Welcome to Rachel – Human Resources Generalist
Please join me in welcoming Rachel Setka to her new role as Human Resources Generalist in the People and Culture Team. Rachel will transition into her new role on March 18th.
Time Change – Clocks Spring Forward
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please note that the clocks will spring forward at 0200, Sunday, March 10th by one hour. This will give us more light in the evenings. Staff working that night shift will be paid for actual hours worked (which will be one less hour).
Renovations to Terrace West Entrance and Bistro Area
Date: March 5, 2024
To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Leonard Klassen, Manager of Community Enrichment
Re: Renovations to the Terrace West Entrance and Bistro Area
We are starting a renovation project for the Terrace West entrance lobby and bistro area on Thursday, March 7th. We are anticipating completing the project by Thursday, March 28th.
The summary of the project and timeline are below. Please note that the timeline may require some flexibility.
The following are direct impacts to our staff, residents, and visitors:
Thursday, March 7: No access to TW laundry room for this day only
Thursday, March 7, evening and overnight: Elevator and front entrance is emergency use only (available again after 5:00am on Friday morning)
Friday, March 8, evening and overnight: New lobby flooring installed (front door and elevator are able to be used during this time)
The coffee and juice machine will be unavailable during this project.
The fridge for saved lunches will temporarily be in the hallway near the hair salon.
Recreation staff can continue to be reached by phone 604-851-7394 while access to their current office is unavailable.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this project. Stay safe.
Here is a summary of the projects and timelines:
- Wednesday, March 6th, 8:00am: Terrace West bistro area will be emptied of all furniture and contents.
- Thursday, March 7th, 8:00am: no access to laundry room for this day only
- Thursday, March 7th, 5:30pm – Friday, March 8th, 5:00am: Replacement of tiles in the front entrance and Terrace West elevator. The front entrance and elevator are available for emergency use only. The doorway at the west end of the hallway is available to use; your front entrance key opens that side door as well.
- Friday, March 8th, 5:00pm – Saturday, March 9th, 5:00am: New flooring installed in Terrace West entrance; residents and visitors can use the entrance and elevator during this time.
- March 11th – 28th: The bistro area will be sealed off with a temporary plastic wall while the bistro is renovated (there will be upgrades to the flooring, lights and cabinets).
Stretch on Your Break!
It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being. The Health and Wellness Committee encourages you to indulge in a quick 5-minute stretch session during your break to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Why Take Breaks?
- Recharge: Stepping away from your duties momentarily helps recharge your energy levels, ensuring you’re ready to provide the best care possible.
- Reduce Stress: Breaks offer an opportunity to momentarily detach from work stressors, promoting mental clarity and resilience.
- Prevent Burnout: By incorporating regular breaks, you mitigate the risk of burnout, safeguarding your long-term well-being and job satisfaction.
Benefits of Stretching:
- Physical Relief: Stretching alleviates muscle tension and stiffness, promoting physical comfort during long shifts.
- Boost Circulation: Engaging in brief stretches enhances blood flow, revitalizing your body and mind for optimal performance.
- Enhance Focus: A quick stretch session can improve concentration and focus, allowing you to tackle tasks with renewed vigor.
How to Incorporate Stretch Breaks:
- Set a reminder on your workstation or phone to stretch on your break.
- Click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRH1To_xyr8 to follow along with this 5 minute stretch video
- Encourage your colleagues to join you for a brief stretch session to foster camaraderie and support.
Remember, prioritizing your well-being enhances your ability to deliver exceptional care. Take breaks, stretch, and return to your duties refreshed and revitalized.
Share any photos or videos of you and your colleagues participating in stretching. You never know, there might be a little something in it for you from us!
Email your photos to Diana.Bae@mennoplace.ca .
Melissa Francis – Resignation
Melissa Francis, Director, People and Culture – Resignation
Please join the executive team in wishing Melissa Francis the very best in her career journey. Melissa has recently submitted her notice of resignation from Menno Place. We would like to sincerely thank and acknowledge Melissa for her contributions as Director of People and Culture during her time with our community including setting the vision for our digitized personnel file project and the introduction of DocuSign.
Thank you, Melissa, for your service.
Violence Prevention Workshop
Learn practical applications to identify risk factors of violence and de-escalation techniques at a Violence Prevention Workshop on Friday, March 8, 2024. Space is limited. Register soon!
Hymn Stories – March 2024
The authors of the this month’s modern hymn are committed to creating a more timeless musical style that every generation can sing. Find out more about In Christ Alone by Keith & Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townsend.
Click to listen.
FREE Staff Parking at Peace Lutheran Church
Did you know that Menno Place staff enjoy free parking at Peace Lutheran Church? Located at the corner of Marshall and Ware the church is an easy two block walk away. If you want to take advantage of this parking contact Human Resources for a pass. This parking is available Monday – Friday (excluding holidays) from 0600 – 1800. Please do not park here on the weekend.
Remember: All vehicles MUST display a pass. Parking for Menno Place staff is restricted to the west side of the parking lot. (The side closest to Menno Place.)
FREE PARKING WITH A MENNO PLACE PASS
Weather Alert – Winter Weather Feb 27 – Feb 28
Please be advised there could be some winter weather Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (Feb 27-28). Please be prepared and wear proper footwear.
4:56 AM PST Monday 26 February 2024
A wintry mix of precipitation is expected.
Where: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway.
When: Tuesday evening through Wednesday, potentially impacting the Tuesday evening commute.
A weather system brings a wintry mix of precipitation to the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Howe Sound-Whistler late Tuesday evening through Wednesday. For most regions except Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway, snow levels will be hovering near the surface, and precipitation will start as rain mixed with snow Tuesday evening. Snowfall accumulations are expected to vary greatly with elevation and proximity to the water. With a warming southwesterly flow aloft, snow levels will rise overnight resulting in mixed precipitation changing to moderate to heavy rain late Tuesday night or early Wednesday. During this transition, there is also a risk of freezing rain over the Fraser Valley as warm air overrides the cold air in the valley.
Anti-Bullying Day – Feb 28 2024
Pink Shirt Day is a national anti-bullying movement that started in Canada in 2007. This day raises awareness about the awful effects of bullying – at home, at school and in the workplace – and highlights the simple steps we can take to stop bullying in its tracks. On Pink Shirt Day we remember that when we lift each other up everybody benefits.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Thinking of wearing your “If it matters to you, it matters to me” shirt? YES! This is an excellent day to wear it.
Find ways to practice kindness and support someone who is suffering by clicking here.
If you experience bullying in the workplace please contact your manager. If you would like to speak to someone confidentially, FSEAP (the employee and family assistance program) is available to all Menno Place staff.
To access fseap services 24/7/365 – call 1.800.667.0993
