HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06 A Newsletter for ii Tompkins County Employees and Retirees June 2008 Ccrridcrs Volume 20, Number 2 http://www.tompkins-co.org/countycorridors Sustainability Update: Why Recycle? How to Handle Surplus Equipment 7 \ By Leo Riley Some examples... Recycling Specialist, Solid Waste Management Division Metal Environmental Savings: For every ton of steel (metal) recycled, we ... As you may be aware, in December 2007, the Tompkins County Legislature passed a revised version of the Surplus Equipment Pdicy, 01 -21. The revisions • Use 40 percent less water than used to make virgin steel. to this pdicy are structured to encourage reuse and recycling before disposal. • Reduce air pollution by 86 percent. • Reduce water pollution by 76 percent. According to the pdicy, surplus equipment is reusable, but has no projected • Save enough energy to run a 60 -watt light bulb for 26 hours. use within the originating department. Please note that surplus computer • Save 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,000 pounds of coal and 40 pounds of equipment is handed differently from surplus equipment, so contact ITS or your limestone. ITS support personnel for further instructions on handling these items. Litter Facts: Reuse is the first step in handling surplus equipment. Unwanted items should be reported to your Waste Reduction Representative. He or she will then post It takes steel cans up to 100 years to decompose. the item on the County Reuse Distribution List. Waste Reduction Representatives v+nll be alerted through this distribution list about items that are Paper available (without cost or for a fee). Check with your Waste Reduction Representative to learn how he or she is sharing this information with your Environmental Savings: For every ton of paper recycled, we ... department. • Save 463 gallons of oil. If an item is posted, but no one wants it, you will then have the option to sell, • Save 7,000 gallons of water. y auction, or donate it. Donations can only Y 9 agency, program Y be made to a 501(c)3 nonprofit, ` "� p rof it, a • Make 60 pounds less of air pollution. 1 5 �' r�.� 1, Tompkins Count local government a enc , or another reuse ro ram as I Save 3 cubic yards of landfill space. defined by Tompkins County Solid Waste. The policy also states that surplus • Save 4,100 kilowatt hours of energy. �� ® ��r� equipment should never be donated or given to an individual. • Save 17 trees. �"� • Reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 850 pounds per year. Items that cannot be reused should be recycled, if possible. In many cases, recycling can actually save money. Instead of paying a disposal fee to discard Litter Facts: metal items and electronics, these materials can be recycled at the Recycling and Sdid Waste Center for free. It takes paper up to one year to decompose. If an item cannot be reused or recycled, then it may be thrown away. Please \ ) remember to always fdlow guidelines for hazardous and universal waste disposal (for items such as computers, fluorescent tubing, chemicals, etc.) in order to ensure your safety and the health of our environment. Department Waste Reduction Representatives will provide you with more INSIDE THIS ISSUE information about new programs as they develop. For example, a transportation Reflections on 25 Year Club 2 service option will be forthcoming to help facilitate and streamline the Kudos Boat 3-4 Dragon Boat 4 movement of surplus equipment. Any comments or suggestions about these Heat Emergencies, 5 programs should be forwarded to Leo Riley, coordinator of the Sustainability Employee Spotlights 6 Team's Reuse Subcommittee. T -Free Zone Update 7 Will Burbank 7 Blood Drive 8 Golf! 9 Department News 10 Highway Highlights 10 Classified Ads 12 - Notes From the County Administrator: Reflections on the 25 Year Club One of the pleasures I have had in my extended time with Tompkins County took place on May 29 when the 25 Year Club inducted four new members: Linda Eva and Euguanie Fudala of the Department of Social Services; Karen Johnson of the Health Department and Suzi Cook from the County Attorney's Office. The event was held at the Lake Watch Inn on a simply beautiful - evening and, as usual, the Personnel Department did an outstanding job creating just the right level of elegance for the occasion as well as flawlessly - managing the entire event. Linda Eva Part of going to this event is taking the opportunity to think back over the past 25 years. In this case, 1983 happened to coincide with the end of my first career with Tompkins County, so I had a somewhat clear memory of the state of the county at that time. As my historic vision came into focus I was struck P by how our level of services has improved and the progress we have made. • - �r Looking at the back of the program that listed nearly 150 members of this elite club, it struck me that it was the varied leadership contributions of this elite group that made possible the enormous service improvements that have occurred over the last 25 years. I chose the phrase "varied leadership" because, whether one's contribution is just knowing when things were done and why, or if one headed a department, working for the County for 25 years entitles one to be called a leader. Euguanie Fudala One of the rewards of being the Tompkins County Administrator is traveling to conferences, because wherever I go I know that when I say I am from Tompkins County, I can see the envy begin to grow and my chest begins to _ swell — since it is generally well recognized that Tompkins County is pretty much number one in all disciplines. The taxpayers, administration, managers ,' „A and current employees have a debt of gratitude to pay to the members of the -- 25 Year Club fora job well done. .11" Speaking of jobs well done, I also attended a party in honor of Tim Joseph sponsored by the Legislature. The event was held at Stewart Park on a , ;I , Sunday afternoon. It was well attended by sandal - wearing admirers who were g p point, motley group thereto sin his raises. At one oint, a motle made u largely of !' � 1 ` p p g Y , f. County Legislators took the idea literally and, led by Leslyn McBean- Clairbome k and Jean Mc Pheeters did their best at singing a medley of odes to Tim. It Karen Johnson wasn't pretty, but it was fun. Tim is doing well in his parks job. As he puts it, " They pay me lots of money to walk in the park ". Nice work if you can get it! We all wish Tim well and we all expect our offspring will be rewarded with good summer jobs. Steve Whicher 4 . • ♦ ti Suzi Cook -3 Kudos Korner... Jerry Stern Day in Tompkins County: May 6, 2008 M Submitted by Geri Lockwood On the pretense of the Tompkins County Legislature requesting information on Highway Permits at their April 15, 2008, meeting, '. several people were involved in corroborating and conspiring for Jerry Stern, Highway Technician (Permit Agent) romows (left- right, Charade, Jerry, Dave) Gewer at Tompkins County Highway, to attend the meeting "to present/discuss the � Jerry is a certified American Traffic Safety Services Association permits." =r (ATSSA) Worksite Traffic Control Supervisor, participating in flagger training at the Highway and at the STDC. In actuality, on behalf of the Tompkins County Legislature, Leslyn McBean - Clairborne presented Jerry with a Proclamation, Jerry's wife and mother -in -law surprised him with their declaring May 6, 2008, as "Jerry Stem Day in Tompkins attendance for the presentations. We all kept the secret well, County', due to his active involvement in the Skilled Trades and Jerry was very surprised! Diversity Council (STDC), and his influential County involvement in the Annual Central New York Careers in Construction Day. Congratulations, Jerry, and thank you for your hard work and At the meeting, Charade Kittle and Dave Richardson, from the involvement with the Council! STDC, also presented Jerry with an Outstanding Service Award. Nancy Zahler Honored With Day Care Council Award The Day Care and Child Development Council of Tompkins County has recognized County Youth Services Director Nancy Zahler as the 2008 recipient of its June Rogers Early Childhood • Award. The award was presented at the Council's 41s Meeting April 23rd The Council praised Director Zahler for herfocus on the needs of youth over many years of service, including her role in helping - - - to initiate the Council's Teen Pregnancy /Parenting Program, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Council Director Sue Dale -Hall called Nancy Zahler a particularly "Nancy has spent her professional career focusing on the needs fitting recipient of the award, since she fulfills the commitment of young people in New York State, especially in Tompkins established by the Council's first Executive Director, June County, and engaging others to join her in her cause," Director Rogers, to provide a diverse array of services for children and Dale -Hall stated. families at all economic levels. Carol Mohler Receives State Public Health Hono Carol Mohler, BS, RN, a Team Leader from the Tompkins County Health Department was recognized as a Public Health Works! Honoree June 4th. w Carol was selected for the Honor Roll because of her dedication to the field of public health and her coordination of the Childhood Director of Patient Services Sigrid Connors calls Carol "the very Lead Poisoning Prevention Program in Tompkins County, one of definition of grace, dedication, integrity, and professionalism." 71 outstanding public health employees from the State's local Carol's supervisor, Karen Bishop, adds that Carol is a role model health departments who were inducted into the 2008 Public and mentor to staff and students a skilled nurse leader, a Health Works! Honor Roll. dedicated public health worker, and a joy to work with. -4- Kudos Korner (continued)... Solid Waste Employees Recognized Solid Waste Division Communications Assistant Stephanie Egan and Assistant Recycling Specialist Kat McCarthy, and former , _ - _ " < ' project assistant Amanda Block were featured in a recent edition - of Ithaca College's sustainability newsletter, Collective Impact. r • Kat was cited for her work coordinating the new Finger Lakes 1 , Environmentally Preferred Purchasing Consortium; Stephanie 1 H € �S for coordination of America Recycles Day last November; and Amanda for her research support for Finger Lakes Buy Green — and other projects. All three are Ithaca College grads. r C Congratulations to... r p c Jaycee Smith, Assessment and Norma Jayne, Administration On May 22nd, Jaycee and Norma received their Associates degrees from Tompkins Cortland Community College. P it s, Congratulations for your achievements and hard work! • , Come on down - It's not too late to have fun as a member of the 2008 County Dragonboat Team!! at, 11.011. Come on down and join the fun of being a member of the 2008 County Dragonboat Team. The race will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2008, along the inlet. We still have some slots available for anyone interested in participating in this fun - filled event. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow employees w from other departments /agencies as well as taking pad in this unique event, 4, , and there is no experience necessary! This year is the third year the County is 4 participating, and although it started out as a race between the County and the ' �/ - .. City, I have to say they did not attend last year. We are hoping that they once • again pick up the gauntlet! A wonderful aspect of the race is that the 1. _ Community Team winner is able to choose an agency to donate the first prize proceeds. 0 If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Karen Fuller at 274 -5434 or kfuller a tompkins- co.orq. Hope to see you there! -5 - Heat Emergencies \W Submitted by Frank Croteau Definition — The three categories of increasing severity are: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Children, elderly, obese people, or people taking certain medications or drink alcoholic beverages have a higher risk of developing heat illness. Top athletes in superb condition may also succumb to heat illness if warning signs are ignored If the problem is not addressed, heat cramps (caused by loss of salt from heavy sweating) may lead to heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration), which can progress to heatstroke, the most serious of the three. Heatstroke can cause shock, brain damage, organ failure, and even death. Considerations — Heat illnesses are easily preventable by taking precautions in hot weather. • Drink more (nonalcoholic /non- sugared) fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Warnings: If your fluid intake is limited, or you are taking water pills, seek medical advice regarding additional fluid intake during hot weather. Cold fluids may cause stomach cramps. • Wear lightweight, light - colored, loose -fitting clothing. • NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle. • Try to rest often, preferably in shady areas. • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide- brimmed hat (may also keep you cooler) and sunglasses, and by applying SPF 15 or higher sunscreen (the most effective products are "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels). Common Causes — The following are common causes of heat emergencies: • High temperatures or humidity. • Medications, such as diuretics, • Dehydration. neuroleptics, phenothiazines, • Prolonged or excessive exercise. and anticholinergics. • Excess clothing. • Cardiovascular disease. • Alcohol use. • Sweat gland dysfunction Symptoms — The following are common symptoms of heat emergencies: Early symptoms of heat illness: Symptoms of heatstroke: • Profuse sweating. • Fever (temperature above 104° F. • Fatigue. • Irrational behavior. • Thirst. • Extreme confusion. • Muscle cramps. • Dry, hot, and red skin. Later symptom of heat exhaustion: • Rapid, shallow breathing. • Headache. • Rapid, weak pulse. • Dizziness and light - headedness. • Seizures. • Weakness. • Unconsciousness • Nausea and vomiting. • Cool, moist skin. • Dark urine. • First Aid: 1. Have the person lie down in a cool place and elevate their feet about 12 inches. 2. Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skins, and use a fan to lower their body temperature. Place cold compresses on their neck, groin, and armpits. 3. If alert, have them sip beverages (such as Gatorade), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water, and give them a half cup every 15 minutes. Use cool water if salted beverages are not available. 4. For muscle cramps, give them beverages as described in #3 above, and massage the affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax. 5. If signs of shock appear (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness), or they begin to have seizures or loss of consciousness, call 911 and administer first aid accordingly. DO NOT: • underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially if the person is a child, elderly, or injured. • give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen), as they will not and may be harmful. • give the person salt tablets. • give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine, as they will interfere with their body's ability to control its internal temperature. • use alcohol rubs on the person's skin. • give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if they are vomiting or unconscious. -6 - Employee Spotlights Erica Gifford Erica Gifford joined Tompkins County government In March as What do you like least about your job? Assistant Director of Facilities. I have not found anything as of yet. I'm sure I'll come across something in the future_ What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? imp � Any outdoor activity — gardening, tending to my flowers, etc. If you ran the world, what is the first thing you would do? 01 ...: 'ems Well, I would first like to level the playing field. No more need for - 1 power and control. I would like to see people have the same opportunity in life to follow any type of education that pleases them. When a person is faced with just providing the basic needs of life, such - as food and water to survive and having a shelter over their heads to ,,ii - protect them from the elements, and it proves to be a struggle just to barely provide this, with today's economic environment how can they Erica responded to the following questions from County Condors: shift their thoughts to higher education? It just is not a priority. If we could have every person involved with the bettering of our lives, What do you do here (your job duties)? we would not have one person to run the world, we would together I coordinate projects for our facilities staff. collectively protect and guide our world. We should be looking at solving major problems like keeping our planet Earth a habitable What do you like best about your job? planet, and not how we can line the pockets of the already wealthy. Problem solving. But this ideal is just a fantasy, so I admit I'm a dreamer. But without our imagination and dreams what do people have to look forward to? Shanovah Moodie Shanovah Moodie has worked for Tompkins County for two- and - a-half years, and recently assumed the position of Personnel Assistant Trainee in the Personnel Department - .� _ Shanovah responded to the following questions from County ConidotS y • What do you do here (your job duties)? In my current position I will be leading the Staff Development and Training initiatives. I will also assist with community outreach, diversity and inclusion efforts, recruitment, civil service examination administration and helping our customers to access employment by serving as a resource - informing them about the process and various career opportunities available. What do you like best about your job? I really enjoy interacting with people and leaming new things. What do you like least about your job? Working in a new position is challenging and I am confident that I will excel. What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? My favorite thing to do outside of work is spend time with family and If you ran the world, what is the first thing you would do? friends. If I ran the world I would work on ending worldwide hunger and establishing world peace. I would also create a college scholarship account for low- income families because education is one the most important values we receive in life -7 T -Free Zone Program Enters Third Year Office for the Aging Annual Luncheon By Ted Schiele, Health Department The Tompkins County Office for the Aging Advisory Committee held the Annual Luncheon for 2008 at the Clarion Hotel on May 22nd. In July 2006 the first T -Free Zone stickers were mailed out to Tompkins - County businesses in order to promote smoke free entryways at John Kraut, Director of the Ithaca College • worksites and stores. Since then, hundreds of stickers have been Gerontology Institute was the keynote speaker for Y OFFIC' posted at workplaces all across the county, and the familiar red and the luncheon. His comments focused on blue "zone" logo is becoming a standard request for smoke free "Creativity and Aging: Paradigm and NG 1 -- outdoor areas and entryways. Possibilities ". Two area seniors were also :3 :, - awarded certificates of appreciation for their Even as the T -Free Zone logo becomes more familiar, it is important to contributions to our community. be reminded of the whole picture behind the smoke free movement, John Krout because it is more than protection from the real health risks associated William Eisenhardt received the award for Senior Citizen of the Year. with exposure to secondhand smoke. It is also a chance to support Bill has worked tirelessly for seniors in the Enfield community for many smokers who really want to quit, and help our kids learn that years. He is President of the Enfield Senior Citizens and has also nonsmoking is the model to grow up with. worked with the Enfield Volunteer Fire Department since 1983. Additionally, Bill leads the Enfield Fire Company's Highway Clean Up Most adult smokers took up the habit before they tumed age 18, as a program. Though retired, he continues to respond with the Enfield way to fit into a social group, present a certain "look ", or leap -frog into Volunteer Fire Company to emergency calls and perform the duties of adulthood. But nicotine addiction can happen very quickly in the the Fire Police, controlling traffic and providing a measure of security at adolescent brain, so even a fashionable flirt with smoking can lead to a the scene of emergency and non - emergency fi re and medical very long term habit. If adults model social behaviors that do not incidents. Bill's contributions help to make Enfield a great place for include smoking in public areas, then teens may be less likely to tum to seniors to live. cigarettes as a way to show they're ready for the adult world. Nancy Bereano received the Award for Outstanding Contribution by a For smokers who are trying to quit, the strategy works much the same Senior Citizen. Nancy exemplifies the criteria for this award because of way. To a certain extent, we all see ourselves as we see others. We her involvement in assisting senior citizens with unique support see someone doing something we commonly do, and the view seems services and activities through the Working Group on LGBT (Lesbian, familiar to how we picture ourselves. For smokers, one of the tricks to Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Aging. The focus of the group is to quitting successfully is for the individual to learn how to be a provide community training to local agencies that serve elders. This nonsmoker, and that includes picturing him- or herself going through includes cultural competency training to assist agencies in addressing the day without a cigarette in all the places that person normally the unique concems of LGBT elders. The group created a curriculum smokes. Watching people take on everyday activities without the prop of training materials and offers training to human service and home of a cigarette can help a smoker make the mental transition to being a care agencies in Tompkins County. Nancy has contributed countless nonsmoker. hours to the well being of many hundreds of seniors from an undeserved constituency and she continues to be instrumental in The recent sharp increase in New York's excise tax on cigarettes, now bringing our community to a better understanding of the issues of at $2.75 a pack, provides a new motivation for smokers to quit, and a seniors in the LGBT community. major deterrent to youth starting. But it often takes more, and when the urge to light up strikes the community "norm" can play a big part in Congratulations to both recipients! making the most healthy choice. As county employees, we can help set the pace for supporting smoke free public areas as a healthier choice - Submitted by Tana Schickel that contributes significantly to a healthier community. Welcome to Will Burbank Resources for quitting smoking: Will Burbank is the newest member of the County • WS Smokers' Quitline. 1 866 NY QUITS (toll free 1 866 697 Legislator, elected in a special election on April 22 to 8487). Free starter kit for eligible smokers who are ready to quit. succeed Tim Joseph as the representative of District 12 (Town of Ithaca). Free telephone counseling service 9am -9pm weekdays, 9am-1 pm weekends. Motivational tips available 24/7. Also online, Will says he will work hard to use his skills, experience and www.nvsmokefree.com. temperament to serve effectively, addressing the challenges that lie • Nurse Direct cessation counseling. 1- 800 -295 -8088. Free ahead. Will's priorities include: telephone counseling service provided by UHS Healthy Living • working to see that County services and programs are of Center, Johnson City. high quality and efficiently - delivered • striving to keep County government processes open and • Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network. 1- 800 - 231 -0744. Free accountable cessation program for pregnant and parenting women and those • supporting neighborhoods and protectlmg the environment caring for young children. • promoting equity, social and economic justice • working to keep taxes down while preserving and enhancing our quality of life. Welcome to the Legislature, Will.! - 8 - TOMPKINS COUNTY EMPLOYEE SPONSORED Bloo D ri ve Tompkins County Public Library, August 26th, 9:00 a.m. — 2:30 p.m. Has anyone in your family ever been injured or had surgery and needed blood? The blood that they were given came from donors. The i►_ American Red Cross needs your donation of blood too. Here's your chance to give back to your family, friends, and neighbors. j • You can help by participating in one or more of the fdlowing activities: w �;Q - Join the Recruitment Team - It At least 1 person from each County Office Building will lead the campaign and promote participation. This person (or people) will sign donors /VA up and remind donors the day before their appointment. The most common reason people report for not donating blood is that nobody asked them! - Work for an Hour at the Blood Drive - r Well need volunteers to work in 1 hour shifts to either help register donors or be the "Canteen" person - that's the person who hands out cookies and juice to those who have just donated blood. - Donate Your Blood - Take an hour off from work to help your community. A donation of one unit of blood equals a little less than a pint. The body replaces the fluid donated within 24 hours. Red cells are replaced in about six weeks. An individual may donate a unit of whde blood every 56 days (eight weeks). If we all pull together and give a little, we can make this a huge success. If you are interested in helping out, please call Cheryl Nelson at 274 -0302 or e- mail me at cnelson @tompkins - co.org. A recipe to try! Submitted by Shanovah Moodie I thought it would be nice to give readers something that they could try over the summer. I thought a meat and potatoes recipe was a little too much to think about due to the summer weather. I hope you will try it, too. Have a wonderful day. i1 Viennese Almond Crescent 1 �� �_ (From the Ithaca Bakery's Cookbook, A Gourmet Deli in Your Kitchen) 1 A cups almond paste or macaroon paste (available in 3 large egg whites grocery stores) '/ lb. slivered almonds 1 % cups sugar 4 oz. semi -sweet chocolate \1111111 1 large egg ydk • In mixer, beat almond paste and sugar together until mixture is in the form of fine crumbs. • Add yolk and egg whites, mixing on medium speed until it has a mooth consistency. • Place almonds in small pan with low sides. • Form 2" round pieces of dough with your hands. • Roll rounds in slivered almonds and then form a crescent shape out of each almond covered round. • Lay crescent shapes on well greased cookie sheet. Bake at 325 degrees, 20 -25 minutes. Cool. • Melt chocolate over very low heat. Dip tip of each cooled cookie in chocoate. Lay on waxed paper on clean cooking sheet; chill. Hint: Can brush on light coating of melted apricot preserve before dipping in chocolate for extra touch. (Unsolicited endorsement from Marcia: I love these! I bought this cookbook when it came out years ago, primarily because this recipe was in it!) - 9 - d C /. T - \4 ,If ,.___. , , Golf Golf Go , , , If..., 44 / .,_ Hy ...,„, ____ .i,ff. .~ , r , • Circle your Calendar for the ' ; f ,r I .?!_:.+- 4___- Annual Employee • i r. ,Ii i� .i Golf Tournament . .0 Friday September 5 2008 �.� „e ",, Contact jthomas @Tompkins - co.org for details I, wry ,tip O 0 o , _ 0 �_� Also remember... Vending Committee 'Vends Jackie Yoder Memorial Golf Tournament Submitted by Bob Slocum Website: r The Kiwanis Club of Dryden is proud to host the Second Annual Jackie Please remember to visit our w ”" ebsite, y•""G "�tterrEE Yoder Memorial Golf Tournament on Sunday morning, June 22, 2008 at on the employee Intranet (click on the " V E N DS - Stonehedges Golf Course in Groton, NY. Shotgun start at 9:00am. link under 'Events /News "), or The net proceeds will be split equally between the Kiwanis Club of www.tompkins- co.orgl Dryden and the Caring Community Hospice of Cortland. employee_onlyNendingCommittee y News.pdf. Be sure to visit regularly For those of us who knew Jackie, there is probably not a better way to for updated information on all trips, ? , , '+ ', ± pay tribute to her than to engage in one of true loves, the game of golf. news, etc. ` . zJ . "l - - Stonehedges was her favorite course. She played daily when she y- � - v ®g� could. The Caring Community Hospice of Cortland was chosen as the 2008 Trips: -°�'- - " "` - r charity beneficiary by the family of Jackie Yoder, whose battle against - cancer was eased by their caring efforts. Scheduled: • New York City, June 14h (winter trip, December 6 The format is Captain and Mate teams. The entry fee of $60 per golfer • Hangar Theatre production of Oklahoma!, July 12th — covers 18 holes of golf, cart, Chicken BBQ, and prizes. For more SOLD OUT information, call Dottie at 844 -4429. Registrations will be accepted on the day of the event. Tentative: • Darien Lake, tentatively August 16th • Captain Bill's Lunch Cruise, date TBD - 10 - Department News Probation Department County Clerk The Probation Departrnent welcomes Linda Hubert, Senior Typist in the front office and Gladys Larsen (from Cortland County Probation), Probation Officer in the Family Court unit. We also welcome Kylie Atkinson, born to Jennifer Atkinson on . February 16, and Kara Curione born to Karen Curione on March 21. + We welcome back Susan Robinson and John Beach, who are '~ temporarily filling in for the new moms. Susan will stay on in Pat Galbraith's position as part time Probation Officer. Yes, Pat has re- On May 8, 46 individuals were sworn in as citizens of the United States retired and we wish her all the best. of America, at a moving ceremony held before Hon. Robert C. Mulvey, Justice of Supreme Court, at the Tompkins County Court House. The Probation Department is sponsoring a Relay for Life Team. Please consider purchasing 50 -50 tickets or raffle tickets for the quilted Maria Coles, a member of the City of Ithaca Common Council, who tabletopper seen below. Contact Karla Brackett, Robin Chernow, or was naturalized before Judge Mulvey in the same courtroom several Faith Newkirk. years earlier, gave the welcoming speech to the new citizens. "America the Beautiful' was performed by the violinists of Ithaca Talent Education School, and refreshments were provided and served by the 441 t '' Kiwanis Club of Ithaca/Cayuga Chapter. � '� This ceremony was supervised and produced by the employees of the • • ,r Tompkins County Cleric's office. Three such ceremonies are held here each year. fii;r thirty . .. Submitted by Geri Lockwood 2008 Major Construction Projects: Please be sure to visit the website, http : / /www.tompkins - co.org/highway, for monthly updates on road and bridge projects. Careers in Construction Day: The 4 Annual Central New York Careers in Construction Day, hosted by The Skilled Trades Diversity Council, was held on May 6, 2008, at The Field in Lansing. As in the past, the Facilities, Highway, and Solid Waste Divisions of the Tompkins County Public Works Department participated in this event. Facilities Division: Dana Dexter, Carpenter, displayed several tools used in his trade, as well a hands -on demonstration of a "break" (equipment used to bend aluminum). Mike Merchant, HVAC Technician, displayed several HVAC- related tools and equipment. Highway Division: Displaying equipment outside were: Rick Baker, Wayne Lauper, and Willie VanDeMark, Heavy Equipment Operators. Set up inside, were: Ryan Sherry, Engineering Technician, displaying a computerized overview of Tompkins County; Geri Lockwood, Administrative Assistant, with job applications and job descriptions; and Jerry Stern, Highway Technician (Permit Agent), with a popular hands -on demonstration of applying thermo- plastic material to the pavement (i.e. stop bars, arrows, etc.), as well as the division's radar traffic counter. Jerry is also a member of the Skilled Trades Diversity Council, and recently instructed a Flagger Training Course sponsored by the Council. Solid Waste Division: Paul Cowles, Solid Waste Enforcement Officer, and Linnett Short, Communications and Administrative Coordinator, with several displays that included handouts of bumper stickers, pencils, bracelets, magnets, bookmarks, etc., made from recycled materials. National Public Works Week: May 18 - 24, 2008 was National Public Works Week. The Public Works Division includes Airport, Facilities, Highway, Solid Waste Management, and Public Works Administration. - 11 - 01 45 4\t, n FUNNY BONES - J I i Assistant District Attorney Gary Surdell took St. Patrick's Day to heart, celebrating the holiday as 6ary OSurdell.! Kari Stamm of the { + a D.A. 's Office sent in this picture for all of j 7 us to enjoy. , Way to go, Gary.! _ ti rL Foster CarelAdoption Information Meetings Bus Pass Program Renewed Submited by Ellie Arnold Our popular TCAT bus pass program has been renewed for July To anyone who may be considering becoming a foster parent or through December 2008. adoptive parent and wants more information, Tompkins County Department of Social Services will hold informational meetings at All county employees are eligible to receive a free pass for TCAT the Human Services Building, Room 142, 320 W. State St., Ithaca, bus service. New bus pass applications are required for that NY on the 2nd Thursdays of each month. The upcoming meetings phase. The application form is available on the employee intranet will be held July 10 and August 14, 2008 from Noon to 1 PM. (in the Forms section, Personnel Dept.) or via interdepartmental Tompkins Countyu has a special need for foster families in the mail from the Personnel Department. Ithaca City School District and for families who will foster teenagers. Use of the pass is free to you, though the county pays for each ride. please call 274 -5266 for more information. For that reason, a bus pass may be used only by the employee to whom it is issued, and only for commuting to and from work or for Thank you. work- related travel during your regular work hours. Nearly 100 employees are using the TCAT passes. We also offer partial reimbursement for out -of- county bus passes, including Tioga Transit and the Chemung County bus system. Information about that is available from the Personnel Dept., 274 - 5526. • If you have any questions, give me a call. S rr Anna Smith, Personnel Thank you••• To all of the County employees that sent cards or messages or attended services at the time of my mother's (Elizabeth Rhodes) death. Your words and thoughts are greatly appreciated and a source of comfort for me and my family. Cheryl Nelson - 12 - Classified Ads Fut Day, Inn , - - - - FOR SALE — 1972 Sportscraft 30' Cabin Cruiser, Inboard with twin 225 engines. Sleeps 6, with room for blow -up A place where your dog feels mattresses. Includes kitchen sink, cupboard, stove, gas grill, "at home ". refrigerator, dinner table, toilet, fly bridge with 36" ship wheel, compass, 2 radios, GPS, 7 life jackets, depth finder • Located in North Lansing — with speed water temperature, auto anchor, 100 gallon gas Sandy Strehle, 315- 497 -3467 . •I ` * _ tank, 220 A /C, and 12V D/C electrical service, TV with dogdavzinn@a,vahoo.com antenna and cable hook -up, AM/FM Cassette, water hook- http://www.dogdayzinn.com up, 100 gallon water storage tank, hot water tank, 2 bilge pumps, battery charger, swimming deck with ladder, extra propeller, fully canvassed, with new carpeting and steering FOR SALE — 2000 Volvo S70 GLE, power heated leather cables. 30x50' winter cover, roof - covered in winter. A seats, moon roof, CD /Cassette AM/FM premium sound STEAL at $13,995.00 (could make a 10% commission for system, A /C, automatic, with 120,000 miles, in very good fording buyer at this price)! Please call Paul, at (607) 564 - condition. Asking $6,000.00. Please call (607) 351 -0535. 1088, or e-mail atplcowles@a,yahoo.com. FOR SALE — 1995 31' Challenger 5 camper. FOR SALE — Reese brand Trunnion bar weight distribution Features include two slide -outs, basement, full -size hitch (1,200 1b.) with hitch bar and sway control. Was used to bathroom, and a queen -sized bed. Excellent condition. pull a 5,000 lb. trailer with a Tahoe (Class 3 hitch). In good Must sell due to health reasons. $11,000.00, complete with shape — will e-mail photos, if interested. Originally $700.00, hitch. Please call (607) 898 -5196. selling for $300.00. Please call Diane, at (607) 708 -4044. FOR SALE —1987 29' Nomad tag -along camper. Features include front kitchen, rear twin beds, bunks (can sleep eight), with a newer water heater and lots of storage space. Good condition. Must sell due to health reasons. • • $3,500.00. Please call (607) 898 - 5196. 4 Forward classed this to Geri Lockwood at the Highnrgy Division gtoclovoo l fonantrini- co.orr Corridors is printed on 30% recycled paper. TI CORRIDORS TEAM Managing Editor CSE0. LOCAL 1000,AFSCYLAa410 Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk's Office Editorial Staff Geri Lockwood, Highway ' SAVE THE DATE Linnett Short, SW Management Division Sara Stark, DSS CSEA Local 855 — 2008 Employee Recognition Edie Spaulding, DSS Picnic Katrina Schickel, COFA Day (Picnic) Classifieds Editor - Geri Lockwood Date: Saturday, August 16 Multicultural Editor — Shanovah Moodie Time: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Advising Editor, Page Layout Location: Stewart Park (near the small pavillion) Marcia Lynch, Public Information Contributors All County Employees and Retirees (Informational registration forms to be mailed Interested in joining the Corridors team? at a later date) Contact Maureen at 274 -5431 or mreynolds@tompkins- co.org