September 2021 Newsletter (3)

SEPTEMBER 2021 EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER The City of Canton Monthly Employee Newsletter Summer is Sailing Away. . . GREETINGS, CANTON CITY SEPTEMBER FEATURES: COWORKERS IT TEAM INTERVIEW Hello, Coworkers, BUILDING MAINTENANCE 101 The rain 9/11 CLIMB WITH CFD FROM HR: SELF IMPROVEMENT After you pause to reflect on tragedy this month, take a second moment to recognize gratitude. We can't resurrect AT WORK what we've lost, but we can carry on for those whose opportunities were cut short. Acknowledging gratitude is an important step in becoming resilient, and September happens to be National Self Improvement Month. Keep moving forward, Miranda EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 1

PATRICK BARTON, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Have you tried turning it off and on again? National IT Professionals Day falls on September 21st this year, and what better way to celebrate than an IT team interview headed by Director Patrick Barton. Learn how City employees can help keep our networks free of security risks, what to expect for 2021 upgrades and how the IT Department envisions future workstations. Thank you for keeping the City of Canton workforce connected! Let's begin by learning how your department is organized. The IT Department is comprised of 13 employees. Two Database Administrators and three Applications Developers constitute our development team. Two Network Engineers, two Network Technicians and two Computer Technicians take care of the City's technical needs. Our Administrative Assistant, who keeps everything running smoothly, and I coordinate to manage everything. Supporting coworkers with basic technology needs such as troubleshooting, upgrading or installing new programs and hardware is typical in day-to-day operations. We also devote several resources to increasing security, whether that be through strengthening building access controls or enhancing cybersecurity. What are your department's most utilized programs or devices? The development team favors enhanced text editors, such as Notepad++, graphics editors, such as GIMP, and open source programs. The tech team prefers to use TeamViewer, which allows them to remotely support City devices, saving employees from waiting on IT staff to arrive onsite. How can employees be more proactive with IT issues? Employees need to be cautious of suspicious emails, links and attachments while communicating technology concerns with the IT Department. Employees should also remain calm when confronted with an IT issue and not be afraid to try basic troubleshooting steps on their own, such as checking batteries and rebooting their PC. If trouble persists, we ask our coworkers to leave a voicemail on the IT Hotline at #6168 or open a work order. As technology advances, how do you picture the average office set up 20 years in the future? How has the industry changed since 20 years in the past? The pandemic has changed how most of us view work in general, and that has spurred the tech industry to reimagine the average work day. As technology advances, we are encountering a greater shift towards remote hybrid solutions. This means IT departments will have to deliver highspeed secure connections, mobile applications and virtual desktops to employees balancing virtual and in-office schedules. This is a great departure from 2001, when PCs were larger yet slower, internet was not much faster than dial up, and departments depended on paper for communicating reports and ideas. IT departments must continually adapt to tech updates, but we must also consider lifestyle trends and shifts in office culture when implementing advancements. What changes, if any, would you like to implement for the City? Continued cybersecurity measures, the digitization of local government (less printing), leveraging AI (Artificial Intelligence) and an increased amount of self-serve applications for the public could help streamline City operations and better serve constituents. Does the City have any substantial tech upgrades coming down the line? By the end of this year, employees can expect increased cybersecurity, a Kronos upgrade and a Windows 11 OS update. EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 3

CLIFF GRAVES, SUPERINTENDENT OF BUILDING MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 2

CHRISTINA SKONDRAS, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 7

Do Work. Welcome to a new segment designed to increase productivity through practical tips and applications for personal growth and professional lifestyles. Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable This should not need explained: Forced discomfort is the bane of discipline. Resisting a struggle is still struggling; at least make your distain worthwhile and force personal growth while doing it. Use the 2-Minute Rule Twice Applying the 2-Minute Rule in two separate ways can complete or jumpstart tasks in mere seconds. The first application for the rule is simple: Any task that can be completed in two minutes should be done now. Examples the second application is geared towards larger tasks: Take two minutes to begin the task. If You're Really Stuck, Use the Pomodoro Technique The Pomodoro Technique is similar in philosophy as the second iteration of the 2-Minute Rule, except this process encourages 25 minutes of work followed by 5-minute breaks. Do the Hard Things First Free up your mind and elevate your mood for the rest of the day by getting your dreaded tasks crossed out first. It is easy to put off challenges, but ignoring problems only increases negative thoughts and stress. The great reward of becoming Sleep On It We typically associate discipline with dreaded tasks, but sometimes discipline is required for restraint. If the luxury of time is on your side, spend 24 hours analyzing your choices and become well-rested before making a final decision. EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 8

WCOONRGRKATAULNATNIOINVS,ECORWSOARKRERI ES! S 30+ YEARS 5 - 9 YEARS Gerald V. Dougan, Jr., Police, 36 Years John F. Clemens, Refuse, 9 Years Lynette M. Ranalli, Water, 30 Years Shannon D. Johnson, Refuse, 9 Years Caitlin I. Lewis, Auditor, 9 Years 25 TO 29 YEARS Andrew S. Heath, Traffic Engineer, 8 Years Walter L. Schrock, Jr., Parks, 27 Years Todd A. Smith, Refuse, 8 Years Anthony D. Jackson, Police, 27 Years Michael D. Larkins, Traffic Engineer, 8 Years Heather A. Locke-Williams, Auditor, 26 Years Amanda L. Archer, Heath, 7 Years Jennifer J. Creed, Police, 25 Years Bryan R. Horning, Refuse, 7 Years Patricia A. Paprzycki, IT, 25 Years Jeffrey A. Schleappi, Police, 7 Years James D. Daniel, Police, 25 Years Mamie J. Jones, Police, 6 Years Deborah K. Geiger, Police, 25 Years Tabatha M. Nash, Refuse, 6 Years Jeffrey S. Ramser, Police, 25 Years Aaron N. Best, Fire, 5 Years Eric D. Vanover, Police, 25 Years Jesse M. Butler, Fire, 5 Years Eric A. Kennell, Fire, 5 Years 20 TO 24 YEARS Benjamin D. Lasure, Fire, 5 Years Thomas A. Knisely, Jr., Water, 24 Years Evan A. Rieke, Fire, 5 Years James M. Bowe, Jr., Parks, 24 Years Miguel A. Rodriguez, Fire, 5 Years Lenzell D. McElroy, Refuse, 23 Years Ian R. Smith, Fire, 5 Years Michael L. McKay, Police, 23 Years Brandon F. Miner, 5 Years David M. Samuels, Police, 23 Years Ashley N. Archer, Health, 5 Years Kevin Sedares, Police, 23 Years Robert L. Fisher, Jr., Council, 5 Years Perry P. Thomas, Police, 23 Years Tammy L. Diener, Mayor, 5 Years William H. Watkins, Police, 23 Years Adam E. Curlutu, Water, 23 Years 2 - 4 YEARS James L. Ergon, Code Enforcement, 22 Years Cornelius R. Porter, Police, 4 Years Keith J. Parsons, Service and Repair, 21 Years Phillip D. Schandel, Jr., Law, 4 Years Darren F. Grisez, Water, 20 Years Deborah J. Houdeshell, Operations, 4 Years Daniel B. Lane, Fire, 4 Years 15 - 19 YEARS Brett M. Winslow, Fire, 4 Years Hope M. Leonello, Collections, 16 Years Kevin M. Jackson, II, Street, 3 Years Michael D. Moore, Operations, 15 Years Christopher W. Kandel, Street, 3 Years John D. Moritz, Collections, 15 Years Jesse S. Boron, Fair Housing, 3 Years Kristen Bates-Aylward, Law, 15 Years Bradley J. Ohman, Judges, 3 Years Carla A. Blake, Police, 15 Years Alison M. Rosenberg, Judges, 3 Years Michelle A. Reagan-Smith, Water, 15 Years Michael E. Ryan, Parks, 3 Years Douglas E. McCaulley, Street, 15 Years Raymond S. Isla, Collections, 3 Years Eileen M. Shetler, Judges, 15 Years Tyler M. Barnes, Water, 2 Years Michael J. Husk, Water, 2 Years 10 - 14 YEARS Patrick K. Ramey, Police, 2 Years Robert H. Knight, III, Health, 11 Years Nakeya R. Burt, Code Enforcement, 2 Years Cale H. Canoles, Fire, 10 Years Adam Rich, Fire, 10 Years 1 YEAR Marquetta L. Esper, Health, 1 Year EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER James M. Cole, Judges, 1 Year Wesley A. Carder, Operations, 1 Year 9

Welcome to a new segment featuring our tenured Canton City coworkers! Each month, every employee celebrating 30+ years will have the opportunity to impart a bit of wisdom and share favorite memories while making their way towards retirement. MICHELE FOSTER, DIRECTOR OF THE CANTON-STARK CRIME LAB, POLICE DEPT, 34 YEARS How does your first position within the City compare to your current career? My first position with the City of Canton Crime Lab was as a Criminalist specializing in the forensic analysis of biological hair or fiber evidence and processing crime scenes. All of my work was scientific investigation to assist the law enforcement agencies. Working as a Criminalist set the foundation for my current position which is managerial. I now focus on the overall operation and quality assurance of the Crime Lab. What is your favorite memory of your time with the City? My favorite memories are associated with the people I've had the opportunity to meet and work with through the years. Additionally, I will always cherish the memories of piecing together events in criminal investigations through scientific analysis of evidence. What advice would you impart on someone entering your department? For anyone entering the field of forensic science: Stay objective, impartial and always be willing to learn from the experience of others! What is your favorite spot in Canton? The Canton Palace Theater is a definite go-to spot for movies, concerts and events. It's such a unique historical location! SHARON LENDON, AUDIT CLERK, AUDITORS' OFFICE, 30 YEARS How does your first position within the City compare to your current career? In 1991, I took my first job with the City as a Police Record Room Data Entry Clerk making $6 an hour. When I transferred to the Auditors' Dept as an Audit Clerk, I made the same salary and performed similar clerical duties, although the subject matter was considerably different from the Police Dept Record Room. After graduating high school, I worked as an insurance clerk for eight years before making $6 an hour, so I felt especially blessed to come work for the City of Canton with hourly pay beginning at $6. What is your favorite memory of your time with the City? My favorite memories are the annual Christmas parties we used to have in the office each year. Everyone would bring a covered dish, and we would work and mingle all day with good food and good company. What advice would you impart on someone entering your department? For someone new coming into the Auditors' Office, I would say be kind, courteous, take notes and have patience. Good things come to those who wait! What is your favorite spot in Canton? My favorite spots include Stadium Park, with the Garden Center and McKinley Monument. I used to frequent the track in that park when I lived nearby. I also love our beautiful annual events, such as Light Up Downtown and fireworks at the Monument! EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 10

Children and grandchildren of the Law Department enjoyed kicking off Enshrinement week during Play Football First Play, where children formed a chain to pass a football from downtown to the HOF. After participating, they were rewarded with a tour of the Law office, which included donuts. Thank you to Senior Trial Prosecutor, Krissy Lockwood, for submitting these great photos! EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 11

The Canton Fire Department (CFD) will host its second annual 9/11 Memorial Climb Saturday, September 11 to honor the victims of 9/11. The Memorial Climb pays special tribute to those who lost their lives by climbing the same number of stairs the victims intended to climb in the WTC stairwells while saving lives or seeking refuge. Participation is free and City employees are encouraged to attend. EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 11

The City is sorrowful to announce the sudden passing of recent retiree and lifelong Canton resident, Dianne Ohler. Dianne celebrated 30 years of service to Canton before retiring in January of this year as Assistant Civil Service Coordinator. She was born November 21, 1961 and graduated from GlenOak, class of 1980. Throughout her 30 year career, Dianne, or Di and Didi as her closer coworkers called her, remained dedicated to her work and fellow employees. She began with the City on August 8, 1981 and took a hiatus to raise her two sons between 1986 - 1995. After her return in 1995, she worked in Word Processing and transferred to Civil Service two years later in 1997, where she was instrumental in numerous City annexations until retirement in 2021. In addition to her long career, she served as President of AFSCME Local Union 3449 beginning in 2005. Dianne is survived by her husband, Bill Ohler, son Brandon Broadwater, son Aaron Broadwater, mother Linda Castro, identical twin sister, Deanne Hoffman, and extended family and friends. She leaves behind two dogs, Jax and Vito. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers as they process this untimely loss. EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER 11

Please note this is not a comprehensive list of all surrounding events. For more event listings and information, explore community sites such as dwntwncanton.com, visitcanton.com, cantoncentennialplaza.com and profootballhof.com. TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 Jon Anderson of Yes with the Paul Green Rock Academy at the Palace Theater TUESDAY, AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 6 Stark County Fair at the Stark County Fairgrounds FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 First Friday: To the Dogs at Centennial Plaza MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 All Together Now Family Fun Fest at Centennial Plaza WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Yom Kippur Begins THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Vintage Canton at Centennial Plaza SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo at the Palace Theater WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22 Fall Equinox SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Ohio Unleashed Pub Crawl in Downtown Canton Hall of Fame City Comic Con at the Civic Center FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1 12 Dwight Yoakam at the Palace Theater EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

BY DATE: BY TEAM: SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 BROWNS Browns vs Falcons SUNDAY, AUGUST 29 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Browns vs Falcons Ohio State vs Minneapolis SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Browns vs Chiefs Ohio State vs Oregon SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Browns vs Texans Browns vs Chiefs SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Browns vs Bears Ohio State vs Tulsa SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 Browns vs Vikings Browns vs Texans OHIO STATE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Ohio State vs Akron THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 Ohio State vs Minneapolis SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 Browns vs Bears SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Ohio State vs Oregon SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 Ohio State vs Rutgers SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Ohio State vs Tulsa SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3 Browns vs Vikings SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 Ohio State vs Akron EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER SATURDAY, OCTOBER 2 Ohio State vs Rutgers 12