February Fox Talk Digest VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 2000 Deadline for Submissions: 1st of each month Editors: Maurice & Ruth Dean 147 Foxboro Drive

Homeowners' Association

It would appear by the attendance of homeowners at this meeting that all the snowbirds have flown the coop. After last month's full house this meeting saw only five brave souls leave the warmth of the TV to attend.

The board approved the establishment of another committee, hopefully to bring the question of a property manager to a final conclusion.

This committee will prepare a package for all homeowners which will state the pro’s and cons of a property manager (for the community as a whole or only the Rec. Centre) with the costs involved and the scope and duties of the manager stated. It is planned that the package will be given to each homeowner in early May, so that condo meetings can be held by May 31st. These meetings are planned to provide homeowners input, they are not intended that they will be a vote for or against. The vote will come later when a final proposal will be presented to all homeowners for a conclusion on this topic which has been before the community for three to four years now, and needs to be resolved.

A lot of time and effort has been put into this problem by both committee members and some of the property management companies who have submitted proposals. We cannot expect that we will get the same co-operation if we keep shelving the decision until the next crisis arrives.

The system has worked reasonably well in the past, but can we continue expect volunteers to fill some of the responsible jobs that need to be done? There will always be a need for those who are willing, to tackle some of the jobs that have to be done. This community is reaching the point when it is becoming difficult to find those willing to accept positions that require a lot of one's time, as well as the responsibility that goes with it. The new Condominium Act demands even more from condo directors, so it will more difficult to find those prepared to take on that responsibility.

It is anticipated that a decision will be made by the board at the July meeting, so that a final vote can be taken by the end of July.

The board approved, subject to a legal review, the procedure to be adopted for those wishing to make applications for alterations/improvements to homesites, and/or common areas abutting homesites. This procedure is intended to meet the requirements of the new condo act and once finalized, the board will inform homeowners of the process and establish an Applications Review Committee.

A recommendation to revise by-law #1 was approved. This will permit the election of any officer of a condo to a position on the Executive Committee, if no candidates on the board are willing to stand for election to Executive positions. This item will also require the approval of homeowners at a future condo meeting.

The board was informed that the Region is investigating the paving of shoulders at the main entrance and should report back in the spring with a proposal.

The treasurer presented a status report (budget to actual) up to the end of December. This indicates that the association is currently operating $4429.00 under budget but several large expenditures were not invoiced by December 31^st. Also the 16^th condo was to be registered by November 15^th with revenue starting in January. However, this has not happened yet, due to delays at the Registry Office. Registration is now expected within the next week.

The board also accepted the Financial Statements prepared by the firm of McDougall & Hardy for the fiscal year ending September 30,1999. The same firm was appointed to provide a review of the financial statements for the fiscal year ending in 2000.

Bob Barnhart expressed his concern over homeowners using the construction road to the east of the main entrance. All homeowners are reminded that this road is for the exclusive use of FGI construction traffic. It is possible that the region could withdraw the permit granted to FGI for this road, which would mean that all construction traffic will have to use the main entrance. This road will be closed to all traffic upon completion of the community. At that time it will become an entrance and exit for emergency service vehicles only, in the event that the main entrance is not useable. So we may as well get used to the idea now, and spend the extra 10 seconds to use the proper entrance.

The Rec. Centre Committee submitted a report outlining several expenditures on maintenance items, and received approval to do a complete carpet cleaning, as well as to apply a fungicide application to areas around the pool and in the change rooms. The board was also informed that the preventive maintenance program is now showing results. Recently two major expenditures were avoided because equipment was inspected before it failed.

The board was informed that the Chair of the Presentation Centre Committee has had to withdraw and others on the committee are away for the winter. The result is that the work of the committee has come to a full stop. An attempt will be made to get the committee functioning again.

This meeting did not last as long as the December meeting, however, that mystery phone caller from the December meeting called again. The plot thickens. The board continues to wrestle with a lot of issues, I’m reminded of that saying "as much as things change the more they stay the same". It seems to the writer that we continue to go over the same issues. We need to resolve the property manager issue now, or it will continue to haunt us for years to come.

The next meeting of the board is Monday March 20^th, 2000 at 7:00 p.m. Will the mystery caller strike again?

Recreation Centre

After some minor inconveniences, all systems are back to normal. Pool lights and all furnaces are now working.

Approval has been given to have all carpeting in the Centre cleaned which will likely be done in late March.

Some water damage has occurred around the pool windows; estimates and approval for repairs will be pursued.

The mail room problems seem to be resolved. Residents are reminded that junk mail is not to be put into the OUTGOING MAIL slot, or left in the mail room. If you do not wish to receive junk mail, please tape a note to that effect onto the bottom your mailbox, or contact the post office at 662-1660.

Ron Donaldson will be away Feb. 11^th to Mar. 5^th. In his absence Eric Plevka will be responsible for the Centre with Tom West as a back-up.

Rosemary Schaaf will be taking Rec. Centre bookings during February while Olga Teply is away.

Jack Davis, our excellent cleaner, clears the snow away from the front door on Monday and Friday mornings, when necessary. No other formal arrangements have been made for snow clearing of this area.

After a snow fall, if any resident feels energetic, there is a snow shovel at the front door. It would really be wonderful if the area around the kitchen door and the garbage enclosure were to be kept clear.

All efforts will be much appreciated.

 

Care Committee

Contact your Care Committee representative. He or she will then make the necessary arrangements to help you. That help could be for light cleaning, meals, transportation, and much more. You do not have to phone people yourself. Let the Care Committee do it for you. The reason for the Committees' existence is to make things easier for everyone.

Marg Macdonald (634-5633) or Eileen Fairweather (634-8924) will put you in touch with your coordinator. The Oct./99 issue of Fox Talk gave a complete list of the coordinators and their telephone numbers.

No need to be "stuck". There are outside agencies to help you too. Your Care Coordinator will be able to tell you the agency that you should contact for your particular need or needs.

Below is an extremely short list of some outside help agencies. There are many, many more available for your use.

Seniors for Seniors Many Services 585-0845

Wilmot Transit Transportation 634-8444

VON Health Care 894-0880

Home Helpers and more

Keeping In Touch Care Committee

Welcome cards & Recreation Centre information were delivered to Pamela & Victor Wrzesniewski, Mary & Bruce Boucher and Marg & Robert Leppington

Joanne Grischow received a sympathy card and flowers on the death of her mother. Wilbur Miller received flowers and a card after his stay in hospital. Joan Roberts also received card and flowers after her hospital experience. Al Smith's fruit basket is speeding his recovery.

Foxboro Curling

On Sunday Jan 23^rd, 2000, curlers both avid, occasional as well as rookies, met at the Foxboro Recreation Centre for an afternoon of curling. The format was divided into three parts:

1. Instruction in the basic rules and techniques of the game for those rookies, like me.
2. A chance to play the game at the Westmount Golf and Country Club curling rinks with Foxboro curlers providing helpful tips and much needed encouragement. We even had our own cheering section.
3. Later a delicious potluck dinner at the Recreation Centre.

What a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon! It seemed to me that everyone had a terrific time and I certainly enjoyed my introduction to curling. First of all, I wasn't aware that I had muscles – enough muscles to send a forty-two pound granite stone down a sheet of ice approximately one hundred and thirty-eight feet long. Secondly, I have learned a completely new vocabulary – "hack" is not a taxi but a block sticking out of the ice for either a left or right foot. A "curl" is not a wavy strand of hair but a rock released with a spin. A "tee" is a term used both by curlers and golfers alike and finally "takeout" doesn't always refer to fast food.

A big thanks to everyone who pitched in and made this day a big success, and I didn't even fall once!!!

A REPEAT WARNING

Last February we warned residents about the possibility of carbon monoxide getting into their homes. Again this February we would like to repeat the warning.

Make sure that the two black plastic pipes which lead from the furnace to the outside and the outside air intake to the furnace are kept clear of snow.

Zehrs Tapes

The Social Committee collects Zehrs tapes. There is an envelope in the Mail Room into which the tapes may be deposited. Zehrs gives us money for them, thereby being one of our sources of revenue. Naturally this all goes to help our fair village.

Craft Corner

Time: 1:00 p.m.

This month we will be painting "Welcome" signs.

See sign-up sheets in the Craft Room.

For further information, please call June Davies at 634-5724.

Past Special Events

Dick Dean, again completely mobile, had his volunteers so well organized that the decorations were back in the Rec. Centre within the hour ready to be stored. Dick and Doreen, Don and Rita Hill, all volunteers - "Thank you!".

 

Yes indeed May with her "All you lads and lasses, please now raise your glasses for a toast to the __", got the Millennium crowd whooping while Ken, fingers running nimbly over the keys, kept everyone singing as we sang the songs of the different decades. Larry Skitch led us through the early decades while Don Fraser crooned the songs of the middle decades and Russ Wilson rocked us with songs of the 60's and 70's. All three songsters sang songs of the 80's and 90's.

May introduced each decade with her poetry for example here's how she described the 30's:

"Doom and gloom, the dirty thirties, faces so forlorn but sex was still affordable (for many of us were born!)" and for the 60's

"The world picks up its pace now

There's a race for outer space now

There's bobby sox and juke. "

We all had a super time. Every year those attending provided the food and there was lots for the 70 people who attended. In fact it was impossible to eat it all so we saved some for the "decorations down" day. We thank everyone who participated with us. We opened the millennium with gusto!

CPR
Marg Macdonald

CPR Recertification Monday, February 7^th at 1:00 p.m. If anyone wishes to renew, please call Marg Macdonald 634-5633. Course is 4 hours. Cost: $30.

Personalized foot care by VON: The VON will come to Foxboro for those who wish to have foot care. If you are interested please call Marg Macdonald at 634-5633.

Community Calendar

Feb. 2000

Fri. 4^th 4:30 p.m. Happy Hour

Sat. 12^th 8:00 p.m. Valentine's Celebration

Wed. 23^rd 1:00 p.m. Craft Corner

Mar. 2000

Fri. 3^rd 4:30 p.m. Happy Hour

Fri. 17^th ?:?? St. Patrick's Celebration

Mon. 20^th 7:00 p.m. Home Owners Association

Upcoming Special Events
Marg Macdonald

The "Very Valentine" Celebration

That's us, les gorgeous gals! - we're very Valentine!

Yes all yee laddies - get yourselves ready to celebrate with your Valentine. At the Centre we will have music for dancing, videos of special Foxboro events, snacks and a great big Valentine cake.So be there Saturday February 12^th starting at 8:00 p.m.

 

St. Patrick's

Tom Nairn and his quartet from the Twin City Harmonizers, are "warming up" to get ready to entertain us Friday, March 17^th. Mark your calendar today - a highlight of our year is the day of the wearin' of the green.

Woodworking Club
Fred Rastel

Welcome to our new members Sven Orum, Herb Stamm, Tom West and Don Fraser.

Minutes of our fall meeting are posted in the shop. Refer to item ten of the minutes regarding overnight borrowing of tools.

Any member requiring assistance on a machine should refer to the list of members who are willing to help. The list is posted in the shop.

Tuesday mornings from 9 a.m. until noon, members are invited to meet informally at the shop to share ideas or just socialize.

New residents are welcome to join the club. Contact me at 634-9945.

 

HELP

WOODWORKERS URGENTLY REQUIRED

TWO OR THREE PEOPLE

TO MAKE

BENCHES FOR THE CHANGE ROOMS

CALL FRED 634-9945

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