Monthly Newsletters
(as submitted to the Sandycove Acres Monthly Newsletters)
For copies of earlier Home Owner newsletters please e-mail us at info@scahomeowners.com - this is for members only.

OPEN HOUSE - The Annual Home Owners OPEN House was a great success with a full house at the WHEEL. Mayor Barb Bagley, Councilor Maria Baier and Deputy Mayor Dan Davidson were all in attendance and made a few comments. Each then participated in the lucky draw. Thanks to all of you that helped make our membership drive a success. Your Home Owners Association is working on your behalf in a number of areas both in Sandycove Acres as well as the Innisfil community. As a large group of Seniors we CAN make a difference and help to improve our lifestyle.

WELCOME - We are pleased to announce that LYNNE O’LEARY has been appointed a Director of the Home Owners Association to fill a vacant Director position. Lynne will initially be working with the Seminars Committee which brings presentations to the residents of Sandycove. Lynne replaces Brenda Peters who resigned after contributing her time to the Home Owners Association. Our special thanks to Brenda for her contributions.

PHONEBUSTERS Seminar – February 20th at 1 pm at the SPOKE - This is a presentation by The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or Phonebusters. Learn all about telephone and computer SCAMs and discuss those that impact seniors and how to avoid them. Watch for more Seminars as we make arrangements for the next few months. Have an idea for a Seminar? let Melle Van Strien at 705-431-5322 know about it or e-mail us at info@scahomeowners.com

INNISFIL COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITTEE – for a full report check our web site at www.scahomeowners.com for all the latest information. As reported at the OPEN House by Councilor Baier, the Innisfil Community Health Committee is hard at work with a couple of initiatives and these have been covered in the local press as well as on our web site. It is important to note that we, Sandycove residents, are involved in trying to promote some better primary healthcare for residents of Sandycove.

CANDY CANE EXPRESS - On behalf of Innisfil Rotary, we have to offer both thanks and apologies with respect to the train’s visit on December 12^th. The response in food donations for needy families was, quite simply, overwhelming and far beyond anybody’s expectations. As a result, the train had to run much slower than planned and time simply ran out before every street could receive a visit. This speaks so highly of the spirit of Sandycove. We shall know better next year! Our thanks also go to the Sandycove Singers who rode the train and added their carols to the occasion.

ACCESSIBILITY COMMITTEE – We are looking for volunteers…… and we are pleased to inform you that the Home Owners Board has created an Accessibility Committee which will be chaired by Ralph Heuvingh. This was discussed with Sandycove management the last time we met with them and they supported the initiative whole heartedly. The Committee will endeavour to track down and watch for areas in our community that can be created and/or changed to make everything more accessible especially for those that may be handicapped.

The Committee will report and follow through with all suggestions and improvements and challenges facing physically disabled. The Committee has already made contact with and will continue to work with Town of Innisfil and Simcoe County Accessibility Committees. If you are interested then please join us. This is a residents only initiative and the first meeting to discuss some plans and determine interest will be held Monday February 6^th at 1:00pm at the SPOKE. For more information please contact Ralph at 705-431-1625.

CAUTION – recent reports of dogs and cats on the loose have a number of residents concerned for their safety. Animal Control officials have been contacted and have taken appropriate action in certain instances. It is IMPORTANT that if you are attacked and especially have been bitten or knocked over that you report the incident to the South Simcoe Police at (705) 436-2141 and/or the Animal Control at (705) 431-2882.

Animal Control is not able to do anything about the continuing Feral Cat problems existing in some areas of our community. PLEASE report any incidents as noted above and PLEASE don’t feed these wild cats that may carry diseases harmful to humans and/or YOUR PET.

NEW YEAR OPEN HOUSE – Plan to attend – Sunday, January 8^th from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the WHEEL (doors open at 1:45pm) read the following for more details. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions about your Association and discuss community activities. Open to ALL residents

Take out a 2012 membership before December 31^st, 2011 and be eligible to win 1 of 3 $100 prizes that will be drawn at our OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 8^th at the WHEEL.

Memberships - NEW or RENEWALS

May be purchased at any of the following;

Call any Board member OR

Pay at the Transportation Desk, at the HUB OR

Mail to: P.O. Box 7151, Innisfil, Ontario. L9S 1A9

Please note: The Transportation desk will be closed from December 19^th until after the New Year. To qualify for the EARLY BIRD Membership Draw the Home Owners Association must have the paid membership by December 31^st or if mailed, it must be postmarked by or before December 31^st to be entered in the draw on January 8^th. Memberships received after December 31^st are not eligible for the draw.

Seminars – watch for more Seminars in the New Year with a special presentation on February 20th by The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or Phonebusters. Learn all about telephone and computer SCAMs. If you have ideas and suggestions for future Seminars please call Melle Van Strien at 705-431-5322 or e-mail us at info@scahomeowners.com Recent Seminar on Funeral Pre Planning was very well attended. Thank you for your continuing support.

Thanks for making our neighbourhood bright – great show again this year and a special thank you to Sandycove Acres for donating the prizes. Special this year was THE CANDY CANE EXPRESS courtesy of the Rotary Club of Innisfil – many thanks for the Food Bank contributions which were more than expected and delayed the visit to the South side.

Our thanks to the many other excellent presentations that made the choice both difficult and a pleasure. View the winners on www.scahomeowners.com

The SANDYCOVE ACRES HOME OWNERS ASSOCIATION Board wishes you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year

NEW YEAR OPEN HOUSE - Mark your calendars now – Sunday, January 8^th from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the WHEEL – watch the newsletter for more details next month. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions about your Association and discuss community activities. Open to ALL residents

Seminars – watch for more Seminars in the New Year with a special presentation in February by The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or Phonebusters. Learn all about telephone and computer SCAMs. If you have ideas and suggestions for future Seminars please call Melle Van Strien at 705-431-5322 or e-mail us at info@scahomeowners.com Thank you for your continuing support.

INNISFIL COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITTEE – meets regularly to develop plans to provide healthcare solutions for the Town of Innisfil and in particular for our community. Sandycove Acres is well represented on the Committee and part of the planning process will soon see a survey to establish needed statistical data to aid in funding for a new healthcare clinic. Please watch our web site www.scahomeowners.com for breaking news on this very important issue or e-mail us at info@scahomeowners.com .

Emergency preparedness committee – is chaired by Sharon Raycraft and recently had a high level planning meeting with the Innisfil Fire Chief, Simcoe County 911 Emergency Coordinator and Red Cross Emergency Services. The meeting discussed preparedness plans for Sandycove Acres residents and our ability to interact with first responders in the event of an emergency. For more information please contact Sharon Raycraft at 705-431-7747 or by e-mail at epcsca@hotmail.ca

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMPETITION - Once again, we are holding our Christmas Lights Competition. As in prior years, The North and South sides will be judged separately with first and second prizes being awarded for each side - the prizes are again being donated by Sandycove Acres. Our judges will be looking especially for novelty and design as well as quantity. Judging will be the evening of Monday December 12^th so start planning now! See prior year’s winners, check our web site and also watch for the 2011 winners. ALSO the same night The CANDY CANE EXPRESS Christmas train from the Rotary Club will be touring our community during the evening’s judging. This is quite a spectacle and we have been lucky to get it for Sandycove as it is in great demand. Watch the event and make some Christmas food offerings to Rotary Food Bank efforts for local Innisfil Families. Times and route will be posted on Channel 18 and www.scahomeowners.com as soon as they are finalized.

CPR/Defibrillator TRAINING – FREE - The Emergency Preparedness Committee would like to hear from residents interested in attending a CPR and defibrillator training course. Based on the feedback received we will book the necessary training. Training will be conducted through certified training resources.

Book your spot now - for more information or to let us know of your interest please call RALPH HEUVINGH at (705) 431-1625

Health fair held November 5^th – A special thanks to the residents that attended and made the Health Fair a success. A word of thanks to our Committee of Ted Gemmell, Tim Tyler and Cliff Ashdown for their work organizing the Fair.

Take out a 2012 membership before December 31^st, 2011 and be eligible to win 1 of 3 $100 prizes that will be drawn at our OPEN HOUSE Sunday, January 8^th at the WHEEL.

Memberships - NEW or RENEWALS

May be purchased at any of the following;

Call any Board member OR

Pay at the Transportation Desk, (Mon., Wed. or Fri, 10am-12) at the HUB OR

Mail your membership to: P.O. Box 7151, Innisfil, Ontario. L9S 1A9

Please note: The Transportation desk will be closed from December 19^th until after the New Year. To qualify for the EARLY BIRD Membership Draw the Home Owners Association must have the paid membership by December 31^st or if mailed, it must be postmarked by or before December 31^st to be entered in the draw on January 8^th. Memberships received after December 31^st are not eligible for the draw.

HEALTH FAIR – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5^th - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm - Several healthcare companies, providers and associated healthcare interests have been asked to participate. These include the Red Cross, Simcoe Hospice, Seniors for Seniors, Chiropractic and Acupuncture Centre, Lifeline, Foot Clinic, CCAC, GrandCare Systems, Home Health Services, Diabetes care, CNIB, Fibromyalgia Support Group and many more. PLAN TO ATTEND. This EVENT is open to everyone. Watch the web site for more information.

FUNERAL PLANNING SEMINAR – Monday November 21^st at 1:00pm at the SPOKE - What your Executor needs to know will be presented by representatives from Steckley-Gooderham funeral home, one of the largest and most respected in Simcoe County. Attend this very informal and light presentation to understand death benefits that an executor may be eligible for. There will also be handouts and useful checklists available. OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COMPETITION - Once again, we are holding our Christmas Lights Competition. As previously, The North and South sides will be judged separately with first and second prizes being awarded for each side - the prizes are again generously being donated by Sandycove Acres. Our judges will be looking especially for novelty and design as well as quantity. Judging will be the evening of Monday December 12^th so start planning now! Watch our web site for winners.

Early Bird Membership Draw - Any household taking out a 2012 membership between October 1st and December 31st of this year will be eligible to participate in a draw for three $100 cash prizes. Winners’ names will be drawn at the Home Owners’ annual Social at the Wheel on Sunday January 8^th. It will not be necessary to be in attendance. Memberships may be paid at the HUB Transportation desk any Mon. Wed. or Fri. morning, mailed to the above address or paid to any director listed on the left.

CPR/Defibrillator TRAINING – FREE - The Emergency Preparedness Committee would like to hear from residents interested in attending a free CPR and defibrillator training course. Based on the feedback received we will book the necessary training. Training will be conducted through certified training resources. Book your spot now - for more information or to let us know of your interest please call RALPH HEUVINGH at (705) 431-1625

CRIMESTOPPERS Seminar – Monday October 17^th at 1:00pm at the SPOKE – Attend this special Crimestoppers Seminar and understand how you can participate in keeping our community safe and secure. An OPP police officer will answer your questions by outlining the history, how did it start, what is Crimestoppers, what happens when I call? Does it work and generally answer your questions. If you have ideas and suggestions as to the types of Seminars you would be interested in please call Melle Van Strien at 705-431-5322 or e-mail at info@scahomeowners.com MEMBERS ONLY or signup at the Seminar.

TV COMMITTEE UPDATE – Due to the recent switchover from analog to digital cable feeds (as of August 31, 2011), there are some changes to your television programming. The main one (see Channel 18 for further information) involves the former A Channel on Channel 10. It has been renamed CTV Two and will now appear on Channel 3. At present, CTV Two appears on both Channels 3 and 10. After approximately 2 - 3 weeks time, CTV Two will only appear on Channel 3 and Channel 10 will become dark. Digital channel packages are still being negotiated with the Big Three television producers (Rogers, Shaw and Bell) so please watch for future updates.

INNISFIL COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITTEE – is now meeting regularly in an attempt to come up with healthcare solutions for the Town of Innisfil. Sandycove Acres is well represented on the Committee and regular updates will be made through this newsletter and the web site at www.scahomeowners.com.

MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS - Just a reminder, in addition to the SCA Transportation Committee Medical Drives program you may also call the Canadian Red Cross who will offer eligible clients assistance in travel to doctor's appointments, rehab clinics and various other adult programs. Services are provided by trained volunteers as well as a fleet of mini buses. For info and rates please call 705-721-3313 and ask for Transportation Services

INNISFIL COMMUNITY HEALTH COMMITTEE – is the name of the new Committee charged with the responsibility of coming up with healthcare solutions for the Town of Innisfil. This Committee is fully supported by the Mayor and Town Council of Innisfil and is chaired by our Councilor Maria Baier. The Committee has had a number of meetings and has begun to formulate some strategies toward delivering healthcare to residents of Innisfil. Sandycove Acres is well represented on the Committee and regular updates will be made through this newsletter and the web site at www.scahomeowners.com

ALL CANDIDATES MEETING - With PROVINCIAL Elections coming October 6^th the Association will once again be hosting an ALL CANDIDATES MEETING. SATURDAY September 17^th 2:00 PM at the Wheel. Plan to attend and find out about your community. Primary parties will be represented and there should be some lively debate. Watch Channel 18 and the web site at www.scahomeowners.com for up-to-date information on this important event.

Rent Increase Guidelines for 2012 - The Provincial government has announced the rent increase guideline for the year 2012 will be 3.1% (per cent). The 2012 guideline is based on the Ontario Consumer Price Index which is a measure of inflation calculated monthly by Statistics Canada.. The rent increase guideline is the maximum amount by which a landlord can increase the rent of a tenant without seeking the approval of the Landlord and Tenant Board. The 2012 Guideline applies to a rent increase that occurs between January 1 and December 31, 2011. For your information the average yearly increase from 2004-2011 was 1.89 per cent. The average yearly increase from 1993 - 2003 was 3.17 per cent.

Seminars – will start again in September – we hope to have a full slate of Seminars and the first ones will be announced through the Channel 18 “roll around”. If you have ideas and suggestions as to the types of Seminars you would be interested in please call Melle Van Strien at 705-431-5322 or e-mail us at info@scahomeowners.com Thank you for your continuing support.

HEALTH FAIR – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5^th – once again the Home Owners Association will be running a HEALTH Fair. Numerous healthcare companies, providers and associated healthcare interests will be attending. Plan to attend this event as new and important information is presented to the residents of Sandycove. This EVENT is open to everyone. Watch the web site and the newsletter for more information.

INSPIRING INNISFIL 2020 – once more – are you interested in the Community you pay taxes in? If so, be part of a planning for the future process and call Dave Cooper or e-mail at dcooper000@sympatico.ca. For more information please go to our web site at www.scahomeowners.com OR www.inspiringinnisfil.ca

NEW HOME OWNER BOARD ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES - At the July 5^th Board meeting of the Sandycove Acres Home Owners Association the following Board Positions and Committees were approved.

Please keep this list for reference. If you are a new resident please call any number shown to get information regarding membership in our Association.

BARRIE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE (BCHC) As reported earlier the health clinic located in the Sandycove Plaza has been closed. Patients using this service are now going to the BCHC facility in Barrie at their downtown location.

What’s’ happening now – our Town Councilor Maria Baier along with the Mayor has formed a working group comprised of Innisfil residents and a mixture of healthcare professionals, business people and interested residents. Sandycove Acres is well represented and an initial meeting was very positive towards developing a healthcare initiative for Innisfil and in particular the North Innisfil area. There are a number of resources and avenues that we will be looking into and hopefully a positive plan will be developed. No question about it, we are starting over again and it will take time to once again have health services available in our community.

Please watch the web site www.scahomeowners.com for on-going reports and information. If you have questions or concerns please direct them to the web site and we will do everything possible to answer.

INSPIRING INNISFIL 2020 is an ongoing Community Planning process being developed by the Town of Innisfil. During the past year residents from Sandycove Acres and the Home Owners Board have been very involved in this process. Reports have been made to Council and are available to the public as well as on the internet. Development sessions have begun with 3 primary areas of focus:

Meetings of the above groups have now started and we are asking for your input. If you are interested in participating in any of these areas please let us know by contacting us through our web site www.scahomeowners.com or call Dave Cooper at 705-431-8628

Home Contractors – Buyer BEWARE - When selecting a contractor, check with your friends or neighbors for references. Sometimes, even the best known companies don’t have a good record. You may also be able to get the names of reliable home renovators from your local building supply store.

Read before you sign. Read anything you sign to make sure you understand it and make sure it matches what the contractor told you.

DO NOT PAY for the entire job up-front. DO NOT pay anything until the first day of work and then only pay up to one third the value of the planned work. Payments should be by credit card or cheque so that your credit card statement or cancelled cheque can provide proof of payment. Make additional payments during the project contingent upon completion of a defined amount of work. DO NOT make final payment or sign a final release until you are satisfied with the work.

Building Permits - You must have a permit from Sandycove Acres prior to applying for the Town of Innisfil permits. Contact the Town of Innisfil to find out if a permit is required for the work which you want done. If a permit is issued, the Town will inspect the work when it has reached a certain stage of completion to ensure that the work complies with codes and regulations. You should ensure that your contract states that the application for a permit should be the contractor’s responsibility so that if the work does not pass inspection you cannot be held responsible for any corrections that must be made. Ask the contractor to shoe you the permit before work begins.

Seminars – A new series of information seminars is being planned starting in the fall. if you have ideas and suggestions as to the types of Seminars you would be interested in please call Melle Van Strien at 431-5322 or Brenda Peters at 436-4208 or e-mail us at info@scahomeowners.com Thank you for your continuing support.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At the June 12^th Annual General Meeting of the Sandycove Acres Home Owners Association the following Directors were elected for 2011-2012. At the next Board meeting July 5^th, roles and responsibilities will be voted for and designated as the new Board duties will begin. Those positions will be posted on the web site www.scahomeowners.com and in the August Newsletter. In alphabetical order;

Thanks to all who attended and participated in the meeting. A number of members asked various questions about the community and these will be followed up in the months ahead. Most important was the BCHC closure reported below.

A special thanks to Roy Bridge, Lynne Ellis and Pat Whittaker for their dedication, time and efforts during their tenure on the Home Owner’s Board.

BARRIE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE (BCHC) located in the Sandycove Plaza has recently announced it will be closing on June 27^th. All services previously provided will be available at the BCHC location at 56 Bayfield St Barrie. Transportation for patients in need are being arranged. Talks are continuing with active contact with the BCHC Management, the local Councillor Maria Baier, the Mayors office and Town Planning officials. It is vitally important for the residents of Sandycove Acres as well as other area Innisfil residents to have these services readily available. We are also in contact with some residents in the area that are also concerned about this very sudden move.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS - On Sunday MAY 22^nd 16 residents of Sandycove participated in a course conducted by the Simcoe County Paramedics to learn how to use the 3 defibrillators located in the park as well as a full certification on administering CPR. Special thanks to Ralph Heuvingh for organizing this course and people interested in attending future courses should contact Ralph at 705-431-1625.

BANK UPDATE – It was earlier reported that there is now an RBC ATM in the Sandycove Mall Variety store. In the meantime CIBC has responded and informed us they will NOT be opening a service in Sandycove. Search for an interested banking service is continuing.

Support your Organization – We work on your behalf

For copies of earlier Home Owner newsletters please e-mail us at info@scahomeowners.com - this is for members only.