HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12 A Newsletter for Ccu n Tompkins County Employees and Retirees December 2008 CcrristIcrs Volume 20, Number 4 http W www .tmpkins- co. orglcountycorridors Solid Waste Management Division Accepts National Go Green Honor By Linnett Short, Solid Waste Division Jill Buck, founder of the Go Green Mina- . five, says she is very, very proud of the Linnett Short, Communication and Ad- / County's commitment to make Go Green an ministrative Coordinator received the Go r 0 ` ) integral part of its composting and recycling Green County of the Yearaward from Jill a ) ; t iii_ programs, and she hopes it will serve as an Buck originator of the Go Green Initiative, l example to other county environmental and in Syracuse at the Go Green Summit on solid waste coordinators across the nation. October 18h. - 'We've seen schools registering in Tomp- 9. kins County all year Tong on a very regular Tompkins County is being honored as and consistent basis," Buck observed. 'We the nation's frst ever Go Green County - believe that this is because of your counts of the year, in recognition of the Solid commitment to make the Go G,eenhatiative Waste Management Division's innovation . . part of your plan and process." and success with getting over half of the Tompkins County schools on board and Linnett Short said that the day she received signed up as a Go Green School. the award was her birthday and she couldn't get anything better than that for a birthday The schools that are currently participat- Jilt Buck and Linnett Short gift Her assistant Stephanie Egan and co- ing are Enfield Elementary, TST BOCES and BOCES Community School; worker Kat McCarthy were companions on this project. Linnett says she Dryden Elementary, Cassavant, Freeville Elementary, Middle and High would like to see the rest of the schools in Tompkins County on board as Schools; Dewitt Middle School, Boynton Middle School, Belle Sherman, Go Green lnitiaffve schools before December 31n 2008 and if not; shortly Beverly J. Martin, Fall Creek, Ithaca High School, Northeast Elementary, thereafter. Caroline Elementary, South Hill Elementary and Cayuga Heights Elemen- tary, and Alternatives Community School; and Trumansburg Elementary, If you have a school, or know of one that is not yet participating in the Middle and High School. Go Green lnitiaffve, send the information to Linnett Short at 273 -6632 or Ishort@tomvkins -co. orq. The local Go Green Initiative program helps to unite parents, students, teachers, staff and administrators to create a culture of environmental responsibility in all the schools in Tompkins County. The schools must adapt and adopt three of the fire initiatives which are G for Generate Compost R for Recycle, E for Educate, E for Evaluate and N for National principles of responsible consumption. t - INSIDE THIS ISSUE •\ Notes From the County Administrator 2 SKYWARN Weather Training 2 -s Winter Weather Preparedness 3 / Step -Up Healthy Competition 4 The Puzzle 5 1 1 t Halloween Contest 6 Employee Spotlight 8 Sustainability Spotlight 8 Cops, Kids and Toys 9 Highway Highlights 9 Department News 10 o '^een Irin`* Vending Committee 11 Classifieds 12 - -- Notes From the County Administrator: Looking Forward: Our Challenges for 2009 After a couple of months on the job and a great deal of interaction with department heads, legislators, and employees at every level, my fist impression of Tompkins County govemment still holds: we are very good at what we do. That is a function of several things, not the least of which is the - level of dedication I've seen throughout our organization. It is that intangible '— quality that separates Tompkins County government from many others. As we begin to look forward to a new year, it is probably with more appre- hension than usual. Many of our residents are suffering the direct effects , of the national recession, and County government is bracing for the fallout from a State budget that is far out of balance. As the national economy tries to Ind its balance, County services will become more important than ever. People facing economic hardships need a helping hand and a friendly face. We LnnII provide both. We will also face our own challenges as the State works to close a large budget gap. Fortunately, the County's 2009 budget is structured to give us time to develop careful, measured responses to changes that may come County AdministratorJoe Mareane with County Ciet*Aurora Valenti, out of the process. We also intend to be very active in Albany defending our aftertaking the oath of office October28th. programs from arbitrary cuts, and have already started meeting with State legislators who represent our area. The character of any government is most clearly revealed during times of challenge. Based on what I have come to know about Tompkins County govemment and the people who comprise it, I'm confident our challenges will reveal the things about us of which we are most proud: compassion, skill, innovation, and dedication. I wish you and your families a happy holiday season. - Joe Mateane Emergency Response Sponsors SKYWARN Weather Training By Jessica Vetfuss, Department of Emergency Response A Winter Weather SKYWARN Course was also held on December 4 at the On Wednesday, November 5, Tompkins County Department of Emergency Department of Emergency Response. Fifteen people attended to learn Response hosted a Basic SKYWARN course, conducted by Dave Nicosia of about how winter storms and snow are formed; the difference between a the National Weather Service (NWS), Binghamton. blizzard, heavy snow, blowing snow, snow squalls, snow showers and snow flurries; winter flooding and ice jams; the difference between rain, freezing The objective of the program is to train as many storm spotters rain, sleet and snow, the Wind Chill Chart; Lake Effect; the differ - as possible to recognize the potential for severe thunder- ence between an outlook, a watch, a warning and an advisory; storms, tornadoes and flash floods and what to report to and how and what to report to the NWS. the NWS and to Emergency Management. Reports from storm spotters who have been through the About 20 participants, including several County employees, SKYWARN training are kept by the NWS and are used to verify ComeII University employees, ARES operators (HAM radio), and what is being seen on Doppler radar and satellite, and is used private citizens, received information and training on SKYWARN with other data to enable the NWS to issue more timely and and its goal, the NWS mission and the importance of spotters accurate warnings for severe weather. and "ground truth" reports and examples of how spotters can help u� forecasters warn the public; recognition of thunderstorms, how they Plans for an advanced SKYWARN course for the spring will be form and differ from other storms, what makes them severe, how to stay announced soon! safe; tomadoes and how they form, recognition of visual cues and safety; flash fbod causes, history and safety. They also learned what to report to For more information, please visit the National SKYWARN homepage at the NWS and procedures for reporting. http: / /www.skywarn.orq -3- Winter Weather Preparedness and Fire Prevention By Jessica Verfuss, Focus on Fire Safety Department of Emergency Response During the winter months, residential fires are more prevalent than they Winter weather is upon us. Here are a few tips to help you be prepared: are in the spring or summer. With colder temperatures and the high cost , of home heating fuels and utilities, many people resort to using fireplaces, Prepare your home and family wood stoves, space heat - `'�� ers, and other alterna- igHi � ' �" Prepare for possible isolation in tive heating methods 4 - your home. Have a supply of non - perish- to keep warm, without ' Of, � � � able food and plenty of water available as taking the necessary sin.. r ,mss - - r well as sufficient heating fuel. Prepare safety precautions. All of ` l for at least 72 hours without services. Be these methods are major sure to have a battery operated weather contributors to residential radio with extra batteries. fires. Many of these 'v.,► 4=i (�� r • Winterize your house. Repair roof fires can be prevented! leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall during a storm. .....' Insulate walls and attics, caulk and weather -strip doors and win- Keep fire extinguish - dows, cover windows with plastic. ers on hand, and make • Know ahead of time what you can do to help elderly or disabled sure everyone in your friends, neighbors or employees. house knows how to use p them. The following fire Prepare your car safety tips can help you maintain a fire -safe home this winter. • Have a winter weather check done, which includes such things as Wood Stove and Fireplaces fie(‘:s1 antifreeze levels, battery, brakes, exhaust, heater and defroster, lights, and, wind- • Be sure the fireplace or stove is installed properly and have it shield wipers. inspected and cleaned annually. ., \ • Install good winter tires. Make • Do not use flammable liquids to start or accelerate any fire. Don't sure the tires have adequate tread. use excessive amounts of paper to build roaring fires in fireplaces. 1 ® • Maintain at least a half tank of gas • Keep a metal screen in front of the fireplace opening. i during the winter season. • Never burn charcoal indoors. Burning charcoal can give off lethal • Place a winter emergency kit in amounts of carbon monoxide. each car that includes a shovel, windshield scraper and small broom, flashlight, battery powered radio, water, Fumaces snack food, blanket, chain or rope, road salt and sand, jumper cables and emergency flares. • It is important that you have your furnace inspected to ensure that ,.r► it is in good working condition. Do not attempt repairs yourself: Dress for the Weather F " r ' leave furnace repairs to qualified specialists. • Keep trash and other combustibles away from the heating system. • Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing itti? Kerosene Heaters rather than one layer of heavy clothing. l • Be sure your heater is in good working condition. Be sure the • Wear a hat and mittens, which are ® heater has an emergency shut off in case the heater is tipped warmer than gloves. Most body .y r over heat escapes from the head. " • Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room venting. ✓'� NEVER introduce a fuel into a unit not designed for that type fuel. "''' • NEVER fill the heater while it is operating or hot. • Keep young children away from heaters — especially when they are wearing pajamas or other loose clothing that can be easily ignited. -4- Tompkins County Step -Up Healthy Competition By Brooke Kominos, Personnel Regina McGriff I've been working for the coun- Arabian mare, my ty for 18+ years. A few years ago I Siamese/Tiger The Wellness Committee organized an 8 -week went to a dietitian, changed r blend cat, my gar - physical activity program/competition that started my eating habits and lost 18 ! !r den and just being on September 3, 2008 and ended October 29, lbs. Over the next 3 -5 years outdoors. 2008. The program consisted of three levels, a I had gained back about 10 league leader (Wellness Committee), team cap- of them. With my involvement Marilyn Roberts Chase: I have been with the tains and team members. League leaders set up with the Step - Up Program I have started the Office for the Aging since August '06, as an and monitored the competition. Team Captains process of hopefully removing those lbs. In the Aging Service Specialist I love my job and those recruited players and managed their team using short program I lost 4 lbs. I work with. I have always enjoyed quality food online tools. Team members participated in the and a very active lifestyle. The Step -Up program competition and measured their daily steps and Dianna Schooley: I have worked for the County allowed me to combine those interests with office daily fruit/vegetable servings. for 21 years. I have two grown sons and three interaction. It was also an excellent forum for stepsons. My husband and I have ten grand- teasing and joking within our team and with the The Step Up Healthy Competition is set up and children between us and have been married teams we were competing against. tracked online, giving team captains and team 10 years. We are currently raising our teenage members an easy way to participate in the pro- granddaughter. I enjoyed the step -up program, The 5 participants that won individual prizes for gram. All County employees and participants in there was always talk in the office about how their commitment to be more physically active the program/competition were given pedometers much you did each day and which teams were and eat more fruit and vegetables were: to help track their steps on a daily basis. ahead. Geri Lockwood, Highway Department In total, the County's League consisted of 18 Katrina Schickel: I am an Aging Services Spe- Susan Dunlop, Health Department teams with a total of 151 participants. The team cialist with the Office for the Aging. I am a mother Teresa Linde, ITCTC with the highest percent to goal in steps and of five adult children and the grandmother of one Elizabeth Cameron, Health Department servings of fruits and vegetables at the end of the gorgeous granddaughter, Gabriella Grace! I am Sharon Reagin, Comptroller's Office competition won a luncheon at their worksite. In an avid fan of exercise and the Step Up Program, addition, in a random drawing, 5 participants won which helped me to focus my efforts not just on The Wellness Committee would like to thank individual prizes for getting to the gym, but also on all Team Members for their participation in the their commitment to making sure there were enough competition. be more physically ac- -T ,. fruits and vegetables my diet on tive and eat more fruit` e a daily basis! Wellness Committee consists of Barbara Da- and vegetables. vieds?Mental Health, Theresa Lyczko /Health De- id Susan Martin: I've been work- partment, Stephanie Egan/Solid Waste, Brooke The winning team of ing with OFA for 7 years. As a Kominos /Personnel, Jim Strehle /Airport. Tompkins County's dietitian I've always been com- Step Up Healthy mitted to healthy eating and life- Competition was lento right: Regina McGriff, Dianna Schooley, Trine style. I was eager and excited Bodacious BOBS from Schickel, Susan Martin, Marge Dean, Marlyn Roberts to participate in the Step Up County Office for the chase challenge. It was great fun with Aging. the group to realize our healthy • (and not so healthy) ways. Marge Dean: I have worked for COFA for more Bodacious BOBS Team Members enjoyed the than 20 years, a bit longer than I have married. competition and provided the following informa- Participating in the Step -up program was great tion to County Corridors. fun. It makes you stop and think about what you are eating and how much exercise you are actually getting. I enjoy my horse, a 30 year old -5- I Introducing.... THE 1 By Jackie Kippota P A S S P O R T J D I A G O ' T M A C B U C G S N E I L R A C E L O L B L L A R O T A G G E A L S T R A B I O S A E O R U P Q E P A J J X I S A R U A S X R E A Q G L N L O U R Y R A C H O R A A T H E R N B I L O M A K S P I R Z D T I U U A K D B I H T E B A Z I L E Y R Z A N C D O E G A G T R O M K K N E O A A Z D O N E D E D M H G U A S L F J B G H I I J Q D V L Z X O U F I G A B O C F L E O S R I T U L V W A G P T W A S O V X L H O F U G L E I Z N Z ✓ O M J G B L O I F O F M S O H V O T A L Z W S D E E D F T R W P V Z C A G L M O G M V Z W H R E O V E M L E A I Y R A T O N W Y S B N R V O E W O T R L E C R E I P Z L A I V I R M B O A D E Z P A S E P E Z E N A K B E T T H E A U R N E E R U A M V T I M R E P L I Beginning with this edition of County Corridors, here's a new feature to let you have a little fun, while learning a bit about the County's departments and programs. We challenge you to find the following words, which appear horizontally, vertically or diagonally (backward or forward) in the grid below. (See back page for the answers.) MAUREEN PATTY DEEDS JOLINE AURORA FILE ELIZABETH PIERCE NOTARY ALANNA CLERK MORTGAGE RACHEL PASSPORT GERI NINE TO FIVE If you have comments or suggestions for future puzzles, contact Editor Maureen Reynolds at mrevnolds(@tompkins-co.org or 274-5431. 1417._f -6- 4attoturrn (ontrt (ompctttton I ndividu a l 1 . l .11.,,, t f..,_ :_.:.! •.., 1,••_!, r . .,. , ,,, i •-ri;(,, 1 -:• . 1 1 ..A.,. 1 , - ' 17:) i . I 1 6 )10 11 ,4, ,;.„ I A 1 _.„,...- t ■"-' • -** ' ,, • (tit 1 I it. 7 % { i rj :--- ,,,, . .r. ; ire \ 1 , Mar Polikoff from li - : CSCN as a / Katy Prince, Health scarecrow. ) Dept. as a Mime 0 Andrea 1 i , Smith, the f WIC Director , 1st "place Goes To: as Bat Girl _ �, 41 , - _ 1 ,.,�. David Weiner, DSS, as Beetlejuice . i k, 41 Congratulations to our Halloween contest winners, and to everyone who competed t ' i i . this year- what a great collection of en- tries! , _ or There was a tight competition within DSS - in the "individual" category. "Beetlejuice" r , '' beat out " The One Eyed One Horned Flying ,+� `` Karen Knapp, DSS, as the One Purple People Eater" by a single vote! IM � Eyed One Horned Flying Purple People Eater Thanks to the Vending Committee for spon- soring this competition again this year. -7- � alto ill cert Conte ,:‘t Competition Group N „sr:. .....• ._ .. • ..,.. ...2!.. ., - .. . ri , . g p a s it, ,, ,..., , A • ' gill a 7 ' "' . s i ,. : 4 1 : c' l Al 1 7,1:: :r v , .y : , C ,4 :. 1 v vf • O t 1 ° 411 * /'� . r r . • e � ' .; • 1 a alma ast Place Goes ' T o: Kelly Nickerson, Sue Woodard, Karen Bishop, Jennifer Sutfin, and Darlene Laninger as the circus performers (Gail Birnbaum and Katy Prince also participated) • Will n I .,• a te k ' it" I .' I P ' f 41,,:••••.1:1'.:,.• • � P.? y , a ; " , l � it , 4.Mic Kat McCarthy as Beaker, Linnett Short as Ms. Piggy, and Nicole Stumpf as Jancie and they are all at a Jami Breedlove, Debbie Cooper, and Arlene Ace Moppets Reunion as the WIC Musketeers -8- Employee Spotlight Christy Warner Christy Warner is an Emergency Services Dispatcher in the Department of 1111 Emergency Response. Christy has worked for the County for three years, 1 � , having served as an E -911 Program Specialist for two years. I •, ' Christy responded to the following questions from County Corridors: 1 e - What do you do here (your job duties)? Take 911 calls for police, fire, and medical services, and then dispatch the appropriate agency or agencies. 4 ,""° What do you like best about your job? ~` He+ping people. � .1-• • . - -,••-. What do you like least about your job? im Shift work. What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? a I enjoy working on home improvement projects with my husband. We are also both volunteers for the Dryden Fire Department. If you ran the world, what is the first thing you would do? Lower gas prices. Sustainability Spotlight: Waste Reduction - Even the little things add up... Submitted by Geri Lockwood, Highway Have you ever felt that you were doing everything possible to assist with waste EPP Vendor Fair I reduction? Sometimes, there's more that can be done that we don't even The Environmentally Preferred Procure - consider or think about. ment (EPP) subcommittee, formed in response to the Countys Sustainability Our office has discovered a couple of new ways to reduce paper waste. When Initiative, is in the planning phase of an _ a 40 finished with incoming faxes, prior to recycling upcoming EPP Vendor Fair. The event the paper, we now save them for other uses. plans to showcase the latest innova- f). Job costing reports are run daily for verifica- Lions available for products in the areas lion purposes, and then the paper is recycled. of office supplies, office furniture and 'J i" — 41k The reports (as well as some draft docu- equipment, packaging materials, disposable dinnerware supplies, : < r {�� �,'�;� Z.. ments) are now run on the backside of the cleaning and janitorial supplies, high - i fax paper, verified, and then recycled. way materials, vehicle and automotive !a / materials, and building and construction 4 . Since we usually receive more faxes than 't' materials. Be on the lookout for further what is required to run reports, the accumu t'! information on how you can participate lated stack of fax paper is quartered with a Lam_ in this exciting opportunity to green your paper cutter, and several of us have a supply department's supply cabinet. near our phones for scrap /message paper. This use has greatly reduced the amount of Post -it Note purchases, which - Linnett Short results in a savings in the office supply budget. Please look around to find ways that you can help with waste reduction. Re- member the 4R's (Reduce, Reuse Recycle, Rebuy,). Thank you! -9- Probation Program Supports Cops, lids and To By Pat Buechel, Probation Participation extends beyond the mandated "Cops, Kids and Toys" is one of four charities participants, as Probation Department staff also The Service Work Alternative Program, a super- supported by SWAP's involvement in "Dump and have spent numerous hours at the job site and vised community service program operated by Run." This is the ultimate give back to the com- have assisted in sorting through countless bags the Tompkins County Department of Probation munity that participants can really relate of items to prepare for the sale. The positive and Community Justice, has played a key role in to. How can you not smile benefit of having participants working side by efforts leading to this season's "Cops, Kids and and feel good y, side with Probation staff and other community Toys" program. "Cops, Kids and Toys" purchases about yourself `` ` volunteers cannot be understated.. It has hdiday gifts for children in need who reside in knowing that you 4' ,u proven to be a great role modeling expen- Tompkins County. helped a child re- d " ence for the participants. This project ceive a hdiday gift? is well respected within the Probation Through the Service Work Alternative Program Department and the level of commitment (known as SWAP), court - ordered probationers While SWAP performs ' by everyone is astonishing. provide supervised community service to repay community service the community for the harm they have imposed at various job sites throughout This year's "Dump and Run" sale grossed from criminal or errant behavior. SWAP logged the county, participation in "Dump in Run" is $42,000 in revenue to support local chanties. The in over 900 hours of community service in this probably the most visible and rewarding for all program has raised more than $147,000 over the year's "Dump and Run" project, operated in invoved. We have been involved with "Dump past five years. conjunction with Cornell University and Cornell and Run" since it started in 2003 when an e-mail Campus Life. from a Cornell University student came across the list serve asking for help from the community The project involved cdlecting and sorting 35 to get this program off the ground. tons of food, clothing and electronics left behind by the student population and then re- selling the I knew our SWAP program could assist, but little nonperishable items back to the students (and did I know that 'Dump and Run' and our involve - the community) upon their return for the fall se- ment would grow to the magnitude it has become mester, with two tons of food also donated to the today. SWAP has been instrumental in that local Friendship Food Network. SWAP has been growth and I believe that our participants have instrumental in achieving the goals of "Dump and grown as well, knowing that their efforts are help - Run" — to reduce, reuse, and recycle waste and ing their community. then donate proceeds of the sale to charity. - i -hwa y submitted by Geri Lockwood, Administrative Assistant Changes in Snow & Ice Maintenance: "Green" Pavement, by Bill Sczesny, Highway Manager: After contracting to perform snow and ice (S &I) maintenance on some area As you drive about County roadways, you may not give much thought to the State roads for several years, Tompkins County has elected not to extend pavement that you are driving on. Traditional methods of producing asphalt the contract to continue this practice. Since we also contract for S &I mainte- consume a considerable amount of energy. Suit -Kote, a local producer of nance with several Towns in the County, adjustments were made with some asphalt, is producing a new type of "green" asphalt, called Low Emission of those contracts as well, resulting in Tompkins County Highway resuming Asphalt (LEA). LEA is awarm -mix asphalt that is 100° cooler than traditional responsibility of several County roads. hot -mix asphalt. The new plow routes have been established, and plow drivers have been "By reducing those temperatures, we virtually eliminate all the odors typically assigned to cover the changes. As always, we appreciate the crews' efforts associated with hot mix asphalt, which makes for a better relationship with to make our commutes as safe as possible. Please do your share and re- the community," said Greg Hunter, Vice- President of McConnaughay Tech - member to stay back 200 feet from the working plow trucks (the plow drivers nologies. sometimes can't see you behind them at closer distances.) For more infor- mation and winter tips, visit www. tompkins- co.org/highway/snow.htm1. In 2008, Tompkins County has paved parts of Warren Road, Stevens Road, and Cayuta Road with the new LEA product. This amounted to approxi- Please drive safely, using extra caution when driving in winter weather — mately 4200 tons. Tompkins County Highway is always looking for a new leave early and slow down. Thank you! "green" product. -10- Department News Office for the Aging The Office for the Aging enthusiastically welcomes 1. Amanda David to our staff as an outreach worker handling our PERS (Personal Emergency Response pendants) program for frail, older adults. * '4 - . Prior to joining our staff at COFA, Amanda worked at 1 �* the Youth Advocate program where she worked with teenage girls. She has also been a resident counselor `a 1 at Lakeview Mental Health. Amanda brings excellent , , ' ► \),,,o,, 1� skills to her new position, as she was a caregiver for her grandfather. "I really like the work that I do here at the Office for the Aging," Amanda says. "PERS is an important benefit for our clients. I love going into people's homes and meeting them in their own space and hearing their stories. It is a privilege and it gives me an opportunity to tell them about other services." When Amanda is not at work here at COFA, she is home - schooling her two sons, ages eight and two and a half. Commissioner of Motor Vehicles Visits Solid Waste By County Clerk Aurora Valenti On October 30, 2008, the Tompkins County Welcome to: - Department of Motor Vehicles was pleased to .. • ' : ', ir host the New York State Commissioner of Motor Nicole Stumpf as our new Recycling Specialist Vehicles, David J. Swarts. Commissioner Swarts and to g spent upwards of an hour at the Third Street facil- Dee Townsend as our new Account Clerk Typist ity, talking with the employees, and discussing proposed future plans with the County Clerk and _ th Supervisor of DMV. Commissioner Swarts was previously County Clerk of Erie County (Buf- ` falo, NY), the largest county in NYS. His office is in Albany, New York. Kudos K or ner ... ' Congratulations to Kelly Ni cke rson, Senior Account Clerk Typist at the Health Depart- � me, for her quick and l ife- sa ving response to an emergency this fall. ` In September, while attending a family brunch at a Penn Yan restaurant ,Kelly respond- . .- ' ed to the restaurant's call to customers for someone with CPR skills. Kelly responded / and delivered the Heimlich maneuver to an elderly customer who had choked on his food, was in distress and who had become unconscious. 7. ongratu ations to eri According to Sigrid Conners and Karen Bisop at the Health Department, Kelly, fresh Lockwood, Highway, on the from her recertification CPR training the week before, responded quickly and ably. The birth of her granddaughter, gentleman revived and Kelly stayed with him until the EMTs took over. Madison Jean Lockwood, born October 1st. Congratulations Kelly for your quick response in saving this man's life! 41_ :e �' uNNy Bo1NE villoat6 COMMirnma What do elves learn in school? I , E N D I u The elf -abet. Post -Trip Information What is the difference between the Christmas alphabet Captain Bill's Lunch Cruise, October 5, 2008. This cruise and the ordinary alphabet? was attended by 25 people, who enjoyed the great food The Christmas alphabet has no L (Noel). and weather. What Christmas Carol is a favorite of parents? NYC Winter Trip, December 6, 2008. Be sure to watch Silent Night. for post -trip information in the March edition of the County Corridors. Why does Santa have 3 gardens? So he can hoe, hoe, hoe. Website: Don't miss out on a chance to enjoy one of the trips or What do you get if Santa goes down the chimney when a events being scheduled in 2009. Please remember to visit fire is lit? our website, on the employee Intranet (click on the link Crisp Cring le. under "Events /News "), or .tompki ns -co. orglempl oyee_ only /VendingCommitteeNews.pdf. Be sure to visit regularly Why was Santa's little helper depressed? for updated information on all trips, news, etc. He had low elf- esteem. Please see your Department Representative (names listed What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus? on the website) to share other ideas. Claustrophobic. A Christmas C .�. t m.. ory .. for People Having a Bad day. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �. �.. �.. ti.. �. .�..�..�_..�..�..�..�.�..�.�..� When four of Santa's elves got sicK, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the z I N , 11 regular ones, and Santa began to feel the pre- Christmas pressure. "Ifkites* The Mrs, Claus -told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more. When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven Knows where. Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards CraCKed, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered. ' s" 1 Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, be discovered the elves had `i dranK all the cider and hidden the liquor, In his frustration, he aCCi- dentally dropped the Cider jt and it broKe into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the Kitchen floor, He went to get the broom and found the , % - '`A mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom. E Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, ��^ yanKed it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas st�l tree. The angel said very cheerfully, `Merry Christmas, Santa, Isn't this a lovely day? 1 have a beautiful tree for you Where would you Vice me to stiCf< it ?' And so began the tradition ofthe little angel on top of the Christmas tree . , , y A �w' vtvt' w�uav' w' vmavron' w' wwvciv' wavrov' vtt' vt' vavw' vtt' mromv' wuvlrov' wwvlrov' vtt' avvlav' vtvt' wromrov' vt�vav�u". v' wwvciv' wavrov' vtt' vtiromavw' vtvromv' wmrovw' wwrovrov' w". vvavw' vtvt' vlromrov' vt�vavron' w' wwvciv' wavve vtt' vtiromve vtt' vt' mrouv' wmrovw' w'alrovrov'vtt'avvlav'vtvtivo -12- Classified Ads Dog Dayz Inn _ _ WANTED: RENT- TO.OWN - Professional woman with two children, a A place where your dog feels "at home ". �i o stable job and steady income looking for a home this July 2009 or sooner Located in North Lansing to rent -to -own in the Cortland or Groton area, preferably Cortland. 3 -4 bed - Sandy Strehle, 315- 497 -3467 rooms, Internet access via DSL or Cable a MUST, and appliances if at all dagdayzinn @yahao.com - ) - possible. No washer or dryer needed. Pet friendly. If you have a property • http:ltwww dogdayzinn.com - t, that will be coming available and are interested, please call (607) 838 - 3563 or (607) 342 -7039. SERIOUS INQUIRES ONLY PLEASE!!!! Range: $50, 000- $80,000's. FOR SALE - 1995 31' Challenger 5'h -wheel camper. Features include DOWN SIZING" SALE -ALL MUST GO!! two slide -outs, basement, full -size bathroom, and a queen -sized bed. Excellent condition. Must sell due to health reasons. $11,000.00, Light tan Micro fiber (stain resistant, wipes clean) sectional sofa with a complete with hitch. Please call (607) 898 -5196. recliner and a shays lounge, like new! Asking $1000 or best offer. FOR SALE_- 2004 Yellow Chevy Cavalier 2DR Coupe LS Sport, Mile- Queen Maple Sleigh bed with or without mattresses (very heavy and very age 24,000, 4 Cylinder, 2.2 Liter, Automatic. EXCELLENT Condition: beautiful), $800 or best offer. AC, Tilt Wheel, PS, PW, PL, CC, AM/FM StereolCD, Spoiler, ABS, Alloy Wheels, OnStar, MoonRoof. Asking $8,200 OBO. Please call (607) Matching Maple Armoire, approximately 7 feet tall, split into two sections, 277-7029 -will return calls in the evening. can stand separate or be stacked. Large and deep dresser drawers on the bottom, utility drawer and TV space or shelving for the top. Front is a log cabin theme with a moose on it. Very heavy and very beautiful! $1200 or FOR SALE - Commercial meat slicer, 12" blade, excellent condition best offer, SOLD TOGETHER AS ONE UNIT ONLY! $300180; 4' electrical baseboard heater 1500 watt $15; Vintage G &E electric refrigerator with compressor on top, comes with original ad, Please call Carol, at (607) 838 -3563, after 6 p.m., or email ebony gc!h26a works good $60180. Please call (607) 532 -4092. yahoo.com (there is an underscore after the y). FOR SALE - Sears Craftsmen Table Saw, 10" 1 hp motor, heavy -duty FOR SALE_- Compaq Presario Computer, 4508 model # Desktop, cast iron body, open stand with wheels. Includes miter and universal Windows 95, C drive, A drive, D drive, Pentium (R) processor wIMMX at jig, straight and angle rip fences. $200. Please call Rosanne Lahr, at 200 MHz, Microsoft Word, great shape - good computer for a starter or (607) 257 -3717 home. that person who doesn't need all the latest. Also includes CD's: Microsoft Bookshelf, Encarata 97 encyclopedia, Microsoft Creative Writer 2, Canon Creative 3 CD for cards, labels, etc. Asking $80.00. Please call Bernice, at (607) 539 -6756. FOR SALE - Riding shoes - "Tuffrider" - made in Brazil, lace up above Corridors is printed on 30% recycled paper. the ankle, $25.00 each: - women's brown, size 8 - great shape THE COFFIDCFS TEAM - men's black, size 11 - new - wom 3 times Managing Editor Please call Bemice, at (607) 539 -6756. Maureen Reynolds, County Clerk's Office Editorial Staff Geri Lockwood, Highway a . Answers to Puzzle on Page 5 Linnett Short, SW Management Division • P--A S S f 0 R T J DI A 01 T M A C • Katrina Schickel, COFA • B U C G S N E I L R C L 0 L B L L • Classifieds Editor - Geri Lockwood • A R O T A G G E A ST A B I O S A • • E 0 R U 0 E P J J XI S A R U A S • Multicultural Editor- Shanovah Moodie, Personnel • X R E Q G L L O U R Y R A C H O R • Advising Editor, Page Layout • A A H E R B I L O M A K S P I R Z • Marcia Lynch, Public Information • D I U U K D B I H T E 6 A 1 E • • R Z A N C D O • K K W • Contributors • E 0 A A Z D 0 ■E D EE D M H G U A S L • All County Employees and Retirees • F J B G H I J 0 D y L Z X 0 U F I G • Interested in joining the Corridors team? • A B O C F O S R T U V W A G P • Contact Maureen at • T W A S o V X H O F U G L. I Z N Z • • V OM G B L 0 F 0 F M S 0 V 0 T • 274 - 5431 or mreynolds @tompkins co.org • A L Z W S. -D E E D - R W P V Z A G • • L M O G M V Z W H R O V E M E • I • • v R awn N W Y S B N R V 0' W 0 T• • • L E C R- £-- --1 - - P Z L A i V I' M B 0 A D • • E Z P A S E P E Z E N A B E T T H E • • A U R N E E U U A M V T I M R E P L I •