This is the
VOICE OF SUNNYHILL
Hearty congratulations are in order for Richard Harrison, who was awarded the Governor's General Literary Award this week. Richard won for his poetry collection, On Not Losing My Father's Ashes in the Flood.
Read all about it in The Calgary Herald and on CBC.
Well done, Richard!
Submitted by Bob Bott
5. Sawdust from treated wood. Untreated wood can go in your green bin in small blocks or as sawdust in a compostable bag, but all other wood must go into the black bin if in small quantities/size and the landfill if bigger. This includes creosote-treated wood, pallets, pressure-treated wood, plywood, particle board, OSB, and MDF.
4. Biodegradable bags. This is just a reminder that biodegradable IS NOT the same as compostable. Biodegradable products, of any kind, degrade through biological processes (thus the name) into smaller pieces. They do not, however, become fertilizer like compost does. As much as a product might try to convince you that biodegradable products are green, they go in your black bin.
3. Dryer lint & dryer sheets. These products are often made of synthetic materials, so they go into your black bin. If you need a greener solution to dryer sheets, look into dryer balls, especially ones made of wool.
2. Wax paper & butcher paper. Even though these paper products are often associated with foodstuffs, they have linings that can’t be composted. They go in the black bin. Parchment paper, however, goes in your green bin.
1. Gum. Chewing gum and bubble gum, even though they are a “food” item, most often have synthetic rubbers, plastics, and/or waxes as their bases. Even though you can find information on the internet about composting gum, if you read carefully, the item is biodegradable, not compostable. Place it in your black bin.
Those are our top 5! Did you have any other odd things you’ve found that can or cannot go in the compost? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook!
Now, here are some items that we’ve had questions about:
Facial tissues & toilet paper: Compostable! However, put in your black bin if it is soiled with makeup, cleaning supplies, chemicals, or blood.
Aluminum Foil: Recyclable! Rinse off the foil and crumple into a ball to recycle. If it’s covered in lots of oils, stuck on foods, and so on, put it in the black bin instead.
Metal lids: Recyclable! In our previous list, we discussed how small plastic lids, smaller than 3 inches, can’t go in the blue bin. However, metal lids can, as well as aluminum can lids if you put them into the can they came from and squeeze the top of the can partially closed so the lid can’t escape.
There you are! If you have any questions like this, contact the GreenHub at products@greencalgary.org or call, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at 403-230-1443 ext 222.
Submitted by Bob Bott for the Grounds Committee
Members of the co-op are expected to follow the policies in their binders. That’s what they agreed when they joined. There used to be a more prescriptive grounds policy, which even specified the height of grass. The policy was revised in 2005 after considerable discussion and approved by members at a general meeting. There have been many reminders about the policy provisions in newsletters since then, but a significant number of yards continued to have unmowed grass, weeds, junk, and/or dog feces contrary to the policy.
We received complaints in the spring about certain yards and decided further action was needed (as provided in the policy). In order to be fair, we did a walk-around and identified all the instances of non-compliance. Many of these were minor, and some stemmed from ignorance (e.g., not knowing how to identify noxious weeds). We wrote notices for all the non-compliant units and gave them time to address the problems. We helped a number of units find solutions to their issues. Some of the co-op youth got mowing jobs. Members of the committee did a lot of weeding, and provided weed instruction to members, during our walk-arounds. In the end, no unit had to pay for an outside contractor to do the work, and the yards have never looked better.
At the time of the notices, only one member suggested that we were being a little too harsh in our tone and approach. On the contrary, many members thanked us for the “wake-up call.”
It was only much later that we heard complaints about the committee’s “mean” and “un-neighbourly” actions. These concerns seem to have arisen after we tried to deal with a related issue: the large number of personal items being left in the common area—toys, dishes, clothes, etc. These items are not only unsightly and sometimes safety hazards, they also interfere with the ability of our contractors to work on the site and add to the costs of maintenance. We have received complaints from both members and the contractor about the amount of “stuff” left in the common area.
Some members took offence when we suggested collecting the left items and putting them in the dumpster. We would welcome suggestions for alternatives. Would it work to have some sort of enclosure where items could be placed when not in use?
If members object to the grounds policy itself, they are welcome to propose amendments and bring them forward at a general meeting. Otherwise, we intend to continue carrying out the existing policy in a way that is both neighbourly and effective.
We expect that this issue will be discussed at the Nov. 5 general meeting. In preparation, we suggest members review the grounds policy. Some members may also want to look at the co-op’s pet and wildlife policies.
The City of Calgary also has by-laws relating to property issues. One reason we had to take action last summer was a serious infestation of creeping bellflower, a noxious weed, which would have resulted in by-law enforcement action. Other by-laws deal with matters such as pets, wildlife, and yards. For example, the yard by-law states:
Loose garbage, yard waste, bottles, cans, boxes, household furniture, packaging materials, parts of machinery, equipment, appliances, and automobile parts must be stored so that they are not visible from outside of the property.
Accumulation of offensive material is prohibited. This includes animal remains, animal feces, and materials that create unpleasant odours or are likely to attract pests.
According to the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law, cat owners must ensure their cats:
Have a City of Calgary licence.
Remain on the owner’s property.
Do not disturb the peace by howling or crying.
Do not damage others’ property.
Do not scatter garbage.
Do not chase, threaten, or attack a person or an animal.
Fines for failing to comply with the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law range from $25 to $1,500.
Submitted by Andrea Bergen for the Buildings Committee
October has once again been a busy month for the office and the Buildings Committee. Some of the highlights are:
Motion sensor installation will start within the next few weeks.
Outside faucets – now is the time to drain them:
I would like to remind everyone that it’s 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: leave the outside tap opened and then shut off the tap from the inside in order to drain the remaining water. Once all the water has stopped then close the outside faucet.
Drafty windows have become an issue due to the cold weather approaching. The Building Committee suggests that Members can purchase window shrink film in order to keep the draft out. These can be purchased anywhere such as http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/bulk-window-shrink-film-0642605p.html.
Furnace troubleshooting tips: If you notice that you are having issues with your furnace please check the following troubleshooting tips before contacting the office or emergency buildings committee person:
Submitted by Rachel Rose
The Social Committee is looking for ideas and feedback about how we can better meet co-op needs and get people connecting in other ways besides special events. So far some of our ideas are to:
Create a human library where we can share our skills and knowledge
Partner with other committees such as Grounds for their activities
But mostly we want to hear your great ideas! The committee is sponsoring a pub night where people can come together to share and discuss the future of the Social Committee. Please join us on November 15th at 7:00pm at the Curling Club and tell us what you want to see the Social Committee take on in the future!
Both the Communications Committee and Social Committee are actively looking for ways to bring our community together. Our goal is to make the co-op inclusive for all members and communicate decision making in a transparent manner.
Energy Efficiency Alberta has launched a second round of instant savings on Thursday September 28, 2017 at participating retail stores across the province. From now to October 29, 2017 you can save on qualified energy efficient products right at the checkout. First you save at the till on eligible products, and then you save on your energy bills for years to come.
Instant savings offers just that- instant savings on energy-efficient products. Eligible products include:
Most of these items can be found at Home Depot, 1818 16 Ave NW.
Click the below link for more information about this amazing program.
https://www.efficiencyalberta.ca/blog/fall-instant-savings-campaign-starts-today/
Submitted by Candace Weir
Submitted by Eric Moschopedis
In April we launched the new Sunnyhill website and the Member's Only Section that includes the Sunnyhill Voice, Important Documents, and a Calendar of events.
We are happy to report that we now have 80% of the units signed up to access the website. That is 53 units out of 66! Last month alone we had nearly a hundred visits just to the Member's Only Section of the website and over 200 to the website in general. It is proving to be a valuable tool for our membership. Good work everybody!
We can also report that we have worked hard with Andrea to audit the way in which we deliver information within the Co-op. After looking over past motions and analyzing different distribution lists, we have pared down paper delivery to only seven units. The rest of the units receive their information via email only and a combination of email and the website. This is something that the membership has been working towards since 2013. It has finally happened!
One last thing: Mail Chimp is dead. The Communications Committee no longer uses this platform. Instead, Andrea notifies the membership when updates have been made to the Sunnyhill Voice via email. Thanks Andrea.
Submitted by Peter Clyne
Hello neighbours!
You may have noticed a suggestion box in the little library!
As you probably have heard, we're planning a fairly major permaculture project and, while we already have a plan coming together, we would also like input and suggestions. So, if you have a favourite plant, fruit, or landscape feature, we want to know what it is. If you've got dreams for, or attachments to parts of our current landscape, we'd love to hear all about them so we can try to work them into the design.
So toss a note into the suggestion box, or send the office an email marked for the grounds committee!
Thanks,
-The Grounds Commitee
OCT 23-27
The Gutter Doctor will be at Sunnyhill to do the eavestrough cleaning. These dates are dependent on weather and are subject to change as required.
The process can get quite dirty so make sure all your windows and doors are closed.
Photos taken and submitted by David Broadhead
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:
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.
Submitted by Cindy Schnee
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
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
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."
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.
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!
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
