February Fox Talk
Digest
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 1 2001
Deadline for Submissions:
1st of each month
Editors: Maurice & Ruth Dean
147 Foxboro Drive

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Articles:
Homeowners Association
Doug Hutchison
Leave of Absence

Events:
Calendar
New Year's Eve
Bowling
Valentine Dance
GARAGE SALE
Special Events
Past Events

Social:
Social Committee
Aquabelles
Decorations
Angel Tree
Curling
Woods Edge Court

Notices:
Tablecloths
Cold feet?
Care Committee
Recipe
Woodworkers
Winners
Cribbage Board
Joke

Foxboro Green in White

Snowbirds you just don't know what you are missing! Well, for one thing, believe it or not "snow". This winter we appear to be making up for the last two relatively milder winter seasons. Note that we didn't say "this year" because the month of January did not live up to what we feared based on December snowfall. The amount of snow we got in December made those who delayed their southern trip, and probably those who temporarily returned for a family Christmas, wish they had arranged otherwise.

We're not saying we had a lot of snow in terms of "when we were your age the snow was..." but when you start to worry about where you are going to put it when you clear the driveway, then that's a fair bit of the white stuff to move. Of course, in the winter the only time you really get to meet the neighbours is when you are shoveling, snow.

Anyway it appears that a bunch of neighbours, in an area locally known as "Upper Foxboro" (mainly because it is about the highest part of the village) were pondering the problem of snow re-distribution. The snow banks had got so high that throwing it higher entailed the use of a ladder. The best thing to do, it was agreed, was to club together and buy a snow thrower (just as another group, more far sighted but slightly lower down the hill, had done the year before).

No sooner said than done. Scouts were sent out to review the market but came back with the sad news that there were no mechanical snow throwers available. It seemed that others had been hit with the same idea and, horrors, had stripped the shelves, or floors, wherever these machines are stabled. In the "never say die tradition", effort was put into sending the fingers walking through the yellow pages until, finally, a machine was located at the far end of Kitchener.

Within the hour a detail was sent off to make the acquisition. Two very strong young men loaded the machine into the van and a short time later four, slightly older, men managed to unload it without damage to either the machine or the men. All well and good, but that must have been the signal to Mother Nature to turn off the faucet. The poor guys haven't had a real chance to play with their new toy. Oh well! If it never snows again it can be looked on as snowfall insurance.

Community Calendar

February 2001
Thurs. 1st Mennonite Luncheon
Fri. 2nd 4:30 p.m. Happy Hour
Sat. 10th 8:00 p.m. Valentines Dance

March 2001
Fri. 2nd 4:30 p.m. Happy Hour
Wed. 14th Canada Blooms
Sat. 17th St. Pat's Celebration

Upcoming Special Events
Secretary-Marg Macdonald
Mennonite Luncheon: Thursday, February 1st
By now you will have signed up for our luncheon at Marian's Country Cupboard, our second visit there. It is an opportunity to visit together in the dead of winter in a cosy, nourishing environment. As only groups of 10 or more are able to book in this restaurant we are happy to arrange this for Foxboro residents. We will report on the event in March!

Canada Blooms: Wednesday, March 14th

Also we hope that you have signed up for this great show of flowers in bloom held every year at the Convention Centre in Toronto. Ron Bleier suggested this adventure. He met half of Foxboro over tulips and forsythia last year and thought why don't we do this trip the care free way, on a beautiful bus as a group. Ruth Cooke & Marg Macdonald are organizing this within the community, while bus booking and entry tickets are arranged through the company called "Outings" who may in the future arrange other group activities for us. If you have missed the sign-up please call Marg or Ruth to get on a stand-by list. The trip (bus fare and entry fee) must be paid by January 26th so advance sales are necessary. We look forward to a great day!

St Patrick's Celebration: Saturday, March 17th

Mark your calendar today! We will have Kennedy's famous Irish stew with "Soda bread" (a great hit last year). Following dinner traditional Irish music will be performed by the Twin City Harmonizer's now in their third year of entertaining Foxboro Green with songs. Warm up your voices as we will be singing along! This year our singers will be "Second Career" a group of 7 retirees who now barbershop! We also hope to hear the dulcet tones of our own Tom Nairn. Look for the sign-up soon!

Ruth Cooke, chair of the Special Events committee, has great ideas for new activities.

There are exciting plans in the works which include a trip to Casino Rama (mid-May) and a "Shunpiking" Mennonite Tour (mid-June). So again keep your eyes on our special events board for the latest info.

If you have any suggestions don't hesitate to call Ruth or any of her committee.

F.G. Bowling League
Joan Beveridge
The F.G. Bowling League finished the season in fine style, with a Pizza/Wine party at Riverside Lanes. Lots of fun and some very strange bowling positions, definitely not your normal styles.

At least twenty-five persons have re-signed for winter, which leaves eleven positions open. Started January 15th, 2001.

BEAT THE WINTER BLAHS AND COME ON OUT. WE'RE NON-COMPETITIVE AND AT ALL LEVELS OF EXPERTISE???
IF INTERESTED
Contact Joan at 634-5956

Valentine Dance

Saturday, February 10th
8:00 p.m. - ??
The Rec. Centre

Bring your sweetie and join us
for an evening of dancing and
fun with your neighbours

for more information
See the "sign-up sheet" in the Mail Room
or call
Gail Ruppe at 634-9983
Connie Schaffer at 634-5268

GARAGE SALE

Keep Saturday, May 26th Open
??? WHY ???
This is the date for which everyone has been waiting
Our 2nd Biennial
GARAGE SALE
The biggest in Wilmot Township
Volunteers Needed
Contact Bob Price
634-5243

Past Events
Marg Macdonald
Christmas Dinners

Our Christmas dinners were magical this year. Barb Lashbrook and her team created the magic with their decorations. Candles lit up each table.

On the table to start us off on our banquet were home-made breads and melted brie cheese! Each course of the dinner was excellent, from crisp salads with chef-made dressings to tender beef with braised potato and mixed fresh vegetables and all this followed by chocolate mousse and cakes and cookies. Congratulations to Brigitte of Krystie Creative Cuisine! Two hundred Foxboro residents enjoyed this event.

The "After Eights" took over singing songs of Christmas. They sang, we all sang. What an evening!

New Year's Eve
Ruth Dean

This was our first time attending this event. We were really impressed. People told us that they liked the relaxed atmosphere (nothing structured). If you wanted to dance there was music or if you just wanted to sit and chat, your choice.

The evening went over so well that some didn't want to leave. It finally was left that the last out had to turn off the lights and lock the doors. The next morning was clean-up and several tired merrymakers arrived ready, willing and "sort of" able.

Blanche Douey and her volunteers are to be congratulated on the success of this event AND A SUCCESS IT WAS.

Organizer, Blanche Douey; Decorations, Blanche Douey and Charlotte Burnstine; Master of Ceremonies, Bob Price; Music, Ken Smith and volunteers; Set-up and Clean-up Crews, volunteers.

Decorations Down
Marg Macdonald
A small but energetic team ran around Foxboro defrocking us of our Christmas decor and carefully storing everything for Christmas 2001. We will miss the colour and sparkle but the absence being temporary we can start looking forward to next year.

We appreciate all those who took Sunday afternoon to help. New residents have been very active in helping over the Christmas season especially New Year's and Decorations Down. Participants were rewarded with light refreshments and good company.

Doreen and Dick Dean, Rita and Don Hill again directed the action with their usual competence. Thank you one and all!

Our Community Gives!
Marg Macdonald
Angel Tree - Our Community Gives! Congratulations Foxboro Green Santas! We filled 5 enormous boxes with gifts for the children of Wilmot Township. We thank Marg Harris who suggested using an angel tree to transmit the Wilmot Family Resource Centre's requests for gifts.

Curling
May Aquilina
Foxboro's Curling Day A very good time was had by all.

Foxboro had its curling day the third year in a row,

We had three sheets of ice in play, next year we'll try for four,

So when curling comes around again, in year 2 thousand 2

Don't hesitate, write down your name,
we want to play with you.

Woods Edge Court
Mary Anne MacLean
Christmas Dinner

On Thursday, Dec. 7th, Woods Edge Court neighbours gathered at The Brittany in New Hamburg for a delicious Christmas dinner. Dessert (contributed by all the neighbours in attendance) and a Christmas Sing-Song (accompanied by Abe Thiessen on violin and Marilew West on piano) followed, at the home of Harvey and Betty Riedlinger. A post sing-song piano recital was performed by Ella Dietrich. Harvey, the Carol Books were great!

Many thanks to Harvey and Betty for their gracious hospitality. Let's hope the tradition continues.

Special Notice

"Complaining Notices" with indecipherable initials put on the bulletin board do not help to resolve problems.

The best way to get any problems solved is to provide Theresa Tewfik (our Property Manager) with all of the details in writing, signed and dated.. Theresa will see to it that the right party is notified and hopefully the matter will be cleared up to everyone's satisfaction.

We (the editors) have also been asked to remind people that anything put on the bulletin board is to be signed, dated and the size no larger than 81/2" by 5".

Attention Woodworkers
Fred Rastel
Please do not paint or use lacquers on you projects inside the shop. The offensive (and possibly toxic) odours will spread to other areas of the Rec. Centre through the ventilation system. We request that you "finish" your projects at home, not in the workshop.

Our apologies to the residents using the Centre on January 4th for the objectionable fumes.

Missing Tablecloths

We are still missing two white, round tablecloths. Please check your cupboards. Thank you.

Old-fashioned Remedy
Jim Ainsworth
Jim's Old-fashioned Remedy Cold feet??? Did you know that if you sprinkle some pepper inside your boots in the wintertime, that it will keep your feet warm when you are outside?

Care Committee

Keeping In Touch Our sympathy for Maurice Dean who lost his brother in December.

Marg Macdonald received a Christmas basket of goodies following her ankle surgery. A card and plant were given to Pat Tibbles after surgery on her foot.

Flowers and a card were sent to Mavis Allan on the passing of her mother. A card was given and a donation was made to the House of Friendship on behalf of Barb Muma after the loss her mother.

A card and a plant were given to Bill Balcomb after his overnight stay in the hospital.

The Aquabelles!!!
Marg Macdonald
Who are we? We are the only swimmers who bounce the ball 120 times 3 times a week! We are the quietest of all the swim groups (?), concentrating on our task at hand, because, if we don't, Marjorie Clark speaks very firmly to us. Wilma Wilkinson does, from time to time, tell jokes, most of which cannot be repeated outside the pool! Flora Congdon can always be relied upon to make certain that everyone does every exercise when the "big cheese" (Marg Macdonald) is absent. Flora is, amongst this elite group, most famous and revered for her fabulous carrot cake which she has to produce for each social event! Rosemary Schaaf has to be pulled along through every exercise. She regards the noodle as her "Lazy Boy" so while we pedal furiously around in the deep she tippy toes her way around in shallow waters! Brenda Sinclair needs to be kept busy or she drifts off into some other activity, singing, dreaming and floating etc. Joan Roberts is always focused, working to regain strength after her surgery.

We exercise every body part so that when we leave the pool, and after a long discussion in the hot tub, we're all limber and ready to take on the world. If you need a regular, thorough work-out which concentrates on strengthening your back and maintaining flexibility in achy joints we're the gang for you.

Call Marg Macdonald for more information!

FROM THE AQUABELLES The Aquabelles are under the capable direction of Marg Macdonald who has no qualms about issuing directions such as "tummy in", "buttocks tight" and "back straight". In spite of all those command we do have fun but question the results. Thanks for your help, Marg.

Brenda, Marjorie, Joan, Flora, Rosemary, and Wilma

Recipe Corner
Audrey Euler
Hamburger Soup 1 lb. hamburger 1/4 cup chopped onion (generous)
3 tbsp. butter

Brown, then drain off fat.

3 cups tomato soup 1 1/2 cups water
2 cans cream of celery soup 2 cups shredded carrots
1/4 tsp. marjoram 1 bay leaf
1 tsp. sugar 1/2 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic salt

No need for salt as celery soup is salty. Combine all ingredients and simmer for 45 minutes or longer.

This is something nice to take to a sick friend or to someone who has just come home from the hospital.

Homeowners Association
Graham Macdonald

Property Manager
Theresa Tewfik is getting to know our residents during her office hours on site (Tuesday and Friday, 9-12 noon) and through the many phone calls she is fielding. She has attended every Executive Committee and Board meeting. All Rec. Centre bookings are now handled by her. She has set up meetings with potential suppliers and consultants and obtained competitive proposals for the water sampling contract in addition to obtaining information from the Region and the Ministry of the Environment. She helped in procuring the new mats in the mail room to respond to a safety concern. Currently, the pool service contract pricing is being re-tendered with her help. She even responded to a resident who wanted a sick racoon removed from the property - it was gone within an hour. As we move into March we shall be reviewing the role of the manager with the Sanderson Management team. The experience and assistance of these people is of great help to the Board, the Executive and the residents.

Residents are encouraged to call Theresa for response to maintenance or safety concerns, or any matter relating to the management of the community. She has an answering machine at the Rec. Centre (634-8807), or at her Sanderson Management office (742-3200). If it is an emergency, a call to the Sanderson Office will give you a 24 hour response number at any time.

New Vice Chairs Elected

We are pleased to welcome Hanne Pedersen and Charles Connell to the positions of Vice Chair. We thank Jim Allen for serving for a year and a half. His help was much appreciated. Jim asked to be replaced following significant changes in his family commitments which now allow him the freedom to travel and visit warmer climes once again.

Update on the Conveyance of Remaining Assets to the Condominiums

The issue of the conveyance of the remaining assets from Foxboro Green Inc. has become very muddied by concerns over the completion of the site by the developer. In this article I hope to provide some clarification. The main issues being raised are:

a) Operational problems with the Waste Treatment Plants with concern that the Region may not take them over on time, or that we may be hit with additional costs to rectify problems. Please be assured that these plants are not part of the conveyance of the remaining assets. They will be conveyed to the Region. We have been given assurance by the Region's lawyer that there is no way that we can be singled out for special charges. The odour problems continue to be addressed by the developer and the manufacturers. Problems that have occurred with the operation are not repetitions of a single cause, but have been different failures every time. There is every indication that the Region will take over these plants in a timely fashion. We are told that the plants will then be operated by the Ontario Clean Water Agency which already operates most of the Region's waste treatment plants.

b) The incomplete roads and their present poor condition. An opinion on the remedial work required on the roads has been prepared as part of a Condition Assessment that has been completed for us by Courtland Engineering. We have a written agreement with the developer that this opinion will be used as information by his Engineers and Geo-technical consultants when preparing the specifications for the remediation and final asphalting of the roads. In addition inspections will be made by the Township of Wilmot engineer. The Township continues to hold Letters of Credit against the completion of these works and there will be a two year warranty following.

The community should also note that the roads and the underlying piping systems are already part of the common elements of one or more of the earlier condominiums. The roads are not part of the assets remaining to be conveyed.

Regarding the conveyance of the remaining lands and facilities (the assets) from Foxboro Green Inc. to the Condominiums, the deadline for a decision was set for January 31st. This was to allow the developer time for preparation of the proper form of survey and legal documentation for registration of the 19th condo, probably in late February. All eighteen Condos have now consented by resolution to have the assets conveyed to them as tenants in common. However, Condo 281 has made its acceptance conditional upon receiving assurance that the developer has met his obligations under the Development Agreement. It is not yet clear what effect this condition will have on the process.

The complexity of the legal structure of our community is undeniable. It is a structure the legality of which lawyers can argue over, but they can only express opinions about it until such time, if ever, a court decision is rendered that stands the test of what would probably be a lengthy appeal process. We hope that this will never be necessary. This structure was set up over six years ago, long before the New Condominium Act was given Royal Assent and published. In the meantime, we have agreements in place between the developer, the township, the Region and all condominiums, their owners, and the Homeowners Association which allow the Association to govern the community with the co-operation of the condominiums. Legal advice and common sense tells us to continue to operate in accordance with these agreements until the proclamation of the New Act after which we will have the ability to amalgamate and to eliminate the unwieldy form of governance that we live with now. After amalgamation all arguments over "assets" or "common elements" become moot - we will have only "common elements".

We sincerely hope that the efforts of the Board of Management and their Executive in this complex environment will be trusted and supported by you. We are all volunteers, owners and your elected representatives. We are all acting in good faith to make this the best community possible for the benefit of all.

Leave of Absence for the Chair

The Board has granted Peter Schmidt a leave of absence until the end of May. Peter has commitments to several church congregations across Canada to organize fund raising campaigns. While Peter will be in and out of the community, Graham Macdonald has been appointed Acting Chair.

Editors' Note

Each condo president has in his/her possession, a copy of a letter dated January 11th, 2001 and revised January 12th, 2001. This letter is signed by Bob Barnhart (as president of F.G.I.) and addressed to the Foxboro Green Property Assessment Committee.

The letter covers the following items, Exterior Stucco, Swimming Pool and Change Rooms, Rec. Centre Parking Lot, Pathways, Roadway Pavement, Catch Basins, Manholes, Site Drainage, Sewage Disposal System and Misc. site amenities. We understand that the above areas were covered by the Courtland Engineering Consultants' report.

Bob Barnhart states what they (F.G.I.) will be willing to do in all of the aforementioned areas in paragraph two.

We were told that if you are interested in seeing this letter, simply contact your condo president and it will be made available for your perusal.

Winners

Cribbage Tournament Winners On Sunday, January 28th, a cribbage tournament was held at the Rec. Centre. The big winners were:-
1st place
Bill Hall
2nd place
Jim Ainsworth
Was it skill or just plain luck?? Congratulations to both.

Superbowl Winners

Big winners, with absolutely no skills whatsoever, were
Jim Brodie
Ron Bleier
Jan Price
Tom West
A prize was awarded at each quarter and a great time was had by all who attended the Superbowl party at the Centre.

Cribbage Board

Have You Noticed?

We now have a permanent cribbage board table and a permanent jigsaw puzzle table at The Centre.

Our understanding is, that residents will be supplying jigsaw puzzles. Check with Ron Bleier first before taking down all your old puzzles.

The idea is that when you "pop in" to The Centre, saunter over to this table and try to put in some of the pieces. Don't worry about finishing it at that time, as others will be helping to do it too.

On Sunday, January 28th , Isobel Smith, Elsie Hall, Tom West and others managed to complete one of the puzzles.

Was it skill or good luck?? We'll never know.

Joke

Medical The patient was lying in bed, still groggy from the effects of the recent operation. His doctor came in, looking very glum.

"I can't be sure what's wrong with you," the doctor said. "I think it's the drinking ."

"Okay," the patient said. "Can we get an opinion from a doctor who's sober?"

Doug Hutchison

So Long It's Been Good to Know You, Doug If you haven't already heard, Doug Hutchison is no longer associated with Foxboro Green Inc. Doug had been hired by FGI on a five year contract which has now expired, so Doug has moved on to new pastures.

Everyone at Foxboro Green had some contact with Doug. Many first met him soon after signing on to buy our homes and we began to get to know the calibre of people at FGI.

Doug certainly had the patience of "Job" as we pestered him with all the changes that we needed to have done on our future homes. Move that wall to here, no let's put it there, no let's not have a wall, on second thought put it back were it was.

At many a board meeting Doug was the cooling, calming influence long after most of us had lost it and we were almost ready to throw in the towel. Doug would bring us back to his belief that we all had the same interests at heart.

I had once said to him in jest that FGI should slow down the sales, he would work himself out of a job. Doug remarked that was the idea.

We wish you well, Doug, in all your future endeavours.

Drop in to see us sometime.

Keith Boughey

Editors' Note:
Thanks Keith, for saying how all of us at Foxboro Green feel about Doug Hutchison.

Social Committee

Foxboro Green Social Committee Financial Statement - 2000

BALANCE FORWARD JANUARY 1, 2000 $2,764.50

RECEIPTS
Social Fees $1,612.50

Fund Raising
50/50 Draws 436.50
Zehrs Tapes 267.06
Weekender Wear 153.60
Party Lites 116.00
Avon 70.00 1,043.16

Social Events
St. Patrick's Dinner 573.00
Mennonite Luncheon Outing 40.00
Men's Pancake Breakfasts (2) 136.95
Canada Day 1,348.50
Barbecue - Sept. 5th 472.90
Shunpiking 95.69
Wine & Cheese Event 51.07
Christmas Dinners 4,900.00
Special Events float - rebate 5.55 7,623.66

Donations
Curlers (designated to fund for keyboard) 76.50
Travel Club 15.72
Oktoberfest Busing 9.34 101.56
Total Receipts 10,380.88

EXPENDITURES
Care Committee
Memorial Donations, Flowers, Cards, etc. 580.00

Social Events
Special Events Committee - floats 100.00
St. Patrick's Dinner 658.33
Canada Day 817.61
Wine & Cheese Event 32.45
Happy Hours & Wine & Cheese - Refreshments 37.90
Christmas Decorations 462.76
Christmas Dinners & Entertainment 4,350.00
Decorations Up Event 85.48
New Year's Decorations 133.87 6,678.40

Purchases
Benches for Change Rooms 304.75
Patio Tables 241.50
Fire Permit 15.00
Wilmot Twp. Ribbons for Homecoming 38.00
Calculator 30.77
Stationery & Stamps 40.16
Kitchen Supplies 61.64
Table Cloths 47.35 779.17
Bank Service Charges & Cheques 50.41
Total Expenditures 8,087.98
BANK BALANCE - DECEMBER 31st, 2000 $5,057.40
Audrey Darbyshire, Treasurer

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