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.

Meetings this week:

Social Committee:  will be discussing Canada Day and Summer Bash
Wednesday, May 16th at 7:00pm

Landscaping/Gardening Committee:  will be allocating garden beds and providing funding for purchase of flowers for beds
Thursday, May 17th at 7:00pm

Co-operative Young Leaders Camp

CONGRATULATIONS to CONNOR THOMPSON !
Connor submitted an application to attend this year's Co-operative Young Leaders Camp in July 2012.  Many co-ops cannot provide this opportunity for their youth or may not have the interest.  We are extremely proud that the youth of Halam Park are engaged and wish to participate in programs offered outside our community.  ONCE AGAIN HAVE FUN CONNOR we know you will enjoy this expereience and bring back positive enthusiasm to our youth.

Albert Rose Bursary

 The Ontario government is now accepting applications for the 2011
Dr. Albert Rose Bursary. Eligible recipients must be entering their first year of post-secondary education and live in a unit that is receiving rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance. More information and the application form can be found online at http://ontario.ca/rose.

Niagara Falls CHF AGM June 6th-9th

Anyone who has expressed interest in volunteering at this year's CHF AGM in Niagara Fall's is requested to contact the office to complete the scheduling calendar.

This is a great opportunity to see what happens at a National Meeting, as well as, meet members from throughout Canada and talk about the importance of co-op living.  There will be local politicians at the Saturday business meeting and if you volunteer a minimum of 4 hours, you will also be able to take ONE FREE WORKSHOP.  Education is key to ensuring a well governed co-op and sustainable community for our future.

Hope to see you there !!

Weekly Reminders

Meetings scheduled during the week are:
     Tuesday -- Landscape/Garden Committee at 6:30pm
     Wednesday -- Social Committee 7:00pm
                             Resolutions Meeting at Commonwealth Co-op 7:00pm
     Thursday -- Board Meeting 6:30pm
                         Teen Committee 8:00pm
     Friday -- OFFICE CLOSED 11:00am-3:00pm City Meeting

GOOD FOOD BOX ==> date for ordering has been moved from 2nd Wednesday to 3rd Wednesday (May 16th) and delivery will now be on May 23rd.

Hot Water Tanks

Many members have been receiving their quarterly bills for the Hot Water Tank rentals; however, you will be or haved already changed out your tanks.  It will take approximately one week for the tank return numbers from Reliance to the office.  Once that is received and your tank is taken from the EcoSmart warehouse, you are no longer responsible for further "rental" charges.  The office will notify the members when the tanks have gone back.  You should either wait for a final bill for usuage and your "account closure bill" before making further payments OR pro-rate the bill based on the number of days that you actually would be still responsible to Reliance and send them this payment will a note indicating that you have returned your tank.

REMINDER:  once you received this "account closure bill" make sure you bring it to the office to be copied and sent to EcoSmart for payment of the closure amount.  ALL other rental payments are the responsibility of each member while you had Reliance equipment in your unit.  You will receive your first EcoSmart bill in approximately 5-6 months.

If you have any questions, please contact the office.

Weekly Reminders:

General Members Meeting:  Will be held tonight at 6:30pm.  Don't forgot......come out and learn how to detect "bed bugs" and what the co-op will do if found in a members unit.

MAY HOUSING CHARGES:  Housing Charges are due for May 2012 tomorrow no later than 12noon.  A reminder flyer will be sent out to members requesting those that pay ANNUAL housing charges by post dated cheques that they should be submitted prior to June to the office so that no late fees incur.  Members will also receive notice of any outstanding balance at May 31st, 2012 owing to the co-operative.  It is important to ensure that all housing charges are paid in full every month.  The auditor and the City of Hamilton will be revieiwng the co-op's arrears and policies during this audit process since many members are not following the required to PAY IN FULL AND ON TIME !

MONTHLY CALENDAR:  The monthly calendar will come out tomorrow.  Please keep this on your refrigerator as a reminder of committee meetings and office hours.  THANK YOU.

Spring Clean Up

Thank you to all the members and teen for your participation and success of this past weekend's SPRING CLEAN UP.  The pancakes were delicious and I think the kid's were pleasantly surprised that they received a special sports "gift" after helping participate in cleaning up our community.

Several teens went door to door to deliver the new TELEPHONE # magnet to each individual unit.  For those who did not receive them, they will be sent out today by mail.

The Bake Sale was a success with over $60 profit made for the teen committee.

Look for upcoming flyers for a another possible PANCAKE BREAKFAST over the May 19th VICTORIA DAY LONG WEEKEND when the Gardening/Landscaping Committee will start planting flowers in the common area garden beds.  Come out and help participate for this event !!

Member Reminders !!

Office will be closed tomorrow, Friday, April 27th, 2012 due to Training at the City of Hamilton.

SPRING CLEAN UP & PANCAKE BREAKFAST.........Saturday, April 28th, 2012 at 9:30am
We hope to see everyone out for this event to clean up your units and the co-op community.  Note signs which will be posted for Metal Recycling, Hazardous Waste, Gently Used Clothing, etc.

Garbage

Good Job East 27th Street...................
We still need to continue to do our best at re-cycling and use of green bins.  Some re-cycling bags were re-sorted today since members where mixing water bottles with paper.  You MUST sort these items differently.  If you are not sure what goes in the same "blue bin" please contact the office and we will provide a magnet for your fridge to help remind you.  Individual areas will be getting notices when concerns arise.  The possibility of "tags" is iminent so the co-op wants to start working on changes NOW!  All members on East 27th Street that have a "common" garbage area will receive a letter plus a map indicating the area that you MUST place your garbage and re-cycling.  Staff will be drawing "orange" areas on the grass to help ensure members place them in the right areas.  NO garbage will be permitted on the corner driveway off SHADYSIDE AVENUE or the walkway between units 101 and 103 Halam Avenue.  We will be closely monitoring this and asking members to report offenders to the office, as well as, members are asked to report neighbours who are "dumping" on our property.  If in the future, we are using the "tag" system then any additional garbage must be removed WEEKLY by staff and this will become both a cost and decrease time staff have to complete repairs in member units.

Meetings

Reminder of the following meetings tonight:

                   Landscaping/Gardening Committee            6:30pm
                   Teen Committee                                        7:00pm

Meetings tomorrow night:

                   Social                                                       7:00pm
                   Co-operative Young Leaders Camp          7:00pm

GOOD FOOD BOXES ARRIVE TODAY...............please make sure you contact the office for pickup.  All those not picked up today will be stored in fridge until tomorrow evening.

FLYER Spring Clean Up sent out today..............RSVP for Pancake Breakfast.

Social Committee Meeting - Re-scheduled

Unfortunately only two members showed up for last night's Social Meeting to discuss the upcoming Canada Day Fireworks and the Summer Bash.  The meeting has been re-scheduled for THURSDAY, APRIL 19th at 7:00pm.  Please come out and help organize these events or the co-op will not be able t provide them for member enjoyment.

Weekly Update

EASTER......office will be closed both Friday, April 6th and Monday, April 9th

HOT WATER TANK FORMS....reminder to members to send forms back to office as soon as possible.  Date scheduled for maintenance staff to obtain serial #'s off tanks will be TUESDAY, APRIL 17th.  Notices will be sent out to each individual household next week.  Units with original tanks should consider having them replaced:  62,64,68,76,82,63,71 Shadyside; 379,381,383,385,389,391,393,399 East 25th; 95,97,101,103,111 Halam Avenue; 324,330,332,334,336,346,348,350,356,360,362,364,368,
372,374,378,380,382,384,388,390,396,402,414,416,422 East 27th Street (OVER 16 YEARS OLD). 

UNIT INSPECTIONS............we will begin preparing for Annual Unit Inspections for the Fall over the summer including training and review of forms, etc.  Mountain City Co-op will be hosting a Unit Inspection Workshop on Monday, April 23rd, at 6:30pm for any members who are currently helping complete inspections or any members who are interested in becoming part of the team this year.  If you are interested, please contact the office to reserve spot and for car pooling.

GOOD FOOD BOX.........orders will be going in this Wednesday, April 11th.  All members who ordered last month are asked to pick up a satisfaction survey from the office to help this organization provide better service to its members and also order your box for this month.  It is $15 and will be delivered on April 18th.

CHF AGM NIAGARA FALLS (June 6th to 9th)..........flyers have currently gone out requesting members interested in helping out for this event.  If you or your neighbour are interested, please contact the office.  Schedule of jobs, dates and times is now avaiable to sign up for. 

Weekly Update

GOLDEN HORSESHOE CHF - 2012 Diversity Scholarship Application:  Deadline for applications is Friday, March 30th.  Make sure your applications are dropped off in the mailslot at their office located at 36 Keefer Court Unit 1A.  GOOD LUCK to all those who applied!!

ECO SMART - Hot Water Tank Replacements:  Notice will be sent out next week for members to sign for the replacement.  Staff and Eco Smart will be attending member units on April 10th of 11th to obtain serial numbers from the tanks and then date of removal will be scheduled and members will be notified.

FOUND GLASSES - A pair of "reading glasses" with gold frames were found between units 103 and 105 Halam Avenue.  If you have lost a pair of glasses, please contact the office.

GOOD FOOD BOX - The next order goes in on April 11th.  Notify the office and drop of $15 payment by this date.

MONTHLY CALENDAR - Will be sent out tomorrow.

CANADA'S WONDERLAND - We have interest in running a trip to Canada's Wonderland this year.  If your household is interested, call and leave message at office.  Details by flyer will follow later if enough interest generated.  Need a minimum of 48 people (bus load).

General Members Meeting

Great turn out at last nights General Members Meeting and discussions.  Members have agreed that those wishing to change your Hot Water Tanks to Eco Smart can do so with the assistance of the co-operative.  Flyers and forms will be sent out shortly registering those who wish to have your tanks changed out. 

CONGRATULATIONS !! to Adam Kaus and Sara Halligan who were appointed as directors at large for the remainder of this year term to October 2012. 

Reminder EASTER PARTY DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION is this coming Thursday, March 29th, 2012. 

LANDSCAPING/GARDENING Meeting is this THURSDAY, MARCH 29th, 2012 at 6:30pm.

CO-OPERATIVE YOUNG LEADERS CAMP......reminder to members who have eligible children between the ages of 14 to 18 years old.....Halam Park Co-op will be offering one "free" sponsorship including transportation costs to this year's CYL Camp.  Deadline for members to contact office to register your children will be THURSDAY, APRIL 26th, 2012.  The Co-operative Federations will also be offering sponsorships and the APPLICATION form will be sent from the office today. 

NEXT WEEK REMINDERS !

GENERAL MEMBERS MEETING Monday, March 26th, 2012 -- Reminder to members to come out to the GM meeting on Monday night.  Last meeting cancelled due to no quorum.  Board will be reviewing members attendance for the past year at their upcoming board meeting and members may be requested to appear before the board if you are not currently attending General Members meetings which are a REQUIREMENT as part of your membership at Halam Park.  There will be a special door prize at this meeting which has a personal staff aspect to it !!
LANDSCAPING MEETING -- Scheduled for Next Thursday, March 29th, 2012 at 6:30pm.  We will be discussing this years gardening of beds and PITCH IN WEEK (April 23rd to 30th), as well as, SPRING CLEANUP and bins.  Please make sure you mark this on your calendar.
EASTER PARTY -- Please make sure that you submit your registration for the Easter Party which will be held on SUNDAY, APRIL 1ST, 2012.
IF YOU DON'T WANT IT TO LOOK GHETTO......DON'T TREAT IT LIKE GHETTO......Walking around the co-op this past week with the nice weather it would appear that both members and children are not taking the necessary respect they should to the community that you are living in with garbage everywhere and especially CIGARETTE BUTTS outside member units (front and rear yards).  This is NOT the type of community that we are trying to encourage or bring our children up in, so please start NOW by cleaning up your area and speaking to children that you notice not respecting the property.  Individual letters will be sent to members about their personal spaces when we begin exterior inspections.  The office is looking for volunteers to start inspections within the next two weeks.  If you can help out, please see Kathy.

New Maintenance Telephone Number

The Maintenance Department, Mike Mroz, now has his own telephone line.  Members are requested to contact this number to leave any maintenance requests and/or obtain the After Hours Emergency Telephone number.  Reminder to members that you must complete a WORK ORDER to have any work completed in your unit.  Leaving a message on the telephone will not generate a work order.  Work orders are located in your by-law binder or in the door of the Maintenance Office.  Administration staff will no longer handle ANY maintenance requests.   MAINTENCE # 905-538-0922
A magnetic card for your refrigertor is currently being produced and will be distributed by volunteer students next week which will have the new telephone numbers, email addresses and halam blog website.

Weekly Update

PLAYGROUNDS:  With the nice weather the outdoor play areas, which are usually still closed at this time of year per co-op by-laws, will be open for children to play safe.  We will need a few members to assist with the opening and closing of the playgrounds.  If you can help, please contact the office.  Please remind your children of expected behaviour while playing in these areas including sharing with other children and no foul language, which we are hearing too much of lately.  Children will not be permitted to play in these areas if the rules are not followed and households will receive written notice if your child is temporarily restricted.  Take the time to review the rules with your children.  Guests are permitted on the property and these areas with the understanding that they must also follow rules and are the responsibility of your household.
CHILD SUPERVISION:  This is a reminder to parents that NO children under the age of 10-11 years old are permitted to be left unsupervised (alone), which means both inside and outside of your units, for any length of period of time per the Children's Aid Society.  By law, you are actually responsible and must be aware of where your child is under the age of 16.  Your child's safety is your responsibility.  Staff at the co-op are bound by the law to report to CAS any children that are deemed to be left unsupervised for any length of time and their well being and safety are in question.  Please do not send children outside expecting them to be safe.  You are putting yourself and your child's well being at risk.  This has been a serious problem in our community over the past few years.  Ensure you set boundaries and set time frames for children to check in at home.  Younger children should be supervised at all times by either a parent or siblilng over the age of 12.
UNBUNTU:  Did you answer the question right at the last General Members meeting?  The definition from Archbishop Desmond Tutu is:  a person with Ubuntu is open and available to others, affirming of others, does not feel threatened that others are able and good, based from a proper self-assurance that comes from knowing that he or she belongs in a greater whole and is diminished when others are humiliated or diminished, when others are tortured or oppressed.  In essence it is stated that you can't exist as a human being in isolation.  Many people acknowledge themselves as just individuals but in fact we are all connected and when someone does well the entire humanity does well.  One aspect of UBUNTU is promoting understanding.  Can we put this to action within our community?

Amazing Weather -- Screen Repairs

Wow..........can you believe the weather.  Don't let it fool you though........we cannot start planting flowers just yet.  However, we are going to try to start fixing screens that are already at the office and those members who may need your screens in your windows fixed.  A member will start repairs this Thursday morning (March 22nd).  There are lots of screens to do, so if you are not busy, please come by and help learn a new skill.

Solar Income - 1st Cheque

Halam Park Co-op received it's first cheque for solar power generated in the amount of $580.38.

NEXT WEEK REMINDERS

GOOD FOOD BOX - orders have been placed and will be ready for pick up on Wednesday

Landscaping Meeting

A meeting was scheduled for last night for discuss Spring Clean Up, budget and members of the Gardening and Landscaping Committee for this coming season. 

However, no members from last year attended nor did any new members attend.  Last Year the first Landscaping meeting was held in April; however, due to the nice weather it was decided to start earlier to be better prepared for this year.  Maybe it is still too early for members to start contemplating cleaning up and planting flowers.

We will hold another meeting at 6:30pm on Thursday, March 29th, 2012.  If you were a member of last year's Landscaping Committee, we need your expertise and assistance again this year.  If you have a "GREEN THUMB" and would like to participate keeping the co-op looking spectacular, you are more than welcome to join this group.  Hope to see everyone on March 29th!

Easter Party - Sunday, April 1st, 2012

Registration forms for the upcoming Easter Party have been sent out today to all units.  Please make sure that you complete your registration forrm and submit to office before March 29th.  If you can provide a food donation for the event, please contact office.

Social Committee Meeting 7:00pm

Reminder to members that there is a Social Committee meeting tonight at 7pm.  If you are interested in helping with the Easter event on April 1st, 2012, please come out to this meeting.

General Members Meeting - March 12th, 2012

Unfortunately, due to no Quorum at last night's meeting, the business of the co-op could not be completed.  Halam Park has 165 members and according to the co-op's by-laws must have at least 20% of the members present to conduct business.  This meant that we needed 33 members at the meeting.  Only 32 members attended the meeting by 8:00pm and the meeting had to be cancelled.  We were short ONE member to carry out the business of the co-op. 

Since the upcoming Budget and Housing Charges must be approved by the General Members, another meeting will now be called for MONDAY, MARCH 26th at 7:30pm.  All households will be contacted regarding their attendance at this meeting.