ACNA - Newsletter 2012 01 January Final

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association
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
ACNA NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2012
Another Successful Halloween Food Drive! On Halloween night, a group of Alpine Community volunteers collected 742 pounds of donated food (336 kg), all of which went to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. That is the largest amount we have ever collected during our Halloween Food Drives, much more than the 614 pounds we collected in 2010. Over the four years we have been doing the Halloween Food Drive, we have collected a total of 2322 pounds of food (1053 kg). Thanks goes to Zehrs for loaning us shopping carts, and to the other volunteers who were able to come out and help - the Coulson family, Councillor Paul Singh and Lynda Stewart of the City of Kitchener, Jeff McKinnon and Anne Zeiger. The City of Kitchener loaned us reflective vests for greater safety.
Neighbourhood Association
Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association - Who Are We? We are the neighbourhood association for the area bounded by Block Line Road, Homer Watson Blvd, Strasburg Road and Ottawa Street. Anybody living within these boundaries is welcome to join. We volunteer to ensure a better social, economic and business climate in the neighbourhood. We publish this newsletter, organize events, hold an annual food drive, provide our neighbours with useful information, and focus on problems in the neighbourhood. We meet once a month during the school year, the first Tuesday of each month, in the Alpine Public School library, at 7:00PM. Feel free to come to a meeting! For more information, call Graham Jeffery 519-578-9603.
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Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter January 2012 Contact: Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com
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A Reminder - How To Travel Through A Roundabout (for both Drivers and Pedestrians) The Region of Waterloo's website provides drivers and pedestrians with the information they need to safely navigate a roundabout. You can find this material (including videos) at http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/gettingAround/roundabouts.asp
Community Gardening on Cul-de-sacs In the Alpine area, there are two cul-de-sacs with a grass island at the end, - Jay Court and Selkirk Court. The City of Kitchener is offering to the residents living on cul-de-sacs the opportunity to beautify their grass-covered island with landscaping. The City would take the time and spend the money (around $2,000) to take out the grass and put in new plants and a bench. In return, willing homeowners would volunteer to take care of the plants on the island. This frees the City from having to cut the grass every three weeks. If residents on each of these two streets are interested in this project, they would have to organize and enter into an agreement with the City. Everyone living around a cul-de-sac must agree in order for the City to give their approval, and only decorative plants can be can be grown, not vegetables, due to road salt. If you wish to contact the City of Kitchener to participate in this program, call Tim Wolfe at 519-7412600, ext. 4173. If you would like the assistance of the Alpine Community N.A. in planning, call Graham at 519-578-9603.
Do you want to be more involved in your neighbourhood? - Come out to one of our monthly meetings. See first page for details. - Get involved in one of our activities or events. - Tell us what you'd like to see in this newsletter. - You can contribute to this newsletter... Pay tribute to a special neighbour, share an interesting story, or let us know about something new and noteworthy. - Help us deliver the newsletter. It's a volunteer effort! - Join our Facebook page and contribute there.
ACNA's Facebook Page - Giving you links to City of Kitchener and Region of Waterloo announcements, local business updates, child care services, local activities and events, yard sale announcements, news stories about issues affecting our neighbourhood, and more. Find our Facebook page by searching for "Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association" on Facebook.
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Christmas Lights Contest

Winner is 104 Geneva Crescent!
Runner Up 76 Appalachian Crescent

I love Christmas... It's a time of shoving, shopping and baking... right? Ohhh, sorry, wrong family event... it's a time of peace, love and goodwill to all. Once again the Association has voluntold me to walk our fair streets and judge our neighbourhood on their Christmas decoration and lighting displays. And once again I say there must be a poor turnout of volunteers in the association if they are asking "Me", the resident colourblind lady in the area, to be the Judge. Being in the festive mood, I asked my neighbour... known to me as "Mrs. Scrooge" to help co-judge. Again, I want to put in a disclaimer, that beauty is all in the eye of the beholder. I myself believe less is more, and Mrs. Scrooge believes that if you own it, display it, no matter how tacky it can get! We believe that somewhere in the middle rests the winner of the Christmas display contest. As we walked along our community, there were several thumbs up by one judge while Mrs. Scrooge had her thumbs turned down. All in all, we agreed that the following home had just the right amount of Christmas taste and spirit (no, not the kind you drink)... although we were up for bribes! Ha! The Winner of the Christmas decoration/lights contest is: 104 Geneva Crescent! Roberta Ness & Charmaine Fleischmann - aka Judge and Mrs. Scrooge
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Dear Alpine Neighbourhood Residents, Best wishes for a happy New Year to the residents of the Alpine Community! I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season. Im amazed at how quickly the first year of my term on Council has gone by. I greatly appreciate the Ward 6 residents for giving me the opportunity to serve their interests as well as the citizens of the city of Kitchener. The year had some challenges and allowed me to witness some great moments of community engagement. Although the Blockline roundabout in Ward 6 has been and will continue to be a contentious issue, I want to thank those of you that signed my petition to the Region of Waterloo regarding its safety and the communitys opposition to its construction. On a positive note I am proud to be part of a community that supports those in need. I joined others this year in support of Habitat for Humanity at the Howe Drive build site in ward 6, and would like to recognize the Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association (ACNA) members who worked tirelessly on Halloween night to collect over 740 pounds of non-perishable food for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region. I had a great time joining in their fun and it was wonderful to meet and talk with so many of you at your door. I would like to remind you that I am still available on the third Wednesday of each month at the Country Hills Community Centre between 5-6 pm for a chat. I encourage you to contact me to discuss your questions and ward or city wide concerns.
City Hall: 519-741-2793; Cell: 226-748-3109; paul.singh@kitchener.ca

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Let's Use Salt Wisely This Winter... The Region of Waterloo wants us to be more careful about how we use salt in the winter. It is an important material to melt snow and ice where people walk and drive, but over-using salt can cause problems. It can: - get into the ground water we draw our drinking water from, - be a health risk for our pets, - ruin boots and clothing, - kill and damage grass and other plants - affect natural wildlife in ponds and streams, - damage buildings, roads and bridges, - speed up rusting in cars and other vehicles. Wearing proper clothing and footwear, and clearing snow soon after it falls, are two ways to reduce the unintended effects of salt. You should not use salt if it is warmer than freezing (0C) or if it is colder than -10C. Below that temperature it is ineffective, and instead you should use sand for traction or an alternative product for de-icing. You should also avoid using salt in blowing snow conditions, as it actually makes the snow stick together. City of Kitchener Snow Clearing - Priorities and Rules The City of Kitchener is responsible for clearing snow on City streets, and will do so within 16 to 24 hours after the end of each snowfall (depending on upcoming weather conditions). For City snow clearing in the Alpine area... - #1 priority is the major regional roads - Ottawa Street and Homer Watson Blvd. - #2 priority is other arterial roads and roads with bus routes and schools on them - Strasburg, Block Line, Alpine Road, Kingswood, Flint, Lucerne, Gracefield and Selkirk Drive - #3 priority is any other road - Alpine Court, Roberts, Appalachian, Geneva, Jay, and Selkirk Court. Residential streets are only plowed if there is at least 8 cm (3.5 inches) of snow. A City bylaw states that homeowners have to clear the snow and ice from the sidewalk in front of their home within 24 hours after the snow stops falling. Call 519-741-2330 to report unshoveled walks to the City's bylaw office. You have to wait until 24 hours after a snowfall to do so. If you are physically unable to clear the sidewalk in front of your own home you may contact one of the following agencies to get help (eligibility rules and fees might apply): Community Support Connections/Meals and Wheels and More - 519-772-8787 Working Centre - 519-513-9225 House of Friendship - 519-742-8327 Winter Parking Rules - No overnight parking on City of Kitchener streets between December 1st & March 31st each winter. - During or after a substantial snowfall over 8 cm, the City may declare a Snow Event - a day when no parking will be allowed on any street for a full 24 hours. Snow Events are publicized in the media and on the Citys website. - During a Snow Event, if your vehicle is found to impede snow clearing, it can be tagged and towed somewhere nearby, and you will be fined $80 and charged towing fees. Owners of towed vehicles can call 519-741-2330 to locate their vehicles.
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The Christmas Coat

Is there a Santa? Find out in this holiday passalong, which will warm your heart and soul. I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!" My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her "world-famous" cinnamon buns. I knew they were world-famous, because Grandma said so. It had to be true. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything. She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus?" She snorted...."Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad!! Now, put on your coat, and let's go." "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked. I hadn't even finished my second world-famous cinnamon bun. "Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through its doors, Grandma handed me ten dollars. That was a bundle in those days. "Take this money," she said, "and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's. I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, confused, clutching that ten-dollar bill, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. I thought of everybody I knew: my family, my friends, my neighbors, the kids at school, and the people who went to my church. I was just about thought out, when I suddenly thought of Bobby Decker. He was a kid with bad breath and messy hair, and he sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobby Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out to recess during the winter. His mother always wrote a note, telling the teacher that he had a cough, but all we kids knew that Bobby Decker didn't have a cough; he didn't have a good coat. I fingered the ten-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobby Decker a coat! I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that. "Is this a Christmas present for someone?" the lady behind the counter asked kindly, as I laid my ten dollars down. "Yes, ma'am," I replied shyly. "It's for Bobby." The nice lady smiled at me, as I told her about how Bobby really needed a good winter coat. I didn't get any change, but she put the coat in a bag, smiled again, and wished me a Merry Christmas. That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat (a little tag fell out of the coat, and Grandma tucked it in her Bible) in Christmas paper and ribbons and wrote, "To Bobby, From Santa Claus" on it. Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobby Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially, one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobby's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his door and flew back to the
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safety of the bushes and Grandma. Together we waited breathlessly in the darkness for the front door to open. Finally it did, and there stood Bobby. Fifty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering beside my Grandma in Bobby Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team. Submitted by Dennis Haid. I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95. Kitchener 2012 - 100 Years as a City! On June 10th, 1912, the Town of Berlin became a city. Thousands of residents gathered to hear Mayor Schmaltz declare the Status of Cityhood. This momentous event resulted in the greatest celebration in our local history.until now. 2012 marks 100 years of Cityhood and in tradition of community pride and spirit, we invite one and all to Celebrate Our City! Events marking this milestone will take place between June and December of 2012 to Celebrate the Past and IMAGINE the Future The Record and the City of Kitchener invite Kitchener residents to be involved. Do you have an idea big or small for a project to celebrate our 100th anniversary of Cityhood? Beginning January 16th, 2012 we are accepting grant proposals that will give you the opportunity to be awarded up to $10 000 to make your idea a reality. We are happy to receive proposals that: Tell the unique story of Kitchener Are creative and inclusive Bring people together that may not normally work together Look to the future or celebrate the past Enhance the lives of Kitchener residents Written applications will be shortlisted, and we will assist finalists in submitting videos, to be displayed on the official Kitchener 100 website. Public voting will determine the winning projects or events. Please visit www.kitchener100.ca for full contest details and to vote for your favorite ideas. Be part of the celebration! City of Kitchener Celebrating 100 years of Cityhood Email: kitchener100@kitchener.ca Where to Skate Near the Alpine Area The closest outdoor rinks to the Alpine Community are will be at... - Country Hills Community Centre - 100 Rittenhouse Road - Chandler Mowat Community Centre - 222 Chandler Drive - Country Hills Public School - 195 Country Hills Drive - Elmsdale Park, at the intersection of Ottawa and Elmsdale
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These outdoor rinks are maintained with the generous efforts of dedicated volunteers. Depending on the weather, these rinks may be temporarily closed. If a rink has a "Closed" sign posted, please do not skate until it reopens. Nearby indoor rinks with public skating programs are at - Lions Arena, 20 Rittenhouse Road - Activa Sportsplex, 135 Lennox Lewis Way Here are some times for public skating until mid-late March 2012. A full schedule, along with any news of temporary closures, can be found on the City of Kitchener Website http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/ArenasAndSkating.asp http://www.kitchener.ca/en/livinginkitchener/public_skating_schedule.asp Free Family and Seniors Skating - Activa - Wednesdays and Fridays 10:15 - 11:05am (except Jan 20, Feb 3, Mar 16) - Lions - Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 - 10:50am Free Community Skate - Activa - Mondays 4:15 - 5:05pm - Lions - Thursdays 4:00 - 4:50pm Free Adult Skate - Lions - Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12:00 - 12:50pm Free Senior's Skate - Activa - Fridays 11:15am - 12:05pm (except Jan 20, Feb 3, Mar 16) - Lions - Tuesdays 11:00 - 11:50am Public Skating with Admission fees - Activa - Saturdays 8:00 - 9:50pm (except Feb 4) - Lions - Saturdays 1:00 - 2:50pm (except Feb 11) Fees are Adults $5.25, Children and Seniors $3.75, Family $11.75 Winter Nature Walks at the Huron Natural Area The following are guided outdoor hikes in the Huron Natural Area at 801 Trillium Drive. All are Free, with all ages welcomed. Please note that during the winter, washroom facilities are closed. Dress appropriately for the weather and temperature. Each hike will start at the School Portable. Winter Wildlife Tracking Sunday January 22, 2012; 1-3pm Learn how to recognize some of the common animal tracks and enjoy a leisurely hike through the forests and fields of the Huron Natural Area. Owls in Kitcheners Natural Areas Saturday February 11, 2012; 7-9pm REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Spend an evening learning about the different owls that live in Kitcheners Natural Areas. This will begin with an indoor slideshow about owls and their habitats and behaviours and will also go for a night to call and look for owls in the Huron Natural Area. Call 519-7412600 ext 4177 to register.
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ACNA - Newsletter 2012 01 January Final

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ACNA - Newsletter 2012 01 January Final

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Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

ACNA NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2012

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Christmas Lights Contest

Runner Up 76 Appalachian Crescent

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

City Hall: 519-741-2793; Cell: 226-748-3109; paul.singh@kitchener.ca

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

The Christmas Coat

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

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