ГлавнаяMy WebLinkО нас1988-09 COUNTY CORRIDORS Vol. I, No. VII A Newsletter For Employees and Retirees of Tompkins County September 1988 SAVE THE 1 CHILDREN " x ti i.z., , by Scott Heyman,Administration and ' '; Bernice Yarosh,DSS t �. 4 - Tompkins County's Department of So- cial Services Child Protective Unit is 5 0. made up of supervisor Bernice Yarosh and Sr.Caseworkers Penny Van Schoick, Paula Herman, Betty Gloss, Judy Ryan, Y ` Michel Kelly and Diane McComb. ',- 01.4... lit The following day in the life of a child protective worker is a fictional day,but is based on actual incidents that occurred in the days before Corridors interviewed ` 4 ' I Yarosh and three of the workers.During Rt°' the interview, Yarosh was called out to deal with an emergency. When the interview was over, Cor- '� photo byBil Chappp ridors asked how the four CPS workers Some of the award-winning Child Protective Services staff:(I-r)Bernice Yarosh,Penny who have children of their own can hand- Van Schoick, Michel Kelly, Betty Gloss, and Pat Buechel. le their parental responsibilities after a day like the one described below. One Caseworkers Applauded said, "My husband helps a lot!" Another called it a"profile in stress management." And two said they never leave their by Maryanne Banks, DSS children with babysitters. In April,the Tompkins County Child Protective caseworkers received a recogni- < < A day > > tion award from Mrs. Matilda Cuomo and NYSDSS Commissioner Cesar Perales. Awards were presented by Mrs.Cuomo and Commissioner Perales at a ceremony It's still quiet, I've been in the office given for representatives from each county at the Governor's Mansion in Albany. since 8 a.m. getting some paper work During the ceremony, both Mrs. Cuomo and Commissioner Perales recognized done.The day's first call comes from the the dedication of Child Protective workers and the immense challenges of child City Police at 9:30 a.m. A three year old protective work today. They were aware of issues line workers face -such as the girl is found wandering on a downtown increase in number of reports of child abuse,the increase in the seriousness of the street;she was almost hit by a car. I drive reports and the number of fatalities,and the corresponding increase in the demands to the police station. I know the little girl of the job. They thanked child protective workers for their dedication to children from a previous case. The police have and families. called the mother,we wait for her to come The plaque, which is in the CPS offices, says: to the station; she had left her daughter "The State of New York applauds the commitment of the Child Protective with a babysitter who had decided to let Caseworkers of the Tompkins County Department of Social Services for their ef- the girl walk by herself to the forts to ensure the safety of children and to provide services to strengthen families" grandmother's. "She told me it was right It is signed by Mrs. Cuomo and Commissioner Cesar Perales. around the corner and she walked there all the time." I tell the mother not to use vestigating for poor hygiene and lack of with Family Court to remove the baby and that babysitter anymore and discuss issues medical care. Back at the office I learn is now placing him in foster care. of supervision and how to pick a more ap- that the hospital has called in a hot-line propriate babysitter. report about a newborn who tested posi- continued on page 2 Before going backup to the office I call tive for cocaine.The mother was not un- in to let them know I'm going to make a dergoing treatment for her addiction. THIS PAPER IS RECYCLABLE. stop at another client's house that I'm in- Another worker in the unit filed a petition Healthy Notes SURVIVING INSURANCE Vacancies as of Sept 14 Wellness ideas and interests! This year, BOCES will be offering an For qualifications or applications,call evening course entitled"Survival Skills for Personnel 274-5526. Tell us what wellness programs you're the Insurance Form Maze",to help people most interested in,and whether you'd be learn how to organize,process and sub mit ACCOUNT CLERK/TYPIST: DSS;Grade 5. willing to help plan wellness activites - the medical forms to their insurance car- TYPIST: Mental Health, DSS, Probation,Job we're looking for about four Wellness riers. There will be three classes, begin- Training;Grade 4. Committee members,hopfeully two from ning on Tuesday November 1, and each CASE AIDE:DSS and Mental Health;Grade 4. the Court House complex and two from class will run from 7:00-9:0 p.m.The fee MARKETING/MEDIA SPECIALIST: Health the Biggs complex-to help our Wellness will be $25.00 for three classes. Classes Dept.;Grade 12. Program grow.If you have any questions, will be taught by Mary Zichettella REHABILITATION SPECIALIST: Mental call Louise McEwen at Personnel, 274- (formerly a County employee, now Health;Grade 12. 5526. Also, if you need additional Well- employed by Dr. Agostini) and Jane REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE: ness Point sheets,call Personnel. Ryan. Health Dept.(Hypertension program);Grade 11. For anyone desiring to learn more PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE: (2) Health Dept.; Grade 12. about proper filing of their insurance PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER: Mental forms, we recommend this class. Call Health;Grade 14. Save the children continued BOCES at 257-1551 for more information COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH NURSE: on sign-up. Mental Health;Grade 12. I was on-call last night, I am tired be- COMPUTER OPERATOR/TECHNICIAN:Data cause at 10 p.m.I was called out to one of Processing;Grade 7. the outlying trailer parks where three tod- OUTREACH WORKER: Office for the Aging; dlcrs were alleged to be going door to Grade 5. door begging for food.When I finally lo- PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEER: Health; Grade cate the trailer they were living in I knock V.!COUNTY PICNIC 13. on the door,the woman won't let me in.I FINANCIAL INVESTIGATOR:DSS;Grade 8. get her to bring the children to the door. SEPTEMBER 25 LIBRARIAN!:Library;(perm.&2temp.)Grade 1�tI 12. She asks them if they had been begging for STEWART PARK!!! PUBLIC HEALTH TECHNICIAN: Health; food. "No!" they all proclaim. I tell her a Grade 10. Child Protective investigator will be back SECURITY GUARD:TC3;Grade D. to talk with her later this week for further SENIOR ACCOUNT CLERK/TYPIST: Health; followup on this report. Grade 7. I get back to the office around 11:30,I CASE MANAGER: Health;Grade 9. pick up my messages and prepare to write DESKTOP PUBLISHING OPERATOR:Purcas- up my case notes from this morning's inci- crying.I say,"Let me talk to you."He asks ing And Central Services;Grade 5. dent at the police station.It is nearly lunch "I don't have to go home?"I call my super- PURCHASING CLERK: Purchasing and time but my supervisor gets a call from a visor.We discuss the situation and decide Central Services;Grade 6. public elementary school. Two brothers, that I should place the two children in COUNTY CORRIDORS ages 5 and 7,say they had been handcuffed protective custody pending further inves- Articles and opinion pieces for County Cor- over the weekend. The school will call a tigation and remove them to foster care. ridors are selected by the volunteer editorial A teacher at the school has just been cer- board based on their interest to Tompkins Coun- report in to the State Central Register. J ty employees and retirees. Material is solicited School gets out at 2:00 p.m. and the boys tilled as a foster parent and she agrees to from current employees,retirees and others. don't want to go home.It's my emergency take them.Normally I would have gone to County Corridors is published by County the parents and asked their consent but in Central Services using "desktop publishing' day and my supervisor directs me to go to P typography and layout,Publication and distribu- the school immediately and talk with the view of the boys' mental state, the tion is on the second County payday of the boys. When I arrive I meet with their therapist's recommendation, and the al- month. teachers and the school social worker. legations I remove them. I will file the Material for publication is selected by the They say the children have been extreme- Family Court petition the next day so they editorial board with reserves the right to edit any Y Y submissions.The editorial board is made up of ly emotionally disturbed and lately have don't have to go home. Bill Chapp(DSS),Shelia Ferrari(Purchasing and been terrified of going home at the end of I start to drive back to the office and Central Services), Scott Heyman (Administra- the school day. They have an ongoing realize it is after quitting time. I'm going tion),Joyce Musson (Administration),Janet Nis- therapist whom I call. He confirms what to be late starting dinner and everyone will senson(Stop DWI),Geri Roebel (Youth Bureau), be hungry. Greg Smestad (Central Services), Marilyn the teachers have been saying and concurs gry. Strassberg (Office for the Aging), Judy Tynyk that the children should not go home. < < > > (Mental Health Clinic), and Lauren Wright "Why didn't someone call us earlier?" I (Central Services).Correspondence may be sent hear a kid in the hall screaming for his life. In 1973, the New York State Legisla- to Newsletter,Central Services through County g inter-office mail,or to Newsletter,c/o Purchasing Two teachers are holding him under his ture established the Child Protective Ser- and Central Services,Biggs Center Bldg A,301 arms."I won't go, I won't go,don't make vices Act (CSPA). It was the most com- Harris B. Dates Drive, Ithaca NY 14850 via US me go!"he yells.They take him to the of- prehensive piece of child protective legis- Mall, lice where he falls on the floor and con- lation in the country,The purpose of the tinues to howl"Don't make me go!"He is CSPA is to encourage more complete swiftly and competently, and capable of the older brother of the two.I say"Where reporting of suspected child abuse and providing protection for the child or don't you want to go?"He says be doesn't maltreatment and to establish in each children from further abuse or maltreat- want to go home.I say,"What if I told you county of the state a child protective ser- ment and rehabilitative services for the that you don't have to go home?"He stops vice capable of investigating such reports child or children and parents involved. Employee of the Month r,,, , .. .,,, ,,, . The 4 . ‘, , . Highwayman , ‘ 1 by Lauren Wright,Central Services i i ,I ; ,'. Harold "Russ" Kastenhuber points ;, with pride to the Catepillar Loader 950, 'i r ' saying both he and it have been through a lot of gravel.Screening gravel is the work , d .' . i . 0 he likes best in his job with the Highway Department. . r �, Russ started with the Highway Depart- . ment on October 3, 1951. He applied to f . +j the County because it was steady employ- ment. He's still here 37 years and four ... Highway Superintendents later. The first month with the County Russ photo by Bill Chapp painted bridges. Since then, he says, he Russ Kastenhuber looks back on 37 years with Tompkins County from the cab of his has done a little of everything, including Catepillar 950 loader. running the loader,cutting brush and driv- The Highway Department uses a lot of was bought and old practices, such as ing a truck. heavy machinery these days and fewer burning brush,were dropped. workers. The big equipment when Russ When Russ began, most of the work first came aboard was farm tractors with Prior to joining the County, Russ was done by hand.He remembers cutting bucket loaders.At that time the Highway worked on farms. brush with scissors and axes, shoveling Department employed about 100 men On vacations, Russ takes a busman's snow off bridges with flat shovels and year-round, hiring an additional summer holiday, working with other highway spreading cinders,instead of salt,from the crew of 40.Approximately 40 workers are crews,or on farms.After work,he enjoys back of a truck,a job that took the better in the Department now.The County had cutting wood. part of a day to finish. Guard rails are five maintenance crews,one based in Mc- Russ is a long-time county resident.He driven by machine today,but Russ recalls Lean, the others in Ithaca, that patched has lived on Podunk Road the past 18 using picks and axes in minus 30 degree roads year-round.Today there is only one years. weather to install guard rails.Sometimes such crew. His wife, Carolyn, works at Tompkins the crews couldn't get started until noon, Community Hospital in housekeeping. when the buckets were finally thawed. Many of the changes took place in the They have seven children and eleven mid 1960's, Russ says. New equipment grandchildren. New Faces at Public Works Linnett Warner-Started as Solid Waste Assistant on May 23. Rod Elston - Started July 11, as a Building Maintenance Linnett worked in the Budget office as an Account Clerk prior to Worker/Plumber Steamfitter for the Buildings and Grounds coming to the Solid Waste Division of Public Works. division.Before that time he was Chief Engineer of building main- tenance at the Sberaton Inn. Lee Cornell - Started as Recycling Coordinator on July 25. Before coming to Tompkins County,Lee was employed as Senior Steve Crandall - Started July 5, as Building Maintenance Environmental Planner for Broome County. Worker/Plumber Steamfitter for the Buildings and Grounds division. Prior to coming to work for Buildings and Grounds he Irene St.Angelo-Started July 25,as Account Clerk Typist for was employed by the Divi/Ramada Inn as a Maintenance Super- the Highway Department division.Irene graduated in May,from visor. Corning Community College with a degree in Accounting. Chris Parker-Started June 20,as a Maintenance Worker for Donna Zuidema- Started August 8,as Account Clerk Typist the Buildings and Grounds division. Before that time he was for the Building and Grounds division.Prior to coming to Build- employed by Groton Golf and Recreation as a maintenance per- ing and Grounds,she was employed at TC3 as a Senior Typist. son. COUNTY PICNIC hiPMPRILt Sunday Sept. 25 ; ' .4. ,;;. • 9 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Large Pavilion, Stewart Park 4 x a z.nfiro. a `4r Come and be served by your legislators. k° , Come and socialize with fel- low employees. photo by BM Chepp Come and hear County DJ County employees'children will complete the picture when the Day Care Center opens Harold Brill spin platters. in eary 1989. Anyone able to bring softball equip- ***Day Care Update*** ment, Frisbees and badminton sets, Efforts are continuing toward the realization of an employees' day care center in the please do. Biggs Complex.After some initial setbacks, renovations will begin in the near future in space on Level 1 currently housing the BOCES program,which will be relocating to Biggs Level 2. Part time staff assistance is being provided to the Day Care Task Force by the See you there! Day Care&Child Development Council of Tompkins County.Alene Wyatt,former direc- ### for of the IACC Day Care Center will be assisting the Task Force with the planning and development of the program and facility. A February 1989 opening is anticipated and the involvement of interested parents is VISITEES WANTED necessary for this project to become a reality.For additional information,please call John The Office for the Aging has Cornell Beach at Probation(274-5380) or Cathy Wedge at Department of Social Services(274- and Ithaca College field work students 5350). looking for elderly Tompkins County resi- WATCH FOR FUTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS dents to visit on a volunteer basis weekly ******************* for the current school year. If you have a relative, friend or client FLU CLINICS unciassfieds who you think might be interested in a Flu season is coming.The County will "Friendly visitor,"please call 274-5450 and offer flu shot clinics in early October "WELCOME INN" Bed & Breakfast. ask for Marilyn Strassberg. and/or November. Experience Norwegian hospitality in the heart of the Finger Lakes. "When Good Taste Is Important." Call Ruth Ond 257- FREE UNCLASSIFIEDS 0250. Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County employees,retirees and their immediate 2ND REQUEST-STAMPS -U.S.or families.Ads may be for any purpose except no personal ads will be accepted.No County addresses or telephone numbers may be listed in the ads. Use this coupon to send your ad to Corridors c/o foreign.Any cancelled on envelopes or cut Central Services. off corner of envelope-new or old stamps. Will pick up.Helen Torchia 272-5917.110 West King Road,Ithaca. TYNYK ORIGINALS-Sewing and al- ternations. Reasonable rates. Call Judy, evenings and weekends at 564-9244. MUSIC FOR SALE: Music For All Occasions. Direct Drive Sound Systems. Sound for every need. Call Harold Brill 844-8953.