The meeting was attended by:
Anna Maste, Aimee Polevoy, Lisa Rollauer, Melissa Bowman, Rych Mills, Leonor Ferreira, Cathy Lumb, Mary Dowhaniuk
The meeting was held at the Queen Street Commons Cafe
Earth Day Clean-up
-a success!
-42 bags of garbage cleaned up
-NO syringes were found!
-weirdest item found: a wicker shelf!
Henry Sturm Festival
The VPNA has been given $2200 for the festival!
-able to pay the bands
-t-shirts are being made
-there will be 2 port-0-potty
-1st aid tent
-will be selling lemonade, cookies, and Iron Horse Trail Mix!
There will be an article appearing in The Record soon.
KW Review also wants to run a story soon.
-if local residents could bring out garbage bins that would be great
-along the eco-corridor there will be a table set up to sell plants, if anyone has any plants from their gardens they wish to donate, please put them in 4″ pots, money raised to go towards new mural
-flyers were handed out for distribution
-volunteers are needed!
-for set-up
-artisan bazaar -Melissa and maybe Susie?
-for roped off area by Aimee’s house
-by the shed “backstage” – Aimee
-lemonade stand
VPNA Movie Night at the DCC
-Friday August 17th at 6 pm
-will be a kids movie, still to be decided
-volunteers needed – make and bag popcorn, maybe do a raffle?
Annual General Meeting – DCC
-June 2nd at the DCC
-tea and truffles theme
-2:30 – 4:00 pm
-looking for members-at-large
Update from Rych – Victoria Park Working Group (VPWG)
-Blues Fest – wanting alternate plan in case of rain, move into park, extend 9 pm deadline to 11 pm
-the VPWG made the organizers aware of neighbourhood concerns
-the VPWG would like to compile a list of emails of residents living directly adjacent to park, so that they can be notified in case of extension due to rain
-Grand Opening of Victoria Lake will be on June 8th – there will be some events, not sure what at this time
-Boathouse – June 1st landscaping will begin
-inner renovations will not start until the winter, probably November
-washrooms will remain public this year
-extended patio will be constructed
-still no lease signed, in negotiations, may be complete soon
-may be re-opened end of June
-the geese situation-failure!
-even the babies are climbing the rocks to get out of the water
-eggs did not get oiled this year because of construction, there are 90 or so goslings!
-the swans are or will be suffering – there is no food for them!
-the dip not dive to get at grasses, none of which are growing at the moment, even if they were the water is too deep for the swans to reach them-water is 15ft deeper than it was
-will possibly need to be fed
-there will be a ‘walkaround’ happening in the park in June sometime, the VPNA will be notified, it will be about 90 min
Block Party
- July 28th
-organized by the Art Gallery and the Library to be held in Firemen’s Park
-tons of family activities-art, crafts, games, etc
-looking for participation from neighbourhood associations – set up a booth with info, maybe run an activity?
Next meeting of the VPNA to be held on June 4th
The meeting was attended by:
Anna Maste, Aimee Polevoy, Lisa Rollauer, Anne Marie Wetter, Frank Etherington, Rych Mills, Leonor Ferreira, Mike , Chris .
The meeting was held at the Downtown Community Center.
Update from Frank:
- fence around park has been taken down and the lake is filling up
- geese and ducks shouldn’t be able to get out of water just anywhere because of stone blocks, will be forced to move to far end of lake by railroad tracks, hopefully will stay in that area so there is not feces all over the park (fingers crossed!)
- there are a lot of goose nests in the park, these are being monitored, but if nests are spotted elsewhere, in backyards etc., the city should be notified (trying hard to keep population down, but it is difficult) email williamsleeth@kitchener.ca
- the Boat House renovations have begun, the patio was being bulldozed, should re-open by June
- washroom proposals will be put forward at next council meeting
Other Business
Summer Newsletter
- there will be a summer newsletter this year
- needs to be submitted by April 18th for printing
- Frank, Rych and Aimee will each be submitting articles
Earth Day
- April 22nd 10-1 pm
- flyers were passed around for distribution
- signage – sandwich board at parking lot, Rych said he could place some ground stake signs around the park
- waivers – people will need to sign
- table for garbage bags, gloves, etc. – Anna
- city needs to be contacted about picking up the garbage afterwards – Aimee will email Janice
- bring wagons – ease of moving garbage bags
Henry Sturm 2nd Annual Festival / Animating the Trail
- May 27th 1-5 pm
- vendors – food, local artisans
- bands
- need to make sure city cuts the grass!
- need garbage cans as well as special pick up after – Frank will look into this
- 1st Aid Station – St. John’s? Free? – Anna will call
- health dept. inquiry – selling food/drinks made in household kitchens – Anna will call
- media – articles written before hand – Kitchener Post, Citizen
- volunteers are needed for day of festival – roping off areas behind houses, security – talk to Aimee
Update from Rych – Victoria Park Working Group (VPWG)
- have asked the city to keep apprised of lease arrangement with the Boat House
- foot bridge in park – footings have been put in already to lessen disruption later when bridge work starts
- geese – will probably be more this year, lots of nests spotted, if you see a nest email williamsleeth@kitchener.ca, the eggs will be coated in oil to prevent them from hatching (this way the birds still sit on eggs, by the time they realize they won’t hatch it is too late to lay new ones, thus limiting the population)
- 2 male swans this year, so no babies to watch for
- this year marks 60 years on the throne for the queen, new signs will be placed along Jubilee Drive
- next meeting on April 25th – Blues Fest would like to move more events into Victoria Park, concern this will open the door to extended events in the park, concern over decibel levels
The next VPNA meeting will be on May 14th
VICTORIA PARK WORKING GROUP MEETING
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
Pipe Room – 6th Floor
MINUTES
Present: Rych Mills, Bob Sharpe, Greg Hummel, Jill Armstrong, Laura Seaman, Councillor Frank Etherington, Tim Wolf, William Sleeth, Lori Wadsworth (Recorder)
Guests: Jennifer Zunic (Special Events Co-ordinator)
- Ribfest and Bluesfest Update
- Greg advised that Jennifer Zunic was in attendance at the request of Councillor Etherington to provide an update on Ribfest and the Blues Festival.
- Jennifer advised that a change to Ribfest has been proposed by the Event Manager. The change involves moving the midway area from the Clock Tower area to Joseph Street. The midway would run on Joseph from Richmond to David and start at the KOR Gallery. The area in front of the Clocktower would be fenced. Joseph Street would be closed.
- The pathways around the Commons area would be kept clear for pedestrians. Additional fencing would be installed along the interior of the walkways.
- Jubilee would be closed off as in past years for the event and the David Street intersection would remain open.
- The Event Manager wants to expand the event and moving the midway from the Clocktower to Joseph would allow for more seating and vendors.
- The Fire Department and GRT are agreeable to the change.
- Jennifer expressed concern that Joseph Street might not be the best location for the midway due to the hill. There was discussion regarding other options for the location of the midway e.g., parking lot at the corner of Joseph and David. Jen advised she would raise this option to Guy.
- A comment was made that in the past most of the complaints related to the noise from the midway came from Richmond Street residents. Jen responded that the same noise constraints that were implemented last year (i.e., quiet generators) would again be used at this year’s event.
- Group members stressed that the walkways between Gaukel and Joseph need to be kept open; ensuring that all walkways in the park are kept open at the event is of key importance.
- Last year the VPWG members had noted in their ribfest report that the walkway along Jubilee to get to the walkway on Queen Street was not safe. In some areas the fence along Jubilee was either too close, or too far from the road making it awkward for pedestrians walking in that area. Group members suggested the fence be moved inwards a meter or so or moved right up to the road and pilons be used to establish a pedestrian pathway on the road itself.
- Group members expressed they would monitor the event. They were happy with the improvements that were made last year and that Guy Exley was good to work with.
- A question was asked regarding what precautions would be taken at the planting areas at the fountains where the entrance of the park is located to ensure that the public stays on the pathways as there will be more traffic in that area. Jen responded that Guy doesn’t have anything in place at this point. Greg suggested a solution would be the installation of stanchion and rope to designate the area to offer a deterrent to pedestrians.
- There was discussion as to whether the event should be charged a fee to pay for the damage to the grass that would result from this year’s event. Jen responded that it isn’t only Ribfest that creates the problem as the damage begins with the first event (multi-cultural festival) and is compounded by subsequent events.
- There was further discussion about the need for a fee to be charged to groups using the park to cover cost of repair to grass, irrigation, etc. Currently there are no fees charged to groups to use the park. Jen advised she would need to raise this issue with Jeff, the Manager of Special Events.
- The question was asked as to whether Guy would consider looking at another location for the future as the event is expanding. McLennan Park was noted as a location that could handle the size of Ribfest.
- Jen advised she would raise the option of McLennan Park as an alternate site for Ribfest for next year to Guy.
- A comment was made that one other space that is used a lot more at the event is between the walkway and core and first house on Joseph. The ground gets severely compacted. It needs to be closed off to pedestrians. The method used to close it off last year (markers) didn’t work. Jen suggested Guy could install fencing or barricades in that area.
- Jen advised that Bluesfest’s plans for this year are status quo to last year. Program times include: Thursday evening concert from 7:00-10:30; Friday, 3:00-9:00, Saturday, noon – 9:00 and Sunday, Noon to 5:30.
- Group members expressed concern about the music in the Commons on the Thursday evening at last year’s event being extremely loud. The music during the rest of the week was loud but tolerable. Jen made a note of this concern. Part of the issue is that the sound techs control the sound.
- Review Minutes of December 15th Meeting
- Greg questioned whether there were any changes to the minutes of the December 15th meeting.
- He stated that he spoke to Melissa and other staff about the VPWG’s fencing concerns. Melissa had responded back to him that the fences could not be moved due to the fact that every time staff asks the contractor to do something over and above the contract it costs considerably more money.
- A comment was made that in order for pedestrians to walk on the paved area on the Joseph Street side of Jubilee when trying to get through park the best way is to take the driveway that goes to the garage off of the Commons area. This section isn’t always snow cleared. It was requested that it be cleared to allow pedestrians to walk the entire length of the park on pavement.
- An issue was raised with respect to a resident that has been opening the fence to the island. This individual is known to the Police and the issues with this individual.
- No changes to the minutes were noted.
- Boathouse
- There was discussion regarding the boathouse and the latest developments since the boathouse meeting of January 24th with members of the working group and City staff where issues and concerns were addressed.
- Councillor Etherginton commented that Councillor Fernandez is trying for a reconsideration of the Option 5 (pathway option that was passed by Council). In order for the Option to be reconsidered 2/3 of Council votes at the March 5th meeting would be needed. There is a good chance there will be a reconsideration especially since it appears there is a new compromised option being proposed. He expressed it is his understanding that this new option calls for two decorated gates to be installed in the patio area at either end of the pathway. The gates would be opened during day time to allow for the public to use that part of the path and locked in the evening to close the path so the patio can be extended out over the walkway to the water. No other option has been proposed.
- There was discussion regarding the patio size and the fact that the size of a licensed patio is tied to the washroom capacity.
- Greg commented that he and Doug Hergott reviewed the whole #5 option with the boathouse tenant. Through this discussion Greg/Doug were able to clarify what the tenant wants. The tenant had said he would be able to obtain a special occasion permit for a 30 day period to license the entire area which would cover the boathouse patio during the special events in the park.
- It was noted that a business case for the boathouse hasn’t been done by city staff to examine the best use of the facility for now and in the long term.
- It was suggested that if the compromise option was approved, a process for the gates would need to be created that would be included as part of the lease. To make the lease more enforceable it should include something in it to strengthen it (e.g., tie it to the liquor license or noise bylaw).
- There was discussion about the importance of the design details for the boathouse being left to staff that has the design knowledge rather than it being designed by committee.
- Greg commented further about his meeting with the tenant where they discussed option 5. Ideally, staff should be able to work directly with the tenant to find something that works for everyone. Staff and the tenant could work together to make option 5 work.
- Boathouse Washrooms
- Councillor Etherington commented that along with the compromise option there was mention of an idea to have one unisex washroom at the boathouse that might be available to the public.
- There is debate about whether a washroom facility could be located at the current city garage (Water and Richmond) or by the KOR gallery building where there is already a small washroom. If a new washroom is built it should be located where there is an existing sewer service.
- Some staff has said they would find the money to build the washroom.
- There is the possibility that trades people who worked on the clock tower would be available to work on the city part of the renovations of the boathouse (not including the kitchen) for reduced labour and material (or donate their time) which would include a washroom facility at the park.
- A comment was made that both of the potential locations for a washroom aren’t on the main circulation route of the park.
- Greg commented that the city is currently in the process of bringing in unionized general contractors to work on the project and these contractors would in turn bring in the sub-trades. A plaque would be erected on site acknowledging their contribution.
- A comment was made that it had come up at Council that any washroom space planning should include a storage place for boats.
- The question was asked as to what will happen with the washroom situation at the park this summer. Greg responded that at this time the goal is for the exterior landscaping work to be done at the boathouse under the current contract and if that work is done by June the tenant would run his summer business. In the fall he would do his interior renovations. It would be status quo with the washrooms until we have a better sense of what needs to be done in order to move forward with the washrooms.
- Greg commented that he thought that where there is a concession stand there is a requirement that an accessible washroom be available.
- As there wasn’t enough time left in the meeting to cover the remaining VPWG meeting agenda items, these items were deferred to the next meeting which will be scheduled for a few weeks time.
The meeting was attended by:
Anna Maste, Aimee Polevoy, Lisa Rollauer, Melissa Bowman, Anne Marie Wetter, Cathy Lumb, Frank Etherington, Reg (?)
This was the first meeting of the VPNA for 2012.
The meeting was held at Williams Coffee Pub in City Hall.
Update from Frank:
Boathouse
- Council voted 6-4 in favour of the proposed pathway
- an idea has been put forward to have decorative gates on either side of the patio that could be open during the day or more quiet times at the Boathouse, but then closed during busier times, this way the patio could still go right to the water – may be an issue with the Liquor Control Board
- some concern that park users have not been surveyed to get their opinion on this issue
- an email should be sent out to the neighbourhood for opinion on the pathway and patio
- this issue will be up for reconsideration with council on March 5th
Washrooms
- the city would like the Boathouse washrooms to be for Boathouse use only
- to build new – at least $200,000 (with lake clean-up and Boathouse renovations will push bill up to $1,000,000)
- where to put them? a couple of locations being considered
- safety concern, will they be monitored?
Property of Concern
- House on David St has been closed by City – has been condemned
- small developer would like to build condos on this property
- closing date not until September
Other Business:
Newsletter
- the first newsletter of the year has been printed and is ready for distribution!
- should we have a summer newsletter? a lot of summer events in park, might make sense to do one
- increase distribution – approach downtown businesses about displaying newsletter
Henry Sturm Community Earth Day Clean-up
- Sunday April 22 at 10 AM (we will meet up at 9 AM at Aimee’s to get organized and set-up)
- will washrooms be open yet? if not, ask City to open them for the event
- handwash station? Aimee will look into it
- Anna-email Janice re: getting event on City website, getting gloves and garbage bags
- signage – Melissa has sandwich board (place near parking lot with poster/directions to event site)
- Anna – proper google map – put on Facebook and VPNA webpage
- Reg – will make poster for event
- Anna – will see if 100 years of Kitchener will put event on their website
100th year of Kitchener
- have historical walk through park?
- Anna – email Bob about having Jane’s Walk
CPTED results
- Lisa Thompson will be attending the April meeting to present the results of the CPTED study (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) that was conducted along the Iron Horse Trail
| November 20, 2011 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 9:00 pm |
On Sunday, November 20th, the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association will be holding its Annual General Meeting at 7pm at the Victoria Park Pavilion. This is an excellent opportunity for you to meet up with your neighbours, hear about what the VPNA has been up to over the past year, and get involved in the coming year.
This year our theme is “Cookies and Crime Prevention”. For the “Cookies” portion, bring a dozen or two of your favorite holiday treats, and take an assortment of a dozen or two from your neighbours home with you. For the “Crime Prevention” portion, we will have two wonderful guest speakers. Constable Mark Koiter from the Waterloo Regional Police will be speaking about crime prevention, personal safety, home security tips. Juantia Metzger from the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council will be giving a presentation on how we as a community can and have come together to make our neighbourhoods safer.
Our annual elections will be held between presentations. An outline of all the positions and duties can be found on our website or on our Facebook page.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Meeting was attended by :
Anna Maste ( Chair of the VPNA)
Aimee Polevoy ( Chair of The Safety Committee)
Wynne Dawson ( Outgoing District Facilitator of the DCC)
Fabienne Prior ( Incoming District Facilitator of the DCC)
Cheryl Evans, Bill Trotter and Sky Daisey
The meeting took place at the Misty Mountain Coffee Company on Queen St.
This was the last meeting of the VPNA before the Elections for the Steering Committee on November 20th, and the last meeting of the Year 2011.
First order of business:
Wynne is leaving the DCC to go to Rockway as well as Mill-Courtland Community Center and Fabienne will be taking her position at the DCC. Introductions were made to the group. Wynne has worked for the City of Kitchener at the Victoria School Center and then the DCC for 11 years. She will miss the DCC , but is looking forward to her new position , we wish her the best of luck ! We are looking forward to working with Fabienne in the future . She will be stepping in at our meetings in place of the Community Resource Officer ( formerly Michelle Robinson) until that position is filled.
Wynne paid the VPNA and it’s members accolades for our involvement in the neighbourhood. She told us that we are bringing life to downtown and interest in community affairs. She said that City Hall is taking notice of our efforts , it was affirming to hear this information. It’s a good feeling to have , knowing that someone cares and is paying attention to what we are trying to do , especially City Hall !
Cheryl Evans from REEP talked about her involvement with the City and it’s Storm Water Management System and how she loves being part of the VPNA and tries to include the Association whenever she can , in REEP’s activities.
FLAGPOLE TOPIC:
The matter of the Flagpole that is slated for removal when the Lake is being restored and improved was brought up . No one at the meeting is against the removal of the flagpole . There will be a fountain installed in it’s place, which will add beauty and improve water circulation to the Lake. There are other visible flags in and around the Park. Most notably, the Clock Tower, a historic feature at the entrance of the park. In my opinion , also much nicer to look at than the one in the lake.
POTENTIAL NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION:
I ( Aimee Polevoy) will be contacting the Principle at J.F. Carmichael School about having the VPNA Newsletter sent out in the Student Communication Folders. I think it would be a great way to reach members that may not receive our newsletter.
THE DNA ABSORBING THE DROP-IN PROGRAMS OF THE VPNA:
The VPNA currently has drop in programs at the DCC. They are free to the public, but donations are welcome. The problem is , the DCC is not set up to receive donations due to changes in the system . The possibility of the DNA/DCC taking on the programs was discussed. The matter will be looked into in the new year.
NEWSLETTER DISTRIBUTION:
There is currently no Editor for our Newsletter. Melissa Bowman and Anna Maste have been acting as the Editors. They both have busy schedules and have taken on many other roles within the VPNA. The need for a permanent Editor is BADLY needed. Content is not the issue, there are regular contributors , it is the actual layout , assembling and distribution to the street reps, of the newsletters that is the issue. At the Election at the AGM on November 20th 2011, we are hoping that someone will show some interest in taking on the role.
If you are interested in this position , please contact Anna Maste .
Which leads me to : THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING NOVEMBER 20TH , 2011 – The Victoria Park Pavillion !
Join us on November 20th for “Cookies and Crime Prevention” with Special Guests Counstable Mark Koiter ( Community Resource Officer) who will talk about making your home and community safer. Juanita Metzger from The Crime Prevention Council of Waterloo Region will also be speaking at the AGM and premiering a Digital Story about Your’s truly and my “quest ” for a safer Neighbourhood. The Election will also be taking place for positions on the Steering Committee for the VPNA ( more information to follow). We will also be exchanging cookies ! If you are planning on bringing cookies, please have a clearly written recipe and try to be Nut Free 
FESTIVAL OF NEIGHBOURHOODS AWARDS :
Aimee Polevoy and Anna Maste attended the Festival Of Neighbourhoods Gala on October 23rd. The Henry Sturm Festival won for Arts and Culture ( a trophy) and the Safer Community Award ( a plaque), presented by the Crime Prevention Council. This was a very emotional honor for me because the Festival was a labour of love, brought on by tragedy . I lost a friend, John Ferriera on New Years Eve and the Festival was held in his honor. Losing John as horrible as it was, brought me closer to my community and I now feel part of the solution rather than wondering what to do about the problems.
| October 14, 2011 | ||
| 7:00 pm | to | 9:30 pm |
Sing-along, learn the “chicken” dance
at the
Downtown Community Centre,
35B Weber Street West, Kitchener
(519)-741-2501
Entertainment by Bruce Breen ~ a multi-talented local musician
FREE Admission
Sausage-on-a-Bun $2
Sponsored by The Downtown Neighbourhood Alliance & its affiliated Neighbourhood Associations
The meeting was attended by : Anna Maste ( Chair), Aimee Polevoy ( Secretary, Chair of the Safety Committee), Frank Etherington ( Ward Councillor) , Michelle Robinson ( rep from the DCC ), Cheryl Evans, Melissa Bowman , Bill Trotter and Skye Daisy .
We met at the Misty Mountain Coffee Company on Queen St. in Downtown Kitchener
FRANK’S INFORMATION:
The Victoria Park Lake clean-up was addressed, which is slated to begin in November of 2011.
Recent developments with the total cost were discussed . The total estimate for removal of sediment will be lower due to the nature of the sediment. It will be able to be disposed of at the landfill, due to low contamination levels.
on Oct. 17, 2011 a contract will be awarded for the clean-up.
The hope is that this will go through smoothly with Council.
The Clean- up should be completed in March of 2012.
a Public information session about the recent developments will be held at the Downtown Community Center on Sept. 27th, 2011.
IRON HORSE TRAIL UPDATE – Frank:
A safety concern was brought to the attention of Frank Etherington and City Parks Staff, by residents on West Ave. There is a need for a clean up of overgrown brush, invasive species and garbage. The area of concern is along the culvert wall and surrounding area, that is located on the stretch of the IHT between West Ave and Patricia. There is also an area that is overgrown with invasive tree species next to the culvert and fence , by the wooden railway bridge near the Henry Sturm Greenway.
This area was part of a CPTED study in early Spring and mid-Summer.
These areas are dangerous to due to the sight blocking overgrowth. they are providing a place that is encouraging unwanted activity. The garbage is making the space look unseemly and uncared for. The path is frequently used by pedestrians and cyclists.
Attendees were assured that the area will be looked into , and taken care of.
PROPERTIES THAT ARE CONCERN DUE TO QUESTIONABLE ACTIVITIES:
3 properties that are located within the VPNA boundaries have been the focus of police, by-law and City Hall’s attention. Due to the nature of the activities that were and are occuring on the properties . Two of the properties have been “closed” and the activity has ceased. There is one property left that is of major concern.
OTHER BUSINESS:
REEP RETROFIT RETRO DANCE PARTY- SEPTEMBER 24TH 20011 SCHWABEN CLUB
Cheryl Evans of REEP Green Solutions http://reepgreen.ca/
Save Your Energy for the Dance Floor!
Work up a sweat to the tunes of the 70s, 80s and 90s!
Celebrate the launch of the REEP Kitchener Home Energy Grants!
Buffet included, life DJ, cash bar, prizes!
Saturday, September 24th, 2011
Schwaben Club, 1668 King Street East, Kitchener
Doors open at 8:00 PM
Click Here to Purchase Tickets Online
Ticket Prices:
15 Adults
$10 Students, Seniors, Unwaged
Presented by REEP Green Solutions in partnership with the City of Kitchener’s Local Environmental Action Fund, and the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association.
Members of the VPNA are being encouraged to attend this FUNction , and to help out as well. There is a need for : Decorating with Disco Balls before the event ( around 12:00 that day ), People to take and sell tickets at the door, and judges for dance contests ! Please contact Cheryl Evans at cevans@reepgreen.ca if you can help us out .
HENRY STURM GREENWAY UPDATE AND NEXT YEAR’S FESTIVAL
The need for volunteers for committees for next years Henry Sturm Neighbourhood Festival was brought up. There are many ways you can help out as members of the VPNA. A complete list of committee’s and what is needed to be accomplished will be in the Next edition of the VPNA Newsletter, as well as posted on this website and Facebook.
The Festival will be held on June the 3rd at the Victoria Park Picnic shelter.
The focus of next years festival will be an ARTISAN Fair. Local artisans can have tables set up to sell their wares and a small donation to ROOF would greatly be appreciated. Tables must be supplied by the seller . ROOF will be invited to have their own table showcasing their “Street Designs” merchandise.
There will be a Path/Park clean up , a picinc and special guests (hopefully the Police Horses !) will be part of the day
THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – SUNDAY NOVEMBER 20TH, 20011 VICTORIA PARK PAVILLION:
Theme COOKIES AND CRIME PREVENTION: Guest speakers Juanita Metzger from the Region of Waterloo Crime Prevention Council and Constable Mark Koiter. Each will give a presentation on inproving safety and improving relations within our community .
Juanita will be showing an entry in the Digital Storytelling project showcasing the “Henry Sturm Festival “ a story about loss and healing in the Henry Sturm Neighbourhood , and one residents desire for a safe neighbourhood .
There will also be a cookie/recipe exchange . Guests are asked to bring Cookies and baked goods along with a recipe , as well as a container to bring goodies home in .
The final order of business will be that of the election for positions within the VPNA.
the positions are as follows :
Chair of the VPNA
Co-Chair
Secretary
Treasurer
Program Coordinator ( DCC)
Newsletter Editor
The election will be run by Michelle Robinson from the DNA and DCC
A discussion about supplies that were needed and who would bring them followed.
DROP IN PROGRAMS NEED NEW EQUIPMENT:
Michelle Robinson brought to our attention the need of new equipment for the drop in programs that held at the DCC. A complete list of equipment and costs is being requested for the programs. There was also a discussion about how to encourage the participants in the programs to raise funds to assist the VPNA in the purchase of new equipment.
The need for a liason between the Drop in Programs and the VPNA was mentioned. This is going to be investigated.
NEWSLETTER CONTENT AND DISTRIBUTION:
Content for the next VPNA newsletter was discussed as well as the need for a house count for the Newsletter and DCC/DNA publications. The role of someone in the community to become the distributor of these publications is needed. Please contact Anna Maste ( Chair of the VPNA ) if you are interested in taking on this role. As of right now, Anna is the person who prepares the publications, as well as being the Chair of the VPNA. It would be wonderful if someone would take on this responsibility. Show your support for the VPNA by becoming an active participant in it’s activities.
The Newsletters are a vital part of our community , and the question of how to find out if we are reaching the public properly was discussed. It would be nice to know who is reading them, please contact the VPNA to let us know how YOU feel about the newsletter !
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WITH THE VPNA
The matter of getting more interest in attending meetings from our VPNA members , was and always is a topic of discussion. We realize that people are busy and may not be able to come to the monthly meetings, but we greatly encourage people to attend meetings when they can . It is important for a healthy community to get to know people who live in the neighbourhood.
Drop in dinners, funraising events and how to reach out to the residents in the various apartment buildings was discussed.
| September 24, 2011 | ||
| 8:00 pm | to | 11:59 pm |
A joint event put on by REEP and the VPNA
The Schwaben Club
1668 King St East
Kitchener, ON
Celebrate the launch of the Kitchener Home Energy Grants by working up a sweat to the tunes of the 70′s, 80′s and 90′s. Find out about DOUBLE insulation and air sealing home retrofit grants available through REEP, funded by the City of Kitchener. Entry includes a free buffet, retro trivia, and dance contests!
Grab your retro threads and head out for a night of fun! $15 adults, $10 students, seniors and students and unwaged, kids under 5 free. Buy tickets at www.reepgreen.ca.
| August 27, 2011 | ||
| 10:00 am | to | 1:00 pm |
| 10:00 am | to | 1:00 pm |
Fish-Friendly Charity Carwash
Protect our water, support a charity
Date: Saturday, August 27, 2011
Time: 10am-1pm
Location: Valet Carwash, 1520 Victoria Street, North Kitchener
Cost: Purchase an unlimited amount of $12 premium carwash tickets for only $10 including tax from 10am-1pm only!
Donation: Valet Carwash will donate $4.33 from every prepaid carwash ticket sold to the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association. Proceeds raised will fund a new community mural in the Victoria Park Neighbourhood.
Presented by:
-Mike Black, Valet Carwash
-Nathan Ewing, Canadian Carwash Association
-Cheryl Evans, RAIN: an ecological approach to stormwater management, REEP Green Solutions
-Josh Shea, Yellow Fish Road, City of Kitchener
-Anna Maste, Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association
On gorgeous sunny days when local charities post signs in parking lots that say ‘Charity Carwash’ it brings back memories of childhood when your parents drove the dusty family wagon in for a good scrubbing at the hands of giggling kids. It was fun, you ended up with a clean car and your family was helping out a charity. But, think back for a minute. After the cars were lathered up and the oil, dirt and grime were scrubbed off, where did the rinse water go? The soap and other contaminants flowed directly into the storm sewer, into a nearby waterway, and in this area made their way directly into the Grand River.
REEP Green Solutions RAIN Program, Yellow Fish Road and the Canadian Carwash Association are partnering up to make it easy for community groups to continue the fun charity carwash tradition in a way that protects the environment. What’s the big difference? These eco-friendly charity carwash events happen at commercial carwashes where waste water is filtered on site and then sent to the sewage treatment plant for additional cleaning before it is discharged to the river.
Saturday, August 27th marks the first Fish-Friendly Carwash Event to be created by this innovative business-charity partnership. From 10am to 1pm community members will be able to purchase premium tunnel-style carwashes at a $2 discount for only $10 including tax at the Valet Carwash, located at 1520 Victoria Street North in Kitchener. There is no limit to the number of pre-paid tickets that can be purchased, but they are only available during the event. Tickets may be used that day or in the future. The generous donation made by Valet Carwash to the event’s charitable partner, the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association is $4.43 per wash. Funds raised will be used to buy paint to create a mural depicting a clean, vibrant river flowing through the Victoria Park neighbourhood in downtown Kitchener.
Information booths will be set up at the event so that people can learn more about the great work being done by the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Association. Representatives from the Canadian Carwash Association, REEP Green Solutions RAIN Program and the Yellow Fish Road Program will also be on site to talk to people about how they can get involved in protecting our water.
Hope to see you there!
