Fall at Sunnyhill
Photos taken and submitted by David Broadhead
Buildings Committee Update
Submitted by Andrea Bergen
The Buildings Committee continues to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, in the Sunnyhill office.
September has been a busy month for the Buildings Committee. Some of the highlights are:
- Furnace inspections are now complete. There are a total of 6 furnaces that require some repair.
- Motion sensor information has been received at the office and the installs will be starting within the next few weeks.
Outside faucets:
I would like to remind everyone that it’s almost that time of year again where you need to make sure you shut off the water to your outside tap so it doesn’t freeze and cause damage to your unit.
The procedure to do this is to leave the outside tap opened and then shut off the tap from the inside in order to drain the remaining water.
Garden Mania!
Submitted by Cindy Schnee
Education Committee Update
Submitted by Belle Auld
Potential Member Orientation
There are new people on the waiting lists for one, two and three bedroom units at Sunnyhill. That means that it’s time for another Potential Member Orientation. And we are looking for volunteers.
The potential member orientation will be held at the Curling Club some time between mid-November and mid-December. There will be one weekday evening from 7 - 9 p.m. and one weekend from either 1 – 3 or 2 – 4 p.m. Once these dates are finalized, we will update you. In the meantime, please consider coming and sitting at a station and meeting potential new members. Please contact Patrick Nicholson (403-397-3421 and/or nicholsonpg@gmail.com) or Belle Auld (403-270-3038; belleauld@gmail.com) for more information or to let us know you are interested in volunteering.
Thanks,
Education Committee
Board Bytes
Submitted by Helen Wirrell on behalf of the board
Board Bytes August 16th.
After taking July off, the Board met Wednesday the 16th and had the pleasure of welcoming a prospective new Director.
Policy Reviews
As part of reviewing the policies of all the co-op committees before presenting them to the general membership for further questions and comments, we looked at the Buildings Committee’s policies before deciding to have a smaller subgroup of Board members meet to review this document in greater depth. As the Buildings Committee plays such an important role in maintaining our homes, we felt their policy deserved this. And we wish to thank all members of this committee for the hours of discussion and debate that they have obviously devoted to fine-tuning this policy to its current stage.
General Meetings
The next will be held September 8th and will include a presentation of the Grounds Committee, a very interesting and exciting project and a quick update by Phil Cox on behalf of the Planning and Development Committee.
General Business
Motion Sensors ~ we approved a motion to give the Buildings Committee the go-ahead to install motion sensors outside units.
Garage ~ Andrea will ask the co-op handyman to divide the garage into two sections: one for the Social Committee in which to store their various items and the second for the handyman to store his tools etc.
Sign Off Sheet for Contractor’s Work: we will be asking the Buildings Committee to create a checklist/sign-off sheet for Members to fill in after having work done in their unit. Hopefully this will ensure both parties (co-op member and contractor) are satisfied with the final results of work done. This action will be added to the Buildings Committee policy document.
New Contractor ~ it was noted that the co-op has a new contractor. The Board will be reviewing the process of hiring co-op staff and ensuring this meets co-op policies, including the Board’s responsibilities for overseeing contracts and terms of work.
Finances ~ a motion was made to sign on to First Calgary Commercial Banking services, which are free to SACHA members and would allow us to pay contractor invoices online. One of the Board members is needed to release funds, which ensures that the co-op keeps control of what is paid. This motion was passed.
Member Involvement Committee ~ is not happening. Dorrie Derbowka has, however, volunteered to take on the Welcome Wagon duties, i.e. welcoming new members to the co-op. Thank you Dorrie.
New Members ~ we welcome Kiarra Spenst and Kris Ellestad, who will be moving into #2 SHL on September 1st.
Gold Eye Retreat 22-24 September ~ we have budgeted for 2 co-op members to attend this retreat. Robert Perry has eagerly volunteered to attend and so we are seeking one more person. I attended this a few years ago and had a blast, attending different workshops and meeting members of other co-ops, both in Alberta and in B.C. It was a great chance to learn from others, and to party. Room and board will be provided in a beautiful outdoor setting west of Rocky Mountain House. Please contact Andrea Bergen at the office if you’re interested in attending.
Board Retreat: In our January General Meeting this year we had small group discussions about Sunnyhill’s future. Notes from these discussions have been written up in subsequent Newsletters. In March, the Board took the ideas from these discussions and took them to our one-day retreat. We then came up with a draft set of priorities to guide the year ahead. And here they are:
re-furbish our existing buildings - addressing the problems identified in our Building Condition Assessment report
develop our skills in long range planning (including financial planning) so that annual budgeting is set within a three to five year time frame
review the Board-Committee structure to make sure mandates are clear and still relevant and that communications and decision-making flows well between the membership the Board and the committees
experiment with new ways of helping members feel engaged in the Coop - look at and beyond being on a board/committee
get actively involved with SACHA as our second level cooperative - participate with expectations over how we can contribute to and take advantage of the services/supports and political/policy influence that SACHA can provide
step up efforts at being “green” - encourage member innovation through a combination of financial incentives and showcasing initiatives
What do you think? Please drop us a line via email (sunnyhill@shaw.ca ) or on paper
Our Board meetings are held on the second Wednesdays every month.
And finally, a word from the Chair of the Board:
Hello Coop Members:
Some young members of the coop brought to my attention a concern with Bouncy Castles and the very real danger of bouncing into outer space.
The board discussed this last night, and we unanimously agreed that this is a concern. We are worried that the bouncer may bounce right out of orbit and never return.
We caution all bouncers as to this danger and advise eating and drinking as much as possible before bouncing so as to increase body weight and reduce the chances of visiting space.
Robert Perry
Chair
Green Guidelines
Submitted by Pamala Boyd
Download PRINTABLE version here.
Update from Pam: "Yes, you can compost cat litter - Put litter and feces in one of the biodegradable bags and then in the green bin."
Grounds Committee Report: Easy Ideas That Make Your Yard Pop
Submitted by Jennifer Peters
EASY IDEAS
THAT MAKE
YOUR YARD POP!
Greetings from the grounds committee! Tired of grass and the maintenance that comes with it here are some options if you are thinking about getting rid of your grass for an easier eco-friendly backyard!
Traditionally, a lush green lawn has been the staple of most outdoor landscapes. An enviable grass lawn takes a lot of maintenance time — think watering, fertilizing, trimming and mowing.
Looking for some fresh alternatives to grass for your lawn? Check out these clever grass substitutes that will have your neighbors green with envy
SYNTHETIC GRASS
the look and feel of real grass
If you like the look and feel of your grass lawn — but don't care to spend time maintaining it — consider installing synthetic grass. Today's synthetic lawns are amazingly beautiful, with the look and feel of real grass. Synthetic grass is pet-friendly and designed to allow for proper drainage. There are many turf varieties to choose from that replicate the height and color variations of a real grass lawn. To keep your synthetic grass clean, simply rinse with water when needed.
COVER IT WITH CLOVER
infrequent mowing and inexpensive to plant
If your lawn area is not a high-use part of your yard, there are several varieties of clover that make an excellent alternative to a grass lawn. Clover requires no chemical fertilizers to grow, infrequent mowing and is inexpensive to plant. Your clover lawn will stay green even during the driest parts of summer, and the deep root system helps it grow with little to no water. Although it is not as durable as grass, you can sit and walk on your clover lawn without problems.
PUT IN A PATIO
outdoor spaces can be an extension of your living space
Why not replace the lawn area with a concrete patio? There are so many options in concrete — think stamped designs, exposed aggregate or stained concrete. Outdoor living spaces have become the new family room, so why not make your yard more usable? If the existing lawn area is quite large, consider replacing part of the outer perimeter with bedding areas planted with perennials or tall grasses. Your concrete area will then be smaller and less expensive to install, plus the planting areas add focus and height to your patio.
GO WITH GRAVEL
an inexpensive and maintenance-free option
Another inexpensive and maintenance-free option is to replace your grass lawn with a gravel area you can use as an outdoor living space. There are several options to choose from, depending on your intended use for the area. Pea gravel is generally an inexpensive option, usually a sandy color and is easy to walk on even with bare feet. Quartzite is similar to pea gravel but white in color. River rock gravel is a gray color and adds nice texture to your space.
GOT MULCH?
a low-maintenance alternative to grass
A lawn area can be replaced with bark mulch or wood chips as a low-maintenance alternative. Using a landscape fabric as a barrier layer underneath the mulch helps keep weeds to a minimum. Water the mulch and pack it down well to form a flat patio surface. As the mulch biodegrades, you can add more to the top layer. Use flagstone pavers or other large stepping-stones to create a path through the mulch.
Member Selection Committee Updates
submitted by Lisa Rouleau for Member Selection
Member Selection has been busy this summer and we have wonderful new members and neighbours to celebrate.
In April we welcomed Bonnie Robinson and James Jordan to SHC (740) and helped Fabrice, Blanche, Bidea and Jean-Paul Ndingue transition to 2SHL. Welcome, Bonnie & James — it’s great to have you part of our community (James, are you responsible for all the rabbits around here?…what with magician hats ’n all…) :-)
A 20SHL fond farewell was given to Rance Williams, Meg Tucker, and their children Patrick and Max who moved on to new adventures (they are soon to be on their way to Spain!)
July 1 saw new neighbours in 20SHL as Zahaurul Islam, Dilruba Begum and their children Nafis, Zaima & Nilima moved in. Nilima quickly figured out the joys of hanging out in the common and the whole family has participated in the active common scene. Ask them about Bangladesh and you are sure to get fascinating stories of the adjustment to our tiny homes :-D
September 1 we bid farewell to Fabrice Ndingue and family, who are moving back to Montreal, and we welcome Kris Ellestand, Kiarra Spenst and their son Leif to 2SHL. Looking forward to meeting you, Kris & Kiarra!
Buildings Committee Update
Submitted by Andrea Bergen on behalf of the Buildings Committee
The Buildings Committee continues to meet on the 3rd Wednesday of every month, in the Sunnyhill office.
August has been a busy month for the Buildings Committee. Some of the highlights are:
Kieran Ward is no longer working for Sunnyhill. The new Handyman is Dale Platten. Dale comes to us with a vast knowledge of all things handyman and plumbing.
Pete the Plumber will still be used however Dale can be used as a backup plumber if needed as he is a ticketed plumber.
Exterior motion sensors will be installed in the next few weeks.
Furnace inspections are happening from September 11th – 27th. A notice has been sent out to each unit that contains the schedule. If you would like to switch your date please speak to Andrea at the office.
Reminder to Members that it is very important to ensure that your dryer and furnace vents are cleaned on a regular basis as dirty vents are a fire hazard.
Cooperatively,
Buildings Committee
The Agency for Co-operative Housing 2016 Reports
Submitted by the Office
On June 2nd 2017, Sunnyhill received our "Annual Compliance Review for Your Fiscal Year Ended (31 December 2016)," "Co-op Data Report for Your Co-op," and "Composite Risk-Rating and Trend (Fiscal Year Ended 31 December 2016)".
When reading the documents it is important to remember that not all Co-ops have professional management and that is the main reason that SHC administrative spending is higher than other housing Co-ops.
You can download the reports here.
Increase Break-and-enters in Sunnyside
Submitted by Eric Moschopedis
CBC Calgary has reported that Sunnyside and Hillhurst are seeing an increase in break-and-enters and car break-ins. The police advise removing valuables from vehicles, keeping doors and sheds locked, and not advertising when an owner isn't home (on social media and in the physical appearance of a unit). Keeping lights on timers, closing blinds and curtains when not home, and cleaning up stuff from around units that might attract attention are also good tactics. A good rule of thumb (having learned the hard way before moving to Sunnyhill), make your neighbours place look more attractive to a would be thief. If we all do the same, we can move folks away from the property.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-break-and-enter-warning-police-1.4231562
JP Made a Beautiful Little Library!
Submitted by Eric Moschopedis
Has everybody seen "Petite Librairie Gratuite" - the new little library that JP made for Sunnyhill? It is so beautiful! When we ran into JP a couple weeks back me pointed out that the little library mirrors the architecture of the co-op's two and three bedroom units. The tall side is for adult books and the shorter side for kids. I've seen a lot of these around the city, but JP wins the prize for the most site-specific, thoughtful, and wonderfully crafted (it is held in place by river rocks)! Toutes nos félicitations JP!
Mulch Ado About Nothing Pictures
Pictures Submitted by Bob Bott
Text by Eric Moschopedis
A huge thank you to the Grounds Committee for all of their hard work organizing Mulch Ado About Nothing! What a wonderful effort by so many folks to move this massive mound of mulch around the co-op! Some great pics here!
Happy Birthday Sunnyhill!
Submitted by Rachel Rose
Join in and celebrate the birthday of Sunnyhill Co-op! The social committee will be hosting a day of celebration on Saturday August 19th. Join us for food and conversation at 5:00pm in the commons. Hot dogs, birthday cake as well as beer and wine will be provided. Please bring a potluck item as well as your own plate and cutlery. Their will also be a bouncy castle from 1-8pm for the children.
We hope to see everyone!
Composting
Submitted by Pamela Boyd
Sunnyhill will begin compost pick-up at the beginning of September.
Blue Planet will be delivering green bins to sit alongside our blue recycling bins. Each Sunnyhill Unit will also be given a smaller household bin which you use at home and then empty into the green bins, which will be emptied weekly by Blue Planet.
What goes into the composting bins?
◦ Plate scrapings
◦ Eggshells and dairy products
◦ Meat, fish, shellfish and bones
◦ Jams, sauces, salad dressing and cooking oil
◦ Fruits and vegetables
◦ Pastries, cookies, cakes and muffins
◦ Bread, noodles, rice, beans and grains
◦ Nuts, seeds, chips, popcorn and candy
◦ Coffee filters and tea bags
◦ Leaves
◦ Branches and prunings
◦ Plants and weeds
◦ Grass clippings
◦ Cat litter!!!
…..way more than we can put into our own household composting bins.
But if you prefer to continue using your own that’s fine too.
Please get into the habit of composting, it helps to reduce our garbage and makes for a healthier planet all round.
TREE WATERING
In the hot sunny weather please could folks make a point of putting a sprinkler on near near trees and giving them a good watering. They can get very dried out at this time of year.
Grounds Committee update
Submitted by Cindy Schnee
The Grounds committee does a walk around once a month to inspect common areas and members' yards. During the last one we found a lot of children's toys and clothing scattered throughout the playground/common area as well as a few dishes and other assorted items. This is just to let you know that if these things are still around during our next walk around (August 14 or thereabouts), we will collect them and put them in the dumpster.
It has come to our attention that children are playing in the caragana trees beside the picnic tables and as a result many branches are broken. On some branches the bark has been carved away. Please ask your children to not harm the trees.
During these hot days please water any trees in your yard as well as those close to you in the common area.
Thanks for your cooperation in keeping our co-op grounds in top form.
Grounds committee
Mulch ado about nothing
Submitted by Cindy Schnee on behalf of the Grounds Committee
Stay cool, hot cats!
Submitted by Cindy Schnee and Eric Moschopedis
Neighbours Rue and Eno have been beating the heat by laying low and snoozing the days away. How about you?
Congratulations, Sunnyhill People!
Submitted by Cindy Schnee
You’re looking good! It took a second round of notices to some units, but we are delighted to report that as of June 18 all units have mowed grass and tidied their yards. Grounds members pulled a bunch of weeds from hedges on June 17. There are still some issues with dog feces, but we’ve made great progress. Yards in general look better than they have for many years.
We’ll be inspecting again around the 15th of each month to make sure yards are kept up to standards. Several co-op members found teenagers to do work they were not able to do themselves. Ask Andrea in the office if you are looking for help. Don’t forget the dumpster in the parking lot if you need to dispose of unwanted items.
We heard that some people had trouble identifying noxious weeds. Our biggest weed issue in the co-op is creeping bellflower. This perennial has low-growing clumped foliage in spring and grows to a 1-metre tall flowering spike in summer. The leaves are heart-shaped in early stage, later becoming lance-shaped, tooth-edged and coarse textured. Flowers are purple-blue 2-3 centimetres-long nodding bells; the blooms begin on the lower stem.
Once established, creeping bellflower is very difficult to remove as even the smallest tiny root fragments can grow entirely new plants. It also spreads very easily as each stem produces up to 15,000 seeds. The plant is resistant to some herbicides. Creeping bellflower is also known as garden bluebell, rover bellflower, purple bell, garden harebell, creeping campanula, and creeping bluebell.
We have asked our landscaping contractor, Curbside, to deal with weeds that we missed in the common area and by the hedges along the parking lot. Remember, some costs such as sod can be paid for with your unit fund. Also, parents and kids, please pick up your stuff in the common area.
Thanks again to everyone who rose to the challenge.
The Grounds Committee