Busy Summer...........

Sorry we have been away for a while.  It has been a very busy summer so far.  We are running out of Maintenance Summer students.........(lost 2 so far).........and no it is not because we are working them to death ! 

So we need help from members and teens to keep the property looking good for the next month.  The co-op will be losing several families who will be moving on in their life and we wish them good luck; however, this means an extra work load for Mike during turnovers and upgrades to some units.  If you can come out and help during the week, please call the office at 905-538-0922. 

Reminder to students that you can earn your 40 hours of volunteerism for high school credit right here in your backyard.  Please consider helping your community:  we need bi-weekly inspectors for various exterior issues; we need members to cut grass and weed wack areas on WEDNESDAY, grass cutting day.  We know that the weather has not been accomodating and it is extremely hot to work outdoors but are trying to do most outdoor work in the early morning from 8am to noon. 

The City has resumed their BULK PICKUP days and if you have any large pieces of furniture that you need to get rid of, please call 905-546-CITY.  Please do not leave large items outside in the common areas while you are waiting for pick up.  They must remain in your rear yard.

We have noticed recently while walking around the property that members are placing their blue and green bins outside their rear yards in the common areas.  This is not permitted.  All member green bins and blue bins, as well as, garbage cans MUST be stored within your rear yard area.  This will be part of the bi-weekly inspections and individual units will receive written notice.  After two infractions, you will be requested to discuss this further with the Board.

Garbage on East 27th has greatly improved over the past few weeks and with continued member support the co-op's "garbage reputation" will no longer exist.  This has also helped reduce the amount of staff time spent on this issue and focus can then be directed on other member needs.

Weeds are also flurishing during the summer months so members are reminded to please pull weeds between your rear patio stones and in front garden areas.  There are "rumours" flying around that members are getting new patio stone areas.  This is not true.  Several units have had their un-even rear yards re-leveled for safety and property damage concerns, as was done last year.  It is a discussion item on next weeks General Members Meeting.

REMINDER:  Next Week General Members Meeting on Monday night at our new time of 6:30pm and Housing Charges are due WEDNESAY.

We have had a good response to the request by members to have a Canada's Wonderland Trip.  It would appear that we have enough members interested and are now planning the date.  Further information will be sent to those who have signed up.

Housing Charge June 1st Reminder

Reminder to members that June 1st, 2012 starts a new year for Halam Park Housing Co-operative Inc.  Members who normally provide monthly post dated cheques need to make sure that you have provided the necessary 12 cheques for the current new year.  Staff have a meeting at City of Hamilton on Friday, June 1st for 1:00 to 3:30pm and will have extended office hours that night to collect housing charges and "debit" payments since the office will be closed NEXT WEEK.

Car Wash - Teen Committee

CONGRATULATIONS to the Teens!!  Wonderful job this past weekend at washing cars.  I hear that you made a profit and many neighbours are suggesting that it is done more frequently.  I am sure you had a wonderful time and good luck with all your future fundraisers that you plan to hold.  We are all behind you!

Video Crew - June 11th, 2012

CHF Canada representative Scott Jackson and a video crew from British Columbia will be attending the co-operative on Monday, June 11th, 2012.  This video that they will be completing will tell a story about co-operative housing not just being a home but a place to enhance leadership skills, obtain training and a wealth of other opportunities for families.  They will be doing individual taping of member stories on impact of co-operative housing and how it has affected their lives, as well as, video taping what Halam Park Co-op is able to provide as a community to its members.  If you are interested in being part of this event, please contact the office.

Meetings this Week - May 22-25/12

Good Food Boxes will be delivered --> Wednesday, May 23rd after 2:00pm


Social Committee -->  Wednesday, May 23rd at 7:00pm
Board Meeting -->     Thursday, May 24th at 7:00pm
Teen Committee -->  Thursday, May 24th at 8:00pm

CAR WASH (Teen Committee) -->  SATURDAY, May 26th   10:00am - 3:00pm
Please come out and support your teens!

Landscaping & Garden Committee

The members of the Landscaping/Gardening Committee are working diligently at weeding, turning and planting new perennials and annual flowers into the common area garden beds.  I know that members are anxious to start work on your own individual beds; however, please allow the committee members to complete their use of the topsoil provided by the co-op before taking some.  The office will advise members when you can begin using the "extra" topsoil.  The co-op has a very tight budget for flowers/soil and it needs to be utilized by our committee first.  THANK YOU again to all the committee members for their continued hard work at making our co-op stand out from all other properties.  GOOD JOB!

Victoria Day Long Weekend - Maintenance Staff Vacation

Maintenance Staff, Mike Mroz, will be away from the office starting FRIDAY, May 18th, 2012 until WEDNESDAY, May 23rd, 2012.  If you have a maintenance EMERGENCY ONLY during this time, please contact the BOARD EMERGENCY # at 905-745-9980.  All other maintenance issues leave a message on the maintenance phone at 905-538-0922 and Mike will return your call on Wednesday.