October Fox Talk Digest VOLUME 5, ISSUE 9 1999 Deadline for Submissions: 1st of each month Editors: Maurice & Ruth Dean 147 Foxboro Drive

Grounds "Work-Day" Volunteers

An Open Thank You

Grounds "Work-Day" Volunteers

This is an open letter of thanks to the 38 people who worked so diligently on Monday the 20th of September. I would like to thank each and everyone individually for their time and effort to help in getting our flowerbeds in shape for the coming spring planting.

It was a wonderful day of commitment for Foxboro Green (even if it did rain a few drops). I think everyone enjoyed the togetherness and showed a great deal of willingness to volunteer at anytime to keep Foxboro Green a community of which we can all be proud.

Thank you all for your help and support and a special thanks to Gus Maue for the golf carts on loan for the day. What a great help they were!

Annual Grounds Committee Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Grounds Committee was held on September 30th.

Bill Hall, Chairman, welcomed the thirty residents and spoke about the growth in scope and responsibility that has taken place in the past two years.

Initially a group of dedicated residents who primarily looked after the Spring planting, their work now covers every aspect of grounds maintenance and repair.

Today they plan, prepare, and examine bids for lawn care, landscaping, snow removal, tree clearance, trimming and planting. They oversee the maintenance of paths, bridges, fences, the gazebo, the irrigation systems, and the preparation of an annual budget.

Within the next year, they will assume an even greater workload when the developer hands over the completed project. The need for additional volunteers is ever present.

There is a specific need for someone to assist Richard Shantz to oversee the snow removal this winter. Are you that person?

Helping hands are needed in such programmes as Plant a Tree, Adopt a Bed (no rude comments please!), Feed the Swans, Pathway Engineering, Tree Farm and Nursery, etc.

Four members were asked to give overviews of the work done by their groups this past season before the meeting was opened up to general discussion. They reviewed the flower planting and volunteer work groups, the irrigation systems, the lake and pond, geese, algae, snow removal, Spruce Grove, lawn care and pathways.

During the general discussion it was suggested that representation by Condo be considered (similar to that in place for the Rec. Centre). This suggestion will be forwarded to the Board for consideration.

In his closing remarks, Bill Hall thanked all those who had helped out this year and made special mention of Chuck Fox who has given so much of his time and energy on our behalf.

It's easy to criticise, and there are things to be critical about, but there's something uplifting about being part of a group that is willing to roll up its' sleeves and "just do it".

Please consider adding your name to a great group of people.

Homeowners Association

The Homeowners Association is fast approaching the end of its first year of operation under the new bylaw adopted last October. It has been a year of transition, growth and learning for all of us. We have benefited from the help and encouragement of numerous residents and of Foxboro Green Inc. The Executive has attended Condominium Institute seminars on condominium management and the requirements of the new Act. We urge other directors to join the Institute or at least to participate in Fall seminars for new directors. Our growth and development has not been without some disagreements and unfortunately one such disagreement has been very disturbing to the community. Learning to handle differences of opinion is one of the largest challenges to a new community. We have taken actions to develop definite procedures and internal structures of the Board of Management to deal with disagreements consistently and equitably and to facilitate communication. This is an area in which I expect the greatest improvement in our operation in the next year.

We now have 14 condominium corporations comprising 172 homes, with another 11 waiting in the wings for registration of the 15th condo. Bob Barnhart is projecting completion of the project by the end of next year. This will trigger the hand over of title to all of the site facilities and green spaces. Foxboro Green Inc. has offered us the opportunity of purchasing the Sales Presentation Centre for community use. Studies are underway to establish the costs and pros & cons of various options for use or conversion of this building. Community input will be sought soon.

We enter the new fiscal year with our finances in good shape and entirely under the control of the Homeowners Association. The budget, developed in a co-operative process by the treasurers and committees of the Association, includes the costs of maintenance contracts for the Recreation Centre, grounds and roads as well as some projects to eliminate problem areas. Also included, without increasing our fees, is provision for professional management of the community. Discussions and decisions on this topic will be taking place in the next few months.

Maintenance of the Recreation Centre's mechanical systems has been contracted out to a Stratford company. The need for this service has been amply demonstrated by the findings of their initial inspection which has uncovered several items in need of cleaning and repair. The pool and spa are now being maintained weekly and automatic chemical control has been installed for the pool.

The Annual Meeting of the Homeowners Association is scheduled for Tuesday, the 26th of October in the St. Agatha Community Centre. You will be receiving a notice of the meeting, the agenda and other supporting information shortly. We look forward to a large turnout of homeowners at this very important meeting. If you cannot attend, please be sure to complete your proxy form and deliver it to the Association Secretary, Faith Mundy.

Marg Magnan

It is with deepest sympathy that we report the passing of Marg, who died in September. She had been ill for quite some time.

Marg and Cam have lived in Foxboro Green since 1995. They were one of our pioneer families. We will miss her.

Our sincere condolences go to Cam.

Editor's Apology

In September Fox Talk there were two items on page 4, one was about Table Tennis and the other about Video Buffs. Both had Fred Rastel as the author. In each case it should have been Ralph Adsetts.

Ralph tells me that there are two other people involved with the Table Tennis, Jerry Szeps and Brian Allison.

Sorry for the error Fred and Ralph.

POETRY

ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN POETRY

How does a "Dead Poet Society" sound?

Phone Ralph at 634-8982

Appreciation Day

Thanks Bob and Foxboro Green Inc. Staff

for your

Annual Foxboro Green Appreciation Day

Naturally the weather for the evening of September 9th was perfect. Would it dare to be otherwise? I'm not sure just what power Bob Barnhart holds but he must be almost omnipotent. Notice that I qualified the word omnipotent?

Aside from the perfect weather, the food (cooked and served by F.G.Inc.) and the music provided by the Concordia Club Band made for a very enjoyable evening.

Again many thanks from we the residents of this fair community. We really appreciated all that you did.

Going South?

Are You Going South This Winter?

Do you want Fox Talk sent to you?

If so, please leave

Stamped, Self-Addressed Envelopes

at

147 Foxboro Drive

OR

Do you want us to hold your copy?

OR

Will you arrange for a friend to pick it up?

Please let us know your decision.

634-5471

Ladies © Cards

Every Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

Begins Tuesday, October 5th

Bridge ( Euchre ( Crib ( Solo

All Welcome

Any Questions call Marg Wendland

Library News

Two ladies from Condo 257 are now looking after the library at the Centre. Brenda Churton in the summer months and Rosemary Schaaf during the winter months.

All of the books in the library have been donated by Foxboro residents and are on loan (on the honour system). New paper backs are always welcome, unfortunately we do not have shelf space for any more hard covers.

Please call Brenda 634-8513 or Rosemary 634-8066, if you have any questions.

Editor's Note:

I'm sure that we all feel the same way. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to Betty for the terrific job she has done, not only setting-up but also keeping the library running smoothly.

Thanks Betty!

Craft Corner

Date: Wed. 27th

Time: 1:00 p.m.

This month we will be making miniature Christmas trees.

If interested please see samples in the Craft Room and get your list of needed supplies. There will be three different types that you can make - your choice.

Do you have any ideas for future craft projects? If so, please call Rosanna at 634-9780 or bring a sample to our next craft session..

GOLF

The third annual Lady Duffers' Golf Tournament was a huge success. This year the Thursday Mixed Golfers joined us.

Tuesday, September 28th was a beautiful, sunny day, despite a rainy forecast. There were forty-eight golfers who played in 2-ball foursomes.

Ken Smith celebrated his ??? birthday by winning with his partner, Sylvianne Leclair.

Thanks go to May Aquilina and Joan Beveridge, the organizers for this enjoyable day and to the good sports who paid for the prizes with their quarters in the animal game.

Foxboro Lawn Bowling

Some do say that lawn bowling

Is only for the old

But Foxboroites aren't ancient

But adventuresome and bold.

Forty folk did try it

and did enjoy the play

'Twas the 19th of September

A lovely, summer day.

Nor could you see a gray hair

I can attest to that

For the forty heads I counted

Were covered by a hat!

And when we finished chasing Jack

'Twas hard to find a winner

So we hurried back to Foxboro

And gobbled up our dinner.

Next year come and join us

You macho guys we'll pity

If chasing "jack" is not your style.

We'll let you all chase "kitty".

Community Calendar

Oct. 1999

Wed. 6th 9:00 a.m. Social Club Meeting

Fri. 8th 4:30-6:30 p.m. Happy Hour

Tues. 12th 9:00 a.m. Mixed Curling starts

Sat. 16th 8:30 a.m. Pancake Breakfast

(see page 6 for details)

Tuesdays 1:30 p.m. Ladies Cards, starts on 5th

Thurs. 21st 7:00 p.m. Indoor Horse Racing

Tues. 26th 9:30 a.m. Christian Women's Club

Wed. 27th 1:00 p.m. Craft Corner

Nov. 1999

Wed. 3 9:30 a.m. Social Club Meeting

Fri. 5 4:30-6:30 p.m. Happy Hour

Indoor Horse Racing

On Thursday, October 21st, starting at 7:00 p.m. there will be an evening of horse racing at the recreation centre.

For those not familiar with the event, indoor racing consists of six wooden horses moving along a track. The horses move according to the roll of a pair of dice. One die indicates which horse will move; the other die indicates how many spaces.

There will be betting ($1.00 per bet) and payoffs will be determined by the number of bets placed on the "winning" horse. This year there will be daily double and exactor betting plus the exciting auctioning of the horses and "owner's purse" for the final race. In all races 10% of the bet will be withheld for the Social Committee, to cover the cost of munchies and other expenses.

There is no admission fee. Bring your own beverage. Snacks will be available. To lessen the need for change (on our part), please bring along some loonies for betting.

This is a very entertaining evening and will probably run until about 9:30 p.m. Be sure to reserve the date and come out and enjoy the fun.

MIXED CURLING

Starts

Tuesday, October 12th

Pay as you play

9 a.m. (be early)

with

Rockway Seniors

Kitchener Granite Club

Tuesdays and Fridays

(any questions call May Aquilina)

Community Emergency Preparedness

Why?

Natural and technical disruptions do occur, e.g. North Carolina now; ice storms in eastern Ontario and Quebec in 1998. If you are away from home you still may be impacted.

Right Now

We have the year 2000 (Y2K) question. What problems could occur? Computers impact on almost every facet of our daily lives, e.g. power sources, transportation of food, oil, medical supplies and water. Industry and government are estimated to be spending one trillion dollars to be "ready". Even if Canadian systems are all "ready", we depend on other countries for foods, medicines, etc. If a supplying nation is not "ready" we will suffer consequences. The average grocery store carries a 3-day supply, so a transportation interruption can be serious. Obviously, we do not control the outcome of the major situation around the world, but shouldn't we try to exercise some control over areas affecting our own personal welfare? Here is a very abbreviated reminder of some areas of dependency which may deserve action by you.

Food

Consider stocking items which can be useable for a reasonable period, e.g. ready-to-eat canned meat/fish, fruits, vegetables, canned juices, soups, milk (or powdered); potatoes, fresh or dried flakes; beans, dry pasta, rice, vegetable oils; iodized salt, pepper, sugar, dried spices; peanut butter, jelly. Be sure to have a manual can opener.

Food Storage - Keep in coolest, driest spot in your house. Store in a dark area. Keep it covered. Keep moisture absorbing items wrapped and in containers. Keep sugar, salt, nuts, candy in screw top jars. Label with date and contents. Use old first. Remember, non-perishables do not need refrigeration.

Water

We need about 2 quarts a day (4 including food preparation). Storage may be wise.

Sources - Drinking water - tap. Fill a bathtub as a reserve. Your hot water tank. Know how to turn power off and how to drain the tank. Large plastic containers from the grocery store. Rain water, snow, streams and ponds, but be sure to purify water obtained from other than drinkable sources.

Purifying - Boiling for 10 minutes at a rolling boil is safest, or use liquid chlorine bleach containing 5.25% sodium hypochlorite and no soap. Add 4 drops of bleach to each 32 ounces of water.

Storage - thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel coated metal containers, plastic soft drink bottles. Avoid breakable storage. Never use a container previously used for toxic material. Seal containers tightly and store in a cool, dark place.

If refrigeration is lost - Use perishable, refrigerated items first, then freezer items. A well filled, well insulated freezer should preserve food for 3 days. Examine all foods for spoilage.

Medical, Dental, Medicines, First Aid

Have necessary medical and dental work done before the end of 1999, including immunization. Establish a reserve supply of essential medications. Discuss with your pharmacist. Get an up-to-date prescription from your doctor in case computer records are lost. Know your nearest emergency facility. Know how to get help locally, perhaps through our Care Representatives.

Electrical-Dependent Care Items - Get your doctor's (supplier's) suggestions for action if power is lost

Communication - If phones fail, do you have an alternative? Do you have reliable batteries?

Cash Needs, Bill Payments, Records

Know your normal expense level per month. Credit/debit cards may not work. Cheques may not be accepted. Store one or two months' supply of cash in a safe and accessible place. Check to see that direct pay bills are paid. If not, you may need to pay in cash. Get and keep receipts for payments. Keep bank statements.

Heating, Cooling, Light Power Problems

If electrical power fails all the above are in jeopardy. Natural gas interruption can also impact heating and refrigeration. Generators are a possible power source. They need fuel properly stored and certain safety precautions taken. A wood fireplace could provide heat, as could propane or kerosene heaters/stoves. But, know how to operate and avoid their hazards. Candles can help with light and even heat. Flashlights for light - have supply of fresh batteries. Conserve heat by limiting the area you try to heat. Wear extra clothing. Combine living and sleeping quarters. To conserve energy, consider sharing all of the above with neighbours.

Sanitation

Garbage pickup - may be interrupted. have strong lidded containers for garbage. Don't allow loose garbage to accumulate on your property (rodents, etc.).

Human Waste - requires special attention. Consider a chemical or composting toilet.

General Safety

Smoke detectors connected to electric power may not function, so a battery operated detector may be needed. Be cautious about fireplaces. Do not leave food cooking and unattended. Have a fire extinguisher. If light is poor, move about carefully.

Many modes of travel and traffic lights are dependent on computers and subject to malfunction. Have your car gas tank full.

Some Things to Have on Hand

Basic first-aid material such as: sterile bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic, scissors, tweezers, aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever, antacid, paper cups (saves washing), plastic eating utensils, extra fresh batteries for your flashlights and other essential battery-dependent items, candles, matches, oil lamps, toilet paper, soap, liquid detergent, feminine supplies, denture and vision supplies, personal hygiene supplies, plastic garbage bags, disinfectant, household chlorine bleach, pet food and litter.

Disclaimer

This publication is designed to provide general information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is distributed with the understanding that neither the author nor publisher is engaged in rendering legal, medical, or other professional services; it is not be used as a substitute for professional legal, medical, or technical advice or services.

As Time Gets Shorter, Supplies Can Too!

Start Now!

Source

This material is a synopsis of only some parts of a booklet entitled Y2K Citizens Action Guide, published by Utne Reader Books and dated Fall, 1999.

Emergency Preparedness Committee

Audrey Darbyshire

Olga Teply

Bill Waylett

Pancake Breakfast

Major Announcement

Another Fabulous Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, October 16th

Three Sittings Beginning at 8:30 a.m.

See Sign-up Sheet at The Centre

The Merry Men of Foxboro Green directed by their fearless leaders Ron Wilkinson and Al Keith will, once again, be tempting our palates with the scrumptious taste of pancakes and syrup.

Men are needed for various tasks. No experience needed (we're not fussy). Don't be shy we can use your help. Sign-up sheet in the mailroom.

Woodworkers' Club

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME!

Annual fee ($10.00), is due this month and before snowbird members go south. Please deliver your fee to my house.

Note: Every Tuesday morning from 9:00 to 12:00, is "get together time". Working on a project or not, come over to the shop and have a friendly chat. You could possibly pick-up some ideas for a future project.

Request from the Editors

Please make sure that you take your own copy of Fox Talk.

The copies are filed in the following way:-

1. By street name (alphabetically)

2. By street number (numerically)

Both the name and the address appear on the label in the upper right-hand corner of each copy.

Thank you, in advance, for helping us to solve the problem of having some newsletters disappear.

Citizen of the Year Award

Louis Hill Honoured

Louis received the "Citizen of the Year for Environment" award at the opening ceremonies of the New Hamburg Fall Fair.

Prior to moving to Foxboro Green, Louis and Elaine Hill lived on a 26 acre farm within the Wilmot Township area. Elaine told me that Louis has always loved trees and planted thousands of them on the farm.

Louis served two terms on the Council and belonged to the Horticultural Society of Wilmot. He has helped to plant flowers and bulbs in the New Hamburg area for many years. The Arboretum, near the east side of the town, bears Louis's touch.

Congratulations on your Citizen of the Year award. We at Foxboro Green are very proud to have one of our residents presented with such an honour.

Congratulations Sharon

Sharon Mitchell is one of approximately 177 members of a Sweet Adeline Chorus. The group practice once a week in North York.

In September Sharon's group, the North Metro Chorus, placed first at the Sweet Adelines International Competition held in Atlanta, Georgia. There were 29 choruses competing.

This is the second time that North Metro have been the World Cham-pions. They won in 1996 and it was the first time that a chorus outside the United States had won the coveted title of World Champion Chorus.

Sharon's group sang two songs to win, For All We Know and Floating Down to Cotton.

There were 170 members on the stage for the competition. They are the largest chorus in the world and their ages range from 20 years to 90 years of age.

Next year North Metro goes to Orlando, Florida as the reigning champs.

It is really great to learn about all the talent that is here within our own small community.

Editor's Question: The picture above shows part of the North Metro Chorus. IS SHARON IN IT??????

Outside Lights

Outside Lights on at Night

Several of our residents, like to walk around Foxboro Green at night. One of them has asked that the following request be put into Fox Talk.

He mentioned that it is rather dark when meandering along the roads and wondered if we would consider putting on our outside lights (odd numbers on odd days and even numbers on the even days).

Sounds like a good idea. All I have to do is try to remember!

Remember to check the notices in the Mailroom for events that happen day-by-day, such as Aquafit, etc.

Care Committee

Foxboro Green: A Caring Community

Neighbours Caring for Neighbours

To realize this, Foxboro Green has been divided into four neighbourhoods, each with care coordinators and volunteers. These people are ready to provide specific services to those with a need.

Services available include driving, grocery shopping, meals, cleaning, laundry, hair care, handyman, financial and spiritual help, companionship and lawn care.

In collaboration with the resident, the coordinators will develop plans to meet the need. In addition, the coordinators will have information about outside agencies which may also be helpful.

Help is only a phone call away.

The four neighbourhoods and the coordinators for each, are as follows:-

Neighbourhood One 86-113 Foxboro Drive

100-110 Golf Links Drive

Marg Wendland 634-9779

Norma Fisher 634-5880

Neighbourhood Two 115-155 Foxboro Drive

112-124 Golf Links Drive

Eileen Fairweather 634-8924

Rosemary Schaaf 634-8066

Lakefield Court

Spruce Grove

Neighbourhood Three 125-185 Golf Links Drive

Maue Court

Faith & Bob Mundy 634-5046

Marion & Jack Koehler 634-8074

Neighbourhood Four Woods Edge Court

Sun Valley Drive

Audrey Euler 634-9720

Ellen Bowring 634-8181

If you wish to change, update or complete for the first time, a survey indicating areas you would be willing to offer help, please use the accompanying survey and return it to a coordinator in your neighbourhood.

On behalf of the Social Committee, the Care Committee will now welcome new residents and acknowledge illness and bereavement in Foxboro Green. In the past, this activity has been done by Joan Beveridge and Jessie Brown from the Social Committee. We thank them for the time, work and caring that they gave. If you have information concerning illness or bereavement in our community, please call one of the following:

Margaret Macdonald 634-5633

Eileen Fairweather 634-8924

Foxboro Green Care Committee