ACNA April 2012 Newsletter Final

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

ACNA NEWSLETTER April 2012
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
Earth Day Community Cleanup - April 21st, 2012 Association On Saturday April 21st, please come out and help clean up litter in the public areas of our community. The past three cleanups have been very successful in reducing the amount of garbage lying about the neighbourhood. Meet us behind Alpine Public School any time between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and help for as long as you wish. We have garbage bags and gloves to help you clean up. We appreciate everyone's participation to help keep our neighbourhood clean and safe. In the case of poor weather that Saturday, we will have our cleanup the following day during the same hours. Watch our blog and Facebook pages for updates on the 21st or we can send you an email if you let us know your email address at gwjeffery@rogers.com.
Neighbourhood
During our regular May 1st meeting at Alpine Public School (7 p.m. in the library) we will hold our Annual General Meeting. We will elect our 20122013 Association President and the rest of the executive group. All residents of the Alpine area are invited to participate and vote.
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, usually 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 April 2012 Contact: Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, gwjeffery@rogers.com or Anne Zeiger - azeiger@rogers.com
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Dear Residents, The long awaited Block Line Rd extension will begin this construction season. As part of the 2012 budget, council approved funding for the Block Line Road extension to Courtland Avenue. This connection to Courtland Avenue has been in the long term forecast for some time now, with the Environmental Assessment completed back in 2001, and most recently, Block Line was extended from Homer Watson Blvd to Lennox Lewis Way. Engineering staff has completed the detailed design for the next phase of this 4 lane extension from Lennox Lewis Way to Courtland, which will include a 90meter, 3-span bridge structure spanning Schneider Creek and the railway corridor. The connection bridge will be pedestrian and cyclist friendly and include sidewalks, bike lanes and landscaping with street lights on both sides of the road. The last remaining step before work begins is the tendering process, followed by final approval by council. The construction is anticipated to begin in June 2012 and to be completed by the end of 2013. The Stormwater Credit policy, another program that has taken some time to complete, was ratified by council on March 5, 2012. Coming into effect on October 1, 2012, the credit program will offer incentives to property owners who decrease the volume of stormwater coming off their properties. The intent is to encourage private property owners to put in controls and apply best management practices to reduce the total runoff and pollutants that leach into the stormwater management system. Eligible credits will be applied retroactive to Jan 1, 2011, for all eligible property owners who apply before March 1, 2013. Because the storm water rate billing system needs to be modified and application forms created, applicants eligible for the credits will not see an adjustment until October 2012. Residential property owners can expect to be eligible for credits up to 45 per cent. This is all based on the volume of stormwater diverted from the municipal system from the residential property. Initially, for residents having 1-2 rain barrels on their property to capture stormwater, would have only been eligible for a 9% credit. I felt this was not a great enough incentive for residents to consider using rain barrels. I felt a more fair and equitable credit program was needed, so therefore I did not support the staff recommendation. Instead I put forth an amendment for an applicable credit of 20% for homeowners with 1-2 rain barrels on their properties, along with additional credit increases to other levels that captured or diverted higher volumes of stormwater. I am pleased to say that council agreed to this motion. As we move forward in 2012, I will continue to represent the needs of the Ward 6 community. I encourage you to contact me with your questions and ward or city wide concerns at the office 519-741-2793, by email paul.singh@kitchener.ca, or follow me on Twitter @paulsinghward6. Sincerely,
Councillor Paul Singh Ward 6
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Community Garage Sale - June 9th, 2012 These past few years we have encouraged individual residents to hold their garage sales on one common day, to help maximize sales. We support this through postering and online advertising (Kijiji). In past years, we have had as many as 30 households participating at the same time in our Alpine area. This is your chance to declutter, make a little money and meet your neighbours. Just before Fathers Day, so you can raise money for the gift he wants, while making space for it in your home. Community Movie Night in McLennan Park - Coming Soon The Alpine Community N.A. is planning with two other Neighbourhood Associations in the area to hold an outdoor movie night in McLennan Park. We hope to have it in late May or early June, and show a recently released family-friendly film. More details will be provided on our blog and Facebook sites, or you can be updated by email if you let us know your email address at gwjeffery@rogers.com. Starting a new Lawn from Seed - taken from Planting a New Lawn from Seed for Dummies Starting a lawn from seed is the least expensive way to transform your home or garden with a new lawn. Find information and step-by-step instructions on how to turn grass seed into a lush, beautiful lawn. The best time to start lawns from seed, or by any means, is just prior to the grass's season of most vigorous growth. What season are you? First, you need to determine the type of grass that grows best in your climate whether you need coolseason or warm-season grass. Think of cool-season and warm-season grasses as the ying and yang of the turf world. Or better yet, when you think of cool season grasses, envision blue spruce. When you think of warm-season grasses, envision palm trees. Get the picture? For cool-season grasses (which grow best in fall, spring, and, in some areas, winter), the best time to plant is late summer to early fall. At that time of year, the ground is still warm enough for quick germination, and the young grass plants have the entire upcoming cool season to become established. Early spring is the second-best time to start a cool-season lawn from seed. The young grass has less time to become established before the onset of hot weather, but results are usually satisfactory as long as you start seeding early enough. Warm-season grasses are best planted in late spring. At that time, the weather is still mild enough to let you get the grass established, but the hot weather of summer and the most vigorous growth are just around the corner. Ready, set, grow The soil is ready, the site is level, and the watering system is in place now you can plant the seed. 1. Spread the seed. Make sure that you properly set your spreader rate for sowing seed. (You can check the manufacturer's instructions, but many times, the spreader has the necessary information printed on it.) Put half the grass seed in the spreader. Spread the first half of the seed by walking in one direction and then spread the second half crisscross to the first direction. This pattern ensures even coverage. Don't forget to use a starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers are high in the nutrient phosphorous, which is essential to seedlings. 2. Top-dress the seed to hold moisture. Open the door of a peat spreader (or cage roller) and fill it with peat moss or other fine-textured organic matter, as shown in the image below. You may end up spilling some, so don't do this on the lawn surface; otherwise, you have to clean up the mess, disturbing the seedbed as you do. Briskly push the cage roller back and forth over the lawn until you cover the entire area.
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Apply a very thin layer, 1/8- to 1/4-inch of mulch, no more. Adjust your speed until the roller applies about the right amount. A peat spreader helps to evenly spread a thin layer of mulch. If you live in a windy area where the peat moss blows around or if you're trying to save a dime, you can lightly rake the seedbed instead of mulching. Use a stiff metal rake and just lightly push and pull the tines back and forth to make shallow grooves and cover the seed. Don't push too hard, or you'll move the seed around or cover it too deeply. 3. Roll the surface. To ensure good contact between seed and soil, roll the entire area with a roller that you've filled only halfway with water. Roll the perimeter first and then finish the entire area. 4. Water. This may be the most important step. With the first watering, make sure that you apply enough water to wet the soil down to at least 6 to 8 inches. Apply the water gently so that you don't wash the seed away or create puddles. You may have to water several times in short intervals until the bed is thoroughly wet. After that, water often enough to keep the top inch or so of the seedbed moist until the seed germinates. Remember, seeds get only one shot at germination. Let them dry out, and they're dead. Sprinkle the seedbed lightly with a handheld hose several times a day especially if it's hot or windy to get even germination across the entire lawn. However, you don't want to overdo it. Too much water causes the seed to rot. Watch the color of the soil surface. As the soil dries, the surface becomes lighter in color. When you notice about half to two-thirds of the surface lightening up, it's about time to water. 5. Protect the seedbed. Here comes the neighbor's dog! Oh, no, what a muddy mess. To keep kids, pets, or whatever off your newly seeded, very wet lawn, encircle it with brightly colored string attached to small stakes. However, that may not be enough for the dog. If the lawn is small, you can surround the whole area with some roll-out metal fencing available at hardware stores or at least tell the neighbor to keep her dog in her own yard. Caring for your new lawn after germination As your new lawn becomes established, you can start easing up on the water, depending on the weather. If you continue your everyday watering routine, you're likely to overdo it and rot the young seedlings. Also, if the ground is too wet, you can inhibit root growth. When you have a pretty even ground cover of new seedlings, try skipping a day of watering and see what happens. Watch the grass carefully. If the color starts to go from bright green to dull gray green, the grass needs water. You may have to water some quick-to-dry areas with a handheld hose. If the grass doesn't dry out, keep stretching the intervals between watering until you're on a schedule of once or twice a week, or as needed. When you do water, don't forget to water deeply, getting the moisture down 6 to 8 inches. Don't be a light-sprinkling fool you end up with one lousy lawn. But there's more to a new lawn than just watering. You need to mow the new lawn when it reaches 3 to 4 inches high, depending on the type of grass. Mow when the soil is on the dry side; otherwise, you might tear up the new turf. You also need to make your first application of fertilizer about 4 to 6 weeks after germination. Young seedlings have a hefty appetite, so don't skip this important feeding. Submitted by Roberta Ness.
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.
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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? Garden Contest - 2012 Sometime this summer, a couple of Alpine Community N.A. volunteers will be walking the sidewalks of our community and choosing the most beautiful front garden they see. Our policy is to choose a new winner each year, who will be featured on our blog and in this newsletter. The past winners are 112 Geneva (2011) and 6 Lucerne (2010). Many of our neighbours take obvious pride in their gardens, for the enjoyment of all. We appreciate your efforts to keep our neighbourhood beautiful. Recycling your electronic and hazardous waste - NOT in the garbage, NOT in the Blue Box... Electronic waste like TVs, computers, computer screens, etc. are not garbage or regular recycling. Drop them off for free at the Staples store in the shopping plaza at Ottawa and Strasburg (beside Rona). They do not charge and they will accept a maximum of 3 pieces of any television, monitor, desktop or laptop computer each day per customer. An unlimited number of peripheral items can be dropped off too. Household hazardous waste includes the following: Acids and alkaline, car anti-freeze/motor oil/batteries, fluorescent lamps, CFL light bulbs, fuels, household chemicals (cleaners), lawn/garden chemicals, medicines, old mercury thermostats, paints and solvents, propane tanks, syringes (sealed in puncture proof containers only), waxes and polishes. These should be taken to the Waterloo Waste Transfer Station at 925 Erb St. West for safe disposal. They are open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday. Or you can drop them off on April 28th & November 3rd at the Kitchener Auditorium - 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grahams Quick Notes - FYI The Alpine Community N.A. has won a prize of 1 hour of reserved family skating time at one of the ice rinks at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium (The Aud). This is courtesy of The Festival of Neighbourhoods organizing group. We will schedule this for later this year, and will keep you updated on the date and time in our newsletter, on Facebook, and on our Blog. Just a quick reminder - The Activa Sportsplex, 135 Lennox Lewis Way, is not just the Boxing Academy and the ice rinks but also has the Lyle S. Hallman Walking Track, which located upstairs above the KMHA Icepad. There is no fee to use it, and it is open daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. unless otherwise posted. Proper footwear (running and approved walking shoes only) is required.
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FREE! Compost and Wood Chips from the Region of Waterloo. Pick it up at the Waterloo Landfill, 925 Erb Street West, Gate 2 - from April 2nd to the first snow fall. Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Car, van and trailer loads only. Bring your own containers and shovels. Call Before You Dig - Putting in a fence? pool? new tree? Do you know where your utility lines are? Keep yourself safe and call before you break ground. It's also the law. For water, natural gas and telephone lines, just call 1-800-400-2255. For electrical lines, call 519-749-6184. For Rogers Cable, the number is 1-800-738-7893. Call at least 30 days in advance of your digging.
Bed Bugs - The Basics of What You Need To Know In recent years in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada, there have been an increase in the number of bed bug reports. Bed bugs are small biting insects that multiply quickly and travel easily. It is possible for anyone, anywhere to experience a bed bug infestation. However bed bugs can be prevented and controlled and the sooner everyone responds, the more successful we will be at controlling this pest. What are bed bugs? Bed bugs are insects with oval-shaped bodies and no wings. Bed bugs usually bite at night and will bite all over, especially around the face, neck, upper torso, arms and hands. There are currently no known cases of infectious disease transmitted to people by bed bug bites. Most bed bug bites are initially painless, but could turn into large, itchy skin welts. Some people have no reaction at all. Most bed bug bites eventually go away by themselves and dont need treatment. How can I find them? Use a bright flashlight to look for bed bugs or their dark droppings in bedroom furniture, windows and doorframes. Or use a hot hair dryer, a thin knife or an old playing card to force them out of hiding spaces and cracks. Check: Behind your headboard and around cracks and crevices of your bed. In the seams and tufts of your mattress. Inside the box spring and along the bed frame. Along bedroom baseboard cracks. In and around night stands. Other bedroom items, including window and door casings, pictures, mouldings. Nearby furniture, loose wallpaper, cracks in plaster and partitions and clutter.
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What can I do if I have them? Bed bug control requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that includes proper preparation and inspection, identification and housekeeping. This minimizes pesticide exposure, and maximizes environmental protection and the effectiveness of treatment. Getting rid of bed bug infestations usually requires the use of pesticides. Only professionals should apply pesticides for bed bugs. Foggers and bug bombs are not effective against them. There are many licensed pest control companies in Ontario who have the proper training and experience to manage a bed bug infestation. Washing in hot water and drying on high heat for your clothes and bed linens, removing clutter, depriving bed bugs hiding places for them to live in, and consistent vacuuming and cleaning are also part of IPM. Have you considered being a Block Parent Volunteer? Since 1977, the Waterloo Regional Block Parent Program has served the people of Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and the surrounding rural communities by creating a network of safe houses for people of all ages to go to in times of distress. The familiar red and white Block Parent sign is a symbol that indicates a caring adult is available to help, should the need arise. The sign was first seen in windows in London, Ontario in 1968, where the Program began. Block parents are responsible adults who care sufficiently about the well-being of children and other people to volunteer their homes as a temporary refuge in an emergency. All block parents are screened by the police and are given instructions on the program by local volunteers. The Block Parent window sign is shown only when someone over the age of 18 is available to answer the door. If the sign is not displayed, this does not mean that no one is home, only that the Block Parent is not available to offer immediate assistance. In addition to the primary goal of making communities safer to children, the Block Parent Program deters criminals and trouble makers. The network of Block Parent homes is a visible reminder that citizens are watchful in their neighbourhood. Their trained representatives educate children on topics regarding street proofing, safety tips at home and at play, bullying and safety on the internet, as well as how to use the Block Parent Program. As a result, over 10,000 children have gone through this presentation since January 2002 and they continue to expand the number of schools they serve. Throughout the year, the Waterloo Regional Block Parent Program attends and hosts a number of events to help raise awareness of the issues regarding child safety in our community. They present to neighbourhood associations, community centres, retirement homes and various social groups throughout the region. While the Block Parent Program was primarily designed for children, our network of safe homes can also be used by seniors in times of distress. A Block Parent can summon police, fire department, medical services or other agencies to help you. If you feel ill, vulnerable, distressed or lost while in your community - or elsewhere - simply look for a house displaying the red and white Block Parent sign.
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You can help too. If you would like to help make your community safer, become a Block Parent. Their volunteers also assist in school presentations, participate in different local activities and assist local Block Parent Committees in a number of valuable community initiatives. Block parents are not required to admit anyone into their home. If someone needs your help, you can safely communicate through a locked door to get the information you need to offer assistance. You'll help them and you'll be safe too! Keeping safe! Always walk in well-lit areas...walking with a companion is safer. Walk with confidence and be aware of your surroundings - look for the Block Parent sign! Carry identification with you at all times. Keep your doors locked at all times. Never display large sums of money in public. Report all suspicious activity to the police. Never open your door to a stranger until you are satisfied with their identity and the purpose of their visit. Get to know your neighbours. The Waterloo Regional Block Parent Program is a registered charity and is part of Canada's largest volunteer run child safety oriented organization. Over 300,000 volunteers from coast to coast help to make communities safer for everyone. If you are considering being a volunteer or just want more information on their program, they would be excited to hear from you! You can reach them by phone or by email. Block Parent Office - 519-745-8410. Please be advised that their office is not staffed and when you call, you will be prompted to leave a message. One of their volunteers will return your call as soon as they can. For immediate service, please send a message by email! You can email them at contact@ blockparents.ca Submitted by Roberta Ness. Emerald Ash Borer The Emerald Ash Borer is an insect which arrived in Canada a few years ago, and which infests and kills ash trees. The City of Kitchener has been tracking the Emerald Ash Borer, and has found a number of infested trees on Kingswood Dr. Six trees were scheduled to be removed quickly and may already be gone by the time this newsletter is distributed. More are sure to follow, as the City's current policy is to remove trees once the infestation has been detected. In fact, it is likely that eventually all the trees along one side of Kingswood for several hundred feet will be removed (Strasburg to Appalachian), as they are all ash trees. New trees will eventually be planted.
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ACNA April 2012 Newsletter Final

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ACNA April 2012 Newsletter Final

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Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Councillor Paul Singh Ward 6

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association

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