Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration

There was an air of excitement and festivity as candles lighted up the Central Park. Many residents, young and old alike, came out to join in the celebration.  Speakers also blared out many Chinese oldies, adding to the festive mood.

Lanterns were freely handed out to those that came without any. The children (with parents) were led for a walk around the canal. When they returned, the highlight of the night began....judging the best lantern.

It's amazing how creative our residents are. Beautiful lanterns were made out of recycled materials!

R2D2 with CD eyes, Windmill from Peel Fresh, Porcupine from newspaper, Mr Piggy from a 1litre water bottle, 6-Layered Kueh from Egg Trays, a revolving candle....there's no stopping the creative juices of our residents.

Children, being children, when playing with candles and fire, will try to burn anything.....grass....& in this instance, the park bench!... until the organiser had to announce for the parents to restrain and prevent their kids from burning down the park! This reminds us of our own childhood - trying to burn ants, grass, leaves, trees....anything within reach!

Get a glimpse of the night from the pics below.

Families going for the Lantern Walk

The creative contestants

A few of the winners

Work Done Around CGRA By HGDPS

Attached is the report given to CGRA by HGDPS on work done around Canal Gardens in August.  It includes a list of pending works and work in progress to keep residents informed.  

To view the report, click here. 

Further Information on the Poll recently sent to all Purchasers/Owners on the Construction of the Rain Shelter

Residents who have attended CGRA’s AGM back in April 2011 would recall that there was a proposed resolution to construct the above facility at an estimated cost of RM80,000.00 which was unanimously adopted and passed by those who were present.   However, at that particular point in time, the figure of RM80,000 provided was only a very rough estimate without any drawings or plans.

HGDPS have since obtained the necessary approval from the local authority and called for tender for the above project. Three (3) companies have submitted their tender out of which one (1) has been shortlisted to execute the project at the contract sum of not more than RM210,000.00.

The substantial difference from our original estimates is primarily due to the structural requirements/costs due to the roof design and size, including the roofing material. The drawing/design of the roof shelter has been appended below for your study and review.  It is also attached as a part of the poll form for your reference.

For your information, the CGRA had verified HGDPS contractors’ pricing by inviting two (2) additional companies to quote for construction of the facility where both came in substantially higher than HGDPS’s shortlisted contractor.

Prior to proceeding, CGRA is taking a poll to gauge residents for or against a capital expenditure of about RM210,000 for the proposed rain shelter as a grand entrance to Canal Gardens.  CGRA appreciates your feedback before Wednesday, 15 August 2012.

Poll For Proposed Roof Shelter - Circular: RP6/06/12/HGDPS

Please click on document for clearer view

General Reminder - Circular: RP6/07/12/HGDPS

Please click on document for clearer view

Pedestrians Access - Circular: RP6/04/12/HGDPS

Please click on document for clearer view

Work Done Around CGRA By HGDPS

Attached is the report given to CGRA by HGDPS on work done around Canal Gardens.  It includes a list of pending works and work in progress to keep residents informed.  

To view the report, click here. 

Work Done Around CGRA By HGDPS

We have attached a report given to the CGRA by HGDPS on work done around Canal Gardens.  This is a PICTORIAL report which makes reading easier, concise and interesting.

There is also a list of pending works and work in progress to keep residents informed.  

To view the report, click here. 

"THEY" Live Among Us...

Abandoned Aquarium on the Roadshoulder at the end of Road A

“THEY” live among us…

“They” walk among us and “they” look as ordinary as us but that is where the similarities end.  There is a big difference between “them” and us.  You may be wondering who we are referring to.  They are the selfish litterers that throw their household waste/garbage on roadside shoulders not far from their homes.  It does not matter to “them” whether the neighbourhood looks unsightly or smells or attract pests which cause diseases as long as the waste/garbage “they” generated are out of their homes. Out of sight, out of mind!  Turning Canal Gardens into a dumping ground.

The CGRA encourages concerned Canal Garden residents to email to cgrakk@gmail.com if they happen to know the perpetuators of these atrocious and despicable acts.

Recalcitrant and Selfish Residents

Photos taken on 27April 2012 at 7:15pm

This is Road B, Canal Gardens. This is how the turning circle at the end of Road B looks like when a resident(s) behave as though he/she/they is/are still staying in a "kampung". Garbage which should have been placed in the garbage compartment provided to every house, have been disposed of at the end of the road. Dogs and cats have shredded the plastics bags and the garbage are strewn all over the road shoulder. 

Living among us in Canal Gardens is a person(s) with such an incomprehensible, obnoxious and disgusting behaviour. If you have seen what is in the garbage, it will definitely churn your stomach! Walkers and joggers along the Canal should feast their eyes on the pile of open garbage with flies and maggots all over. In the interest of keeping Canal Gardens free of diseases, we appeal to residents who know the identity of the culprit(s) (presumably from Road B) who has been throwing the garbage at the end of Road B, to inform the CGRA or HGDPS or email the information to the blog administrator.

Seniors Club 1st Celebration Dinner

Does any Canal Garden resident ever wonder what the seniors talk about when they gather almost every evening, barring rain and an earthquake?  Like most people, young and old, anything under the sun!  However, in Canal Gardens, the unofficial “seniors club” is also a vital source of useful information to cheap and good food, where to get a handyman or plumber to repair a leaking roof and water pipe, etc.

Furthermore, they are a support group among themselves, helping each other get used to life in Canal Gardens.  Most have been up-rooted from their hometowns like Sungei Siput or Tapah or Kuantan.  Since all their children have left to work in urban areas in the Klang Valley, they remain alone in their homes.  As they grew older, their children preferred them to stay closer in order to be able to care for them.  They have to leave behind hometown friends, their daily routine and familiar surroundings, surroundings that they grew up in.

It is truly a celebration then when a few of them, through the help and encouragement from the rest, managed to get the government assistance of RM500 payment.  One of them, Mr Lee, an ex-police volunteer also managed to get another bigger lump sum from the ex-police association trust fund.  He was so happy that he treated all the seniors to a dinner at Restaurant KK Brothers last Tuesday, 17 April 2012.

The highlight of the day for the seniors is the evening gathering next to the now disused security shed along the canal.  All of them look forward to an hour of jawboning with their peers.

Minutes of AGM held on 18 March 2012

Kenny Khow, the emcee for the event called the meeting to order at 7.25 pm. He thanked all residents, Azlan Dolah (Pengurus Cawangan Kota Kemuning, Majlis Bandaran Shah Alam), Victor Tay, Sharizan Sudin, Ahmad Othman and the ladies all from Hicom-Gamuda Development Property Services (HGDPS) and CGRA committee members for their presence and support.....(click here to read full document)

Improvements To Canal Gardens

BEFORE RENOVATION

AFTER RENOVATION

Renovation of the Guardhouse was completed in January 2012 to provide a larger working area.  Work on the Guardhouse Rain Shelter will start soon. 

Garbage Strewn All Over Canal Gardens

We believe that if any resident were to take a walk around CG, even with one eye closed, they will also be able to spot garbage such as discarded PET bottles, cut newspapers (probably used for wrapping nasi lemak), cans, plastic bags for drinks and food and Styrofoam boxes for takeaways thrown and strewn all over and around CG.

As could be seen in the photographs attached, these are standalone garbage, mainly from food and drinks containers and wrappers.  As such, it is most probable they are discarded by the contract labourers who cut the grass or tend to the plants and flowers.  They could also be from workers or contractors of companies such as the telecommunication and power companies doing installation work in CG.  Not forgetting, they could also be thrown by workers who are doing renovation for home owners though the number of homes under renovation has gradually declined.

The HGDPS supervisor for CG should ensure that any workmen doing work in CG are briefed and supervised properly and effectively to reduce this problem.  Cutting the grass and tending to the plants keep the Garden tidy, trim, and proper, but, does it mean anything if the Garden is strewn with rubbish?  It looks pretty silly though.  This also applies to homeowners who employ contractors to do work in their homes.

Much more needs to be done to ensure that we live in a clean environment, free from rodents and pests which bring diseases and illnesses.  They are attracted by food waste in containers and wrappers not properly disposed of.  Children are the most susceptible to these diseases so we urge all residents to do their part to keep CG clean.

GARBAGE, REFUSE, RUBBISH & TRASH

These words are used to describe man-made products which are no longer of any use to us and are to be disposed of or discarded.  These items have served their purpose and/or their useful lives have expired.  How many of us really ponder where these items we describe as “garbage”, “refuse”, “rubbish” or “trash” lands up? (This is another long story and would be the subject of another article later.)  This article is to highlight the manner in which some of us remove these unwanted things from our homes, our cars and from our presence.

A closer look at our own backyard tells us that some of us still display the “kampong” or “hillbillies” mentality when it comes to throwing away unwanted items.  Civility in a society comes from a civil mindset and not from our social standing or how educated and wealthy we are.  A reflection can be had in the manner we handle the garbage we generate.  The prevalent mental make-up in some is garbage can be thrown anywhere and everywhere as long as they are not within our home and compound.  It is an “out of sight, out of mind” and “no longer my problem” attitude.

Canal Gardens (CG) as the name implies is designed as a gated community with lots of open spaces for plants and flowers as one big garden for its residents to savour and enjoy.  It is not a one-huge garbage dump!  CG is now admired as one of the most clean and well-managed communities in Kota Kemuning.    This achievement is not only something to be proud of but (for the business-minded) also drives up the value of CG’s properties i.e. your property.  Do understand that what goes around also comes around.

As a resident, every one of us shares a responsibility to make CG the best place to call our home.  Make it a clean and green sanctuary after a hard day’s work in the office.  Make it also a place to bring up our children with a peace of mind that they will be safe within its confines.

CAUTION: BIG FIERY RED ANTS !!!

The population of these fiery red ants has increased by leaps & bounds. Almost the entire stretch of the walkway along the dry creek  has been infested with these ants!

The frequency of walkers getting bitten has increased when they unknowingly  stop & rest along the walkway ... the ants will climb up your legs & you get bitten. OR, if you accidentally walk on their trail, the ants will cling to your shoes & climb up your legs...and again you get bitten.

There are several stretches where the ants have created their trail ACROSS the walkway (as can be seen from the pics below).   The infestation is quite serious.

Some residents have also noticed these ants migrating to areas near their houses.

Until these colonies of ants are destroyed, residents are advised to be cautious when walking along the walkway.

CGRA has already informed HGDPS to act on this.

Time is of the essence now to ensure that action is taken to eradicate this problem before the infestation gets worse.

Tis the Season of Bulbous Red Lanterns . . .

It's that time of the year again!  Simple and modest red lanterns decorate the entrance and line part of the main road.  Appreciation to the CGRA members and volunteers who gave their time to put them up.

Guardhouse Renovations & Upgrading

Renovations and upgrading of the guardhouse started on 27 December 2011 and will be completed by 20 January 2012.

A rain shelter will also be constructed but this will only be done after the Chinese New Year holidays.

Some photographs taken of the work currently being done are shown below.

CG Highlights for January 2012

Highlights of CGRA Meeting on 5 January 2012

1. Landscaping

Pruning of trees along canal will be done by MBSA once the budget allocation/approval is received in January 2012.

2. Parking On Grass

Residents are strongly advised not to park their vehicles on the grass. Security personnel have been informed to place notices on car windscreens, followed by first warning and thereafter further action by MBSA (summons/clamping).

3. Borang Bantahan on the removal of the proposed flyover

CGRA together with the PPKK will be meeting with MBSA at 11.45 am on 9 January 2012 at MBSA headquarters for a hearing on the above matter. Members who are interested to attend are to gather at the guardhouse by 11.00 am. Paul Leong, the CGRA Chairman will be leading CGRA representation to the meeting.

4. Pest Control

Lately, some of the residents have noticed there is an increase in the population of red ants. CGRA has informed HGDPS to investigate and take the necessary pest control measures to control and eliminate them.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!

‘Time and Tide waits for no man’ – how true this quote is!   Time is truly the essence in parenting as children grow up so fast that sometimes when they are teenagers, we wish they were kids again. 

Taking care of my 4 children when they were young was not easy. I had to discipline them, sometimes even cane them, and be ever ready to hug them, nurse them, play with them, tell stories, make their meals, and guide them in their studies…. It truly is a full time, energy-draining but rewarding job taking care of your family!

Modern day mothers often say ‘It’s OK to work while the children are young because they are “too young” to understand anything.’ So, off they are sent to babysitters, day care centres or left at home with the maid.

From personal experience and confirmed by studies, children’s characters are formed from 0 – 7 years.  At this time, their young minds are like sponges that absorb everything they see, feel and touch. The children need all the attention we can shower on them!

When my children became teenagers, they were so caught up with what their friends say and do that, if not for the bonding made in the early years, my children would not be close to me.

So mothers, be warned – ‘It’s too late to quit your job when your children become teenagers! They won’t have time for you!’

Grab every opportunity to spend time with them when they are young. 

Here are some personal suggestions:

-    Prepare their breakfast and food for recess
(My son still remembers my best sandwiches for his recess!)

-    Walk or drive them to and from school
(Speak positive words for the day and bless them!)

-    Eat meals together
(Set a regular time so that children know when to be home and ready to eat.  This creates a family-centred atmosphere and builds family unity.)

-    Help them with their homework
(Make it a fun time!)

-    Attend their school events like sports day, concert, prize-giving day, etc.
(Your involvement shows your interest in your children’s welfare and helps build their confidence, self-esteem, strong family relationships, etc. that can last for generations!)

-    Watch TV together
(Encourages communication as you discuss the show and hone good values into your children.)

-    Play with them
(Brings joy, fun and laughter in the family.)

-    Put them to bed
(Best time to chat about the day’s happenings. They won’t forget the bedtime stories even when they become adults!)

Many incidental teachings are taught and instilled through the above daily grind.

Parents, your role in building a successful home is so vital.  Commit yourself to develop good habits first and foremost.  Your children will learn more from your examples than from anything else! 

POINTS TO PONDER
We have…     taller buildings but shorter temper,
more conveniences but less time
                more knowledge but less judgment
                fancier houses but broken homes
 We clean up our air but pollute our souls
      We travel to the moon but not to our neighbours
            We add years to life but not life to years.
                                                                 (Source unknown)

Article Contributed by ~ Skunkworks@23 in collaboration with Mrs Loh ~