C
OUNTY
ONNECTIONS
Published for the Council and Employees of Lanark County
SUMMER 2013
IN THIS ISSUE:
CAO's Message
Page 2
Corporate Values
Page 3
Public Works
Page 4
I.T.
Page 6
Social Services
Page 7
Spirit Committee
Page10
Finance
Page12
Lanark Lodge
Page13
Clerk's Services
Page16
Emergency Services Page18
Focus on Fitness
Page19
Work-Life Balance Page20
Health & Safety
Page21
Human Resources Page22
Service Awards
Page23
AND MUCH MORE!
TEAM LANARK COUNTY: The intrepid crew of (from left) Amanda
Noel, Jennie Bingley, Erica Patterson, Kurt Greaves, Sam Leroux,
Jenny McBride and Joan Pratt tackled the Spartan Race at Edelweiss
in June. Learn more on pages 2 and 16!
A Message from the Warden
You make our job easier!
By Bill Dobson
It’s hard to believe six months
have passed since I was given
the privilege of being elected
Lanark County Warden.
Without a doubt one of the
term has been witnessing and
experiencing the hard work of
the employees here.
On June 20 I had the
honour of attending the annual
Lanark County Service Awards
luncheon, which recognized
36 employees for hundreds
of years of service to our
community. It was a proud
moment for me, and one that
encapsulated the Margaret
Mead quote: “Never doubt that
a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change
the world. Indeed, it is the
only thing that ever has.” Our
employees have, indeed,
changed Lanark County and
even the world.
When I see the work of our
employees, it puts everything
into context. We, at County
Council, make decisions and
you implement them, which
makes our job pretty easy. You
are a committed, dedicated and
thoughtful group. I am proud to
be able to go anywhere and say
I am from Lanark County, and
it’s because of the employees.
Thank you for all of your work.
There are many projects that
you have been developing, but
one of the highlights for me is
the upcoming annual Warden’s
Golf Tournament, which is being
held on Friday, Aug. 16 at the
Perth Golf Course. This year
the funds will go to the United
Continued on Page 3
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 2
A MESSAGE FROM THE CAO
Lanark County...Working together to
achieve greatness
By Kurt Greaves
As I write this we are winding through a soggy
June and I am aching from head to toe from the
day before's 7-kilometre Spartan Race. Despite
the pain it was a fantastic day at Edelweiss
where TEAM LANARK COUNTY (see Page 1)
competed and conquered (major injury free)!!
The end of June marks my one-year
anniversary as CAO. It has been a very
interesting year with lots happening. The
Corporate Values Committee has been working
on the important communication strategy, which
also included a new County slogan chosen by
you, the employees: "Lanark County...Working
Together to Achieve Greatness." This really does
say it all!
Last week I
attended the service
awards luncheon
to personally thank
all the recipients for
their contributions.
It is a true honour
to have this
opportunity to thank
all of you who have
portion of your lives
to help the people
of Lanark County.
That commitment
CAO Kurt Greaves with 25to community is
year Service Award recipient
what makes Lanark Frances Beerenfenger
County such a great
place to live, and raise a family.
In this era of cutbacks and downloads
we recently had some GOOD NEWS! The
Honourable Jeff Leal, Minister of Rural Affairs,
was kind enough to personally call us and let
us know Lanark County will receive $2 million
in funding for the replacement of the Mississippi
River Bridge on County Road 511. This $3
million project will be done in 2014. Next year
will be busy for Public Works as they continue to
plan to build a new centralized garage. We are
committed to revitalizing our aging infrastructure.
More GOOD NEWS! Lanark County is
a partner of the Eastern Ontario Regional
Networks. This entity is bringing enhanced highspeed Internet to Lanark County residents and
business parks. The roll out for Lanark County
is Fall 2013 and it will increase Internet speed to
10 mbs. There is also a satellite package from
Xplornet. This will do a lot to make Lanark County
a desired location to live, work and play! (Check
#economicdevelopment on Twitter.)
Work is well underway on the new County
website. This is going to modernize and
simplify the browsing experience. The Tourism
department is still tweaking its new site, but
check it out www.lanarkcountytourism.ca. It is still
in development, but it's super cool. The photos
from the "I Love Lanark County" photo contest
were amazing and make the visual experience
stunning!
The Spirit Committee has been enhancing the
work experience by organizing everything from
purse swaps, yoga classes and softball games.
I encourage everyone to offer suggestions, take
part and help out.
As some of you know, last December was a
real life changer for me. I suffered an acute attack
on my nervous system and was diagnosed with
Multiple Sclerosis. At the time it seemed like
forever, but I was fortunate to recover quickly and
am currently on prevention medication. As bad
as things were it is a great life lesson and it put
everything into context. The support I received
from family, friends and co-workers was very
moving and inspiring. All the life lessons we have
heard – "Life is Short," "Family First," "Live Every
Day to the Fullest" – are all true!!
I welcome everyone to connect with me
anytime: e-mail [email protected]; Facebook
CAO Lanark County; Twitter KurtGreavesCAO;
phone 613-267-4200, ext. 1101.
I trust that by the time you read this, real
summer weather will be here and this rainy
spring will be a distant memory. Have a wonderful
summer!
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 3
A MESSAGE FROM THE WARDEN, CONT'D
Continued from Page 1
Way of Lanark County.
An exciting new event for this year is the
Lanark County Harvest Festival on Sunday, Sept.
8. Numerous staff and stakeholders are involved
in this festival that will celebrate local producers
and their harvest. It will be held at the Beckwith
Township Recreation Complex this year, with
the intent being to move it to a different Lanark
County local municipality each year.
The Silver Chain challenge, which has crossed
Lanark County’s borders with a challenge to
Renfrew County, has been a notable experience.
I admire the group of citizens in Mississippi
Mills that promotes cycling. They should be
commended for the work they do to promote
physical activity and health through the 20 to 30
events organized for Bicycle Month in June.
Our Social Services department has
done tremendous work on the housing and
homelessness plan and continues to work to
bring it forward. We are also getting closer and
also been impressed with the work of the Tourism
department in terms of networking and global
thinking.
As well, negotiations for the CP line property
are beginning, which will prove interesting for this
year and for the next few wardens to see how it
unfolds.
I would also like to make note of the recent
management workshop held for the County
management team. This event is designed as
a personal development opportunity. For me,
progress is all about personal and professional
development, and an event like this allows the
management team to get away from the work
environment and spend the day networking.
promoting Lanark County has been part of my
heart and soul, and now is my chance to do it
There is no question the job is made easier
thanks to the high degree of professionalism
shown by the employees of Lanark County. Well
done and thank you for all you do!
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 4
PUBLIC WORKS
CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Now that winter is over the Public Works
Department has been able to get road and
bridge construction projects going, and start our
summer road maintenance work. Major capital
projects are well underway on County Road 12
between Lanark and Playfairville and the County
Road 19 project is already completed. Between
August and October about 1 kilometre of County
Road 16A will be reconstructed, including the
addition of dedicated cycling lanes. As always,
Construction Supervisor Terry McCann is a real
roadrunner during the construction season,
visiting Doug Bowes, Senior Technologist, daily
at the job sites. Meanwhile planning is already
started for the 2014 capital program.
In 2014, the County will be undertaking a
$3-million project to replace the Mississippi River
Bridge on County Road 511 between Balderson
and Lanark. Fortunately, we will be receiving a
$2-million Provincial grant for this project. Also,
if the future unfolds favourably, a new Public
Works Facility could be under construction in
2014. County Council has approved, in principle,
centralizing the Public Works Operations,
Administration and Construction Divisions in a
single facility. Work to identify potential locations
for the facility and consider the disposal of the
existing garages at Perth and Union Hall is
ongoing. Stay tuned!
Roadside brushing, line painting, guide post
repair, crack sealing and roadside ditching
maintenance contracts are all in full swing. As
usual both the Perth and Almonte Patrols are
busy with sign installation, shoulder grading,
bridge washing and many other tasks.
TOM GUINDON RETIRES
After 30 years of dedicated service to the
County, Tom Guindon, Operations Supervisor,
has decided to retire. Two farewells for Tom
were held to ensure all of his colleagues had
the opportunity to say goodbye. During his
career with the County, Tom probably had more
than 1,000 nights of sleep interrupted when he
reported to work to keep the roads safe during
the winter. That is dedication. We wish Tom
and his wife Debbie all the best in their future
endeavours.
With Tom’s
departure, a
competition was held
and the successful
applicant was Bruce
Hayter from Ashton.
Bruce will be leaving
Thomas Cavanagh
TOM GUINDON
SUMMER STUDENTS
What would summer be without students to
survey and many more jobs? Their smiling
faces can be seen in the County garages, on
our roads and elsewhere in this issue.
Haiden
Goltz
Ryan
Goralczyk
Scott
Keeley
Jenna
Laidlaw
Robert
Melvin
Daniel
Munro
Evelyn
Scott
Michael
Stewart
Eric
Tyler
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 5
PUBLIC WORKS
Construction, where he has been the Manager
of the Ready-Mix Concrete Division, to join the
County Public Works Department on July 1st.
Welcome aboard, Bruce.
ROADEO TIME
On May 16 the Department hosted the annual
Lanark County Truck Roadeo at the Almonte
Garage. Twenty-two Equipment Operators from
the County Public Works Department and local
municipalities participated.
The Roadeo consists of three scored elements:
a written test, a vehicle pre-start check and a
practical tandem truck driving course.
John Gleeson, an Equipment Operator for the
Town of Mississippi Mills, was the winner, with
the County’s Steve Herns (Perth Patrol) placing
second. Way to go, Steve! John has been the
represent the County at the Provincial Roadeo in
the Fall.
VACATION TIME
Summer means that everyone will get a well
earned rest… but work continues. From all of us in
Public Works, please drive responsibly and have a
happy and a safe summer vacation!
ROADEO: Above, the "Lanark County Boys" – the
County Equipment Operators who participated in the
County Truck Roadeo. Below, Steve Herns (centre) is
congratulated for his second place win by CAO Kurt
Greaves (left) and Warden Bill Dobson.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 6
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
By Sam Law
THE I.T. STAFF ARE MOVERS
AND SHAKERS
Well, I guess we’re movers
at least (I’m not entirely sure
what it means to be a shaker).
Remember the I.T. Support
%*
room (Perth Room)? Y’know,
through the window only to see
a wall 3 feet in front of you? And
knocking on the window is sort
of like opening a present where
you don’t really know what’s
inside (or in our case if anyone
is there)?
That’s all changed up now.
**+/
places with the Perth Training
Room in April.
You’ve probably also noticed
that there’s something a little
bit different in the Finance/I.T.
area...something just a bit
off. Well let’s put it this way:
you may have gone to Payroll
=>
guy who’s well over 6 feet tall
sitting there. No, Patty has not
disguised her identity. That’s
where Ryan Carroll sits now.
Basically, the number of
to mention, but an easy thing
to remember is that I.T. can be
found along the back wall of the
Finance/I.T. department.
I haven’t made a sign yet
but I’ve had thoughts of a wall
mural (or was that a dream…
not sure).We’ve also put some
%
QZ>
it out by now).
NEW WEBSITE
As of January 2014, the
www.lanarkcounty.ca website
"#
$%&()"#
will not look the same.
Based on feedback from
job applicants, internal staff
and council we are currently
developing a new website.
Some of the key goals are:
• Minimize the time staff
spends answering
questions over the phone
•
when information can be
offered “self serve” online.
Improve our ability to recruit
the best staff possible
by updating the Job
Opportunities area of our
website (which, by the way,
gets the most hits of all
Continued on Page 7
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 7
SOCIAL SERVICES
ONTARIO WORKS CLERICAL TEAM
Ontario Works Clerks provide front-line support
to members of the public who wish to apply for
social assistance. They are a busy team who
work together and with other department staff to
accomplish a considerable amount of work.
The clerical team is undergoing a number of
changes at this time. Sharon Echlin is a new
addition to the team. Sharon, initially a contract
employee, was recently hired as a full-time
permanent clerk. Her extensive experience and
great teamwork skills are very much appreciated
and we hope that Sharon stays with us for a long
time.
Dale Halladay is retiring. Dale has been with
the department since 2000 and has been a
valuable member of the team. She has brought
excellent customer service skills, integrity and
a strong work ethic to the team. Her sense of
humour has helped many of us to get through
busy, stressful days. Dale will be missed by all
and we wish her the very best as she embarks on
this new chapter.
Clerical Team, from left: Linda, Tracey, Dale, Jacy,
Marnie and Sharon (Kathy Thayer is absent).
TAKE A WALK IN MY SHOES
Staff from Lanark County Social Services
participated in TAWS (Take A Walk in my Shoes)
on April 24 at the Perth Legion. TAWS is a
one-day poverty maze that takes participants
through the thoughts, feelings and emotions
of people who are attempting to secure the
most basic necessities of life. TAWS is created
in partnership with Lanark, Leeds & Grenville
District Health Unit, Algonquin College and the
United Way of Lanark County. Sarah Beggs and
Amy Knapp, both Ontario Works staff, were two
Continued on Page 8
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Our ‘soon to be retired’ Dale Halladay.
Continued from Page 6
pages).
• Provide information to citizens in the
easiest method possible.
• When someone googles "Long Term Care
in Perth, ON," Lanark Lodge home page
should be one of the top hits.
• Comply with new accessibility legislation
• Make it sexy…okay maybe not sexy but a
fresh coat of paint doesn’t hurt.
The image on page 6 is just a mock up of the
%*
to be made before I show council in August
[\]^
%
That’s all for now, and I hope you all have a
great summer.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 8
SOCIAL SERVICES
of the 60 participants who attended and met with
representatives from different agencies in the
community. Below, from left, Emily Hollington,
Tracy Palmer, Yvonne Taber and Tracey Morris
attended as agency representatives in this
thought-provoking and inspiring event.
PTOC OW
CASEWORKERS
The Part Time On- Call
Ontario Works Caseworker
position was created to provide
coverage for staff on extended
leaves.
Although this is a relatively
new position, initial training has
been provided and the PTOC’s
are available on-call to step
in, providing coverage and
excellent customer service.
Please join us in welcoming
our two PTOC OW
Caseworkers – Valerie Hogan
and Jodi Greer.
VALERIE
HOGAN
JODI GREER
CHILDREN’S SERVICES: FULL-DAY
KINDERGARTEN VISIT WITH PAM MUSSON
In December, Lanark County had the
opportunity to host a visit from Pam Musson,
Director of the Early Learning Branch of Ministry
of Education. Pam had the opportunity to visit
both the Almonte Day Care Centre and two
schools that have implemented the Full-Day
Kindergarten programs.
Pam was very complimentary of the successful
implementation of the Full-Day Kindergarten
Program as well as the strong partnership
developed with schools and the Almonte Day
Care providing services at the schools for
licensed Before and After school programs.
RAISING THE BAR CELEBRATION
Raising the Bar is a voluntary accreditation
program designed to support licensed child
care centre-based and licensed home-based
programs. At our annual celebration, programs
were acknowledged for their commitment in
building quality early learning environments.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 9
SOCIAL SERVICES
CHILDREN’S SERVICES GRADUATE OF THE
YEAR
The newest member of the Children’s Services
Team, Casey Munro, was recently awarded
Graduate of the Year by the National Association
of Career Colleges. She received her award at
an evening of celebration in Windsor in June.
Congratulations!
NEW HIRES
%)*
Ontario Works
Caseworker
Above, from left, Children's Services Manager Mary
Lou White, Children's Services Clerk Casey Munro,
Caseworker Brenda Ferrier and Caseworker Liane
Clarke.
NEW BANNERS
Lanark County recently purchased a new
display banner for use at job fairs, conferences,
etc. It made its debut at the OMSSA (Ontario
Municipal Social Services Association)
conference in Ottawa on June 17 and 18.
Stephanie
*
Student
Sharon Echlin,
Amy Knapp,
Ontario Works
Employment
Clerk
Transition Worker
Casey Munro,
Child Care
Clerk
Kassandra
Wilkinson,
Student
COUNTY CONNECTIONS
is published semi-annually by Lanark
County to inform our employees about
county initiatives for which we are
responsible and employee activities where
we had some fun at work.
If you have any questions or comments we
would like to hear from you. You can reach
us by contacting:
Lisa Crosbie-Larmon:
[email protected]
E-mail:
Telephone: 1-888-9LANARK, ext. 1601
Stephanie Gray:
E-mail:
[email protected]
Telephone: 613-264-0447
"+/(//
communication.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 10
SPIRIT COMMITTEE
By Sue Truelove
Your Spirit Committee is
pleased to update you on the
activities to-date in 2013.
The 2012-2013 Lanark
County Municipal Hockey
Season was a great success
for those who got out to
participate and have some fun.
Players were made up of staff
and some family members of
Lanark County and the local
municipalities, who began the
season Oct. 29 and played
approximately every second
Monday evening through until
March 25. We raised $108 and it
was donated to the United Way.
Following the NHL hockey
lockout, Lanark County staff
celebrated on Jan. 18 by
wearing their favourite NHL
team jersey or other favourite
hockey team jersey on Hockey
Jersey Day.
On Feb. 14, staff wore as
much red and pink wardrobe
and accessories as they could
in celebration of Valentine’s
Day, and staff were able to stop
by the reception area nearest
them to enjoy a Valentine sweet
or two.
4)) were available
for purchase again this year ($2
each), with each egg containing
treats and the possibility of
winning special prizes, such as
_
The funds raised from the sale
of the eggs went directly to pay
for the cost of the prizes, with
any additional funds going to
the Spirit Committee for future
initiatives. As well, at Easter,
a free “Guess the Number
4))5occurred,
with participating staff taking
Lanark County Municipal Hockey
Hockey Jersey Day
Valentine's Day
one well-calculated guess at
determining the exact number of
Easter Eggs inside the big blue
Easter Egg. Jenny McBride was
the winner of the contest. She
guessed closest to the actual
number and, therefore, got to
keep the treats.
Mid-morning on April 17 there
was a delicious “Come Break
6)5 event. Great food was
available, with a new twist this
year: participants could vote
on a favourite dish, with a $20
*
available for the most votes of
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 11
SPIRIT COMMITTEE
7%)%895 Our very own
Director of Human Resources,
Lisa Crosbie-Larmon, was the
winner.
Again this year a Lanark
County NHL Playoff Hockey
Pool took place. Thank you to
Terry McCann for coordinating
this event. The winners were
Adam Fraser (26 points) and a
three-way tie for second place
with 22 points: Kevin Carnrite,
Chris Cram and Tara Langford.
Congrats!
On May 9 the Spirit
Committee had a booth at
the Health & Safety Trade
Show held at Lanark Lodge. A
paper survey was completed
by staff dropping past our
booth to provide feedback
for possible 2014 Corporate
Spirit Committee event ideas.
Door prizes from the Spirit
Committee table, consisting of
*`>
McDonalds or magazines, were
won by 11 staff, just as a little
thank you for participating in the
Spirit Committee’s survey.
On May 10 an awesome
Lanark County Employee
(<8 was held
again, in the back parking
lot of the LCAB followed by
a delicious BBQ lunch, with
great food (quite reasonably
priced) available to be enjoyed
by those staff who attended.
For those who didn’t play road
hockey, it was great to have lots
of cheering, as well as simply
enjoying the great day, food
and the comraderie of their coworkers.
A Purse Swap/Sale was held
over the lunch period on June
6 and part of the afternoon on
"Come Break With Us" and winning baker Lisa Crosbie-Larmon
Above, Employee Road Hockey
winners. Right, Kurt and Sue sport
vintage PDCI jerseys.
June 7 at Lanark Lodge. Gently
used handbags and purses were
available for purchase, with
the seller setting the price and
keeping half the proceeds, and
the other half going to the Spirit
Committee.
Also on June 6, some Lanark
six consecutive weeks of >,
Continued on Page 12
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 12
SPIRIT COMMITTEE
Continued from Page 11
being held at noon on Thursdays
in the Council Chambers.
On June 21 another Lanark
County Softball Game was
played at Conlon Farm. This was
another great Spirit Committee
event for Lanark County staff to
enjoy. Pizza was available at the
low cost of $5 per person to help
offset the cost of the pizza.
Be sure to mark on your
calendars the upcoming
Hallowe’en Costume Party/
Dance the Spirit Committee
plans to host on Saturday, Oct.
26 at the Lion’s Hall, located at
the Fairgrounds in Perth. The
survey results from the Spirit
Committee’s booth at the Health
& Safety tradeshow indicated
that staff are interested in an
annual Corporate event such as
a dance.
Tracy Palmer has continued
Lanark County Softball Game
to volunteer to do the coffee
duties for the LCAB lunchroom
(even though she doesn’t drink
coffee). I’m sure all staff are
appreciative. Thank you, Tracy!
Please remember that a
calendar noting the Spirit
Committee events is located in
the Spirit Committee Section
of the Intranet. Lots of great
events are happening at Lanark
County, so “thank you” to all
those who plan and organize
them, as well as to those who
join in on the fun with your coworkers, helping to make Lanark
County the great place that it is
to be employed.
On behalf of the Spirit
Committee, we hope you and
your families have a safe and
enjoyable summertime!
FINANCE
LOCAL GIRL RETURNS TO
LANARK COUNTY!
Anne Manson is Finance’s
newest employee. She started
Feb. 7 as Accounts Payable/
Receivable Clerk.
Anne has more than 20
years’ experience, mostly in the
Kingston area working in hotel
management. Most recently she
worked at the Upper Canada
District School Board.
Anne was
born and
raised in
Lanark and
is thrilled to
be working
back in this
area. She has
been busy
ANNE MANSON
renovating her new home and
looks forward to settling in Perth
very soon. Anne is very musical
so we hope to capitalize on that
at the next Christmas party.
Nice to see another "North of
Hwy. 7" employee – stop by if
you’re in need of a little Lanark
County twang!
WE'VE GOT YOUR BACK!
Finance has notched another
accountant on its belt – Kevin
Wills has just earned his CGA
Q|}~
*
designated accountants and two
designated Payroll professionals
in Finance.
Sarah earned her Payroll
Compliance Practitioner
%[\]\
KEVIN WILLS
SARAH PITTS
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 13
LANARK LODGE
LANARK LODGE STAFF SHOW HEART
Did you know that heart disease affects one in
three people? Look to the person on your right
and then to your left….one of you will be affected!
Lanark Lodge went “Red” in February and decided
to fundraise for Heart and Stroke. The month kicked
off with a picture of staff showing heart in the month
of February and was successful in raising $634.45
for the charity. The staff participated in a number

participated in a “go red” day. We were proud to
be able to support this initiative.
Above, staff participate in a "go red" day. Right,
Deb presents monies raised to a Heart and Stroke
volunteer.
LADIES NIGHT!
Lanark Lodge hosted its
second Ladies Night on May
23. The Working on Wellness
Committee coordinated a fun
some pampering, health and
wellness ideas and, for the
adventurous, a psychic! There
were purses and jewellery to
buy, new make-up and hair to try,
massage and spa treatments to
receive, the future to be heard,
a workout to enjoy, vitamins
to learn about, refreshments
to be tried from local vendors,
and it was all around a great
evening for the ladies! We want
to extend a special thanks to all
of the vendors who participated.
The amazing thing in a small
community is that as they heard
about what we were doing they
called to see if they might be able
to partake as they felt the staff
work so hard at giving care that
they wanted to give back!
Clockwise, from top left: The vendors; Jennifer
McParland and Katie Coutts helping at the
sign-up table; Debbie McGuire enjoying
displays; Debbie admires a vendor's wares;
Cheryle Reynolds with her guest.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 14
LANARK LODGE
7?@%6<5Q4X@??Z?[\4
The trio of Mark McDonell, Riq Turner and Tom
VanCoughnett (top right) shared their talent and
contagious enthusiasm with residents, families
and staff of Lanark Lodge on June 14.
Ambush continues to build its fan club and can
proudly say they captivate fans of all ages – the
residents at the Lodge will attest to this as they
danced, sang and tapped their toes!
The weather was fantastic, the sound amazing
and the band incredibly responsive to the
residents of the home...how fortunate we are
to have such talented people in our community
wanting to come out to entertain our elders. What
a party!
Special thanks to Kevin Carnrite (with band,
at right) of our Programming Department at the
Lodge who was able to secure these acts for
the home and a huge thank you to all staff who
worked to get residents out to enjoy the event
outside…lots of memories were made!
RELAY FOR LIFE
The WOW Lanark Lodge team at Relay
for Life: From left, resident, Debbie Wilson is
joined by Linda Nagle (Housekeeping Aide) and
Reverend Shirley. The ladies were putting their
groove on participating in fundraising for cancer
research – way to go ladies!
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 15
LANARK LODGE
RETIREMENT
Pat Duffy, who has worked
as a personal support worker
at Lanark Lodge, retired after
35 years of service. Pat always
greeted the residents with a
broad smile and an entertaining
story to start their day.
Residents joined staff in
celebrating Pat's retirement on
June 21. Pat's retirement party
CELEBRATION
Lanark Lodge staff hosted a
shower for Lisa Thubron, RPN,
who is expecting a new son
in August. Staff and residents
gathered together to celebrate.
brought back a number of our
recent retirees – it was great to
see the ladies!
Congratulations, Pat. You will
be missed – we wish you good
health and happiness in your
retirement!
Far left:
Heather,
Sue and
Pam at
Pat's
retirement
party. Middle: Pat with
her roses. Immediate
left, from left: Glenna
Churchill, Pat and Deb
Pidgeon. Above, from
left: Jan Bron (RPN), Pat
Duffy and Linda Horne
and Marie Kerr (retirees).
GOT A SOCIAL NOTE?
In addition to departmental highlights, there is always exciting
personal news to share with co-workers. Submit info and photos
about weddings, births and special activities for the "Social
Notes" page to [email protected].
NEW HIRES
Brooklyn
Karen Burrows, Darlene Hebert,
Health Care
Kelford, Health
)(
Aide
Care Aide
Nurse
/)[*
Health Care
Aide
?)[*
Health Care
Aide
Natasha
#*
@
Jessica
McGibbon,
Health Care Aide
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 16
CLERK'S SERVICES
WARDEN’S ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Once again, we’re busy preparing for the annual
Warden’s Golf Tournament, which will be held
on Friday, Aug. 16 at the Perth Golf Course. This
year’s tournament will be in support of the United
Way of Lanark County. To register, and/or show
your support, please consider providing a hole
sponsorship or donation. See Erica Patterson for
more information.
DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?! YOU’LL
KNOW AT THE FINISH LINE
Congratulations to a group of Lanark County
employees who trained and joined together to
participate in the Reebok Spartan Race, which
was held on Saturday, June 15 at Edelweiss.
Erica and Amanda, the Clerk’s Services
Department is proud of
your drive, dedication and
“mind over matter” attitude.
ZZ6Z\46?ZZ\?6?Z^
C.S. Lewis says: “You are never too old to set
another goal or dream a new dream.”
Congratulations to three members of our team
on their recent achievements:
Amanda Noel – Primer on Planning (AMCTO)
Joanne Brus – Municipal Law Program – Unit 4
(AMCTO)
Garry Welsh – Emergency Operations Centres
(Algonquin College – Emergency Management
Program)
STAYIN’ ALIVE
You’re probably wondering what the Bee Gees
disco song “Stayin’ Alive” has to do with Lanark
County? Well, on Wednesday, May 22, Lanark
County Ambulance
Chief Ed McPherson
made that connection
for us when he hosted
a CPR/AED Training
Session for members of
Council and staff. The
song was used as a tool
to train participants on
the pace of doing CPR
chest compressions.
Cathie Ritchie enjoyed
the training so much
that when the song was
played at the recent
AMCTO Gala Dinner
party in Blue Mountain,
she broke out the chest
compressions!
PROUD ACHIEVEMENTS
*>/

Z‚/Q
‚/
~
presented her plaque at the 75th Annual AMCTO’s
Conference in the Blue Mountains on June 11.
The CMO
accreditation is the
most comprehensive
accreditation program
in Canada for those
involved in municipal
government. The
CMO designation
demonstrates to
peers and employers
alike that you are
committed to municipal
excellence.
The accreditation
key areas that
are essential for
municipal excellence
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 17
CLERK'S SERVICES
and focuses on current
competencies based on a
combination of education
and experience within the
municipal context. The key
knowledge, management,
leadership, communication
skills and human resources.
And, to top it off, Mary
Kirkham received her CMO
It was a very proud night for
Lanark County.
*‚/>
requirement is similar to
other respected professional
designations that ensure the
commitment to excellence
of accredited members is
maintained. This allows AMCTO
that holders of the CMO
designation have attained the
highest standards in municipal
experience and expertise and
can add value to any municipal
corporation.
Congratulations, Leslie and
Mary!
MARY KIRKHAM
TOURISM
NEW TOURISM SUMMER
STUDENT CLERK
Hilary Longtin, resident
of Lanark Highlands, has
been awarded the position
of Student Special Project
Tourism Clerk.
Hilary is a fourthyear student at Queen's
University and operates
her own business as a
HILARY LONGTIN
photographer. Her skills
in web development,
Photoshop and database management have
proven to be an asset to the Tourism Department.
7_4?Z?[6Z>5Q<
CONTEST
The "I Love Lanark County" photo contest
is now complete. Photos will be judged by
professional travel writers Laura Paquet Byrne
(Ottawa Citizen) and Pat Brennan (Toronto Sun).
Winners will be published in upcoming tourism
publications. Submissions can be viewed at http://
lanarkcountytourism.com/gallery/photocontest/.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
The county is supporting and has received
funding for the Lanark County Harvest Festival,
an outdoor celebration of local producers and
their harvest.
Planned for Sunday, Sept. 8, the event will
feature food tasting, free samples, a meetthe-chef program, children’s activities, local
musicians, a food auction and crafts.
The annual event will rotate around the county
and will be held at the Beckwith Recreation
Complex this year.
The festival is community based and aims
to support more than 55 local businesses
and six farmers’ markets while promoting
the development of sustainable, self-reliant
communities in the county through small,
sustainable food-based operations. It is also
developing a new economic development
network for the county through partnership with
the Ontario Tourism Culinary Alliance.
The festival is expected to create employment,
build a customer base, encourage visitation,
>
and improve competitiveness for food producers
through awareness. For more information, contact
Marie White at ext. 1530.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 18
EMERGENCY SERVICES
"EMERGENCY" WEEKS IN
MAY
May was a big month for
emergency services! Warden
Bill Dobson declared the week
of May 5 to 11 as Emergency
Preparedness Week, and May
19 to 25 as Paramedic and
Emergency Medical Services
Week in Lanark County.
Emergency Preparedness
Week supports local
municipalities and activities
related to prevention, response,
mitigation and recovery for
an emergency included in
emergency plans for the
County and each municipality.
In particular, public education
during the week focuses on
the development of 72-Hour
kits for emergencies to help
individuals and businesses
sustain themselves during the
early hours of an emergency
in order to reduce strain for
emergency response services.
The County has been promoting
the fact Lake 88.1 FM is a
point of information during
an emergency, and local
newspapers published info
about 72-hour kits.
The proclamation of
Paramedic and Emergency
Medical Services Week was
designed to thank Lanark
County paramedics for the
essential service they perform.
“It is important to take time
to recognize that paramedics
are an integral part of the
Ontario health care system,”
explained Rick Hannah, the
county’s emergency services
coordinator. “The lifesaving
skills delivered by the
responder in the time of need,
direct the patient on the steps to
recovery.”
LIFESAVING SKILLS: Chief Ed McPherson attended a Corporate Services Committee meeting to provide a
demonstration of hands-free CPR and use of an AED to promote Paramedics and Emergency Services Week.
LANARK COUNTY HOUSING CORPORATION
Z4&<46@@464Z
Josh
Peters
Kerri
MacKenzie
Connor
Garrett
Cameron
Branden
Barr
Roxanne
Hull
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 19
FOCUS ON FITNESS
If you know someone who should be
recognized for dedication and commitment to
health and wellness, e-mail Marilyn Allen
at [email protected].
When she is not busy working part time at
Lanark Lodge, Rita Jackson loves to run.
You can hear it in her voice as she describes
her relatively short history in the sport – a mere
three years.
“It’s fun. It has seemed like a natural thing for
me.”
Rita moved to Perth eight years ago to be
closer to her son when her husband became ill.
He passed away four years ago. She had taken
up yoga and decided to try the “Run to Yoga”
program with Joy Demsey.
“She suggested it and I loved it,” she says. This
led to involvement in a six-week running program
with Mary Stewart to prepare for the Perth Kilt
Run.
“This year is my third year doing the Kilt Run
and we have lots of people joining us – family and
friends – including three little granddaughters.”
Rita has four grandchildren and her daughter
Kate is also now in the area, in Ottawa.
Before long Rita was participating in marathons
and triathlons, and she completed a half-Ironman
last summer. “It didn’t seem hard that day,” she
says. “I guess I was just in the right zone.”
What is even more remarkable is that until two
years ago Rita didn’t swim. She didn’t like to put
her head under the water! “Audrey Crampton,
who ran
the Masters
program at
the Perth
pool, took
me under her
wing,” she
says. “All of
this is due to
people who
have helped
me. I have a
lot of people
to thank in
Perth for
really helping
me.”
Rita says she had a hard time after the death of
her husband, and running has helped her to heal.
“It’s all good. It takes losing someone really
young to help you to realize you need to stay
healthy and look after yourself. People need to
be more aware of their bodies and look after
themselves. It gives you a good attitude, too.”
In October, Rita will be travelling to Ireland to
compete in a marathon. “I love running the 42.2
kilometres in marathons, but I also like to swim
and bike.”
This summer Rita has signed up for six
triathlons. Yes, six. (Wow, Rita!)
“When I’m running I think of my husband
looking down at me and saying, ‘Go, girl!’ It’s
good. It’s very healing.”
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 20
WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Know someone who should be recognized
for his or her hobbies or for giving back to the
community in his or her spare time? Please
e-mail Lisa Crosbie-Larmon at lclarmon@
lanarkcounty.ca with your suggestions!
Jane Cunningham works full time as Client
Services Manager at Lanark Lodge. She has four
children, volunteers, has joined a choir and has
been accepted at Carleton University to complete
her Masters of Social Work starting this fall.
How the heck does someone with that much
going on stay balanced?
“It gets easier as you get older,” Jane laughs.
One thing that helps is that her children are
%
than when they were younger.
“I am going to school in the fall for the second
„†‡*
kids and I said to myself this time, ‘It can’t be any
harder than that!’”
Once she receives her schedule from Carleton,
Jane will have a better idea of how school will
mesh with work. She says returning to school as
a mature student means you are more focused
– mostly because you want to be there and you
are paying your own way. “I like going to school
[\ˆˆ%
learn from them. Life experience isn’t always as
important as people assume it to be.”
Completing her Masters and becoming a
%%
‡Z%
that has been very helpful in my role. Going back
to school to acquire the registered social worker
‰
contribution at the Lodge.”
She says a social worker can be helpful in
palliative care situations, for example. “Palliative
care is not just a medical issue. We need to look
at the resident as a whole human being. Families
also need support.” She adds many families
struggle with their decision to bring a resident to
live in long-term care and wonder if they have
done the right thing. The rise in depression amid
the aging population is another issue that can be
looked at effectively by a social worker.
Jane also keeps busy with a choir – the
Women of the Tay – which she says she loves.
+
her music degree, but discovered how lovely
it is to sing. “My mother used to say that all
instrumentalists are just frustrated singers.”
She has also been a board member with Open
Doors, the Lanark mental health agency for
children and youth, for about six years, currently
serving as past chair. “It’s an excellent group
and I hope to be able to stay involved. I strongly
believe in volunteering. It’s so important to give
back in some way.”
So how is Jane going to achieve work-life
balance when school starts? In a nutshell, staying
organized and looking after herself are key.
“I need to be diligent with my time,” she says.
“I am going to do a lot of reading this summer for
school….the fact I like reading helps, and it also
helps that the subject matter is fascinating.”
Exercise, she adds, is “absolutely essential. In
order to be able to do this, I will need exercise to
keep me going.”
Jane loves to run, but she is also using the
“wellness dollars” offered through the County
towards having a personal trainer to help with
workouts. “I love running, but at my age I have to
be judicious in order to prevent injury,” she says.
The trainer helps with weights, stationary bike
and circuit training. “Working here at the Lodge,
I see so many residents struggling with mobility.
It reminds me you have to use what you have.
Muscle strength and cardio are both so important
in maintaining range of motion as we age.”
Best of luck to Jane as she heads into a busy
and exciting time!
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 21
HEALTH & SAFETY
SUCCESSFUL HEALTH AND
SAFETY WEEK
The theme for this year's
Health & Safety Week, May 6
to 10, was “Safety & Health: A
Commitment for Life! Are You As
Safe As You Think?"
The week of activities began

and the Administration Building,
along with “Come Break With
Us” at both locations.
On Thursday the annual
Health & Safety Week
Luncheon took place at the
Lodge, along with the annual
Health & Safety Trade Show
for County employees. Thanks
to all the participating vendors,
*ŠŠ
Restorative Health, Human
Resources, Lifts and Transfers
Committee, Fire Safety/
Emergency Management, Health
Unit, Health & Safety Committee,
Infection Control Committee
and Spirit Committee/WOW
Committee.
Each day also featured a daily
there were several door prize
winners at the trade show.
Throughout the week daily
walking was promoted in an
effort to boost activity levels.
+
within the week were eligible
‹]\\
from The Running Goat. The
Tara Langford at Alternate CEMC-EM
Table.
week was a huge success with
a record number of attendees
at activities. Thanks go out to
all staff who continue to show
commitment toward workplace
health and safety and continue
to work safely!
(See more photos on p. 22.)
Warden Bill Dobson and
CAO Kurt Greaves at

Health & Safety Committee table.
Brian feeling the burn!
Pin the bolt on Homer contest.
Annette Scott and Valorie Vincent.
CAO doing the ball challenge.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 22
HUMAN RESOURCES
GOOD NEWS...BAD NEWS
The good news was – HR’s
very own Brian DeWolfsmith,
Employee Services Specialist,
following the implementation
of the County’s Education and
Training Policy! In December
2010 he began working
towards adding the designation
Professional to his credentials,
and he achieved this goal in
March 2013!
The bad news is – Brian
HR DEPARTMENT
STRUCTURE UPDATE
The Human Resources
Department has undertaken a
review of its structure. As part of
this review, the team is working
to determine if HR is meeting
client service expectations.
Director Lisa Crosbie-Larmon
has met with all directors and
members of the union executives
to solicit feedback. Brian
primarily provided support to
Lanark Lodge. As a result of his
departure, Lanark Lodge has
provided its managers’ collective
HR service expectations. Lisa is
now in the process of consulting
with some of her eastern Ontario
peers to understand their HR
department structures relative to
their client service expectations
and Council mandate.
The goal is to meet with
NEW HIRE
Leanne
Desjardine is
back for the
summer as the
HR student.
left us in June to take on a
promotion opportunity with the
City of Barrie as Manager of
Œ
Œ
delivery of our HR services in
many ways and he demonstrated
our Corporate Values every day,
leading to strong, professional
relationships with our clients.
Brian is not just a colleague to
the HR Team, he is our friend.
We'll miss him, and we are very
proud of him!
CAO Kurt Greaves to present
July. Rest assured, the HR
Team is committed to meeting
your client service expectations
as we move through the review
process. In the meantime,
the HR Team will be taking a
shared approach to ensuring
HR client service is maintained
at the Lodge. For services that
would have normally been
received from Brian, please
contact Lisa (ext. 1601) or Trish
(ext. 1621). Depending on
the service request, it may be
delegated to another HR team
member. Further information on
the outcome of the review will
be communicated as soon as
we're in a position to do so.
Your opinion and ideas are
valued. Please do not hesitate
to contact any member of the
HR Team should you have any
information you would like to
be considered as part of the
review.
Stay tuned and have a
fabulous summer!
HEALTH & SAFETY
Continued from Page 21
Right: Staff enjoying a
healthy lunch. Bottom
left: Roads students with
Tim Millar. Bottom right:
Roads crew participating
in Trade Show.
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 23
2013 SERVICE AWARDS
The 2013 Service Awards
were held on Thursday, June 20
at the Perth Golf Course, where
36 employees – representing
more than 615 years of public
service – were honoured.
"This is an ideal opportunity
for the County to express
gratitude to each and every
one of you for what you do
every day for the residents of
Lanark County," said Human
Resources Director Lisa
Crosbie-Larmon. "Thank you
for everything you do to make
Lanark County a better place."
CAO Kurt Greaves said it
was a true honour for him to
personally thank employees
for their dedicated services.
"Our new staff slogan of
'Lanark County...Working
Together to Achieve Greatness'
is extremely appropriate for
today," he said.
"In 100 years, nobody will
remember what type of car you
drove or how big your house
was, but they will remember
what you did in your lifetime
to help your fellow citizens.
There is no greater service than
public service. Your work is the
‘
He remarked upon the
services performed in each
department. "The work you
resources are limited. That is
why today it is so important that
we take this small opportunity,
which only happens once every
thank you. By being recognized
today, that means you have
spent a considerable portion
of your life serving the public,
Continued on Page 24
COUNTY CONNECTIONS – SUMMER 2013
PAGE 24
2013 SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS
This year’s Service Award recipients, below, were honoured on June 20 at the Perth Golf
Club. Congratulations and thanks to everyone!
35 YEARS Lanark Lodge: Pat Duffy.
30 YEARS Lanark Lodge: Donna Corbett, Eleanor McLellan, Cynthia Young.
25 YEARS Lanark Lodge: Frances Beerenfenger, Susan Day, Stacy McPherson, Kathleen Willmott.
Public Works: Terry McCann.
20 YEARS Lanark Lodge: Garry Dean, Cheryle Reynolds. Social Services: Marc Loubert,
Yvonne Taber.
15 YEARS Public Works: Steve Allan. Lanark Lodge: Tina Bailey, Shirley Brown, Susan Fisher,
Keri-Lyn Fletcher, Bonnie Hansen, Nancie Kelly, Susan Mannion, Lois Wark. Social Services:
Heather Kehoe. Corporate Services: Jennie Bingley.
10 YEARS Lanark Lodge: Sylvia Crain, Marilyn Ferguson, Michelle Fielding, Helen Guselle,
Yvonne Hennessy, Brenda Hutchinson, Connie King, Krista McFarlane, Heather Tourangeau.
Public Works: Jim Brydges, Blair Devlin. Corporate Services: Patty Duncan.
10 years
20 years
15 years
25 years
Continued from Page 23
helping your fellow citizens lead better lives, and
that is something to be truly proud of."
Warden Bill Dobson described the event as a

County employees have changed the community
and the world. "I am really proud to be able to go
anywhere and say I am from Lanark County, and
it's because of the employees. Thank you for all
your hard work."
30 years
35 years
Before the service awards were presented,
the crowd was entertained by hypnotist The
Incredible Boris. Seven volunteers took to the
stage but, in the end, only Marc Loubert and
Sylvia Crain remained. Thanks for being great
sports!
A big thank you goes to the Human Resources
Team for putting together a great event.
Congratulations to all of our 2013 Service Award
recipients!