ACNA April 2012 Newsletter Final

8/2/2019 ACNA April 2012 Newsletter Final

1/8

Alpine CommunityNeighbourhood

Association

Alpine Community Neighbourhood Association Newsletter April 2012 Page 1 of 8

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

Anne Zeiger - [email protected]


Association

acnaapril2012newsletterR031711


Association

ACNA NEWSLETTER April 2012CONTACTS: 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/

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 liv-

ing within these boundaries is welcome to join. We volunteer to ensure a bet-ter social, economic and business climate in the neighbourhood. We publish

this newsletter, organize events, hold an annual food drive, provide our neigh-

bours with useful information, and focus on problems in the neighbourhood.

We meet once a month during the school year, usually the rst 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.

Earth Day Community Cleanup - April 21st, 2012

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 reduc-

ing 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 [email protected].

During our regular May 1st meeting at Alpine Public School (7 p.m. in thelibrary) we will hold our Annual General Meeting. We will elect our 2012-

2013 Association President and the rest of the executive group. All residents

of the Alpine area are invited to participate and vote.


2/8


Association




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 propertyowners 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

[email protected], or follow me on Twitter @paulsinghward6.

Sincerely,

Councillor Paul SinghWard 6


3/8


Association




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 lm. More de-

tails 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 [email protected].

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 vigor-

ous growth.

What season are you?

First, you need to determine the type of grass that grows best in your climate whether you need cool-

season 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 starta 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 cor-

ner.

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 rst half of the seed by walking in one direction

and then spread the second half crisscross to the rst direction. This pattern ensures even coverage.

Don't forget to use a starter fertilizer. Starter fertilizers are high in the nutrient phosphorous, which is es-

sential to seedlings.

2. Top-dress the seed to hold moisture. Open the door of a peat spreader (or cage roller) and ll it with

peat moss or other ne-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 seed-

bed as you do. Briskly push the cage roller back and forth over the lawn until you cover the entire area.

Starting a new Lawn from Seed - taken from Planting a New Lawn from Seed for Dummies


4/8


Association




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 ittoo deeply.

3. Roll the surface. To ensure good contact between seed and soil, roll the entire area

with a roller that you've lled only halfway with water. Roll the perimeter rst and

then nish the entire area.

4. Water. This may be the most important step. With the rst 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 thor-

oughly 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 rst 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.

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.

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.


5/8


Association




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?

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 theBlue 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/batter-

ies, uorescent 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 Sta-tion 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.


6/8


Association




FREE! Compost and Wood Chips from the Region of Waterloo. Pick it up at the Waterloo

Landll, 925 Erb Street West, Gate 2 - from April 2nd to the rst 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 con-

trolled 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 pain-

less, 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 nd them?

Use a bright ashlight to look for bed bugs or their dark droppings in bedroom furniture, windows anddoorframes. 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.


7/8


Association




What can I do if I have them?

Bed bug control requires an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that includes proper prepara-

tion and inspection, identication 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, depriv-

ing 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 anetwork 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 rst seen in windows in Lon-

don, Ontario in 1968, where the Program began.

Block parents are responsible adults who care sufciently 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 of-fer 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 proong, 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 toneighbourhood 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, re depart-

ment, 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.


8/8


Association




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.

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 any-

one 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 condence and be aware of your surroundings - look for the Block Parent sign!

Carry identication 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 satised 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 Ofce - 519-745-8410. Please be advised that their ofce 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.

ACNA April 2012 Newsletter Final

Documents

Transcript of ACNA April 2012 Newsletter Final