Note: Sunset Lakes residents – Generally we do not post resident phone numbers and Email addresses within the Web version of newsletters. Please refer to your phone directory or the circulated version of the newsletter for phone numbers and Email addresses or leave a message at the Sales Office.

WELCOME – A big welcome to all the families who have joined us at Sunset Lakes since our last newsletter was published in the Fall. We’re glad that you are here. A very special thank you to Carla Moore who has personally welcomed many of our new residents. If you’ve met Carla you already know what a fine job she is doing as our volunteer “meeter and greeter.” Thanks, Carla!

OWNERS DIRECTORY – Our Owners Directory has been a great way for Sunset Lakes residents to get to know each other. The last one was published just before Christmas, and an updated version is currently being organized, complete with resident names, addresses, and phone numbers. Thanks again to Carla Moore for gathering the information from new residents as she meets them and for starting to put the revised directory together. If you think that your directory information may need to be updated (or may not have been received yet by Carla), please contact her at camoore@magma.ca.

EMAIL ADDRESSES – And by the way, we rely more and more on email these days to keep Sunset Lakes residents aware of upcoming events, special offers (such as organic fertilizing products), and other news. Currently we have over 50 residents on our email list. If you have Internet access and you’d like to be on the list, just send an email to Heather at publish@magi.com. Note: It is SLOA’s practice to “blind cc” recipients so your email address is not shared.

SUNSET LAKES OWNERS ASSOCIATION – The SLOA held its annual meeting in February. Three new directors were elected: Laura Fiel, Andrew Wilson and Carla Moore. Our thanks to outgoing directors Tom Pynn and Doug Gray who have stepped down. Residents also approved a reserve fund expenditure to resurface the swimming pool, and there was discussion about how best to protect our lakes from runoff contamination caused by animal feces, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. More about this later in this newsletter.
If you would like to raise a topic for discussion or simply want to see what the directors are up to, meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Sales Centre. Please notify the office if you plan to attend.

POOL NEWS – Spring is finally here in earnest, and soon the kids will be asking “When does the pool open?” The short answer is “It depends.” It depends on the weather, of course, but also on when the relining work is to be done. We’ll keep you posted.

GREEN THUMBS CLUB – These are the folks who keep our neighbourhood looking beautiful all summer by tending the numerous flower beds in the public areas. SLOA provides the plants and the club members do the planting and weeding. Unfortunately Claudia Buttera, who was club coordinator and head gardener for the past several years, has had to step down because of other commitments. A big thank you Claudia for all your efforts. The good news is that Delilah Mobbs has stepped up to take over the job. All she needs now is your help. If you’d like to volunteer a few hours of your time this spring and summer (even if you don’t have a green thumb you can learn a lot about gardening from this group) contact Delilah.

HELP KEEP OUR LAKES CLEAN – Our lakes are fragile, and we all need to play a part in maintaining the quality of the waters for continued recreational use. The Lakes Management Committee is a volunteer group that meets to deal with issues that affect our lakes. Here are their do’s and don’ts for ways you can help keep the lakes clean this season:

• Do use only organic fertilizers on your lawns, and follow the application instructions – excess fertilizer will eventually find its way into the lakes even if you don’t have waterfront property.
• Don’t pump water out of the lake for automatic water sprinkler systems (another reason not to do this is that the pumps will eventually become clogged and break down).
• Don’t spray pesticides for weed control over your entire property. No commercial applications please. If you must use pesticides (and you might want to try organic controls first) do spot spraying only.
• Do leave a cushion of tall grass between your lawn and the lake to capture pollutants before they enter the lake.
• Do pick up after your dog – if you don’t you’re just contributing to contaminated rainwater runoff which drains into the lakes.

For more information or to contact a member of the Lakes Management Committee, contact the Sunset Lakes office.

Events & Activities:

SPRING CLEANUP – As the snow melts it reveals the usual accumulation of garbage. Help keep our community clean and safe by joining in our annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday, April 28 (rain date Saturday May 5). Meet at the Sales Centre at 9:30 a.m. ready to pick up for an hour or so. Bring an old pair of gloves, we’ll provide garbage bags and arrange to collect the full ones. Coffee and cookies afterwards. See you there. For information, call Bob Stanley.

GOLF TOURNAMENT – Last year’s “Sunset Lakes Invitational” was a great success, despite having to be postponed because of bad weather (do you remember last summer?!) This year Steve and Marion, our resident golf coordinators, are hoping for a June date at the Raceview course. This is a fun event for mixed couples or singles – you don’t have to be a great golfer to participate. And when the game is over we’ll have our annual Sunset Lakes Neighbourhood BBQ. Look for more information on both events soon.

SWIMMING LESSONS – Last summer, 32 young Sunset Lakes swimmers participated in the YMCA/YWCA Backyard Swim Program here at our pool. For this year, we have tentatively booked the week of July 16-20, and we’re waiting for confirmation from the Y. We should know by early May. Once again Jill Byers has volunteered to coordinate the week-long program, and she’ll be distributing application forms soon. Thanks Jill.

WATER SKI SCHOOL – Once again this summer Sharon and Glen Byles will run the Sunset Lakes Water Ski School for the young and young-at-heart. It’s a great way to learn to ski or improve on your skills. For information on dates and rates, call Glen.

ANNUAL FUN RUN – Mark this one on your calendar. Come and join your neighbours for our annual fun run/walk on Sunday, September 23, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Sales Centre. You can walk, bike, roller-blade or run any distance on the paved lakeside trail. We’ll indicate the 2.5K distance for anyone interested in tracking their distance and time. After the fun run/walk, join us at 12:00 for a pot luck/BarBQ near the pool area. Contact Dave or Heather at publish@magi.com for more information.

Community Notes:

GREELY GARDENERS – Back on the subject of gardening, did you know that the Greely Gardeners’ Group meets the first Monday of every month (except July and August), 7:45 p.m. at the Greely Community Centre. There is a different speaker each month, as well as several outings during spring and summer. A year’s membership is only $10, but you can come to your first meeting for free to see if you like the group. For more information call Bob Stanley.

Reminders…

DON’T FORGET YOUR POOL KEY – As our community grows and use of the pool increases, safety is crucial and it’s everyone’s responsibility. It is important to remember to bring your key for every visit and to ensure that all gates that access the pool are always locked.

STOOP AND SCOOP – Dog walkers, please show consideration for your neighbours by complying with the “stoop and scoop” by-law. This will also help keep the swimming areas free of the effect of this run-off.

DESIGN REVIEW APPROVAL – Don’t forget that all improvements to your property¾such as fences, buildings, or additions must be approved by the Design Review Committee. You can get an applications at the Sales Office or directly from our Web site at www.sunsetlakes.ca.

OUR WEB PAGE – Visit www.sunsetlakes.ca for Sunset Lakes event updates, the electronic version of our newsletter, and other community information. If you have updates or ideas for the Web page, please feel free to forward them to Heather at publish@magi.com.

SUNSET VIEWS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER – If you have comments or you’d like to contribute to the next issue, contact Bob Stanley at bob.stanley@sympatico.ca. Sorry, we don’t carry commercial messages or advertising.

Note: Sunset Lakes residents – Generally we do not post resident phone numbers within the Web version of newsletters. Please refer to your phone directory or the circulated version of the newsletter for phone numbers or leave a message at the Sales Office.

WELCOME

A big welcome to all the families who have joined us at Sunset Lakes since our last newsletter was published in May. And a special thank you to Carla Moore who has personally welcomed many of our new residents. In addition to being our “meeter and greeter,” Carla also gathers information for the Sunset Lakes Owners’ Association directory. If you think that your directory information may need to be updated (or that Carla doesn’t have it yet), please contact her at camoore@magma.ca. Thanks, Carla!

Events & Activities

GOLF TOURNAMENT & BBQ – Just a reminder for golfers and non-golfers alike that the Fourth Annual Sunset Lakes Golf Tourney is set for Sunday, September 16 at the Raceview Golf Club. Tee off time for this 9-hole event is 1:00, and you don’t want to miss it. This is a fun event for mixed couples. Steve and Marion, who organize the tourney every year, guarantee you won’t have to play with your spouse! And if your spouse can’t make it, don’t worry, they’ll find you a partner. Cost is $22 per person and you can rent clubs, pull carts or electric carts at the course. The deadline to sign up is Sunday September 9, so call Steve and Marion now by sending them an email at stevemar@istar.ca.
There’s more! After the golf there will be a pot luck end-of-season barbecue on the pool deck. Even those who didn’t show for the golf are welcome. Come and join your neighbours, see the golf awards handed out, and just have fun. But be sure to call Laura Feil first. She’s organizing the event and she needs to know what food you can bring and how many of your family will attend. You can reach Laura by email at lauraf@magma.ca.

ANNUAL FUN RUN – Mark this one on your calendar. Come and join your neighbours for our annual fun run/walk on Sunday, September 23, starting at 11:00 a.m. at the Sales Centre. You can walk, bike, roller-blade or run any distance on the paved lakeside trail. We’ll indicate the 2.5K distance for anyone interested in tracking their distance and time. After the fun run/walk, join us at 12:00 for a pot luck barbecue near the pool area. Contact Dave or Heather at publish@magi.com for more information.

SWIMMING LESSONS – It’s important that our children know how to swim, living in a neighbourhood with two attractive lakes. So it was good to see lots of youngsters participate in the YM/YWCA Backyard Swim Program at our pool again this year. Our thanks to Jill Byers who once again volunteered to co-ordinate the week-long program, Thanks Jill.

WATER SKI SCHOOL – And while we’re about it, our thanks go also to Sharon and Glen Byles, who found the time while settling in to their new home on the lake to run the Sunset Lakes Water Ski School. Who knows, some of their graduates could be champs one day!

WALKERS WANTED – If you’re interested in joining a group of your neighbours for a regular walk, Carla Moore would like to hear from you. She plans to start an informal “walking club” for Sunset Lakes residents this Fall. The objective would be to stay in shape (walking is one of the best forms of exercise) and enjoy the varied views from our expanding network of trails with a group of your neighbours. Carla says she’s open to suggestions for how often the group would step out, and how far to walk. Send Carla an email at camoore@magma.ca to indicate your interest.

WEBMASTER WANTED – For the past several years Heather Anderson has been responsible for building and maintaining the Sunset Lakes website. If you’ve visited the site at www.sunsetlakes.ca you know what a great job she does. The site is good to look at and it provides event updates, the electronic version of our newsletter, and other community information. However, Heather needs a break and so she’s looking for someone with a little spare time who’s interested in taking over the job of Webmaster for Sunset Lakes. She says you’ll need some basic knowledge of HTML and an interest in the events taking place in the Sunset Lakes community. Primary responsibilities involve occasional updates to the What’s New page and occasional links to new documents (such as this newsletter). Please contact Heather at publish@magi.com for details.

Reminders…

STOOP AND SCOOP – Dog walkers, please show consideration for your neighbours by complying with the “stoop and scoop” by-law. This will also help keep the lakes free of the effect of this run-off.

SUNSET LAKES OWNERS ASSOCIATION – The SLOA board of directors normally meets on the third Wednesday of every month at the Sales Centre. Please notify the office if you plan to attend, call 822-8228.

DESIGN REVIEW APPROVAL – Don’t forget that all improvements to your property¾such as fences, buildings, or additions must be approved by the Design Review Committee. You can get an applications at the Sales Office or directly from our Web site at www.sunsetlakes.ca.

YOU’VE GOT MAIL – And by the way, we rely more and more on email these days to keep Sunset Lakes residents aware of upcoming events, special offers (such as organic fertilizing products) and other news. Currently we have over 70 residents on our email list. If you have Internet access and you’d like to be on the list, just send an email to Heather at publish@magi.com. Note: We take care not to share your email address with anyone else.

SUNSET VIEWS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER – If you have comments or you’d like to contribute to the next issue, contact Bob Stanley at bob.stanley@sympatico.ca. Sorry, we don’t carry commercial messages or advertising.

Community Notes

GREELY GARDENERS – Summer’s almost over, but the season is just starting for the Greely Gardeners Group. Their first meeting of the season will be on Monday, September 10 at 7:45 at the Greely Community Centre on Meadow Drive. Subsequent meetings will be on the first Monday of the month through until June. Prospective members are welcome to come and see what it’s all about. For more information call Bob Stanley.

Note: Sunset Lakes residents – Generally we do not post resident phone numbers and Email addresses within the Web version of newsletters. Please refer to your phone directory or the circulated version of the newsletter for phone numbers and Email addresses or leave a message at the Sales Office.

WELCOME – to the families who have joined us at Sunset Lakes since our last newsletter was published in the Fall of 2001. And a special thank you to Carla Moore who has personally welcomed many of our new residents. If you’ve met Carla you already know what a fine job she is doing as our volunteer “meeter and greeter.” Thanks, Carla!

Carla also gathers the information for our Owners Directory. Containing residents’ names, addresses and phone numbers, the directory is a great way for you to get to know who your neighbours are, complete with resident names, addresses, and phone numbers. If you think that your directory information may need to be updated (or may not have been received yet by Carla), please contact her at camoore@magma.ca.

EMAIL ADDRESSES – We also keep a list of email addresses as a fast and inexpensive way of communicating with Sunset Lakes residents, such as distributing this newsletter and letting you know about events and special offers (such as organic fertilizer products), and other news. Currently we have over 80 residents on our email list. If you have Internet access and you’d like to be on the list, or if you’ve recently changed your email address, just send an email to heather.anderson@rogers.com. Note: We always use the “blind cc” feature, so your email address is not shared with everyone on the list.

SUNSET LAKES OWNERS ASSOCIATION – held its annual meeting in February. The Board has appointed a larger “management committee” consisting of both board members and non-members to manage the Association this year. The committee consists of Dan Anderson, Dave Anderson, Laura Feil, Dennis Lalonde, Kerrin Mobbs, Carla Moore, June Poole and Andrew Wilson. The committee is scheduled to meet on April 24, May 15, June 19, Sept 18, Nov. 20 and Jan 15. All meetings will be held at the Sales Office and start at 7:00 p.m. Our thanks to outgoing director, Jacques Brun, who has stepped down. Homeowners are encouraged to get involved either directly at the management committee meetings or by participating in specific activities.

Some of up-coming events that are planned for 2002:

• Spring Clean Up – May 5
• Pool Opening target – May 11
• Water Ski Tournament & Potluck – June 22-23
• Water Ski School – see announcement below
• Kids tennis lessons – see announcement below
• YMCA swimming lessons – see announcement below
• Golf tournament – see announcement below
• Fun run & potluck – TBA

The committee has also discussed establishing a tennis night round robin and bringing back Ladies Water Ski Wednesdays. We’ll keep you posted.

GREEN THUMBS CLUB – These are the folks who keep our neighbourhood looking beautiful all summer by tending the numerous flower beds in the public areas. SLOA provides the plants and the club members do the planting and weeding. Delilah Mobbs devoted a lot of her spare time to organizing this last year, and has agreed to do it again this year. Thanks Delilah! She’s going to need your help. If you’d like to volunteer a few hours of your time this spring and summer (even if you don’t have a green thumb you can learn a lot about gardening from this group), contact Delilah.

HELP KEEP OUR LAKES CLEAN – This is important! Because they are small and surrounded by homes, our lakes are especially fragile. We all have a part to play in maintaining the quality of the waters for continued recreational use. This was a major topic of discussion at the annual meeting in February. As a result, plans are underway to hire a water testing company to have all the lakes (including the two new ones) tested regularly throughout the spring, summer and fall. Those tests will tell us how well we are caring for our lakes.

The Lakes Management Committee is a volunteer group of residents that meets to deal with issues that affect the lakes. Here are their do’s and don’ts for ways you can help keep the lakes healthy this season:

• Do use only organic fertilizers on your lawns, and follow the application instructions – excess fertilizer will eventually find its way into the lakes even if you don’t have waterfront property.
• Don’t pump water out of the lake for automatic water sprinkler systems (another reason not to do this is that the pumps will eventually become clogged and break down).
• Don’t spray pesticides for weed control over your entire property. No commercial applications please. If you must use pesticides (and you might want to try organic controls first), do spot spraying only.
• Do leave a cushion of tall grass between your lawn and the lake to capture pollutants before they enter the lake.
• Do pick up after your dog – if you don’t, you’re just contributing to contaminated rainwater runoff which drains into the lakes.

For more information or to contact a member of the Lakes Management Committee, contact the Sunset Lakes office at 822-8228.

Events & Activities

SPRING CLEANUP – When the snow melts it reveals the usual accumulation of garbage. Help keep our community clean and safe by joining in our annual Spring Cleanup on Sunday May 5. Meet at the Sales Centre at 9:30 a.m. ready to pick up for an hour or so. Bring an old pair of gloves, we’ll provide garbage bags and arrange to collect the full ones. Coffee and cookies afterwards. See you there.

TENNIS ANYONE? – Sunset Lakes now has two excellent tennis courts, and it’s a good thing because there seems to have been a major revival in the sport this spring. Andrew Wilson reports: First, we are organizing ADULT AND KIDS BEGINNER TENNIS LESSONS through an arrangement with the National Tennis School, an Ottawa-based organization that is “dedicated to building the grassroots of tennis”.

The lessons will take place on Saturday mornings, from May 18 through to June 22, and can accommodate four to six people in each of the following age-groups: 5 to 8 years; 9 to 13 years; and 14 years and up. If there is enough interest, additional sessions and INTERMEDIATE lessons may also be arranged. Cost per person for the lessons will be about $10 per hour, with the lessons covering six hours (for the younger kids) to nine hours (for the older kids and adults). Final costs will be determined (and payments expected) once the number of interested persons has been determined. Second, to make it easier to “get a game” together, we are compiling a list of Sunset Lakes people who are interested in tennis and would like to be contacted if there is a potential game “out there”.

Please e-mail andrew@richmondwilson.com today to reserve your spot in the lessons and/or to place your name on the “SLOA Tennis List”!

THE 8TH ANNUAL CANADA’S CAPITAL SLALOM CHALLENGE – will be held once again at Sunset Lakes June 22-23 with the usual hosts of national and international skiers. This year’s event will feature a novice division, hopefully giving a chance to our new local skiers to showcase their skills. Come out and enjoy the social at the pool on Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m.

WATER SKI SCHOOL – Again this summer Sharon and Glen Byles will run the Sunset Lakes Water Ski School for the young and young-at-heart. It’s a great way to learn to ski or improve your skills. The school is tentatively scheduled for July 2-5. Watch for a detailed announcement soon.

GOLF TOURNAMENT ORGANIZER(S) WANTED – Want to get involved in our community? Here’s a great opportunity. For the past several years Steve and Marion Finkelstein have organized the annual “Sunset Lakes Invitational” golf tournament – a fun event for mixed couples or singles at a local golf course – and they’ve always done a great job. This year, however, they have other commitments and they’re hoping someone else will step forward to take on the job. If you’re willing and able, give Steve a call.

SWIMMING LESSONS – Again this year we plan to have the YMCA/YWCA Backyard Swim Program here at our pool. Once again Jill Byers has volunteered to coordinate the week-long program, and she’ll be distributing application forms as soon as she has firmed up dates for the program with the Y. We should know by early May. Thanks Jill.

Reminders…

DRIVERS, WHAT’S YOUR HURRY? – Now that spring is here and there are more people out walking and children out playing, we all need to take extra care when driving in the neighbourhood. Let’s face it, some people simply drive too fast in here (OK, not all of them are residents, but many are, and you know who you are). So please slow down and take care. Just ask yourself how you’d feel if you ran down a neighbour’s child.

STOOP AND SCOOP – Talking of responsibility, if you walk your dog, you are responsible for the dog and for whatever the pooch leaves on the ground. So please show some consideration for your neighbours, help reduce lake pollution, and perhaps avoid a hefty fine. Carry a supply of plastic bags and comply with the “stoop and scoop” by-law. You also know who you are and there is no excuse.

DON’T FORGET YOUR POOL KEY – As our community grows and use of the pool increases, safety is crucial and it’s everyone’s responsibility. It is important to remember to bring your key for every visit and to ensure that all gates that access the pool are kept locked.

‘SUNSET VIEWS’ IS YOUR NEWSLETTER – If you have comments or you’d like to contribute to a future issue, contact Bob Stanley at stanleyb@rogers.com. Sorry, we don’t carry commercial messages or advertising.

WELCOME – Although only a very few lots remain undeveloped, quite a number of families have joined us at Sunset Lakes since the last newsletter was published in May. Welcome to the community everyone.

For the past couple of years Carla Moore has personally welcomed many of our new residents. Now she’s handed over the title of “meeter and greeter” to Christine Falardeau. As part of that job, Christine will also gather information for the Sunset Lakes Owners’ Association SLOA) directory. A new edition of the directory will be out before the end of the year, so if you think that your directory information may need to be updated (or that Christine doesn’t have it yet), please contact her at or call cfal@rogers.com.

Many thanks to Carla for her efforts, and to Christine for volunteering to take on the job.

Thanks everyone!

It’s been a busy summer in Sunset Lakes, as usual, and thanks are due to a number of people who helped to make it all the more enjoyable. If I’ve missed anybody, I apologize in advance – these are the people I know about.

Thanks once again to Delilah Mobbs and her little crew of green thumbed helpers who once again took time out from their own gardens to plant and tend the flower beds in the various public spaces around our community.

Thanks to Sharon and Glen Byles who once again ran the Sunset Lakes Water Ski School for the young and young-at-heart.

Thanks to Andrew Wilson for organizing the tennis school in the spring. This was a new activity this year, and a great idea. It might also explain why the courts seemed busier than usual this summer.

Thanks to once again to Jill Byers for co-ordinating the week-long Backyard Swim Program put on by the Y here at our pool. Learning how to swim at an early age is really important when you live beside two lakes!

Thanks to Heather Anderson for maintaining the SLOA directory – Heather promises an updated version soon. And to Heather and Dave for organizing the annual Fun Run and Walk.

Last but definitely not least, thanks to Jade and Andre Bogdanowicz for stepping up to take over the job of organizing the annual Sunset Lakes Golf Tournament. They did a great job, and you can read more about it below.

All these people are your neighbours, and they volunteer their time to make life in our community better. Remember to thank them personally if you get a chance.

GREAT GOLF!

Andre and Jade Bogdanowicz volunteered to take over the organizing of the annual Sunset Lakes golf tournament this year, and they did a great job. Here is Andre’s report on the event …

A total of 19 golfers participated in this year’s tournament, which was followed by a pot luck barbecue. The format was “best ball scramble” The winning team of Mike Poole, Rick and Brian Woods scored -1. The longest drive was by Roberto Mascioli, and closest to the pin was Mick McPherson.

The best putt ever in the history of golf was by Alan Morissette, 40 feet plus on the par 3 third hole for a birdie; it was witnessed by three independent golfers. Next time whoever plays with Alan please have your camcorder ready on the green; it happened once, it may happen again.

Thanks to all participants, it was great fun to meet all neighbours, renew old friendships and meet some newcomers. Thanks to all spouses for preparing delicious salads and cakes.

Special thanks for generous prize offerings to Dan and Judy Anderson, Marcel and Fernande Renaud, Marcel and Christine Falardeau, Danny Docksteader, Larry’s Deli, McEwen gas station, Stino and Karen Bueti, Steve and Marion Finkelstein, Mike and June Poole, Rob Buttera, Glen Byles, Gemma Taylor, Doug Thompson, Eric Stinson and David Bekkers.

It has been a pleasure organizing this event for the neighbourhood. Look forward to seeing you all again soon.

Events & Activities

FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR SUNSET LAKES

Back on October 19 the first of two scheduled meetings was held in the Sales Centre to brainstorm and develop ideas for improvements to Sunset Lakes. This was designed as an opportunity for homeowners to provide input and suggestions on improving our community. Those residents who attended presented plenty of ideas, all of which are now being reviewed by the SLOA executive.

The second meeting will be held again at the Sales Centre at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday November 16. If you missed the first meeting, be sure to come along to this one. The purpose is to refine some of the ideas presented last month and give anyone who couldn’t attend the previous meeting a chance to have their say. It’s your community, let’s hear your ideas.

Reminders…

DRIVE SAFELY

Now that the days are getting shorter, it’s dark in the early morning and late afternoon. PLEASE keep your speed down when driving through our community. Remember there are no sidewalks, and look out for people walking – especially children. Thanks.

STOOP AND SCOOP

Dog walkers, please show consideration for your neighbours by complying with the “stoop and scoop” by-law. This will also help keep the lakes free of the effect of this run-off.

YOU’VE GOT MAIL

We rely more and more on email these days to keep you aware of upcoming events, special offers (such as organic fertilizing products) and other news. We now have over 100 residents on our email list. If you have Internet access and you’d like to be on the list, just send an email to heather.anderson@rogers.com. And don’t forget to notify us if you change your email address. Note: We take care not to share your email address with anyone else.

SUNSET VIEWS IS YOUR NEWSLETTER

If you have comments or you’d like to contribute to the next issue, contact Bob Stanley at stanleyb@rogers.com. Sorry, we don’t carry commercial messages or advertising.

Sunset Views – Spring 2003

Note: Sunset Lakes residents – Generally we do not post resident phone numbers and Email addresses within the Web version of newsletters. Please refer to your phone directory or the circulated version of the newsletter for phone numbers and Email addresses, leave a message at the Sales Office, or Email sloa@rogers.com.

WELCOME – to the families who have joined us at Sunset Lakes since our last newsletter was published in the Fall of 2002. And a special thank you to Christine Falardeau, our official welcome person for the community. If you know of a new family in our community who haven’t been welcomed yet, please help Christine out by letting her know who they are. Christine also keeps a list of youngsters in our community who offer baby sitting services. If you’d like a copy of the list OR you’d like to be put on the list, contact Christine.

Events & Activities

SPRING CLEANUP – The snow has melted, revealing the usual accumulation of garbage. Help keep our community clean and safe by joining in our annual Spring Cleanup on Saturday May 3. Encourage your builder to participate — the bigger the mess they left behind the more encouragement! Meet at the Sales Centre at 10:00 a.m. ready to pick up for an hour or so. Bring an old pair of gloves, we’ll provide garbage bags and arrange to collect the full ones. Special thanks to the three Meagans: Meagan Wilson, Meagan Taylor and Meagan Day, who designed and made the signs for the Spring Cleanup.

GREEN THUMBS CLUB – These are your neighbours who keep Sunset Lakes looking beautiful all summer by tending the numerous flower beds in the public areas. SLOA provides the plants and the club members do the planting and weeding. More volunteers are needed for ongoing and special one time projects. If you’d like to spend a few hours of your time this spring and summer (even if you don’t have a green thumb you can learn a lot about gardening), contact Delilah Mobbs.

TENNIS ANYONE? – Following on the success of our tennis lessons last year, we have again secured the services of the National Tennis School to give tennis lessons on our courts. Starting May 10 and continuing each Saturday morning through to June 21, the courts will once again be buzzing with activity. This year there will intermediate lessons as well as beginner lessons if there is sufficient interest. The cost last year was $10.00 per hour per person and, depending on enrolment, the same cost should apply this year. Please email Andrew Wilson as soon as possible and in any event before April 25 if you are interested in participating. Please indicate your age as well as the level of lessons required (beginner or intermediate).

WATER SKI NEWS – The 9th annual Canada’s Capital Slalom Challenge will be held once again at Sunset Lakes on the weekend of July 5th and 6th. For more information go to www.sunsetlakes.ca. There will be a pot-luck supper for all the residents on the Saturday evening starting at 7:00. Bring a salad, casserole, or dessert. Also bring your own beverages and lawn chairs. Call Judy Anderson for details.

Again this summer Sharon and Glen Byles will run the Sunset Lakes Water Ski School for the young and young-at-heart. It’s a great way to learn to ski or improve your skills. Watch for a detailed announcement soon, and please be sure to take the time to thank Glen and Sharon for their time and patience.

SWIMMING LESSONS – Again this year we plan to have the YMCA/YWCA Backyard Swim Program here at our pool. Maria Mascioli has kindly agreed to organize the swimming lessons this year, and we’ll let you know as soon as we have details on dates, cost, etc. A big thank you to Jill Byers who has run the program in past years, and thanks to Maria for stepping up to keep this valuable program going.

New Event Ideas…

SUMMER CAMP ANYONE? – We are in the process of trying to determine the level of interest in summer camp at the Sunset Lakes Recreation Centre. The program is still in the development stages, but it is expected that it will be an all-day program with sports as the main focus. We will need minimum of 20 kids participating to move forward. The estimated cost, at this point, will be approximately $100.00 for the week. If you are interested, please contact Gemma Taylor, before May 1.

RUNNERS WANTED – We are also trying to determine the level of interest in a learn-to-run program for adults that will take place in the Sunset Lakes neighbourhood. This will involve a personal trainer coming to the neighbourhood and teaching participants proper running skills. If you currently run he will also train a group that is interested in taking their running to a different level. There will be a cost of approximately $70.00 for the eight-week program. We hope to enter a team in the Run for the Cure this September, so let’s take advantage of this opportunity to make positive steps toward a healthier lifestyle and band together as a neighbourhood to support a great cause. Again, if you are interested contact Gemma Taylor before May 1.

Reminders…

BEFORE YOU START YOUR PROJECT … If you’re planning any major outdoor projects this Spring, remember that work such as decks, fences, sheds, etc. must be reviewed and approved by the review committee. You can find more information on the Sunset Lakes web site at www.sunsetlakes.ca. Go to “Forms & Newsletters” and scroll down to “Sunset Lakes Development Corporation Covenants”. You can also find the SLOA “Request for Action or Information” form here. Forms can be faxed or emailed to sloa@rogers.com.

KEEP IT ORGANIC – Thanks to Rob Buttera for his efforts to obtain us a group discount with the lawn care company Ottawa Organics this season. If you prefer to “do it yourself” please remember that only organic fertilizers are allowed in Sunset Lakes, and broadcasting pesticides is not permitted. Two local supplier of organic fertilizers are the Co-op Country Store on Bank Street (Hwy 31) and Ritchie’s Feed and Seed on Windmill Lane, just off Innes Road.

DRIVERS, WHAT’S YOUR HURRY? – Now that spring is here and there are more people out walking and children out playing, we all need to take extra care when driving in the neighbourhood. Let’s face it, some people simply drive too fast in here (OK, not all of them are residents, but many are, and you know who you are). So please slow down and take care.

STOOP AND SCOOP – Talking of responsibility, if you walk your dog, you are responsible for the dog and for whatever the pooch leaves on the ground. So please show some consideration for your neighbours, help reduce lake pollution, and perhaps avoid a hefty fine. Carry a supply of plastic bags and comply with the City’s “stoop and scoop” by-law.

‘SUNSET VIEWS’ IS YOUR NEWSLETTER – If you have comments or you’d like to contribute to a future issue, contact Bob Stanley at stanleyb@rogers.com. Sorry, we don’t carry commercial messages or advertising.