ACNA Newsletter - Oct 2011

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Alpine CommunityNeighbourhood

Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter October 2011 Page 1 of 6

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

Anne Zeiger - [email protected]


Association


Association

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ACNA NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2011CONTACTS: President of ACNA, Graham Jeffery, 519-578-9603, [email protected] or

Vice President of ACNA Anne Zeiger - [email protected]

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

ACNA Halloween Food Drive

We pick up your donation at your home - On Halloween Night and between October 18th and

November 6th.

It's almost time for the 4th Annual ACNA Halloween Food Drive. Each year, thanks to your

generosity, we collect more food than the previous year! Let's try for a new record in 2011. It's so easyto give...

1) On Halloween night, October 31st, volunteers will go door-to-door to many homes in the neighbour-

hood, asking for your donations of canned and packaged food for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

2) To make it easier for you to donate, call 519-578-9603 between October 18th and November 6th and

we will come to your home to pick up your donation at a time convenient to you. No donation too

small.

Come join us as a volunteer on Halloween night! We meet around 5:30 PM and generally go door-

to-door for two to three hours collecting food. Call 519-578-9603 if you are interested in helping out or

just want to ask a question. Or you can email [email protected]. Coming out and volunteering atHalloween will let you see the great work people do to turn their homes from ordinary suburban resi-

dences into SCARY, HORRIFYING HOUSES OF HORROR for just one night. We will be taking notes

as we go around the neighbourhood and mention the best decorated homes in this newsletter. We

look forward to what people create this October 31st.

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 boundar-

ies is welcome to join. We volunteer to ensure a better social, economic and

business climate in the neighbourhood. We publish this newsletter, organizeevents, hold an annual food drive, provide our neighbours with useful infor-

mation, and focus on problems in the neighbourhood. We meet once a month

during the school year, the rst Tuesday of each month, in the Alpine Public

School library, at 7:00PM. Feel free to come to a meeting! For more informa-

tion, call Graham Jeffery 519-578-9603.


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ACNA's Facebook Page - Giving you links to City of Kitchener and Region of Waterloo an-

nouncements, local business updates, child care services, local activities and events, yard sale an-

nouncements, news stories about issues affecting our neighbourhood, and more. Find our Facebook

page by searching for "Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association" on Facebook.

Do you want to be more involved in your neighbourhood?

- Come out to one of our monthly meetings. See rst 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.

Fall Leaf Collection

During October and November, the City of Kitchener provides options for dealing with the leaves you

rake up or blow into piles for disposal. If you do not wish to mulch or compost them on your own prop-

erty, you can...

1) Bag them for pick up on your regular yard waste disposal day.

2) Take them to the Leaf Drop-Off Sites starting October 7th. The one closest to our area is at Lions

Arena on Rittenhouse Road. Only leaves can be left there. Make sure you empty the leaves out of the

bags you bring them in.

3) Leave them loose at the curb for pickup during the one designated week for our area. The specic

week will be communicated later this Fall. If you watch the ACNA Facebook or blog sites we will up-

date you.

If you are unable to collect and bag your leaves you can contact...

- Community Support Connections, 519-772-8787

- Job Caf, 519-513-9225

- 55+ Employment Services - Odd Job Squad, 519-741-2509

- House of Friendship, 519-742-8327- or check with a local high school, community centre or place of worship for volunteers.

A Police Stop at 1 AM

An elderly man is stopped by the police around 1 a.m. and is asked where he is going at this time of

night.

The man replies, "I am going to a lecture about alcohol abuse and the effects it has on the human body."

The ofcer then asks, "Really? Who is giving that lecture at this time of night?"

The man replies, "That would be my wife."


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Dear Ward Residents,

This summer, on August 13, McLennan Park had its grand opening. The event had lots of family friendly activities and

was well attended. The park has generated a lot of excitement in the community, and has opened up many possibilities for

outdoor activities. I encourage all those that havent had the opportunity to visit the new park, to take the time and see all it

has to offer. I would encourage you, while your at the park to use that opportunity to get to know your neighbours, and build

some connections- because that is what community is all about.

In September, Kitchener in Bloom winners were celebrated. Despite the uncooperative summer weatherwith spring having

too much rain and summer not having enoughresidents from all over the city were recognized and celebrated for their

efforts to bring colour to our neighbourhoods with their beautifully kept gardens. Thank you to all those who put so much

energy into their gardens your efforts were surely enjoyed by passers by. In your own way, you are all volunteers in our

community.

On a not so pleasant topic, this summer the Regions largest roundabout was constructed at Block Line Rd and Homer

Watson Blvd. Many residents have raised concerns over this roundabout location due to the amount of pedestrian trafc,

mostly students, and vehicle trafc that pass through this intersection daily.

In May, through a petition that was initiated by my efforts, the community sent a clear message to the regional level of

government of their concerns. Opposition was made to this roundabout and its safety for pedestrianshundreds of resident

signatures were collected and delivered to Regional Council before their vote to accept the tender to begin construction on

the roundabout. The Region supports that a roundabout is safer for pedestrians than a trafc signal, more cost effective than

maintaining trafc signals, and less costly in dealing with trafc congestion.

Not all of us may agree with the reasoning, but the Ward 6 community will need to move forward and adjust to this new

change.

Here are some important tips to remember when driving your vehicle or crossing the roundabout. All these tips along with

more helpful information and videos are posted on the Regions website:

www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/gettingaround/roundabouts.asp

Pedestrian Tips

Step up to the curb of the marked pedestrian crossing, extend you arm and point your nger across the crosswalk.

Do not start to cross if a driver cannot safely stop for you.

Look and listen for a safe gap in the trafc ow before crossing.

As you cross, keep pointing until you reach the far side of the road.

Keep watching all the way across. As you cross a multi-lane roundabout, watch for a driver coming in the next lane.

Make sure that the driver sees you.

Do NOT cut across the middle of the roundabout.

Use the splitter island. This will let you cross one direction of trafc at a time. Wait on the splitter island if neededuntil there is a gap in the trafc ow.

Driver Tips

Think ahead and look ahead.

Pedestrians go rst. When entering or exiting the roundabout, drivers should yield the crosswalk to pedestrians.

Dont pass a vehicle that is slowing down as it approaches a crosswalk. There may be a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

Dont block the crosswalk.


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The Alpine Neighbourhood Garden Contest - Winners!Why they would allow one of the Garden Contest judges - who is colour blind, I

might add - to select this years winner is beyond me (Just kidding). I must say thatI often wondered why I was never selected as a winner or a runner up ....and now Iknow why. And I also told my neighbour that if I don't have a chance, then she is

certainly never going to make it (as her gardener doesn't put too much effort into her

home ..... I am her gardener).

Having this opportunity gave me the time and commitment to get to know our streets, homes and now front lawnsof all the homes in the association.

I was very impressed with the pride of homeownership and landownership in our neighbourhood. Selecting thisyear's winner was quite a chore. Some judges look for the placement of statues, rocks and owers while otherslook for colour and placement.

We seem to be colour and placement people, so please don't feel offended if you have a rock garden.

We selected the front garden at 112 Geneva Crescent as the winner for its landscape appeal and colour. When Imet the owner of the home, I was invited to see his backyard oasis that literally blew my summer sandals off....we were both lucky no one got hurt (Ha!). It was a pleasure and an honour to meet someone so dedicated to the

beautication of his home and our neighbourhood.

1st Runner up - 88 Appalachian Crescent

We selected this garden because of the colour and the fact it looked a little bit wild, yet in a very tame way. Onceagain, I was greeted at the owner's door with a smile and acknowledged how intriguing and appealing this frontgarden was to us.

2nd Runner up - 5 Appalachian Crescent

We selected this home because of the decorative aspect. Not only does it have the traditional garden across the

front of the home, it also has a small garden oasis to the side. We really liked the wooden deck chair that is incor-porated in the garden theme.

Many of you deserve recognition for your lawns. I feel as if we need a weekly or bi-weekly contest as each ofthe gardens change so much in such a short time frame. On that note, we would like to say congratulations to thewinner and runners up. Keep up the GREAT WORK !!!!

Roberta Ness and Charmaine Fleischmann

If you think you dont have enough time to watch for pedestrians, slow down. Dont accelerate until you are past the

crosswalk at your exit.

As we get used to this new change, please remain watchful when driving your vehicle or crossing the roundabout.

I will continue to encourage the Region to initiate further safety measures at this roundabout for pedestrian and students.

Please also feel free to contact me at the ofce or by email. I hope you had a safe and happy summer.

Councillor Paul Singh Ward 6

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

[email protected]


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Christmas Lights Contest

As the days get shorter and colder, we all look forward to seeing our

neighbours' Christmas lights and decorations lighting up our streets. This

December, ACNA members will again tour the neighbourhood and select a

beautifully lit and decorated home for recognition in this newsletter and on the Internet. It is our policy

to select a new winner each year, so maybe this will be your year to be recognized for the effort you

make to add brightness and colour to your home.

Abandoned Shopping Carts

If you see a lost, lonely shopping cart left by the side of the road and you want to

reunite it with its brothers and sisters, let the store know where it is by calling...

Zehrs - call the store at 519-744-5981

Darryll & Tracey's Nofrills - call the President's Choice customer relations number

at 1-888-495-5111 and they'll transfer your call to the store.

Together we can keep our community clutter-free.

Leash-Free Dog Park

McLennan Park has a fenced leash-free dog park, so dogs can run around and socialize with other dogs, whiletheir owners socialize with other human beings. So that everybody and every canine can get along, here are therules for the dog park. (Source: City of Kitchener)

1. Park Hours are 6:00AM to 11:00PM. Dog park use after dusk is not recommended.2. Owners may exercise no more than two dogs by allowing them to run free in the leash free area. Dogs have tobe supervised at all times by someone at least 18 years old.

3. Dogs in heat, puppies less than 12 weeks old and sick dogs are to be kept out of the leash free area.4. Designated Dogs must comply with all terms of their designation including any leashing or muzzling require-ments.5. Any person or dog that has been banned from the leash free area shall not enter or remain in the area.6. Professional dog trainers may not use this facility for the conduct of their business.7. Children younger than 6 years of age may not enter the leash free area. Children 6 to 12 years old must be un-der the constant supervision of an adult.8. No other animals besides dogs are permitted in the leash free area.9. Only good tempered dogs are permitted. Aggressive dogs are to be kept out of the leash free area. If a dogstarts acting aggressively towards people or other dogs it must be leashed and removed immediately from the site.No dogs are allowed that have previously bitten or injured a person or another animal.10. Dogs must be kept leashed until the leash free area has been entered and the gates closed securely.

11. Dogs must be under voice control and are not allowed to disturb or chase people or to destroy or dig up turf,bushes or trees.12. All dogs must wear up to date rabies and dog license tags.13. Pinch (prong) and spike collars are not allowed in the leash free area.14. All owners must clean up after their dogs and place fecal matter in the designated contain-ers.15. Rawhide chews, dog toys, food (animal or human) and glass containers are not permittedwithin the leash free area. They may cause guarding or territorial issues.16. Leave your leash free area clean. Place garbage in the containers provided.17. For Medical Emergency Call 911.


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What to do if youre involved in a collision

- If you are not injured, stay safe. If you can move your car off the road itself, do so, then stay in the

car with your seat belt on. Walking around the crash scene, especially on a busy street or expressway, is

dangerous. Turn on your hazard lights.

- If you cannot move the car over to the shoulder of the road, then you should leave the vehicle and

move yourself off the road.

- Then call the police. Any crash that results in an injury, damages of more than $1,000 or damage to

public property must be reported. It is very easy to rack up $1,000 in damages, so do not underestimate

your costs. Even a bumper can cost more than $1,000 to x. Call 911 if there is an injury or other emer-

gency situation, 519-653-7700 if there is no emergency.

- Police should attend the scene if: there is personal injury or death; any criminal activity, such as an

impaired driver, stolen vehicles, assaults, etc.; a government vehicle of any kind; a taxi cab or a vehicle

transporting dangerous goods is involved; a person who's drivers licence is suspended or is not insured;

damage to private, municipal or highway property; a pedestrian or cyclist; an uncooperative driver; orone or more of the drivers resides outside the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

- Do not try to avoid contacting the authorities, or make a roadside deal. Failing to report an accident

can result in a ne and demerit points. Make a note of license plate numbers, in case someone tries to

leave the scene. If a Police Ofcer attends the scene, obtain their name, badge number and incident

number.

- If the vehicles are driveable, the police might instruct the drivers to take the vehicles to the Police Re-

porting Centre on Maple Grove Road. If you are instructed to go, you must do so, and within 24 hours.

Otherwise you will be charged with an offence. Before leaving, the drivers have to exchange informa-

tion - contact info, driver's licence, insurance and vehicle information, as well as witness contact infor-mation.

- If you drive past a collision scene, obey the law and move over where possible, and slow down. If you

do not, you face possible nes, license suspension or jail time.

- If you take your vehicle to the Police Reporting Centre, do so during opening hours within 24 hours

in the collision. A vehicle under tow cannot have any repairs before arriving at the Centre. Bring your

drivers licence, the vehicle permit and insurance slip with you to the Centre.

Documents

ACNA Newsletter - Oct 2011