Feature Article - February 16, 2006

Feature Article

February 16, 2006

Land o'Lakes community services updates

Income Tax volunteer training February 23: LOLCS is hosting an income tax training session facilitated by Revenue Canada for volunteers interested in completing tax returns for seniors and low-income families. The training will take place at the LOLCS office on Thursday, February 23, from 9-4. Please call to register on or before February 21 336-8934. For those wanting income tax returns completed, we will be accepting forms after February 23.

Community Consultation regarding the new Local Health Integration Networks: LOLCS is sponsoring an open meeting for the community regarding the new Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs). Guest speakers at the meeting will be Georgina Thompson-chairperson and Paul Huras-CEO of our regional LHIN (South Eastern Ontario region). They will provide us with basic information about the Local Health Integration Networks. Come out for the discussion and get your questions answered about how this new government legislation will affect our Community Support Services, Pine Meadow Nursing Home and individuals in the community. The meeting will be at the Northbrook Lions’ Hall on March 8 from 2-5 p.m.

“Canada Blooms” Bus Trip March 9: On March 9, the community bus will be going to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre for “Canada Blooms”, the Toronto Garden & Flower show. This is a great way to shake off the winter “blahs” and a great opportunity to get a head start on gardening tips and trends for the season (green thumb optional). The cost of the trip is $35 each. This includes your bus fare and entrance fee (meals are extra). The bus will leave Denbigh at 7 a.m. Northbrook at 7:30 a. m. and return at approximately 8 p.m. To book, please call Peggy at 336-8736, Kay at 333-2731 or LOLCS at 336-8934. Space is limited, so avoid disappointment and book early.

Spaghetti Supper March 11: Come out and have a great meal and social time Saturday, March 11, at the Barrie Township Hall in Cloyne. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat spaghetti supper (including Caesar salad, coffee/tea and a dessert for $10/person children under 8 half price. Proceeds from the supper will go to our Adult Protective Services Program at Land o’ Lakes Community Services.

Vendors wanted for 2nd annual Mothers’ Day Gift Gala: With such success from last year, we are again sponsoring the Mothers’ Day Gift Gala. Interested vendors please call. The cost for the table will be the donation of a gift minimum value $10 to be used in our “Redneck Raffle”. To avoid disappointment, book soon space is limited “first come, first serve”. Call LOLCS at 336-8934.

Land O’ Lakes Community Services Membership Drive : Do you want your voice to be heard? Then why not become a member of your community service agency Land o’ Lakes Community Services. Membership is open to anyone who is of legal voting age. What’s in it for you? Community involvement voting rights, opportunity to have a voice in the direction we take, as well as the chance to be a part of the Board of Directors. For more information, or to purchase your membership, call LOLCS at 336-8934.

Feature Article - February 2, 2006

Feature Article

February 2, 2006

NFCSNotes:Happenings at NorthernFrontenac Community Services

In-Home Respite Program: The Community Support Services Program is pleased to announce that In-Home Respite will soon be available to those families and individuals who are dealing with the heavy burden of caregiving. A qualified respite worker will be able to come into their home to supervise and interact with the family member while the caregiver takes a much-needed break. Please watch our column for further announcements as this service is developed.

Christmas Hamper Thank Yous: Many thanks, Al and Gail Jackson, Ron Hollywood and Peter Brugmans for their assistance in delivering the Christmas hampers in December. Without our many volunteers, our work would very quickly overwhelm us.

Community Drop In Receives Funding: The Community Drop In, a weekly drop in program coordinated by Adult Protective Services, has received $2,500 from the Kingston area office of the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Innovation grants are offered periodically to programs in the developmental services that promote integration and benefit the broader community. The Community Drop In has been providing social and recreational opportunities for a large number of people. The money will be used to purchase commercial cookware, a new stove and craft and game supplies.

Income Tax Volunteer Training: On Monday February 6 from 9am to 4pm, a training session will be held at the Child Centre for volunteers willing to complete returns for low-income families and individuals. If interested, please call Joyce, Northern Frontenac Community Services, 279-3151. The training will be provided by Canada Revenue Agency

Feature Article - February 2, 2006

Feature Article

February 2, 2006

Land o' Lakes Community Services - January News

Meals On Wheels: A service for seniors 55+, persons recovering from illness/surgery and/or persons with physical disabilities. Individuals, family, community agencies or professionals can make referrals for meals on wheels. Participation does not necessarily mean that a person is incapable of preparing his/her own meal; it might just be a great alternative to have someone else do the cooking for a change. Frozen meals are also available. For more information, call Marlene at 336-8934 or Charlene in Denbigh at 333-5216.

Interagency: North Lennox & Addington Interagency meetings are held at Land o’ Lakes Community Services on the first Wednesday of each month at noon. Membership is comprised of direct service staff from various agencies in the local community. The goal of the interagency group is to share resources between agencies, helping to identify available services and staff with particular expertise. The sharing of information and resources makes referral between agencies much easier.

Community Bus: The community bus is open to everyone and travels once each month to urban centres for shopping and recreation. Bus trips in the past have included going to Belleville, Napanee, Kingston, Perth, Smith Falls, and occasionally Pembroke or Renfrew. There are also occasional special events trips. On Thursday February 2nd, the bus will be going to Belleville. An increase in the number of people interested in using the service could result in trips every two weeks. Twenty people are required for the bus to run. The cost for the bus trip is $10/person.Tuesday Night Euchre: Every Tuesday night is Euchre night at the Northbrook Lions’ Hall and the turnout has been very good. Doors open at 7 pm and Euchre begins at 7:30. Everyone is welcome. For just $2 you will have a social night out and a light lunch.

If interested in any of the above programs call LOLCS at 336-8934. (For the Community Bus or Euchre you can also call Peggy at 336-8736)

Feature Article - February 23, 2006

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Feature Article - March 16, 2006

Defining Land o'Lakes Community Services

by Cheryl Hartwick

There are many questions regarding Land O’ Lakes Community Services (LOLCS), what we do, how we operate, how we are funded, who can use our programs, the list is extensive. I will try, through a series of articles, to clear up confusion and define our services so everyone will know what we are about and how to access our services. The common theme of each of the articles will be volunteers. They are the backbone of our agency.

I will begin with a brief history of the agency. In 1970/71, members of the local community formed the “get a doctor” committee. This changed in 1973 to the Land O’ Lakes Health Liaison Committee. Then in 1974, the Health Liaison Committee decided that there should be “initiative and development of a comprehensive, primary, health system with the necessary personnel” known as Land O’ Lakes Health Services. Finally, in November 1976 the agency was incorporated under the name Land O’ Lakes Community Services.

Land O’ Lakes Community Services is a volunteer, non-profit, membership organization and a registered charitable organization. Some of our funding comes from the government, while some also comes from the community through fundraising and donations. We were and still are a community agency not a government organization.

The North Rural Women’s Program and the Adult Protective Services Program receive funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Community Support Program receives funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. This funding covers the basics of the programs but falls short for the extras that the agency offers to the community. For this reason, we are often looking for ways to raise extra money.

The objectives of the agency, as per our constitution are

To develop, plan and promote Primary Health Care Services within the Township of Addington Highlands and a portion of North Frontenac. To act as a liaison with various levels of Government and other Agencies and Organizations as required in the development, planning and promotion of Health Care Services and Social Services for the defined area. To encourage all residents to become actively involved in the on-going process of developing, planning and promoting Health Care Services and Social Services to meet the needs of the area.

All residents can become members, providing they live in the area serviced, are of legal voting age and pay the minimal membership fee. As an active member, there is an opportunity to have a voice in the direction of the agency by participating on committees, being elected or appointed to the Board of Directors and voting on issues at the Annual General Meeting in June.

The Board of Directors consists of a maximum of 12 active members in good standing 8 elected and four appointed. The appointed members represent geographic areas and/or other specific areas of interest not already represented. Each member of the Board of Directors indeed all members in general - bring their particular experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to the table. Each person’s expertise is a valuable asset to Land O’ Lakes Community Services and the whole community in general. It is what enables us to grow, change and serve the community better.

Land O’ Lakes Community Services hopes that an informed community will result in an active community and everyone will benefit. Stay tuned…

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Feature Article - March 23, 2006

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Feature Article - March 23, 2006

Land o'Lakes community services:Adult protective services

by Cheryl Hartwick

Jilene Tooley is the Adult Protective Services worker for the Adult Protective Services Program. The program is a part of Land o’ Lakes Community Services providing supports and services to adults with developmental disabilities who live in north Lennox & Addington county, specifically people living in the Kaladar, Flinton, Northbrook , Cloyne and Denbigh areas and who are over the age of 18. Funding is from the Ministry of Community and Social Services, as well as from community donations and fundraising efforts.

The belief that all people have the right to equal opportunity, the right to live as an equal in their communities and the right to be supported as they choose goals and life paths is the basis of the Adult Protective Services Program. Services are offered both short-term (situational or crisis support) and long-term (case management) and include advocacy, case management, form completion and comprehension, life skills training and much more. The key is to assist clients to help themselves by providing them the necessary tools.

Fundraising efforts and donations from the community make it possible for the participants of the Adult Protective Services Program to enjoy extra activities that may not otherwise be possible. In the past fiscal year alone, several people participated in some day trips.

Jilene and the participants would like to thank everyone who has helped them. Earlier in the fiscal year, the Land o’ Lakes Lions club donated to the program, which allowed six individuals to participate in theatre trips to Napanee. The Public Relations & Promotions committee of LOLCS contributed funds last summer and eighteen participants enjoyed a wonderful trip on the Kingston Thousand Island Boat Cruise.

Most recently, on March 11, there was a delicious “all-you-can-eat” spaghetti dinner at the Barrie township hall in Cloyne. Thanks to North Frontenac township for the donation of the hall, the Public Relations & Promotions committee and other volunteers who worked hard to serve about 60 people. The approximate $400 raised will be used to help organize trips for this summer.

A major obstacle for the Adult Protective Services Program is a lack of volunteer drivers for these special outings. If you are interested in donating some time and your vehicle to take the participants on trips, please let us know. We always welcome new volunteers and remember - you would get to enjoy the trip as well and have some great new experiences.

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Feature Article - March 23, 2006

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Feature Article - March 23, 2006

LOLCS must move

by JeffGreen

At a sometimes bitter public meeting over a zoning issue, Addington Highlands Council has decided that Land o’ Lakes Community Services (LOLCS) have two years to vacate the converted house in Northbrook they use for their offices. Neighbours who presented a petition calling for just such an outcome, took pains to point out they were supportive of Land o’ Lakes Community Services and the work the organization does in the surrounding community, but they want their neighbourhood to be entirely residential, in line with the way it was originally zoned.

“I support Community Services completely, but I don’t think they should be located where they are now; it’s not a good place for them,” said Dale Northey, who presented the petition.

The issue came forward as the result of an application for a zoning amendment by LOLCS’ landlord, developer Ellery Thompson. The building is located within a subdivision Thompson developed, and has rented to LOLCS for the past ten years.

It was recently brought to council’s attention that the building is located on a lot that is zoned as residential, just as Thompson was preparing to construct a 22’ by 26’ extension to the building to accommodate the LOLCS’ increasing need for offices and storage space. Accordingly Ellery Thompson applied for a zoning amendment to the zoning bylaw to permit LOLCS to remain there.

A public meeting took place on March 6 to consider the zoning amendment bylaw and at that time a group of people living in the vicinity of the office expressed their concerns about what could happen to the building if LOLCS ever moved. They pressed council to ensure that if LOLCS moved no other commercial venture could be established in the location.

Council decided to prepare a second bylaw, which stated that the zoning would revert to residential should LOLCS move out, and they set a second public meeting for March 20.

At the first meeting people who spoke of their concerns made it clear they did not have an issue with LOLCS, just with the potential for other uses of the building. However, there was an underlying concern about Land o’ Lakes Community Services running their agency from the location.

“I realized at the first meeting that Council was not hearing the point that we preferred LOLCS to move, because the area was always designated as a purely residential one, and they would be better served by a proper office, so I organised a petition,” recalls Dale Northey.

The petition stated that LOLCS should move and no other commercial venture should be permitted. It received widespread support from people living in the immediate area.

At the second meeting, several people talked about some coarse language voiced by LOLCS clients, and police presence there on a couple of occasions.

“I don’t understand this,” said Councillor Bill Cox, “at the last meeting I heard the residents say they had no problem with Community Services being there, and now I see a petition saying they don’t agree with Community Services being there. What happened?”

“The message is, we support Community Services. We just don’t support them being located where they are, which is not really suitable for them,” said Dale Northey.

Susan Andrew Allen, the Executive Director of LOLCS, attended the meeting. She was asked why LOLCS had asked Ellery Thompson to increase their office space rather than looking for a location elsewhere in Northbrook .

“We looked at other alternatives, but we couldn’t afford them,” she said.

Councillor Eythel Grant then proposed an amendment to the second bylaw, granting permission for LOLCS to remain in the building for two years, after which time they must move. Ellery Thompson said he was willing to put on the extension to the building for LOLCS to use, and could accept the two-year limitation. Somewhat more reluctantly, Susan Andrews Allen said LOLCs could live with this. Many of the neighbours preferred limiting LOLCS to one year, and expressed that opinion in a straw vote.

“At least give us two years to work this out,” said Susan Andrew Allen.

Council decided to give LOLCS two years.

After the meeting, Susan Andrew Allen talked to the News in her cramped office.

“This wasn’t exactly what we planned,” she said, “but we have an ad-hoc building committee and perhaps someone will see this as an opportunity to develop some office space in Northbrook .”

(Cheryl Hartwick of Land o’ Lakes Community Services has been writing a series of articles about the agency’s history and services. This week’s article is about the Adult Protective Services Program. It can be found on page 12)

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Feature Article - March 2, 2006

Feature Article

March 2, 2006

Local HealthIntegration Networks - Government changesby ErnestLapchinski

The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care announced the formation of Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) in May 2004. Ontario has been divided into 14 LHINs based on ‘hospital service areas’, so that each LHIN contains at least one high volume centre hospital. The new networks will replace the Ontario Health Councils. Our community is in Local Health Integration Network # 10 South Eastern Ontario region.

A Local Health Integration Network will be a governance structure overseeing the delivery of health care at a local level. It is noted that Community Support Services must be integral to a newly organized system.

Consumers and families must be central to this new agenda and involved in all aspects of planning, decision-making, implementation and delivery of health services. Access to daily living support, prevention of disease, promotion of healthy living, supportive housing, support to caregivers and other social supports are all important to allow people to remain in their home communities. Investment in these areas is necessary to address the needs of older adults, disabled persons and other need groups.

Collaboration between government ministries and municipalities to ensure availability of appropriate income supports, transportation services, ambulance services, affordable housing and recreational programs will also be necessary.

Currently, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MoHLTC) funded services and supports must be included within each LHIN’s planning and coordinating effort; these need to be viewed as a priority for increased investment over time. Accountability for funding and service performance will occur between the Ministry of Health & Long Term Care and Local Health Integration Networks. It is important to note the unique characteristics of each LHIN community to integrate activities and opportunities.

A wide educational system will be important to inform all involved agencies and individuals about optimum health practices and programs available, and to expand community participation. The system will need to rely significantly on local organizations and volunteers for optimum service delivery.

Land o’ Lakes Community Services is hosting a community meeting at the Lions Hall in Northbrook on March 8 from 2 p.m. 4 p.m. CEO Paul Huras and Chairperson Georgina Thompson of our LHIN #10 will give an overview of the LHIN program. Land o’ Lakes Community Services and Pine Meadow Nursing Home will make presentations and we encourage members of the community to come and ask questions as well.

Community attendance is important in order to become familiar with how our health services will be delivered in coming years. It is also extremely important to learn how this new legislation will affect rural communities.

Feature Article - March 2, 2006

Feature Article

March 2, 2006

Northern Frontenac CommunityServices

Income Tax Return service: Once again this year in March and April, our trained volunteers will be completing income tax returns for seniors and/or those on fixed or low incomes. Clients can drop off the information at the reception desk at NFCS and we will call you when the return is completed, or phone in and arrange for an appointment with someone and you will leave with your information that day. This service is free to those in our catchment area as long as you are a senior or low income. Donations are accepted for those who can contribute. For further information, call Joyce at 279-3151.

Aboriginal outreach for women: As many of you are aware, the North Rural Women’s Program is located at Northern Frontenac Community Services and is to provide services to women in the area who may be experiencing abuse in their relationships. Staffed by Jeannie Harrison, this service is available from Monday to Friday.

Beginning in April, Kingston Interval House will be sending an Aboriginal Outreach Worker to complement the existing service and to work with aboriginal women. Lisa Doxtator will be spending one day a week in Sharbot Lake and will also be located at NFCS. By mid-April we will know which day of the week she will be in Sharbot Lake. Meanwhile, if you would like to use this service, call NFCS at 279-3151 and speak with Jeannie.

In-Home respite open for business soon: Our new In-Home Respite program will soon be up and running. This service will provide caregiver relief to those individuals caring for family or friends in their own homes. As the caregiver benefits from a much needed break, the client’s needs will be met by a certified personal support worker. Our program manager, Candace Bertrim, is looking forward to assisting families in the area. Candace has been involved with community nursing for 15 years. Her service with VON and Para Med has provided her with valuable experience.

Batteries fundraiser: Everyone needs batteries. Sales of high quality alkaline batteries will provide $5 in fundraising revenue per “energypac” sold. Revenue generated by the campaign, powered by agency staff and volunteers, will help seniors and people with disabilities to stay healthy, independent and secure in their own homes. Call 279-3151 or visit our office at 1020 Elizabeth to pick up your energypac.

Feature Article - June 22, 2006

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Feature Article - June 22, 2006

LOLCS:PineMeadow NursingHome by Cheryl Hartwick

Land o’ Lakes Community Services’ Board of Directors owns and manages the long-term care facility Pine Meadow Nursing Home, as well as the Community Counselling and Support Services that are the Adult Protective Services Program, North Rural Women’s Program and Community Support Program.

The Board of Directors of LOLCS along with other community organizations and individuals had long talked about the possibility of a long-term care facility for our community. This idea fit well into the mission statement of LOLCS, which is, “Land o’ Lakes Community Services plans, develops and provides a continuum of services so that care is available for the well being of all members of the community. The agency will encourage self-reliance among clients while delivering services.” A nursing home would “provide a continuum of services” for the people of the community.

Approval for a 60-bed LTC facility was received in 1988, the name Pine Meadow Nursing Home was chosen (from a local contest), the building was started and staff were hired, then on April 21, 1993 the Ministry of Health inspected the new building and gave its approval to open the doors. On April 26, 1993, the first resident was admitted. Since then, Pine Meadow has always maintained a full occupancy of its 60 beds (with a waiting list) and employs approximately 75 people from the surrounding area.

The Pine Meadow Management Committee oversees the operations of the facility and reports and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors of LOLCS. The committee currently consists of the Chairperson and another member of the Board of Directors and representatives from the Land O’ Lakes Lions Club, the townships of Addington Highlands and Frontenac, a community member-at-large and a resident advocate.

Kim Harvey is the Administrator/Director of Care of Pine Meadow; she has held this position for 5 years. Kim strongly believes in the Pine Meadow Vision, which states, “We are dedicated to providing a unique and loving home for those who are in need of specialized care. We recognize and nurture the essence and integrity of the individual, striving to be on the leading edge of the evolving needs of those we care for. We are committed to continuous quality improvement focused on providing ethical care, empowerment, education and to promote an enriched quality of life for our residents.”

Pine Meadow is an important asset to our community. It gives local people, requiring long term-care, a great place to live. Before Pine Meadow, individuals were placed away from the local community, making it difficult for family and friends to visit.

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

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Feature Article - June 8, 2006

LHINsroad show comes to Sharbot Lake,Sydenham

by JeffGreen

Wayne Marsh, a consultant and facilitator, has been one of the people travelling around the region over the past two weeks, gathering opinions and concerns about health care as part of the planning work for the development of the South East Ontario Local Health Integration Network (LHIN).

Over the next year and a half the LHINs will take over the responsibility for funding many aspects of the health care system in Ontario , including hospitals and home care services, community support services, mental health and addiction agencies, community health centres and long-term care homes.

Public meetings have been held in Denbigh, Northbrook, Plevna, Sharbot Lake , and Sydenham over the past two weeks, and in 17 other locations throughout the large area covered by the South East LHIN. People’s opinions are being sought about what is good about the healthcare system; what the gaps in service are; what roadblocks make it difficult to get services; and what can be done to improve service. Aside from holding public meetings, the South East LHIN has also been meeting with doctors and social service agencies throughout the region.

“Everything people say is being recorded, and it will be our job to put all that together and present it to the LHIN working group that will be developing the service plan to be presented to the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care at the end of September,” Wayne Marsh told about 22 people who showed up for a lunch hour meeting in Sharbot Lake this past Monday.

Wayne March was accompanied in Sharbot Lake by Florence Campbell, one of the board members of the local LHIN.

She said that Ontario has taken a different route in health care reform than other provinces by “consulting with the public before signing off on our plan, and we will continue to consult with the people after the LHIN is up and running.” She also said she is particularly interested in the viewpoint of rural people.

“Our LHIN has two particular characteristics that make it different from the other 13 in the province. For one thing we have the largest percentage of seniors of any LHIN, and 44% of our population is rural.”

Rural concerns dominated in the opinions expressed at the Sharbot Lake meeting. People were happy with the service they receive from the local medical centre, which will be adding more services when it takes the role of Family Health Team, but expressed concerns about issues of distance and cuts to homecare services.

At the LHIN meeting in Sydenham on Monday evening, concerns were a bit different, with people talking about a shortage of doctors and the fact that often services are only offered in Kingston . That is fine for those people who work in Kingston , but not for others.

Wayne Marsh took pains to draw out the opinions that people were expressing. As a consultant, he did not respond to any of the concerns and suggestions.

The one-way nature of the sessions was noted by Ross Sutherland, who attended the Sharbot Lake and Sydenham meetings. Sutherland is a resident of Snug Harbour who is a nurse at Hotel Dieu hospital and an activist with the Kingston Health Coalition, a group that has been wary of the way the LHINs have been developing.

In an interview with the News after the meetings, he said, “The problem with the meetings is the problem with the LHINs. They are hearing great ideas from the community, but who’s going to decide? It’s a bunch of appointed bureaucrats from Toronto . The structure of the LHINS is inherently undemocratic and inherently centralising. It will provide technocratic answers to what are really community problems.”

According to Florence Campbell, the results of the working group’s deliberations will result in the development of an integrated health services plan, which will be presented to the public before it is submitted to the province at the end of September.

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