VOLUME 4, ISSUE 9 November 1998

Did You Know? Wilma Wilkinson

In May 1995, the first thirty-five residents of Foxboro Green met for social functions in the Presentation Centre (courtesy of Bob Barnhart). It was from this group that the Social Committee was formed. Volunteers came forward to fill the roles of PRESIDENT, TREASURER, KEEPING IN TOUCH, TELEPHONE, SECRETARY, and NEWS LETTER (Fox Talk). As the Foxboro population grew and the Recreation Centre was built, the committee added a Rec. Centre representative and two Activity Co-ordinators. A one-time donation of $25.00 was requested (and still is requested) from each new homeowner, and this formed the basis of our social fund.

The Social Committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month to discuss the social life of the community and to plan for future events. They learn of those in the community who have received sympathy cards and flowers to help them through times of stress. They also learn of those who have been helped by our newly formed Care Committee. Positive and informative news items are debated for inclusion in Fox Talk.

When one considers the many services and social events that are being organized on our behalf, it is not surprising that the word "VOLUNTEER" is used with great frequency. See Community Calendar on page 4 for a list of just some of the events.

There are many daily, weekly, and bi-monthly activities, (e.g. dance lessons, swimming lessons, aquafit, card groups, computer presentations, travel presentations, etc.) that are organized for the community. All of these events and social offerings must have a large VOLUNTEER list to draw from if they are to survive. The load has to be spread over the whole community so that we may come together as a group who have given their time and talent for the benefit of everyone and gained pleasure and pride in the giving. Please think about this the next time you see a list for VOLUNTEERS on the Bulletin Board. Any amount of time and effort you can VOLUNTEER will benefit us all.

A Toast to Maureen & Bill Wills

We received Fox Talk even before we moved to Foxboro Green. Every month we look forward to reading it from "cover to cover". All our copies have been kept, just in case it is necessary to refer back to an old issue, but also, because each issue has been a delight to read. Thank you, Maureen and Bill, for all your hard work over the past two years and your wonderful sense of humour.

Deadline for Submissions:

1st of each month

Editors: Maurice & Ruth Dean

147 Foxboro Drive

FOXBORO GREEN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION NEWS Graham Macdonald

Since the election on October 5th the Executive Committee has met 4 times. The focus has been to take action on several topics that had been deferred by earlier Board Meetings until the new Executive and Bylaw No.1 were in place. These include: a review of the contract for Grounds and Lawn Maintenance; reopening the Property Management file to establish an approach that could provide an affordable scope of services acceptable to the community as a whole; and completion of the process for informing homeowners about the implementation of the Landscape Rules.

We have set ourselves a goal to produce a Homeowners Handbook which we hope will explain in a simple way how the various Foxboro Green documents and the Condominium Act are linked and affect the way we do things in our community. The handbook could also contain data on other community committees and activity groups. This will be a complex task but it is much needed as a communications tool for our organizations.

Four of your five officers attended a Saturday morning seminar on condominium management in relation to proposed changes to the Condominium Act. The speakers emphasized that the new Act will require that a Reserve Fund study be done by an independent professional, and that the study must be updated regularly. The changes include the creation of some new types of condominiums, one or more of which may offer a way to simplify our multi-corporation situation at Foxboro Green. The new Act has been through the Committee stage and best guesses are that it will pass into law at the end of this year or early next.

The next Board of Management meeting is on Monday 16 November at 7:00 p.m. As usual observers are welcome. The Executive will be seeking Board approval to include a half hour open "Town Hall Forum" at the beginning of future Board meetings. This will provide an opportunity for any resident to express a point of view, raise an issue or ask for information.

Foxboro Green Grounds Committee Bill Hall

About 35 residents attended the meeting and heard a very interesting and informative presentation by Dale Schmidt, "The Keeper of the Swans" for the Corporation of the Township of Wilmot. His talk included a history of swans in Canada as well as all the pertinent details of our very own Felix and Oscar, who along with about 40 other swans in our local countryside have been taken to their winter quarters in New Hamburg.

Following Dale's presentation the various Action Team Leaders gave updates on the lawn care contract and tree planting program, annual flower planting program, snow removal contract, irrigation system and lake, geese and algae programs. A Q. & A. period followed each topic and many ideas were put forth for the Committee's consideration.

At the end of the meeting a "Help Wanted" appeal was made for the following:-

1. Irrigation Survey - a team to review the survey results and report to the G.C. Executive (volunteers, Cam Magnan, Dick Demers, Al Keith).

2. Path Maintenance Action Team Leader - (volunteers Alex Stuart, June Davies). At least 3 persons to monitor the contracted care of the paths and respond to path main-tenance requests and needs.

3. Buildings and Structures Action Team Leader - someone to be responsible for maintaining the condition and appearance of the Gatehouse, Gazebo, two Bridges, Fences (Erb St. & Rec. Centre), Pump House etc.

4. Feed the Swans - every evening during the swans summer stay they must be fed. Volunteers for the season, a month or stand byes are required.

5. Secretary - someone with word processing experience to prepare minutes of meetings, general correspondence, letter re: "Plant A Tree" program, etc.

Anyone interested in volunteering for any of these positions, please contact any member of the current Grounds Committee Executive - June Davies, Jeanne Malich, Chuck Fox, Cam Magnan, or Bill Hall.

Bird Notes Graham Macdonald

On Foxboro Pond there is often something of interest in the bird world. Late August brought a pair of Pied-billed Grebes. This small grebe is an expert diver and at first, from a distance and without any other waterfowl around with which to compare sizes, I thought they were small diving ducks or mergansers; but they are really much smaller than any of the duck family (except perhaps the bufflehead) and the shape of the head and bill is different. Walking behind the cattails and reeds on the west of the pond I was able to get a good view without binoculars. As the birds became suspicious of my movement they submerged their bodies until only their heads were above water as they swam. This behaviour is peculiar to the species though loons can lower themselves in the water also. A single pied-billed grebe was still on the pond at the end of October and I have seen another at the Laurel Creek Reservoir.

Foxboro Green Travel Club Audrey Honeyborne

An interesting and enjoyable Travel Club meeting was held on October 22nd, hosted by Dean McFadyen of Cruise Holidays. Dean can be reached at 1-800-363-2989 to answer any of your travel enquiries.

A warm welcome and thanks to Marion Schwartzentruber for volunteering to assist with programming for the Travel Club. With Marion's expertise and input we hope to offer some interesting day trips and/or longer holidays.

A wonderful time was had by all who went on the Bermuda trip in September.

Coming up! Dec. 29th - we can join with the Morningside Travel Club to go to Casinorama and also enjoy the Gusé Family New Year's show in Orillia. They are wonderful entertainers, and who knows "Lady Luck" might be on your side that day. Details and a sign-up sheet are posted on the bulletin board. Must know by Nov. 12th. Only $29.00 per person for a full day of entertainment and meals.

Deepest Sympathy

Our deepest sympathy goes out to Hanne and her family on the loss of Arne Pedersen, who died suddenly of a heart attack on October 19th.

Arne and Hanne moved to our community in November 1997 and had recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary while visiting family and friends in Denmark.

He will be sadly missed by those who were close to him.

Franz Linneman passed away on November 2nd , after a lengthy illness.

We extend sympathy and send our condolences to Pam and her family.

Franz loved to walk around our community and we will sorely miss seeing him in the morning, on his daily walk.

Woodworkers Fred Rastel

STILL MISSING

from the shop

two measuring tapes (Stanley and Craftsman - 16')

and

an 18" carpenter square

Please return if you have one of these items.

also

A REMINDER

to those members who have yet to pay

the annual club fee,

PLEASE DO SO, as soon as possible

to

Chairman, Fred Rastel.

Horseracing Night at the Centre

A great time was had by all! Some people made money and some poor souls lost. Oh well,! I wish myself better luck next time.

Many thanks to George Jones and all those on his committee for giving us a really wonderful evening of fun and laughter.

Bingo Paraphernalia

Does anyone have any? Looking for a Bingo Cage, Bingo Balls, etc.

Bob Price is on the hunt. So if you rummage through your basement and find any of these items, Bob is ready to set up a Bingo night (with help). Contact him (Bob) when you locate this equipment in one of your unopened boxes.

Keeping In Touch Joan Beveridge - Jessie Brown

Flowers were sent to Pam & Franz Linnemann and Hermina Stainton, after hospitalization and to Wally Heinbuck after surgery.

A plant was sent to Hanne Pedersen on the loss of her husband Arne.

A Sympathy card was sent to the Grants on the loss of a brother-in-law. A Thinking of You card was sent to Marg Magnan and a Get Well card was sent to Wilbur Miller.

Welcome cards & Recreation Centre information were given to the following new residents: Allan & Ethel Groves, William & Elizabeth Scheid, Ronald & Katherine Donaldson, James & Moira Lawrence and William & Madeline Wallace.

Computer Interest Group Marg Macdonald

A reminder to all members - renewal dues are now overdue. Have you forgotten?

A reminder to all residents: for only $10 a year you may have access to two computers and a broad range of software from word processing to financial and greeting cards packages. A scanner, black/white & colour printers enable interested members of the community to develop and display their creative skills. Internet/email access is available for an additional $25/year.

Contact Marg at 634-5633 if you wish to join the fun.

All members will receive the new door codes by November 20th.

Next meeting: November 23rd at 7:30 p.m. in Salons A & B.

CONGRATULATIONS

A Foxboro First Bill Wills

On Oct. 18th three to four thousand athletes from Canada, U.S.A., Australia, Africa and FOXBORO GREEN ran 26.2 MILES over Toronto's steepest terrain. This was the annual Toronto Marathon and in that group of world athletes was Foxboro's own Ellen Walker. Since June you have likely observed Ellen running the paths of our community while training for this event. The fruit of all the long and arduous preparation came to fulfillment on Oct. 18th.

Running for Ellen began out of necessity. While living in the Muskokas, the only way to escape the mosquitoes was to outrun them. Surprisingly, the job of escaping the mosquitoes became enjoyable and when some of the other benefits of this cardiovascular activity emerged, Ellen was hooked on running. In January she ran a half marathon at Disney World in Florida and then set a goal of running a full marathon. In this her first marathon, Ellen completed the run in 4 hours and 44 minutes and placed 471st among the 697 women who participated. This event could be used as an Olympic qualifier for those whose time meets Olympic standards.

Foxboro Green congratulates Ellen Walker. Ellen asked me to thank all those who offered expressions of encouragement during her training and who generously pledged over $400.00 for the support of the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Indirectly, Foxboro had additional representation in that Bill & Mary Wright's son and daughter also completed the marathon.

Craft Corner

Date: Tues. November 17th, 7:00 p.m. in the Craft Room

Would you like to learn some tips and ways to make a beautiful floral arrangement?

Come out on the 17th and watch a demonstration on creating a Christmas arrangement. At this demonstration you will also find out and see what supplies are required for our next project.

Bring a loonie, as we will be having a raffle and some lucky person will win the centrepiece.

Date: Wed. November 25th, 1:00 p.m.

We will help one another to make a delightful centrepiece to enhance our homes. It'll be great fun to see all the different designs, so why not come out and join us.

For further information, please call Rosanna, 634-9780.

Aquatone: Another Adventure in Our Pool!

Marg Macdonald

Are you nervous of the water but would like to increase your fitness? Have you arthritis, a painful joint or are you re-covering from a medical intervention? Well, aquatoning is for you. Initiated by our own Wilma Wilkinson, one of the many mermaids of Foxboro Green, we first called it rehabilitation water exercising. The history: Wilma came to me following her 3rd back operation & asked for exercises to build her strength. She really wanted to do her physio in the water. We searched all our aquafit programs and selected a series of exercises designed to stretch and strengthen muscles and joints without jarring any systems. Over the months what was 30 minutes of gentle exercising has turned into an hour of moderate exercise. The pool is booked for this activity 5 days a week. Since then other mermaids have joined the group. We have a delightful time together! We would love to have others join us and we would be delighted if any men of the community would like to join us. Please contact Marg Macdonald at 634-5633 if you want more detail. Don't be shy! Try the aqua road to fitness.

BEFORE ENTERING THE POOL

MAKE SURE THAT YOU SHOWER

AND

>> REMEMBER TO USE THE SOAP <<

Community Calendar

November 1998

Mon. 16th 7:00 p.m. Board of Management Mtg.

Tues. 17th 7:00 p.m. Xmas Craft Demonstration

in the Craft Room

Mon. 23rd 7:30 p.m. Computer Interest Group

Wed. 25th 1:00 p.m. Crafts

December 1998

Wed. 2nd 9:30 a.m. Social Committee Meeting

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

Sun. 6th 2:00 p.m. Decorate the Centre Party

Fri. 18th Christmas Dinner

Sat. 19th Christmas Dinner

Tues. 29th Travel Club to Casinorama

sign-up by Nov. 12th

sign-up sheet on bulletin board

Thurs. 31st New Year's Eve Cocktail Party

Special Events Marg Macdonald

Come and join in the fun as we decorate Foxboro Green on Sunday December the 6th. Dress warmly for outside work then be ready to peel it off for cider, snacks and song. What a marvellous time we have, a chance to meet new folks and "rap". See you there!

The Christmas dinner sign-up sheet for Fri., Dec 18th has been filled and removed from the bulletin board. There are still openings left for Sat., Dec. 19th. The Sat. list will remain up until Nov. 30th. Plan to be with friends & to meet our new neighbours from Woods Edge & Sun Valley. 'Twill be a gala affair!

!! HELP, PLEASE !!

THE SOCIAL COMMITTEE

needs VOLUNTEERS

Positions open

are

Secretary for Nov. - Apr.

and

Activity Coordinators

Sign-up sheet on bulletin board