Altona - September 17, 2001

Altona : Departments : The Town Page : September 17, 2001

TOWN OF ALTONA
"You’re always welcome in Altona."

September 17, 2001

In this issue...

Mayor’s Desk
Councillor's Corner
What's New at the Altona Library
Public Works
Public Notice
Altona Police Service
Altona & Area Recreation Programs

Special points of interest...

Council meetings on Tuesday September 25th, Tuesday October 9th and Tuesday October 23rd.
Works & Operations on the first Wednesday of each month.
Finance & Administration the third Wednesday of each month.
Community & Social Development on the third Tuesday of each month.

MAYOR’S DESK - Edward R. Klassen

The Altona Town Council meetings are held second and fourth Tuesday of the month except for July & August.

I say this because normally we have no members of the public sector except for the media members attending those meetings. These meetings are open to the public and anyone is invited to attend and listen to the proceedings. If you desire to be a delegate or you have a presentation, please advise our staff at the Civic Centre well in advance of a council meeting so that you are included in the agenda.

Mayor and Council members when elected have the responsibility to provide policy and bylaws to govern the community, while the administration staff is in charge of carrying out Councils’ agenda.

We have been elected to promote the Town and represent you the citizens. We also have the responsibilities to implement taxes so that in the end we can all continue to enjoy our community and it’s many amenities. We have to weigh our decisions carefully to ensure that our community continues to prosper, grow and to remain compatible with others.

We have to do so in a way, that all of our investments, whether they be a residence, a retail outlet, or commercial survive and continue to provide the services required and to maintain their values. To not aggressively promote our community will eventually mean a loss of our assets. In order to be successful we must have a vision for the future (ie: where as a community are we going to be in 10, 20, 30 or more years?).

Incentive programs are a part of this initiative and have been for some years. Many other communities have some form of incentives in place. These incentives are in place to assist established businesses to grow as well as to establish new business. In time we believe that this will help our community grow and also increase our tax base which allows us to continue to maintain the beautiful community we presently have. We provide this not only for our residents but also for the community at large.

We recently promoted our community at the Age and Opportunity Forum in Winnipeg. This is an example of the marketing plan we are embarking on. I will provide more on this in the next issue.

All members of Council and staff are available to provide you with information or answer questions.

I invite you to be part of the team that will provide a true community spirit and a continued positive attitude.

Councillor's Corner - by Melvin Klassen

“Where things go ahead even if people oppose it”, was a comment made by a resident of the Town during a recent hearing regarding the application of a proposed trailer park within the town boundaries. The comment raised a few eyebrows and I am certain made all Councillors take stock of a perception that seems to pervade within elected circles. The feeling that “they just don’t listen”. As a Councillor you are elected to listen to your constituents, make representation for them but above all you are to represent all of your constituents in the best interest of the Town. Too often the notion is held that if I share a concern with my councillor and the item isn’t dealt with to my satisfaction– then I haven’t been listened too. My perception at the Council level is that when you share your views with the elected officials or the staff, your opinions (written or verbal) are shared with someone and usually brought to the committee stage for some discussion. This discussion, at times alters the decision so as to accommodate your recommendation. However, there are situations where the collective decision might not agree with your assessment of the situation or there might not be funds to deal with your situation at this time-but you have been heard. In the case of the trailer park—her suggestion that a fence with a play area and proper landscaping become part of the agreement was accepted as part of the conditions for approving the application.

Was the case heard? Did the Town move forward with their intent to create “affordable housing” within the Town so that we can promote growth? Residents you decide.

What's New at the Altona Library?

Adult Fiction

The Woman Next Door by Barbara Delinsky
The Bishop and the Beggar Girl of St. Germain by Andrew Greeley
Considering Kate by Nora Roberts
Manhattan Hunt Club by John Saul
Murder in Havana by Margaret Truman
McNally’s Chance by Lardo Vincent

Adult Non-Fiction

A Century—Plus 1901—2001—Plum Coulee
Elvis, Ali-The All-In-One Guide to ADD and Hyperactivity
Bonny Reichert—In Search of Sleep: Straight Talk About Babies, Toddlers and Night Waking
Selma Wasserman—The Long Distance Grandmother: How to Stay Close to Distant Grandchildren.

Pre-School Story time

For ages 3 1/2-5 yr. old will be held on Wednesday mornings 10:00 - 10:45 a.m.

Registration will be held on September 25th - October 5th, 2001

To register, please visit the library, or call 324-1503.

Public Works

In accordance with the Altona Millennium Plan the Town of Altona is undertaking the following projects this summer. The trails along 10th Avenue NE from Main Street to 6th Street NE.

Along with these pathways the Town of Altona continues to replace and upgrade sidewalks in various areas in Altona. We encourage you to utilize the pathways and sidewalks to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Public Notice - Water Meter Readings

Please be advised that during the last two weeks of September town employees will be going door—to door reading water meters in the SOUTHEAST corner of town. If a card is left on your door indicating an employee was there and you were not home, please take a reading and either bring it in to our office or call in you reading to 324-6468. Employees will also be taking readings at commercial businesses and apartment buildings during this time. All other residents are asked to fill out the meter reading card they receive in the mail and either mail in or phone in their reading to the Town Office by September 28, 2001 to avoid an estimation charge of $10.00. We appreciate and thank you for your cooperation.

Altona Police Service

CONGRATULATIONS !!
CAMERON TOMCHUK

The Altona Police Service wishes to announce that Cameron Tomchuk, age 4, was the winner of the Bike Safety Program, Summer 2001. Cameron had his name entered into a draw when received a “ticket” for obeying the rules of the road and wearing his helmet. Cameron received a new bike.

Prevent bicycle theft!

Purchase a new license or renew a license for your bike. If your license is from 1996 or older it needs to be updated. Cost is $3, fully transferable to another bike and you never need to renew!

Pedestrians & Cyclists Please Take Proper Precaution

Pedestrians and cyclists please take proper precautions when entering intersections and crossing streets. Be sure that the driver of motor vehicle has seen you before you proceed.

Pedestrians use the sidewalks whenever possible and dress in light coloured clothing after dark. If you must use the roadway please walk on the left hand side facing traffic.

Consider Becoming A Block Parent

The program involves filling out some forms and then you simply put the Block Parent sign in the window when you are home just in case a child or senior is in need of help and requires some assistance from you. Register at the Altona Police Service office. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mondays - Fridays.

Altona & Area Recreation Programs

AEROBICS – Mondays and Thursdays from September 10th (Monday) – December 20th (Thursday) from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Parkside School.

BALLET – Mondays from September 17th – December 3rd at Elmwood School. Classes are Creative Movement – 4 – 5 p.m., Pre-primary – 5:00 – 6:00 p.m., Primary 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Junior Jazz 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Senior Jazz from 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

GYMNASTICS – Mondays from September 24 – December 10 at West Park School. Classes will be held from 4:15 – 6:00 p.m. and the cost is $45.00 per person. For ages 4 - 5 years from 4:30 – 5:15 p.m., ages 6 - 8 from 5:15 – 6:15 p.m

GYMNASTICS – Tuesdays from September 25 – December 11 at West Park School. Classes will be held from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. and the cost is $45.00 per person. For ages 5 & 6 years from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., ages 7 & 8 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and ages 9 & older from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.

RECREATIONAL HOCKEY – Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 at the Gretna Arena. Will begin in December. Cost will be $5.00 drop- in fee or $50.00 a session. Instructor will be Rudy Franz.

LINE DANCING CLASS – Starting Mondays from October 1st to December 3rd from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Rhineland Pioneer Centre. Cost will be $35.00 per session or a $5.00 drop in fee. .

EMERGENCY FIRST AID/C.P.R. – There will be a certification course held on Saturday, November 24th, 2001 from 8:30 – 4:30 p.m. at West Park School, cost will be $90.00 per person.

INDOOR SOCCER – Thursdays, November 8th – November 22nd at Elmwood School. Cost will be $5.00.

OUTDOOR SOCCER – Mondays, September 10th – October 15th at Elmwood School. K –3 from 6:00 – 6:45 and grades 4-6 from 6:45 – 7:45 p.m.

FOLK ART PAINTING – Mondays, October 22nd to November 26th at W.C. Miller from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., this will be a beginner’s course. Cost will be $115.00 plus GST. Tuesdays, October 23 to November 27th at Rhineland Pioneer Center from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon, this will be a beginner’s course. Tuesdays, October 23 to November 27th at W.C. Miller from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m., this will be an intermediate course. Cost will be $115.00 plus GST. Instructor will be Gail Sawatzky. Includes all supplies.

GRADE 4 – 6 BASKETBALL – Thursdays, from October 11 – December 13th from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at West Park School. Free admission. You must pre-register to attend.

ADULT FLOOR HOCKEY – Mondays, September 10th – December 17th from 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Parkside School. Contact Paul Villeneuve at 324-5645.

55 PLUS VOLLEYBALL – Starting Mondays, September 10th at W.C. Miller and starting Thursdays, September 13th at Rosenfeld School from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. until December 6th, 2001.

NINJUTSU – Wednesdays, September 12th – December 12th at Elmwood School from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

BABYSITTING COURSE – Friday, October 12th from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 13th, from 9:00 – 5:00 p.m. at West Park School. Cost will be $20.00 per session children must be 12 years of age. Instructor Rose Hille.

BOAT SAFETY COURSE – Saturday, November 24th, 2001 from 9:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Gold Room in the Golden West Plaza. Cost will be $45.00 per person. Instructor will be Laurel Selman.

18 & OVER CO-ED VOLLEYBALL – Mondays, September 10th – December 17th from 7:45 – 9:45 p.m. at W.C. Miller.

17 & UNDER BADMINTON – Thursdays, October 4th – December 13th at West Park School from 7:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Free admission.

18 & OVER BADMINTON – Thursdays, October 4th – December 13th at Parkside School from 7:30 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Free admission.

PUT YOUR GARDEN TO BED – How to prepare your garden for winter. Instructor Elvira Dueck from Aubin Nurseries. Monday, September 17 at W.C. Miller (cafeteria) from 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Cost will be $10.00.

OLD TIME DANCE INSTRUCTION – Wednesdays, September 26 – November 28th, 2001. Beginners from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and second year 8:00 – 9:30 p.m. For more information contact Bill & Carol Bergman at 324-6660. A $5.00 per person drop-in fee.

ART WORKSHOP – Instructor will be Margruite Krahn will be offering a variety of art workshop classes at her studio in Neubergthal. For more information contact her at 324-1612.

LADIES HOCKEY – If you are interested in playing ladies hockey, please contact Gwen Heinrichs at 324-8864 or Michelle Heinrichs at 324-5950.

****THE SUNFLOWER GARDENS ARENA WILL OPEN FOR THE SEASON ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5TH AT 4 P.M. WELCOME EVERYONE TO A NEW SEASON AT THE RINK!*****

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER CONTACT THE ALTONA RECREATION OFFICE AT 324-9005

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