Team player or watch dog

Posted on February 19, 2009 by kfarbridge

Is Council’s role in fulfilling its governance responsibilities one of a “team player” or “watch dog”?
I feel it is both and our approach to each must be well balanced if we are to successfully enhance Council’s governance role at City Hall (and that has been a theme of this term of Council).
When it comes to setting the strategic [...]

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What is governance?

Posted on February 16, 2009 by kfarbridge

One of the best questions asked at the first Governance Committee meeting was “what is our definition of “governance”?
 
This is a critical question and one that Council and our Senior Management Team should answer together.  While governance is ultimately the responsibility of Council, if we try to execute our role in a vacuum we won’t [...]

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Celebrating Diversity – February 16

Posted on February 16, 2009 by kfarbridge

Washington/Lincoln Day (USA) – A US Federal holiday that celebrates the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, 1809, and George Washington, born February 22, 1732.
Source: www.multiculturalcalendars.com
Part of a posting series on multicultural events for 2009.

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Two new committees meet

Posted on February 15, 2009 by kfarbridge

The Governance and Audit Committees met for the first time this month.  There was little to no fanfare.  To be fair, it is hard to compete with the significance of parking issues in our lives.  I say that with full knowledge that sarcasm is a dicey game for politicians. 
So why are these committees important?
When someone [...]

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Celebrating Diversity – February 15

Posted on February 15, 2009 by kfarbridge

National Flag Day (Canada) – Twenty-year old Joan O’Malley sewed Canada’s first flag in 1964.  The flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill in Ottawa at the stroke of noon on Feburary 15, 1965.
Source: www.multiculturalcalendars.com
Part of a posting series on multicultural events for 2009.
Also see posting about Our Lady of Lourdes Highschool’s [...]

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Artists with big hearts

Posted on February 14, 2009 by kfarbridge

Irene Smedley displays her painting that she donated for a raffle to raise money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The West Hills Art Group showcased their work at the Wellington Park Terrace as part of a Valentine’s Day celebration.   I had the honour of drawing the winning raffle ticket.

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Dropping the puck at centre ice

Posted on February 14, 2009 by kfarbridge

Guelph Fire Fighters versus the Toronto Maple Leaf Alumni at the Sleeman’s Centre

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Celebrating Diversity – February 14

Posted on February 14, 2009 by kfarbridge

Valentine’s Day (Canada, UK, USA) – One version states that a priest named Valentine was martyred on February 14, 269 A.D. in Rome for secretly marrying couples against the orders of the Roman Emperor, Claudius II. This was also the night before a festival called Lupercalia associated with fertility. Probably both customs became associated with [...]

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Flag Day

Posted on February 13, 2009 by kfarbridge

Our Lady of Lourdes High School did Guelph proud once again with their annual recognition of Flag Day and a great Canadian leader.
Paul Martin, former Prime Minister of Canada, was recognized this year by the students. I was particularly impressed with Mr. Martin’s passionate commitment to addressing the inadequacy of our education system in aboriginal [...]

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Growing local leaders

Posted on February 12, 2009 by kfarbridge

Strong leadership is essential to a healthy community.
The Volunteer Centre of Guelph/Wellington is hosting a series of focus groups on community leadership.  The goal is to develop a Community Leadership Program to engage citizens in the social and political life of their communities.   Such programs provide opportunities for participants to explore their personal leadership styles, practice leadership [...]

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