UNews - Anne Baxter

Last Tile ceremony marked library's full recovery

trevor.kenney — Wed, 05 Feb 2014 19:26:44 +0000

A long journey of restoration finally came to a conclusion for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Library on December 19, 2013.

The ceremonial 'Last Tile' is placed as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Library celebrates the completion of recent restoration work on Level 9.

More than six months since the June 5, 2013 flood event that saw the library among the facilities damaged by a broken water main, and after countless hours of restoration work, Level 9 in the library was reopened with a number of significant improvements included in the restoration.

A “Last Tile” ceremony was held to mark the symbolic completion of the restoration work and honour the efforts of all those who assisted with the project.

“With the force and volume (approximately 11,000 litres) of water that infiltrated the building interior, this incident has been nicknamed the U of L Tsunami," says Anne Baxter, director, Risk and Safety Services. “The incident was immediately reported to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's insurer, CURIE, who promptly appointed restoration contractors to respond to the damages and who continue to work closely with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in resolving this matter.”

The misfortune of that June day was seized upon by the library as an opportunity to reconfigure the spaces on Level 9. A modified layout of the stacks now provides room for collections to grow and additional quiet study spaces for patrons.

“This took a tremendous team effort, from ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ staff to consultants to suppliers to contractors, in order to be ready for start of the Fall semester," says Brad Robinson, associate executive director, Project Management Office. "The collective expertise of the team solved numerous complex and unique problems associated with damaged building systems caused by the flood waters. In addition, many people adjusted personal and work schedules in order to assist and keep restoration efforts moving forward, allowing us to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

There was no small amount of effort in realizing the completion of this work. Library administration carefully coordinated with Facilities, which directed the activities of the various contractors and staff performing the restoration work.

“That the Library is observably back to its pre-flood state is a testament to the hard work and dedication of many Library, Facilities, Caretaking, IT, Security and Risk and Safety Services staff members, as well as our many contractors, including RGB Construction, Belfor Property Restoration and Onside Restoration," says Dr. Christopher Nicol, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian. "Although we were not at our best cosmetically in the library, we were able to offer all major services throughout the facility on the first day of the Fall 2013 semester. This took a huge amount of physical work, not to mention the logistical challenge of relocating close to 200,000 volumes from the library collection - twice.”

Without coordination, goodwill, and hard work by all parties, the library would not have been restored as quickly as it was.

With the placement of that last carpet tile, the library looks forward to the days ahead and hopes to see its patrons once again utilizing the space to its full capacity.

Myrtle makes her campus debut

trevor.kenney — Fri, 07 Dec 2012 17:37:02 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's newest student is just 16 weeks old and yet she's quickly adapting to a full course load and on pace to graduate in only 10 months.

Meet Myrtle, a guide dog in training that has been accompanying third-year psychology student Lauren Hamilton to her classes for the better part of the last month.

Hamilton, originally from Calgary, does not need Myrtle, rather she is part of the Alberta Guide Dog Services training program, working with Myrtle for the next 10 months before she is sent off to Vancouver for a final five-month training period.

Guide-dog-in-training Myrtle, with her handler Lauren Hamilton.

It's a first for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to host a guide dog, even one in training, and Hamilton cleared the process through Risk & Safety Services (RSS) before she was brought on campus.

"From our perspective, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ learns from this because we never know when we'll have a student or somebody with a disability who needs to have a guide dog on campus," says Anne Baxter, director of RSS. "It's a wonderful experience for us to have her here and to see one of our students undertake such an amazing community initiative."

It won't be hard to spot Myrtle on campus, after all she is the only dog allowed and she'll be sporting her blue guide dog vest, indicating she's on the job. What that means is she's off limit for interacting with anyone other than Hamilton, she shouldn't be petted, coaxed or fed.

As for Hamilton, she too must follow certain protocols in order to bring Myrtle with her to campus. These include keeping Myrtle on a leash at all times, not taking her into any exams, removing her from class or away from other students if she becomes disruptive and steering clear of the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience because it is a live animal facility.

Like any new student, Myrtle needs her own ID card.

So far, the experiment has gone well.

"People are really supportive of it. It can be a bit of a distraction I know, because she'll sit there chewing on her toy or not always settle right away but people have been very cooperative with her and I'm really happy about that," says Hamilton, who needed permission from all her professors before bringing Myrtle to class.

"Most people do understand that they can't play with her, pet her, feed her, all the things you'd love to do with a puppy because she is working."

Myrtle is originally from California and has been specially bred to be a service dog. Like most international students, she doesn't particularly like the snow but is adapting.

"She settles down well, the only thing is when she first meets people she gets excited," says Hamilton. "When she's working, just her and I, she's been great. She's learning her commands well."

How Hamilton will send her away after 10 months is hard to fathom.

"It'll be really difficult but at the same time you know going into it, that's what's going to happen, so you prepare yourself the whole time," she says. "The best part of the experience is it will be so rewarding."

So, if you see Myrtle, resist the urge to fawn over her and let her do her job, after all, we want every one of our students to graduate.

This story first appeared in the December 2012 issue of the Legend. For a look at the entire issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Risk and Safety Services joins Security Services

trevor.kenney — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 22:20:05 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is pleased to announce the amalgamation of Risk and Safety Services and Security Services, effective immediately.

"Combining these two units will streamline operations, maximize efficiencies and enhance safety, risk management and security services for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Vice-President (Finance and Administration) Nancy Walker. "The merger will facilitate a unified response to emergency incidents, as well as a more efficient and accurate events reporting system, among other synergies."

Risk and Safety Services and Security Services already collaborate on daily operational tasks, as well as numerous institutional projects, and by integrating the two departments, it is anticipated that there will be improvements in time management, organization of resources, and tactical management of safety and risk management programs aligned to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's strategic plan.

John O'Keeffe, director of Security Services, will now be leading the newly combined department. Anne Baxter continues as the director of Risk and Safety Services.

This integration was one of the recommendations made in a recent externally contracted campus safety and security audit.

The transition to consolidate the departments will not affect current services provided by either unit.

Look for further communications regarding this announcement in coming months as the implications of this amalgamation are explored.

Relay for Life ready to roll

trevor.kenney — Wed, 18 May 2011 21:30:44 +0000

The 2011 Fiat Lux team is ready to walk – rain or shine – to support cancer research at the Relay for Life, June 10-11 at the Victory Church grounds.

Pictured here are (back row from left): Leslie Gatner, Anne Baxter, Deirdre Coburn (captain) and Kathleen Schrage; (front row from left) Joanne Des Roche (co-captain) and Wim Chalmet. Scot Brooks and Tom Doyle are also with the group.

Since 2006, they have raised more than $40,000 in funds, and last year won a gold award for raising more than $11,000 to be the top fundraising team in Lethbridge.

In addition to the Fiat Lux unit, many other members of the
U of L community participate on other teams, or as event volunteers. People interested in joining the team can contact co-captain Deirdre Coburn (deirdre.coburn@uleth.ca).

To volunteer at the event, contact Wim Chalmet (wim.chalmet@uleth.ca), who is this year's Relay for Life event chairperson.

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Wellness evident at Life Balance Fair

trevor.kenney — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:59:13 +0000

Our 4th Annual Life Balance Fair, promoting Health Workplace Month, proved to be very successful.

With over 45 exhibitors, a number of demonstrations and an opportunity to try out the U of L's Get Fit at Work – Stretch and Strengthen program, more than 200 visitors attended. Thanks to all of the exhibitors for donating their time and draw prizes. A special thanks goes out to the AUPE for their donation towards the healthy.

Following are prize winners from the Life Balance Fair:

Off Balance Team Challenge
Both the Cash Office and Housing had 100 per cent participation of their team

Wii Party Game
(Wellness Committee)
Bev West, Health Sciences

IPOD Shuffle
(Wellness Committee)
Jeanette Leusink, Printing

$100 gift certificate to Only Women's Fitness Spa (Alberta Workplace Solutions)
Karen Clearwater, Financial Planning

Bosu Total Training System
(Flaman Fitness)
Mary Dyck, Kinesiology

Sony Digital Camera (Chinook Respiratory Services)
Donna Court, Financial Services

Bosu Ball, Whey Protein, Gift Certificate (Go Mango)
Shelley Tuff , ULSU

Shoppers Drug Mart Tote bag (Shoppers Drug Mart)
Christine Groves, Caretaking

Pen, Notebook and Water Bottle (Canadian Mental Health Services)
Heidi DeHeer, Cash Office

Totebag and t-shirt coupon (Helen Schuler Nature Centre)
Abby Groenenboom, ULSU; Jesse Couture, Fitness Centre

Whole Food Meal Replacement (Go Mango)
Mary Anne Hellinga, Financial Services; Rebecca Seely, ROSS; Gayle Durand, ROSS Registry

Fitquest DVD
(Only Women's Fitness)
Linda Wever, Biology; Brenda Nixon, Kinesiology; Jodie Black, ROSS Recruitment

Swedgie (Stamina Clinic)
Joanne Golden, Biology

Coffee Mug (AB Emergency Management Services)
Jennifer Thannhauser, Education; Alesha Farfus-Shukaliak, Advancement

Automatic Millionaire book (Financial Health Club)
Linda Robison, HR

Blanket in Tote (Blue Cross)
Rob Wood, Sociology

Horns Combo Pass
(U of L Pronghorns)
Linda Kucheran, ROSS Recruitment

Holmes Eco Water Set (Holmes Water Service)
Rhonda Paisley, ROSS

First Aid Kit (AB Blue Cross)
Debbie Murphy, Arts and Science Advising

Spa Basket
(Eclipse Salon and Spa)
Mariette Beaudry, Arts and Science Advising

Fresh Pear Lotions
(Nirvana Energy)
Shelly Hutchinson, Ancillary Services

Tote Bag (Mercer Consulting)
Marguerite Anderson, Education; Mary Nugent, Health Sciences

Water Bottles
(Mercer Consulting)
Jacqueline Preyde, A&S Advising; Debbie Tarnava, Caretaking; Vern Leckie, Grounds

Handblown Glass necklace (YWCA)
Anne Baxter, Risk and Safety Services

Upcoming Wellness Events
November 8
Heart Healthy Eating Session II – Cholesterol. Noon to 1 p.m., Andy's Place

November 17
Lunch and Learn: BodyTalk by Terrasol. A form of healthcare that is safe, non-invasive and can be used to overcome many health challenges. A focus of bodytalk is to restore communication and re-synchronize functioning of the body/mind, thus activating the body's
innate ability to heal itself on all levels. Noon to 1 p.m., AH116.

Get Fit At Work – Stretch and Strengthen
If you are interested in getting more information about this program, contact wellness@uleth.ca to set up a session for your team.
Please send your comments, suggestions or feedback to suzanne.mcintosh@uleth.ca or wellness@uleth.ca

Suzanne McIntosh is the co-ordinator of wellness programs at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

Frozen Jumpers Net $15,000 for United Way

trevor.kenney — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:49:26 +0000

More than 60 students and community members jumped into a chilly pool of water Friday, Nov. 27 to support the United Way of southwestern Alberta -- and raised approximately $15,000 in the process.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Jeux du Commerce (JDC) West 2010 Team hosted the 5th annual "Chillin' for Charity" event, dubbed the The 'freshest' and 'chilliest' event to take place this time of the year.

The JDC West Team and celebrity jumpers -- including U of L President Bill Cade and others deluded enough to think that leaping into a giant pool of ice cold water is fun -- raised funds for the United Way and hopefully lands the team in the winners circle for the community service/charity component of the JDC West competition.

While a steady snowfall covered the participants, U of L President Bill Cade -- the first jumper of the afternoon -- said it was a good day for polar bears. "I was asked what my strategy was, and it was to be brave, get prepared, be ready to get cold and -- like the theme of this event -- to chill for charity."

"It was really cold. I'm glad I missed the ice," said Stacey Fujikawa, one of the organizers. Indeed, ice was the order of the day, as numerous people paid to add ice to the already-freezing water.

Prizes were awarded to those who dressed in the most original costumes and those who brought in significant pledges.

A Jail and Bail event also took place, and employees Anne Baxter and Steve Craig raised more than $1,600 from the on-cmapus community to earn their freedom.

Chillin' for Charity originated at the U of L and is one of the more recognized student-run charity events to take place on campus. The concept has been successfully replicated at numerous universities across Western Canada.

The United Way supports a network of community programs and services delivered by many registered charities, by providing both financial and non-financial support.

They strive to form positive relationships with charitable organizations, private and government funded, business, corporations and the health sector just to name a few.

Additional images from this event can be found at this website.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ mobilizes to inform campus community

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:27:55 +0000

Be FLUless Not Clueless! Influenza A H1N1 is no joke!

This is the launch of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's awareness and preparedness plan to students and staff. Various departments across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ have been working diligently, collaboratively and collectively over the last few months in response to the potential spread of H1N1. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's position is that it is better to be proactive than to wait for something to happen and subsequently be reactive.

Senior administration is in full support of the H1N1 plan and has invested in the acquisition of hand sanitizer units that are presently being installed in many of the common areas across campus. The health and well-being of students and staff is of paramount importance and hopefully with the provision of hand sanitizing stations, education and continual communication, this will assist in minimizing the impact of H1N1 should it resurface as anticipated during the fall and winter months.

You have probably noted some hand sanitizers on stands that have sprung up over campus recently. In addition to this, there are approximately 300 wall mount units that the Facilities department is working hard to install.

The Health Centre, Internal Audit, Wellness and Risk and Safety Services have jointly promoted the placement of desktop hand sanitizer pumps at many of the reception desks across campus. Students in residence and the resident assistants are receiving a complimentary hand pocket sanitizer to promote the message that "healthy hands" is one way to prevent the spread of infection. There will also be complimentary pocket size bottles available at new student orientation.

Education and awareness is hugely important in the H1N1 preparedness plan and Lori Weber, manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Health Centre, and Suzanne McIntosh, coordinator of Wellness, are busy with students and staff conducting H1N1 awareness and preparedness sessions. Risk and Safety Services is also assisting in this initiative in the student internship and practicum orientations. We are working as a team and getting the word out to all, including the deans, faculty, students and staff.

The H1N1 Communication plan will incorporate messaging through all available communication mediums such as UNews, the U of L home page, posters and pamphlets, digital signage, Notice Board announcements, Twitter and e-mail. Both Information Technology and Communications have been instrumental in the implementation of this plan and a dedicated website has been launched which can be viewed at the following link: http://www.uleth.ca/ross/health_centre/h1n1/. This site will be updated regularly.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's medical crisis committee will be meeting regularly to address our response to H1N1 to ensure continuity and consistency in our proactive approach to this pandemic situation that has the potential to adversely affect our community.

In addition to this, Anne Baxter of Risk and Safety Services is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's representative for the post-secondary pandemic liaison group that Alberta Health Services (AHS), Alberta Health and Wellness and Advanced Education and Technology (co-chair) have established.

This committee's purpose is to assist institutions with pandemic planning and ensure that consistent communication, policies and procedures are developed across the publicly funded post-secondary system.

UNews - Anne Baxter

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��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ mobilizes to inform campus community

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