http://www.geocities.com/foxtalkbackissues/logo5.jpg

June Fox Talk
Digest
VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 2003

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

Articles:
S&E
RECREATION CENTRE
COMPUTER CLUB
PROPERTY MANAGER
GROUNDS
TENNIS
SHUFFLEBOARD
INVESTMENT CLUB

Events:
Future Events
CANADA DAY
DANCE PARTY
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
GOLF
VICTORIAN TEA

Social:
CARE COMMITTEE
Care Coordinators
CONGRATULATIONS
COOK'S CORNER
STITCH & BRAG
DINNER CLUB

Notices:
WINE MAKERS
PHONE BOOK
BOOK CLUB
THINK ABOUT
SENIOR GAMES
BINGO!
MODEL RAILROAD

WHEN GOD CREATED FATHERS

When the good Lord was creating fathers, He started with a tall frame. And a female angel nearby said, "What kind of father is that? If you're going to make children so close to the ground, why have you put fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending, or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping."
And God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him child size, who would children have to look up to?" And when God made a father's hands, they were large and sinewy.
And the angel shook her head sadly and said, "Do You know what You're doing? Large hands are clumsy. They can't manage diaper pins, small buttons, rubber bands on pony tails or even remove splinters caused by baseball bats."
God smiled and said, "I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties from his pockets at the end of a day�yet small enough to cup a child's face."
Then God moulded long, slim legs and broad shoulders.
The angel nearly had a heart attack. "Boy, this is the end of the week, all right," she clucked. "Do You realize You just made a father without a lap? How is he going to pull a child close to him without the kid falling between his legs?"
God smiled and said, "A mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders to pull a sled, balance a boy on a bicycle or hold a sleepy head on the way home from the circus."
God was in the middle of creating two of the largest feet anyone had ever seen when the angel could contain herself no longer. "That's not fair. Do You honestly think those large boats are going to dig out of bed early in the morning when the baby cries? Or walk through a small birthday party without crushing at least three of the guests?"
And God smiled and said, "They'll work. You'll see. They'll support a small child who wants to "ride a horse to Banbury Cross" or scare off mice at the summer cabin, or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."
God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words, but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that see everything, but remains calm and tolerant.
Finally, almost as an afterthought, He added tears. Then He turned to the angel and said, "Now are you satisfied that he can love as much as a mother?"
And the angel shutteth up!
By Erma Bombeck

Future Events

Victorian Tea June 8th
Canada Day July 1st
Pig & Corn Roast August 23rd

Care Committee Co-ordinators:

CC #1 Barb Koerber/Norma Fisher
CC #2 Marg Macdonald/Pat Tibbles
CC #3 Faith Mundy/Marion Koehler
CC#4 Audrey Euler/Ellen Bowring
HAPPY HOUR Elaine Simpson

We are looking for volunteers to host the Happy Hour on the 1st Friday of every month. It only takes about ten minutes to set up the salon and another 10-15 minutes at the end of the evening to put everything away. If you are a regular attendee of Happy Hour, we would ask that you take a turn and host this event. The sign-up sheet is in the mail room and should you have any questions as to what is involved, you may contact either Elaine Simpson or Sandy Moore.

ATTENTION!! WINE MAKERS AND BEGINNERS
Bill Goddard
A club organization meeting will be held for all interested residents on Sunday, June 22nd at 2p.m. Wine will be tasted from selected cellars with cheese and crackers served. This could be the start of an enjoyable hobby for the beginner to learn the art of wine making. We will begin with the starting process of wine making and continue through the bottling of the finished product. Come and bring your ideas.

CANADA DAY
Judy Nussey
Let's get together on Tuesday, July 1st to celebrate Canada's Birthday - Foxboro style. The day will be filled with various athletic activities, even some new ones, so get practicing. Watch for the sign-up sheets for the different events. Is there anyone out there who is willing to co-ordinate the bocce ball? If so, please contact Judy at 634-5785, or Maureen at 634-9737. Join us for Happy Hour and dinner, followed by horse races and cards. The cost of the dinner (beef on a bun, salads and desserts) is $15.00 per person, and tickets will be on sale June 17th and 18th from 3:30-5:30 p.m., and on the 19th from 11:30 a.m-1:00 p.m. Hope to see you there!

DANCE PARTY
Gail Ruppe
Saturday, June 21st, 2003 at 8:00p.m. It's time for another evening of fun with your friends and neighbours, dancing the night away to many of your old favourites. Don't forget to B.Y.O.B. and munchies. For information, call Gail at 634-9983 or Connie at 634-5268.

CARE COMMITTEE REPORT
Marg Macdonald
As you all know, Pat Tibbles, Care Coordinator Area 2 has been very, very busy looking after Ted so she is temporarily withdrawing from Care Committee duties. Our very faithful Eileen Fairweather has stepped into the breach. Thank you Eileen!
Bob Price and Jack Davies have put their creative skills to work for Ted. What a beautiful job! Thank you both.
Special thanks to all (you know who you are) who have provided support to Bill & Ada over the last year. Ada has had her surgery and is recovering in hospital now but we expect her home soon, maybe by the time you read this. We are very hopeful that she will have a full recovery and be right back into community affairs!!! Let's go Ada!
We are very fortunate to live in Foxboro Green where neighbours are so willing to help one another. Some one has a fall, meals come in, garbage is taken out, neighbours check in to see what they can do. Thank you all for your concern for others.

A reminder to all residents!
Please check the emergency information sheet in your refrigerator. Is your medication list up to date? This is very important for emergency treatment personnel and those of your neighbours, who may require information should you be unable for any reason to provide it. If you have any questions about this or have not had information about this, please call your Care Coordinator who has all the appropriate information and the equipment to get you started.
Also, should anyone be interested in Lifeline, your Care Committee Coordinator has information and can give you a discount coupon worth $40. Keep this in mind. Lifeline provides a very necessary service to people who live alone and may require help in an emergency, or for people who if left alone could require rapid assistance.

Keeping in Touch
We have welcomed Kimalee "Kim" and Jim Thorpe who have moved into 10 Spruce Grove. We hope that they are getting settled in & look forward to seeing them at community events.
Sue Baker had a minor operation so we gave her a few flowers to brighten her recovery. Donna Fixter also received a small floral bouquet. We are thinking of you Donna.

It's never too late to have a happy childhood

PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Al Keith
Ron, Alan and I wish to thank the following men for another successful pancake breakfast: Chuck Fox, Derek Tickner, Bill Simpson, Peter Soloman, Brian McKelvey, Gord Gardner, Russ Wilson, Jerry Elias, Ken Hoffman, Vince Aquilina, Garth Nussey, Ross Nairn, Ross Fairweather, Frank Abthorpe, Bill Hall, Jack Wright and Bob Piccinin. Many thanks to all of you for enabling us to have the breakfast. With your help, we were able to serve 124 breakfasts and contribute $131.00 to the Social Committee. The next pancake breakfast is scheduled for September.

CONGRATULATIONS FOXBORO GREEN
Joan Beveridge
Our community's contribution to the Canadian Cancer Society's April campaign was an outstanding success. Thank you and congratulations to Foxboro Green! A special thanks to our 12 canvassers, who, despite cold and inclement weather, came through with great results. Our contributions benefit everyone!

THE COOK'S CORNER

As you may be aware, the Cook's Corner was not in last month's issue. This was due to the resignation of Alan Groves. The Fox Talk staff would like to thank Alan for his wonderful recipes and making the "Cook's Corner" a delightful addition to our newsletter.

Now�Fox Talk needs someone willing to take on this portion of the Newsletter. If you are interested in putting your talents and ideas to good use, we would like to hear from you. You may contact Jeanne Malich at 634-8142 for information. Don't be shy�.you will have plenty of help.

COOKBOOK UPDATE
The cookbook has been in a state of limbo for the past few months, but now that the snowbirds have returned, we will be back at work. There have been many recipes handed in and now comes the task of sorting and categorizing.

STITCH & BRAG
June Davies
We are relieved that the missing sewing machine has been returned. The machines are for residents and are to be used ONLY in the craft room. Thank you for your cooperation.

Watch for a notice to tie quilts in the next few weeks. We have 6 more to tie. Thanks.

VILLAGE PHONE BOOK

New Residents in June
Olga Dendy 172 Golf Links

E-mail Address Changes:

Bob & Linda Piccinin to [email protected]
Helga Stamm to [email protected]

SUMMER DINNER CLUB
JoAnne Brodie
The Summer Dinner Club has been organized. You will be contacted by your group leader as to when you will begin having dinners with your group. Enjoy the summer�meeting new friends, sharing laughter, recipes and good food.

GOLF TOURNAMENT
Jim Arbuckle
This year's tournament will be held on Thursday, August 14th. We've decided to hold it a week later this year as many people are away during the first week of August. If you are able to volunteer your help and/or any prizes for the tournament, please contact me at 634-9777. Thank you.

VICTORIAN TEA
Shirley Thom
On Sunday, June 8th, from 1:00 - 4:00p.m., come and enjoy Foxboro's springtime Victorian Tea. Bring your friends and family and make it a delightful luncheon as well. Sandwich plates will be $3.00, dainties and scone plate $3.00, and unlimited beverages $1.00. Donation of baked goods would be appreciated. Call Shirley Thom at 634-8489 for information.

FOXBORO GREEN INVESTMENT CLUB
Jim Brodie
Our club has been operating for 3 1/2 years and has 28 members with room for additional members. Our mission is to foster an environment of learning and camaraderie which focuses on the sharing of ideas and workload among members. We meet on the second Monday of each month at the Recreation Centre at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the club's existing portfolio and look at opportunities for additional investments. Periodically, a member will arrange for a guest speaker who presents interesting investment ideas.

Membership is restricted to Foxboro residents, and residents are welcome to attend our monthly meetings to get a better idea and understanding of how we function. If you are interested in joining, you can contact any one of our executive: President - Brian Allison at 634-8660; Secretary - Isobel Smith at 634-5805; Treasurer - Curtiss MacDonald at 634-5113.

BOOK CLUB
Val Grant
Instead of our usual meeting on June 10th , 2003, the Book Club will be participating in the "One Book, One Community" program through our local library. The book discussion will be on Jane Urquhart's (a local author) "The Stone Carvers". We will be dining out at "Spirits on Peel" before the discussion. Anyone wishing to join us, please call Jean Usaty or Val Grant before June 5th, for reservations. The book discussion starts at 7:30p.m. Free admission. It will be held on the top floor of the Visitor's Information Office next door to the library. Happy reading!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Val Grant
On May 8th, my husband Rod and son-in-law Kevin, went to the lake to relax and fish�.and yes, they adhere to the "catch and release" method. During their 1� hours at the lake, my son-in-law was approached no less than 5 times by residents asking who he was, and what was he doing there. Some of the residents were pleasant, but others were not.I realize that residents are protecting their property so perhaps we should consider having badges or T-shirts made for "visitors" to wear so this harassment does not happen in the future. Something to think about!

SENIOR GAMES
Lil Good
Congratulations to the Wilmoter Line Dancers, who took a silver medal in the 2003 Senior Games on Monday, May 26th. Six dancers from Morningside and three from Foxboro under the direction of Lil Good competed. Three cheers to the 100 or so residents of Morningside who cheered us on during one of our final rehearsals.

Also, congratulations to Derek Tickner for winning a gold medal in the walking competition. Way to go Derek.

If you find mistakes in this issue they are here for a purpose. Some people just love to find mistakes and we do want to print something for everyone.

BINGO! BINGO! BINGO

BINGO was a roaring success with Grace McAninch winning the Jackpot of $50. Many of the participants would like to have Bingo more often and it was agreed to place a sign-up sheet at the beginning of each month to see if there is enough interest. In order to make it worthwhile, at least 20 people are needed to attend. If you wish to have Bingo continued, please sign the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the mailroom. If there is not enough interest for that month, we will write "CANCELLED" on the sign-up sheet the day before the night of Bingo. Don't wait until the last day to sign up. Next Bingo will be held Friday, June 13th 7:30p.m.

WATCH THE BOARD.

I finally got my head together,
and my body fell apart.

MODEL RAILROAD OPEN HOUSE
Graham Macdonald.
Thursday, June 12th, between 1p.m. and 5p.m.

An Ottawa lumber baron, John Rudolphus Booth, between 1894 and 1896, built the Ottawa, Arnprior & Parry Sound Railway. Known as the Booth Line, the railway passed through the lumber sources of Algonquin Park and the former route is now roughly paralleled by Highway 60, the building of which and the advent of the automobile were causes of the railway's decline. In its heydays, from 1896 to 1933, the line transported huge quantities of grain transferred from the Lakehead in ships, also owned and operated by Booth. The advantage that the railway offered was a reduction of 900 miles over the waterborne route to the East Coast. The deep-water port of Depot Harbour at Parry Sound was the transfer point for grain and also coal en route to the industrial areas of Canada and New England. This port is the focus of my layout, which represents the western division of the Booth Line in 1922 at the point in time when the Grand Trunk Railway (then the owner) was being absorbed into the newly created CN system. The layout is designed to be a series of vignettes of some of the more interesting (to me at least) locations on the railway. The era was one of steam trains only, with small locomotives predominating.

Margaret and I look forward to your visit on Thursday, June 12th.
Please be sure that you sign our guest book!

SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT REPORT
Bill Simpson
Home Irrigation System
So far we've been lucky with only one, or potentially two, breaks in the system - one at 104 Foxboro and a possible other at 129 Golf Links. Repairs have been completed except for driveway repair at 104 Foxboro. However, as this report is written, the nature of the problem at 129 Golf Links has yet to be determined.

Drainage Work
Two projects started last fall are all but completed except for sodding. The area behind three lots (117/119/121 Golf Links) has been a continuing problem for these homeowners, as the swale behind these lots needs to be improved to take the water away after a rain. This is being undertaken.

Vehicle Purchase
With the invaluable participation of Gus Maue, we have arranged for the purchase of a 1998 Club Car golf cart from Club Car Inc. in Cambridge for $2,500 plus tax. On delivery expected imminently, with the assistance of another helpful member of our community, Bob Joiner, we will arrange to have a trailer hitch installed. Bob, by the way, has already greatly assisted the committee in completing a refurbishing of our trailer, including installing a new steel floor, new wheel bearings and repainting, all at minimal cost. While the vehicle and trailer will be used mainly for path maintenance, these are community assets and will be available for both the Grounds and S & E Committees, as well as for any other appropriate use by community volunteers.

Paths
There are several stretches of path, particularly on the western side of the subdivision behind Foxboro Dr., with significant vegetation growth. This would appear to be mainly the result of dirt accumulation on the path caused by wind blowing off the adjoining farmer's field. We need to resurface the path with new stone screenings after the vegetation is killed with spraying. We will determine how much of this type of work we can do with work parties and the use of our golf cart and trailer. Major path reconstruction will still be contracted. We hope to include this year, the extension of the path at the south end of the Sun Valley pond. As you may be aware, the developer constructed the short stretch there now as part of the pond dredging work. The connection will allow path walkers to avoid the bush during the mosquito season.

It will greatly assist in avoiding vegetation growth on the paths if homeowners will refrain from discharging grass onto the paths while mowing their lawns.

Please ensure that you or your lawn maintenance contractor do at least one or two parallel runs while mowing close to the path.

Potable Water Delivery System
While the Region is responsible for the treatment and delivery of drinking water to the community, their responsibility ends at the pump house (near the Centre). We are responsible for the delivery system from there to your home. As you are no doubt aware, we were required by the province to institute regular water testing. This is a costly, but nevertheless necessary program. The Provincial Ministry is now recommending that we engage the services of a qualified consultant who is expert in municipal water systems, to recommend a maintenance program for our system, as well as to assist us in compiling operation and maintenance manuals. The contractor would also be available to make any necessary repairs to the system. To date, we have had no breaks or other problems in the system.

Snow Clearing
All in all, we have been pleased with the performance of our new contractor after the first winter of our three-year contract. Notwithstanding extensive staking by the contractor, there was inevitably some sod damage but they have now completed their repairs.

LAWN AND GARDEN WATERING

The guidelines issued in 2002 still apply. Background information is outlined below. First, let's remember that 30 minutes of watering, 3 times a week, is plenty to quench the thirst of lawns and gardens. If it rains, the need for watering may, of course, be less. Also, over watering can be harmful.
Our problem is primarily related to the topography of Foxboro Green. Maintaining adequate pressure requires a special approach, which has been determined to be dividing our homesite land into areas, and assigning even and odd days by area.
Even day watering applies to all homes on Maue Court, Golf Links #'s 140 to 172, and Foxboro Drive #'s 140 to 156.
Odd day watering applies to all other addresses.
Please follow these guidelines, and please do not water for extended periods of time. To be fair is to be a responsible and good neighbour.
Where new planting (sod, seed or plants) exists, extra watering of those areas only may be undertaken in the first few weeks.

RECREATION CENTRE REPORT
Ron Donaldson
Budget Items
Preparations for the 2003-2004 budget are presently underway. One item being considered is a major renovation of the Ladies Change Room to solve the floor drainage and mold build-up problems. A possible solution is removing the carpet and tiles in the open area, changing the slope of the floor, adding a drain, tiling the open area and putting one-piece inserts in the showers.
Another item under discussion is to correct the inadequate wiring problems in the main kitchen and the outdoor kitchen. Some outlets will need to be rewired. Consideration is also being given to recovering the pool table and replacing some of the card tables and dining tables.
If any resident has other items that they wish to have considered for the budget, please submit a written request and place it in the Recreation Centre slot by the copier or in the Recreation Committee hanging file in the Mailroom.

Plumbing Problems
Problems such as running toilets and noises in the pipes have been addressed and hopefully, resolved.

Player Piano
The Social Committee has requested permission to acquire a player piano for the Recreation Centre. The Recreation Centre Committee has endorsed this request with some concerns about the space that will be taken up. A motion approving the request was presented to the Board at the May 26th, meeting.

Supervision of Guests
During the Easter holidays, someone's guests were left unsupervised in the lower area of the Recreation Centre. Candy wrappers were thrown around in the change rooms, showers were left on, fitness machines were turned on and left running and the pool lights were left on.
You are responsible for your guests and are required to be with them at all times!

Entry System
The front doors have automatic closing devices. If the front doors are propped open, the control panel can burn out as it continuously tries to signal the door to close. This occurred over the winter and it cost $600 to replace the panel.
The kitchen door or salon doors can be used to bring in supplies or equipment. Do not prop open the front doors.

Recreation Centre Committee Meeting
The next meeting will be Tuesday, July 8th, at 9:30 a.m. in Salon A.

COMPUTER CLUB REPORT
Ralph Adsetts
Meeting - May 13th, 2003 Jeanne twisted a few arms to get a new executive in place for the coming year.
I did such a poor job last year that she decided that I needed more practice and importuned me to try again. Ron handed out "test" sheets to find out just how much we knew about the various insignia that are so familiar to everyone on the computer screen. All we had to do was to match up a series of twenty names with the various insignia. Jerry was crying 'foul' because he had a Mac, I was bemoaning the fact that I had forgotten my spectacles, and Isobel was tut-tutting on my left. After ten minutes, I had named two and guessed at three, one of which proved to be correct. Ron had the impression that most of us were suffering from some form of dementia, and decided to explain what the insignia were called, and where and how they were used. Ron finished off the evening with an explanation of how the icons on our desktop were created, and then everyone went home dragging their tails behind them. This may be the end of my job as secretary but c'est la vie.

Meeting - May 20th, 2003
The meeting began with a pizza party which was followed by a demonstration by Jeanne Malich of buying and selling on E-Bay.

New slate of officers for 2003 - 2004 are: Ron Bleier and Arnold Muma co-chair, Marilyn Hoffman and Sandra Nairn as co-treasurer and Ralph Adsetts as secretary. Ron will be sending a list of all upcoming events to Fox Talk.

June's Program Schedule:
The month of June will be the start of beginners' lessons which will start off with "Inside Your Computer", "What is Windows?", "Bits, Bytes, Files and Folders. If you are a beginner, be sure to attend these classes as they will advance each week. Ron Bleier is an excellent teacher so don't miss any of his lessons.

PROPERTY MANAGER'S REPORT
Theresa Tewfik
You may have already received, or will be receiving in the near future, hand-delivered information from the Board of Directors. As part of the package of information, please find a registration form that has been made up for you. This completed form will be kept in your file in case of an emergency. The completion of this form is voluntary and is not meant as an intrusion, but rather for your peace of mind. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call me.

A reminder to "old" Condo Secretaries, that six of the old Corporations have not handed in their archival material. Call me if you are not sure. I can be reached at 634-8807, or you can leave a message in my mail slot.

GROUNDS TALK
Cam Mangnan
Another month already. There is lots going on. Our lady swan has been travelling to the golf course on a regular basis. Felix goes over in the morning to try and convince her to come back but she is not in agreement. Some folks have suggested they need marriage counselling. The New Hamburg swan keeper has recommended that we put her in a temporary pen for one or two weeks. This will better acclimatize her to where she is supposed to stay. Hopefully when we let her out, she will stay in Foxboro.

The common area trees managed by the grounds committee have been fertilized and systemically treated where appropriate. The flowering trees near the Recreation Centre have some caterpillar webs. They have been sprayed. If you see one, do not break the web as this will spread the caterpillars. If you see others on common area trees, call Dick Demers at 634-5290 to see if he knows about it.

All the common areas with the exception of those bordering the golf course and farmland will be sprayed in June for weeds. The paths will also be sprayed with Roundup and dragged every two weeks.

The new Board decided earlier to change the accounting practice from cash to accruals. This results in money that would have been paid to Greenway in Oct., Nov. and Dec. being accrued during the summer months. This does reduce the Ground's Operating Plan for one season. We have to therefore skip some discretionary projects. The waterfall and East Gate rejuvenation will have to wait until October. Finalization of this project and associated quotes can occur over the summer.

Sandy Moore and her team have been very busy. Sandy prepared the following summary:

We have been busy this month with our compost pickup at the local landfill. This lovely material was added to the front entrance beds. Many thanks to Jerry and Janet Elias & the Elias vehicle; Victor and Pam Wrzesniewski; and Bob and Sandy Moore for their work with the compost. In addition, Greenway have supplemented some of our beds with triple mix, which should help provide our annuals and perennials with much needed nutrients throughout the growing season. The existing soil in a few locations was so poor that it was replaced completely. (I know you were wondering about the Rec. Centre beds being void of soil for a couple of days!)

Special thanks to Betty Spencer for her cleanup of the front entrance areas. Betty raked the lawn on both sides of the entrance way and did a general cleanup of the area. To anyone who has ever raked grass in the spring, you know this was a labour of love. Also, special mention to Linda Hett for helping to trim the spirea along the Rec. Centre entrance. We only pruned those along the road way (not on the parking lot side) to see if they could be rejuvenated by heavy pruning. Otherwise, they may have to eventually be replaced. The spirea on the parking lot side was too far advanced to prune this spring, but it can be pruned later, after blooming.

Looking forward to some nice weather soon. Happy Planting!

TENNIS NEWS
Alan Cameron
Residents and guests have reportedly been observed using the tennis court for activities other than tennis, i.e. skateboarding and lacrosse. The court has a special surface that is easily damaged and very expensive to repair.
Therefore the tennis court and its equipment are to be used only for tennis. Guests are welcome, but must be accompanied by a resident. We would appreciate the cooperation of all in maintaining this fine recreational resource.

SHUFFLEBOARD
Elaine & Bill Simpson
Many of you have been asking when Shuffleboard will be starting up again. Once again, we will run with two sessions Wednesday and Thursday at 1:30 p.m.. If (and when) the hot weather ever arrives, we will look at booking an evening session. If you have never played, please come out and join us - the rules are simple and if you can hold a stick you are well qualified to play! The shuffleboard courts are open to all residents and you are welcome to use them and the equipment at any time. The equipment is kept in the outside shed, which is located under the library, but we would ask that you ensure the equipment is returned to the shed when you are finished playing. The courts have received three coats of wax and it is important that you do not walk on the actual playing area of the courts - please stay off to the sides or centre. Instructions regarding preparation of courts and equipment will be kept in a folder in the shed, along with score sheets. Hope to see you out on the courts!

*******

GROWING OLD IS MANDATORY
GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL.

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws