It’s Summertime, and although there are many people who are excited about the new group that meets Wednesday mornings at the Wired Monk, lots of us have plans.

We won’t be meeting this week (July 30), but if there is enough interest, we will meet next week.

Just let us know what you’d like.

How many people would like to join the Wednesday Networking Group this week?  (Reminder, it is informal, no-fee, and no commitment)

Just post a reply below or email erin@erinmogul.com

Thanks!

Hello,I’m Nessa and for those of you who don’t know me I’m collecting bottles for my trips that I go on every year for dance competitions. What I do is highly competitive and not many people know about it. Its called colorguard and involves using props like riflles, sabres and flags.(we toss them,spin them and dance with them)!!!!! if you would like to see this you can simply go on http://www.youtube.com and type in ‘pacificaires colorguard.’ Or you can visit http://www.pacificaires.com.

Now I would like to thank all of my neighbours that have been giving me recycling throughout last season. It helped a lot with paying off my trips!…So if you have any bottles that you don’t need or find them a pain to take care of then I can take them off your hands! and once again thanks to those who have given me recycling last season!!!!!

With the growing popularity in online communities, I thought I’d take a minute to discuss a few of the online communities that you can join.

Any online community has the sole objective to connect people in ways they might not normally be able to.  For example, you can stay in touch with people who live far away from you, and update large numbers of people all at the same time.

You just have to find the right group (or groups) for you:

My Space - This site is used a lot by musicians, artists, and people in their teens.

Facebook - Started by a bunch of college kids, Facebook applies to a different crowd.  In fact, there appears to be a group on facebook for everyone. You can find people with similar interests as you (cooking, parenting, wrestling), old school friends, co-workers, or make new friends.  I’ve been on facebook for a while, and noticed it appeals to all ages (with a few tech savy grandmas on the boards as well).

W.A.Y.N (or Where Are You Now) - This site is new to the world of online communities, so we’ll see if it takes off or not.  It seems to be popular with younger people or those that travel a great deal. It’s a way for friends and family to keep track of each other on the road.

Twitter- Do you Twitter? Or Twirl?  How about Tweet?  Twitter is also a new forum for staying in touch.  It allows you to follow people and have them follow you.  I use it to update people when my blog has been updated, or to see what’s going on in the online world.

12 Seconds - This picks up where twitter left off. The updates you post are 12 second video bytes.  I haven’t tried it yet, but it sounds cool.

Check them out, and tell me what you think. (and if you have any questions, you can contact through here.)

The new child seat laws took effect Canada Day, July 1, 2008. Children under age nine or shorter than fourfoot-nine must now use booster seats while in vehicles in B.C. It is also mandatory for all drivers to use a child seat when transporting youngsters more than a year old and weighing between 20 and 40 pounds.

Babies must be placed in a rear-facing infant carrier until they’re at least a year old and weigh 20 pounds.The government says the seat must not be placed in front of an active frontal airbag. Any driver caught disobeying the changes faces a $109 fine.

Local Hosting Company, Blue Fur gives a review on the new iPhone.  Check it out here.

Miss 604 has a great story about a local campaign to clean up our shorelines (the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup).  Read about it here.

Jason has a great story on the ThinkReferrals site, titled mid-week mortgage check up.

Mom Logic has an interesting recipe about turning a cookie into a cocktail (tell me if you try it!).  Check it out here.

Erin Mogul continues to document her progress filming a local documentary at her site here.

Do you have a local blog you want us to share with your neighbours? Let us know!

I had the best experience shopping in Cloverdale last week, and I had to share it with you.  I was driving through town (on the way to a meeting) and noticed a cute little store right on 176th.  Despite the time crunch, I went in to look around.

Now…if you haven’t been to the Clothesline Consignment before, you are missing out (just like I was!). They have quality name brand items throughout the quaint and inviting store.  During that quick visit, I couldn’t leave without getting a new purse, earrings and a bracelet - all for an unheard of price!!!

What was most impressive is the staff and how helpful they are.  They pointed out what was on sale, and how the store is laid out (with items separated by colour).

I’ve been back since my first visit (buying more clothes!) and I will go back again soon.  I know I can find something fun to wear for a fraction of the cost, and enjoy the experience while I shop!

(They are located at 5693-176 Street in Cloverdale)

July 26 & 27, 2008 - INTERNATIONAL BOG DAYS - 10388 Nordel Court - International Bog Days are a great opportunity to tour the Bog, enjoy local performances, and check out interactive exhibits.

* On Saturday, July 26th, there will be tours of Burns Bog from 10:00am-3:00pm.
* On Sunday, July 27th from 10:00am-4:00pm, enjoy live entertainment from Yuca, Tiller’s Folly, and other great local artists. There will also be a kid’s’ adventure tent, snacks, exhibits, and additional bog tours at this free community festival. If you have any questions or if you would like to become an exhibitor you can e-mail events@burnsbog.org or call (604)572-0373 for more information.

SFPR Stuck in Burns Bog

I have just received a report from one of our Crime Analysts regarding opportunistic residential break and enters that have occurred in our City over the past week and wanted to pass the information along.

There have been a total of 23 break and enters that include homes, apartments and attached garages that have been left unlocked or have been left open/insecure. These incidents do not include sheds, detached garages or construction sites with similar characteristics. 50% of our residential break ins, over the past week, have been opportunistic in nature.

The trend of opportunity type break ins has been steadily increasing with our agreeable weather. To reduce your chance of being victimized, close and lock all lower level doors and windows, make certain garage doors shut and lock properly, and close and lock all upper level windows with a roof directly below them. Also, be mindful of any window air conditioner units, because these can also be easily removed.

Please pass this information to all your neighbours and stay vigilant.

Carrie Chattell
Crime Prevention Programs Coordinator
Cloverdale/Port Kells, Surrey R.C.M.P.