主页My WebLink关于2001-04 F Newsletter for E 17 mployees and Ret of Tompkins County o April 2001 0 t it) 'tf3 Vil Volume 14 Number 4 Criminal Justice Center he By Michelle Pottorff, Corridors Board � nee. ii 4, itot-- '' I "I - I P' rs r pr ' l'%11 s ! ' .: r - � __res a =2 �'� 1 Becky Richmond, Criminal Justice Director and Jackie Thomas, Adm. Serv. Coord. & David Correa, Security Officer George Totman, Public Safety Committee Chairman On April 4 I had the opportunity to visit the new Criminal Justice Center located in the Old Library building. Becky Richmond, Criminal Justice Director for Tompkins County was not in; however, Jackie Thomas, Administrative Services Coordinator for the program was kind enough to give me a tour of their new space and explain the services that will be offered there. The purpose of the program is to provide rehabilitative services to individuals that will enable them to acquire skills that will help them become productive members of the community. These programs are designed to curtail the number of arrests in the community which will in turn reduce the amount of money spent by the County on incarceration. Their client base will be established through the courts and the probation system; they expect to begin working with approximately ten individuals but that number will likely grow. The program will coordinate with many other County departments including the Probation Department, Sheriffs Department, Department of Social Services, Administration, Mental Health, Workforce Development, and also many areas of the judicial system. I was shown administrative offices and other areas including a room where computers will be installed for client use. Program space for Literacy Volunteers, the Community Dispute Resolution Center, Youth Advocacy program, Alcoholism Council of Tompkins County, SWAP program, and the Cornerstone Program is also provided. Jackie pointed out that the SWAP (Service Work Alternative Program) through the Probation Department is providing labor for renovations of the space and said they've done a fantastic job. The Criminal Justice Center is planning to hold an open house early this summer and will be inviting all County employees to stop by for a few minutes and take a tour. For more information about the program please call 274 -7504. REPORT other's; )3a p! � , � � ����� Submitted by Katie Prance, Health Dept. FROM The earliest Mother' Day celebrations can be traced back THE COUNTY to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Fes Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, ADMINISTRATOR ? England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday ". Celebrated on the 4 Sunday of Lent (the 40 -day period leading up to Easter), "Mothering Sunday" honored the By Stephen Whicher mothers of England. During this time many of the England's poor worked as Last month I reported to you that I expected servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far challenging budget times to lie ahead. I also stated from their homes, the servants would live at the houses that Deputy County Administrator Kathryn of their employers. On Mothering Sunday the servants Smithers and I would review the situation once we would have the day off and were encouraged to return received the year - end fund balance as reported by home and spend the day with their mothers. A special David Squires, our Finance Director. We have cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along completed that process and have also completed a to provide a festive touch. round of reviews with department heads. As Christianity spread throughout Europe the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" — the spiritual Now that we have more concrete information, I power that gave them life and protected them from harm. would say that the challenging budget times don't Over time the church festival blended with the just he ahead — we have entered them. Mothering Sunday celebration. People began honoring their mothers as well as the church. To minimize the potential impact on both staff and programs, I have asked the Commissioner of In the United States Mother's Day was first suggested in Personnel to invoke a "soft" hiring freeze. A soft 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the hiring freeze, unlike a hard freeze, allows a position Battle hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to to be filled, but under certain restrictions. The peace. Ms. Howe would hold organized Mothers Day meetings in Boston, Mass. every year. restrictions include: In 1907 Ana Jarvas, from Philadelphia, began a 1. The Commissioner of Personnel will require campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Ms. department heads to submit a written Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West justification outlining the need to fill a vacancy Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second and the actual job duties to be performed. anniversary of her mother's death, the 2 Sunday of 2. The Commissioner of Personnel will review May. By the next year Mother's Day was also both the need for and the rating of the position. celebrated in Philadelphia. 3. The County Administrator will review the potential for realigning work responsibilities Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to with the department head and the Commissioner ministers, businessmen, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as of Personnel. by 1911 Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the These restrictions will assist us in attaining our official statement proclaiming Mother's Day as a desired budget goals and ensure that the budget national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd challenges that lie before us will not cause any Sunday of May. undue hardships for staff or programs. In advance, I would like to thank you for your cooperation and While many countries of the world celebrate their own support. Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May. Reflections from the Community Forum on Racism and Domestic Violence By Diane Bradac, Training and Development/Personnel Seventy people attended "Racism and Domestic "Power achieved through violence, is not power. It is self Violence: A Community Forum" on Tuesday, March indulgent and inherently evil. The behavior - the self 20, 2001, at the Holiday Inn. The forum was planned as a indulgences — is fear. I am not evil - you are not evil - but beginning of what we hope will be an ongoing dialogue we must look to these insidious fears and how they among individuals and agencies in Tompkins County. prompt us to behave in oppressive — evil ways. The put The Forum was co- sponsored by the Tompkins County downs, the verbal violence - the institutional violence - Human Rights Commission, the Tompkins County the domestic violence - that lulls us to sleep - that Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Tompkins envelope us in immunity and strip us of our sense of County Task Force for Battered Women/Child Sexual ourselves and of community." Abuse Project. "...Community without diversity and partnership Dr. Ednita Wright, from Cornell University was the ...would not be community." We must work hard "... Keynote Speaker. Her address was followed by a panel together to create communities where each person is seen presentation of community members. Dr. Wright began as critical and essential to the whole...." Community as a and ended her address with poetry. Her remarks included reality takes our whole selves with the love and quotes from Starhawk, Richard Bach, Dr. Martin Luther compassion that we can extend; it takes confronting those King, Chief Seattle, and Malcolm X. Excerpts from Dr. inequities in our world that continue to hurt us all, by any Wright's address follow. means necessary; it takes believing in the dream of equality and taking action when others attempt to defer "Violence - domestic, verbal, emotional, racial, gender, the dream; it takes belief that to live without full rights, religious, physical, or global violence resides in a context afforded you, is not living at all; it takes risking exposure that allows - tolerates - perpetuates oppression of, what and coming from behind the illusionary walls that my best friend defines as, othermindedness. Anything separate us; and, it takes being willing to do battle not like myself, that makes me uncomfortable, that isn't because none of the struggles we face as humans are easy. the way I would do it, that doesn't look like me, that Even the smallest victory must be applauded, because it is doesn't like the things I like, that I fear - that other minded so easy not to battle at all, to just accept, and to call that ness. It is what jokes are made out of - it is what hitting acceptance inevitable." is made out of - it is what dismissal is made out of -- it is where harassment originates - it is where bullying begins, "If one person is excluded - due to race, ethnicity, and tragic deaths result. Oppression feeds violence with disability, sexual orientation, class status, or age - we are its need to control. Oppression is the antithesis of then structuring an environment no different from the community. In fact, it is the death of community. None oppressive patriarchal model we seek to change. of us is immune to this cancer; it runs through us all. Community is the totality of related parts. Our relatedness Oppression is not just out there - in society or in our is predicated on the fact that we are all spirits in human institutions —it is in here - in our minds and hearts...." form and that each individual's gift is of value. A community is healthy when everybody in it is healthy. A "If we really want - community - then we must become a community is safe when everybody in it is safe. We are in group of individuals who have learned how to need of a healing. We are in need of community. Let us communicate honestly with each other, whose heal ourselves and each other - creating strong, righteous, relationships go deeper than our masks of composure, and healthy communities." who have developed significant commitment to rejoice together, mourn together, labor and suffer together, to At the end of the forum, participants contributed their delight in each other, and make others' conditions our answers to the question, "Where do we go from here ?" own, always having before our eyes our community as The opportunities and challenges of addressing these members of the same body...." issues were raised, and there was a commitment from the organizers to create next steps. Anyone who is interested In a community, the problem of domestic violence and in joining this ongoing dialogue, please contact Sue racism would not be just one agency or a few individuals Robinson, Domestic Violence Prevention Coordinator, at responsibility - it is a community's responsibility. " 274 -5455. Nu re 7nritca ELEVENTH ANNUAL TOMPKINS COUNTY 25 -YEAR CLUB DINNER The Tompkins County Board of Representatives cordially invites you to join them in honoring this year's inductees into the Tompkins County 25 -Year Club at a dinner to be held at the Clarion University Hotel, 1 Sheraton Drive, Ithaca, New York on May 17, 2001. There will be a social hour from 5:30 until 6:30 and a banquet dinner at 6:30 p.m. Reservations, including payment of $15.00 per person, must be received by May 4, 2001. There is no charge to 25 -Year Club members and their guest. This year's new inductees are: Margaret M Arcangeli - Probation Maryanne M Banks — Social Services Stuart A. Grinnell — Mental Health Joseph B. Longo — Airport James R. Niemi — Sheriffs Department John E. Payne — Sheriffs Department Bernice A. Yarosh — Social Services I will attend the 25 -Year Club Dinner on Thursday, May 17, 2001 Number Attending: Amount Enclosed: Name: Contact Number: Department: Name of Guest: Please make checks payable to TOMPKINS COUNTY and send to Tompkins County Personnel Department, 125 East Court Street Ithaca, New York 14850. West Nile Virus Update QUIT YET Submitted by Steven Kern, Health Dept. By Rosalie Fontana, TC Health Dept. Tompkins County Public Health Director Alice Cole would like to remind County residents that, as spring approaches the mosquitoes will be emerging and the West Nile Virus will return as a There will be a free introduction to a program to health concern. help people quit tobacco on Wednesday, April 25 "Residents, especially those 50 and older, should at 5:30 at the Tompkins County Public Library, in still take precautions needed to protect themselves the Borg Warner Community Room. The program, from the West Nile virus," Mrs. Cole says. freedom From Smoking, was developed by the American Lung Association, and is being jointly People are only infected with the virus when an sponsored by the Tompkins County Health infected mosquito bites them. The elimination of Department and the new Health Information standing water, especially in man -made Center of the Library. containers, is very important. Mosquitoes can hatch in four days from larvae in water left standing. Four thousand times more mosquitoes Although 70% of smokers say they would like to can hatch from a tire than a pond. Sources of quit, most need some kind of assistance to break standing water should be eliminated as free from nicotine addiction. The Freedom From follows: Smoking program consists of eight classes which ➢ Dispose of tine cans, plastic containers, or provide advice, problem solving skills and the similar water - holding containers. support of other smokers trying to quit. Research ➢ Remove or make several large holes to drain has found that smoking cessation programs which discarded tires. offer social support and skills training increase a ➢ Drill holes in the bottoms of recycling person's chances of quitting tobacco, even if they containers that are kept outdoors. also plan to use the nicotine patch or Zyban, which ➢ Turn over plastic wading pools and are recommended. wheelbarrows when not in use. ➢ Change the water in birdbaths every day. ➢ Clean clogged gutters. Full fee for the series of eight classes is $25 for ➢ Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor county employees, which is a 50% discount from saunas and hot tubs. the usual fee. ➢ Drain water from pool covers. If a pool cannot be covered or if water collects on the cover, One worry that shouldn't stop anyone from trying use a mosquito larvicide ("dunk') should be to quit is the fear of not being able to succeed. It considered. is important to realize that most ex- smokers tried To reduce your risk when you are outside, wear to quit four or five times before they finally made insect repellant containing 30% DEET. However, it. At the very least, every attempt is a learning do not use a repellant with a concentration more experience which helps to move you one step closer than 10% on children. Apply the repellant to your to your goal. own hands and then apply on the child. Insect repellant should not be put on the hands and faces of young children. It is important to use repellant and wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when outdoors. If you miss the introductory session, you can still sign up for the program. Call the Tompkins County Health Department at 274 -6710 or inquire at the Health Information desk at the Library for more For more information contact Steven Kern, T.C. information. Health Department, at 274 -6688. FREE <160 04) , RABIES CLINICS TOMPKINS COUNTY D E P A R T M E N T HEALTH Your Partner for a Healthy Community All Clinics 7:00 - 9:00 p.m MAY CLINICS Lansing Fire Station Wednesday May 9 Danby Fire Station Thursday May 10 Enfield Highway Garage Wednesday May 16 Dryden Fire Station Thursday May 17 Ithaca Central Fire Station Wednesday May 23 OCTOBER CLINICS Newfield School Bus Garage Wednesday October 3 Groton Fire Station Thursday October 4 Trumansburg Fire Station Wednesday October 10 Caroline Highway Garage Thursday October 11 Ithaca Central Fire Station Wednesday October 17 Vaccinate now! It will be too late when your (I unvaccinated pet has contacted or fought with a trj potentially rabid animal. ■�■ , F , EARTH DAY CELEBRATION } APRIL 22 2001 S1 Tompkins County Solid Waste Management will be participating in this p tY 9 p p 9 ear's Y Earth Day celebration. We will have a variety of reuse related craft activities, (envelope and gift box making, wrapping paper decorating) plus Tots of our latest publications with information on all of our programs. If you would like to volunteer, please call Linnett Warner at the Solid Waste Management Division's office at 273 -6632. To get Pox or not to get Pox is that the question? Submitted by Karen Bishop, RN, Community Health Nurse Supervisor, Tompkins County Health Department NiSf What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. This virus usually infects children. Older children and adults can also become infected if they haven't already had chickenpox. What are the symptoms of chickenpox? In most cases, chickenpox is a mild disease. Early symptoms may include aching, fever, and sore throat. Then chickenpox turns into a very itchy skin rash that can develop into as many as 400 -500 sores! Older Children and adults usually get much sicker than young children do. How is chickenpox spread? Chickenpox is easily spread through the air by sneezing and coughing or through contact with someone's chickenpox sores. If you've never had chickenpox, just being in the same room can infect you with the disease. Don't take chances! Get vaccinated! Chickenpox, thought to be a disease of "passage ", is now vaccine preventable. Who should get chickenpox vaccine? Children over the age of 12 months who have never had chickenpox should get vaccinated against this disease. Young children are not the only ones who need chickenpox vaccine. If teens or adults get chickenpox, they have a greater risk of serious complications. If you or your teenager hasn't had chickenpox, talk to your doctor or nurse about getting vaccinated. Does my child need the chickenpox vaccine to attend day care or nursery school? In New York State, children born on or after January 1, 2000 are required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine at 12 months of age in order to attend day care or nursery school. Is chickenpox vaccine required for kindergarten entry? In New York State, children born on or after January 1, 1998 are required to have one dose of chickenpox vaccine prior to school entry. This law will become effective January 1, 2003. The Tompkins County Health Department offers free chickenpox vaccine to children by appointment only. Call 274 -6616 for more information. CLASSIFIEDS TERRORIZING A TELEMARKETER.. The next time a telemarketer calls, explain to them this is not a good time for you, ask them for their • Services: home phone number so that when it is convenient for you, you will give them a buzz at home OR tell them Tioga Technical - Don't kill your computer! Let me you're so glad they phoned because you needed someone help with troubleshooting, training, upgrades - whatever to talk to. Begin by telling them you're arthritis has it takes to get you and your computer working together been acting up, your dog was run over by a car, bill again. Call James Keegan at 273 -7957 evenings or collectors called you at work, and you have all kinds of weekends. problems in your marriage....see how long they want to It's never to early to start thinking about Easter or any stay on the other end of the phone!! Seriously, to holiday! Call Tynyk Originals at 564 -9244 evenings or remove your number from telemarketing lists go to weekends for a unique gift or home decor item. nynocall.com) Expecting a new arrival? Ask about the Fleece Cuddle Wrap for babies. CLASSIFIEDS Tense? Stressed? Achy? Therapeutic Massage can put Classified ads up to 25 words in length are free to County relaxation and comfort back into your life. For an employees, retirees and their immediate families. Ads may appointment or information call Richard Reed at 753- be for any purpose, however personal ads will not be 6383. accepted. No County addresses or telephone numbers may be listed in your ad, however we do need your full Kinetic Performance — specializing in Motorsports name and County telephone number submitted with the engines, carburetion and general racing fabrication. Call ad in case there are questions. Submit your ad to County Dayton Umholtz at 277 -6442 evenings or weekends. Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of Representatives, Courthouse, Ithaca, NY 14850 via US or interdepartmental mail or e-mail to: mpottorffCtompkins- co.org Congratulations: NOTE: To Lorie Hill, Caseaide at D55, and her husband, If you would like to modify your classified or want to run it again, you must re- submit it! Ben Hill on the birth of their son Kyle Parker, 8 lbs.6 oz. On February 28 Also, DEADLINE: i TUESDAY OF THE MONTH congratulations to Grandma JoAnn Hill who Articles to be considered for the May 31' issue, works in the Child Support Unit. must be received by noon on Tuesday, May 1st. Submit articles via e-mail as an attachment or on disk I in any file format that is readable by Word for Welcome New Employees: Windows '95. Send disk and hard copy to County Donna Scott (04 04 - 01) and Marion Boratynski Corridors c/o Michelle Pottorff, Board of (04- 04 -01) to Children's Services Units at D55. Representatives, Court House, Ithaca, NY 14850. Please include a contact number in case questions arise. Spring is here, daffodils are popping, the falls COUNTY CORRIDORS are full and beautiful and some days are just not Articles and opinion pieces for County Corridors are selected by meant for working! It seems the only way I can the Editorial Board based on their interest to Tompkins County employees and retirees. They do not necessarily express the make it through these restless days is to take a opinions of the Editorial Board. Material is solicited from current brisk walk at lunchtime. I'm not the only one - employees, retirees and others. The Editorial Board reserves the we all come back in from our walks healthier, I'm right to edit submissions, except in the instance of copyright materials. sure, but with exaggerated groans of self -pity EDITORIAL BOARD at having to work on such a beautiful day, Michelle Pottorff (Editor) Board of Representatives proving once more that "Misery loves company!" Iretta Ellis (Chair) Information Technology Services Bill Chopp Department of Social Services Annie N. Mouse Sharon Cooper Sheriffs Off Liz Croop Department of Mental Health Katy Prince Health Department Vickie Wagner (Artist) Department of Assessment Donna Deputron (Distribution Coordinator) Bldgs. c4 Grnds