We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing to rent from Cornerstone. Our goal is to provide you with good, clean, safe, and comfortable accommodation, and your comments are appreciated. This newsletter will provide you with information regarding you and your apartment. Management and your Property Manager are always available to address your concerns. When making a request of them, please give it in written form. We suggest you bookmark this newsletter and refer to it often!

REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
We will gladly repair and maintain everything in your unit supplied by us without charge, except abused or misused items. Please note: Provincial law requires prior written consent to enter your suite. Call your Property Manager to arrange for repairs. However, you must obtain Management's written approval before making any alterations to your suite.

RENTAL PAYMENTS
For your convenience, we would be pleased to accept a series of postdated cheques for your rental payments.

HANDICAPPED PERSONS
Please advise Management or your Property Manager in writing of non-ambulatory persons who may require emergency assistance. This information forms part of the building's Fire Plan for use in the event of an emergency.

GUESTS
Your guests should identify themselves and gain admission by way of the intercom. Security considerations prevent staff from providing access to unknown persons and those lacking acceptable identification. Remember that you are responsible for the behaviour of your guests while in the building or on the property, and you must ensure that all rules and regulations are complied with.

INSURANCE
Your lease requires you to carry insurance for your unit, possessions and personal liability. The building insurance protects the building, but not you. One occurrence can wipe out a lifetime of effort.

VEHICLES
Vehicles parked illegally or along the municipal fire routes, are inoperable, or do not bear a valid license permit are subject to being towed without notice. Please do not make any repairs or perform any maintenance work on your vehicle while it is parked on the property.

BIRD FEEDERS
Please do not feed birds or other wildlife. As delightful as these creatures are, they create a mess when attracted to food and may invade your apartment.

MOVING RESERVATIONS
Only your Property Manager can make the necessary elevator arrangements for your move. Reservations are "first come, first served" and are firm. An early booking could avoid disappointment.  [return to top of page]

Instructions for residents who live in high rise apartment buildings [courtesy of the City of London Fire Department]

UPON DISCOVERY OF A FIRE
• Close all doors behind you.
• Activate the fire alarm using the nearest pull station.
• Call the Fire Department  (911)  and give details. Never assume this has already been done.
• Leave the building via the nearest exit.
• DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR. USE THE STAIRS.

UPON HEARING THE FIRE ALARM
• Feel all doors for heat before opening, then open door slowly.
• Check for signs of smoke or fire. Remember, smoke is very dangerous. A few breaths can cause unconsciousness.
• If the corridor is clear, leave the building via the nearest exit if you are able to do so. Close all doors behind you.
• NEVER USE THE ELEVATOR. USE THE STAIRS.
• If you encounter smoke or fire in your descent, use an alternate exit. If an alternate exit cannot be reached safely, either return to your suite or a neighbour's apartment.

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LEAVE YOUR SUITE due to smoke or fire conditions in the corridor or due to a physical disability, call the Fire Department  (911)  and give your location.
• A closed door can provide good protection against fire and smoke. Use wet towels, bed sheets or tape to seal cracks, door jambs, mail slots, forced air vents, etc. to prevent smoke from seeping in.
• Move to the balcony. If there is no balcony, move to the most protected room, open the windows and close all doors.
• If smoke enters the room, crawl low – smoke and heated gases rise.
• Signal your position from the window or balcony by waving a towel or sheet.
• Wait to be rescued.

IN CASE OF FIRE, DO NOT STOP FOR ANYTHING
Do not try to rescue possessions or pets. Crawl low under smoke. Smoke contains deadly gases and heat rises. During a fire, cleaner air will be near the floor. If you must exit through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees keeping your head 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) above the floor.

SMOKE DETECTORS
More than half of all fatal home fires happen at night while people are asleep. Smoke detectors sound an alarm when a fire starts, alerting people before they are trapped or overcome by smoke. With smoke detectors, your risk of dying in a home fire is cut nearly in half.
• Smoke detectors have been installed by the Landlord in every apartment unit in the vicinity of the hallway.
• While the Landlord or its agents test your smoke detector annually, it is a good idea for you to test it yourself once a month.
• Change the smoke detector batteries at least once a year. A good reminder is when you change your clocks in the spring or fall – change your clock, change your battery.
• It is your responsibility to ensure the smoke detector in your unit is functioning properly at all times.
• Never disable a smoke detector by borrowing its battery for another use.  [return to top of page]

London’s recycling program is in effect in every Cornerstone building. Please do your part to help us help our environment by following the simple recycling rules outlined below.

• DO NOT RECYCLE THESE MATERIALS
GLASS: drinking glasses, ceramic dishes, cups, crystal, porcelain, window glass, light bulbs, mirrors, pottery, glass pots and pans
PLASTIC: dish pails, toys, foam cups and dishes, plastic wrap and bags, used oil containers
METAL: spray cans and paint cans, coat hangers, pots and pans, batteries
PAPER: waxed paper and waxed boxboard, drink boxes, dark coloured paper and construction paper
PESTICIDES: pesticides and other household hazardous waste containers

• DO RECYCLE THESE MATERIALS
Please separate recyclables into the following two carts located at your building’s recycling centre.

CART #1
PAPER PRODUCTS: Place recyclables loose in carts. Remove any liners, food residue, hard covers or plastic windows from boxes. Flatten, if possible
HOUSEHOLD PAPER: advertising notices, computer paper, white and light coloured paper, envelopes
NEWSPAPERS, TELEPHONE BOOKS: newspaper, inserts and flyers
PAPER EGG CARTONS, BOXBOARD: cereal, tissue, detergent, cracker boxes, shoe boxes
MAGAZINES, CATALOGUES, BOOKS: hard and soft cover books, glossy publications
PIZZA BOXES, ETC: Cut, flatten and tie cardboard no larger than 30 x 30 x 8 inches

CART #2
FOOD, BEVERAGE, LIQUID CONTAINERS: Place recyclables loose in carts. Remove caps, place lids inside and rinse. Flatten, if possible
GLASS BOTTLES AND JARS; ALUMINUM AND STEEL CANS; ALUMINUM FOIL CONTAINERS AND FOIL: pie plates; baking pans and takeout food containers
PLASTIC BOTTLES, JUGS AND TUBS: plastic household rigid containers and tubs with numbers 1, 2, 4 and 5 on the bottom of the container (examples: margarine, yogurt and ice cream tubs; soft drink and juice bottles; household detergent; cleaning and laundry products)

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
•  Tied cardboard may be placed inside or beside the carts
•  Do not place bagged or boxed materials into carts
•  Do not mix Cart #1 and Cart #2 materials
•  Do not leave loose recyclables beside the carts

When in doubt, check it out! Call the London Recycling Information line at 519-649-6262.  [return to top of page]

Energy is a valuable resource. We all have to become more energy conscientious. Efforts to reduce consumption or eliminate excessive consumption of energy will not only help save our planet, but will save on your pocket book.

Reducing your electrical use can be very simple and easy – and the results can be far-reaching. We have compiled energy saving tips that will save energy and money.

WASHING MACHINE
• Doing full loads of laundry in the washer saves both energy and water. Sort and organize your laundry so that you will be doing full loads. Not only will you save on energy and water, but you will save on laundry detergent and fabric softener, as well.
• Be careful not to overload the washer. Your clothes may not get fully clean and may need to be washed again.
• To save money, use hot water only for very dirty clothes. Most clothes can be washed in either warm or cold water. Use cold-water rinse for all loads. Using warm water instead of hot cuts energy usage in half, however, try cold-water wash, using cold-water detergent to save even more.

DRYER
• Operate the dryer like the washer; don't overload it. Overloading uses excess energy because the items take longer to dry.
• Clean the lint from the dryer's filter after every load. The efficiency of the dryer goes down when lint collects over the dryer filter.
• When you set the timer for a load of wet laundry, set it for just enough time. Oversetting the timer will not only waste energy, but your clothes will be more wrinkled when the dryer is done.
• Group similar types of fabrics together before drying them. For example, put towels together in one load. A lower dryer temperature may be used for certain clothes.

DISHWASHER
• Run the dishwasher only when it is fully loaded. If necessary, scrape dirty dishes and store them in the dishwasher until you have a full load.
• Scrape dirty dishes with cold rather than hot water.
• Use "air-dry" and other power-saving switches if your dishwasher has them.  [return to top of page]

THERMOSTAT • Heating and Cooling
• Ensure all the windows are closed tightly to reduce the amount of warm or cool air loss. Why heat or cool the outdoors?
• When you leave your apartment for extended periods of time, turn down the thermostat to a minimum. When you return, don't overload the system by turning the thermostat too high. Gradually turn up the thermostat to heat or cool the suite.

Temperature Control In The Summer
• During the day, to keep heat out of your apartment, keep window shades or blinds down and closed. It's even helpful to keep the windows themselves closed to keep hot air from blowing into your apartment.
• In the evening and early morning, open windows to allow cooler air in.

Temperature Control In The Winter
• Set your thermostat no higher than 68°F during the day and evening when people are home. At night and when no one is home, set it back to 55°F.
• If you feel there is a problem with the furnace and you can't stay warm, do not use the stove for additional heat – this is dangerous. Likewise, do not open your windows if it gets too hot in your apartment. This wastes energy and causes the furnace to put out even more heat. Contact the Property Manager; there may be a problem with the furnace or boiler.
• Instead of turning up the heat, put on a sweater or sweatshirt. Keep a throw cover or blanket near your couch or favorite chair for extra warmth while reading or watching television.
• On sunny days, take advantage of the free heat. Open blinds, shades, and curtains – especially if your windows face south – to help keep your apartment warm. Then turn down the thermostat to keep from getting too hot.
• At night, close the blinds, shades and curtains to help keep heat in your apartment rather than allowing it to escape through the window.

WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER
Read this section if you are considering buying an air conditioner. An efficient air conditioner can save you money on your electric bill.
• Just like furnaces and water heaters, air conditioners have an energy efficiency rating – EER for short. Buy an air conditioner with an EER of at least 10. Although air conditioners with EERs higher than 10 usually cost more, you will recapture this cost by using less electricity.
• It's important to buy the correct size air conditioner (in terms of how much cooling it produces, not its dimensions). If the air conditioner is too large, it won't operate efficiently and it will use more energy and cost you more money. Ask the salesperson for help in choosing the correct size air conditioner.
• Window air conditioners have filters. Remove and clean the filter every month to help save money and keep the air in your home cleaner.
• Make sure the "fresh air" vent on the air conditioner is closed so you're not cooling outside air.
• If possible, put the air conditioner in a window that faces north or is shaded. Keeping the air conditioner out of direct sunlight improves its efficiency. Remove and store the air conditioner during the winter rather than keeping it in the window.

LIGHTS
• No matter what kind of lamp you use, you'll save money and energy if you turn them off when you leave the room.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with new, energy-efficient compact fluorescent lights.
• Replace all bulbs with lowest acceptable wattages.
• Use only the illumination you need. Consider using a single-bulb table lamp when you don't need the full illumination of multi-bulb chandeliers and similar fixtures. • Increase light output by regularly cleaning the dust, grease and other dirt that accumulates on lamps, bulbs, globes and reflecting surfaces of the fixtures.
• Use natural daylight as much as possible.

REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER
• Keep your refrigerator temperature at 38°F.
• Freezer temperature should be maintained at 10°F.
• Defrost your freezer when ice or frost buildup is ¼ inch or thicker.
• Vacuum or brush the cooling coils (in back) at least every six months.
• Every time you open the refrigerator door you waste energy. Keep foods that are frequently used near the front of the shelves so they are easily and quickly removed.
• Avoid standing in front of the refrigerator with the door open deciding what to eat. Think about what you want to remove from the refrigerator before you open it.
• A full (not packed) freezer runs most efficiently. To take up space in your freezer, fill milk cartons with water and place inside the freezer. Later, during the summer these blocks of ice can be used in your ice chest.
• Check the gasket (the soft plastic piece that seals the door to the body of the refrigerator) every so often for gaps and improper fit. The door should close firmly against the gasket. If it doesn't, cold air will leak out of the refrigerator. You can check the tightness of the door by placing a piece of paper between the gasket and the door. Close the door and then pull out the paper. You should feel a slight drag when you pull it out. If you don't (or the paper just falls out when you let go of it), the gasket may be worn and should be replaced. Contact the Property Manager about having the gasket adjusted or replaced.  [return to top of page]

COOKING
• Use a microwave oven when possible. Microwave ovens use much less energy than conventional ovens.
• Pressure cookers use much less energy than ordinary pots and pans. Use small cooking appliances (electric fry pans, toaster ovens, etc.) whenever possible.
• Use pots and pans that fit the burners. Pans that fit a burner absorb more energy, reducing the amount of heat that is lost.
• Use smaller amounts of water for cooking; use the lowest possible heat to maintain boiling or steaming.
• If you have three dishes to be cooked in the oven at slightly different temperatures (325°F, 350°F and 375°F, for example), pick the average temperature (350°F in this example) to cook all three dishes.
• Preheat oven only 5 to 8 minutes when baking; do not preheat oven for broiling or roasting. Foods that take over an hour to cook do not require a preheated oven.
• Don't peek. Every time you open the oven door to look at the food, the oven temperature is lowered by 25°F to 75°F.
• Keep oven and burners clean. A clean oven uses energy more efficiently.
• Don't forget to turn off the oven when you're finished cooking.

HOT WATER
If you have a water heater in your apartment, these tips can save you money. If you don't have a hot water heater in your unit, contact Management or the Property Manager so that the problem can be identified.
• If you leave for vacation, turn the breaker to the water heater off. Remember to flip it back on when you return. It will take approximately four hours to return to the set temperature.
• Talk to your Property Manager about lowering the thermostat on your water heater to save money and energy. Hot water that is over 120°F can scald.
• Notify the Property Manager if any of your faucets leak. One drip can waste up to 48 gallons of water a week. If it's a hot water faucet that's leaking, you're literally sending your energy dollars down the drain.

COMPUTERS
• There are many pros and cons of turning your computer on and off to save energy. The best rule of thumb is to turn it off if you do not use it often. If you do, then turn the monitor off when not in use. A computer monitor alone uses 60 watts of power.
• Use the energy saving mode available on most computers, especially those with the Energy Star label; this alone can cut the amount of energy your computer uses by 70%.
• Activate your Energy Star "sleep" feature on home office equipment (PC, fax, printer, scanner) so it automatically powers down when not in use.
• Laser printers use 300 watts; inkjets use only 10 for similar quality.
• Use your desktop lamp; why light a tennis court to read a sheet of paper?  [return to top of page]

CONDENSATION
Evidence suggests that problems with condensation may be attributable to living conditions. We have gathered tips to assist you with reducing the amount of condensation in your apartment. This problem may be contributing singularly or in combination with others. Try to avoid doing all of the listed activities at once.

Stove:  Too many pots and the length of time pots are boiling on the stove.
Showers and Baths: The amount, frequency, and temperature of water can contribute significantly to the problem of condensation. Ensure your circulating fan is on during and for a period after your shower or bath.
Dishwashers:  Yes, we need clean dishes, but this can also contribute to condensation in combination with other factors.
Dryers: The frequency and length the dryer is in use. Dryers do produce moist air.
Plants:  Don’t rule out the greenhouse effect! The number of plants in your suite can contribute to condensation.

For more information about conserving energy as a renter, visit the  U.S. Department of Energy's web site. While the site focuses on the U.S., the information can be applied to Canada.

Cornerstone Properties welcomes any suggestions or com-ments you may have about this web site or newsletter. Click on the mail slot below and let us know what you think. All messages will receive a reply.

Information subject to change without notice. ©2000-2002 Cornerstone Properties Inc. Last revised on October 28, 2002 [return to top of page] [return to Cornerstone's site]

  Helpful Information
  Fire Safety Tips and Info
  Reduce • Reuse • Recycle
  Energy Conservation Tips
  It's Your Move!
      Moving Checklist
      Packing Tips
      Unpacking Advice
  Refer-a-Friend Reward
  Easy Meatloaf & Gravy Recipe
  Return to Cornerstone's site

Whether you're a first-time mover or a moving veteran, you'll find this article helpful.

6 TO 8 WEEKS BEFORE
Contact a moving company and tell them the date(s) you plan to move. Set up a date for an agent to come over and survey your goods. Unless you're given a binding estimate, the cost can vary, depending on the actual weight of the items and any extra services, such as picture boxes or portable wardrobe closets.
Decide if you are going to pack yourself or have the movers do it.
Draw a floor plan of your new apartment. This will help you decide which furniture stays and which furniture will go.

Arrange for a transfer of bank account funds and the contents of your safety deposit box.
Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered. Transfer fire, theft, and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage at your new home.
Start collecting suitable containers and packing materials if you plan to do the packing yourself.
Start to use up things that can't be moved, such as frozen foods, canned goods, and flammable household aerosol cleaners. Buy only what you will use before moving.

4 TO 6 WEEKS BEFORE
Prepare a list of friends, relatives, business firms, and others who need to be notified of your move.
Plan to cancel all utilities.
Set a date to cancel the newspaper.
Consider having a garage sale to dispose of unwanted clothes or furniture.
Alert the post office that you will be moving. If you don't yet know your permanent address, the post office can hold your mail for you. Send out change-of-address cards.

2 TO 3 WEEKS BEFORE
Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.
Transfer all prescriptions to your new pharmacy.
Have rugs and draperies cleaned and keep them in bags until the movers arrive.
Collect all items being repaired, cleaned, or stored.
Return library books and anything else you may have borrowed.
Assemble packing materials:
• Boxes
• Packing tape
• Felt-tip markers
• Large self-stick labels
• Unprinted newsprint
• Utility knife and scissors
• Furniture pads
• Dolly
• Packing peanuts or bubble wrap  [return to top of page]

3 DAYS BEFORE
Pack suitcases for the trip to your new apartment. Put in extra clothes for emergencies.
Pack an "Instant Aid" box containing things you'll need upon arrival: toilet paper, sponges, paper towels, dish soap, paper plates, plastic knives, forks, and spoons, toothpaste, light bulbs, hammer, trash bags, hand soap, toiletries, scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, tea kettle, instant tea, coffee, soft drinks, flashlight, toilet paper, snacks, pen and paper, a local phone book, masking tape, bath towels, and aspirin.
Defrost the refrigerator and freezer so they can dry at least 24 hours before the movers arrive.
Make a list of every item and box that will be loaded onto the truck.
Set aside valuables and legal documents to go with you, not on the truck.
If you are moving to another city, take the telephone directory with you. It will be useful in case you need to contact former doctors or business contacts.

1 DAY BEFORE
Point out to packers any extra-fragile items needing special attention. Mark any items you do not want moved.
Collect or group things you definitely want packed together.
Leave mirrors and pictures on the walls for the movers to pack.
Disassemble beds and sleep on the couch! Pack sheets and blankets.
Unplug all TV sets and computers 24 hours in advance so they will be at room temperature the day of the move. Moving a set in which heat is retained could damage internal parts.
Make sure your cell phone is recharged (if you own one).

MOVING DAY
Make sure your cell phone is turned on (if you own one).
It is your responsibility to see that all your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is complete. After making sure no items are left, check and sign the inventory. Keep your copy.
Approve and sign the bill of lading. This states the terms and conditions of the move and is your receipt for the shipment.
Be sure the truck driver has the exact address of your destination.
Keep your telephone connected during moving day.
Leave a note of your new address in the house or apartment you are vacating so the new occupants can forward any mail.  [return to top of page]

Another version of a six-week countdown checklist can be viewed by  clicking here.

There's more to packing than just throwing things in a box. Here are some packing pointers to help you make sure everything gets to your new apartment intact.

Keep in mind that everything you move will add to the cost in money, time, and energy. If you've been a pack rat, now's the time to make a clean sweep. Consider donating unused items to charity.
Get free boxes from the supermarket, or you can buy them from your moving company.
Start packing early, two to three weeks before the move, one room at a time. Begin with the things you use less frequently, like out-of-season clothes, knickknacks, and old books.
If the actual move will take more than one day, watch what you pack so you don't end up searching through unnecessary boxes.
Pack the contents of each room in separate boxes. Label the boxes by room and contents. Use only unprinted newsprint for wrapping to avoid soiling your possessions.
Heavy items such as books should be packed in small containers.
Pack plates standing on their edges.
Leave lightweight linen and clothes you may need in their drawers.
Wrap fragile items in tissue paper, then cushion the boxes with extra newsprint. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
It's best to pack computers, printers, stereos, and other electronic equipment in their original boxes. If you threw away the original boxes, wrap the components in plastic to protect them from dust and place them in a sturdy, padded box marked "fragile." Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
Since tapes, records, CDs, and floppy disks can be damaged by heat, arrange for their safe shipment or take them with you, along with your other valuable items and legal papers.
If you've packed properly, the sides of the box shouldn't bulge, and the top shouldn't cave in when you close it.

More helpful packing tips can be found by visiting the  Web Guide To Household Packing.

• Inherent in any move, of course, are stresses and strains that can tire out even the most energetic people. It's important to designate a room in your new apartment where you can go to relax and unwind. When you arrive at your new home, choose one room to be your relaxation space. Clear it of clutter and unpacked boxes.
• Bring out your floor lamps and table lamps. Portable light sources can lend a cheerful quality to any room. Even if you have to set the table lamps on boxes, they'll still serve their purpose by diffusing the light in a warm, welcoming way.
• Hang curtains or sheer panels on tension rods to get rid of that "living in a fishbowl" feeling and to give you instant privacy.
• Set out and set up the kitchen basics. Life will be easier if the microwave oven, coffeepot, and toaster are working. Stock the refrigerator with beverages, snacks, and frozen dinners to ease yourself through those first chaotic days.
• Arrange your bath so you can find toiletries, and soap and towels for a relaxing bath or shower at the day's end.

Now you're free to sit back and put up your feet: you've earned it! If you don't get all of the unpacking done in a day, don't worry – you'll be settled in good time. Set realistic goals, deciding what you can accomplish each day at a pace you can live with. As you unpack boxes, throw away or recycle empty ones and move unopened ones into another room, where they can be out of sight and out of mind until their turn comes.

More helpful unpacking tips can be found at  United Van Lines web site.

Excerpts of the Moving Checklist, Packing Tips and Unpacking Advice articles were reproduced from Better Homes and Gardens web site.  [return to top of page]

In case you missed this page on our web site, read about our Refer-a-Friend Reward here.

Refer your friends to live with us and receive $100.  Plus enjoy two other benefits: (1) Your friends become your neighbours; and (2) Your friends also receive $100.

The rules are simple!
1. Both you and your friend will receive $100 when they move into the building.
2. Your friend must sign a one-year lease.
3. This offer does not apply to sublets or assignments.
4. To receive the $100 referral fee, you or your friend must inform the Rental Agent or Property Manager that this is your "referral" before viewing the suite.
5. Sorry, this offer does not apply to existing residents who transfer from one suite to another, or from one building to another.

Remember, the more people you refer, the more money you earn!

• 1½ lbs. ground beef
• ½ cup Italian-seasoned dry
   bread crumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 can Campbell's® Golden
   Mushroom Soup
• ¼ cup water


 1. Preheat oven to 350°.

 2. Mix thoroughly beef, bread crumbs and egg. Shape firmly into 8" x 4" loaf in baking pan.

 3. Bake at 350°F. for 30 minutes. Spread ½ can soup over top of meat loaf. Bake additional 30 minutes or until done.

 4. Mix 2 tbsp. drippings, remaining soup and water in saucepan. Heat through and serve with meat loaf. Serves 6.

For more great recipes, visit Campbell's Kitchen web site. You'll be able to search or exchange recipes, set up your own recipe box, and sign up for their daily or weekly Meal Mail program. Enjoy!