July Fox Talk Digest VOLUME 5, ISSUE 7 1999 Deadline for Submissions: 1st of each month Editors: Maurice & Ruth Dean 147 Foxboro Drive

ERNIE WHITLOCK

It is with sorrow that we heard of the passing of Ernie. Even though we did now know him well, any time we ran into him, he was always so very pleasant.

Ernie was always ready and willing to help and volunteered his services regularly. It was always a pleasure to talk to him. He was well known for those famous chicken wings that he helped to cook and serve at many of our functions down at The Centre. He will be sorely missed by all who met him.

Our sympathy goes out to Betty and her family.

Care Committee

On July 18th, Carl Jastremski, (chiropractor) of the Health Coach Wellness & Vitality Centre, New Hamburg, addressed 35 residents of Foxboro Green. He began with a very informative slide presentation showing the mental and physical stress our bodies are subjected to when exposed to improper diet and when the body lacks exercise or adequate rest. After a short "health" break during which all enjoyed cranberry and apple juice, Carl answered residents' questions. There was a lot of positive feedback. Residents showed great interest in the information Carl provided and many have expressed the desire to have him back. We thank Carl for giving up a free afternoon to come to speak to us.

The Care Committee is planning another health presentation for the fall. We will be looking to provide our community with more information about health services in our area. Look for more news in your next Fox Talk. Remember if you have any need for help in relation to a current health problem you are experiencing, please call your Care Co-ordinator.

THANK YOU TO OUR POKER GANG!

As a part of their fun our poker players saved enough money to buy bingo cards for Foxboro Green and $94.20 which they have donated to the social committee. We thank each one of you! - who says saving your pennies doesn't add up?

Correction

In the last issue of Fox Talk, I thanked the ladies of Foxboro for their contribution to the TOUQUES FOR TIKES program. One of these ladies was JOAN ROBERTS, however, I thanked the wrong person. Joan Roberts has contributed more than 100 baby hats to this program; sorry about that slip, Joan, and thank you once again.

Wilma Wilkinson

Keeping In Touch

Welcome cards were given to Donald & Alice Becker, Stewart & Ellen Bowring, Jim & Ruth Cooke, Gary & Mary Loker and James & Sharon Mitchell,.

A donation was sent to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in memory of Ernie Whitlock. A sympathy card and a potted plant were given to Betty Whitlock

Flowers and a card were sent to Marcie Fry after her surgery.

Congratulations

Stan and Bea Mayhew won the Wellington-Waterloo County Seniors Lawn Bowling at the Seniors Heritage Club in Kitchener. My informant tells me that they now are slated to go to the area playdowns in Chatham. Good work!! All the best in the playdowns.

Your Services Are Needed

We understand that someone was not too satisfied with the article about our flag in the last issue of Fox Talk. It is difficult to come-up with something every month that will please everyone.

We would be happy to receive articles that YOU feel would be of interest to the people in our community. This is known as "throwing down the gauntlet".

The pieces should have an upbeat tone to them, as we are not in the business of tabloid reporting

Come on all you "would-be journalists", Fox Talk can always use new ideas.

TO THE NEWCOMERS IN OUR MIDST - WE NEED YOUR HELP!!

There are a lot of people who have moved in recently. Would you please consider volunteering your services? Many of our volunteers have been doing just that for quite a long time and they need a break.

You may say to yourself "I don't want to butt in". Please feel free to contact any of the people on the Social Committee (see names below) and they will be happy to help you and let you know where your services are needed.

Joan Roberts Audrey Darbyshire

Wilma Wilkinson Joan Beveridge

Jess Brown Rita Hill

Eileen Fairweather Marg Macdonald

Ruth Dean

Great Going Marcel

Marcel Latreille recently ran and finished a marathon (26 miles) in Winnipeg. The race was for the Handicapped Adults. This is a great achievement, I know that if I tried to run to the end of the street I'd be wiped-out. Now we have two marathon runners in our community, Ellen Walker and Marcel Latreille.

Special Activities

What a busy month we have had with a large and enthusiastic crowd attending Happy Hour Friday June 4th. Our 50/50 draw won by Larry Skitch now a two time winner!!

The fashion show highlighting "Weekenders" and "Fifth Avenue Jewelry" was an unqualified success thanks to Beryl Boughey and her models Marlies Walter, Sybil Dugdale, Jean Usaty and Ethel Groves. Pat Tibbles served juice while everyone rushed around trying things on and placing their orders. Watch out for all our gorgeous ladies wearing their new styles.

Editor's Note: We had a slight problem with the weatherman on July 1st, he decided not to co-operate with us this year. We just might fire him!! Some of the games were played and completed. I'm sure that Marg will let us know about the results at a later date. All being well the barbecue will take place on Monday.

Swimming

AGAIN AN URGENT REMINDER about cleanliness and our pool. Residents and guests must be meticulous about showering before entering the pool most especially in the summer when so many of us cover our skin with sun protector creams when playing outside. Creams last many hours on the skin. Creams will then wash off into the pool or whirlpool, leaving a greasy coat and necessitating extra cleaning. We ask everyone to be sure that all guests to our community follow this essential rule. Please shower!

Reminder #1 Grandchildren in diapers are not to use the pool. Any accident in the pool would necessitate pool closure, emptying and cleaning.

Reminder #2 Anyone with an infectious disease should not use the pool, that includes athletes foot disease. Band-Aids on cuts should be removed before swimming as they fall off into the pool.

We ask for your full co-operation so that we can all benefit from our pool every day.

We welcome everyone to use our pool noodles. We suggest however that grandchildren use the softer, lighter and more flexible noodles as they are more fun and easier for them to handle. The firmer noodles, newly purchased, are more appropriate for our noodle exercise programs.

Community Calendar

July 1999

Fri. 16th 4:30-6:30 p.m. Happy Hour

Tues. 27th 9:30 a.m. Christian Women's Club

Things Not to Say to a Cop

1. I can't reach my license unless you hold my beer.

(OK in Texas)

2. Sorry, Officer, I didn't realize my radar detector wasn't plugged in.

3. Hey, you must've been doin' about 125 mph to keep up with me. Good job!

4. You're not gonna check the trunk, are you?

5. Are you Andy or Barney?

6. Gee, Officer! That's terrific. The last officer only gave me a warning too!

7. I pay your salary!

8. Do you know why you pulled me over? Okay, just so one of us does.

9. I was trying to keep up with traffic. Yes, I know there are no other cars around. That's how far ahead of me they are.

10. When the Officer says "Gee Son...Your eyes look red, have you been drinking?" You probably shouldn't respond with "Gee Officer your eyes look glazed, have you been eating doughnuts?"

11. Aren't you the guy from the Village People?

FG HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

LAUNDRY - A REMINDER

Residents are asked to respect the rule which permits the use only of an approved umbrella type drying frame for outdoor clothes drying. We are not permitted to use clothes lines or to drape laundry over deck or balcony railings. Respect for this simple limitation will keep everyone happy. The exact wording of the rule can be found on page 23 of your Homeowner's Handbook, Rule 28.

Homeowner's Handbook Graham Macdonald

A copy of the Homeowner's Handbook has been distributed to every household. The overwhelming reaction has been very positive. We sincerely hope that you will all read the material in it which explains, in what we hope is a logical way, the documentation and structure of our community. You will also find in the book (Section D) the Rules of the community, and in Section C are lists of names of all the Condo Directors, of the Executive and of members of the major committees in the community.

Process For Complaints Graham Macdonald

We all get annoyed from time to time, sometimes enough to want "something done about it". If you have a legitimate complaint the Association will investigate and take action, but only on receipt of a written and signed letter giving the specific details. Correspondence should go to the Association Chair (I have a mailbox at my door) or to one of the other members of the Executive Committee. We cannot respond to hearsay or innuendo or anonymous information. Please be assured that we will keep confidential the name of the person complaining and that we will advise the action taken. If your concern relates to a member of your own Condominium you should first ask your Condo President to deal with it.

If you want to raise a concern or a problem with the site facilities you do not have to wait for a meeting of your Condo, nor ask that it be taken to the Board of Management meeting. In many cases, a phone call or a note to one of the Executive can get the matter resolved expeditiously without taking up the time of the 18 or so people at the Board meeting. Examples are the recent water leakage due to overload of one of the tile beds, and the safety concern due to the position of one of the signs at the front entrance.

Next Board Meeting Graham Macdonald

July 12 at 7 pm in the Rec Centre. As is now customary, there will be a 30 minute "Town Hall" session at the start where you can ask questions or present matters of community interest. You may also stay and listen to the proceedings. The Chair will use a microphone at the next meeting!

Foxboro Centre Report

I would like to sincerely thank the Recreation Centre Representatives and some residents who have done an outstanding job of maintaining the Centre over the past two years. In particular, my co-chair, Barry Becken who has worked closely with me to solve many problems that have come our way and chaired committee meetings in my absence. Olga Tepley and Larry Skitch are doing a great job managing the private party bookings. Larry took all the barbecues apart and cleaned them in readiness for the season. Bill Wills cleaned the outside furniture. Joan Roberts and her crew did a fantastic job of spring cleaning the whole kitchen. Bob Price made the frame for the air conditioner in the fitness room, put the cork on the wall in the billiard room, fixed the broken cupboard in the kitchen and repaired the DVD cable. Betty Spencer keeps all the books shelved in the library. Eric Plevka made a container for the aqua-fit noodles and clothes hooks on the sauna. June Davies takes care of the plants in the pool area (even when her arm was fractured). Wally Morrison tends the tennis court and Frieda McAdam is our secretary. Our biggest challenge was dealing with the resignation of our on site employee, Eric Plevka. We designated some chores to Jack Davis, our cleaner, who works here Monday and Friday mornings now. Other chores are being done by volunteer committee members who check the pool chemical balance a few times a day, chlorinate the pool and hot tub, order supplies, put out the garbage and deal with the Health Inspector. Barry Becken, Bud Lawrence, Mary Wright and myself are doing these jobs at present. I had to familiarize myself with the mechanical operation of the pool and building. I spent many days studying all the manuals involved. No easy task for a mechanically challenged person! I would also like to thank my wife, Wendy, who has been a real helpmate to me. She has typed, taken countless messages, covered for me when I was on trips, and most of all given me moral support.

In order to have the Centre function efficiently it is necessary to liaison with both the Executive and Social Committees. I attend all meetings and Barry attends when I am away. In addition, we have year round Recreation Centre Committee meetings where concerns are discussed, positions of responsibility are assigned, rules are reviewed, and policy is recommended to the Executive. In addition to regular maintenance items the following improvements have been made to the building: new flag, fabric shower curtains, fan and air conditioner for fitness room, new speakers, pool bulletin board, air filter in woodworking room and screens on the windows. At present we are having the defective window in the pool replaced, repainting where necessary, and the installation of an automatic chemical control for the pool which will cut down on the volunteer labour.

By far the most detested chore is advising residents when they are not in compliance with rules. The majority of residents and their guests observe the rules; however, there have been reports of some people not showering before swimming, which is a violation of the Health Department regulations. Also, it has been reported that a resident entered the pool area by having a guest open the outside door beside the pool. This causes dirt from the patio area to be tracked onto the pool deck and is strictly prohibited. Those doors are for exit only. Entry to the pool must be through the change rooms.

Almost every resident has complied with our request to not leave junk mail in the mail room but one or two people are still leaving theirs on the mail room shelf. If you do not want junk mail please put a note to that effect in your mailbox. If you continue to get it please report your problem to the post office.

Some residents are not aware of how to access the elevator. The key is in the key box, which is by the coat racks to your right as you enter the Centre. It is key #24.

Residents have offered many items to the Centre but we have experienced problems. For example, one item that we thought was donated was actually loaned. When the owner retrieved the item time was spent trying to locate it and the assumption was that it was stolen. When one resident's donation was not accepted there was a great deal of anger generated. Given these circumstances as well as the fact that most items are not wanted we were faced with establishing a policy re donations. The committee unanimously decided to decline with thanks all donations. However, they left an escape clause by stating that some donations may be requested. In each instance, the owners of the item must deal with their own representative. The correct way to be part of the decision-making is to become involved in the process.

I would respectfully request that if you have a problem with Committee policy, please do your rep the courtesy of asking for an explanation. It is frustrating to have a policy publicly ridiculed when no attempt has been made to find out the reason or if, in fact, such a policy even exists! Don't rely on gossip from your neighbour - there are always two sides to every story. We appreciate your input and ideas but please not at social functions, much less every time you see us. All written concerns will be discussed and responded to in writing. I urge those residents who have ideas for improvements or problems with the present maintenance to please offer your services this fall, as there will be several positions open. If you want the Centre to continue to be run as cost efficiently as it is now, the Committee will need all the help it can get. It has been my pleasure to chair the committee for the past two years. I have derived a great deal of satisfaction from knowing that I have contributed to the community and have done so in a collaborative and cost effective manner. The help and understanding of the majority of the community has been greatly appreciated

Grounds Committee

The outdoor season is here. Everyone is sprucing up their homesite to enjoy summer activities; B.B.Q's., entertaining family and friends, walking the pathways, and lots more. Wouldn't it be nice if on SUNDAYS when visitors are plentiful, you didn't spoil the serenity of it all by mowing your lawn??? Your neighbours will thank you for your thoughtfulness.

There are no dump sites in our community or in the adjacent lands surrounding us. The farm, the forest, the golf course are not to be considered as a place to get rid of your debris of any kind. Our regular garbage pick-up will look after most of your needs and the dumpsite on Erb's Road, operated by the Region will accept almost everything, including paints, hazardous waste, scrap building materials etc.

May and June have been busy months for our Committee and the volunteers who helped to:

* prepare the planting beds on the gazebo island and Lakefield Court and to plant the annuals and shrubs that add so much to the beauty of our community

* remove over 60 dead trees from the Spruce Grove sector

* monitor the pathway dragging and spraying, repair washouts and rake and level many areas

* clear out the R.V. area and regrade the compound as well as repair the gates.

Current jobs in progress include:

1. the review of common areas needing upgrading and the continuous project of tree planting

2. clean-up of lake, what to do and how to do it

3. the maintenance of our fences and buildings (cleaning & painting).

Did You Know??

There are approximately one million turf plants for every 1000 sq. ft. of grass. Those plants use about 10% of the water to produce energy and stimulate growth. The rest helps the plant cool off in the same manner that our bodies reduce heat through perspiration ( in plants this process is called transpiration).

There are 102 acres of land making up our community of Foxboro Green and that's a lot of grass to cut, BUT DON'T FORGET, NEVER ON SUNDAY!!

*The Grounds Committee is considering a proposal to have a representative from each community region. These regional representatives would be responsible for bringing suggestions or needs of the residents in their region to the Grounds Committee. Naturally this means only suggestions that pertain to the Grounds Committee Mandate.

The four regions are as follows and any action in connection with the proposal will depend on the response from you.

Region A Lakefield Crt. (16), Foxboro Dr. 101-115 (8), Spruce Grove perimeter homes (21), Spruce Grove Ave. 4-12 plus 115 Golf Links Dr. (6) and 100-106 Golf Links Dr. (4) TOTAL 55

Region B Foxboro Dr. 115-155 (38), Golf Links Dr. 110-124 (12) TOTAL 50

Region C Golf Links Dr. 125-185 (49), Maue Crt. (6) TOTAL 55

Region D Woods Edge Crt. (16), Sun Valley Dr. (39) TOTAL 55

This is your time to participate in your community, please fill out the form below and return it to the mailbox at 147 Foxboro Drive. Come on everyone, consider being a volunteer. If you don't feel like walking to 147 then drive by and drop off your answer. All forms need to be signed and returned by Friday, July 23rd.

Cut here

Foxboro Green Grounds Committee

NAME

ADDRESS PHONE

I volunteer to be a Regional Rep. for Region Number