ACNA - Newsletter Final 2011 04

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Alpine CommunityNeighbourhood

Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter April 2011 Page 1 of 8

Contact: Colleen Coulson, tel: 519-749-1424, [email protected]

or Graham Jeffery, tel: 519-578-9603, [email protected]


AssociationACNA NEWSLETTER APRIL 2011CONTACTS: President of ACNA , Colleen Coulson, tel: 519-749-1424, [email protected] or

Vice President of ACNA, Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, [email protected]

Website: http://alpine-cna.blogspot.com


Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association - Who Are We? If you are new to the neigh-

bourhood, you may not know about us. We are the neighbourhood association for this area.

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 dur-

ing 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, eco-

nomic 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, please

contact Colleen Coulson at 519-749-1424 or you can also contact Graham Jeffery,

tel: 519-578-9603, [email protected]

Earth Day Event

Please come out on April 16th, when ACNA holds our fourth

annual Earth Day community clean-up. The past three clean-

ups were very successful and noticeably reduced the amount of

garbage lying about in the neighbourhood. On the 16th, we start

at 9:00 AM and continue to 1:00 PM, but you can come help at

any time during this period, for as long as you want. We meet at

Alpine Public school and provide supplies and gloves for you

to use when cleaning up. We appreciate everyone's participation

each year, in keeping our neighbourhood clean and safe.

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Activities and Events this Spring

The Huron Natural Area, at 801 Trillium Drive, is Kitchener's largest wilderness park - a destination for

nature lovers, families, trail walkers and photographers.

On Saturday April 23rd, the annual Earth Day Celebration will take place at the Huron Natural Area,

between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Activities that afternoon include:

Live demonstrations of birds of prey by the Canadian Raptor Conservancy

Build and take home a Bird Box (limited quantities)

Tree planting, crafts and other activities

Learn about the recently discovered Neutral Nation Village - This is an archaeological dig at Strasburg

Creek in the Huron Natural Area where the remains of 10 or more longhouses have been discovered,

along with ancient garbage piles and shards of pottery, pipes, spear tips and arrow heads. Some of the

artifacts found here date back 500 years, others to 4,500 or even 9,000 years.

Other events you can participate in this spring are....

Using Native Species in Your Yard "A Home Gardening Workshop"

- Saturday May 14, 2011 - 9am - 12pm

- Huron Natural Area - Meet at the School Portable

This workshop is presented in partnership with Evergreen, a partner in Kitcheners Natural Areas Pro-

gram. You will learn about different native species that can be easily planted in your own garden or

backyard.

Limited space - REGISTRATION REQUIRED! Phone: 519-741-3400 ext 3349 to register.

Spring Wildowers of Steckle Woods (Bleams Road and Homer Watson)- Saturday May 7, 2011 - 1pm - 3pm

- Parking lot entrance on Bleams Road, Kitchener

Experience one of Kitcheners nest displays of spring wildowers on this afternoon walk through

Steckle Woods. Trilliums, Jack-in-the-pulpits, Bloodroot and Wild Ginger are found throughout this for-

est. (Washroom facilities not available)


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Some Friendly Dog Ownership RemindersThis is a reminder that under the City of Kitchener By-Law 530 all dogs must be licenced by March 1 of

each year.

As part of its effort to address the issue of pet overpopulation, the City of Kitchener has implemented

higher licencing fees for non-sterilized dogs.

Before a licence for a sterilized dog is issued, the owner shall submit a copy of their certicate of steril-

ization; or the owner shall otherwise satisfy the Poundkeeper that their dog is sterilized.

Anyone purchasing a licence for a non-sterilized dog will be eligible for a refund on the difference

between the non-sterilized dog licence fee and the sterilized dog licence fee, if the same dog has been

sterilized within the calendar year.

For dog owners wishing to purchase a dog licence from a participating pet store or veterinary hospital,

and whose dog has previously been conrmed sterilized, please take your renewal card with you. All

required information needed to conrm your dogs sterilization is printed on the renewal card.

To keep their records up to date, the humane society asks that you contact their ofce at (519) 745-5615

if you no longer own or have a dog.

**Please be considerate of others; city parks and greenbelt areas are not meant to be a playground and

litter box for your dog. A dog shall be deemed to be running at large when it is found not under the ef-

fective control of an adult and not on a leash. As well, every owner of a dog shall remove immediatelyand dispose of any excrement left by the dog on any property in the city, other than the owners property.

Please obey the by-laws so that everyone can enjoy the parks and greenbelt areas. Be a responsible pet

owner.

By-Laws:

530.5.1 Dog tag - afxed - at all times

The owner of a dog shall keep the dog tag issued by the Poundkeeper upon payment

of a licence fee for the dog securely xed on the dog at all times until renewed or

replaced.

530.5.2 Running at large - prohibited

The running at large of dogs is prohibited within the City and no owner of a dog

shall allow the dog to run at large.

530.5.3 Dog - not on leash - deemed running at large

Every dog shall be under leash and under effective control of an adult person unless the dog is on the

lands of a person who has given prior consent to the dog being unleashed. Any dog that is not in compli-

ance with the requirements of this Section shall be deemed to be running at large.

.

530.5.6 Excrement - removal - immediately

Every owner of a dog shall remove forthwith and dispose of any excrement left by the dog on any prop-erty in theCity other than the owners property.


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What can you do to get more involved in your neighbourhood?

Come out to our monthly meetings. See rst 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 Asso-

ciation and join up. The group page will provide notication of upcoming events and provide a link to

our blog, where you can learn more about ACNA and our neighbourhood.

Region of Waterloo Compost and Wood Chip Giveaways - 2011

Region of Waterloo residents can pick up garden quality wood chips at no charge.

- April to November, Monday to Saturday, 7am to 6pm

- Waterloo Landll, 925 Erb St. W. (Gate 2), west of Ira Needles Blvd.

- Car, van and trailer loads only. Bring your own containers & shovels!

On May 15th and September 18th, the Region of Waterloo will be giving away compost at

the Waterloo Landll between 7am and 3pm. There is a 5 bushel limit. Bring your own con

tainers and shovels. Event includes a Food Drive. You can contribute a non-perishable food

item or make a cash donation to the Food Bank.

Alpine Neighbourhood Annual Garage Sale June 11, 2011

ACNA is again encouraging a neighbourhood garage sale. Last yearhad a very good turn-out. We would like to have more participation this

year. Use this as a time to get rid of old stuff you no longer use, declutter

your home, make a little money and meet your neighbours. The sale is

the week before Fathers day, so you can raise a little money for that

new tool Dad may want. If your place of residence does not allow garage

sales, you can bring your stuff to Colleens house (92 Geneva Crescent)

the morning of the garage sale and set up there.


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What to do to get your lawn ready for the spring

Rake: Give your yard a nice facial by raking your yard to get rid of any

debris that might be laying around. Make use a soft tip leaf rake to avoid

damaging any new growth. While youre raking, be on the watch out for any

pest problems that are beginning to fester. Take care of them now, rather than

later.

Condition the lawn: After aerating, consider spreading a thin layer of peat

moss over the lawn with a rake to help the lawn retain deceases or any harsh

weather throughout the year.

Bald spots in the grass: Fix bare spots in the grass before spring starts and the grass will grow more

quickly. Take out dead patches of grass, sprinkle grass seed on the open soil, add fertilizer, then water.

Check back with your bare spots regularly and water them as needed until you see new sprouts.

Fertilize: Lawns should be lightly fertilized in moderation early in the spring. Slow release fertilizer for

the spring time works best. To nd a fertilizer lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorous, look at the

label on the package. All fertilizers will have a label with three numbers separated by dashes. These

refer to the percentage amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potash. In spring, look for a lower rstnumber and higher second.

Re mulch ower beds: Doing this once every couple of springs will help owers maintain vibrant colors.

Taken from How to Get Your Yard Ready For Spring Time @ eHow.com

My secret to naturally get rid of weeds along your path or driveway.

I pour boiling water directly on the weeds. Within 24-48 hrs the weed is dead, and now easy to pull out.

This year I will be experimenting with using vinegar on weeds found in my lawn. Sumitted by Roberta Ness

Planning and Building a Community Garden in our Neighbourhood

The Alpine Neighborhood Community Association is willing to work with aspir-

ing gardeners who might be interested in setting up community garden plots in the

ACNA area.

A community garden is an area of land which is divided into small garden plots. These plots are rented

for a nominal fee to individuals on an annual basis so they can grow vegetables or other plants. The

community garden as a whole is created and operated by a dedicated volunteer group, potentially with

some help from the City or Region.

Community gardens offer many benets to gardeners and the community. These include:

- Fresh and affordable fruits, vegetables and herbs- Strengthening a sense of community by providing a chance for people to meet and work together

- Safer neighbourhoods

- Physical exercise and fresh air

If you are interested in helping to organize a community garden, contact Graham Jeffery 519-

578-9603 or [email protected]. If there are enough people expressing interest, we will

meet to discuss the possibilities.


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Trivial PursuitCan you guess which of the following are true and which are false?

1 . Apples, not caffeine, are more efcient at waking you up in the morning.

2. Alfred Hitchcock didn't have a belly button..

3. A pack-a-day smoker will lose approximately 2 teeth every 10 years.

4. People do not get sick from cold weather; it's from being indoors a lot more.

5. When you sneeze, all bodily functions stop, even your heart!

6. Only 7 per cent of the population are lefties.

7. Forty people are sent to the hospital for dog bites every minute.8. Babies are born without kneecaps. They don't appear until they are 2-6 years old.

9. The average person over 50 will have spent 5 years waiting in lines.

10. The toothbrush was invented in 1498.

11. The average housey lives for one month.

12. 40,000 Americans are injured by toilets each year.

13. A coat hanger is 44 inches long when straightened.

14. The average computer user blinks 7 times a minute.

15. Your feet are bigger in the afternoon than any other time of day.

16. Most of us have eaten a spider in our sleep.

17. The REAL reason ostriches stick their head in the sand is to search for water.

18. The only two animals that can see behind themselves without turning their heads are the rabbit and the parrot.

19. John Travolta turned down the starring roles in 'An Ofcer and a Gentleman' and 'Tootsie.'

20. Michael Jackson owns the rights to the South Carolina State Anthem.

21. In most television commercials advertising milk, a mixture of white paint and a little thinner is used in place of the milk.

22. Prince Charles and Prince William NEVER travel on the same airplane, just in case there is a crash.

23. The rst Harley Davidson motorcycle built in 1903 used a tomato can for a carburetor.24. Most hospitals make money by selling the umbilical cords cut from women who give birth. They are used in vein transplant surgery.

25. Humphrey Bogart was related to Princess Diana. They were 7th cousins.

26. If colorings weren't added to Coca-Cola, it would be green. Answers hidden on page seven.

Dear Alpine Neighbourhood Residents,

I am sure you are looking forward to the warmer weather that spring brings. To get ready, why not gather a few neighbours

together on your street to participate in the Alpine Community Neighbourhood Associations (ACNA) Garage Sale, to be held

on Saturday, June 11. Remember, one persons junk, is anothers treasure. While we are on the subject of spring cleaning, the

ACNA is also hosting their 4th Annual Clean-up in celebration of Earth Day. Bring your children, and join your neighbours at

the Alpine Public School on Saturday, April 16 beginning at 9:00am. Gloves and bags will be supplied. This is a great way to

meet some neighbours, and teach your children to be good environmental stewards.

Anyone interested in joining the ACNA, volunteering with the ACNA, or would just like more information on this

neighbourhood association, is invited to attend their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, May 3 at the Alpine Public School

library, beginning at 7:00pm. I hope to see you there.

Please feel free to contact me with your questions, or ward and city wide concerns.

Councillor Paul Singh Ward 6

City Hall: 519-741-2793; Cell: 226-748-3109

[email protected]


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ACNA Daily Walking Group

Would you like to get your exercise and meet new people?

Come join your neighbours on Monday May 2nd in front of Alpine Pub-

lic School at 7:05pm for a walk around the neighbourhood. (Sorry-no

walking in the rain)

For those of you who would rather walk during the day as a group, please

advise our contact people or go to the ACNA Facebook link and create a

daytime walking group.

Property Standards

Kitchener's Municipal Code sets standards for maintenance and occupancy applying

to all local properties.

All property owners are required to repair and maintain their property according to these standards, in-

cluding owners of rental residential properties - unless there is an agreement between the property owner

and a lessee or occupant that assigns maintenance and repair responsibility to the lessee or occupant.

Examples of the standards contained in the code include:

All structures are required to be structurally sound and all exterior walls, roofs and foundations are re-

quired to be free of water leaks and painted or otherwise treated or waterproofed.

The interior of all buildings must have an adequate level of lighting.

All heating, plumbing and mechanical systems and elevating devices must be maintained and operation-

al in good working order.

Residential occupancies must comply with minimum requirements regarding room dimensions, ceiling

heights, ventilation, potable water and an adequate supply of hot water.

All exterior property areas shall be KEPT CLEAR OF INOPERATIVE VEHICLES and garbage.

To report a property standards violation, please contact by-law enforcement. Tel: 519-741-2345

We are actively searching and begging for volunteers to help us de-

liver our newsletters, like the one youre reading right now. Leisure

walking, perhaps half hour to 3/4 hours per issue, only 4 times a

year, usually January, March/April, June, October. If you can help

in any way, please contact: Colleen Coulson,

tel: 519-749-1424, [email protected]

We humbly thank Ann Zeiger, Graham Jeffery, Colleen

Coulson, Dennis Haid, Roberta Ness and the count-

less other names we have forgotten for their contribu-

tions to these newsletters.

Answers: T3h3e3y

a3r3e A3L3L t3r3u3e3

(take away the threes)


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Are you a: Convention Refugee Permanent Resident Canadian Citizen Refugee Claimant 18 years or older

You may be eligible forgovernment funded:

Language testingFull or part-time language training:

Language Instruction for Newcomers toCanada (LINC)

English as a Second Language (ESL) Enhanced Language Training (ELT) Specialized Language Training (SLT) Occupation Specific Language Training

(OSLT)

To book your appointment for a freeEnglish test or for more information

Contact LanguageAssessment and ReferralServices: 519-579-9622or [email protected]

Or Visit:Language Assessment andReferral Services

YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo800 King Street West, 3rd FloorKitchener ON N2G 1E8

Funded by/ Financ par:

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ACNA - Newsletter Final 2011 04