Festival of Neighbourhoods and MHBPNA -- 2013

On October 27th, 2013, the Social Planning Council Kitchener Waterloo (SPCKW), and the City of Kitchener, celebrated the 20th year of The Festival of Neighbourhoods.  Every year, the SPCKW awards a whole host of awards to local neighbourhood groups and individuals that have commited to growing community.  The City of Kitchener also awards a $10,000 community capital grant.

The Festival recognizes and celebrates community gatherings throughout the City of Kitchener.  Whether small or large, these gatherings contribute to cohesive communities.  This year, there were over 100 gatherings submitted.

This past year, the Mt Hope Breithaupt Park Neighbourhood Association submitted our two Janes Walks and our Culture Walk, led by John MacDonald, which was also a gift from the SPCKW from a previous year.

 Louis Burbach and Lane Burman from MHBPNA with our participation certificate (click on image to enlarge)

This year, the MHBPNA was received an award for 20 years of participation, as well as the Heritage Award for the Jane’s Walk through the Mt Hope Cemetery, conducted by Wayne Miedema.  If you missed the Jane’s Walk through the cemetery, it is a MUST on your yearly calendar.

There were also submissions for the DeKay Street Party, and the Guelph Street Garden Party, by the Mt Hope Midtown group.

This year, the Capital Grant was awarded to the Chandler Mowat Neighbourhood, youth award was Colin’s Toy Drive, organized by a seven-year-old who planned a toy drive for Anselma House in his neighbourhood, Edgewater Estates.

 Group shot from FON (click to enlarge)

If you have an idea for how to gather neighbours together, get in touch with us.  Our newly minted Special Events Director Louis Burbach would be happy to help.  This year, we are assisting in the organization of a Lantern Party on the darkest day of the year December 21st, as well as leading a WinterFest at Hillside Park- details to follow.

Wilhelm and Ahrens intersection update

City staff have completed a field investigation at Wilhelm Street and Ahrens Street West. This was done because citizens have noticed a number of accidents there and have been worried by sightlines, the grade of Ahrens, speed of cars and other difficulties in the area.

Based on their findings, staff will be implementing the following:

-       “No Parking Anytime” regulation on the north side of Ahrens Street West (both legs of the intersection)
-       Refreshing the centerline and stop bar in the spring of 2014
-       Relocation of a Canada Post relay box currently at the northwest corner
-       Ensuring minimum retroreflectivity standards are met for both stop signs

Sightlines are within the minimum requirements as set out in the Transportation Association of Canada Geometric Design Guide for Canadian Roads.

Staff will continue to monitor this location to determine if any further remedial action is required.

More MHBPNA Programming at the Breithaupt Centre!

As Spring approaches (sometime after the looming winter), we continue our programming for you, our residents.

We have continued our increasingly popular Lego and Cricket Programs and added a Teen Girls Club.

Check out our listings below or online by Googling "Webreg Kitchener", then enter the appropriate number example: 153511 for Lego Mechanical. From there you can get more information and you can also sign up and pay. 

The dates are the first class.


LEGO MECHANICAL

7-9 Years            Mon  6:30- 8:00 pm Jan 6     153511

Fee: $40.00   /8 wks

Use gears and pulleys to create and problem solve. We issue the challenge, you build the solution.


GIRLS SUPER PRE-SPRING MAKEOVER CLUB

12-15Years          Wed  7:00- 9:00pm Jan 22      153510

Fee: $45.00   /8 wks

Stop lookin' like yesterday girl!

Are you ready to have some fun doing the coolest styles in makeup and hair? Are you looking to learn about safe, natural products for your face, body and hair?

Then this is the program to make you look and feel like money!


CREATIVE LEGO BUILDING  

4-6 Years              Thu  5:30- 6:30 pm Jan 16       153509

Fee: $25.00   /8 wks

Play based free form LEGO building. Let your child's imagination build!  10 lbs of assorted LEGO and lots of kids.

 

INDOOR CRICKET  

6-13 Years             Sat  2:30- 4:00 pm Jan 11        153601

Fee: $60.00   /8 wks

Learn or practice Cricket indoors during the Winter. Safety is the focus using tennis balls and various sized bats depending on the age of the participant.

Neighbourhood Association meeting, Sat morning

Our executive meets at 10 am on the first Saturday of each month at the Breithaupt Centre. Tomorrow we will be discussing: a possible Lantern Street Party, Festival of Neighbourhoods Wrap up, report from our city representative, Financial updates, Program updates and much more.

We always have the intriguing category: "New Business". 

This is a public meeting so if you would like to attend please come to the Breithaupt Centre Sat morning. We will be in Room 206. 10-11 is 'open discussion' topics and 11-12 we have items only the execute can vote on (but this is still open to the public).

There are still spots open on the executive if you are interested.

See you there!