turning point toward law- abiding the only county in New York State where the percent of adopted behavior, development of self- esteem, and a desire to make children under 18 exceeds 7.4 % —it has the highest something positive of their lives. percentage of adopted children in the state. A portion of these families have adopted through Tompkins County DSS, thanks A atote of `TThtanks to our caseworkers' commitment to children and families. As many of you know, my secretary, Mary King, has Probation and Community Justice been out since July 2005 with a serious injury. y Fortunately, she is doing much better and should be The Value of SWAP and JACS Programs returning to work in early January. I am sure she (continued from page 1) would appreciate hearing from any of you, while she is convalescing from surgery. I would like to thank organization that collects and buys gifts for needy children some people who helped our department during this around the holidays. trying time. When you have a two - person staff and SWAP runs an on -site recycling center for returnable cans one of them is out for six months, you can imagine and bottles at the Grassroots Festival, a four -day music event the stress and workload. I would like to thank Anita that draws large thirsty crowds. Our SWAP participants help Fitzpatrick for her help, Patricia Carey for her collect and sort the cans and bottles, which are then delivered generosity, and Sandra Perez for all her hard work. to a redemption center. This site isa short term, labor intensive We have had a great time together and I hope she is endeavor that the SWAP program now has down to a science. actually learning some things from working in this This year, a grand total of $2,800 was received for the returnable fast -paced environment. Thank you, all! cans and bottles the SWAP program sorted. That's 56,000 Julia Hughes, Assigned Counsel cans and bottles to be exact! 6 1 Opinion Riding the Bus (continued from page 1) Response: County Will Look here inquired about a free bus pass to ride the bus. at the Bus Pass Policy We were all turned down. Apparently, since we don't have to pay for parking, According to the Commissioner of Personnel: The we don't qualify. It seems to me that the people who do issuance of bus passes to County employees was ini- work downtown benefit more than just not having to tiated to accommodate employee parking restrictions pay for parking. They don't have to pay for gas in their in the downtown complexes (Courthouse, Mental car (gas was costing me about $45 a week), nor the Health, and later the Human Services Building). Free maintenance on it, and they get a free ride to work bus passes are not currently available to all County (worth $45 a month). employees. The distinction that was made revolved When I ride the bus, I leave home at about 6:45 AM, around the issue of availability of sufficient, free park - drive 7.5 miles to Dryden and catch the bus just after 7 AM. ing for employees at the various complexes." I get to Ithaca around 7:50, board another bus about Katy Prince has pointed out that these days the cost 10 minutes later and get off at Dates Drive at about of gas is a big issue, as well as reducing pollution and 8:15. I walk the rest of the way, to be at work by 8:30. relieving traffic congestion. I have sacrificed some of my time to ride the bus to As a result of Katy's letter, Kathy Luz Herrera, the work. When I drive, I can leave home almost an hour chair of the Planning, Development, and Environmen- later and be home by 5:15. When I ride the bus, I get tal Quality Committee, and Michael Koplinka- Loehr, home closer to 6 PM. This is not a complaint. Chair of the Budget and Capital Committee, have Remember, I am saving gas and avoiding traffic said they will look at the bus pass policy in this new congestion. Here's a comparison of my annual cost of context. riding the bus vs. driving to work: A meeting with TCAT has been scheduled, and dis- cussions are under way. Driving: $45 per week (gas only) x 50 weeks (2 weeks vacation) = $2,250 a year Riding the bus: $45 bus pass x 12 months = $540 a year TCAT Ridership Hits All -Time High This is a huge savings, but think about the person who Up 34 Percent over 2005 works downtown, gets the same pay as me, and gets County employees weren't the only people who a $540 bonus every year in the form of a free bus pass. started riding the bus this fall. According to TCAT, the I think the policy is unfair especially since the last number of riders on TCAT buses in September 2005 sentence in the White Collar contract from 2001 — 2004 topped all previous records for the transit provider. (Side Letter, p. 38) reads, "Employees will continue to About 90,000 more people stepped into a TCAT bus be eligible to apply for — at no cost to the employee — in September 2005 than in September 2004 — a 34 monthly transit passes with a value equal to the percent increase. prevailing monthly pass rate." It does NOT state that "Ridership always goes up in the fall," saysTCAT the policy will continue for downtown employees only. General Manager Joe Turcotte, "but this is a pretty Don't get me wrong. The County supplying bus passes stunning increase." to employees is a wonderful thing. I just don't think it's Turcotte attributes` right to discriminate against workers in the "outlying" the peak ridership areas (Airport, Highway, Solid Vllaste, Health, etc.) Since primarily to the (\ , I am helping energy, to conserve ener reduce traffic, and soaring cost of save the environment from even more automobile gasoline, which C ONSOLIDATED AREA TRANSIT L Trai emissions, and I am a Tompkins County employee, I went up as much as a dollar a gallon in some areas. too would like my free monthly bus pass. September saw a sharp rise in ridership among Cornell students and staff. The number of university ar - employees who rode TCAT buses went up from about 70,000 in September a year ago to about 113,000 in !. — September this year. Student ridership, boosted by • 4. Cornell's new policy of giving free bus passes to all freshman, increased from about 133,000 to nearly 170,000. About 10,000 more non - Cornell riders (including Mental Health employee Public Health employee many of us!) also hopped on the bus. Carole Colaw (free pass) with Lirita Meir (pays for pass) Public Health employee Katy with Katy on the bus For information on TCAT routes, schedules, and Prince (pays for pass) fares visit www.tcatbus.com or call 277 -RIDE. 7 Emp loyee Spotlights D an a Dexter is a carpenter for Facilities and has worked th ere for 2 '/ years. His main duties are carpentry work, re- modeling, cabinet and counter making, and some maintenance . 1 .� w ork. The best -liked part of his job is designing and building ` new work areas, meeting new people, and the benefits. The P -la c 1 least -liked part is "not having a new contract." Outside interests are camping, four - wheeling, and spending time with family. If he ran the world, the first thing Dana would do is assure "equal , taxes between the rich, poor and businesses, no exception." r . • Dana's a top - flight carpenter for the County Ask " him to show you something he's built! k ., ,, :, .' 1,-,74,,:;t•---,'`... i lea .'µ d Gladys Brangman is an outreach worker for COFA and f, {tr- -,� �y 7ti•).- yvfnriet-•ti . s . ■ F �2} •iii i .v'r^.n:. has worked at the Office for the Aging for 4 years. She installs ••,„,,,,,,,. .�5+' . ,-.71,1 ,. ' Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) and helps - :. »r -• •.. .;;;F ' "' ix ... seniors apply for grant money for major home repairs. The , r. best -liked part of her job is the people: all of them, co- workers ua•4rr .. `4.�+r, and clients; and the least -liked part is the paper work. Outside +� interests include teaching jazz and hip -hop dance. If she ran 4 pi j the world, the first thing Gladys would do is "teach people to Gladys spends a lot of time in the field, love one another. It's not as hard as we think." helping seniors have a better life. 0 • •- Liz Croop is retired from the Mental Health Department, All 1 f , , ■ where she headed up the finance office. She worked for the • • County for 13 years, retiring in 2004. Liz started in Budget & Finance: "I've said it before, and I'll say it again — Laurie Parker taught me everything I know." Then she transferred to Mental • Health where she enjoyed the "awesome crew who work at . ' TCMH." Liz is now driving a schoolbus for Head Start. She writes a monthly column for the Cortland Standard. She teaches Sunday School and sings in four different choirs and AIN '" choruses.The thing she likes best about retirement is staying busy in Cortland County, not having the daily drive to Ithaca, and watching "Judging Amy" at noon. Liz misses "seeing Barb Liz doesn't know the meaning of 'slowing down." Davieds do a little song and dance now and then; the smell of Looks like she's getting her ears pierced! nail polish wafting out Judy DeGrusso's doorway; and having a weekly lunch with my daughters, who both work in Ithaca." If Liz ran the world, she would: "Zap all people to install loving kindness and generosity in their brains." NI Got a suggestion for a Spotlight? Send an e-mail to Corridors @tompkins - co.org or call 274 -5555. 81 Union News Health & Wellness CSEA in Tompkins County Greetings from the Employee by David Chase Wellness Committee As part of the re start of County N� `� The Tompkins County Wellness Committee, a group of Corridors I have been asked to re ularl contribute articles employees from various County departments, focuses its g y pertaining to CSEA (Civil Service Employee Association) efforts on encouraging co- workers to be physically active in Tompkins County. Hopefully you as a reader are aware and to eat a healthy diet. Health experts agree that those that CSEA is the labor union that represents the are two of the best ways to take overwhelming majority of municipal employees in Tompkins care of ourselves. ..-:-- 40 Coun The Wellness Committee also In my first attempt (it can only get better, one would provide reimburseme for (( 'irI hope) I thought I would identify the various individuals/ activities that help employees lead Officers of the Union. CSEA in Tompkins County consists healthy lives and help prevent of a Local Office (855) which oversees nine Units chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some representing various municipal employees across the, _ County. cancers. These reimbursements include The Local Officers are: memberships to health clubs and David Chase — President participation in aerobic fitness classes and Weight Watchers Chantalise De Marco —1St Vice President — activities not covered by health insurance (or through other Scott Weatherby — 2 Vice President County benefits) that have the potential for long term health Judith Johnson — Treasurer maintenance. Pamela Gibson — Secretary Employees are reimbursed fora portion of these costs — up to $150 a year for a continuous pre -paid membership at Unit Officers (presidents only listed for the sake of the end of the membership period. For more information and space considerations) are: a reimbursement form, go to the employee Intranet on the Tompkins County White Collar Unit; David Tompkins County website. Chase - President For more information on the County Wellness Committee, Tompkins County Blue Collar Unit; Buddy contact any of the following committee members: Rollins - President Linnett Short — Solid Waste Ithaca City Employees (DPW) Unit; Don Kim Moore — ITS Lovelace - President Michelle Potorff— Legislature Office Ithaca City Employees (Administrative) Unit; Barb Davieds — Mental Health Brian Carman - President Brooke Kominos — Personnel Town of Newfield Highway; Alan Dann - Jim Strehle — Airport President Theresa Lyczko — Health — Linnett Short Groton School Unit; Sheldon Clark - President Stay Healthy at Work TC -3 Unit; Scott Weatherby - President Newfield School Unit; Mary Brenno — Stop the Spread of Germs President Viruses that affect the nose, throat and lungs cause the flu Town of Danby: Ken McNeil — President and colds. Those illnesses are usually spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes.To In addition, CSEA Inc. has assigned the following as keep yourself and your co- workers healthy, be sure to: Labor Relation Specialists (LRS) to Local 855: ■ Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. Stephanie Engster and Will Streeter. Use a tissue and throw it away. Cover your cough or sneeze if you don't have a tissue and then clean your hands. CSEA Shop Stewards Needed • Clean your hands often. Wash your hands with soap and CSEA has openings fpr Hsop Stewards. A Shop Steward warm water; then rub your hands vigorously together and is the Union contact/representative for union members in scrub all surfaces for 15 to 20 seconds. Use alcohol -based their division. They also oversee that procedures are fol- disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers if soap and water lowed in their division. They report to the Union Officers as are unavailable. needed. There are pamphlets available,and a course is ■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth Germs are offered for their benefit. Contact Buddy Rollins, President, often spread when a person touches something that is Tompkins County Blue Collar Unit, 274 -0304. contaminated with germs and then touches their eyes, News and photos from Tompkins County's unions and `` bargaining units are welcome! Contact Corridors at A - choo! Corridors @tompkins- co.org or call 274 -5555. &clm 9 nose or mouth. Germs can live for a long time (some for • Set boundaries with family members and relatives. 2 hours or more) on surfaces like doorknobs, desks, and Sometimes we have to say no. phones. • Don't rely on drinking as a way to relax and relieve holiday Op-Stay home when you are sick and check with a stress. Instead, take care of your body in a good way: Get healthcare provider when needed. Get plenty of rest. rest, exercise, and eat holiday goodies in moderation. Practicing healthy habits routinely will help to keep you • Enjoy the holiday journey, not just the destination. healthy during flu season and all year long. Get plenty of - EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, and eat 607 - 273 - 7494 or 1 - 800 - 834 - 1239 nutritious food. For more information on the flu and staying healthy: www.cdc.gov /flu - Theresa Lyczko, MS,CHES, Director, Health Promotion Small World Program, Tompkins County Health Department Celebrations of the Holiday Season Most of us know the story and traditions of Christmas, Beat Holiday L when Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Stress and the Jesus on December 25, but many people celebrate other .( Mfr * holidays at this time of year, such as Chanukah and Holiday Blues . • Kwanzaa. Tips from Your EAP Chanukah or Hanukkah is a Jewish winter holiday marking the end of foreign rule over the temple in Jerusalem Holiday stress may include scrambling to finish our annual in 165 BCE. A major feature of Chanukah is the lighting of "end of the year" work tasks and dealing with the myriad of a candle on each of eight consecutive holiday details: gift shopping, baking, parties, decorating, nights. The lighting of the candles in a and often times the financial impact this all has. commemorates the miraculous For others, the holidays can bring on the holiday blues or so° a relighting of the lamps in the temple depression.* It can be a sad, disappointing or lonely time ,4 ' `^ from one small container of oil. A that reminds us of loved ones we've lost, or we may be far traditional Chanukah children's g ame away from family members. And sometimes our actual is played with a dreidel, a four -sided holidays simply don't match up with our idealized images top with a different Hebrew letter on of what they should be. - each side. The date of Chanukah *Some people experience a type of "winter depression" changes every year. In 2005, it starts known as Seasonal Affective Disorder which can affect at sundown on December 25. - mood, energy level, stress tolerance, sleep, weight, Kwanzaa is an African - behavior, and functioning. The disorder is associated with American celebration with a : a _ �4 seasonal variations of light and should be diagnosed by a focus on reaffirming traditional ; N trained professional. Call your EAP! values of African - American a people, their ancestors, and their 3 Coping with the Holiday Blues culture. Since the holiday's 3g. . • Contact your EAP! Our professional counselors can really founding in 1966, Kwanzaa has - - ._ - help. come to be observed by more than 18 million people • If you have sad feelings, acknowledge and express them worldwide. Gift- giving, hospitality, family time, and good food in healthy ways. are a part of the celebration. The seven principals of • Be around others. Attend community activities if you don't Kwanzaa are celebrated on each of the seven days of the have friends or family members around. holiday. They are: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self- • Get involved volunteering to help others in need. determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), • Spend time with supportive friends and relatives. Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba • Try celebrating the holidays in a new way. (creativity), and lmani (faith). Kwanzaa starts every year on • Avoid excessive drinking, which will only increase feelings December 26. of depression. And where did Santa Claus come from? The jolly fat man is apparently based on the Dutch "Sint Klass" who Coping with Holiday Stress was based on Saint Nicholas, a Turkish bishop in around • The best prevention is thinking ahead and developing a 300 AD. Saint Nicholas was known as a friend of children plan to deal with this busy, stressful time of year. who gave coins to the poor on • Have realistic expectations. Don't judge yourself for not Christmas eve. Overtime, the myth reaching an unattainable ideal at the holidays. --- ,. -. of Santa Claus grew. In Italy, they • Set a realistic budget. :'41 call him Baboo Natale, or Father • Reassess and focus on the top 3 things that are truly ,.. . Christmas. In Spain and Brazil, he's ' important and that you enjoy during the holidays. �. t` , Papa Noel. But whatever he's • Make a list of the things you can do without, and do without s ,�, - -'�% called, we have agreed on what he them. looks like ever since newspaper artist Thomas Nast was • Be realistic about relatives. You can't solve old family the first to portray him in 1870. conflicts over the holidays. - Wendy Skinner 10 Halloween Contest Report from the Editorial Team ITS Gets Most Votes Over 200 Replied to County Corridors Survey (and a $25 gift certificate from A survey was circulated this pasty summer to get an idea of Tops!) to 9 s whether anybody cared about having Corridors return, and if so, what could make it ac ‘ .......v ;� 5deec tan e • indicated that people like having g an employee n w sletter. A ; eti) summary of the survey results follows. Q. Did you read Corridors? A. Yes: 159 Partially: 38 No: 22 v .-- Hot on their heels: Q. Would you like to see Corridors return? , . �' � - Solid Waste's "Hey A. Yes: 173 No: 7 Not sure: 30 No response: 9 '� Diddle Diddle." 2 Q. Do you prefer paper, online, or e-mail version? r �- ` : A. Paper: 128 Web: 96 E -mail :26 (Some people +- checked more than one preference.) ,. Q. What did you like most about Corridors? ' , ., C� A. Of the 163 replies to this question, just over half said ;,� they liked the news about other County employees and departments best. The next most favorite item was the classified ads, and Steve Whicher's column came in third, 'I. -'t,'' Other things people said they liked are stories about - Ai s � _ + °'� • employee vacations, the Halloween pictures, health and •, wellness articles, and general information and updates —even 3 budget news! There were several replies along the lines of f "staying connected" and "a sense of belonging." Policy . - F ollowed closely by the updates and the lovelorn column tied for last place. Health Department's Q. What didn't you like? Angels & Devils. A. Only 97 people answered this question. The biggest complaint was not being able to access or read the newsletter Runners -Up online. The next most frequent complaint was "too much fluff" t and not enough representation from all the departments. The Vi: r as County Administrator's column came in third again. People - , also said they didn't like "long, boring, or repetitive" features, t P - _ a r A , 4 and some people said they didn't want to see budget updates. Q. What features would you like to see? Frank„ A. The top answers were: real -life experiences, articles t he C at by and about employees, employee recognition, union news, the Gy p,unks, "fun stuff," and stories about peoples' lives away from work. Sherts price ' F • The survey answers have been very helpful in making 4 A, .• ` wilon the newsletter better. Most important, we were able to show -:.� that employees value Corridors and that it has an important .� - purpose. And that it needs to be on paper! The County ;? r Administrator agreed to fund one issue this year and four . i ': 7�, next year. The 2006 budget, which primarily pays for printing and postage, is $3,000 for four quarterly issues. ;;, Puzzler 7 squared Packers ts g°il 747's Football Fun Saints 0 SP ' sea d H� ��'} Pol koff, ( Heal lt th) a t�e ron gt zebra Hostile attackers Bengals S) Credit card users Raiders I Al A dollar for corn 49'ers _ Used to be girls Eagles a Six rulers Broncos i Louis Armstrong classic Buccanneers • Rodeo equines Jets American gauchos C Chargers AN J Metal workers Cowboys Army insects Giants Batgirl (Kelly Bat-a-tude (Janice They help you move Match `em up! Vikings Nickerson, Health) Wood, Health) Senior Boy Scouts Steelers _11 !...,.,.„,,,,,....._. .1 ........ i 1. 1 .,„\\. d.:• f .1, I uul4 4(Y ',,1 5 � 1 ... . , _ , Nancy Schuler, City of Michael Lane, Dryden/ Peter Penniman, Ithaca. 16 years on the Freeville. 12 years on the Daniel Winch, Newfield/ Ulysses /Enfield. 7 years Legislature. Legislature; 9 years as Enfield. 21 years on the on the Legislature Vice - Chair. Legislature. Dan resigned on Nov. 30, 2005. • rig I V i I — il 1, - .A' I* .... - _-,R'�r _ - "�j f= • i}�yr 1 TvC�T f I i . 1 4i, „ ' Barbara Blanchard, City and Town of Ithaca. 12 years on the Legislature. L - R: George Tatman, Groton /Dryden. 12 years on the Legislature; Thomas Todd, Lansing. 18 years on the Legislature. 144 FA! r • • Two "parties" honor our departing Legislators minis tration 's Legislature 4f011:01 ?artif Lelisiator Fareivett f'artii 7:15 - 9 pm 2 - 4 pm Tuesday, December 20 Friday, December 16 Mural Lounge, Clinton House 3rd Floor, Old Jail 116 North Cayuga Street Open House The Legislature's end -of -year thank you Dessert & Hors d'Oeuvres Buffet and retirement party. ,-tt points Zoytoyees /retirees 1nyite t 12 Classified Ads "Reading a book," she replies. "You're in a restricted fishing area," he says. Downhill Ski boots, Men's size 8, Nordica, black, new "Yes, officer, but I'm not fishing, I'm reading." last year, only used one season (my son's feet grew two "I see that, but you have all the equipment. For all I sizes in one year!). $60. Can send you a digital picture or know you could start at any moment. I'II have to take you bring them in to downtown complex. Contact: in and write you up." tllinde @hotmail.com or 533 -7647. "If you do that sir, I'II have to charge you with sexual 36" Magic Chef 4- burner smooth ceramic cook top. $200.00 assault;' says the woman. Compare at $479. Like new; used only about a year or so. "Ma'am, I haven't touched you!" says the game warden. Beautiful black mirror finish. 272 - 7664. "That's true," she said, "but you have all the equipment. For all I know, you could start at any moment." 2002 Ford Explorer s - I The game warden said, "Have a nice day Ma'am ", and V8, 4x4, 3rd row seat , he quickly left. alloy wheels, cruise, MORAL: NEVER ARGUE WITH A WOMAN WHO tilt, grey leather, CD, = . READS. IT'S LIKELY SHE CAN ALSO THINK. 57K, running boards, , : — -+ remote, safety lights, . .. — KathyLeinthall looks and drives great. - THE CORRIDORS TEAM 12,700 /(lease). call for more info. 607 - 339 -1430. Managing Editor TruckCap – Leerfiberglasshigh Linnett Short, SW Mgmt Division Join the Corridors ,a rise cap, black g reat condition Editorial Staff Team. The time i - ` � Geri Lockwood, Highway commitment is just - -- - fits 1999 – 2006 GM full size 8 J i".�_,�, .�, Sara Stark, DSS foot box. $795. E - mail Moto a few hours a 4 °` Maureen Re Count Clerk • Rudy @twcny.rr.comor call Tony Debra Patterson DSS month, and you = ` }� � evenings at 539 -7265. Open maybe able to help C Editor without leaving 1 2 Garage Heaters – Janitro 125,000 BTU nat Open your desk or work - ral gas heaters. 2 units available, good condition, Multicultural Editor place. Be sure to get $100 each. E -mail MotoRudy@twcny.rr.com or Open your supervisor's call Tony, evenings at 539-7265. Advising Editor, Page Layout okay. Then give us Wendy Skinner, Public Information a call. We need Ice Skates –Womens size 9 figure skates, Contributors your help! like new, white leather boot, blades just sharp- All County Employees and Retirees ened. Cost $60 new. $25 for you E -mail Wendy atws @twcny.rr.com or call 277 - 7611. CONTACT CORRIDORS: Gota story, event, picture, useful info, compliment or complaint? E -mail: Corridors @tompkins - co.org or call Linnett, 273 -6632 or Wendy, 274 -5555. A Tip From SoLid \Vaste Management Corridors is printed on 30% recyled paper. Ask for a paper bag when you buy groceries. \Vhy? To put your househoLd•s newspapers and junk mail in. Once its fuLL, you can Lay it on top of the containers in your Readership Survey - Win A Prize r illn ~ recycLing bin to help keep the containers in pLace A new name for Corridors? What do you think? when you put your recycling out for curbside pick- upl For more recycling, reduce, reuse, and rebut' ❑ Keep County Corridors! ideas, visit the .3oLid \\/aste website at • • '^ • www.tompkins- co.org/soLidwaste /main. El I think a better name would be: t WU1 2 8011ES We'll tabulate the results, but we're not rushing into this! All A man and his wife are on a lakeside (printable) suggestions for a new name will be published in %� vacation. One morning, the husband the next issue. Then well take another vote. To participate, returns after several hours of fishing send this coupon to Corridors Editor Linnett Short, Solid and decides to take a nap. Although not Waste Management Division. Three coupons will be chosen familiar with the lake, the wife decides at random to receive a $5 gift certificate at the Purity Ice to take the boat out.She motors out a Cream store in Ithaca. short distance, drops the anchor, and opens the book she brought. Your name: Along comes a game warden in his boat. He pulls Best way to contact you: up alongside the woman and says, "Good morning Ma'am. What are you doing ?"