Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

ACNA NEWSLETTER JUNE 2011

CONTACTS: President of ACNA, Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Vice President of ACNA Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com Website: http://alpine-cna.blogspot.com/ Alpine Community

Neighbourhood Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association - Who Are We? If you are new to the neighbourhood,Association know about us. We are the neighbourhood association for this area. you may not Our boundaries are Block Line Road, Homer Watson Blvd, Strasburg Road and Ottawa Street. Anybody who lives within these boundaries is welcome to join. We hold monthly meetings during the school year on the 1st Tuesday of each month. These meetings are held at Alpine School library from 7 pm to 9 pm. We want to work together to protect and ensure a better social, economic and business climate in the neighbourhood. A neighbourhood association like ours may produce a neighbourhood newsletter, organize events/picnics/recreation activities, clean up a neighbourhood park or focus on problems in the neighbourhood. For further information, contact Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603
We Value Your Input - Please Complete Our Short Survey The Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association (ACNA) has been active for over three years now, and we want to know what concerns and motivates people in our community. We posted an online survey so you can tell us about neighbourhood issues that are important to you. Also, tell us how ACNA can support our community. Survey responses are confidential and we do not collect any personal information. We will group responses together to report the survey results. You can type in the web address below to go to the survey, or find the link on our blog and Facebook pages. Please complete it by the end of June. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MPCZ5DJ

Alpine Community Garage Sale - Reminder Saturday June 11th is the date for the Alpine Neighbourhood Annual Garage Sale. Everyone in the Alpine area is encouraged to hold their sale on that date. If your place of residence does not allow garage sales, you can bring your stuff to Colleens house (92 Geneva Crescent) the morning of June 11th and set up there.
Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

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Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter June 2011 Contact: Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com

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Earth Day Clean-up Postponed We were hoping to have our annual Earth Day Community Clean-up on April 16th. However, a strong cold rain that morning prevented it from happening. We are hoping to reschedule it, possibly for the early Fall. ACNA Garden Contest A walk in our neighbourhood on a nice summer evening is a rewarding experience to those who enjoy the beauty of gardens. This year again, ACNA volunteers will be viewing front gardens in the area and selecting the most appealing, to be recognized on our blog and newsletter. As so many gardens are worth considering, we will pick a new property this year. We anticipate that last year's winner, at 6 Lucerne, will be spectacular again this year.

McLennan Park Improvements - Not Much Longer To Wait Construction at McLennan Park proceeds and the park should re-open early in June, as long as weather does not delay it. The grand re-opening celebration is set for August 13th. For more information, see also Councillor Paul Singh's letter later next page. Your New ACNA Executive ACNA recently held its Annual General Meeting, and we have a new executive group. The new President is Graham Jeffery. Ann Zeiger is Vice-President, Colleen Coulson (our past President) is now Secretary and Gary Coulson is Treasurer. We thank Colleen Coulson for all her hard work and dedication she brought to the position of President over the past few years. We are fortunate that she will continue to be part of our group in the future. You can contact the new President Graham Jeffery at 519-578-9603 or at gwjeffery@rogers.com.
Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter June 2011 Contact: Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com

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Dear Alpine Neighbourhood Residents, This summer the city will officially celebrate the opening of the new amenities at McLennan Park on Saturday, August 13. I encourage all residents to attend this opening day celebration and enjoy this wonderful repurposed space that was once a waste site. This 39 hectare park offering a new skate park, splash pad, beach volleyball and basketball courts, and a picnic shelter, is definitely the place you want to be this summer with your family and friends. The City of Kitchener has made a commitment to our community, in keeping with the principles of our Citys Parks Master Plan and sustainability goals to provide new parks and recreational facilities to its residents. Like Victoria Park, Kiwanis Park, and the Huron Natural Area, McLennan Park will attract many visitors and be enjoyed for years to come. The Region has approved the round-a-bout and its design at Block Line and Homer Watson. I have heard from many Ward 6 residents expressing their opposition to having a round-a-bout constructed at this busy intersection. Their concerns are mainly centred on safety measures to protect crossing pedestrians. I will keep you up-to-date on any changes regarding this matter. Please send me an e-mail me if you would like to receive an electronic update about anything important in our community. I am also available to meet with you at the Country Hills Community Centre on the third Wednesday of each month between 5-6pm and encourage you to contact me to chat with you about your questions, ward or city wide concerns.

Councillor Paul Singh Ward 6 City Hall: 519-741-2793; Cell: 226-748-3109

paul.singh@kitchener.ca

Water Conservation According to Region of Waterloo rules, lawn and garden watering restrictions are in force between May 31st and September 30th each year. All watering must take place between the hours of 5:30 - 10 a.m. and 7 - 11 p.m. Watering the lawn - Once-per-week lawn watering during restricted hours is based on the last digit in your address/house number: If your address ends in "0" or "1", your lawn watering day is Monday; "2" or "3" on Tuesday, "4" or "5" on Wednesday, "6" or "7" on Thursday and "8" or "9" on Friday. Other watering (besides watering the lawn) - Homes with even-numbered addresses can water on evennumbered dates. Odd-numbered addresses may water on odd-numbered dates. The daily time restriction noted above still apply. These activities are: - Irrigation of gardens, trees, shrubs and other outdoor plants - Washing cars with a controlled hose (with a shut-off valve attached). - Topping-up permanent residential pools. Newly planted sod/grass seed and Nematode applications - Watering restrictions are relaxed in both of these situations. However, the resident must obtain a permit by calling 519-575-4495. For more information on how much watering is permitted, and for other water bylaw information, you can reference the Region of Waterloo website under "Water" in the "Living Here" menu, then under " Conservation", then under "Water Conservation Bylaw".
Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter June 2011 Contact: Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com
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Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

What can you do to get more involved in your neighbourhood? Come out to our monthly meetings. See first page. What would you like to see in your ACNA newsletter? Wed like to have your input: anything new or noteworthy that happened? Like to pay tribute to a special neighbour? Got an interesting story youd like to share?

Some important numbers If there are problems at the schools: Alpine School: Bestel Services Security Service: 519-749-3838 Our Lady of Grace School: 519-749-3869 Police: 519-653-7700 By Law: 519-741-2330

ACNA is on Facebook. Look for our group under the name Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association and join up. The group page will provide notification of upcoming events and provide a link to our blog, where you can learn more about ACNA and our neighbourhood.

Electric Lawnmower Maintenance

A mower lasts twice as long if you maintain it. A dull blade, and debris in the motor's air vents, for example, cause unnecessary wear on the motor, Follow the below checklist for a do-it-yourself tune up, compliments of canadiangardening.com Step 1 Your lawnmower should be unplugged before you work on it and the plug is a good place to start your inspection. Make sure the prongs are straight and secure. Prongs can be straightened with pliers; if they're loose replace the plug. Then check the length of your cord for nicks or cuts. (Never use an extension cord longer than 100 feet/30 metres; the motor runs harder and could burn out.) The section of cord that runs from the switchbox on the handle down into the motor frequently gets pinched when mowers are stored. If you have a tear in the wire's casing, wrap the area with electrical tape. (If the inner wires are severed, replace the cord.) .................continued next page

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter June 2011 Contact: Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com

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Electric Lawnmower Maintenance .......continued Step 2 Next, clear out the air-vent slots for the motor. Remove the housing over the motor and brush away any grass or debris; for a more thorough job, use a vacuum cleaner. 'Sometimes you'll see what looks like a bird's nest sitting in there,' Gray says. Without air to cool it, the motor may overheat and burn out. Before you put the housing back on, place three or four drops of 3-in-1 oil in the small opening on the top of the motor. Step 3 Electric lawnmowers have two carbon blocks, called brushes that act as electrical conductors for the motor. The length of the carbon brushes should be longer than their width. "They wear down with use, like pencil leads," Gray says. "If they're more short than wide, it's time to replace them." Some slide out quite easily; others require disassembly. Consult your owner's manual for specifics. New brushes are available at lawnmower service shops. Step 4 Time to turn the machine on its side to check the blade. If it's bent or cracked, replace it; otherwise, you need to sharpen it. "If the blade is dull, it hacks at the grass instead of slicing it," Gray says, 'and it makes the motor run harder.' First remove the blade there's usually a nut or bolt that holds it in place. To sharpen, use a hand file or sharpening stone (available at hardware stores) and start with five strokes on each side of the blade, filing from the centre of the blade out to the edge. 'You're not trying to put a knife edge on the blade,' says Gray. "The point is to file down any nicks so there's a straight line across the cutting edge. If you need to file more than one-quarter of the blade's width to do this, it's time to replace the blade." It's a good idea to always have a replacement blade on hand, and you can use it as a guide for sharpening your old one. Take the used one with you to a hardware store or a repair shop so you get the right size. Before reinstalling the blade, check to see that it's filed the same amount on each side. Place the tip of a screwdriver through the bolt hole in the blade. Hold the blade at eye level. If it tilts to one side, file the leaning edge more, until it doesn't tilt. Reinstall the blade and ensure the bolt is tight. Give the blade a spin with your hand to make sure nothing obstructs its rotation, and also listen for grinding or squeaking noises 'this could indicate a problem with the bearings or obstruction in the motor, which means a trip to a repair shop. Step 5 The wheels on most lawnmowers are adjustable to control the height of the grass. For the first cut of the season, set at the highest level so you avoid stones and other debris left over from winter that might not be visible. Be sure all four wheels are at the same height, or you'll get a ragged cut. Step 6 Make sure all nuts, bolts and screws on the lawnmower are fastened tightly. Working from the top down, check the fasteners holding the switchbox together and to the handle, those securing the handle to the body, any holding the housing down, the grass catcher and those on the wheels. Check all fasteners periodically over the season the vibration of a lawnmower during use may cause some to come loose. Submitted by Roberta Ness
Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter June 2011 Contact: Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com

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Let's stay safe when using fireworks this summer!

A City of Kitchener bylaw set out specific rules for the use of fireworks. Fireworks can only be set off on Victoria Day and Canada Day and the days immediately before and after Victoria Day and Canada Day. Fireworks cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18. Firecrackers, which are different from fireworks, and include such items as "cherry bombs" and "torpedoes", are illegal and cannot be sold or set off anywhere in Kitchener. Fireworks must not be set off: 1) On any city street or highway; 2) In any woodlot, public trail, or ballpark; 3) On any City of Kitchener parkland, unless you have a permit to do so; 4) Within 25 feet - 8 metres - of any building or structure; 5) In areas containing dead undergrowth or trees. When setting off fireworks, always: - Use fireworks outdoors only; - Choose a clear, open area; - Check wind direction and speed; - Always have an adult present; - Have water handy; - Use eye protection and wear non-flammable clothing; - Read and follow label directions; - Keep spectators at least 20 metres - 65 feet - from launch area; - Wait 30 minutes after display has ended and dispose of fireworks properly (soak in water then dispose in trash bin). Never: - Experiment with homemade fireworks; - Give fireworks to small children; - Light more than one firework at a time, or relight ''duds;'' - Throw or point fireworks at other people; - Carry fireworks in your pocket; - Shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers. Events at Kitchener's Natural Areas - An Interesting Way to Learn About Nature Birds of Breithaupt Park - Saturday June 11, 2011; 8 -10 a.m. Entrance off Union Street, near 804 Union Street This hike will take birders of all ages and skill levels on a casual walk to learn about some of the urban birds found living in our City. No experience necessary! Bring binoculars if you have them. All About Bats - Saturday June 18, 2011; 8 -10 p.m. Huron Natural Area; 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener - Meet at the School Portable Spend an evening learning about the amazing lives of bats. These creatures are common in urban areas and are a great animal to have living in your neighbourhood. This program will feature an indoor presentation and outdoor hike. LIMITED SPACE - REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Call 519-519-741-2600 ext 4177 Huron Natural Area Butterfly Count - Saturday July 9, 1 - 4 p.m. Huron Natural Area; 801 Trillium Drive, Kitchener Join fellow volunteers and local naturalists in the 1st ever Huron Natural Area Butterfly Count. Participants will learn about the amazing variety of butterfly species found living in the Huron Natural Area and will assist with an inventory. Be prepared to be outside for the afternoon. Suitable for people of all ages and skill levels! REGISTRATION REQUIRED - Call 519-519-741-2600 ext 4177
Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter June 2011 Contact: Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com
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Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association