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October Fox Talk
Digest
VOLUME 7, ISSUE 9 2001
Deadline for Submissions:
1st of each month
Editors: Jeanne Malich & Geri Soloman

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Articles:
Amalgamation
Board of Mngmnt.
Insurance
Service Report
Rec. Centre Report
Grounds
Lake & Ponds

Events:
Calendar
Past Events
Arts Festival
Dinner Club
Upcoming Sp. Events
Bingo

Social:
Care
In Touch
Coffee Machine

Notices:
New Editors
Woodworkers
Computer Club
Recipe
Chrysanthemums

OUR SWAN SONG

Almost from the time we moved here we have been amused by the reaction of some residents to different events and programs. The carping is, of course, done by people who have had absolutely no hand in planning or running whatever the event happens to be. It seems that folk can manage to get their underwear in a knot over some really quite inconsequential trivia. Remember to volunteer if you want to complain! By the way, volunteers are residents of this community, not servants.

After all we have it pretty good here in Foxboro Green. As we reach the end of our community "fiscal" year we can look back on a vintage year. True we did get a bit of snow (that white stuff) early last December but it provided us with the trappings for a traditional White Christmas. We suppose that this winter, if the "no power tools on Sunday" law is enacted, we will either have to (a) hope it doesn't snow late Saturday night or on Sunday or (b) risk our backs and hearts on the old tried and true snow shovel. As a precaution we will put a new snow shovel at the top of our Santa Claus list.

Again this year the weather smiled for our outdoor events, all were well attended, especially the new Happy Hour 2 BBQ's and Horse Races so ably organized by Bob and Bob. We have a legitimate beef about the "dice thrower" who repeatedly threw the number for a horse on which we didn't hold tickets.

Knowing that B and B are continuously trying to improve these events we are hopeful that they will respond to a suggestion from those who don't like hamburgers or sausages. How about expanding the menu to include macaroni and cheese? Volunteers will quite definitely be required for equipment cleaning.

All in all, despite the minor caviling, we can be thankful we are living in such a pleasant community. Let us hope that the recent, tragic events in the U.S. will force us to rethink our priorities so that we no longer "sweat the small stuff".

Thanks Foxboro for a great three years. Goodbye! Maurice and Ruth

Upcoming Events

Let's Play Bingo
Friday, October 19th
First Game 7:30 p.m.
Single Cards 50� or 3 for a Loonie

Watch the bulletin board for
"A Night at the Races and Happy Hour Two" in November.

Upcoming Special Events
Marg Macdonald, Secretary
October 12th - Oktoberfest Foxboro goes to the great beerfest! The bus will be picking up Foxboro residents at 6:00 p.m. and leaving the Transylvania Club around 11:00 p.m. or so. Have a great time!

October 16th- LCBO Beer Tasting Party It should be a great evening. This night is completely filled. No more room at the trough.

October 23rd - Casino Niagara For this trip we need 40 from Foxboro for door to door service. The $20 charge will include $10 in tokens which can be used in the slot machines. For those who wish to take the trip for shopping or "touristing" in Niagara Falls, this too is possible. Lunch is arranged on your own. The fall colours should be lovely.

We still need more people, so sign-up now. Don't miss out on this fun day.

Special note: We need your money for this trip in advance. Please bring your payment to either Ruth Cooke or Marg Macdonald prior to October 8th.

November 22nd- One of a Kind We're off to Toronto for the "One of a Kind" Show. Here we will see the talents of artists and "crafts persons" from across Ontario, Quebec and probably the northern U.S., so mark your calendar. With Christmas in the air we will have the chance to find unique gifts, get gifts for impossible people (our spouses) and even treat ourselves. Sign-up will be posted in early November.

December 2nd- Decorations Up This has to be one of the most exciting days of the year as Foxboro lights up for Christmas. Dick and Doreen Dean with Don and Rita Hill are our team leaders. Helen Lumby provides music (when the lights are up) and we all enjoy hot cider and goodies. Families are invited if they're in town! More later!!!

December 21st- Christmas Dinner Golf's Steak House! Have you marked your calendar?

Community Calendar

October 2001

Fri..	5th	4:30 p.m.	Happy Hour
Wed.	10th	9:30 a.m.	G.M.O. Meeting
Fri.	12th	6:00 p.m.	Oktoberfest PICK_UP
Mon.	15th	7:00 p.m.	Brd. of Management Mtg.
Tues.	16th	10:00 a.m.	Woodworkers Meeting
Tues.	16th		LCBO Beer Tasting Party
Fri.	19th	7:30 p.m.	Bingo
Thurs.	25th	7:00 p.m.	Annual General Meeting
Tues.	23rd		Casino Niagara Day

November 2001

Tues.	6th	9:30 a.m.	Rec. Centre Committee Mtg.
Tues.	27th		One of a Kind Show, Toronto

Past Events - OOPS!
Jim Arbuckle

Winners of The Foxboro Green Annual Golf Tournament

Jim Fisher
Mary Jane Becken
Kathy Donaldson
Dave Beveridge

The above names appear on our new plaque at the Centre.

The final total of our donation to Hope Spring was $2500.00. On behalf of the committee-Thank You Foxboro Green.

FOXBORO GREEN MEN'S TEXAS SCRAMBLE Ruth Dean >From the sound of the applause and in spite of the weather, the 4th Annual Men's Golf Tournament was a success. This final men's event was well attended as you could tell from the gathering at the post tournament banquet at the Centre. As the event was rained out, the organizers made the only decision possible and returned the prize money to the players. Congratulations have to go to the Chris Rice team for suggesting that these funds be given to: The Big Winner THE U.S. AID RELIEF FUND Good going, guys, and to those teams who followed suit. Nobody can whine about that. You are all winners. Because of the extremely poor weather only four drenched teams were able to finish, the rest had to give up. The soaking wet 18 hole finishers were: First team in Ken McGrath, John Greenshields, John Lumby, Bob Good Second team Bob Webber, Andy Schaffer, Cam Magnan, Charlie Connell Third team Jim Arbuckle, Brian McKelvey, Len Martin, Bob Price Fourth team Ken Smith, Maurice Dean, Don Fraser, Dave Kennedy Hopefully next year we will have better weather and all teams will be able to finish enabling us to have a golf team as a winner. Thanks to the organizers, you did a great job and made the right decision. Community B.B.Q. and Races Bob & Bob Our September 14th function was a great success, we had over 115 people. We now have over $500.00 in our account. I mentioned that the Rec. Centre Committee turned down our offer of foliage for the pool area. We are open to suggestions for the distribution of this money. Many thanks to Marg, Jan and the Ruppes for their help in making these functions such a great success. We hope to see you in June, 2002. Editor's Note: Ruth Dean Our thanks to you for all the fun, hootin' and hollerin', that all of you gave to all of us.

Fox Talk

WE HAVE A TAKER!!

for Fox Talk

Starting with the November issue of Fox Talk we have a group who have stepped forward and offered to edit and publish Foxboro Green's newsletter.

The Computer Club

This is great news because we are sure that they can do a fantastic job.

Thank you everyone in the Computer Club from all at Foxboro Green. It's nice to know that our little paper will be continued by our own residents.

Computer Club
Isobel Smith
This issue of Fox Talk is the last one Ruth and Maurice Dean will be producing. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their dedication and "sense of humour" which they portrayed in each issue of Fox Talk. These will be tough shoes to fill.

The Computer Club has agreed to take on the production of this newsletter. Fox Talk is your magazine and the contents should be supplied by the community. We are looking for residents who would be willing to submit articles. All submissions will be edited. In order to keep it enjoyable reading, these articles should be of an upbeat, positive or "need to know" nature.

The "production group" are not writers so we would request that you create your articles and send them by e-mail to [email protected] OR place them in the slot labeled Fox Talk Reports on the rack located opposite the upstairs washrooms.

Deadline for these submissions is the 25th of each month.

With your help the community will be enriched through our collective talents.

1st Annual
Arts Crafts Hobby Festival

Do you have a special interest that you would like to share with your neighbours? We know that we have many gifted individuals in our community and now is the chance to display your talents!

We are looking for people to display their wares.

      quilters      artists
      folk art painters      knitters
      photographers      model builders
      woodworkers      ceramicists
      china painters      woodcarvers
      needle workers

For those who are interested in selling their projects, tables will be available at a nominal charge.

There will be a table of home-baked goodies and savouries and donations of any type of home-made goodies such as cookies, muffins, candy preserves, nuts and bolts, salsa, anti-pasta, etc. would be greatly appreciated.

When and where is this event taking place?
Sunday, November 4th
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Rec. Centre
Cost of Admission-Donations to Wilmot Food Bank

This will be a great chance to pick up that special gift or get a head start on the holiday season with some delicious home-made goodies.

Sign-up sheets are posted in our mailroom. Let's make this a really special community event.

Residents of Morningside Village (New Hamburg) and Summers Field Lane (St. Agatha) will be invited to come, to see and hopefully to buy.

For queries call Elaine Simpson-634-9733

Woodworkers
Fred Rastel
On October 16th at 10:00 a.m. there will be a "walk through" of the shop with illustrations and safe use of the machines, as well as do's and don'ts.

New members are especially welcome.

Please remember to pay your annual club fee to either Jack Koehler or myself if you have not already done so. Snowbirds, please pay before heading south.

COFFEE MACHINE

Go down to the Rec. Centre in the morning.

Read your paper Visit with your friends and neighbours Play cards Work on the puzzles And more

Do any number of the above while sipping on your coffee, decaffeinated coffee, hot chocolate or tea (hot water is also available).

Patrons are asked to put their un-rinsed cups into the dishwasher after enjoying their beverage.

Winter Dinner Club
JoAnne Brodie

The Winter Dinner Club will be starting in October. The sign-up sheet will be in the Mail Room.

For food, fun and fellowship join the "Club".

For further information or enquires, contact
JoAnne 634-5678
June 634-5724
Marilew 634-5000

Service and Equipment Report
Ron Bleier
Members of the Service and Equipment Committee met Tim Walton, Water Quality Specialist with the Regional Municipality of Waterloo for a tour of our water treatment plant. Characteristically for our group there were lots of questions. Everyone came away impressed with the installation and a lot easier in our minds about the water we drink.

Round-the-lake walkers will be pleased to note that the bridge at the north end is once again open for foot traffic. The railings on both sides have been braced and are much more secure. Those venturing out in the early evening will be pleased to note that the lights on the bridge are turned on and provide a charming place to rest for a few moments.

Our thanks to Sven Orum and Derek Tickner for their carpentry and electrical skills. A job well done!

Recreation Centre Report
Ron Donaldson
Busy, Busy, Busy!!

During the past month the Centre has been busier than ever before with 19 Condo meetings and many other activities.

Many thanks to all involved for setting up, clearing away and being flexible with each other. No major problems have been reported although it was unfortunate that the planned Pancake Breakfast could not be accommodated.

Beverage Machine A beverage dispensing machine has been installed in the kitchen on a trial basis. If it is deemed desirable, a permanent installation on the kitchen counter will be done. Clean-up is the users' responsibility. To this end it is imperative that no-one uses the dishwasher unless you know how to operate it properly. If you don't know - ASK!!

Any comments, either PRO or CON, should be passed on to your Recreation Centre representative or a note placed in the Recreation Centre Committee hanging file in the Mail Room.

Minor Repairs

Several minor repairs are needed in the Centre and are planned for the near future. Some items include:- replacing a piece of marble in the pool area; replacing some loose or missing tiles; repairing drywall damage in the dressing rooms; repairing the edge of the hardwood floor and doing some touch-up painting throughout the Centre.

Garbage Pick-up Jim Campbell has graciously volunteered to take on the job of putting out the Centre garbage each Thursday; he replaces Colby and Eric Ottaway who did this task for years. A volunteer rises to the occasion again!

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU!! Ruth and Maurice Dean have published FOX TALK for the past three years - their efforts have been greatly appreciated. FOX TALK is a very important medium of communication in our community. Thanks again!!

The Computer Club will be publishing future issues.

Next Recreation Centre Committee Meeting
Tuesday, November 6th - Salon A 9:30 a.m.

G.M.O. Report
Bill Hall
Several residents have written to our Property Manager with their concerns about the abundance of geese on our lake and parkland and the apparent lack of any effort to keep them away. Trying to eliminate the goose problem is a combined effort of the G.M.O. and the S. & E. committees. Last year we sprayed with Avignon and the geese just kept moving to unsprayed grassy areas for their meals. We introduced "string" barriers and have had some success. This year we increased the string project, started to create longer grass around the perimeter of the lake and had Avignon sprayed in the Rec. Centre/Island areas. Again all three plans gave us some signs of success.

Next year the natural growth around the lake will be more prominent and further inhibit the geese from waddling onto the shore and feasting on the grass, secondly, many string lines will be replaced with durative garden chains which will look better and do a better job. Avignon will be sprayed in the Rec. Centre/Island areas and we will be hiring the services of Collie Wildlife Control throughout the season. They have trained dogs to disturb and scatter the geese until they get the message that they are not welcome!

So, next year we should have the geese "on the run" and be able to walk the park and the pathways without doing the goose step.

The committee working on the redevelopment of the Sales Presentation site is moving in the direction of providing trees, shrubs, etc. into that area. If you have any ideas for an entrance landmark that you would like them to consider, please put something in writing, with an approximate cost and forward it to our Property Manager or Lucille Balcomb.

The Lake and Ponds Committee is meeting weekly and should have a course of action developed for the Sun Valley pond that will allow them to start planting in that area this fall.

The final meeting of this season will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 10th at 9:30 a.m.

Lake and Ponds Committee Report
Marg Macdonald
Committee Name Change: We have changed the committee name to reflect our concern with the lake as well as the ponds. This year our caring was shown in creating the buffer area which has allowed plant species to grow and provide a filtering function on water prior to its entrance to the lake. In addition the algae mills purchased in 2000 were put in place this summer. We feel that they have had a significant effect in reducing algae growth around the island this year. Many of you saw committee members out in the dinghy pulling weeds, especially in areas around the mills. Believe it or not the weed harvests helped and we had fun!

Our budget for 2001-2002 allows us to upgrade the electrical circuits in the gazebo. The power available to operate the 2nd mill was inadequate. Next year we will have the mills in as soon as the ice leaves the lake. This will further their effectiveness as they will also keep the weeds down which in turn discourages algae growth. We expect a visit from the Grand River Conservation Authority in October. The advice we receive will help us to plan to improve our management of the lake. We may lower the lake level this fall to attempt to winter-kill some weed. Unfortunately the most invasive pond weed is not killed by freezing and in fact can proliferate afterwards at the cost of desirable pond weeds. We plan to budget in 2002-2003 to have areas of the lake planted with low shrubs, water plants and trees. More about that later. Our lake is a high priority in our planning!

Sun Valley Pond
We are pleased to announce that the contract for planting of the Sun Valley Storm Water Management Pond has been given to Native Plant Source. We hope that we may be able to get the planting done this fall. If so, Sun Valley will be planted by the end of October. As this pond is so close to our woods we plan a more natural look with berry producing shrubs and in the water we will have cattails which will provide a wonderful habitat for birds and butterflies. We plan to label the shrubs and trees so that everyone will know what's there.

Amalgamation Update
Graham Macdonald
The straw voting is showing almost unanimous owner support for the amalgamation of our condos. Assuming there are no last minute surprises, the next step is to have our lawyer prepare the documents needed for the formal Amalgamation Meeting Notice. These documents include the proposed Declaration, the new bylaws and the Interim Agreement. Also needed are the Condo and FGHA audits and an updated Reserve Fund Study. We are hoping that this work can be done during October and that the Amalgamation Meetings can be held in November.

We remind owners to please make sure that your condo directors and/or the property manager, know how to contact you during winter absence from the community. You have been provided with a form to fill in for this purpose. Thank you all for your co-operation through this complex amalgamation process.

Care Committee
Marg Macdonald
We regret to announce that Marg Wendland is resigning as Coordinator of Care Committee #1. Marg has been the coordinator since the beginning. Marg brought her special talents to the Care Committee: Great ideas, the Wellness Day was her idea; excellent organizational skills, she's a whiz in the kitchen; and community contacts particularly with Hope Spring. Marg has supported many in the community both within her area and, when needed, outside her area. Although Marg is leaving the Committee she has promised to assist us when we need her and Marg - we will need you!

Marg arranged for her own successor. With pleasure we announce that Barb Koerber has agreed to be the new Coordinator of Care Committee #1. Barbara has experience in providing volunteer services and we look forward to her ideas as we develop. Norma Fisher will continue to help coordinate activities in Care Area #1.

Keeping In Touch

Carol and Alan Cameron, Jack and Dianna Lynn Paleczny and Marj and Bob Joiner were welcomed to Foxboro Green last month.
Alice Demers received flowers after her surgery while Phil Roberts received a card following his day surgery.

Cooked Chicken

A Foxboro Resident

1 6-7 lb. chicken 1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing 1 cup uncooked popcorn
salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush chicken well with melted butter, salt and pepper.

Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan in oven.

Listen for popping sounds. When chicken's ass blows out the oven door and flies across the room, the chicken is done.

The Computer Club
George Walker
Computers are a very important part of today's world. It is a marvelous hobby, mentally stimulating and educational. The Computer Club lists email addresses for about one third of the homes in Foxboro Green and has over thirty paid members. Perhaps half of our homes have computers but many people in our community are missing out on this wonderful hobby for one reason or another.

The first Tuesday of every month is for beginners and those who are considering getting a computer.

We hold our meetings in the TV lounge where we can use the large screen TV as a monitor.

Computers provide valuable services in many homes in the community and at the Computer Club's regular Tuesday meetings, - 7.00 - 8.30 p.m. in the TV lounge.

Awareness ( Show and Tell) Website Problem Solving Sessions Listed Homes For Sale Software Education In Home Assistance Hardware Maintenance Fox Talk Encouragement and Support to new users

If you have been putting it off, this is a great community to start computing. Come out to our club meetings and see some of the creative things that can be done with a computer.

Snowbirds (especially)

If you want a permanent email address you can pick the name you are now using, or any other name you might prefer, and use the address [email protected]

Send an email [email protected] stating what your actual email address is and what you would like for a name, then your friends will not have to change your address in their address books any longer.

Board of Management
Peter Schmidt
September has been a busy month as all 19 Condos have had Annual Meetings. Some Directors have been re-elected and new Directors have been elected in some Condos. To those who have chosen not to run again, Thank You, for your service to the Community in the past one or more years. To those newly elected, there are many of us who are willing to help you when you need help, just ask.

The 'straw vote' on going ahead with the merger was almost unanimous. The Committee will be moving ahead with the preparation of the necessary documents. We will also have a reworking of our Reserve Fund Study as each Condo needs to have such a document. Steps are being taken to have this completed promptly.

The Standard Unit Bylaw has now been approved by almost all Condos but many questions have been asked about the insurance consequences. As a result, a "Town Hall" type meeting has been planned and everyone is invited to hear the presentation and to ask any and all questions that they may have. A panel of residents who are insurance experts will provide all the answers you need. THERE ARE companies out there that will write this kind of coverage, and at competitive rates. It is very new and not every agent will know about it, but we will give you information to help them to help you. Craig Robson, our legal advisor will also be there to deal with any legal concerns that may be raised.

PLEASE NOTE: The next Board of Management meeting is on October 15th, and it is an open meeting. The Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 25th at the St. Agatha Community Centre. Mark your calendars for these important gatherings.

Community Information Meeting

Condominium Home Insurance

and
The Standard Unit Bylaw

Thursday, October 11th
7:00 p.m.
at
St. Agatha Community Centre

The Committee for Home Insurance Concerns will discuss

The Consequences of the New Condo Act
for Condo Insurance and Home Insurance

Guest: Craig Robson, Legal Advisor

A Panel of Resident Insurance Specialists
Will Answer All Your Questions

Fall Colour
Ellen Bowring

Throwing out your mums? Potted flowers, that is, not maternal relatives! Why not donate them for community beautification?

Please deposit surplus chrysanthemums (complete with colour tag if colour is unclear) on the patio beside the Rec. Centre kitchen, by October 16th. They will be planted by the Flowers and Shrubs sub-committee.

Your gift will be appreciated annually in the fall.

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