esher focus

The H.W. Flesher Housing Co-operative Newsletter Winter 2014

Goodbye Message from Past President Marty Norgren

I was asked a lot what it was like giving my notice to vacate H.W. Flesher after 14.5 years. It was a funny feeling giving notice; I have never lived in a home so long before the co-op. It worked for me on so many levels: I met many, many new friends; it was convenient to pop into a friends/neighbours for a drink; it was so close to work with great transit routes/options; and it felt good to be part of a bigger purpose. I value the safety the co-op provided me, being able to know that the co-op children could safely run around in the co-op and that my car was safe in a secure and free underground parking. The list of learning opportunities the co-op provided me is long. There was the simple lessons of learning new smells and tastes of various ethnic foods, tolerance of different opinions, and passions for the same goals but perhaps arriving at them differently, as well as all the more practical skills such as chairing meetings, building decks, minute-taking, being a good neighbour, etc. Finally there was the affordability, HWF afforded me: lower housing charges meant I could afford other

Max (C5) meets Mrs. Claus at the annual Breakfast with Santa

things. Being closer to work allowed me more time with my cat and friends, as well as me time. And the best part: it gave me the opportunity to live within the City of Vancouver. Now that I am a home owner I cannot and likely never will be able to live in the City of Vancouver again. The co-operative housing sector in B.C. and across Canada has some amazing leaders in it and the coop members should feel thankful.

Connect on Facebook
Connect With Your Neighbours on Facebook Join our new group by searching HW Flesher Housing Cooperative on Facebook, or email avanbaarsen@ gmail.com for help. Its another great way to get to know your neighbours and ask and answer each others questions about co-op living.

New Members
(above) Judy M. (B20) says: A great time was had by all at the Dec.21 Co-op Holiday Meet and Mingle. Thank you Ray for his piano stylings and the members for their fabulous food contributions. It was a great way to get to know our neighbours in a festive atmosphere. We are hoping this will be an annual event

The co-op welcomes new members Jamie and Matthew (C39), Ken and Vanya (C15) and Jeena, Jeevin and Simrin (C11).

In the hood
Family Day
Monday, Feb. 10, Killarney Community Centre. Family Skate 12 to 1:45 p.m. or 2 to 3:30 p.m. Public Swim 1 to 9 p.m. Family Gym (with face painting, bouncy castle, crafts and games) 1:30 to 4 p.m. Pre-registration required. Regular fees apply for skate and swim.

Community Indoor Flea Market

Saturday, Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Killarney

Community Centre. Come out and see what people in your community have to sell. Admission is free. Or better yet, reserve a table to recycle your old treasures! Over 70 tables are available for sale. For vendor information, call (604) 7188200.

Winter Farmers Market

Saturdays until April 26, 10 a.m. - 2p.m. East Parking Lot of Nat Bailey Stadium Ontario at 30th Avenue.

Co-op Announcements/Classieds
BIRTH We are pleased to announce the birth of our COMMITTEE Rachel and Jarrah are looking for one

son, Dax, born December 17th. Parents Mark and Becky, big brother Hudson and big sister Macy of D6 are thrilled. He is the best Christmas gift!

or two more members for the newsletter committee. Basic writing and design experience helpful but not necessary. Email newsletter@hwesher.com for info.

Board of Directors
President: Joanne C. (C25) Vice President: Geoff S. (C7) Treasurer: Eleanor J. (B19) Secretary: Bob G. (A17) Directors at Large: Scott A. (C28), Darren B. (A13), Hopeton F. (D4), Doreen R. (A1), Amanda V. (C31)

Ofce Co-ordinator:
Larysa, A24. Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30 am 3:30 pm. Submit articles, classieds, comments, & questions to newsletter@hwesher.com. Editors: Rachel G. & Jarrah H. (C12 & D12) Printing courtesy of Adrian Dix, MLA