ГлавнаяMy WebLinkО нас2002-02 t 0 11 Alf/ F H a wslQttQr for Employees and Retirees of T ompkins County t 0 al 0 ft? February 2OO2 Volume 15 Number 2 What did y ou do this weekend? By Tammy VanOrman, Assessment Meet John Navarro and Todd VanOrman, employees of the Tompkins County Highway Department. On weekdays, these men sport bright orange shirts but on the weekends, they proudly wear a shirt donning the colors of their children's school and the word "COACH ". Aitir, „Aft l 9407 J J ____..., ,'.rri► € . a , „ ?.. .. ,p,,,, 9 45. q j 44 l 4 ,Art . A + / 4 .t _'' ' „s - _:...?, , , John and Todd dedicate their winter months coaching recreation basketball. John coaches his daughters, Andrea and Melissa, at Immaculate Conception. Todd coaches his children, Sarah and Sam, at Newfield. John coaches the 3r /4 and 5th /6 grade girls' team. Todd coaches the 3 rd /4 grade girls' team and helps with Coach Karen Royce (DS5) with the ls / e grade co -ed team. Both men have been doing this for years and find their time spent extremely rewarding. We at the County Corridors would like to commend these men for their dedication to their communities and to all of the other County employees who put forth the effort it takes to coach children's sports. I must admit that prior to my visit with the Drug Treatment Court, my mental image of the program was that was a Tess s strident answer for people caught in the trap of overly harsh drug laws. It did not take very long to understand that my r preconceptions were very wrong. My first revelation was REPORT that the drug most often involved was alcohol. Note that at least twenty -five percent of the population in our jail result FROM • from DWI convictions. The second revelation was that the participants enter the program with the expectation that the THE COUNTY Drug Treatment Court Programs are more difficult than � "doing the time" but can change their lives. ADMINISTRATOR For those who may doubt how challenging the program is By Stephen Whicher consider the following. First realize that the program is not designed to help out the person who "made one mistake" and Touring Tompkins County (cont'd) got caught, but rather to assist people who have a history of drug related offenses and are ready to make life changes. This month I had planned to continue my tour of Tompkins Throughout the three -stage program (Early Recovery, County Departments by asking Pete Messmer for a "ride Decision Making and Community Transition) the participant along" during an overnight snowplowing shift but our is subject to regular drug and alcohol screening and random continued mild winter did not give me an opportunity. As 1 home visits. In addition the participant must regularly report was thinking about which other department could be next, to the Drug Treatment Court, participate in alcohol /drug Kathy Leinthall called to ask if I would be interested in treatment, regularly attend 12 Step meetings, as well as spending some time with the Probation Department. I asked attend to their health, education and employment needs (note Kathy if she would provide me with an experience that that I have generalized a very detailed part of this program to would give me an overview of the Department. Given the save space). At each stage the participant may not move to scope of the department's programs, I realized this would the next phase without the recommendation of both the take some time. In fact, as of this writing, I am only about Probation Officer and the treatment provider and the half way through the overview. approval of the Treatment Team and the Judge. While the traditional county probation program utilizes the For me, the value of the program truly hit home as I listened "we'll let you out of jail if you don't get into trouble and if to one participant's life story. Fred, obviously not his real you report in once a week" approach, Tompkins County has name, had five DWI arrests, had spent time in both local jails taken an alternative and 'rehabilitative approach. The and State Prison, was permanently estranged from his first difference is stark and is based on a strong belief that family, and was separated from his second family. While although jail is necessary and appropriate for some, a holistic incarcerated in a local jail facility he heard about the approach that provides an intensive, customized Tompkins County Felony Drug Court and decided to explore rehabilitation program is more powerful, and in the long run, the opportunity to change his life. He has now made it more cost effective. Sounds good, but what does it mean? through nine months without drinking, has gained visitation with his two children, holds a job and is hopeful that he will My first stop was at the Drug Treatment Court Program. I be able to complete the program and make a real life change. was particularly interested in the Drug Court because of the Office of Court Administration's (OCA) recognition of the This type of program takes an amazing amount of dedication success of the program. If you have not heard, citing the from the Judges, politicians and Probation Officers as well as Ithaca Drug Treatment Court successes, Judge Judith Kay of the support and administrative staff. If you wonder where OCA has recently directed all counties to establish Drug the dedication comes from, I think I know. It comes from the Courts. In Tompkins County we actually have three Courts: hope in the eyes of someone like Fred. The Ithaca Drug Treatment Court, Tompkins County Felony Drug Treatment Court and a Family Drug Treatment Court. More to follow. When I arrived in their Center Ithaca office, David Wolf, the DSS FOSTER PARENT MEETINGS Assistant Director of Probation showed me around, provided me with an overview of the program and introduced me to Where: Beverly Livesay Conference Room Jarrod Newcomb, Pat Buechel, Dan Cornell and Coordinator Desiree Johnson. After brief interviews with Pat and Desiree When: March 14, April 11, May 9, 2002 1 was invited to participate in an interview between Dan and Time: Noon to 1 p.m. a Felony Drug Treatment Court client (with the client's prior approval). For more information, please call Judy Voorheis at 274- 1 5266 or Tim Stephensen at 274 -5615. 2 i-E 6 g / way ti , .. Fes; By Geri Lockwood, Highway / y t ' 1 / .✓ '. � F Wow, we survived the move into the new facility! With „ several years worth of accumulation in the upstairs "" offices (the former Engineering Division's records and prints), some of us had our doubts that the move would `" F r ■ ? be accomplished in one day - which is the timeframe we >� were given. We "doubters" were proven wrong, because -- f the mission was accomplished in one day. Of course, it ?41 - � t ,. g never would have happened if not for the helping hands i , . and hard work of Mike Piotti and Willie VanDeMark ,.J _' sh. (from Highway) and Larry Bentley, Mike Conklin, David Jayne, Jon Jehu, Chris Parker, Adam Potter, Gary Schnock, and Ed Williamson from Facilities (and A little good news anyone else who assisted and is not mentioned). These r ■ gentlemen worked very hard that day, and we really ` ' appreciated their assistance with this difficult task. Be i ' sure to watch for information regarding the Open House in May, which is being planned to coincide with Public Works Week. My nominee for employee of the month is Lori Parker. Never having worked in an office, at age 51, 1 came to We would like to say "Congratulations! ", "Good Luck ", work in the Budget and Finance Oftice, and Lori trained me "Best Wishes ", and all that other good stuff to Don with competence and a LOT of humor. Lawson, who retired on December 29, 2001. Don was with the Highway Department for 31 years, and had also - Liz Croop, Mental Health been part of the "Peruville Team ". A Retirement Party was held on January 25, 2002, at the Al Restaurant - Pizzeria, in Dryden. At the party, Don was presented with a plaque, which was handmade by John "Butch" Sincebaugh, one of the Highway Crew Supervisors. The plaque held a miniature Gradall, which symbolized Don's many years as an HEO (Heavy Equipment Operator). We thank you, Don, for all your years of service at the County, and good luck in your retirement! Please keep in touch and let us know what you are up to. eke ,.- ` - Lori Parker, Administrative Assistant, r,-,, *1 %'"' Budget and Finance 'S "I have been employed with Tompkins County for 13 years. I started in the Budget Y' and Finance Office as an Account Clerk 1) ! . '' f typist, working with the public. I am now an If ' % A Administrative Assistant in the Finance . - �• , Office. My current position entails more I. demanding duties such as making sure that payroll is covered. I have learned a great deal with the County throughout the years, 4 and I have always enjoyed my job ". Pictured are Tom Jacobs, Crew Supervisor, Pete Messmer, Highway Manager, and Don Lawson N Lori Parker 3 R.A.D. Rape Aggression Defense 9,0 I (R.A.D.) ourselves from the attacker and get away through our exit. From those of us who are barely 5 feet tall to those DEFENSE Systems Course Offered of us who are taller than at least one of the men, we all to County Employees achieved our goal. It was quite the rush! Submitted bv: Katy Prince On February 7, 2002, close to twenty women graduated For more information on RAD visit their web -site at from the RAD course offered by the Tompkins County wvinv•RAD-systems.com. For information on the next Sheriffs Office (I being one of them). That evening will class that will be offered in April, contact Sgt. Anne remain in our memories for years to come. Woods, 607 - 257 -1345 or pwoods @tompkins- co.org. The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office sponsored the course, and to the instructors were: Sgt. Annie Woods (Sheriffs), Dpty. Dawn Caulkins (Sheriff's), Dpty. ` ` =' Kevin Cowen (Sheriff's), Lt. Kathy Zoner (Cornell , . .- it 410 ..4 4 , Police), Sgt. Bob MacHenry (Cornell Police), Sgt. Dave t '∎ Honan (Cornell Police) and Amy Chilson (Ithaca ' College Security). They all did a wonderful job of ..IP 4, keeping us motivated and focused.! ;4 p . - _ There were a few of us that took the course as mother - it . ii . T $ Ifr daughter teams. Now, at the age of 34, I wish there had been a course like this when I was 14 years old. It would have increased my self - esteem greatly. I would like to say thank you to all of our instructors, I . Kevin Cowen, Dawn Caulkins, Keven Cowen, Annie Woods, Bob MacHenry, and Kevin's son "perpetrators" and to the Tompkins County Sheriffs Office. To highlight the course and to encourage all of the I . S women out there to take this course here are a few of the things that we Teamed. 1) Prevention is 90% of being safe from an attacker. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and walk with your head held high and look at • "' people. Don't let "them" think you are intimidated by them. Avoid people who do intimidate you (walk on the opposite side of the street for example). 2) There are three stages prior to being attacked: ' 47 1 1. Cautious Contact (when a stranger walks up to you). 2. Lisa Nymark Nancy Wayman, Danielle Lines, Katy Prince, Cinch(' Day, 2. Warning Contact (when that person invades your Came Day . space and you want them to go away). -- 1 3. Defensive Stance (when you KNOW that this person IF I I is going to violate you in some way either by •, 1 grabbing you, abducting you, or hurting you in some • ' other way). This is when you have to DO something! We learned what to do during these three stages, how to Nit 4 portray ourselves during these stages, and how to free ourselves from the perpetrator in each stage. i The course consisted of three nights of training (9 hours), and one night of simulation, where it all pays off. During the training, we learned how to holler, hold our ground, and defend ourselves. During the simulation, we kicked butt! There were three men heavily padded and ready to "abduct" us. It was our goal to free 3. Cindie Day 4 • i lk Totally Un -Work Related Tips!! i Submitted by Katy Prince, Health Dept. Are you protected'? Even in the winter the sun's ultraviolet rays may contribute to the development of skin cancer. Remember to choose your cover — get a hat, seek shade, cover -up, rub on sunblock and grab those sunglasses. Not a bad idea... Photocopy contents of your wallet, making sure you copy both sides of your license, credit cards, etc. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. In the event your wallet is lost or stolen, you will know what you had. You will also readily have your account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Also. in the event your wallet is stolen, call three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and social security number (numbers listed below). The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. Equifax: 1- 800 -525 -6285; Experian (formerly TRW) 1 -888- 397 -3742; Trans Union: 1- 800 -680 -7289; Social Security Admin. (Fraud Line) 1- 800 - 269 -0271 SERVE AS AN ELECTION INSPECTOR WHEN AM I NEEDED? WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO? Just a few days a year: • Report to work at the designated time • Prepare the polling place for voting * Primary Day in September • Set up the voting equipment 11:30a.m.- 9:30p.m.(approx.) • Process the voters * Election Day in November • Demonstrate voting procedures to the 5:30a.m.- 9:30p.m.(approx.) voters • Close the polling place at 9:OOp.m. REQUIREMENTS: ` ' • Canvass and report the results • Attend a 2 hour training class every 3 years • Must be a registered voter in Tompkins County • Attend an hour session for machine (18 years or older.) training • Represent either the Republican or Democratic Party WILL I BE PAID? YES!! • Enjoy people and service to Others. Reimbursement range of pay depends on the WHY AM I NEEDED? municipality you work for, but many towns pay In Tompkins County more than 300 people are $100 for General Election Day and Primary needed to work as election inspectors and operate Day's pay is usually no less than $50. You will the polls on Election Day. also be reimbursed for training attendance. I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN INSPECTOR PLEASE CONTACT ME: Name: Address: City: Zip Code: Phone: Party (Send to Board of Elections, 128 E. Buffalo Street, Ithaca, NY 14850) 5 CLASSIFIEDS Welcome: • Edward Marx, Commissioner of Planning, who began For Sale: December 31, 2001. For sale: 1996 Geo Tracker 4x4, 5- speed, 4 -door, a/c, am /fm /cass, 62k miles. $5.595. Phone 533 -7021. SMALL WISDOM For sale: Magnificent 70 gal fish tank with solid wood • Snowmen fall from Heaven unassembled and without stand. Includes ALL accessories. $225 o.b.o. 277- instructions. 7029. • After all is said and done, usually more is said than done. • I earn a seven - figure salary. Unfortunately, there's a decimal point right there in the middle. Services: CLASSIFIEDS Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County help with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may it takes to get you and your computer working together be for any purpose, however personal ads will not be again. Call James Keegan at 273 -7957 evenings or accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers weekends. may be listed in your ad, however, we do need your full Tynyk Originals is proud to announce that selected name and County telephone number submitted with the items are now available at Contented Country Gifts ad in case there are questions. Submit your ad to County located at 297 Jersey Hill Road, Danby; one of the most Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of Representatives, unique shops in the area! Custom gifts and home decor Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via US or interdepartmental items are still available by calling 564 -9244 evenings or mail or e-mail to: mpottorff @tompkins co.org weekends. If I can't make it, you don't need it!! NOTE: Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can put If you would like to modify your classified or want to relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an run it again, you must re- submit it! appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753- 6383. DEADLINE: 1 TUESDAY OF THE MONTH Articles to be considered for the March 21 Issue, Kinetic Performance — 'specializing in Motorsports must be received by noon on Tuesday, March 5 engines, carburetion and general racing fabrication. Call Submit articles via e as an attachment or on disk Dayton Umholtz at 277 -6462 evenings or weekends. in any file format that is readable by Word for Windows '95. Send disk and hard copy to County French Tutor — Call Sarah at 257 - 3047. Please leave a Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of message. Representatives, Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850. Please include a contact number in case questions arise. *•_ COUNTY CORRIDORS Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are selected by the Editorial Board based on their interest to Tompkins County Having little mice is such fun in February. My employees and retirees. They do not necessarily express the darling Teensy made me a valentine in school. It was a opinions of the Editorial Board. Material is solicited from current big red heart that said I Love You. The message inside employees, retirees and others. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit submissions, except in the instance of copyright was an original poem: "You are a queen. You make good beans. Love, Teensy. What a daughter! Louse materials. Mouse will be bringing me his attempt at sentiment any EDITORIAL BOARD day now, and 1 can hardly wait. Last year it was some Michelle Pottorff (Editor) Board of Representatives Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services hastily and messily pasted paper lace on what was Bill Chopp Department of Social Services supposed to be a red paper heart. Ah, the love expressed Liz Croop Department of Mental Health by my little boy mouse surely is different! Katy Prince Health Department Vickie Wagner (Artist) Department of Assessment Annie N. Mouse Geri Lockwood Highway Tammy VanOrman Assessment Donna Deputron (Distribution Coordinator) Bldgs. 6 Grnds 6