Celebrating 50 Years of Land O’ Lakes Community Services

What better way to celebrate 50 years of service to our community than with a wonderful day of fun, laughter, music, food and memories?

On Saturday, September 12, Land O’ Lakes Community Services Inc. celebrated its 50th anniversary with an outdoor parking lot party, and what a celebration it was!

There was something for everyone. The children enjoyed the bouncy castle, face painting and a colouring contest. Congratulations to our two colouring contest winners, Delaney Lessard, age 3, and Iris Alcock, age 12! Their winning pictures will become part of a very special time capsule that will be buried at Pine Meadow and opened in 2051.

There were also plenty of great prizes to be won, including our Bingo Prize Board, which gave the adults a chance to try their luck and have some fun.

The fabulous Joanna Milligan provided the music and entertained young and old alike. Before long, people were dancing and enjoying themselves as Joanna sang one favourite song after another.

Of course, no celebration would be complete without great food! Guests enjoyed BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs, along with snow cones to help cool everyone down on such a beautiful, warm day. And, of course, the celebration was topped off with a delicious anniversary cake.

But why was Land O’ Lakes Community Services Inc. putting on such a big celebration?

Because 50 years of serving our community is something truly worth celebrating!

Where It All Began

You may be wondering, Who is Land O’ Lakes Community Services, and how did it all begin?

The story goes back even further than 1976.

In 1970–71, a “Get a Doctor Committee” was formed. Its main goal was simple: to bring a doctor to our area.

A Physicians Services Foundation grant of $68,000 over three years helped make this possible. The funding assisted with the cost of space, doctors and support staff. And here is a fun fact—the doctors were actually flown into the area!

Today, we not only have a doctor serving our community, but several doctors, along with a new doctor who joined us at the beginning of September and a new Nurse Practitioner. What began with a small committee determined to bring medical care to the area has grown into much more than anyone could have imagined.

In 1972, a Health Liaison Committee was formed to research the health-care needs of the area and submit a report to the Ministry of Health. The Northbrook area was subsequently declared under-serviced, making funding available to help finance a doctor.

Many doctors came and went over the years. Then, in 1974, the Health Liaison Committee decided to take the next step. They began developing a comprehensive primary health-care system and changed their name to Land O’ Lakes Health Services.

In 1976, the organization was officially incorporated as Land O’ Lakes Community Services Inc.

Growing Beyond Health Care

Land O’ Lakes Community Services didn’t stop with its goal of bringing doctors to the area.

In 1977, a Seniors Bus Service was developed to provide transportation to urban areas four times a month for anyone who had a need.

In 1984, Dr. Zaidoon Tobia arrived and established a permanent private practice in the community. With this important milestone achieved, Land O’ Lakes Community Services began redirecting its efforts toward improving and providing social services to the area.

Between 1984 and 1985, a number of important services were introduced, including a General Social Worker, Adult Protective Services, Violence Against Women services and Community Support Services.

Then, in 1986, another ambitious idea was put forward—the development of a long-term care facility.

We were told it couldn’t happen.

But someone forgot to tell Land O’ Lakes Community Services that “no” was not an acceptable answer!

Today, Pine Meadow Nursing Home stands as a testament to the determination and commitment of the people in this community. Many people may not realize that Pine Meadow is owned by Land O’ Lakes Community Services Inc. It exists because community members believed in the idea and refused to give up when they were told it could not be done.

50 Years Worth Celebrating

When you look back at where this organization began, it is remarkable to see how far it has come.

What started with a small group of people determined to bring a doctor to their community has grown into an organization providing a wide range of services and opportunities to support people throughout the Land O’ Lakes area.

Land O’ Lakes Community Services Inc. is certainly worthy of being celebrated!

The Board of Land O’ Lakes Community Services would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the staff, board members, volunteers and family members who put so much time and effort into making our 50th anniversary celebration such an outstanding day.

The weather was perfect, the music was amazing, the food was delicious, and the smiles and laughter made the day one to remember.

We were also honoured to have several dignitaries join us to mark this special occasion, including MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, Lennox & Addington Highlands Reeve Tony Fritsch, and North Frontenac Mayor Gary Lichty. Their presence helped make the celebration even more special.

And finally, a very special thank you to our community.

Without the support, determination and involvement of the people who live in the Land O’ Lakes area, Land O’ Lakes Community Services would not exist today.

For 50 years, this organization has been built by the community, for the community.

Here’s to celebrating 50 years of service—and to looking forward to the many years still ahead!

Happy 50th Anniversary, Land O’ Lakes Community Services Inc.!