April Fox Talk
Digest
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 4 2000
Deadline for Submissions:
1st of each month
Editors: Maurice & Ruth Dean
147 Foxboro Drive

http://www.geocities.com/foxtalkbackissues/bann01.gif

Articles:
April!
FGHA Report
Rec Centre
Florida Report

Events:
RV Keys
Tai Chi
St. Patricks
Upcoming Events
Mennonite Dinner
Dance

Social:
Lorraine Stevens
Wilbur Miller
Care
Crafts
Calendar

Notices:
Cataracts
Medications
Furnaces
Table Cloths
Buy Trees
Social Fees

Ah! APRIL

"Oh to be in Foxboro Green now that April is here"
(apologies to Robert Browning).
Are we mistaken or are there more people here now? Probably folk (folks, whichever you want) returning for the privilege of filing their income tax returns. Hey!, we have to keep the funds flowing so that the Department of Human Resources can shovel it to Mr. Chretien's riding.

We have to admit it's pretty quiet here in winter, so many people either in hibernation or in warmer climes, the only subjects creating any controversy appear to centre on snow. If it isn't actual snow removal, or rather the problem of clearing the roads and not the lawn edges, it is the lack of snow removal. Fortunately this has been an extremely mild winter so our problems are slight. It's been so mild we can't even pat ourselves on the back for being "survivors". In fact it's been as much of a non-event as Y2K.

The service station idea might be a bit of a non-starter due to township by-laws and environmental concerns. However we would like to thank those who submitted applications for employment. You can rest assured we will keep them on file because other business opportunities for that particular area are under active consideration. As a matter of fact, there are now two very busy street junctions. On occasion we have actually had to wait before making a turn. There may be some traffic control positions available soon. They will be fairly long term positions actually, while the community discusses the relative merits of traffic lights.

According to reliable sources, there are extremely few unsold sites remaining in our fair community. FGI are, of course, continuing their advertising campaign. We noted an advertisement in a recent issue of "Fifty Plus" (although we cannot understand why we are on that mailing list). This ad featured an extremely elegant couple, black tie, long gown, champagne glass, the whole 9 yards. It was good to see. For some time we, the editors, have been under the impression that we were the only onesin this community who bothered to dress for dinner although to bequite honest we do so only on Sundays.

HAPPY EASTER

Homeowners' Association
Keith Boughey
The board met on Monday March 20, with many a sun tan being proudly displayed, to the envious stay-at-home's. Many of the condo presidents are still away, so several of the reserve team took to the field again for this meeting.

At the homeowners public input session, June Davies raised the problem of pet owners who don't "POOP & SCOOP" . We should remind those offending pet owners, that not only is this a community rule, but also a township By-Law, all pet owners are requested to comply. Please consider others. Olwen Niessen mentioned the ongoing problem of mis-directed mail, and that mail finds its way into unassigned mail boxes, which may not be emptied for months. Ted Tibbles suggested that perhaps unassigned boxes could be sealed to prevent this.

Little progress is reported on the matter of the property manager, again most of the members of this committee, were or still are on vacation. A report is to be presented to the next board meeting.

The procedure for applications for improvements to homesites and common areas passed the final hurdle, when approval was given by the Association's lawyer. All that remains now is to form a committee to put the procedure into action. Meanwhile the board will review all requests in a special meeting for this purpose.

The revisions to By-Law #1 with regards to the Election of officers of the board is ready for approval by the condos at their next meetings. Other outstanding items reported no activity since the last meeting.

The treasurer presented an update on the financial status of the association, indicating that we continue to operate under budget. Condo 313 has now been registered, and a new condo should be registered by the end of May.

Doug Hutchison on behalf of FGI advised the board that 18 homes and sites remain to be sold, and that all sites will be completed by FGI before it moves on at the end of the year.

The annual spring clean up will begin on March 21st, 2000.

The Grounds Committee asked the board to approve maintenance contracts for the sprinkler systems at the Rec. Centre and the gate house areas. The Rec. Centre committee advised that all systems are "a go" and that the new Welcome Booklet is currently at the printers.

The Presentation Committee appears to be ready to issue its report in time for the next board meeting. The most puzzling problem of the evening arose when the future of the "HICKENBOTTOM" came to light. Now I know that you are saying that you remember his name from My Fair Lady or was that Henry Higginsbottom. Well it must be reported that I thought it was a trivial pursuit question, but no, we do have a HICKENBOTTOM. He or she lives in the small pond (near the water treatment plant) and is only heard from when the pond is full and needs to discharge water into the main lake. The Pond is used to catch storm water from the construction sites in phases 1 to 3, and is scheduled to be removed, however a movement has been formed to save the HICKENBOTTOM. Now we don't intend to picket FGI with "SAVE OUR HICKENBOTTOM" signs but you will be asked at a future condo meeting if you would like the pond to stay, along with our HICKENBOTTOM.

The problem of garbage and litter was brought to the boards attention, it is the view of some of the board members that the problem is caused by homeowners who do not secure papers etc. when placed out on garbage days, especially on windy days. The problem of construction personnel leaving litter was also mentioned.

The next meeting of the board is Monday, May 1, 2000 at 7:00 p.m.

Recreation Centre
Ron Donaldson
Fiji, Australia and New Zealand were great! The Centre ran smoothly while I was away.

Culliton Brothers report that our equipment is now working properly, with no new problems.

The seized air conditioner compressor has been replaced.

The Security System has been brought up to normal operating level; further upgrades are being proposed.

All carpeting in the Centre has been steam cleaned.

Additional benches in two of the change rooms are ready to be installed.

Prices are being obtained to repair the pool window frames and window seats.

REMINDER
RECREATION CENTRE COMMITTEE MEETING
THURSDAY, APRIL 6TH AT 9:30 A.M., SALON A.

Unused Keys

Do you have a key to the RV Storage Compound?

Do you still need that key?

If you have no further use for it

Please hand it in to Richard Shantz

118 Foxboro Drive

Lorraine Stevens

Our Deepest Sympathy

Lorraine Stevens

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorraine Stevens. Lorraine died suddenly on March 20th of a heart attack.

John and Lorraine have been coming up to Foxboro Green on the weekends since October 1997. John is due to retire in a year's time and the two were then going to become full-time residents.

Lorraine had been seriously ill recently but everything seemed to be improving. They attended the St. Pat's party and Lorraine was looking great and having fun.

Our hearts go out to John and his family.

Wilbur Miller

On March 23rd we lost one of our long-time residents. Wilbur had been quite ill for the better part of two years. This last summer we thought that he was conquering his illness, unfortunately this was not the case.

Wilbur and Lorene moved here in November of 1995 and many people will remember their marriage which took place in our gazebo.

All of us here at Foxboro Green will miss seeing that twinkle in his eye when he was being teased and his great sense of humour.

Our deepest sympathy goes to Lorene and to Wilbur's family.

Tai Chi
Graham Macdonald
Classes at Foxboro Green

Toaist Tai Chi is an excellent way to improve your health. Graham Macdonald is arranging for the Stratford Branch of the Toaist Tai Chi Society to give Beginner Classes at the Recreation Centre starting on Wednesday afternoons in May for all interested residents. This will be a 12-session course for both men and women. There will be a demonstration and an introductory lesson (May 3, 1:00 p.m.) at which time registration will be taken. Look in the mailroom for a sign up list towards the end of April. A minimum of 12 students is required. Call Graham at 634-5633 for more information.

Care Committee

Keeping In Touch

Best wishes and flowers were given to Barry Craddock following his surgery and to Gladys Hartley and Pam Linnemann following medical treatment.

Sympathy was extended and a plant was given to Eugene Leclair on the death of his mother two months ago and a sympathy card was given to Stan Hartley who lost his sister.

This month we lost two residents. Lorraine Stevens died suddenly. A donation was made in her memory to the Cancer Society. A long time resident Wilbur Miller died after a long and debilitating illness. He, too, was remembered with a donation to the Diabetes Society and a card to Lorene.

Florida Snowbirds
Wally Morrison
This Month from Foxboro's Northwest Florida Snowbirds

Hello Neighbours!

The Northwest Florida Foxboro Green Snowbirds got together for lunch at the Mainsail Resort party room in Destin on Feb. 20th. Thirty-two attended with four absent. It was great to see everyone, particularly those who were staying in the Destin area for the first time.

Attending this time (we had a "get together" two years ago) were the Arbuckles, Frasers, Harris', Smiths who all drove in from Panama City Beach. The balance were from Destin, the Beckens, Beveridges, Bowrings, Goldbecks, Heinbuch and Gardner, Jenkinsons, Keiths, McKelveys, Morrisons, Tickners, Usatys and Webbers. A good time was had by everyone and with all the chatter going on, the ceiling seemed to rise up a few inches.

The South Walton Snowbirds Singers Choir and Barbershop group (Jean Usaty, Wally and Joyce Morrison are members), held a concert. Included in a large number of northeners attending were the Beckens, Beveridges, Keiths, McKelveys, Tickners and George Usaty. After the concert, we all went to lunch at the Longhorn Steakhouse Restaurant.

Our weather in Northwest Florida has been great this year, just the type to bring all these new snowbirds back next year. In fact, at this writing we understand most of them have already checked on booking accommodation for 2001.

Cataract Surgery
Marg Macdonald
Understanding Cataract Surgery

Twenty one gathered around the TV on Tuesday March 21st at 7:30 p.m. to see the video on the surgery to replace the lens in the eye. The video explained the pre-operative preparation, the actual surgical procedure and the recovery very well. The video was narrated by a patient who had undergone the surgery. Her ophthalmologist explained the procedure itself.

Following the video Dr. Jerry Szeps, our resident ophthalmologist, led a question period. The questions were excellent. Jerry answered them thoroughly. Because some residents have had the surgery the group were able to benefit from their experiences including some who had minor complications and could confirm the ease of the correction of those complications. Not everyone who wished to attend was able to do so. Another showing will be planned for May. Mark your calendars now - Tuesday, May 23rd at 7:30 p.m. - we will repeat this educational event. We look forward to seeing you there.

Anyone who wishes to borrow the video, contact Marg Macdonald at 634-5633.

Craft Corner

Date: Wed. April 26th
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $1.00 (to cover paint costs)

Try your hand at clay pot painting.

Please bring:
Clay pot (5" or 6")
Old toothbrush
Different sizes of artist paint brushes
Stencil or pattern (optional)

For further information, please call June at 634-5724 or Rosanna at 634-9780.

Urgently Needed
Craft Volunteer

I have enjoyed doing the once-a-month craft sessions for the last 41/2 years but it is time to have someone else with new ideas. So please consider taking over the craft sessions, it's great fun and most rewarding.

"Thank you" to those who participated and I loved sharing my ideas with all of you.

Sincerely,
Rosanna

Ed.'s Note:
THANK YOU, ROSANNA, for all the hours that you have contributed to this community. You have done far more than your share and I for one "take my hat off to you".

How Is Your Furnace?
Bob Price

Attention Condos 238, 242 and 243

Several people in Foxboro have experienced problems with their furnace and over the past five years parts have been replaced (under warranty). As the warranty is only five years on parts, it might be in your best interest (for the above condos) to have their furnaces checked out before the warranty expires.

All residents should make sure that they have regular maintenance on both furnaces and water heaters.

Culliton Bros. - 271-1981 - Margo Cleasby
$89.95 - complete inspection plus cleaning
Note: Two or more inspections at one call - 15% discount

Hogg Mechanical - 579-5330
$79.95
Ask for Service - a discount possible if more than one call.

Community Calendar

Apr. 2000
Wed. 5th 9:00 a.m. Your Medication (Sign up)
Thurs. 6th 9:30 a.m. Rec. Centre Com. Mtg.
Fri. 7th 4:30 p.m. Happy Hour
Thurs. 13th Noon Mennonite Dinner
Sat. 15th 8:00 p.m. House Party - Dance
Wed. 26th 1:00 p.m. Crafts

May. 2000
Mon. 1st 7:00 p.m. FG Assoc. Board Mtg.
?? ?? ?? Pancake Breakfast
Wed. 3rd 1:00 p.m. Toaist Tai Chi
Fri. 5th 4:30 p.m. Happy Hour
Thurs. 11th 2:00 p.m. Beauty Program
Tues. 23rd 7:30 p.m. Cataract Surgery (repeat)

Upcoming Special Events
Marg Macdonald

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

In unofficial news from Florida I have been informed that the snowbirds are planning their welcome home pancake feast and that it will be held in early May. Usually held on a Saturday morning I suggest that everyone block off the first few if not all Saturdays mornings in May until a final date is announced! I can hardly wait!!

Beauty Program
Thursday May 11 at 2pm in Salon A&B.

Returning by special request, Jennifer Zehr will entertain us with her 12 step beauty program. Jennifer focuses on helping anyone with needs related to medical problems. She is both entertaining and informative. No products are promoted nor are there any sales. There will be a sign-up, so mark your calendar today!

Social Fee

Thank You Foxboro Green Residents

Many of you "double checked" to make sure that you had paid your Social Fee of $25.00. We were pleased to receive some of the outstanding fees. Unfortunately, there are still thirty-one occupied households who have not as yet paid.

Even the households who choose not to pay this "one time" fee, benefit from the rest who have donated. If you are ill, hospitalized or if there is a death - cards, flowers and donations are sent or given.

A good example of a recent use of the money was the purchase of benches for two of the change rooms. These benches cost approximately $314.00.

When our money "runs out" we will have to find other ways to replenish the funds so that the thoughtfulness of the community can be shown (cards, flowers, donations, etc.).

St. Patrick's Party
Marg Macdonald
Another wonderful Paddies' Day in Foxboro Green started with preparations for the great meal; decorating, setting up tables, and creating a green surround for the evening festivities. Key to the creative effort Charlotte Burnstine again twirled her ribbons, arranged her balloons and directed the troops as they placed the shamrocks.

Kennedy's brought a ton of Irish stew in a portable oven ready to serve, along with all the accoutrements, soda bread and butter. Beryl Boughey and Audrey Budden were kept thoroughly occupied ladling for the gang. After eating the Leprechaun on our Paddies' Day Cake we welcomed Tom Nairn and his singers from the Twin City Harmonizers. We even contributed our voices, sometimes even in tune, to join in their harmonies. We had two singers pulled from the audience to join the group. Maureen Wills and Sharon Mitchell graciously rose and sang with "the boys"! Oh, the joy of the Irish songs!

After the musical entertainment Lil Good demonstrated and then taught keen dancers some line dances. That was energizing and fun for all. Thank you Lil!!

We missed some people who had signed up and so we thank the Social Committee for providing extra financing to cover our expenses.

We thank all our volunteers for their help throughout the evening particularly our new chair of the Social Committee, Gail Hovey, who scraped the plates in a gorgeous pale yellow jacket (may never be the same again!). Thank you all!

Medications

Understanding Your Medications

Wed.,April 5th
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Meet with Augie Sherban, Pharmacist
Westmount Pharmacy & Foxboro Resident
Learn about your medications
Bring your questions!
See sign-up sheet in Mailroom

Mennonite Dinner

Noon Thursday April 13th

Marian's Country Cupboard in Hawksville.

This pre-Easter dinner was suggested by Jim Ainsworth.

Marian's Country Cupboard served up the first ever Foxboro Green Christmas dinner (organized by Jim). So for those of us who missed that superb meal we have this opportunity to enjoy Mennonite cuisine at it's best. There will be a full meal of turkey, beef, potato, salads and dessert for less than $20 per person ($14.95+tax and gratuity).

Jim will provide door prizes to add to our fun. After our dinner at noon we can wander around the Hawksville downtown area which has an amazing furniture shop and an excellent summer sausage shop.

Please sign-up in the Recreation Centre on the Special Events board. Car pooling will be arranged and maps provided to all drivers. Lets have fun together!!!!

We need to know who is coming by Friday April 7th to finalize menus and arrange transportation. This will be our first spring fling!

Table Cloths

Our New Table Cloths

Thank you Beryl Boughey - who made two beautiful new deep green table cloths for our long serving tables.

She and June Davies made an oil cloth for use at Happy Hours and at our BBQ's.

50/50 DRAW

50/50 DRAW WINNERS

February's lucky winner for a second time, Tom West.. A Leprechaun picked the ticket at St Patrick's and picked her own.
Congrats Ruth Dean!

Things to do at Wal-Mart while the Spouse is Taking His/Her Sweet Time:
Set all the alarm clocks to go off at ten minute intervals throughout the day.
Go into the dressing room and yell really loud..."Hey, we're out of toilet paper in here!"

Buying Trees

Bob's Suggestion for Buying Trees

If you are thinking of planting spruce trees, here is the best deal in town.
Blue Spruce
$20 to $25
Just north of St. Agatha
Eugene Streus - 634-8581 - Dig Your Own

Dance

At Our Place - Foxboro Centre

April 15th, 2000

Dancing 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Bring Your Own Drinks and Munchies

Are you interested in an evening of dancing and socializing?

Come down to The Centre on April 15th. We are going to have a trial run. If there is enough interest it could become a regular event in Foxboro Green's Social Life. The list of music we have so far, includes the fifties, rock and roll, big band, swing and cross over country.

Come meet more of your neighbours and have some fun.

For more information or any suggestion, call
Gail Ruppe - 634-9983
Connie Schaffer - 634-5268

New Event New Event New Event

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