DECEMBER’2013
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
and Leah, son and daughter of Julie Kalbfleisch (Public Health)
Christmas in India pg. 5 Sunnyside Golf Tournament pg. 6
Don
(Water) and Nancy Corbett (Design & Construction) with their daughters, Sophie and Ella
Christmas fun! Over 200 Regional staff and their families came out to the 2013 Christmas Skating Party held at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium on Sunday, November 24th.
Cooper
Ethan
Douglas McIntosh, grandson of Doug Gilmore (Facilities)
Payton, daughter of Trisha Miller (Public Health)
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Give winter the boot! Protect yourself from slips and falls by wearing sturdy footwear designed for snow and ice. Look for winter boots with: • Low, wide heels and a solid tread for easy walking. • Tread with cross hatching for extra grip in icy conditions.
On exhibit January 31 to April 30, 2014 at the Waterloo Region Museum SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure brings real shipwreck treasures and the technology used to recover them right to Waterloo Region Museum! Find out what it’s like to be a shipwreck explorer, the captain of a sinking ship or a pirate on the run with handson activities including a robotic arm to pick up treasure and a hurricane simulator to challenge the storm. Discover more than 500 priceless artifacts recovered from famous shipwrecks including real gold and silver treasure recovered from thousands of feet deep. For more information, visit www.waterlooregionmuseum.com or call 519-748-1914.
Learn more at www.smartaboutsalt.com/wintertips.
Christmas holiday reminder! Don’t forget to change your voicemail and to set your ‘out-of-office assistant’ to reflect the Christmas holidays. Here is a sample greeting: Hello, you have reached (your name), (your title and work area) at the Region of Waterloo. Please note that offices at the Region of Waterloo will be closed on Wednesday, December 25 and Thursday, December 26 in observance of Christmas and Boxing Day. We will reopen on Friday, December 27. Please leave a message and I will return your call when I am back in the office. Thank you very much and have a nice day.
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Staff Spotlight
Jenny Walker Jenny started as a Service Improvement Specialist in Citizen Service in September where she works to support the Region’s departments in conducting service improvement projects and developing implementation plans. Prior to her current position, Jenny worked in various roles within the Social Services Department.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? I am excited to be involved in research and evaluation as part of this position. I enjoy the opportunity to take what I have learned from my research background and apply the same skills in a new way that is focused on service improvement and customer experience. I love analyzing data, especially quantitative, and using that information to develop recommendations that are evidencebased and come from people who experience the services. Tapping into and really listening to people with lived experience through research is such an important and valuable mechanism. What personal skills are essential to the work you do? First and foremost, a customer service orientation that includes understanding who is accessing services and how services can be accessed efficiently is key to every project I undertake. Project management, organization, and multi-tasking are necessary skills to keep projects moving forward and staying within timelines. Both internal
and external customers of the Region want services quickly and easily, so it is important to have skills that reflect this need and are adaptable. What do you do to relax after a long day? I enjoy working out and attending group exercise classes at the gym. Reality TV is also my guilty pleasure! What is your favourite meal? I like a variety of foods and trying new things from other countries and cultures. But, I do love my mom’s spaghetti and anything with dark chocolate. If you could travel to one place, where would you go? I want to go to Italy to see the Renaissance art and building architecture. It’s one thing to see artwork in a book and another to experience it in person. And of course, eat the food! What is one thing you’d like to do when you retire? Considering that is 35 years from now, give or take a few years, I actually haven’t given it much thought!
Santa and one of his elves (Bryan Stortz, Corporate Communications) having some fun at this year’s Christmas party!
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What accessibility training means to Andrew Tutty Meeting the needs of those we serve includes those with disabilities. Meet Andrew Tutty. He’s a member of the community, co-chair of the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC) and happens to have a visual disability. Andrew is glad to hear the Region trained every employee on accessibility because he believes it will improve our service. Here’s what Andrew had to say in a recent interview. Q. Why is accessibility training at the Region important? I think it’s a human rights issue. It’s important to be treated fairly and with dignity when you enter these sorts of environments. For example, when I walk in a building, because I can’t see so well, I could be standing there awkwardly. If someone is educated and aware of accessibility issues, they’re more likely to know
is always good because we have a variety of people with different experiences and knowledge of what people’s needs might be.
I need help, more willing to assist me, perhaps even take me where I need to go in the building. It’s always a pleasure to get that kind of assistance. Q. What advice do you have for people who aren’t sure what you need? Ask. Most people are willing to tell you what they need. Also, if you need input, bring it to GRAAC, that’s our role. The feedback
Q. What can staff do to make Region programs and services more accessible? Design it with inclusion in mind from the beginning. We want to be equal. We want to be in programs with everyone else. We want to be seen as people first, recognize there’s an issue second. This can be difficult with hidden disabilities, but makes it even more important to ask people if they need help. This question alone removes a barrier. In the end we’re all just one slip away from being disabled. People need to realize it could be them standing on the other side of the desk one day. Think about how you’d like to be treated.
Region’s child care centres are top of the class! Did you know that the Region directly operates five licensed child care centres? Our centres use a unique curriculum approach called HighScope. This approach is based on the belief that children learn best when they participate actively in the learning process. In this environment, our Early Childhood Educators provide materials and activities and talk with children in way that supports and challenges them. Activities are based on children’s interest and development and involve play-based learning. Encouragement, rather than praise, is used to acknowledge the child’s efforts. Some other facts about HighScope: • HighScope encourages children to plan their own activities and reflect on what they have learned (A plan-do-review process). • Classrooms are divided into interest areas, with materials that are labelled and arranged in consistent places so that children can get out and put away materials themselves. 4
• Consistent daily routines provide children with the opportunity for individual and social play, to participate in small and large group activities. If you want to learn more about HighScope, visit www.highscope.org.
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Christmas in India served with meats (not turkey as it is not a common poultry product), often spicy as is typical of Indian cooking.
By Gina Hickman I grew up in Margao in Goa, India’s smallest state and a former Portuguese colony. Goa has a large (by Indian standards) Catholic population and in December marketplaces are full with a feeling of expectance. Elaborate nativity scenes are part of decorations and Christians put up a star on their homes. Like most places in the world, food is a big part of the Christmas tradition. Rose cookies, homemade fudge, marzipan, nankatis and kulkuls – deep fried treats that melt in your mouth – are some of the sweets I remember growing up. My mother would soak fruitcake in rum for a year leading up to Christmas. During the holidays, we would distribute treats to all our neighbours. Our neighbours of Muslim and Hindu faith would do the same
during their main festivals. On Christmas Eve, everyone attends midnight Mass. An outdoor dance follows, with string lights and live music. There is not much sleep on Christmas Eve in Goa with Christmas wishes, gift exchange, and cake before bed! On Christmas day, we visit family and friends and a huge mid-day meal is
In India, there is a strong sense of community with friends and neighbours that is heightened during the holidays. I miss that part, but have been fortunate to make a lot of lovely friends in Waterloo Region and become part of the community. Gina Hickman is a Service Planning Associate with the Region and an Indian National living in Canada. Please consider sharing your own story of religious and cultural observance, to do so contact Eve Nadler at ext. 3967.
Our Safety Management System at work Back row left to right: Jose Rocha, Katharine Grant, Kari Feldman, Charles Allen. Front row left to right: Paul McKinnon; Brandon Heyer)
Facilities Engineering recognizes the importance of safety on the job. Their Risk Management Team began meeting in the spring to list possible safety hazards associated with their work. Beyond the more likely hazards, this team used the risk assessment process to determine every possible hazard scenario that could enter their job on any day. When discussing these risks, the team examined the training offered by the Region to ensure it aligned with the needs of their roles. Training gives a better understanding of hazards and ways to control them. It also identifies areas where we can customize training to better meet the needs of construction project management staff.
Establishing standard training needs for staff allows everyone to have the same working knowledge on a go forward basis. It also helps management decide what training a new staff member or student will need when working in this area. Upgrades to the Training Registration System are underway so that
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mandatory staff training will be identified with the required frequency and staff will be notified when training is required. This will be an important step to ensuring all required staff training is up-to-date. Congratulations Facilities Engineering team for your collaborative approach to safety at the Region. 5
Sunnyside Foundation Golf Tournament Monday, September 9, 2013
construction of walkways and courtyards.
It couldn’t have been a better day! The weather was perfect and the tournament was sold out. Together we raised $21,000 for Sunnyside Seniors’ Services.
Mark your calendar for next year’s tournament – Monday, September 8, 2014, Conestoga Country Club.
The Sunnyside Foundation would like to thank Corporate Publishing for designing and printing the tournament brochures, the Sign Shop for creating tee signs, and Regional staff who golfed in the tournament and generously bid on auction items and purchased raffle tickets.
Chris McEvoy (SPPPA), Craig Crawford (IT), John and Kevin Fox (E&IS).
It takes a lot of behind-the-scenes work to plan, coordinate and make this event a success year after year. The Sunnyside Foundation is appreciative of the hardworking and dedicated planning committee comprised of staff from across the Region of Waterloo: Krista Atkinson, Cyndi Dienesch, Ann Derry, Kevin Fox, Jenna Henhoeffer, Debbie Jones, Dan Meagher, Kevin O’Hara, Brenda Schmidt, Bob Theisz, Lee Ann Wetzel and Heather Walden Beitz. Over the years, the Sunnyside Foundation golf tournament has raised $115,000. Proceeds have been used to purchase hydraulic exercise equipment in the Sunnyside Wellness Centre, ceiling lifts for resident’s rooms and the
Day-to-day recognition is the most important type of recognition and sets the foundation for a positive working environment that encourages employees to thrive. Resources to help you practice everyday recognition:
Direct Champagne Flights to Cancun/Riviera Maya on Sunwing Airlines
• Send a RAVE e-Card (see the Employee Portal) • To order RAVE Thank You cards, please call Human Resources at 519-575-4049.
Monday Departures: Dec 23/13 - Mar 17/14 SW_YKF_5.5x4.5_Nov2013.indd 1
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13-11-15 2:22 PM
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Disabilities Mentoring Day at the Region of Waterloo providing We are very proud of our organization them with a broader perspective of and the people within it! For the the diverse opportunities available second year in a row, the Region of within Social Services and Public Waterloo participated in Disabilities Health. The mentees felt that the day Mentoring Day on October 28, provided them with knowledge about 2013. We are the only community in what the workplace is really like and Canada to host such an event thanks let them begin the to organizers process of building Dolphin Digital “It was a neat opportunity to and adding to Technologies chat about Public Health and and the Making share some of the work that we their networks. Cent$ of Abilities do and hopefully help someone In addition, our mentees met with Coalition. navigate their way into public a Human Resource The purpose health work!” employee and of this day is to Julie Stoneman, Public Health were provided help establish with insight a connection into the hiring process and the between employers (mentors) strong emphasis we place on the and people living with disabilities development of our employees. (mentees) in the work environment. This was an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate the fantastic work
Each mentee who was matched with us met with several mentors
David Dirks (E&IS) participated as a mentor during Disabilities Mentoring Day. that we do, and support our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. For more information on our Diversity and Inclusive Strategy, see the Diversity and Inclusion tab on the portal.
Move more…sit less this winter As the weather turns colder and snowier, it can be difficult to maintain your level of physical activity. Continuing to move more and sit less during the winter months has many benefits including: • Reducing feelings of depression, anxiety and stress • Improving sleep • Strengthening your immune system and reducing the number of colds you catch Research shows that sitting for long periods of time can have negative effects on your health, even if you are meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. Therefore, • after 60 minutes of sitting, get up and move for at least one to three minutes; • if your job involves lots of movement, be careful not to sit
for long periods when you are not at work. Tips for continuing to move more and sit less this winter: Be active going to work: - Walk your kids to school - Walk to work - Get off the bus one or two stops early and walk the rest of the way - Break physical activity up into 10-minute intervals rather than long periods of exercise Stay active at work: - Take the stairs rather than the elevator - Walk during breaks - Stand and stretch at your desk - Use a bathroom farther away from your desk - Have indoor walking meetings
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Continue to be active after work: - Try a winter activity (e.g. tobogganing, snowshoeing, skiing, etc.) - Be active with family and friends - Play with your children both outdoors and indoors - Turn on some music at home and dance - Find an indoor location to walk or run (e.g. indoor track or shopping mall) - Clean the house Most of all: Choose activities you enjoy and have fun! 7
It’s hard to believe that another year is drawing to a close. It certainly has been a busy, exciting and challenging year and I wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on some of those accomplishments and challenges. Back in June, the Region held its first ever TEDx event at the Region of Waterloo Museum. This was an exciting event in which staff showcased some of the innovative thinking that is happening across our organization in a new and fun format. In October, we held our first Town Hall webcast meeting to discuss the budget and other important organizational issues. This event was unique because it gave staff in multiple locations the opportunity to interact with senior management about the issues that are important to them. We plan to hold Town Hall meetings once or twice a year. Watch for one in the spring.
Significant progress has been made on the Region’s rapid transit project including selecting and finalizing ‘ION’, the name and brand of the service and purchasing our fleet of light rail vehicles. In the early part of 2014, staff will recommend a preferred team to Council, who will work with the Region to design, build, finance, operate and maintain ION for the next 30 years. In November, more than 350 people gathered at the Waterloo Inn to celebrate and thank our long-service employees and retirees. This event is always a highlight for me because it brings together so many people who are long-standing and enthusiastic public servants. We are incredibly lucky to have a loyal and talented group of staff here at the Region. You are the reason we can provide so many valuable and necessary programs and services to the community. In addition to these significant accomplishments and milestones, we’ve also had some financial challenges this year as we deal with the lingering effects of the recession
and reduced revenues in several program areas. Because of these and other issues, developing the 2014 budget has been a particular challenge. It’s taken a lot of hard work by people in every department, but we’ve prepared a 2014 budget that meets Council’s target of a 1.9 per cent tax rate increase while minimizing the impact of budget reductions on the services we provide to the community. There are still some difficult decisions to be made as Council works towards finalizing the budget on January 15, 2014. Looking ahead, 2014 will be filled with activity. From budget approval in January to a municipal election in October, next year is sure to be full of excitement and change. For those of you who celebrate Christmas, I wish you a Merry Christmas. I hope you’re all able to enjoy time with family and friends over the holidays and I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. Do you have a question for Mike? Send it to connections@regionofwaterloo.ca
The Region is Smart About Salt Water Services and Facilities Management are working together to protect our drinking water and improve winter safety on our parking lots and sidewalks by reducing ice and improving our use of salt. Too much salt causes damage to our natural and urban environments including our drinking water sources. Too much salt can also cost the Region financially through repairs from salt damage to buildings and landscaping. Smart About Salt™ certification has been successfully achieved at several of our properties:
• 35 Ainslie Street (Cambridge terminal) • 99 Regina Street (Public Health & Social Services) • 100 Maple Grove Road (Operations, Lab, EMS, PRC) • 150 Frederick Street (Admin Headquarters) • 150 Main Street (Cambridge office) • 2069 Ottawa Street (Mannheim) “Not only are we proud of the number of sites now Smart About Salt certified, but we’re also proud of our staff who have been trained as Smart About Salt Accredited Site Managers.
This process has taught us that it’s not about eliminating salt, it’s about managing it,” said Ellen McGaghey, Director of Facilities Management and Fleet Services. To learn more about the Smart about Salt program, visit www.smartaboutsalt.com.
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