neill-wycik owner's manual from 1980-1981.pdf

34
Floor Plans: Where the Facilities Are KERR ARTS AND ROOM CRAFTS CO·Op OFFICE Film Editing Mail 11 11 11 1 1i STAIRS telephones 111111111 TYPING POTTERY STUDIO COHEN Library MAXWELL ROOM HALES KLING LOUNGE RESOURCE ROOM CENTRE Hotel Offices AIVCentre 22nd Floor FRODO'S KITCHEN Cafeteria and [ Dance Studio lounge Main Floor MURRAY STANLEY STEAMER PAULIN SAUNA STAIRS 111 fII "I STAIRS IIllIllll SNELGROVE ROOM CLARION Darkroom complex ROOM Special Projects storage WEIGHT storage ROOM Basement ::l!: 0 0 a:: " z w (J) SHEPHERD SURF ROOM TELEVISION f---,. LOUNGE Washers and elevators Dryers ./ "" TUCK elevators SHOP Drink machines HANKE GAMES ROOM Ping Pong Billards storage elevators telephones MAINTENANCE 1 elevators MUSIC PRACTICE ROOM electrical - Q OJ Q. I - STEREO LOUNGE I STAIRS I GARBAGE ROOM I r mechanical 1IllIIIIIIII STAIRS .I 1 . " ' . CONN MITCHEL WOODSHOP - j I \ I

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Neill-Wycik Owner's Manual from 1980 -1981 showing what we have always been.

TRANSCRIPT

Floor Plans: Where the Facilities Are

KERR ARTS AND

ROOM CRAFTS

CO·Op OFFICE

Film

Editing Mail

1111 11 11i

STAIRS telephones 111111111

TYPING POTTERY STUDIO

COHEN Library MAXWELL

ROOM HALES KLING LOUNGE RESOURCE

ROOM CENTRE

Hotel Offices AIVCentre

22nd Floor

FRODO'S KITCHEN

Cafeteria and [ Dance Studio

lounge

Main Floor

MURRAY

STANLEY STEAMER PAULIN

SAUNA STAIRS

111 fII "I STAIRS IIllIllll

SNELGROVE ROOM

CLARION Darkroom complex

ROOM

Special Projects storage WEIGHT storage ROOM

Basement

::l!: 0 0 a::

" z ~ w (J)

SHEPHERD SURF ROOM

TELEVISION f---,.

LOUNGE Washers

and

elevators Dryers

./ ""

TUCK elevators SHOP

Drink machines

HANKE GAMES ROOM

Ping Pong Billards

storage

elevators

telephones

MAINTENANCE

1 elevators

MUSIC PRACTICE ROOM

electrical

-Q OJ .~ ~ ~ Q.

~

I

- STEREO

LOUNGE

I STAIRS

I

GARBAGE

ROOM

I

r

mechanical

1IllIIIIIIII STAIRS

.I

1

.

"'

.

CONN MITCHEL WOODSHOP

-j I

\

I

Qei(f-W2jciK Co-qperative Co(Ce8e. Inc. 96 Gerrard Street East, \

Toronto, Ontario. M5B 1G7 The following information is accurate as of May 1, 1980.

Executive Committee Richard C. Halford, President Bruce G. Agar, Vice-president

Frederick P. Malin,Secretary David L.A. Gordon, Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bruce Agar

Mike Audet Beth Campbell Marina Danikas

Chris Gibson

Dave Gordon Rick Halford Fred Malin

Education Committee

Bruce Prillo

Debbie Smith Sue Wallace

Karen Young

Mike Audet Brent Babcock Del Dickson Marty Dulson Karla Maki

Fred Malin Lloyd McTaggart Cam Milne Rolande Piesek Susan Tigert

Membership Committee Beth Campbell Bob Keppy Cam Milne Bruce Prillo Susan Shamess

.......

Joanna T'sipuras

Management, Committee

Blaine Buott Glenn Cooper Denis Godin Dave Gordon Dave Hall

D' Arcy Paquett Jim Shaw Joanna T'sipuras

Upkeep Committee

Bruce Agar Dawne Budd Mike Christos Glenn Cooper Jim Moon

Judy Platt

Administrative and Maintenance Staff Bob Luker, Co-ordi nator (on leave September, 1980 through April, 19811 George Wheeler, Business Accounts Manager Ted Hanmer, Hotel Manager Marianne Tingley, Housing Co-ordinator Helen McMillan, Accountant Lynn Fenske, Bookkeeper Harriett Mable, Communications Co-ordinator Dan Maxfield, Maintenance Bob Allen, Maintenance Pat Heffron, Maintenance

OFFICE HOURS

The office, located on the 22nd floor, is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm daily. It is closed for two hours one afternoon a week for a staff meeting. In addition, evening hours may be arranged if demand is sufficient.

Neill-Wycik Co-op

~__ ..... ..... Contents Foreword

Six Principles of Co-operation

aCTION OIlE: THE COMMUITI'l'Y

Realities: Codes of the Community

Administrative Structure

Financing: Paying The Bi11s

aCTIOIT TWO: THE BUILDING

What's Here: Facilities

What's Happening: Activities

Getting to Know Each Other

Also in the Building

The World Around Us

Co-operation

lIIaTIOR THll1DB: THE AllT OF LIVING

Living Arrangements

Personal Security

In Case of Emergency

Friends and Neighbors

Your Personal Environment

GettIng Around

The Facts of Life

Appendicies

Co-operative Concepts

!'JDJ OOv:m. Administrative Who's Who

Trouble: Who to Call

Floor Plans

3

4

6

8

14

18

24

30

32

34

36

38

42

44

48

52

56

58

62

64

C-2

C-3

C-4

Supervising Editor Frederick Malin

Associate Editor Adele Massena

Assistant Editor Heidi Ruth Huber

Contributing Editor Lynn Fenske

Editor Copy Anna Tarini

Desig n Consultant Paul Walker

Editorial Board Paul Dickinson

Michael Goetz

Douglas Hoeger

John Korcok

Bob Luker

Jim lindenas

linda McCormick

liam McEvoy

Sheryl Kosovski Anna Tarini Neil Watson

Contributors Bob Allan Bob Luker

Michael Audet Helen McMillan

Paul Dickinson Fred Malin

Henry Einarson Dan Maxfield

Jean Funk linda McCormick

William Gugg Mary Ann O'Brien

Ted Hanmer Glen Rose

Doug Hoeger Carl Steirn

Peter Holland Marianne Tingley

Kate Kennedy Neil Watson

John Korcok George Wheeler

Sheryl Kosovski Ari Yerou

Jim lindenas Karen Young

Photography by S James W. Baxter . Ray Fen­nelly. D. Jean Funk. Robin McKee. and Carl St ieren. Special assistance by Rob McDonald. Special Darkroom by D. Jean Funk .

Neill -Wycik Logo designed by John Korcok Charts by Fred Malin Floor Plans by Bruce Agar Drawings on pages 44, 47, 61 and 64 by Chuck Vollmar, used by permission. Drawings on pages 19,26, 27 and 56 by Harriett Mable.

Justified copy typeset by Clarion Typesetting : Left Justified copy typeset by A lpha Graphics Ltd. ; Stats by Action Print: Printed by Bessborough Graphics ltd .. Toronto.

Acknowlegements Special thanks to all Neill-Wycik members

and staff who helped with any facet of this book during its three years of preparation

Letter Home was adapted from a similar article which appeared in Community Stew, a publication of Madison Community Co-op, Madison, Wisconsin, and is used by permIssIon

The articles on NASCa and the Co-opera rive Housing Federat ion of Toronto were supplied by those organiza­tions and adapted for use in this publicat ion

NEILL-WYCIK CO·OP OWNERS' MANUAL

© Neill-W'Icik Co-operative College, Inc_ 1980

all rights reserved

• U .. -

Neill-Wycik Co-operative College, Inc., is a resident­owned co-operative, founded to serve Ryerson Poly­technical Institute students. It dates from 1966, when Ryerson's Student Administration Council formed a housing group to seek a solution to the chronic stu­dent housing shortage. Today, Neill-Wycik is the only student-run highrise in Toronto.

The building and the organization are named for Alexander Sutherland Neill, the founder of Sum­merhill, one of the world's most successful free schools, and Raymond and the late Aurilee Wycik, known as Papa and Mama, who served Ryerson stu­dents for over 25 years with care, understanding and kindness over and above what their jobs at Oakham House required.

Neill-Wycik has been called a good place to live, but this means various things to different people. It involves an opportunity to actively participate in a living Situation, to share in others' growth, and to experiment with the limits of reasonable freedom.

This manual is intended as a guide to the Co-op. As Neill-Wycik enters its second decade of operation, much has been formalized and many traditions have been founded. The freedom and openness with which the building opened are still here, but they have been tempered with the experiences reflected in our his­tory. Policies exist today which were not thought of when the first residents moved into the rooms we now occupy. Certain aims with which the Co-op was founded have been abandoned; others have taken their place.

While this book cannot completely reveal everything that is Neill-Wycik, it can give an idea of what has happened and what can be done here. It is not a bible, only a guide. Use it as you wish while part of this community.

Welcome.

3

4

Six Principles of Co-operation

ASSOCIATION

Co-operation is a form of mutual aid. Our association confers on us the power to achieve that which is impossible for any of us separately. We have come together out of a recognition of our common interests and obi igations.

As we are best served individually by com­bining with our neighbours, Neill-Wycik is best served by active co-operation in every practical way with other co-operatives at local, national, and international levels.

ECONOMY

Neill-Wycik's distinctive purpose is economic organization - the provIsion of communities and services for those who par­ticipate in it. This is a greater idea than conven­tional economics: the management of human and natural resources so as to achieve the most desirable results in terms of social well­being. We must either give better results for the same costs or equal results for less cost than alternative systems.

Economic results should be distributed as follows to prevent one member gaining at the expense of others:

a) by provision for development of the business of the co-op

b) by provision of common services c) by distribution among the members in

proportion to their transactions with the co-op

DEMOCRACY We must promote the interest of the whole of

our membership. Our affairs should be ad­ministered by persons elected or appointed in a manner agreed by the members and accoun­table to them. If our members are to exercise their authority wisely, there must be an effec­tive system of informing them, consulting

them, and enabling them to express their

wishes, based on equality of rights in speaking and voting (one member, one vote). In other than primary societies, the administration should be conducted on a democratic basis in a suitable form.

LIBERTY Membership in our co-op should be voluntary

and available without artificial restriction or any social, political, racial, or religious discrimination, to all who can make use of our services and are willing to accept the respon­sibilities of membership.

MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY

Mutual aid isn't one-sided; it implies a bond, a reciprocal obligation. The right of the in­dividual to help from the co-op is linked with one's obligation to give help to fellow members in their need. Indeed, in society at large, the only guarantee that anyone will get one's rights is the willinqness of all to fulfill their duties, their efficiency in discharging them.

EDUCATION

Education is not only preparation for, but is also part of living at every stage of a person's life. Our co-operative can't advance and grow unless it promotes every kind of experience which enables individuals to acquire the knowledge and master the social discipline necessary for successful co-operative activity. This is not a once and for all process.

We not only have to begin by educating the general public and new members to become co-operators, but also to renew and refresh the education of all our participants so that their outlook keeps pace with Neill-Wycik's growth and the new problems presented by an ever­changing world.

Co-operatives are established to fill a common need which cannot be fulfilled by individual initiative.

As members of the Co-op, we share several things: Space; costs; equipment; facilities; responsibility for the running of the Co-operative.

This section discusses how we partiCipate in the operation and growth of our community.

~.

6

Our community allows freedoms which are alien to other highrises and student residences. Certain areas of behaviour , however, have been legislated in response to particular situations and problems.

The Rules! 1. Don't be violent or intimidating. Drunk or sober, angry or not, if you express yourself in violence, threats or abusiveness, you're on your way out. t'-Jo fire arms or offensive weapons of any kind are allowed for any reason. 2. Destroying, deliberately damaging or stealing results in evictions. Report all damage to Co-op property that you see to Maintenance or Security. If you use a facility and don 't report damage, you are very I ikely to be charged for it. 3. Pushing, peddling, or trafficking of any drugs, and the possession of hard drugs is not condoned. Drug dealers are a drag. People who are considering this business are reminded that it is criminal , destructive to the Co-op community, and attracts attention the com­munity can do without. We are inclined to talk to these greedy morons about their activities only once, then , that's it! The use of hard drugs is a non-starter too, for the same reasons. 4. Do not remove any screen from any win­dow. If you are missing one or see one missing , report it to the Office , Maintenance , or Security. It is a criminal offence to throw an ob­ject out of a highrise window. The impact can

damage property or kill the person it lands on. 5. Don't smoke in the elevators, Woodshop, or Photo Lab. 6. Don't drink things alcoholic in the elevators, hallways or front lobby. Alcoholic beverages may only be consumed in your residence. Transport drinks discreetly in the hallways and elevators. Drinks purchased in the Cafe duri ng a party cannot be taken from that room. (For more information on our relationship with the LLBO see page 34). 7. Visitors may stay in your unit for a maximum of 10 days, if and only if your unit­mate(s) agree in advance. After that your guest(s) are no longer visitors, they are residents and we expect them to rent a room , take out a member­ship, or leave. Guests stay in their host 's room , not in the lounges or public spaces. You are responsible for their behaviour. 8. The introduction of a dog or cat must be negotiated in advance with the Pet Committee. Pets are not allowed in the Multiple Units. In­timidatinq pets like snakes or spiders just don 't make it. (For more information on the pet policy and control, see page 49) .

Neill·Wycik in Society Neill-Wycik is a community of its own. It is change what exists at once, but parts of it,

also a small part of the larger society. slowly, carefully and thoughtfully. The Co-op is not a separate entity. Regular This change is evolutionary, not

rules of respect and acceptance are necessary. revolutionary. We do not want to revert, but to We are still part of the outside world. progress.

As part of the co-operative movement, we try Neill-Wycik is different, but common elemen-to change society for the better. We believe ts of living, law and society are required. In society can be more honest, just, humane, some respects, Neill-Wycik allows us greater giving and free. We hope that by living in the freedom and makes us expect more of our-Co-op, the members will become better people, selves in others, but foremost, we are an exten-and bring these attitudes to the world outside. sion of the world which allows us to be.

We do not feel that existing institutions must be thrown out, but that our contribution can make life better. We cannot attempt to wholly

of the Co·op __ As your stay at Neill-Wycik continues, you will become aware of these 'rules'. Many of them are based on common sense and on the requirements of the society in which we live.

You and the Law The law and the legal system exist as mea­

sures of last resort for society and for Nei 11-Wycik. The law is something you call in when things are going wrong and you need something to set them straight. More critically, the law exists to protect the innocent from the dan­gerous.

By and large, the law tells us how not to behave. Laws provide very little direction on how to behave. The law can affect the dissolution of a marriage, but it cannot make a happy marriage. The law can , in some instan­ces, protect children from the worst abuses of parents, but it cannot tell a parent how to love a chi Id. The law can break up a fight , but cannot create a good friendship.

All of society's laws apply to Neill-Wycik. If you run into problems, you can call the Office

during the day, or Security at night. You can also scream blue murder. Given the level of sound proofing in the building , chances are everyone on several adjoining floors will hear you.

Regarding long-term harrassment, you can get legal advice from Legal Aid as to whether the harrassment is legal. You can also bring your problem to the Board of Directors, who may decide to evict the culprit. And , you can go to the Office anytime and discuss the problem. You will be channeled in the right direction to get results.

Finally, external authority, or law, becomes less necessary as friendship and com­munication increases. A society of friends is in less danger of external abuse than a group of acquaintances.

Whose'Rules? T}1.ey're your rules"

Whether you were for 'em, or didnlt knoW they existed, they're your rules. The Board of Dir'ectors is resp~nsible for the o~'.~rat~on 'P~the C? liTpp~ The . 12 DireptQrs ar~electedby the meml;)ers to run the Co.:op.T~~~:s a.:bt~~Q1 SO ~eBoar'd apPOi~~& comUl'ittees:touu' help with the job, and hir,es staff,to aid"Wl:th the day to day operations of the Co-op,

Essentia~:r y~u a~.~ ultim~tely re~Epnsibl~" ~.~ is y<?:~. }!hO ~e permitting p~9p~e to r~presentyou. Iai~~ffect Y0:1ll'iand ev;?ry 0tll~>~eml:le~' pass >~e rules ,,~nd d~~~'Qe on policies which affect the ppactices:~of the ,Co:'op. ' ~

7

8

Administrative Committees, according to the cynics, are the bane of N eill-Wycik. They think so because of the time it takes to do whatever it is that the committees have to do, and the boredom the said cynics suffer while the committees deal with everyone else's problems.

This is a very narrow view. In a participatory society, people must have the opportunity to directly affect what happens in their environment. The committee system is the way we do this.

Board of Directors The Board of Directors represents the Co-op

on the official corporate level. It makes the major policy decisions, approves budgets, and hires staff. The Board is the group to which the other committees look for direction.

The Board is comprised of 12 Neill-Wycik members who are elected by the membership at the annual general meeting. They serve for a two-year term. Six pOSitions are filled each year, so there are always six experienced members on the Board, allowing for continuity of administration.

One of the Board's functions is to choose the President of the Co-op. The President, a mem­ber of the Board, is responsible for chairing the meetings and co-ordinating the Board's ac­tivities with those of other committees and the membership at larQe.

Board meetings are open to all building members, unless otherwise specified, in which case the reason for closure is announced. This usually happens only when the Board has to deal with confidential corporate negotiations. In such a case, all decisions and the reasons for them are made publ ic.

The business of the Board, its standing committees and sub-committees is open to every Neill-Wycik member. The Board members are only representatives, not bosses. They represent you. Let them know what you want.

To help the Board with the day-to-day running of the Co-op, and to allow the greatest possible participation by members in their organization, the Board has established a number of stan­ding committees to deal with specific operational areas.

Structure The committees are the major source of sanity in our community. It is the committees-all of them-composed entirely of unpaid volunteers-that make major policy decisions in all areas of N eill-Wycik life.

The best way to see how a particular committee works is to attend its meetings.

You maybe surprised how soon you, too, will be participating.

Standing COII1IDittees EDUCATION COMMITTEE

EdCom is a group of members which takes responsibility for the education program of the College, its facilities and equipment. The committee responds. to member initiatives around education and also initiates programs of its own.

EdCom sponsors and supports such projects as yoga classes, pottery and ceramics courses, poetry readings, lectures, community get­togethers, movies and parties.

All co-op members are welcome to commit­tee meetings. Proposals are encouraged. Those projects which are clearly for the benefit of the membership, and have energetic , responsible organizers, are especially welcome. Members who demonstrate a high degree of responsibility and commitment may apply for committee membership.

EdCom projects and facilities are supported by a separate fund comprising the annual membership fee. The yearly budget is about $20 thousand.

HOUSE COMMITTEE

The HouseCom is an action group. General meetings are used to convey information and initiate new projects . The actual work is done in smaller core groups, which report to the general meetings.

Membership in HouseCom is open to all members of the co-operative. Anyone can par­ticipate and have a vote at any HouseCom meeting. The goal is to have a representative from every floor. Everyone has a say in the direction and the focus of the committee. Meetings are social gatherings and are not

conducted as purely business agendas. The House Committee has, in the past, taken

responsibility for new member orientation, con­trol of pet ownership, co-operative exchange trips, a paper recycling project , building and yard clean-up, and a multitude of parties and other times.

Any project may be initiated through HouseCom, as long as it will have a positive ef­fect on the Co-op. Good ideas are needed and will be supported .

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

-ManCom is responsible for the week to week operational decisions of the building: collec­ti ng rent, and dish i ng out the mortgage payment and salaries; taking care of building maintenance; acquIring furniture; ad­ministration of the parking lot; and a number of related duties that are vital to the survival and smooth operation of our community. The Business Accounts Manager and Co-op Co­ordinator work closely with the Com:-nittee to keep things on an even keel.

The eight ManCom members are appointed by the Board of Directors. Anyone who has an interest in the financial and administrative fun­ctioning of the building may volunteer to attend the meetings as a prospective member, and at some later date be considered for full member­ship on the ManCom. This decision is usually made by unanimous vote of the Management Committee members, taken at a regular mem­bersh~p meeting.

All ManCom meetings, unless otherwise an­nounced, are open to all members of the Co-op. continues ...

9

10

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

The Membership Committee, appointed by the Board, is composed of members of both the Board and the membership at large.

The committee co-ordinates its activities with the Rentals Officer, and is instrumental in the acceptance of new members, and the assignment of two-person and apartment units.

The Membership Committee's function in-

cludes group interviews with prospective members, primary education about Neill-Wycik and the Co-operative movement, and assisting the Rentals Officer with the initial review of all applications.

Members interested in joining the committee should contact any Director or the Co-op Co-or­dinator.

The Floor The Floor Co-ordinators are an important link

between the Co-opers and their administrators. The Floor Co-ordinators communicate floor problems to the appropriate committee, work closely with the HouseCom and EdCom on special social programs, and relate important decisions and ideas to the members.

The Floor Co-ordinators are also responsible for organizing the clean-up schedule for each floor.

Because of the size of our co-op, the Floor Co-ordinators are an important link between all facets of our organization, and a building block in a 'grass roots' type of activity and involve­ment.

The Floor Co-ordinators are recommended jointly by the Education House and Member-ship committees and appointed by the Board of Directors. They replace the once elected Floor Representatives, a system which aid not work because elections took place before members of each floor know each other well enough to make an educated decision. When a floor Co­ordinator resigns or must be replaced , the floor residents are expected to find someone to be that replacement.

Anyone interested in being a floor Co­ordi nator should contact any Director, commit­tee member, the Co-op Co-ordinator or Housing Officer.

The MembersMeet It is fine to say that the Members are the

most important element of the Co-op, but how does such a group, especially in a co-operative the size of Neill-Wycik, fulfill its function?

There is participation on the committees and the Board, but there are also other opportuni­ties in which the whole group can participate, annually for regu lar business, and at special times, to deal with emergencies and important business.

Once yearly, in November, the Directors are required to hold a meeting of all members to elect new Directors, examine the auditor's report regardi ng the past year's spending, and receive reports on the operation of their organi­zation. At that time, the Members can also bring to the attention of fellow co-opers any item of business they feel is important. In the past, the Members have brought forward such issues as an examination of security staff hiring practices, and voted that smoking be banned in the elevators - three years before the first Toronto By-Law.

The Annual Meeting is not the only time the Members may gather to conduct business, receive reports, or request action from their representatives and employees.

General meetings can be called by the Direc­tors or any other group of Members, to deal with special business, like changes in the budget, the passage of new by-laws, member­ship and eviction appeals, the removal of a Director, or any other matter which is felt must be heard by the Members of the Co-operative.

The procedures for the convening of a General Meeting are outlined in the Co-opera­tive Corporations Act and By-Law 1 of the Co­op (For more information on these documents see Appendicies A and B).

The power in the Co-op rests with its Mem­bers. The Members can examine the use of the authority given to their elected representatives. The Annual and General meetings are the greatest tool and an undeniable right and duty of the Members.

The Membership There is still one group left to look at, the

most important one: You, the members. It is difficult to describe who you are. The

group changes not only annually, but daily. We grow, change, leave and arrive. The only certain thing is that you are the Co-op.

VVithout getting too philosophical, you are the strength and the weakness of the Co-op; you are the support and the structure of the organization; you are the catylist and the result of Neill-Wycik.

There was a 'catch phrase' in the 1960's which asked "What if they gave a war and no-

body came?" To twist it slightly, what is the Co-op without its members?

Under the law, the organization could exist, as long as it had five directors. But would it be a Co-op, or would it just be called a co-op?

You ... rather ... We are the Co-op, Neill-Wycik. We make it what it is.

A Co-op is its people, we are those people. We are the committees, the Board, the Core Groups, the users, fixers, teachers, learners, operators, administrators, benefactors.

And if you 've got the message, 'nuff said.

11

"I

12

The 'Hired Help' The staff is hired by the Board of Directors on

the recommendation of a hiring committee and the standing committee which is responsible for the area requiring staff support. Each staf­fer fills a particular function, and, beyond that, brings personal interests and talents to the Co­op. Many of the staffers are members of Neill­Wycik, quite a few having joined before they were hired.

Here is a brief list of who is who and does what:

The Co-op Co-ordinator is the senior ad­ministrator and an officer of the Co-op. The Registrar (the old title for the pOSition, but it's still used) reports to the Board about all facets of Co-op activities and administration. The Co­ordinator is responsible for implementing all policies and practices requested by the Board and the committees, co-ordinates staff fun­ctions, is the final staff arbiter of internal mem­ber disputes, is the Director of Security, in charge of the part-time security staff.

The Business Accounts Manager is respon­sible for the business end of the Co-op, whether it is dealing with thE' 3torefront tenants or with the late housing charge payments by a co-oper. The Business Accounts Manager reports direc­tly to the Manaqement Committee.

The Hotel Manager is responsible for anything to do with the Hotel operation (see page 14) from advertising and promotion to hiring and the decoration of the rooms. During the Hotel season , the Manager is assisted by a Group Sales Manager, various department heads, and their staffs.

The Accountant is responsible for the gen­eral ledger, which is a record of all financial transactions of the Co-op; the Education Com­mittee bookkeeping; overseeing all accounts payable. The Accountant is also responsible for budget forecasting, in concert with the

Business Accounts Manager. The Accountant also oversees the Bookkeeper and any part­time or temporary help in the financial area.

The Bookkeeper is responsible for recording information on all accounts receivable, from housinq charqes payments, to monies received from special services, like the Dance Studio, and Wooasnop, to course fees and Hotel revenues.

The Housing Co-ordinator is responsible for keeping the building full of co-opers: assigning rooms ; matching up compatable people; promoting the Co-op. The Housing Co-ordinator is also the primary staff contact when a house member or members in a unit are having prob­lems. The Housing Co-ordinator also takes part In co-op education, and works with the House and Education committees organizing training sessions for Floor Co-ordinators and Com­munity Councillors, and for Orientation . The Housing Co-ordinator also works closely with the Membership Committee on member selec­tion and unit assignment.

The Communications Co-ordinator, better known as the receptionist, is the vital link be­tween all facets of the Co-op. The Receptionist handles the traditional secretarial duties, but also fills other functions as need and time dic­tate and permit . It's hard to list what this per­son does, simply because it's too much, some­times. Be nice to the Receptionist.

The Maintenance Staff of three is usually up to its collective neck in muck, sooner or later. It literally keeps this place standing, doing every­thing from washing the floors to unplugging the drains, from patching the walls to bailing out a flooded unit. The Maintenance Staff is a sup­port qrouo. You can help by doing at least the basic maintenance and upkeep expected of a co-oper. (For more information on cleaning, see page 52.)

MEMBERS

I Organizational Chart

Execut£ve Board of Directors

I _____ _ _ ____ --::-___ Stand£ng Committ ees __ :;:--_____ --=-__ _

, I I I Membership Upkeep House Education

I I Core Groups Core Groups

I Management

I ___ Staff _---------~------

I I I Hotel Administration Maintenance Security

Division

Paying the Staff by Robert J. Luker I We established one pay range for all full -time

Neill-Wycik has a different and better way of paying people who work for co-operative organ­izations like student housing co-ops, producer co-ops, credit unions, and workers ' unions; in short all organizations that should be servi ng people.

The idea came from recognizing that the pro­duct , the result of any group of workers in modern society, is a collective endeavor: They produce it together. The staff of Neill-Wycik 'produce' the administration of the Co-op, with the help and direction of many volunteer Co-op members. They have different skills and responsibilities, but their work is interdepen­dent. This being the case, there is an open system , where people can be confronted , criticized, and helped - and fired if necessary -with no justification for the existence of ar­tifical distinctions between workers . Important decisions are made in consultation , not in isolation. Where people put their life energies into shared work, we need leadership, skills , responsibility , and honesty. We don 't need a money hierarchy.

By Mar§§,Q]l ri ty The Neill-Wycik Security Staff is composed of

about eight responsible and trustworthy co­opers. They can usually be found at the Front Desk (Porter's Place), on evenings after 6 p.m. and on weekends after 12 noon.

The Security staff serves two functions: as protection service and as Co-op represent­atives.

Security is a protection service to the mem­bers of the Co-op. They help in keeping the bui:ding secure by screening visitors and maki ng sure that there are no crashers or troublemakers lurking the premises.

The Security Group are the people to see in time of trouble . Always call Security before calling the police. Security wi II call the pol ice, if they are required , and escort them to the problem area.

Security also fills another important role, that of Co-op information and public relations. They are also responsible for dispensing the keys for various educational and recreational facilities and equipment.

Security staff are active in the Co-op; there­fore they can be a valuable source of infor­mation. Stop and say " hi ". Get to be friends with the Security people. You will probably find that they are not only co-operative, but also real and friendly people. ·

jobs, with all workers starting at the same pay level. Increases are regular, annual, and the same for each employee. The increases take a worker from the bottom to the top of the salary range in five years. The salary levels are adjust­ed for things like inflation by annual negotiations between the Board and the staff group.

This system of paying workers has been in effect at Neill-Wycik for about six years. Its great advantage turned out to be political. It discouraged the hiring, or continued service, of those who could not accept anything but the traditionalist's view of wages. It encouraged the hiring, and the staying , of those loyal to alternatives in society, and co-operation as an ideology. This is important given the tendency of co-operatives to drift toward con'3E:::rvatism and 'business as usual' .

The general ooint , however, is that even in this touchiest of areas, remuneration, practical alternatives, backed by mature political com­mittment, are attractive to people, and do work.

The Office The administrative offices are on the 22nd

floor, in the west wing of the building. Located here are the administrative staff, the

unit mailboxes, and the centre of daily activity at Neill-Wycik.

The Office is a meeting place, the place to lodge a complaint and deliver a compliment, get your mail, post a notice, keep in touch.

You pay your rent at the Office, apply for membership and a room, tell us you're moving, look for a new unitmate, or just sit and chat for a while.

The Office is a place to get counselling, or give some, arrange for parking, or report a leak­ing sink.

The Office isthe place, Monday to Friday, during the day. (For office hours, see the inside front cover.)

13

]-'inancing:_ Co-ops are economic unions. They allow us to obtain collectively what we cannot afford as individuals.

14

Just as we share in the benefits of the union, we also share in the financial obligation to maintain it.

Budgetting The Staff and Committees of Neill-Wycik at­

tempt to budget on a . non-profit basis, which means that, on a year to year basis, income should equal 'out-go' or expenses, with a provision for a reasonable cash 'buffer' to deal with emergencies.

Budgeting is done on a cash-flow basis. That is, we take each item of spending and deter­mine the likely amount it will cost for the up­coming period. We go through each of these items methodically. Most of them are ' fixed ', that is, items that we cannot control, regardless of whether we would like to cu. back or not, like mortgage payments, realty taxes, heat, light and water costs.

A few of the items are subject to our own decision-making process. These include replacement of furnishings and other deteriorating assets, staff salaries and im­provements to the building. For example, in 1979, the Management Committee decided to defer refinishing the spauling brickwork on our east exterior wall in favour of buying new curtains for our rooms.

After all of the expenditures are projected, we

then try to evaluate all the revenues, exclusive of Co-op rental income, and the contribution the Hotel will make to operations. By subtrac­ting all of the expenditures from all of the revenues, other than rental income, we arrive at the projected rent figure necessary to meet ex­penses. This figure is used in the calculation of the year's housing charges.

300 ~ TYPICAL AN N UAL CASH-FLOW

The graph shows the annual cash flow. Th-e- peaks in September and January are the influx of money from the payment of mult iple· unit housing charges. The shaded area, at the $50 thousand level , shows the lowest point to which the cash reserves can be depleted safely.

Neill·Wycik CollegeHotel: Neill-Wycik Co-operative College Inc., is a

complex organism; but then that is not unusual for a million dollar corporation . One of the major factors contributing to this complexity is the Hotel division.

At the end of April , when most of us are scat­tering to the geographic extremities of this land, and beyond , a small number of our fellow members, anywhere from 25 to 45 of them, take a deep breath and prepare for the 'battle' ahead. Between the beginning and the middle of May, 14 floors of the residence, ap-

proximately 225 rooms, the Cafe, and the lobby are converted into Neill-Wycik College-Hotel.

The Hotel is superficially like the winter residence, but there the similarity ends. While the Hotel operates, two teams of hardworking maids and housemen daily sweat over 84 toilets, 112 sinks and 355 beds. Then , come screaming school kids or 90 degree weather, 10 front desk people (who would quickly make

Cool Hand Luke seem flustered by com­padson), check :n, counsel on everything from A to Z, and check out 6,000 Hotel guests from

From this pool we pay our operating expenses and our mortgage. All in all, while not complicated, it is a complex arrangement.

Housing Charges 72%

Hotel 20%

IRevenues The pie charts above show how our budget is determined. The chart on the left is a representation of our revenues, that is the

sources of the money we spend each fiscal year. Expressed in percentages, the chart shows that Housing Charges, the 'rent' on members' rooms, account for the largest contribution to our monetary pool.

The chart on the right shows the areas in wh ich the money is spent. Debt Service Payments , our largest single annual expend iture are payments on loans, our mortgage, and municipal property taxes.

Debt Service Payments 49% (inc ludes mortgage and mun icipal taxes)

Misc. and Sundry .5%

Expenditures

afeteria 4% " Additions to

Fixed Assets 2% Vending 1%

All figu res are gross amounts based on the 1978·79 auditor's report . While budgeting varies from year to year, the basic relation· ships ill ustrated in these charts remain constant.

Opening Our Home 55 countries. Six hardworking Cafe staff crack 30,000 eggs, butter 100,000 pieces of toast and pour countless cups of coffee.

The Hotel does much more than provide $100 thousand worth of summer jobs for members, and cater to six thousand guests. It also helps establish our business credibility in that Big­Bad-World-Out-There, and probably most im­portant of all , it goes a long way toward developing new leadership for the Co-op.

Even a superficial examination of the com­mittees and the Board of the Co-op will reveal

many people who first became involved wittl the Co-op, as opposed to just living here, as a result of spending one summer on the Hotel staff, or staying in the Hotel as a guest.

And then of course, the Hotel also reduces the collective rents from between $50 thousand and $80 thousand a year, and offers the poten­tial of reducing them even much more than that in the years ahead.

All in all, the Hotel is a good idea that plays a big part in making Neill-Wycik the success story that it is.

15

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Tax Credits If you are a student, or have iust started to

work, have just been married, or just don't have the income to keep up with the outgo, then pay­ing rent doesn't help much with balancing the budget.

Wycik is a co-operative. Sharing the ex­penses should keep the rent reasonable, but given our history, the rent levels are not as low as they might be. However, there is some relief!

Even if you did not have taxable income in the last taxation year, you are eligible for the benefits of the Ontario Tax Credit System, but you must file for them.

You are eligible to claim the full amount of your rent, for the taxation year, paid to Neill­Wycik, when calculating the Occupancy Cost. Because Neill-Wycik is an independant cor-

Rent The rent, or housing charge, is determined by

a formula which takes into consideration many factors, including such things as living area, amenities provided , and marketability.

The amount of increase is expressed as a percentage of the current rate.

Members have an opportunity to discuss, dispute and decide on the housing charge in­creases throughout the whole budgeting pro­cess, and at the annual budget meeting usually held around the beginning of March.

poration subject to municipal property tax , this deduction is available to you, and , in effect , reduces your rent.

The deduction allowed for college residen­ces is not meant for people living here. You claim that amount only if you lived at a univer­Sity, community college, or school of nursing operated residence.

The membership fee you paid when joining the Co-op are not eligible for the calculation of the Occupancy Cost and should not be in­cluded in the rent total.

You don 't have to file receipts with YO,ur tax return. These will only be required if the Tax Department asks you to verify the rent paymen­ts claimed. If you don't have all your receipts on hand, a table showing rent due during the taxation year will be distributed at tax time. It 's a good idea to keep those receipts, though. thougn.

If you require receipts for proof of payment and do not have all of them, please tell the Of­fice and the staff will confirm the rent paid by letter. Because of the volume of paper that will have to be checked , this can only be done if you need confirmation for the tax people.

And by the way, don 't forget to claim your Sales Tax Credits too. You can , if you were age 16 by the end of the taxation year, and not being claimed as a dependant by a resident of Ontario.

Paying the Rent By Doug Hoeger and George Wheeler

A co-operative is only as strong as the collec­tive responsibility of its membership . The freedom that comes from co-operative association is based on this responsibility.

Part of our collective responsibility is the paying of rent, on time.

The problem of r~ntal arrears has plagued Neill-Wyick since its inception. It has caused additional administrative expenses, cash-flow p ~-oblems, and has placed an unfair burden on the shoulders of the co-opers who do pay their rent on time.

To solve this problem, the Management and Membership committees and the Board of Directors have established a policy that mem­bers must pay their rent by the time stated in

the Occupancy Agreement (see appendix B). Naturally, because we are a co-operative,

allowances are made for members who are ex­periencing financial difficulties. We make these allowances, however, only if the need is genuine, and the member has brought the problem to the attention of the Bookkeeper or the Business Accounts Manager before the amount owing is due to be paid. When this is done, arrangements can be made for the arrears to be paid in installments, or at a later date. It is up to the member to initiate this process.

Members who do not follow these steps, and are regularly and unaccountably in rental arrears, are reported to the Management Com-mittee. .

Part Two

The I: :,uilding

Our greatest resource, and our most important asset is the build­ing, which to many people, is Neill-Wycik.

And yet, Neill-Wycik is more than the building- -it is the people in it and the opportunities that it offers .

This section examines the various elements, both human and material, which define Neill-Wycik Co-op.

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What's Here: Okay, so we keep saying that a co-operative has advantages other than comparatively inexpensive housing. But what are they?

In our case, quite a lot: Darkrooms, party rooms, lounges, and much more!

Places Sewing

The Sewing Room, located on the 22nd floor, is open to all members who wish to use it.

The room is equipped with two Singer machines, a long mirror, and a cutting table.

The facility is cared for by a co-ordinator ap­pointed by the Education Committee. It is the co-ordinator's responsibility to clear people to use the facility.

To gain access to the room, you must have been briefed on how to thread the machines, and other details about how our particular models work.

The co-ordinator holds several sessions throughout the year for people interested in using the room. Watch for notices.

You've Paid Believe it or not, all this stuff has been paid

or, by you! The EdCom facilities are paid for by the

~embership fees collected when you join the ~o-op or renew your membership.

By the way, if you want to get some money for a project we can all benefit by, apply for it!

The Education Committee has files on past projects to give you some idea of the budgeting needs. Of course, you may want to do it all on your own, or have something that just hasn 't been done before. Well, do your research and get your act together. Fill out the budget re­quest form, attach an outline of the project and go to an EdCom meeting to answer the questions. If you can sell your act, and it'll be good for 'everybody', you're in business.

Weights The Weight Room, situated in the basement ,

is equipped with two complete 210 lb. york bar­bell sets, a bench for pressing and leg exer­cising, and an inclined sit-up bench. There is sufficient room and equipment for two people to work out at the same time.

For access to the Weight Room, you must ob­tain clearance from a member of the core group responsi ble for the faci lity. Once your name is on the clearance list , you may use the room at your leisure.

Anyone using the Weight Room must work out with a partner, in the interests of safety.

Laundry The Surf Laundry Room is located on the

22nd floor, in the east wing of the building. The Surf Room is actually a laundromat, with 10 washers and five coin-operated dryers.

The room also has a change machine, a dispenser selling soap , softener and bleach, a folding table, and an ironing board. (For more information about laundry and the Surf Room, see page 55)

True, there are some apartment buildings that also offer these amenities, but you pay for them in your rent, and not necessarily equally with your neighbour.

That charge is not hidden here, and it is equally shared. And you have a say in how the money is spent. All it takes is interest and energy on your part.

Sauna The Murrary Paulin Sauna, located in the

basement, west wing, is a wonderful place. It's hot, wet, and dry, and you get to know a lot of people quite well, very quickly.

You see, the Sauna is cooed, and, after 10 pm, most people do it in the nude.

It's a good place to relax, clear your head, or just get clean. In addition to the sauna, there is a small change room and two showers.

For the shy, or non-voyeurs, bathing suits are required in the sauna from opening to 10 pm. It's what-you-will after 10 until closing.

Kling The Kling Lounge, located on the 22nd floor,

is one of the versatile rooms in the building. It is an art gallery, displaying the work of

many Wycik artists and photographers; a meeting room for the committees and the Board; a meeting place for co-opers to sit, chat, discuss and debate; a place to take a break from studying or just to sit and read, or just take a look at the great view of downtown Toronto.

Artists are invited to exhibit their work. Members are encouraged to see the displays, or just drop by the room. That's why it's there.

The front door is locked, but your room key will get you past that boundary. Just bring it, your towel, and your soap and stuff. Leave valuables at home and enjoy yourself!

Music The Music Room, located in the Basement, is

equipped with a stereo system.

The stereo system has a turntable with easy­to-use controls located on the front of the unit. The system can produce up to 80 watts RMS per channel with a frequency response of 20Hz to 20 kHz at .01 distortion.

The room is also used for small parties for up to 20 people. All that is needed are two respon­sible people to take charge and a $50 damage deposit.

Any damage to the room, its equipment or furnishings should be reported immediately to Security or the Office. The last people to use the room will be the first contacted in a follow­up.

}I¥: - -,

Sign-out Procedures It 's easy to use a facility. The Games Room, Kling Lounge, TV Room

and Laundry Room are wide open. You just walk in and do whatever you do there.

Other facilities, like the Sewing Room, Weight Room, Photo Complex, and Woodshop, have to be signed out. No problem, but what's special is that first you have to be cleared for a particular facility's access by the responsible Core Group. It means some initiative on your

art.

Other faci I ities are locked, but for those you just troop to wherever the keys are at that par­ticular time (see inside front cover for schedule). You sign out the room, leave your ID Card, take the key and go, go, go!

Exception time! For the Sauna, you've got the key. It opens your room. All you do is unlock the outer door, go in and sweat.

And that, is that.

19

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Cafeteria Neill-\Nycik has a unique facility located on

the ground floor: a combi nation restaurant and dance studio.

Cate Frodo was originally designed to serve the members as a three-meal-a-day cafeteria, but with the demand for home cooking in the units, and rising costs, the cafeteria closed a few years ago. Now, it operates only during the Hotel season, serving breakfasts to anyone who'll come, and supplying catered dinners and luncheons to various functions.

Occasionally the fully equipped /Jrofessional kitchen is used by co-opers during the rest of the year for building-wide dinners and other events.

The Cafe is a fairly big space, so, although the food service has disappeared, the space is still used for major gatherings, movie nights, and its newest use, dance classes.

Sun Deck The Roof Deck is a great place to get a tan,

read a book, take pictures of the city, or just get a breath of air.

The Deck, located on the 23rd floor (use the east stairs from the 22nd floor) is open as soon as the weather's warm enough, and is closed for the season as soon as the weather's too cold.

The Deck is open from 9 am to after dark during the Co-op year, and closes at sunset during the Hotel season.

There's a great view from the roof - photo­graphers love it! It's a great place for a suntan or a picnic. Barbques are not allowed on the Deck, however. Enjoy!

Steamer The Stanley Steamer, located in the base­

ment, is our major party place. Aside from hav­ing a carpeted floor, with a tiled area for danc­ing, the Steamers also boasts a bar and con­nections for a sound system.

The bar area is enclosed and may be locked when not in use. It has a sink and refrigerators.

The Steamer also has florescent and incan­descent lighting, both dimable, so that the brightness can be adjusted to suit to mood of the event.

The Steamer is also a major meeting place, a classroom, and an events centre.

To use the room, you must book it in advance through the Office. For parties, a refundable damage deposit is required.

Faced with a large, under-used space, the EdCom, which is responsible .for the admini­stration of the Cate, looked for something that could be done there, and involve co-opers A sprung wooden floor suitable for dancing was installed.

Co-opers are invited to use the space to IJrac­tise dance (ballet, jazz, modern, even disco). In addition , the EdCom offers dance classes to members at a subsidized cost.

All in all, a very different kind of operation.

Darkroom The Photo Complex in the basement was

enlarged in 1978 from one small darkroom to four separate rooms: a black and white print room; a tiny film proceSSing room; a colour print room; and a mounting and drying room.

The black and white print room has an Omega ProLab 5x7 enlarger, which will enlarge negatives from 35mm to 5x7cm, to a printed size of up to 16x20 inches. There is a constant temperature table, and trays for 8x10, 11 x14 and 16x20 size prints. There is also a set of Kodak polycontrast filters.

The film processing room has a set of Pater­son 4-way plastiC tanks and reels, from a 2-reel s-ize to more than you'd want to develop at once anyway. Next to the proceSSing room, in the centre aisle of the photo complex, is a film­drying cabinet with a I ight and a fan.

The colour print room has an Omega enlarger with a Chromatic head, as well as a colour print analyzer and a constant temperature table, and sets of trays.

The mounting & drying room has a drymount press, a drum dryer, and a first aid kit.

To obtain use of the Darkroom, make an ap­pointment with a member of the Darkroom Core Group who will demonstrate the darkroom equipment and check you out as an authorized user.

Television The Sheppard TV Lounge is on the 22nd floor,

off the Surf Laundry Room. It has a colour television, a few chairs, a couple of couches and cable service, with converter. It's bp.en from about 8 am until the Security shift ends at night.

It's a place to veg, catch the play-offs, or watch something educational and enlightening. Or just a place to be while your laundry goes through its cycles. -

Woodshop Neill-Wycik has a small, fully equipped wood- When you take responsibility such as this,

shop located in the Conn Mitchell room in the you gain the coveted key privilege, which basement. means that you may sign out the woodshop key

All members of the Co-op are welcome to use and use the shop at your own convenience. You the facility anytime it is opened by a woodshop may also gain this privilege if you have the supervisor. A timetable is posted each skills to use the equipment and undertake a semester. shop improvement. After the improvement is

You may become a supervisior of you are ex- completed, you are given the key privilege. perienced with the machines and are willing to Management of the shop is done by the open the shop on a regular and reliable basis. woodshop core group. The core is a committee

Pottery The Pottery Room, also located on the 22nd

floor, is open to all Neill-Wycik members. The Pottery Room is equipped with an elec­

tric kick wheel, electric kiln, stoneware and ear­thenware clays, and a dazzling array ot glazes.

Beginners can expect organized class in­struction covering everything from the preparation of the clay for building, to the various hand-building techniques of pinching, coiling, and slabbing. Classes, which run for a semester, start in September, January and May, according to member response.

All pottery people are encouraged to share in the responsibility of operating the kiln and maintaining the room.

composed of five members who meet regularly to approve supervisors, set up training sessions and prepare requests for the shop which are presented to the Education Commit­tee.

Use of the shop is limited only by your skill, imagination, and willingness to help.

Neill-Wycik, through EdCom, supplies the machines, blades, bits and hand tools. You supply the materials.

All that is expected of you is to clean up after yourself and to give five minutes for every hour you work in the shop to maintain the facility.

It is a good shop. It needs energy and interest to make it better.

Art s'nCraft s For those interested in arts and crafts, Neill­

Wycik has established a workroom. Located in the O'Grady Room on the 22nd

floor, the space is used in several ways: By students in classes; by people who bring their own supplies for batik, silkscreen, woodblock and linoleum bock printing; by people who use the space and materials on their own time.

The types of classes offered depend on the needs of the people in the building.

Admittance to the room is obtained by con­tacting any member of the Arts and Crafts Core Group, co-opers who are responsible for allowing people into the room, and for the facil­ity's operation.

Resource Centre The Maxwell Resource Centre, located off

the Kling Lounge and Hanke Games Room, con­tains a library, some desks and chairs, audio­visual equipment, and some friendly people.

Committee members use the room for working on reports, minutes of meetings, and for developing or getting ideas.

Co-opers use the Resource Centre for read­ing and relaxing, meeting other co-opers, and their representatives.

The Resource Centre is a good place to find and talk to committee representatives, to find out how the Co-op is operating, and to find in­formation about the city.

It is also a good place to come to just to get away from where you've been.

The Resource Centre is a 'free' space, meant to be used by Co-op members for a variety of purposes. Don't hesitate to use it.

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Film & Print The Kerr Room is located in the west wing on

the 22nd floor. This fairly large, slightly narrow room is

home to two activities: Film Editing and Publication~

Hales There is a small multi-purpose room, off the

Kling Lounge, which serves a number of func­tions.

The Hales Room is a small office, but the faces of the people who use it change often. No, it's not a make-up room. A lot of people use the space.

The Hales is a special project office, which means that the room is used for short term pro­jects.

It is also used by the Hotel as the Group Sales Manager's office during the season. The GSM needs the space to have meetings, store voluminous files and co-ordinate the depart­ment's activities. The room is also shared with clerical help that the Hotel Manager requires from time to time.

It's a small room, but none the less, an impor­tant space.

Library The Library is shelved in the Maxwell

Resource Centre on the 22nd floor, off the Kling Lounge and the Hanke Games Room.

The Library features books on many subjec­ts, from sociology to sex, and plays to plagues, and has a good selection of fiction , too.

The books for the Library have come from diverse sources, but mostly from members. If you have any books that you no longer need, or have room for, a donation to the Library is ap­preciated. Hard cover and paperback books are both needed and wanted.

Rehearsal

22

There's not much to say about the Music Practice Room, located in the Basement.

There is a piano in the room, which is sound­proof and designed for better acoustics than the other spaces in the building.

To gai n access to the room, all you have to do is sign out the key. There is a separate key and sign-out log for the piano.

The two activities get along quite well, and their location in the Kerr Room led to it being dubbed 'The Communications Centre'.

Film Editing is the responsibility of a core group appointed by the Education Committee. It is the group's responsibility to care for the equipment, and carryon programs relating to film editing. Any member may use the facility once cleared by the Core Group.

The room contains an editing bench, moviescope, equipment for syncsound editing, and a splicer. It's all for 16mm work.

The Publications equipment is used in preparing all of the Co-op's publications. The equipment was purchased, in the main, by Ed­Com. While it seems sparce, what there is helps to get a professional job done. So what do we have? Well , a light table, waxer, storage space, burnishing roller, rulers and storage space.

Typing The Typing Room is just that, a room for type­

writing. The room has two typewriters, two chairs and

two desks. The machines are electric , available to-·all co-opers, and breakdown at the most un­fortunate times.

But the service is convenient to those mem­bers who don't have a machine of their own, or access to one. and have to write a letter home or have an essav due tomorrow.

You'll find the Typing Room behind the brown door across from the Office, on the 22nd floor.

Stuff Tool Loan

Some basic tools are avai lable for loan to members for up to 24 hours, or over the weekend.

The tools-for-Ioan are located in the basement maintenance office and are available between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. Tools are loaned on the condition that if they are not returned within the time period allowed , they will be repossessed by the tool loan manager.

Ping Pong & Pool We have a little bit of everything here! For people who like to relax , or who don't

want to go outside and play, we have indoor games.

No, you ' ll have to get your own Monopoly set. What we have is a ping pong table and a pool table. Both of them are kept in the Hanke Games Room on the 22nd floor.

The ping pong table just sits out in the open. There is a set of paddles and a few balls in the sign-out box , so all you have to do is sign the stuff out and play. Have fun!

Irons What good are the ironing boards in the Surf

Laundry Room if you have nothing to press the wrinkles out with?

Well , unless you prefer a hot rock, we 've got irons available to members. They travel with the movable sign-out equipment, so you know what to do.

The pool table is great because you can play all sorts of different games for fu n and profit (but don 't tell anybody). We have snooker and boston balls, a few cues in various conditions, the requisite racks, and even a score board. The portable equipment is kept with the sign out stuff too, so hunt it down and enjoy.

Buggy A bundle buggy? Yep. It's those little wire

carts you see a lot of people pulling and pushing around to and from the food stores. Security uses one to move the sign out equip­ment from the 22nd floor to the lobby. You can sign it out. Just find the right book, ask for it, and it's yours to use.

Simple, and a heck of a load off your arms, and legs, and back, and shoulders and ...

AudioVisual Neill-Wycik has a few interesting pieces of

audio-visual equipment available for members' use.

The 16mm film projector is used for movie nights and special presentations, but members who have been cleared for its use can borrow the projector when it is not needed elsewhere. It is a Bell and Howell self-load with sound.

The sJide projector may be used by any authorized member. It's a Kodak 35mm carousel.

Piano For the instrumentalist , vocalist, and par­

ticularly the pianist, there is a piano which you can use for practice and recitals.

The instrument is located in the Music Prac­tice Room in the Basement.

We try to keep the instrument in shape. Anybody can use it. All you have to do is sign out the room (the piano comes with it , you see).

The piano was a kind gift to the Co-op by the Rusty Reynolds Family, long time members of the community and friends of Neill-Wycik.

There is also a black and white Sony video tape recorder-playback unit (VTR) housed in the Maxwell Resource Centre. It's used for viewing the pre-recorded tapes in our library, record­ding new shows, and for 'broadcasting' programming on NWTV, our closed circuit tele­vision system.

Getting It It 's no big deal to use EdCom equipment. All

you've got to do is sign it out. There are a ' few special considerations,

though . For things like the AV equipment , you should

be cleared for its use. Just so that we know that you know that we know you know what you 're doing. It's expensive stuff.

Most of the equipment is placed somewhere and some of it moves about with the sign-out box.

So what to do, huh? Okay. You take the sign­out book, turn to the appropriate page, sign out the equipment, leave your 10 Card and that is that.

Simple, eh?

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What IIappens: A lot happens at Neill-Wycik. Participation in the running of the Co-op is only one fa.cet of an a.ctive life. There are opportunities to pursue and develop hobbies, to enjoy entertainment and to experience life.

Publications Neill·Wycik produces a number of

publications each year. Some are intended to inform the membership of what is happening in the building, others to inform people on how to do (or not to do) things. Annually, we prepare the brochure which tells other people who and what Neill·Wycik is, and extends an invitation to join us.

A description of some of our publications follows .

NEWSPAPERS AND NEWSLETTERS Our newspaper has been called many things

over the years , some of them the actual name. Known as The Twenty·third Storey, in the beginning, it has been altered in format and conception as editor and contributors, and yes, even budget, changed. It has been a mimeographed foldover, a photocopied wall poster and a four·page tabloid.

Your time and talent is always welcome. It would be nice to change history and actually have a full·time crew working to tell us what is happening socially and politically at Neill· Wycik.

OWNER'S MANUAL You're holding it! Simply, it tells the resi·

dents what the building, Neill-Wycik , and co­oping is all about. But it Is only a signpost, not an oracle. We hope that each edition will last for a number of years, with minor updates, but people are needed to keep the old gal on target. BOOKLETS

These little goodies outline everything from how to budget for a party to how to hold a bar­beque· for 600. They are published when the need arises and the people are available. They are a way of sharing your knowledge and know­how with your neiQhbor.

BROCHURE

You probably got one when you decided to apply for a room. It states what Wycik offers and what Wycik wants.

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The Monthly Report contains reports and fea· tures about committee and Board business. In addition, special features include questions to and from the members discussion aspects of Neill·Wycik, problems of the day, and the co­operative movement in general.

Watch for your copy and stay in touch.

'1

Activities The closeness of our community, and the availability of our facilities , together with our members' various interests lead to some pretty interesting and lively times

Movies We love movies at Neill·Wycik. Tj1ere are the

weekly film series, the occasional all -night film festival, NFB and foreign films at barbeques, home grown films at weekly get­togethers, and even the odd home movie from time to time. We've shown films on apartheid in South Africa, documentaries on multi-national corporations, and stories of the co-operative movement around the world.

Watch for notices.

Concerts If music be the food of love, play on: Give me excess of it , that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die. That strain again! it had a dying fall :

O! it came o 'er my ear like the sweet sound That breathes upon the bank of violets,

Stealing and giving odor!

Yes, sweet music, rocking music, rolling music, disco music, folk music, all music is yours at a Neill·Wycik concert.

Music for lovers, enemies and the unencum­bered or unconcerned. That's who concerts here are for: You!

And the sources? Members, house bands, and groups and soloists who we just couldn't afford to pass up. They all make music here.

And of course there are the folk nights too , where you don't only listen, you get involved.

You've Paid! Yep, you've paid for it , through your Member·

ship Fee. That money you paid gives the Education

Committee about $20 thousand annually to do things in the building. And to open , acquire and maintain facilities and equipment.

If there's something that you think could benefit the members here, bring it to the atten· tion of the EdCom.

Just put together a proposal , attach it to a budget sheet , go to an EdCom meeting , answer the questions, sell your act , and , with all probability, you've got it.

If you need help in putting the proposal together, EdCom has files going back to the Co­op's Year One and further, so there may be something there. And the people here have in­terests and expertise too.

Now, give it a try. After all ,you 're paying for it.

Folk Night There are a lot of talented people living in

Neill·Wycik, and they shouldn't be kept shut away in their rooms, doodling on their note books or humming to themselves.

For the artists, graphic division, we have the the workrooms and gallery; for the musical types, there is the music practice room and the occasional talent times.

If yGu 've got a band , we'll be happy to come and hear you play. Just book the Steamer or the Cafe, we'll make a party of it. Or, of you're a shy soloist, get a group of your kind together, and we'll come and hear you do your bit, and proba.bly join in too. We've had a couple of these Folk Nights and jam sessions. They're wonderful! Sort of like a big coffee house and drop-in

And if you're not gifted in this way, well, hum along.

Everyone's welcome!

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Parties We love to party! There is at least one party here on a

weekend, and that's during a quiet time. If you check, you'll find someone partying somewhere.

There are many ki nds of parties, too: private parties, floor parties, open parties, building parties, dance parties, costume parties, party parties. Give us a reason, and we'll party. We'll even party to celebrate having a party.

If you want to share your good fortune , or just make a lot of friends, you can organ ize a party for everyone who'll come. There's a booklet available called How to Throw a Wycik Party which will give you some ideas on budgeting and planning a party for the members. It's also a good guide if you apply the tips to any sort of gathering that has food, drink, music and lots of people. It's available at the Office, for the asking.

Barbeque We love to barbeque about as much as we

love to party. Maybe it's because it 's just another excuse to party, or maybe it's because it's a party or because it's summer, or because it's outside, or nice, or warm, or free food.

Whatever the reason, there are building-wide barbeques, usually co-sponsored by the Education and House committees; floor barbe­ques; private party barbeques, where a small group advertises tickets, and a somewhat

larger rrXrVavelS on the

Going places is a favourite pastime at Neill­Wycik. It may not happen often, but when it does, it's fun. We've had exchange visits with the student co-ops in Ann Arbor and lan­sing Michigan; hosted the Board of Directors of NASCa; sent our members off on retreats to discuss Wycik leadership, co-op problems, and the advantage of being under a tree on an island in the middle of a lake.

The House Committee usually looks after these details and the Education Committee even gets into the act from time to time, usually with its chequebook.

We even have a hidden ambition to send a pack of us off to New York City (although even the state would be fine) just to see it. Yes, we like to travel.

total cost (a barbequed food kitty?). And then, of course, there can be the inti­

mate backyard cookout between friends. But, whatever the reason, or event, they all

take place in the back yard , that patch of grass behind the Cafe windows. There's a barbeque grill that's part BBQ and part Hibachi and anyone may use it.

And there's the glorious outdoors. Yes, even summer can be fun. Bon appetit!

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Since the EdCom spaces are shared by all members, certain guidelines have been developed to help protect the spaces, assure their upkeep, and establish the responsibilities of members who use them for parties.

Some of these guidelines follow. Everyone who acts as a host for a party in an EdCom ad­ministered space receives a copy of the current guidelines. Those following are based on the policy passed in May, 1978.

Rooms which may be used for parties are the Hanke Games Room and the Music Listening Room, for quiet, private parties only, and the Cafe and the Stanley Steamer, for the boisterious, all-out famous open Wycik party. The Cafe is to be used when the sale of liquor is desired , as allowed by llBO regulations (See story page 34). The Steamer is used when the sale of liquor is not desired, whicn means BYO affai rs.

A refundable damage deposit is required on all party rooms, and will be returned if there is no damage. Party organizers, or Hosts, who sign the party agreement, are held responsible for the costs of all damages over and above the amount of the deposit.

Rooms are inspected for damage or abnor­malities before and after a party by either a member of the EdCom or the Security Staff.

Although a party may be open to the building, or even if it 's a private affair, the Hosts must take the responsibility of hosts. They take per-

sonal responsibility for the good behaviour of their guests, and for the cleaning of the party site afterward, in addition to responsibility for damage and repair, as mentioned above.

The party policy, which was developed by the EdCom and approved by the Board, is admini­stered by the Co-op Co-ordinator and the ad­ministrative staff. Appeals on all decisions are heard by the EdCom.

The party policy was developed to help every­one have a good time at a party, whether guest or host, and also to let the good times keep on coming.

N·W Broadcasting Neill -Wycik operates its own closed circuit

radio and television stations. All our radio programs are broadcast live and

our television is usually in-house productions and popular off-network programs on video tape. NWFM

Neill-Wycik FM is like no other radio station. I nstead of one centrally-located broadcast studio, members of the Co-op broadcast from their rooms, using their stereo systems and record i ngs.

You can broadcast from your room, provided that you meet a few technical necessities.

NWFM produces about three to 10 hours of programming daily. When no one at Wycik is broadcasting, NWFM simucasts the Ryerson

student radio signal CKlN. There is always something to listen to.

You can tune in to NWFM by hooking your radio to the antenna terminal in your room and tuning channel 103.5 on the FM band.

If you have a special event you would like to advertise, simply drop a note in the NW Com­munications box in the Office. Broadcasters frequently announce their 'phone numbers while on the air so you can call in a request, or whatever.

If commercials bug you, and OJ's bore you, NWFM is just what you need. If you are in­terested and wish to find out more, or have trouble tuning us in, leave a note in the Com­munications box.

We are always looking for new people and new ideas.

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Lectures From time to time, somebody arranges for a

speaker to come to the building. Usually the Education Committee will co­

sponsor the event, or at least help with the arrangements. The lectures can range from aerodynamics to zen.

When Neill-Wycik opened. a series of lec­tures was part of the Co-op's daily life. The idea slowly atrophied because most people here were just too busy with school to bother with additional regular lectures. So much for alternative education , but it explains the 'College' in the name.

Now lectures happen when we can arrange them, when someone has something to say, or when they're just too good a thing to pass by.

Lectures, tarks, demonstrations, and what have you are also arranged by the groups which all the Co-op home. CNSP and Erin Lane School have brought events to Wycik, and Co-opers were invited. Link Poetry Workshop has readings and lectures on a regular basis, which are also open to members of the Co-op.

If you're interested in listening or learning , there's always something for you here.

Classes With all of the facilities in the building, it

would be a shame if they were only available to those who already knew how to use them.

Appropriately, our co-operative committment goes further than sharing the costs and re­sponsibilities of providing housing and the facilites. We also share time and expertise.

If you are willing to learn, there will always be someone willing to teach you, or to find you a teacher.

The Education Committee sponsors a series of courses annually. They are usually held in three sessions: fall, winter and summer, corresponding to the three school periods.

The courses are taught by Co-opers, who are paid a modest honorarium for teaching. The cost of the teachers is spl it between the stu­dents and the Education Committee. Students are responsible for the cost of sup­plies where applicable.

Courses offered vary from session to seSSion, but usually include pottery, photography and carpentry.

To help in the planning of courses, EdCom conducts two surveys a year, one in preparation for the Fall and Winter sessions, and one for Spring and Summer, to find where the interests I ie for both potential students and instructors.

Course registrations are centralized in a single notice and response form. All you have to do is show your interest and show up.

In addition to the interest and crafts courses, the Education Committee, in association with the Management Committee, and the Board of Directors, also offers First Aid Courses, by the St. John's Ambulance and fire prevention and safety seminar by the Toronto Fire Depart­ment. The dates and locations of these courses

will be posted separately from the others. If you would like to teach a course, contact

the EdCom with a proposal, including the course content, the experience level necessary, and a proposed budget. Volunteers are always welcome.

Brunches The job of getting to know each other doesn't

stop with the orientation activities. It's just too big a project to be covered in a month, not to mention just3n evening dinner and slide show.

We also get together at parties, and other af­fairs , but many of these events have another purpose, so the business of getting to know each other is peripheral

From time to time you will see notices of a floor or group holding a brunch. You bring a mug, and they ' ll supply coffee, or juice, muf­fins or others munchables, a lot of people and a mellow atmosphere to just sit and talk.

If morning sessions don't appeal to you, there are also the weekly drop-ins, usually held in the Kling Lounge. There, you'll find people, discussion, music, and refreshments, and you don't even have to bring your own crockery.

Either way, it's fun getting to meet and know your neighbours.

If a floor or a group want's to sponsor a brun­ch, or one of the drop-in evenings , the Education Committee will entertain a proposal to at least partially aid the event financially, and will be more than pleased to give you ad­vice and guidance on how to budget for, and run the affair.

Any Ideas?

So, you have something you would like to see happen, eh? Don 't just sit there , say some­thing! !

This place, this Co-operative, runs on mem­ber initiative. The ' leadership group' , that is to say, the committees, the administrators, the activist~ , all had something to say at one time. They may be out of ideas - or touch.

If you have an idea, don 't hide your light bulb under a bushel - get it out in the open where we can all take a crack at it. It may change, it may stay the same, you may even be told where to go with it. But let your idea have its day in the sun.

Unspoken ideas, good, bad or otherwise, tend to sit, rot and mildew, which is not a nice thing to have happening in your brain. It's very hard to put a box of baking soda on there for one thing.

And who knows, you may have discovered the cure for common apathy.

So please, speak up!

Games Ah, the games members play here. There's a

room for games on the 22nd floor, with a pool table and ping pong set-up, but that's only where it beains.

There's the Backgammon club, which sets up a number of in-house tournaments for its members, and any co-oper can join. Everyone who participates is rated as a player so that competition is between equally skilled players. And regular continual play will improve your game, so you can move up.

There 's the bridge group, too, and those others who meet once a week in the Kling Room (been going on for over seven years, y'know).

We've even got a group into playing Diplomacy and Risk.

Back to the Games Room. In years past we've had a snooker tournament in the building. There 's even an award for that. The Molsen Placque. And with the number of ping pongers, looks like friendly competition isn't impossi ble there either.

Yep, we're real game players here.

Sports We have such a cross section of people

living at Wycik, that nearly all sports are played at or near here.

With our proximity to Ryerson, and with most of the students I iving here registered there, Wycik is a representative body in all available organized activities at Ryerson. Many of our members join their own course union teams, but Wycik also fields teams if enough members show an interest. Of late, hockey has been our forte.

The Education Committee has provided sweaters for our team players. These can be signed out at the beginning of any sports season.

By the way, the NW Team name is Wycik Warriors

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The Co-op is the people who belong to it. Ifwe are to have a close, sharing, caring organization, the first thing to do is gain knowledge of each other.

Since we are a Co-op, the learning process, the work of getting to know each other,

Welcome, Neighbor Part of the challenge of making this Co·op

work is getting to know about it and each other. Three times during the year, in January, May,

and September, the Neill-Wycik community holds orientation programs for its new mem­bers.

The September orientation is the largest of the three. It emphasizes communication about the Co-op, by both new and old members on an individual floor level , but it is much more. To help 'break the ice', and demostrate the Co­op 's social potential, a number of events are held during the initial weeks. Past activities have included a boat cruise in the Toronto har­bour, with dinner and dancing; a beer festival ; building parties; a jazz concert; and a film festival. In addition, each floor is encouraged to hold some sort of event, whether it be a dinner

or a roller skating party, or anything that will bring the members on a floor together, and help them to get to know each other better. The Education Committee usually makes funds available for these activities.

In January and May, the Orientation sessions are smaller, usually involving from 40 to 70 new members who have joined the Co-op since the last session. The Winter and Spring orien­tations are quite different. They are usually centered on a dinner hosted by committee members, and offer dialogue between old and new members, on a wide variety of topics . A slide-and-tape show or a film about student co­ops highlights the evening.

Basically, Orientation is co-opers saying "welcome!" to their new neighbours.

Drop In, Sit a Spell Need a place to go to get away from

studying? Sick of that essay and want a change of scene? Feeling like talking to somebody? Then drop in .

The Education and the House committees sponsor a weekly Co-op Drop-in where co­opers can meet, talk, rest, veg, relax, enJoy, hide, debate or just plain go.

There's coffee and cookies, soft drinks and music, places to sit, and people.

It's cozy, comfy, and low-key. The Drop-ins are part of the Co-op 's ongoing

attempts at community development, of getting people to meet others. The aim is simple: to build community through interaction and relationships , and to strengthen the Co-op through discussion and the sharing of problems, views and ideas.

But the ulterior motives notwithstanding , the Drop-ins are there so you can take part. Give 'em a try.

By the way, during Ryerson's exam week, the Drop-in is held most week nights to give you a quick getaway.

also means getting to know the Co-op. All in all it is a dual process with one goal: Strengthening our society.

Co-op Education An important part of the co-op and communi­

ty development is knowing what's happening in the co-op movement , and learning more about the operation of co-ops.

The Education Committee pays for at least part of the cost of this kind of education , of­fered by a number of other organizations.

The North American Students of Co ­operation (NASCO) offers courses and seminars at its annual Institute, held in Novem­ber. Usually a group of co-opers attends these sessions. They include dinners with guest speaks whose subjects range from co-op publications to purchasing systems.

The Co-operative Housing Federation of

Toronto offers a series of courses throughout the year on Financial Management, Board Training , Maintenance Management, and other areas. Neill-Wycik members have been taking part in these. Enrollment is limited for each course by co-op, so demand for places is great; but the courses are worth the wait. Board members and prospective candidates are wise to take the Board Training courses offered by either NASCO or the Federation . There's more to the job than you 'd think.

EdCom will also entertain applications for financial aid for any member attending func­tions or educational sessions held by any other co-operative group.

Planning the Welcome Just like many other events and functions

here, the Orientation is also planned in commit­tee.

Okay, so the Orientation is a welcoming to the community, and an opportunity to show new members what we have to offer, and where they can become involved.

The Education and House committees co­operate on the initiation of a number of events for the first month of the new Co-op year, and the arrangements for the dinners held in January and May.

The real dynamic is the summer-long plan ­ning that takes place for the September welcome.

It begi ns with the brai nstorm. Ideas are tossed out and discussed to see what has worked, what can work, and what should be retired .

Next come the planning sessions with staff, committee and co-ordinators.

The Housing Co-ordinator gets into the act, telling us how many first-timers there will be, and expressing any particular concerns about their co-op knowledge, as demonstrated by the

answers to the Application questionnaire. The Management Committee and the Board

will also have their respective contributions. And then we let the members outside the

building know what's happening. Why you shouldn't bring a car, or that the tickets for the Board Cruise are available. And that's when the Owners' Manual should get into your hands, too , before you arrive.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch , volunteers and the paid co-ordinator(s) are making arrange­ments, co-ordinating events with Ryerson, get­ting licences, planning parties, finding people to do things and looking for more volunteers.

In preparation for the fall, we need people to serve as Floor Co-ordinators and Community Counsellors, and they have to be trained too.

It's a big process, and, if things go right , we'get on a rOll', the carry-over of energy that will take us through the whole year, back to the time when we start planning for the next Sep­tember to come. Care to join us?

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Our building is a great asset. It not only gives us a place to live, but also a place in the community. It most certainly makes us visible.

Since co-operation is sharing, and, since in the long run we are attempting to bring

Who's Here Who's here? Practically everyone! . I If nothing else can be depended on, this

axiom can: Neill-Wycik may be a co-op, but it 's not an exclusive club.

Neill-Wycik has a long history of opening its doors to other groups and individuals. Not everyone in the building is a member. By the same virtue, not everyone in the building has the same privileges as a member.

What do the other people do here? Well, they have meetings, classes, offices, rooms for the night, stop overs and, in some cases, use of the equipment.

Okay, fine, but who's here? Hotel guests in the summer, co-opers from

out of town who are into visiting Toronto, the

owners and managers of the stores on the streetfront, members of dance groups, schools, newspapers, publications, non-resident members who have dropped by to say hello and enjoy the benefits of their membership.

There could be anyone at anytime. The world certainly isn't held back at our door.

We've always had an open door policy, as long as we can get as good as we give.

With many of the non-member groups and such, we have reciprocal agreements from which we can both benefit.

But, that 's enough said here. The articles on these pages tell you a bit more about who's here, what they do and what we get out of their presence.

The Store Fronts The presence of commercial tenants in Neill­

Wycik is an example of entrepreneurial and co­operative co-existance.

The four stores provide about $24 thousand In rental income - a significant contribution to the Co-op's operating revenue.

The leases are such that we cannot effect much control over the quality of service to the membership, or over the remaining length of tenancy, or the amount of rent paid. These agreements, save one, were handled for us by a

property management firm at the dawn of our existance. The future and our interests were seemingly not taken into account at the time of I"legotiation. We have managed to co-operate with the commerical tenants on various ac­tivities, such as New York Pizza's sidewalk cafe, for mutual benefit.

While their presence may be questionable, the convenience of having some services just downstairs isn't all that bad. And neither's the rent they pay.

our 'message' of co-operation and sharing to the community, many people other than members may use some of the facilities from time to time.

NASCO Canada Sometimes it takes a while before a good

idea takes hold. It was like that getting Nasco: Canada established, and Neill-Wycik is the place where it happened.

The North American Students of Co­operation (NASCO), a continent-wide secondary level co-operative group, was solidly headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. NASCO, an organization with members from both Canada and the United States and a board of directors composed equally of people of both countries, had one problem: Because of the location of its home base, and the nationality of the balance of its active members, its focus

The Others A number of other people wander into the

building from time to time. Erin Lane School uses the Steamer for

classes. Co-opers are invited to join sessions that may interest them. Watch for posters.

The Link Poetry Workshop uses the Steamer, and sometimes the Kling Lounge, for meetings and readings. Wycik members are always in­vited to these sessions too, and notices are usually distributed a week in advance, in your mailbox.

Various dance groups use the Cafe for classes and rehearsals. These are not open to members, but the Co-op benefits through the furniture fund. It means lower housing charges.

The Metro Co-op Community, better known as MC2 , uses the Kling and the Steamer for meetings, and Wycik is always invited. MC2 is a co­operative co-ordinating group.

And, of course, there is the McGill-Granby Residents' Association, the community municipal politics people who speak for the people in this area. In a way, they represent you too.

There are a number of other groups and in­dividuals here from time to time. The list just accounts for the 'regulars'.

This is another way of opening our home and exposing ourselves to the world outside, and them to us. .

was decidedly American. That is, until quite recently.

In 1979, through the efforts of the Canadian directors of NASCO, and because of the de­mise of the Canadian-based co-operative group NEXUS, Nasco: Canada was conceived.

Nasco: Canada is the Canadian wing, but it is not a branch plant, or the offspring of the American counterpart: It is an equal partner established to make NASCO truly international, not only in membership, but in scope.

Nasco: Canada is inv01ved with lobbying pro­vincial and federal government agencies for the needs of Co-ops, and in providing training and direction for co-op leaders and administrators. Most importantly, the Canadian office enables NASCO to be in as close touch with the current situation in the Canadian co-op sector as it is with the latest developments in the United States.

Nasco: Canada is 'headquartered at Neill­Wycik. It is an appropriate and opportune location.

Since joining NASCO, Neill-Wycik has been active in the activities of the organization. Within a year of its joining, the Co-op nomin­ated one of its members for a Directorship and saw two Wycikers elected to the NASCO board. Other Neil-Wycik members have become invol­ved with NASCO programmes, planning, and in one instance, found employment, organizing one of the conferences which lead to the founding of Nasco: Canada.

Aside from the resources which NASCO can find here, Neill-Wycik benefits with NASCO's presence. We become a focal point of the co-op world. People coming to work for or visit Nasco: Canada also visit the Co-op. They have an opportunity to see how we do things. If nothing else, we can prove that a large-membership, 22 storey highrise housing co-op with an itinerant membership works. We also have the oppor­tunity to use the resource of NASCO first hand. We no longer have to trek to Ann Arbor to bene­fit from our membership , because the resources which it brings are right here for us to use. (For more information on NASCa, see page 36.)

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There is a world out there and we are part of it. Neill-Wycik is a leader in its community. Our members should take advantage of the activities that the city offers. At the same time, we should invite more of our neighbours into our vertical village.

We rely on the services of many of the people 'out there'. We are not self sufficient.

The Neighbours By Henry Einarson

The McGill-Granby neighbourhood encom­passes a small area immediately north of us. It is a mixture of old and new houses, a highrise apartment building, some older apartment complexes, and Neill-Wycik. Wycik and its neighbours, as a group, consider the many problems of living downtown, working to make life better for everyone. We present our views and ideas to the municipal government through the McGill-Granby Residents' Association. Wycik has extended a standing invitation to our neighbours to use our facilities for meetings. In turn, McGill-Granby residents outside the Co­op appreciate and listen to our views.

People living in the McGill-Granby area are consulted about projects proposed for the neighbourhood. Co-opers have direct input as residents of the neighbourhood. We do have clout We worked with developers on a con­struction project ICicated next door to our building to ensure that greater emphasis was placed on frtmily housing, and the retention of many of the original structures on the site, and the reduction of the new building's shadow on our property's north side and the rest of the neighbourhoorl .

McGill-Granby is just a small part of the downtown area. Co-opers are invited and en­couraged to find out more about living in the centre of a large city. We live in Ward Six of the

City of Toronto. Our ward includes the central business district , the Toronto Islands , numerous hospitals, Ryerson, the University of Toronto, and many people living in houses, apartments, residences , and co-ops.

If you are interested in finding out more about the city you live in, the Office staff will be pleased to pass on information about coming activities and concerns.

The 519 Neill-Wycik is not the only place offering or­

ganized activities, The 519 Church Street Com­munity Centre also has much to offer Co-opers.

The 519, one of the busiest community cen­tres in Toronto, is just a short wal k north on Church Street. It offers numerous activities and services of value to downtown residents. Among these are a chess club, conversational french lessons, dance classes, life drawing in ­struction, a community resource centre , library, food co-op. poetry workshops, a legal clinic

The 519 holds a number ot activity days, bazaars with good bargains, and dances. The staff is open to members' suggestions for pro­grams. Most of the programs rely on volunteer input and time, and are financed by a nominal membership, fund raising events, and grant from the City.

The LLBO Blues One of the greater bugaboos we have is the

LLBO and its regulations. For those not in the know, the LLBO is the Liquor License Board of Ontario. Between that group and the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations, which likes to sell you 10 Cards, we've go fun, folks.

What's it all mean? Certain areas of the bUilding, while still part of your home, are con-

sidered Public Places under the Act. These i n­clude the lobby, hallways and the elevators. Your residence is your unit, the Steamer and our lounges. In Public places you can't have booze unless the place is licensed. In Residen­tial places it's okay, as long as the stuff is "legally in your possession".

Nor are we, or should we be, isolated from the rest of humanity. The Co-op makes us unique, but it doesn't prevent us from participating in a larger society.

Bell Canada Ah yes, good 01' Ma Bell. She can be a

real. .. uhm ... mother sometimes. Which leads us to the wonderful subject of: How to get a 'phone and where to stick it.

To get a telephone, you just pop over to the Bell Phone Centre at the Toronto Eaton Centre. Make the arrangements there, that is type of service you want, type of 'phone, colour, dial or push button, Mickey Mouse or plain old black desk. They will give you an instrument to take home with you and will arrange to have service operative within a certain period.

After you get home, uncrate the little ding ler and plug it in. Yes! We are equipped with plug­in jacks.

Okay, now for some considerations. Do you want a private 'phone, or do you want to share one? Good questions. Here are some more.

If you want your own private 'phone in your room, will you let your unit mates use it on oc­casion? How will you handle long distance charges? If you want to share a telephone, will it stay in one person's room, in the hall or the lounge? Also, consider that if the group of you apply for joint service, you will be charged the higher business rates. Not a good bargain.

Us&the COpS We have a good relationship with the police.

We have found the best policy is for us, through Security and the administrative staff, to handle our own problems, whenever possible.

Of course we cannot expect our security people to solve situations which endanger their I ives or those of others. We leave these cases to the Metro police. After all, that's what they're paid for: To serve and protect.

The Metros don't know much about Wycik people because not many of them have had the pleasure of entering our building or seeing our living situation. When we do have them here, we give them the respect they deserve, but we also demand the respect which we deserve. It works very well.

Many units split on the 'phone bill, for basic service, and one member takes the legal responsibility for the bill. There is some trust needed for this arrangement.

Fi nally, watch out for unheeded costs. If all you need is a black desk phone with a dial, get one. It works as well as the statue of a rodent.

Well, I've gotta go, time's up.

C able TV If you have a televiSion, you may not be hap­

py with the number of channels you can receive off-air. You have two choices: The building an­tenna and cable service.

The building antenna doesn't cost you a thing. Just hook-up your set to the terminals in your room, and that's it. You'll get nine chan­nels: WG R, Ch. 2, (N BC); WIVB, Ch. 4, (CBS); WKBW, Ch. 7 (ABC); WUTV, Ch. 29 (Ind.) all in Buffalo; CBL T, Ch. 5 (CBC), CFTO, Ch. 9 (CTV), Ch. 22, Global; CITY, Ch. 79 (Ind.), all in Toronto; CHCH, Ch. 11 (Ind.), in Hamilton. The thing is, not all the channels listed here correspond to the channel the antenna will pump into your set. Check around to see which number on the dial is receiving what channel.

The other possibility is cable service. This building is serviced by Roger's Cable. There are two options: straight service, where your set is hooked up to their big antenna, and converter service, which gets you even more channels, like Barrie, Peterborough and Kitchener, and specialty things like Air Canada arrivals and de­partures, weather information including the Weather Radio Canada broadcast signal. Cable costs for the cable connection, converter ren­tal, and installation fees. And there's no saving in having the converter and cable installed at the same time. Rogers charges an installation fee for each service, at last check about $15 a shot. The only advantage to cable is improved reception.

The choice is yours.

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36

Co-operation goes beyond Neill-Wycik. There are co-ops throughout Canada, North America, and the world. We must share with these other co-ops in order to learn and grow.

The Federation Co-operative housing is more than Just a

place to live. It's a whole new dimension in the Canadian housing market. The Co-operative Housing Federation is a one-stop resource cen­tre dealing with every aspect of co-op housing.

The Federation is incorporated as a non­profit co-operative. Its members are individual housing co-operatives. Each co-op has one vote entrusted to a delegate. Membership meetings of the delegates are held monthly. The delegates elect a five-member Board of Direc­tors to handle administrative matters. The Board employs a staff to develop new co­operatives and deliver service to existing co­ops. The staff is organized in four teams: Development, Management , Education and Administration.

The Federation grew out of efforts that began in the fall of 1973, when several housing and community groups met together to organize lobbying of the newly created Ontario Ministry of Housing and to discuss common problems with the new federal non-profit housing progr­grams. These meetings were found to be very useful and the participants agreed on the need for a continuing organization. In March, 1974, the Federation was officially founded and by January, 1975, funds were secured to hire the first paid staff. Combining strength through united action and emphasizing the develop­ment of practical services, the Federation has grown slowly but steadily.

As an organization seeking to unite all housing co-operatives in the Metropolitan Toronto area, the Federation seeks out the membership of each new co-operative. Each member pays an annual fee and is entitled to a member benefits package which includes: in­formation and advice , a regular newsletter, discounts on Federation courses and publications, a say in the creation of new ser­vices , emergency management assistance should it be required , and savings through a bulk purchasing network.

The Federation is actively involved in representing its co-operatives on both an in­dividual and group basis on any issues affec­ting their financial or social health . Member­ship in the Federation guarantees each co-op continuinq access to management support and

a voice in the larger co-op movement while still maintaining its own independence.

NASCG The North American Students of Co­

operation (NASCO) is a campus-based con­sumer co-operative whose members, both in­dividuals and organizations, support the co­operative movement.

NASCO grew out of the energy of student co­op members who believed that the co-operative movement could be spread only by active organizing and education. Representatives from 41 campuses at an Ann Arbor, Michigan conference in March, 1978, concluded that a North American organization was needed to facilitate this work.

The Canadian experience of building student co-ops through good communications and technical assistance influenced the organization of NASCO. Similarly, the demise of the North American Student Co-op League (NASCL) - attributed in part to its passive role in new co-op organizing - provided a lesson of another kind.

From its inception until 1971, NASCO's technical assistance and communications were carried on by people on a volunteer basis while they continued their co-op work locally. This local work was indicative of the vast energy flowing into campus and community co­op organizing across Canada and the United States.

By 1971 this energy had created the need for many services to help sustain co-ops and reduce the barriers confronting co-op organizers . As a result, NASCO now employs a full-time staff , provides continuing education in the form of publications, conferences , and training programs, technical assistance and membership benefits like the Campus Co-op Directory.

Through NASCO, members help support co­operatives at other campuses and communities throughout North America, and receive the education and service benefits which come from relating to the larger co-operative movement.

Today, NASCO links thousands of people who are building better communities and a more just economy by building co-operatives . .

artThree

he Art of ,8 riving

Neill-Wycik is a community working at becoming a home. This is not easy because much about our lives is centered on becoming acquainted with our passive environment, and not on the people around us.

Living together in a society based on mutual aid is a philosophy alien to many of us .

This section is a compendium of tips, gleaned from the ex­periences of other co-opers, about living with people and things.

38

You have the choice of how you want to live, and, within certain guidelines, with

Moving In Moving in is a lot of fun! The riot scene in Day

of the Locust seems more controlled than what happens here during the three days in Septem­ber when everyone comes home.

In reality, things are organized, and busy. What happens in the first week of September is the return of members who have been away for the summer, the arrival of new residents, and the internal moves made by members who are changing places.

Everybody who cares gets involved. The Of­fice is closed for the three days, except for messages and mail in the late afternoon. The staff and volunteers are in the cafe, lobby, ele­vators and on the floors helping people move in, supplying information, and directing traffic .

At move-in time you'll sign your Occupancy Agreement, pay your housing charges as re­quired, pose for your Membership Card photo and answer the Skills Index questionaire.

Here's one moving tip: Whether it's in, around, or out, when you move, pack all of your stuff, put it all beside the elevator, then have the elevator put on service for you, load it up and move. Saves time and elevators. If you just highjack an elevator without getting the key, it puts all the others out of sequence.

If you 're moving in at any other time, go to the office, make your arrangements there, get you key, and have the elevator put on service.

Now, all that's left is to unpack, put your stuff away, and make your room your home.

ID Cards The Neill-Wycik 10 Cards allow Security to

tell members from visitors and strangers, and help sort out the riff raff from the co-opers:

10 Cards are usually made on the day when you move in; and they're free. There is a small charge for replacements though.

The 10 Cards have your photo, room number, name and Signature. They are used to get you into a building party, to sign out facilities and get use of various pieces of equipment.

They also make great 10 when cashing cheques and things like that. They won't be ac­cepted as the only form of 10, but many places will take them as the second, or third piece re­quired. And they can't deny it's you since your mug's on the card.

The 10 Cards are permanent, and will be re­validated when you move in, or renew your membership.

Staying Believe it or not, you just don't come back

here to live, you've got to re-apply! We don't mean to get bureaucratic, but we've

got to rave some way of finding out what rooms are avai lable so we can let new people in (should we have the space, of course). So, if you intend to return in the fall (assuming you're not staying for the summer), or if you're staying for the summer, or after the summer, you've got to fi II out that application form too.

The form itself is no big deal. I n fact, it's your

chance to tell the big wigs a few things about the Co-op. This makes the whole process a functional and educational exercise.

New, important thing to remember: To make sure that you'll have space in the Fall, you'll have to get your application in by June 1. If you are staying through the Summer, and are living in a multiple unit, there's another application you ' ll have to put in by April 1 to make sure there's room for you then too.

Arrangements whom. And as with most organizations there are procedures to follow and problems to solve in any sort of living arrangement.

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Typical Floor Plan

Irhe floor plan shows the lay~ut of the typ ical floor . :he dash-lines Revised Unit Lounge Floor Lounge ~how the wall. of a floo, woth a .'ounge. The dot-lone •• how the 1 I r :.:.:.:. :-:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:-:-:-:-:-:-:::.:-::::::-: onflguratlOn of some C and D Unit lounges. :»»»><»»<>.

Equipping the Kitchen

So, you're gonna do your own cooking. Well, that's well and good, but you're gonna need some tools, right? Right.

If you are living in a four-, five- , or six-per­son house unit, even if you all cook and eat separately, you'll wind up sllaring at least the dishes and utensils. Any arguments about whose fork someone is using are just plain stupid. Just make sure you know what belongs to whom when the party breaks up, that's all that's important.

So, what to bring. Given the fact of a communally equipped kit­

chen, then the basics are in twos: plates, cups, cutlery, pots, pans. and all that paraphernalia. You can, of course, bring some fnore sophisticated things like toasters,

mixers, egg separaters, but only in one's, and there still may be some duplication. Still, it's worth the risk. Two's better than none.

The Co-op suppl ies the fridge and the stove; you've got to do the rest.

How you equip the kitchen depends on what you know about kitchens, and food and its preparation. You may be on some sod of diet, or eat differently from everyone else. Or maybe you just don't cook.

Well, whatever, you do with the space, bring the basics and work the rest out with you r nearest and dearest, your unitmates. Come to think of it, the whole thina aoes for everyone, those in the multiple units, and the two-person and apartment units too.

Okay, now get cooking.

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40

Changing Places fleiLF \V8ci~ Co-qperative ecrleBe. Inc. '1''' Gerrdrd 5t. f.. Loronto MS'O IG7

MEMBERS

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i\dd.ress City Province

Pesta1 Code Phone Desired Jot)ve- in Date ____ _

erergency Address ci ty Province

Postal Code ~rgen(.jl Phcne _____ _

University/College Year in Course

~tion _________ _

As a nerber of Neill-wycik ~rative Colleqe 1nc . , I agree to adhere to the policies set by all past and future o::mn.it tees.

Signature Today ' s Date _______ _

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Please ma..rk your fl~t, sca:::nd and third choices.

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Please If''C eus S\.icl :"l...' !n II'l:I,"dt'· n ~m''.l!.c )/ hOlL"l'ffi1l,· fJP'iprcnCX's or any other requests (SpeCl[lC ~ 1()lI.~'(..--.lIlJl ur 1 h , 1/ , ,>to· .

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TwoPersonTips The two-person house units, better known as

the "two-mans", are primarily rented to in­dividuals who have shown leadership in the Neill-Wycik community.

If you are applying for one, you'll have to write a short letter (one page will do) to the Membership Committee, outlining how long you have lived in the Co-op, what you have done while here. and the reasons why you want space in a Two-man.

The Membership Committee reviews all ap­plications for Two-mans and Apartments. When your application is received, you will be contac­ted for a personal interview. If you are granted a Two-man , your name will be placed on the waiting list. When it comes to the top, you will be contacted. All you'll have to do then is wait for a vacancy.

To insure continued involvement in the Co­op, the Membership Committee may require you to enter into a specific work agreement with the Co-op.

Questions about the procedure will be hap­pily answered by the housing Co-ordinator or any member of the Membership Committee.

You're not satisfied with your room-mate? You want a bigger place? You need to have an apartment? You just want a change? Whatever the reason, members changing places are not unheard of.

You may change places during the Co-op year or when you re-apply for space. The choice is yours. There are some considerations.

If you want to change places during the Co­op year, that is during the term of your Occu­pancy Agreement, there are a few things you must do: You'll have to let the Rentals Officer know that you want a different room , unit or whatever, at least a month before the change. You'll have to sign an internal move agreement which outlines your responsibilites to the Co­op because of your desire to change places; You'll have to take responsibility for advertising the availability of your space for occupancy and any housing charges due for the space un­til someone is found to I ive in it.

If you want to move into a two-person or apartment unit theie are other things you'll have to do too, and these may require a wait un­til a unit becomes available and your name comes to the top of the waiting list (see separate story)

If you just want to make different arrange­ment for the Summer or the Fall, you have only to fi II out the appropriate appl ication form (See separate story). The Two-person and Apartment story is baSically the same.

Requests You want more than just a room. You want

one in the middle of the building , south side, a D1 , and you want certain people in your unit. Well, not that you will get it, but the Housing Co-ordinator will certainly try to get it for you. But first, you've got to let your desi res be known.

When you fill out your housing application form, there is a space at the bottom which you may use to indicate any preferences you have. If you want to form a group, live on the south side of tile building, or on a low floor, this is the way to communicate your wishes to the Housing Co-ordinator and the Membership Committee.

Moving Out Moving out is a fine art. First of all , it's not

the same as moving-in in reverse. And it is cer­tainly not like changing places. Moving out means that you are leaving. It means that you are taking whatever stuff you want to keep, with you. Moving out is a production number.

Neill-Wycik has three forms of moving out: The spring exodus; the fall re-organization; the odd decision.

The spring exodus is the biggest organiza­tional problem we have next to the September move-in. Although members know that they will be leaving, school, exam schedules and other factors determine that everyone leaves during the same two weeks of April. The staff and vol­unteers assign the elevators, collect keys and check rooms. Unlike the fall move-in, the spring

exodus continues all day. Specific details may change, so watch for notices.

The fall re-organization is actually part of the fall move-in. Some people change places; others move out. This usually happens during the last week of August.

Of course, people move out at any time. There are requirements around notices and sub-letting. Moving out is simpler because the volume is not as high. Co-ordinate your activi ­ties in this area through the Office and the Ren­tals Officer.

Personal Relations In all communities, even ours, people don't OKay, so we've aealt negatively with the

always get along with other people. What to negatives. Finally, here is what you should do: do? Well, first remember that one person's per- Negotiate! Compromise, clearly defined, is the ception of a phenomenon, say stereo loudness, road to mutual good living. Once the situation may differ radically from that of another is put forth, settle things like what hours, what person's perceptions of the same occurance. evenings, and at what volumes that stereo is Keep in mind that toleration of differences in acceptable. You come to these conclusions to-lifestyle and values is a positive good, and ex- gether; no ultimatums, or unconditional posure to legitimate differences is one of the surrenders. benefits of living in a large co-op. Because If you have trouble talking, neutral third people are often at different stages of life, with parties are useful in negotiations. If your neigh-very different needs, one person may need bours or unitmates are not available to fill the Super Tramp on the box, while, you, the other role, the office staff is there to help you, as are person, may need peace and quiet. your floor co-ordinator and community council-

Okay, so what can you do about these con- lor. If you don't know where to turn, see the Co-flicting needs, the elements that bring about op Co-ordinator for help. disagreement and conflict? The freedom to swing your arm ends well

Communication among friends gets heard. If before the other person's nose begins. Neill-you deal with your problem on a friendly basis, Wycik has basic rules (see page 6). Learn them. you have a good chance of success, meaning a Communicate them in a friendly way. reconciliation amenable to both parties. If your All of what's been said notwithstanding, only form of contact with your neighbour is there are two causes of conflict: Normal anta-conflict communication, it won't go well. Get to gonisms from conflicting lifestyles, which can know the people on your floor on a friendly be dealt with effectively by the methods out-basis before things go wrong. The earlier you lined above, and very serious disturbances, like do so, the better things can be. threatening, violent, suicidal, or larcenous be-

If you are not friends, remember that friendly haviour. If you think you are dealing with the communication is still the order of the day to latter kind of activity, let's call it serious crazi-achieve success. Don't ever leave notes com- ness or criminality, scratch all the stuff about municating complaints. And don't gossip about friendly contact and talk to the Co-op Co-ordin-what a turkey the other person is. Face to face ator, or any staff member, immediately. People contact is the best way to deal with a problem who act in this way need strong, official situation. Be brave when you do, state your responses. case, don't sound blaming. Blame embitters and kills. .

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11,1

42

We live in the centre of a large metropolitan place. Toronto is reputed to be a 'safe' city, but the troubles associated with a large agglomeration of people are becoming more and more obvious.

There is a lot that the 'ordinary' citizen can do to head off these problems. Not the least

Security Check Personal security is a matter if common

sense. Always lock the door when you're out, even if

you're just going down the hall. Never leave your keys in the lock. Keep your unit doors locked. We have lots of nice people here, but there are always a few bad apples. History has shown that there wi II be one dishonest type for about every 100 members; that's seven .potential rip-off artists, one for every three floors. These are in addition to the few who manage to in­filtrate front lobby security. A locked door is your best protection. THE KEY TO SECURITY

Your room key is also your front door key. Shortly after fall move-in, Security locks the front door in the evenings and on weekends. This protects us from unwanted visitors and rip­off artists. It also helps Security to determine who lives here and who doesn't , by seeing who has and uses a key. Even though there is a but­ton behi nd the desk that can release the door lock, Security is defeating the purpose by 'buz­zing' people into the building. As well, Security may be called away from the desk at any time, which means that there is no one there to push the magic button should you be without your key. Carry your key with you when you leave the building. It is your responsibility to prevent being locked out. WHO GETS IN WHEN YOU'RE OUT

It is a Co-op policy not to allow anybody else into a member's room. If you wish to allow someone into your room , the Office or Security requires a letter from you. This applies to deliveries, telephone and cable TV installations, or any other entries except for an­nounced room checks, requested Maintenance service, or emergencies.

Twice yearly we change room and unit locks. This usually happens in early May and late August. It is done to protect new occupants

from the possibility of theft by the previous oc­cupant. Notice is given at least 24 hours before the changes. Office and Maintenance staff are avai lable to issue new keys.

About three times a year the Co-op has room checks. After advance warning , members of the staff, or agents of the ManCom, usually Security, go through all the rooms in the build­ing. If you are home, they will ask you to show them about. If you are out, they will use a pass key, enter your room, have a quick look about, then leave and lock up.

In about 90 per cent of the rooms checked, everything will be fine. The purpose of the check is to deal with problems which occur in the odd room or unit , usually relating to maint­enance, dirt, bugs, or the occasional piece of Co-op turniture that finds its way into a mem­ber's room.

A reminder to the two-person and apart­ment unit residents: Your rooms are unfur­nished. The only time that Neill-Wycik furniture should be found in these rooms is when it has been leased from the Co-op. STRANGERS IN THE NIGHT, OR DAY

Don't be intimidated by strangers who might be wandering through the building. If you see someone on your floor or in your unit who doesn 't look familiar, feel free to ask his mission. If there is no apparent reason for his presence, ask him to leave and call Security. The same applies if someone happens to be crashing anywhere in the building.

Remember, this is your home.

Lost Keys So, you've lost, misplaced, or broken your

key, eh. Go to the Office. Pay money. Take receipt to

Maintenance. Get new key.

Security-__ of these is to take precautions, to 'nip trouble in the bud'.

The best way to deal with 'trouble' is to prevent it, to take steps to insure your security. After all, the best defence ...

Tenant Insurance Whether you live in one of the Multi ple Units,

where the Co-op owns the funiture, or in the Two-person and Apartment units where you own everything but the fridge and stove, you have a lot of other possessions that you'd probably be hard pressed to replace shou Id they be lost through theft, fire, flood, or a canary attack. What to do?

Have you ever considered tenant insurance? That's like insurance that people take out on what they own in a house. People who live in apartments can do the same thing for what they own.

There are many plans and many insurance agents and companies. A small survey indi­cated that The Co-operators company will pro­bably give you the best rate, but times change so check around.

What do the policies cover? Practically any­thing you want them to. And there is full cover­age and deductables. Decide what you can af­ford in premiums and loss and make your choice.

If you're wondering why all this concern about property loss, check your Occupancy

Agreement and the membership by-laws, then you'll see (see appendices B and C)

For more information on tenant insurance, check the Resource Centre. There'll be some­thing on file there to give you a head start in making your decision.

Inventory No matter if it's for insurance reasons (see

separate story), or just for yourself, so you can tell your stuff from theirs, keep a list of what you own.

It helps when you're packing and unpacking, shipping or receiving.

It especially helps in the kitchen where most things wind up in the same cupboards and drawers. This is not say that someone is going to walk off with something, although that has been known to happen on occassion, but a list will help you to recognized what's yours when you really need to know.

If you own it, inventory it then, if you need to, you can prove that you once had it.

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The plans of mice and men! At times it seems that no matter how well we plan, how much care we take, something will go wrong.

Whether or not it is the Fates meddling in our lives or just 'one of those things', there

Crime! If anything happens to you , call Security or

the Office first. They will take care of notifying the proper authorities. If you see that your room or any part of your unit has been rob­bed ; if there is an intruder in your unit ; if the neighbors are noisy or rowdy: Call Security or the Office first.

I n case of robbery, if the theft is obvious, re­lock your room and don't touch anything. You 've seen enough cop shows on the tube or at the movies to know why.

Our best protection from intruders is each other. Know the people on your floor, and chal­lenge any strangers you may see. No need to be brusque, just ask where they're going as if you're interested in giving directions. If the an­swer isn 't satisfactory, call Security, or if you feel comfortable about it, get a friend on the floor to assist you in escorting the person out the front door.

Internal Security

. We handle a lot of our own problems for one simple reason: most of them are too small or in­consequential to bother the Police with. Noise problems, which are generated within the building, are not worth going to outside people to help deal with them.

Intruders and other people of that ilk are usually dealt with by building security in other places, so in that respect, we are not different.

It all boils down to the simple fact that we only need the police for the 'big things'. And in that way, we retain their respect.

Aside from all of that, by calling N-W Security first in an emergency, we can get help to wher­ever it is needed riQht away!

People who are noisy and rowdy, and won't respond to friendly requests to tone it down will be handled by the Security staff. Just call.

If you suffer from or are threatened with physical abuse, call for help immediately. If the aggressor is from the building we want to know. We don 't need that type of activity here. There 's nothing worse than feeling unsafe in your own home.

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EmergeTloY-_ are times when a catastrophe will happen. Fire, flood, illness, accident and whatever comes with them will touch someone's life, sometime.

Would you know what to do or who to see?

Illness & Injury If you're sick, or if someone you know is sick

and it seems serious; If you 're injured, or if someone you know is injured: Call Security first. Then call the proper emergency service (For numbers, see inside back cover).

Security has a list of trained First Aiders

living in the building who have already volun­teered to help in an emergency. Security can also conduct the proper people to wherever they are needed, and put an elevator on hold until help arrives.

Medical Help Here are some places where you can find medical help:

Don District Community Health Centre 296 Shuter Street, Apt. 102 364-1361 5t. Jamestown Community Health Centre 200 Wellesley St. E., Apt. 104 966-5770 5t. Michael's Hospital 30 Bond St. 360-4000 Wellesley Hospital 160 Wellesley St. E. 966-6600 Toronto General Hospital 825 Coxwell Ave. 461-8272

First Aid Do you have first aid training? If you do, the Co-op would like to know two

things: Who you are and if you are willing to help in an emergency.

Some of this information will be by either of the Summer or Fall EdCnm Interest Survey, and the skills index questionnaire. If you miss de­claring yourself on any of these occasions. iust go to the Office and say: "I'm a trained First Aider and I want to help". They'll love you , and we all thank you.

University of Toronto Dental Clinic 101 Elm St. , Toronto, 978-2798

Tell Us! If you have a hidden medical problem, the

Medic Alert or similar system should be looked into. You're coming into a big city and the people around you may not know what your problem is unless you tell them. In addition , the Co-op is now compiling a list of special aid in­formation , totally confidential , which can be used in case of emergency. If you can't speak for yourself, the information you give the Office can speak for you.

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46

In Case of Fire Highrise fires are more serious than most

because of the number of people involved and the limitations of firefighting equipment. IF YOU FIND A FIRE

Most fires start in waste baskets or in the kitchen, and can be quickly put out. Be calm.

There are two hoses and two fire ex­tinguishers located on each floor. One is out­side the E unit at the east end of the floor, and at the west end, near the A units (see diagram).

Use the extinguisher first. If that doesn't work, pull the alarm.

Alarms are located near the fire door in the E and F units, and near the east and west doors to the stairs. Use the alarm only when it is needed. Pulling the alarm does not automatically notify the Fire Department.

Leave the area of the fire and call SecUlity. Tell them the floor and the unit number or fire location. Security will call the Fire Department. WHEN YOU HEAR THE ALARM

When the alarm rings, close your windows, leave and lock your room. Close lounge win­dows and doors too. Leave and lock your unit. Go to the nearest stairwell and walk down.

Do not, under any circumstances, use the elevators. They are needed by the fire fighters and taken out of service as soon as they reach the ground floor. You could be waiting for an escape that will never arrive. The elevators are also the surest way of getting yourself killed. The elevator shafts act like chimneys; smoke goes up them. In addition, the elevators stop at the first fire floor. If the flame is outside the elevator door, you will be roasted as soon as it opens. DON'TS AN D DOS

Don't bring your budgie, cat, stereo, or anything else. If it is a serious fire, people may die. We don't need anything but people in the stairwells. Fires frighten animals and make them hard to control. If it is not a serious tire, or if it is a false alarm, your pets and belongings are safer in your room.

Don 't run, but walk quickly. Don't stop because somebody says it is a

false alarm. You don't know that somebody or how that information started. Go back only af­ter the alarm stops or you are sure of your in­formation.

Don't call the Office or Security Desk. The telephone lines must be kept clear to reach the Fire and Police departments, and possibly even medical help.

Do assume that any alarm is the real thing, and act accordingly, no matter what time it is.

In the multiple units there are smoke detectors. If they sound, answer their call as well. They are there to warn you well in advance, before a problem is serious. AJOKER IN EVERY DECK - UNFORTUNATELY

If any person creates a false alarm and is caught and convicted, he will spend time in jail. It is a criminal offense. We don't need or want false alarms. They can take lives.

What people don't realize is that every time the alarm is pulled, the Fire Department must be called. If it is a false alarm, it is no joke having the Fire Department racing three engines to our building when they may be need­ed elsewhere.

False alarms are also a bit like yelling "wolf". The more alarms we have, the less seriously people take the warning bell. And that means we could lose members in an ugly, unwarranted way.

Don't smoke in bed! It's not just you we're worried about. You see,

burning sponge rubber releases fatally toxic fumes. Due to a quirk of fate, almost all Co-op furniture and matresses are made of, or stuf­fed with foam rubber. If they catch fire, people will die. So, be caretul where you put those burning weeds, for all our sakes.

Counsel If the world's really got you by the tail and

you need help getting things back into order, or at least into some perspective, there are profes­sionals who can help.

Here are a few places where you can find help:

Social Work Consultants 96 Gerrard St. E., 14A 1 977-1090

Toronto Counselling Services 85 Eglinton Ave. E. 488-2453

Toronto Institute of Human Relations 51 Bond St. 364-5757

Location of Fire Alarms and

Fire Fighting Equipment

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When Your WorJd's Too Much Depression and despair hit us all at some

time. Don't allow yourself to get isolated. Iso­lation kills.

One of the most important things to do at Wycik, even more important than school, is to make a couple of trustworthy friends, other than your boyfriend or girlfriend, if you're in­volved in this way. You need two friends you can talk to when the going gets rough.

Another important thing is to work at enjoy­ing your life and expanding yourself. Funny, but it will often take a struggle to allow yourself to have a good time. You'll need the good times and the hope of more when the hard times hit.

But, if the fog won't lift , if the pain won't quit, if the light at the end of the tunnel is out, if everything is going wrong and you can't get your­self out of the pit, it's time to ask for help.

See the Co-op Co-ordinator, or any staffer you know, and tell your story, tell what's hap­pening.

There are a lot of good people around who have a lot of experience with this stuff, and they will be able to help you.

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48

Friends and Robert Frost may have been right in his theory about good fences and good neighbours, but he certainly wasn't concerned about a sharing society when he wrote it. In the same poem he wrote, "Before I build a wall, I'd ask to know / What I was walling in or out". He may have been closer to the truth.

We must be closer than the usual highrise or suburban community, since sharing and

OO~Op8rativ8 LIvIng By John Korcok

Last week someone asked me for help and I didn 't do anything.

As I walked down the hall from the elevator, I heard the splash of running water and a cry of frustration. This was obviously something to be checked out. I walked into the house unit and found a fellow kicking his overflowing toilet. When he saw me, he stopped and waited for me to do something.

" What's the matter? " I asked , looking at his wet shoes in the growing puddle of water.

" Can you fix this for me?" "Nope, but I will show you how to do it. " After about two minutes of instruction on the

plumbing of toilets , not only did it get fixed , but the fellow will know how to fix toilets for the rest of his life.

"No" has become my standard reply when I'm asked to do things for people. I'll help you , I' ll teach you , I'll work with you , but I'm not going to do anything for you .

I keep wondering why it is that people expect the Office, or Mai ntenance, or Security to do everything for them, to handle all the unsavoury tasks and rough edges. Where does this de­pendency on staff and the power structure come from?

Well , for a start, many of us have come to Neill-Wycik straight from living with our paren­ts. Our mothers and fathers sheltered us when

we needed it, when we couldn 't take care of ourselves. So when we moved here, it is easy to expect that to keep on happening . Many mem­bers are angered or bewildered when they find that here we do things for ourselves.

On the other side of the coi n, there are those who are afraid to leave their door open when they're home, who get angry in silence when the other guy won 't clean the floor, who would rather paint their room alone rather than ask for a hand.

This is the kind of thing that happens in an apartment building. If you're in trouble , you call the super or the police . If you just want some­one to talk to , you're out of luck. This need not happen here.

What we have in this building is rare in our society. Between the confinement of the family and the isolation of apartment life, there is a huge gap. Here we're learning how to fill that void with a community of adults , independent yet interrelated. We try to care for each other enough to live as humans, standing on our own feet when we can , supporting each other when we can 't.

We 're still a ways from this goal but it's a worthwhile goal, and we're getting closer. It is with goals like this that we make our lives richer and more worth living.

EffL~Bf!1}d'

eighbCLurs mutual aid begin with personal interaction.

Certainly we have guidelines, and common sense dictates boundaries. And you certainly retain the right to choose where and when to draw the line. But make sure you know what's on the other side before you build a wall.

Dog and Cat Story Pets have been a problem at Neill-Wycik.

When the Co-op opened , the freedom to do and own what one wished was not tampered with, as long as one's desires were not harmful to, or did not infringe upon the rights and wishes of another co-oper.

Pets and the attitudes of some pet owners dia both.

After a number of hassles, fleas and messes , and an arkful of wandering animals (including a boa constrictor which seemed to like living in walls), pets were banned.

The Neill-Wycik Pet Committee was formed so that members could have pets.

Originally a sub-committee of ManCom, the PetCom is now a core group of the House Committee.

The function of the Pet Committee is to ap­prove new pets and observe that registered pet owners are honouring their pledge with respect to current pol icy.

Pet Com has established the following guidel ines: 1. Cats and dogs are allowed only in the two­

person units and apartments. 2. All cats and dogs must be approved before

they are brought into the building. 3. Cats and dogs must be innoculated against

enteritis and dogs against rabies. 4. All cats and female dogs must be neutered. 5. A refundable deposit of $10 for cats and $25

for dogs is required to cover the cost of possible damage caused by the animal. Before final registration approval is given ,

receipts must be produced as proof of in­noculation and neutering.

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50

Food Kitties Unit kitties are price savers, work reducers,

and, perhaps, the only sane way to eat if you live in a four, five or six-person house unit.

It means pooling your resources to buy food, and cooking at least one sit-down, as opposed to grab-and-run, meal a day. The alternative is that everybody buys their own food and cooks individually. This results in four (or six) quarts of milk turning sour in the refrigerator, constant arguments about "Who ate my eggs?", and a severe clean-up problem when one person goes to cook supper and finds the frying pan in use, or worse, full of the previous user's remnants. Dishes pile up in the sink, the oven doesn't get cleaned and generally, the cooking area isn't very well maintained because nobody con­siders it a personal responsibility to undertake major cleaning jobs.

Establish a budget Most people are able to buy food for between

$10 and $15 per week per person (a weekly budget of between $40 and $60 for a four­person house unit to between $60 and $90 for a six-person house unit). For the first few weeks, the figure should be higher because a number of staple items will have to be bought to establish the larder. This could range from an initial $15 per person for the first few weeks, to a lump sum the first week, which includes the week's share plus an extra "donation". Once the staples are bought, and you have an ac­curate fix on local prices, a weekly budget can be determined.

Organize your buying Part of establishing your budget involves

defining "food". Things like milk, bread and meat are easy to settle on, but what about potato chips, or toilet paper? Here are some guidelines.

If everybody uses it, buy it out of the kitty, but first discuss and agree on a lot of things. Does everybody use the same toothpaste? Many people buy their own personal hygiene produc­ts, buy maybe your group will reach other con­clusions.

The kitty should represent sensible food buying. Many groups have concluded that if a member wants to eat junk food, and drink Coke instead of milk at dinner, it should be done at personal expense. On the other hand, if one of two people want something to eat that others don't have much of a taste for (like liver or yogurt), so what.

If one person takes I unch to work or school while everybody goes home to eat, lunch bags

and sandwich meat are legitimate expenses. Work out your own guidelines for what the kitty should cover well in advance. It saves arguments later.

Remember, though, that as your community continues, changes may occur and the terms of reference established in the beginning will have to be changed to accomodate the situation. Be prepared to be flexible.

How to shop

Decide when you want to do the shopping -once a week, once a month, every day. Con­sidering the amount of storage space available, a weekly trip is most advisable. Rotate the work so the people who go to the store are either permanently in charge or part of a different crew every week.

Make a list of what needs to be bought and stick to it. The best way to compile the list is to post it on the bulletin board so whenever the peanut butter is running low, the need for a new jar can be jotted down. It is better than waiting until the day of the shopping trip to remember what is needed. Also, check to see what is going to be cooked during the coming week, and include what is needed on the list.

Another suggestion: Have a meeting (nothing formal) to check the list for superfluous items or missing necessities. This kind of con­sultation keeps arguments to a minimum and everyone involved in the operation of the kitty and the pantry.

To help save money, clip the newspaper coupons. It is surprising how many of them can be useful, and the few dollars this can save is worth the little time it takes.

Before heading off to Loblaws, Dominion or KenSington, check the newspapers for specials and arrange your shopping list the way the items appear in the store. It makes group shop­ping easier and solo efforts faster. It also helps in avoiding the supposedly unavoidable im­pulse buying that stores are set up to en­courage. Get to know the shopping territory.

Certain things, like bread and milk, should be bought as needed. This assures freshness and constant supply. It also can cause headaches for whoever is handling the money.

How to handle the money Collect the agreed amount from everybody

on the same day. This constitutes the kitty for the week. Put the loot in a tobacco can or cof­fee jar or something, and keep it somewhere everybody has access to it.

Don't get into the situation where everybody

tosses in their loot as it becomes available. If that happens, it is easy to lose track and for somebody to say, "I was supposed to pay 12 bucks on Saturday, but I didn't have it until Wednesday and I bought, I think, two loaves of bread and a can of spaghetti. Or was it two cans of beans and a can of spaghetti? Anyway, I still owe whatever the difference is ... ". Fill the kitty first, then there is no difficulty in taking the money out.

Without getting too formal, keep records. Just a place to write down who tossed in the week's share and who hasn't. Also, when pOSSible, keep receipts. In this way, you have something to refer to and the possibility of hassles is minimized.

Schedule your cooking Everybody in your unit should be able to cook

something. If not, they should learn. If somebody is a total write-off as a cook, don't torture your innards with monstrosities. Put the non-cookers on permanent bathroom duty and away from the stove.

Rotate the cooking chores among the capable cooks. Six people will almost cover a week, and rotate Sundays. Of course there may be a day in the week that a formal six-down will not fit, so leave Sundays open. Remember, be flexible whenever possible, but assign 'per­men ant' days. This avoids mix-ups.

Organize the clean-up Supper is probably the only meal that

everybody can eat together. Breakfast and lun­ch dishes will more than likely pile up during the day. The minimum that should happen is af­ter you eat, you rinse and stack your dishes on

the counter. Don't leave them lying around on the table. After supper, one, or preferably two, should do the dishes. If everyone is left to do their own cleaning, you'll get dirty dishes piling up. Do the cleaning as soon as possible after the meal. The longer before it starts, the longer it will take to get the work finished.

Co-operate Your unit kitty must reflect a certain amount

of mutual trust and flexibility by the people in your house unit. If you can't muster the basic amount of co-operation involved in Sitting down to dinner once a day with each other, regard­less of whether you think the guy in the end room is a I ittle weird, crooked or straight, then your community is doomed. Once you start bringing up your differences at the dinnertable, supper becomes another battleground, another point ot contention . Before long you're back to canned stew.

Most of us arrive at Neill-Wycik from homes where someone - usually a mother figure -takes care of the domestic end of things. That central person does not exist here. Everyone has to cultivate a few mother hen instincts. Turning the unit into a home is everyone's responsibility. You must spread the work around.

A unit kitty can become a unifying factor and the foundation of how good, or bad, your stay at Neill-Wycik will be. It's possible that a full kitty won't be necessary in your unit, but no matter what arrangements are made, a certain amount of co-operation is required to make life in a house-unit bearable.

Whereto Shop? by Linda McCormick

Toronto is awesome enough without trying to figure out where to find good food.

Several small high-cost convenience stores are in the immediate area, but these should be relied on for milk and bread alone.

So now starts the "Value-and-Variety-for­Your-Dollar" search. The best overall bargains are to be found at Knobhill Farms Food Ter­minal. There are two locations within easy reach of the Co-oP. One is located at Dundas and Lansdown, about 35 minutes by streetcar. If the distance sounds forbidding give it at least a trial run - with a friend. The other store is on Cherry Street near the waterfront, but to get there you'll need a car or a cab. (About trans­portation, see page 57.) The Food Terminals are not your conventional supermarket, they are warehouses open to the public.

Of course there are always the conventional grocery stores. There are three Loblaws stores an easy distance from the Co-op. In order of distance, starting with the nearest, they are: 555 Sherbourne St.; Parliament St. above Wellesley, just north of Gerrard; Yonge St., east side, just above Adelaide St., south of Eaton Centre. There is also a Dominion Store located at Shuter and Sherbourne streets.

If you want to experience the atmosphere of a farmers' market, get good prices and great vegetables to boot, then try the St. Lawrence Market. It's located at Front and Jarvis streets. The north building is open on Saturdays from 5 am to 5 pm. Go early, everything is usually pick­ed over by 3 pm. The 'experts' say that you get the best selection early and the bargain prices late.

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Your Personal The most important thing to remember here, as in other society, is that your activities are relatively free - as long as they don't interfere with someone else's.

Filth, %$*#, and corruption bother everyone. But, if there is one thing that no one likes to do, it is housework. Living here, on close terms with up to five other people, means

Cleaning Up In a residential co-operative you look after

your own space, which includes your floor's corridors, elevator lobbies, stairwells , garbage chute rooms, and maintenace closet.

Naturally, you don't have to do this all alone. You should have help - the other co-opers who live on your floor. Your Floor Co-ordinator should organize a maintenance schedule, with you on it. Of course, if things don't get started, or if the system falls apart, there' is nothing stopping you from getting things set right, or picking up a few loose ends, for that matter.

For sanity's sake, replace burnt-out light bulbs, vacuum hallways, and take out the gar­bage.

Vv'hether it's the floor, or just your own unit, it's wise to keep things in decent shape. You will be the first to notice a maintenance problem. Unless you want to live with the bother, report it!

Typical problems about which you should notify Maintenance are: dripping taps, ripped or missing screens; plugged sinks; negligible water pressure; stove and fridge problems; bugs mice cUIU Uliler non-human pests; oroKen fur­niture; plugged toilets; broken light switches and cover plates; defective lamps; missing or splintered bookshelves; and anything else that doesn't seem right, or that you can't repair.

Remember, if you attempt a repair, first make sure you know what you are doing. There is no

WJ/ elevators

embarrassment in asking for help it you are not sure what can be done, or if you feel incapable of accomplishing a task.

Most cleaning and repair supplies are pro­vided by the Co-op. Cleaning supplies, qar­bage bags and some equipment are kept in the floors' maintenance cupboards (see diagram). Acidic tile cleaner, which is great for cleaning the floor tiles in the washroms, can be obtained from the basement Maintenance office. (For more information on the hall closet, see separate story).

In addition, during the winter, each floor has a vacuum cleaner assigned to it. It is kept in one of the units; the location will be posted near the elevators on each floor. During the summer, the vacuums are spread around rather thinly because of the Hotel operation. From May through August, two Hotel floors must share with each other. Co-op floors each get a machine of their own. The little beasties are collected at the end of August and April for cleaning and preventative maintenance. A few machines are available for sign-out during this period, so you don't have to get buried in dust motes. Oh, and by the way, you, too, can clean out your own vacuum! Maintenance will be happy to give you instructions.

Of course, now that you know what to look for, and where to get stuff, next th ing is what to do, right? Read on.

ru Iru maintenance Closet)

garbage chute east stairs

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Quick Map

Environment that you have to keep your mess under control.

So for those who care, and especially for those who should ...

The owner's manuals for some of the equip­ment in your unit have long disappeared, and there are some peculiarities with the building for which you may need some help and ex­planation to make cleaning and repair easier. Here are a few ti ps. DEFROSTING THE FRIDGE

Every year somebody damages a refrigerator. The Co-op will bill you for repairs, so before we get to the 'do's' ... this important don't:

Do not use any object, other than a finger, to remove ice. Forks and knives, and yes, even spoons, are deadly to the fridge, no matter how careful you are. If you poke even a small hole in the freezer lines, it's goodbye bucks.

To remind you, each freez'er door has a warn­ing label attached to it. If your freezer is missing this little sign, ask for a new one at the Office. It's better than a string around your finger - it doesn't cut off the circulation! THE DO'S

Here's how to do it right: When the ice is about a quarter inch thick,

the fridge should be defrosted. Here is The N W Ten Step Method

1. Remove frozen food and take it to the next unit in a garbage bag. Ask your fellow co­opers to put it in their fridge until yours is ready. If you ask first, then you will find a fridge with enough room to accomodate you. With some real planning, you can pull a co-operative arrangement where you de­frost one day, and your neighbour the next, using the reCiprocal storage method. (You figure it out)

2. Turn the fridge control dial to OFF (not de­frost, it wastes time).

3. Unscrew the lightbulb in the fridge until it goes out.

4. Prop the main door and the freezer door open (use an ice cube tray, it has to be good for something).

5. Go to a movie, concert, play, disco, or just out.

6. Come back. Dump the tray under the freezer. It's full of water. If you blow this step, wash your floor, it's already wet.

7. Remove ice carefully, with your fingers.

8. Dry off surfaces after all the ice is gone. 9. Screw in the lightbulb, turn on the dial to

desired setting. 10. restock your fridge, and open a new box of

Cow Brand if you wish.

And that is that! CLEANING THE STOVE

Nei II-Wycik stoves are generally neglected. This is unfortunate because a clean stove doesn't send up smoke signals, uses energy more efficently, and doesn't smell like you're boiling a goat (unless of course you are, in which case we can't help you).

There isn't much to cleaning a stove. Just keep the top cleaned daily with a damp cloth, the oven cleaned once weekly with the oven cleaner supplied in the Maintenance Closet, and the pans under the elements cleaned when needed, usually weekly as well. BATTLE OF THE OVEN

While you don't have to do it this way, and the get-up is a bit of a bother, try it. The oven cleaner is caustic, so use rubber gloves. It is also suggested by the safety people that you wear a face mask of some sort, and eye protection as well. They prevent loss of sight and lung damage from the fumes.

The gloves, mask and eye protection you will have to get on your own. As mentioned, it's your own choice, but the gloves, at least, should be used.

Lining the bottom of the oven and the element drip pans helps in the clean-up but some manufacturers claim this helps the elements burn out more quickly. continues ...

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54

cleaning hints, continued ... There are times when your elements will burn

out, or your stove will not work. New fuses for the stove, and new elements can be obtained through Maintenance.

Two tips: Don't use your oven as a space heater. It is there only for baking and broiling; and don 'f put a pan over the oven vent, usually located in one of the two rear burners, when the oven is on. This somehow doesn't do much for what's happening inside the range. DON'T BE IN THE DARK

The first rule of thumb when something elec­trical doesn't wor~, but by all rights should, is that a fuse has blown. Don't panic. You are the one who can fix the problem. The fuse box for the kitchen is located in one of the cupboards above the sink. Have a look for it when you arrange the stuff on the shelves, and leave a way to get to it easily when you have to. Found it yet? It's that gray metal thing in the wall.

Fuses are available from Maintenace. If, how­ever, you can't get one from that source, buy one and keep the receipt, we'll pay you back. Always replace the used fuse with one of the same amperage. That means a 15 amp fuse for a 15 amp fuse. Don't replace a fuse with one of a higher number. And if the same fuse keeps blowing, report it immediately . There's probably something wrong with the wiring on the circuit.

For other problems, in the multiple units, there is also a relay box or two. If the fuse isn't the answer, flip the switches. If what should come on doesn't after that, report it , too. FLOOR STORY

Floors are easy things to clean. They just take soap, water, time and some effort.

If you wish to clean the bathroom floor and wall tiles, you can pick up a jug of acidic tile cleaner (hydrocloric acid) from Maintenance. You have to be careful with it, but it does a great job!

Pour it on heavily. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off a couple of times. You may need to do a little scrubbing, so protect your hands.

If you wish to really clean your floors, be they carpet or tile, we also have a floor stripper and a steam cleaner available. Both machines can be found at Maintenance. AND FINALLY

The only things more ignored than the stoves around here, when it comes to cleaning , are the toi lets.

Clean :ng a toilet is not such a hard job, it just seems that way.

Toilet bowl cleaners do most of the work. You just have to scrub a little with a brush and wipe a little with a rag. No big deal.

When you try it, you may not like it , but you may feel more secure the next time.

Pest Problern_8 If you hear the pitter patter of little feet and

know that no one in your unit has little feet, then you may have visitors who haven't been in­vited.

Big Clean Despite the best eTTorts at many co-opers to

keep their homes neat and the Co-op leader­ship's efforts to help encourage this goal, when the Hotel season nears, we have to pay people to clean all of the multiple units used for in the hotel operation.

Known as the Spring Clean-up, the big clean is a costly measure in time and work. Two crews, mainly co-opers who have been hired to do the work, spend the best part of two weeks scrubbing, scrapping and scouring 14 floors of four, five and six person un its to make them presentable to our hotel guests. And what a mess. Ask anyone who has worked the clean­up. Toilets that have never seen a grain of cleaner; the spaces behind stoves and refrig­erators that have never been washed, never mind swept; floors that haven 't been washed since the last clean-up. It's a mess folks!

To many members, this just a place to sleep and eat, collect the mail and to be found . It's nothing more. There is no pride, no sence of be­longing or ownership. So they don't care. They need a push. And if you care , well, don 't give up just because you're stuck with the other kind.

This is not an us and them place. That kind of relationship results in the maintenance abuses that we have to clean up every year. This is a we place. We should all pitch in to up keep our home-for however 10nQ we live here.

For the problems that bug you, the Main­tenance people will go the cupboard route. Clean out all your cupboards, above and below the sink. Wash them out. Maintenance will then apply a residual spray which is effective at zap­pin ' bugs for up to 60 days. A word of warning though. While the spray is not toxic to humans and most pets, small animals, birds and fish are in danger, so find a place to stash them un­ti I the ai r clears. The I ight powder left once the spray drys is okay. It won't harm anything -except bugs!

For mice we go the feeding route. Main­tenance will work with you in placing several trays of rodent bait in your cupboards under the sink and under your radiators. We don't use traps because they are not effective in highrise buildings. The bait is an effective method, and will clear up the problem in three to four weeks.

Secrets of the 811rf Room We've all got to air our dirty linen sometime, and other laundry additives from a grocery

and there's no better place than the Surf Room. store. As well as space to show off your dainties, The washing machines work best if you don't

the Surf Room has washers, dryers, a folding overload them. Keep the wash about three in-table and an ironing board. You may have notic- ches from the too of the bin. So that you don't ed that those objects describe the contents of a Lawrence Welk your way into the annals of laundry room. Neill-Wycik history, use only the amount of

Like many of the fun places in the building, soap appropriate to the amount of wash you the Surf Room has its own quirks and a few tips have, and in any case no more than two-thirds are in order. cup, which is about 250ml for you metric types.

First of all, unless the world changes over The machines are not capable of adjusting night, the change machine tends either not to water levels, so you're stuck witha full tub each work or to be out of stock when you need it time. You can adjust for temperature. most. Bring enough change to get you through If the machines screw up and you loose vour wash and dry. money, refunds are available at the Office. Put

The dispenser, which offers soap and such an out-of-order sign on the offending contrap-for sale, is usually jamed or out of stock too, so tion, please. save money and, frustration get your potions

55

56

GettinP: __ _ Okay, now you know your way around the building as well as anyone else. But how well can you get around the city?

Toronto is quite a walkable town, especially since we are, according to the Toronto-sellers, centrally located. There are, however, places and people just out of comfortable walking distance, like the airport, Scarborough, and the Zoo.

DOUBLE

PARKI~G

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Parking the Auto Cities Wf3re never meant for automobiles , but

they were meant for people. Automobiles were meant for people. Something had to give. Trouble is, it wasn 't

people giving up their automobiles, so the space to put the darn things in is in short sup­ply. And if the development plans for our im­mediate area go through, that shortage is going to get even shorter.

Neill-Wycik has a parking lot at the rear of ttle building with space for 45 cars. In addition

to this, we rent spaces from a parking lot close to the building. All these spaces are rented on a first come. first served h~sis at move-in time .

The parking situation in our neighbourhood has always been bad because of our proximity to Maple Leaf Gardens. There are events at the

Gardens 200 nights of the year and each event brings a flood of suburban cars looking for a home. They wi II steal a space anywhere they can. It is vital that Wycik parkers behave responsibly and replace the chain on our lot af­ter every entrance and exit. Fai I ure to do so results in a loss of parking privileges.

Because of lack of spaces, visitors and unregistered parkers cannot use our lot. This is not a major problem because we are currently surrounded by private lots, as long as the visitor is not competing with a Gardens event.

A car in the city, while a convenience, is not a necessity un less you plan to travel a long distance or require it for work. It is advisable to look into the alternative of public transpor­tation.

Around So, how do you get there? The Resource Centre can help you with some of that information, but there are some basic ideas you should be familiar with first.

Public Transit You want to go from here to there, you don't

have a car or want to use one, a cab would be too expensive and you don't want to walk. So you take the bus, right? Not necessarily!

Oh, sure, you'll use public transportation, but not necessarily a bus. It may be a street car or the subway, or a combi nation of all of them.

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is re­sponsible for the operation of public transit in Metropolitan Toronto. The service is convient, although it's getting progressively more expen­sive, and certain service cuts in the city core are plain ridiculous. Still , it is good to have it when you need it.

The subway stations nearest the Co-op are at Carlton and Yonge, the College station, and Dundas and Yonge, that's the Dundas station at Eaton Centre.

The Church Street bus stops at the corner of Yonge and Gerrard (north-west for southbound and south-east for 'northbound). The closest street car stop is Carlton and Church (south west for eastbound, north-east for westbound)

The price of the ride entitles you to transfers,

T -, aXle The TTC route is just too long and compli­

cated. You're dressed for the evening and don't want to blow it on the bus. The car's shot and you have to get there now! What to do? Take a cab!

At last look, Toronto's cab rates were the lowest in North America, and that's not too bad now, is it.

On the main streets, cabs can be hailed, but if you live off the main drag, it's best to call one. Unless it's a busy period, or rai ning, there'll be a cab at your door in anywhere from five to 20 minutes.

and if you plan correctly you can get there from here in reasonable time.

Tips: Buy your tickets or tokens in bulk, which reduces the cost slightly; cut transport time by combining services (for example don't loop around the subway from Dundas to St. Patrick station for University Northbound, when you can take a streetcar from Dundas and Yonge to University and Dundas and catch the underground there).

If you know where you're going , but not how to get there, the TTC will tell you where to go. All you have to do is call 484-4544. The service is available daily from 7 am to 11 :30 pm. Transit route maps, called Ride Guides, can be ob­tained from the TTC just for the asking. There are usually a few copies in the Resource Cen­tre, too.

Bbycles There is an alternative form of wheeled tran­

sportation that gets overlooked a lot, but which is growing in popularity and there's a boom ahead in the business. Bicycles!

There is a lot to be said in favour of the bike. The power unit has to be fueled everyday any­way. It's easy to park and store. It's cheaper than a car, and lighter too. You can learn to fix it, and the only time the engine falls out is when you loose your balance.

Yep, bikes are good. You can still get there, be independant transportation-wise, take up less space, use less of our non-renewable en­ergy, cut pollution, keep yourself in shape, lots of things.

Yes, if you have to get there, and don't want to walk, don't have a car, the bus turns you off and cabs are not your style, a bicycle is just for you.

57

58

There are some things in this world which just don't logically fit anywhere. Yet they maybe important. Or at least they are nice to know about.

Our building has been here awhile. In that 'while', we have established certain

Decor Once you've got your room, the next step is

to make it your home. That means impressing your personality on the space. Some people have no difficulty in doing this. They just put their stuff in the space and that's that. But if you want to be creative, or have a physical or esthetic disaster on your hands, you'll want to decorate.

The major decorating medium is paint. The Co-op supplies paint on a sliding cost scale, de­pending on the physical condition of what you have. While the policy is constantly adjusted to reflect cost efficiency, the basic idea is that if you are assigned an unmitigated disaster, the paint is free. If there is only partial wall damage or paint problems, you'll pay for half the cost. It you are not pleased with the colour, but other than that the place is okay, you'll go the cost.

Maintenance will mix the paint for you, once you get your paint slip, and receipt where ap­plicable. There is a wide range of bright and medium colours to choose from. We use a semi-gloss latex paint which is washable, dries to a nice finish and is easily painted over.

People living in the multiple units have part­time painters available to assist them so that the paint job is done properly. This saves paint, time and money. If you live in a multiple unit, you have to make the arrangements for the painters. You can find out who they are when you make arrangements for your paint in the Office.

Okay, so much for paint. What about wall­paper? Well, we'd prefer that you not use the stuff. It is easily damaged and begins to look shabby. However, if you've got your heart set on the stuff, here are a few hints: Use it in your room only. Use dry stripable stuff so it's easily removed by you before you move! Remember, if you are putting up shelves or pictures or what­ever, that you're putting holes in the paper as well as the wall. Match your pattern when you put up your wallpaper, otherwise you'll be haunted by your mistakes. Keep any leftovers for repairs.

of Life procedures, and the building has developed certain quirks. Since they don't fit anywhere else, here's a look at a few of those 'little' things.

Cards & Letters If it can do anything, the Post Office gets one

thing right: It usually delivers the mail to the building.

Your cards, letters, bills and plain brown en­velopes are part of the usual morning delivery.

No one delivers the mail to your door. It has to be picked up at the Office. There are mail boxes there for each unit. Your mail is pigeon­holed there along with whatever your unitmates have had sent to them .

Be friendly when you pick up your mail, and take the stuff for your whole unit. If there are notices or other single items for the unit in the box, make sure that everyone in your unit has the opportunity to see the stuff. Just because you may not be interested doesn't mean that someone else may not be. Take everything with you. If you don't, the junk piles up.

If you receive mail which is meant for no one in your unit, strike out the unit number in the address and put the mail in the basket also located in the Office. The item will be redirected.

If you are moving, let the Office know what your new address will be. We will forward your mail for three months. That means you should let everyone else who needs to know your new address, too. Don't waste your money on the Post Office's offer to forward your mail. They send that card to us. We do the work. They keep your dollar.

One more thing: We can use your help sorting the mail in the morning when it comes in, or checking out the misdirected stuff, or readdressing the things that need to be forwarded. Here is one opportunity to be involved with the daily operation of the Co-op. It isn't glamorous, but it's necessary.

And finally: Your address is:

Your Name, 96 Gerrard St. E., Your Unit (you can say Apt._), Toronto, Ontario. M5B1G7

Summer Heat / Winter Sizzles Winters are fun at the Co-op. The members

have one thing in common: The rooms are either too hot or too cold. The reason: Technology.

Neill-Wycik is equipped with hot water heat­ing, which means there are huge boilers in the basement which have to heat and circulate the water which. in turn goes through the pipes to our rooms, looses its heat to the cold air, thereby heating the air and us! There are two problems. The first is that it takes the boilers about three days to heat up or cool down. The second is that some genius decided the best most efficient way to decide when heat is needed is to put the thermostat outside the building and to split the system for south and north exposure. For those periods, the boilers can't keep up with the changing minds of the thermostats. Aside from that, . any change in the weather

which is unusual, like a summer cold spell or a winter warm-up, will not be reflected in in­creased or reduced heat output by the boilers until three days later, when it mayor may not be required . Makes you want to fly south and stay there, doesn't it.

Summer is just about as much fun. The place isn't air conditioned. (The cafe is,

but that's for business, so there.) So, how to keep your cool while the streets are melting. Simple: buy a fan, install your own air condi­tioner, move to the upper artic .

The fan is your best bet. It takes up little room and less energy than an air conditioner. If you go the air conditioner route, you'll have to tell the Co-op, which means Maintenance. And you'll have to abide by the Co-op's installation requirements, which means, we don't want the thing to fall on anybody.

.,.

59

60

Elevation Ah, the joys of modern technology! The buil­

ding is equipped with four - count 'em - four elevators. At any time they can be (a) working; (b) out of service; (c) on special assignment; (D) missing; (e) none of the above.

The reason for this situation is simple: We don't know what the little vertical carriers have on their minds.

We do know that they have problems. A few of them are physical and can be taken care of, with varying degrees of difficulty and speed, by the elevator repair service we have on contract. The other problems, the persistent ones, are psychological.

There are people who can care for the mental well being of people, some animals, and most computers. However, we have yet to locate an elevator psychiatrist. This is important because, counterclockwise from southwest, the little beggars are psychotic, neurotic, schizophrenic, and suicidal. It is not a pretty situation.

We could retire the little darlings, after ten years service, at great expense. This would be the logical and seemingly humane thing to do. But, we have been advised that this course of action may not be wise. After all, their employment at Neill-Wycik is the only anchor they have in their lives' constant ups and downs. It gives them a purpose.

Deliveries So you're expecting a package. Be it from Eaton's, Sears, Goodwill or your

mom, there may be problems getting it to you. First of all, make sure that the sender has

your address right. They usually get the 96 Ger­rard Street East part correct, although some­times somebody goes west instead. It's the room numbers that get the 'outsiders' confused.

So, if you want the delivery to go to a 'B' unit, make sure that the person who takes the order knows that it's a 'B' and not an 'E' or a 'D' or an eight!

Now, there may be times that you won't be in. You can have the delivery brought to the Office. If the package is COD, make sure that the Staff has your cheque, cash, or money order. If you are expecting a large item, it's better if you give per­mission for it to be delivered to your room. Just drop a dated signed note off at the Office giving permisSion for your unit and room to be entered, and for what purpose.

There are a few things we can do to make the situation better. We can thank the elevators for their service. We can stop and chat with them. We can show them some appreciation; demon­strate our need for them. We can stop treating them as mere objects.

None of that withstanding, there will always be problems. And until the field of elevator psy­chology has progressed to a point where deep seated problems can be effectively dealt with, we'll just have to put up with their whimseys.

So, if you get aboard an upbound elevator and find yourself in the basement; or if you press the call button for your floor and whiz right on past it; or if you reach your floor and the door won't open, don't take offence.

After all , they can't help it. They're doi ng the best they can. But they need understanding and compassion.

Besides, what you can expect from a motor­ized yo-yo?

So Long! "Gee, you're leaving. Well , it's a been nice

knowing you. Where're you going?" Sometimes, we don't have the chance to ask.

Sometimes you don't have the opportunity to tell us. But we need to know where you are off to.

During the term of your occupancy agree­ment , it's possible to get a forwarding address because, if you leave before the agreement has expired, we have to talk the whole thing over. And it's automatic.

But, when you're leaving at the end of your agreement, well, there are a lot of people leaving then too. So, in case you leave something be­hind, or we get in touch for some reason, make sure that we have your new address. Even if it's not a permanent one, we can at least get a com­munnication on its way to you .

Updates From time to time, there will be adjustments

to the facric of our vertical village. New com· mittees will spring into being. There will be changes in staff and operation of the Co·op.

These may make a lie of the Owner's Manual. So, watch for notices and especially your

own copy of update pages for the Owner's Manual. Keep 'em handy. Keep in touch!

Appendices

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62

Appendix A The Co-operative Corporations Act of

the Province of Ontario sets out the terms of operation of a provincially in­corporated co-operat ive.

Any co-operative which is incor­porated, that is one which becomes a company (like Neill-Wycik) must con­form to the standards and requirements of this Act.

The terms of the Act cover all facets of a co-operative 's operation , from the pro­cess of incorporation, to member

meetings, accounting, records, and the dissolution of the corporation .

In many instances, the Act allows for minimum standards. That is, it has provi ­sions for certain procedures which are only in effect if the Co-op has not provid­ed for them in its By-laws. For example, the Act sets no minimum attendance or quorum for Annual or General meetings of members. This is the responsibility of the Co-op. 0" the other hand, the Act provides that quorum for the Board of

Directors is a majority of directors, unless otherwise provided for in the Co­op's By-laws, but in any case not less than two-fifths of the total board .

In short , the Co-operative Corpora­tions Act is a compendium of the legal requirements to which a Co-op must conform .

Copies of the Act are available in the Resource Centre.

AppendixB The documents which have the most

immediate effect on the operation of the Co-operative are the By-laws.

The By-laws set out the terms and conditions for the operation of our Co­op.

Neill-Wycik has four by-laws which spell out the rights and responsibilities of the members and of their elected and appointed administration.

By-law 1 is aconsfitutional by-law. It contains provisions for the operation of the Co-op. Under the provision of the Co­operative Corporations Act (q .v.), By-law 1 outlines the legalit ies of administra­tion. Included in the By-law are the terms of membership, the constitution of the Board and its standing committees, the powers , duties and responsibilities of the Board , the requ i rements for meetings of members , and provisions relating to the fiscal year and the hand­ling of funds.

By-law 2 is a by-law relating to the power of the Directors to handle certain banking matters. It is a requirement of most financial institutions which handle our accounts .

By-law 4 provides for the operation of the Co-operat ive and the taking of cer­tain decisions by an Executive Commit­tee. This By-law was enacted at a time when the Co-op was experiencing finan­cial trouble, and there was a need for flexibility of the administrat ion to deal with rapidly changing situations . It re­mains in effect as a useful tool in case of an emergency. The members of the Executive Committee are held fully responsible for th eir actions.

By-law 9 is a departure from all of our other by-laws. Where the others are con­cerned with administration and respon­sibility for the operation of the Co­operative, By-law 9 is concerned with housing and the rights and respon -

sibilities of the members , and their rela­tionship to the Co-op.

By-law 9 is the blueprint for the opera­tion of our housing business. It spells out the terms and conditions for which housing is supplied, and the procedures to be followed in applying for and ter­minating occupancy and memberShip.

The By-law also contains information on deadlines, procedures and forms. These add conformity and clarity to our operation .

The by-laws are easi ly accessible documents. They are available from the Office, and copies are on file in the Resource Centre. Become familiar with them. In essence, and within the limita­tion of the law, they are an expression of your desires. Why? Because no by-law takes effect until it is approved by the Membership - you'

AppendixC The Occupancy Agreement is just that

- an agreement, a contract. Members do not lease or rent the

space they occupy in the Co-op. We have a different system. Members apply for and are granted the right to occupy their rooms and units.

The Occupancy Agreement outlines some of the responsibilities of the occu-

pying member and of the Co-operative in entering into this arrangement.

One of these provisions is the housing charge to be paid by the member in ex­change for the right to occupy. Another is the term of the occupancy.

The Occupancy . Agreement also outlines some of the procedures for ear­ly termination of occupancy, and the

resulting financial and other obligations of both the member and the Co­operative.

The Occupancy Agreement, used in concert with By-law 9 (q .v.), is a valuable document, and benefits both the members and the Co-operative because it clearly sets out the terms of a mutual agreement for mutual benefit.

AppendixD Regulations surround us. Few people

are aware that any sort of legislation, no matter how all-encompassing it may seem, is translated into some sort of en ­forceable regulation .

Acts of Parliament, the provincial legislature, a ci t y counc il and the Co-op may, from time to time, have concomi­tant regulations writen under their agis.

By-law 1 (q.v.) allows for regulations to

be enacted by the Board consistant with the provision of the By-law. Throughout that document, there are references to procedure by regulation .

By-law 9 (q .v.) allows for the Board to adopt regulations, and act with them in mind. But it also requires them to be ap­pended to the By-law as a schedule, thereby making it part of the By-law. This requ ires final approval by the

membership. There are ~everal regulations in effect

at Neill -Wycik. Those related to By-law 1 are for clarification and simplification of its enactment. Those for By-law 9 are contained in Schedules A, B, and C, of that document and are concerned with Membership Policy, Rules and Regula­tions, (for some of these, see page 6) and Maintenance Policy.

AppeD_dixE TheCorporate Charter is the docu­

ment which sets out the Co-operative's name, purpose, and other factors rele­vant to it becoming an entity , and in law a 'person '.

Neill-Wycik 's charter is contained in its Letters Patent, a certificate of incor­poration issued by the Ontario Govern­ment in response to an application made by the founding members of the Co-op.

Neill-Wycik was incorporated in 19"18 as a non-share capital , non-profit cor­poration and was converted to a co­operative corporation in 1976.

The Letters Patent contain our Ar­ticles of Incorporation , which state our purpose for existence, and other articles pertinent to our operation, such as the amount of the Membership Fee, Member loans, and provisions concerning pay-

ment of Directors. The Letters Patent may be amended

from time to time by the Members in order to reflect changes in the operation of the corporation or in the philosophy of its constituents. In such a case, the Co-op files Articles of Amendment with the Government and these are acknow­ledged with the issuance of Supplemen­tary Letters Patent.

AppendixF Energy Conservation is not just a pass­

ing fad. It's a real concern that we should all be thinking about. By conserving ener­gy we save money that can be used for other things like new carpets, new pool tables, new TVs and even a lower rent in­crease. Remember that there is no profit to be made here. Any money that you save the Co-op comes back to you in the form of more goods, services and amenities.

What can you do? Plenty! Get that leaky faucet fixed. Turn off lights and appli­ances that are not in .use. Take all the food for a meal out of the fridge at the same time. Cover pots on the hot stove. Close your windows when you're not home in the winter. All these things, and others

left up to your imagination, can save energy on a large scale over a period of time.

Also important is the fact that by con­serving energy you save our valuable and finite resources. People who waste en­ergy are either too lazy, careless or naive to the issues of our time. Many of today 's forms of energy are dirty and dangerous. The more energy you use, the more you contribute to the pollution of the environ­ment, and the further development of un­desirables like nuclear energy.

Canadians use more energy per person than any other nation. There are some good reasons for this. Our large industrial base, the high percentage of urban dwel-

lers and the long distances to travel in this country and subsequent energy in­tensive transportation costs make some of it necessary. There are things that we can do to decrease this useof energy, like determining areas that waste energy and watching our own habits.

Neill-Wycik is embarking on an exten­sive energy conservation program which will save thousands of dollars. However, thousands more can be saved if our mem­bers make a concerted effort to save energy. Start with yourself and your habits. Don't live less comfortably. Just be energy conscious. Don't use more than you need.

63

64

Co-operative Concep--=--ts __ _

There are many things an individual can't do, but which many people can do well together: Making steel; raising children; running a highrise community.

People can achieve a higher level of civilization and humanity by working together.

People have a natural right to share in the ownership and control of the business organizations which serve them.

Democracy in the economy requires one person, one vote; not one share, one vote. Democracy is necessary in economic and political organizations.

Profit made by large institutions belongs to the people who have directly and indirectly created wealth.

Success in a co-operative business can be best measured by service to the people over a long time. Co-ops are instruments of mutual aid, not ends in themselves.

Co-ops challenge both public and private enterprise to be humane, democratic, and a service to the people.

For the social and political good, people should run their own affairs and therefore, any field in which people can organize themselves in a spirit of mutual aid and self-reliance is a proper field for co-op endeavors: Making steel, raising children; running a highrise community.

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EMERGENCY ONLY Call Security: 977-2322

Other numbers to call as needed: Fire, Police and Ambulance: 361-1111

Poison Control: 597-1500 or 461-8272 Drug Crises: 967-6488 Suicide Prevention: 368-8211

Distress Centres: 598-1121 or 486-1456

Co-op Info: 977-2320 -----~

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"

The Cover is a photo portrait of Neill-Wycik by long time member Paul Shay. This is a view of the building which has greetd TorC';ltonians and visitors for almost all of ~he ten years that the build­

ing has occupied the site. The mural, which, until 19BO, was visible on the west wall, is the creation of Canadian artist Rita Letendre. Her work is

known internationally, and the mural, Sunrise Number One, is recognized around the world. The mural is one of a gift of three 'art walls' given to the City by the tobacco firm Benson and Hedges. Only one

remains. Ms. Letendre's work can still be seen in public places, notably the ceiling over the platform of Glencairn station on the

Spadina subway line. As well, our mural, which was obscured by the Gerrard Place highrise, will be replaced by a new Letendre work,

commissioned by Gerrard Place developer Onmitown Developments Ltd., to be placed on our east wall.

© Neill-Wycik Co-operative College, Inc. 1980

Photography: Paul Shay, used by permission Mural: Rita Letendre Typesetting: Action Print Colour Separations; Emenation Graphics Printed by: 8essborough Graphics Ltd ., Toronto

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