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Tinkering today can help shape the future People. Places. Pictures. Profiles. Perspectives. CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES. R E G I O N O F WAT E R LO O

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VOLUME 24 | ISSUE

NOVEMBER 28, 2019

'TIS THE SEASON

Region seeking public input on report that will shape the next two decades BY STEVE KANNON

skannon@woolwichobserver.com

Charting a course for growth over the next 20 years, the Region of Waterloo is looking for public input as it drafts a new regional official plan (ROP). Residents here can have their say in person at an open house set for Dec. 4 (4:30-8 p.m.) at the Heidelberg Community Centre. The new overarching planning document is intended to map out what the region will look like in terms of housing, transportation, densities and employment lands through 2041, when the population is expected to reach 835,000, up from 535,000 in the 2016 census. The public input phase of the ROP review is now underway, with those interested in helping frame the discussion encouraged to attend meetings, file comments online (engagewr.ca) or contact regional officials directly. While planning issues are often dominated by those with self-interested goals, particularly developers, the process doesn’t favour any one group, says Rod Regier, the region’s commissioner of planning, development and legislative service. ROP | 07

Brian Chamberlain and Rachel Bauman are helping to organize the fourth annual Christmas and nativity show happening at the Elmira Pentecostal Assembly.

[ANETA REBISZEWSKI]

Telling the story of Christmas For the fourth year, Elmira Pentecostal Assembly Church will present a live nativity play BY ANETA REBISZEWSKI

arebiszewski@woolwichobserver.com

Christmas has spawned many tales, but there is one that started it all – the origin story, if you will – and telling it highlights the true meaning of Christmas for the Elmira Pentecostal Assembly Church. A live outdoor nativity performance has been offered for

four years now. Telling the tale of Christ’s birth through a magical show that includes more than a hundred volunteer performers and real animals really brings the story to life, say organizers. Rachel Bauman and Brian Chamberlain have been helping out with the show since it began in Elmira, and each year there is

something new and exciting. “We’re trying to show the birth of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas from birth to cross,” said Bauman. For Chamberlain it’s more about the sentiment: “It’s a good family experience, and it’s become a bit of a tradition for a lot of families,” he said. The outdoor play will take

place in the parking lot of the Elmira Pentecostal Assembly at 280 Arthur St. S., with seating for some 600 people for each show. “Our biggest year was 3,700 [people],” said Chamberlain of total turnout, adding he expects to see the same amount this year depending on the weather. Many of the actors in the play PAGEANT | 04

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

02 | C O M MUNIT Y NE WS

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 , 2019 | 03

PAGE THREE

Creating community connections starts and ends with our readers. News tips are always welcome. Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103 Online: ads.observerxtra.com/tips

COVERING THE BASES

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Region of Waterloo is now working on a protection plan for the West Montrose covered bridge, which reopened last week after being repaired at a cost of $35,000. The structure was closed in early September after two floor beams cracked, probably due to the crossing of an overweight vehicle. A study into the bridge’s future is looking at the possibly of strengthening the span to help avoid reoccurrences of such incidents.

Woolwich and Wellesley pleaded, and Waterloo Region finally listened. The townships had been looking for rumble strips at the intersection of Hawkesville and Kressler roads near Heidelberg, the scene of two fatal collisions in the past two years. At first reluctant, regional councillors meeting Wednesday night reversed a previous decision against the measures. From the Nov. 29, 2008 edition of The Observer

Woolwich to automate meter reading for water bill BY STEVE KANNON

skannon@woolwichobserver.com

The meter-reader is on the endangered species list in Woolwich, as the township is moving ahead with automating collection of water-billing information. Meeting last week, coun-

cillors awarded a $1.1-million contract to KTI Limited to install a remote meter-reading some on some 6,444 water meters. There will then be a $40,000 annual fee for the service. Currently, the township reads meters manually, then manually inputs the

information into its billing system. Automating the process will save time and money, and boost efficiency, said director of finance Richard Petherick. “The current process is inefficient and prone to human errors,” he noted in a report to councillors.

“The ultimate goal of migrating to a remote reading system is to increase efficiencies in the township’s water meter billing activity, decrease the instances of human errors, and to enhance customer service to the township’s water customers.”

two years, as the contractor has to physically mount a radio transmitter on each meter. Work will start in the smaller rural settlements before shifting to Elmira. “Given the time of year physical work in the field is

The technology also allows the township to quickly note sudden changes in water consumption that might indicate a leak, information that could be passed on to the customer, Petherick said. He noted the work would likely be carried out over

METERS | 04

REGIONAL COUNCIL

Region seeks public input in shaping its 2020 budget priorities Public engagement on proposed tweaks to Regional services through online survey library services – the region provides library services through 10 rural branches across four rural townships, visited some 900,000 times per year on average. It will cost the average taxpayer $84 per household throughout Woolwich, Wellesley, Wilmot, and North Dumfries in the proposed 2020 budget. Survey users can then agree or disagree that “the cost of this service is good value for money.” Proposed service tweaks include adding more personal support workers at Sunnyside Home, more paramedics and ambulance, enhancing transit service (particularly in Wilmot Township), more buses for increase MobilityPLUS service for people with physical and cognitive disabilities, adding more resources to the Waterloo Region housing master plan, and Public Health funding. The online questionnaire takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and is open until December 20. Staff

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

The 1st Elmira Scouts have long used Elmira’s Gore Park as a base of operations for their sale of Christmas trees, which are about to kick into high gear. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

Making it look like Christmas BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

It’s a sure-fire sign that the holidays are fast approaching: the 1st Elmira Scouts are selling Christmas trees in Gore Park, continuing a longstanding tradition. There have been some 360 Christmas trees up for grabs at the Arthur Street location since the Scouts got things up and running on November 17. “It is a major fundraiser

for both the group and the youth,” said 1st Elmira Scouts co-commissioner Philip Bertrand. “A lot of youth... this is how they pay for their camping, or trips. This is how they would earn their adventures.” After all expenses, the group brings in somewhere between $5,000 and $6,000 on average per year. The money has previously funded a variety activities that the Beavers, Cubs,

Scouts, Rovers and Ventures take on. It has funded a Ventures weeklong trip to Killarney, as well as a youth trip to Algonquin Park last summer. The trees come from Somerville Nurseries near Barrie, ranging in price between $40-75. There are a variety of tree type options to choose from. “We have everything from 5-6 footers, all the way up to 10-12 footers,” said Bertrand.

“We have a range of quality of the trees. We have the premium number one Frasers which are really good for retaining moisture and needles. Balsam is the next level down; it’s a very good but more reasonably priced than the Frasers.” Others on offer in the lower price range include the bright green coloured scotch pine, one of the most commonly used species in the United States, SCOUTING | 04

Working on its 2020 budget, Waterloo Region is looking to community input to shape its spending priorities, from library services to public transit. With an engagement push, regional officials want you to have your say, whether it’s at a public meeting or via an online survey. Up for discussion is the value of current service levels and proposed enhancements in the 2020 budget. Topics include cultural services, roads, MobilityPLUS transit service enhancements, child care, housing services, seniors services, public health programs, paramedic services, and balancing service levels with tax increases. “Our goal is to provide residents good value for their tax dollars,” said Coun. Sean Strickland, chair of the budget committee, in a release. The first question, for instance, lays out the state of

BUDGET | 04

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

04 | C O MMUNIT Y NE WS

Region makes it official, with flu season now underway BY ANETA REBISZEWSKI

arebiszewski@woolwichobserver.com

Seems like it’s been the holiday season for a while, but it’s certainly flu season now, as the Region of Waterloo Public Health department last week confirmed the first two cases of influenza in the area. “These first cases are a signal that the flu season has started in Waterloo Region. The best way for people to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu is to get immunized,” said the region’s acting medical officer of health, Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang in a release. Those looking to avoid getting sick with the flu are advised to get their immunization shot for the upcoming season, suggests

Dr. Rabia Bana. “Immunization is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. It protects not only yourself but also individuals around you especially those who might be more vulnerable to developing serious illness from the flu,” she said. With just two reported cases of the flu in the region, the risk is still low but that doesn’t mean it is non-existent and it is best to take action to prevent getting sick, she added. While the timing of the flu season varies from year to year, this year it started early in November and can last until about April. Symptoms of the flu, a respiratory illness caused by viruses, include fever, chills, coughing, sore

throat, congestion, a runny nose, headache and muscle pain. Most people will recover from these symptoms from seven up to 10 days. While these are the typical symptoms, children under 5, pregnant women and adults over the age of 65 tend to be at a higher risk for developing other complications, including pneumonia. Those who are not comfortable with getting a vaccination can alternatively take other precautions, says Bana, including washing your hands frequently, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and covering your mouth and nose when sneezing. That said, Bana still emphasizes the flu shot as the best option.

“Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting the flu,” she said. In the region, Public Health has reported on a limited amount of influenza cases – which can vary in the strains they carry from A to B. Right now, Bana says it is too early to determine which strain is likely to be the most prevalent. The province last month launched its influenza

immunization campaign that distributes vaccines to community health care providers. “We also are continuing to promote the message that everyone over 6 months old should get their flu shot,” said Bana. The vaccine is available at pharmacies, walk-in clinics and Public Health clinics. Many locations offer the flu shot without an appointment.

METERS: Moving to remote control FROM 03

not expected to begin until 2020. However, in the meantime the township will be sending notices of this project to water customers through water billings.” Looking at the costs, Coun. Patrick Merlihan

asked whether the project could be funded by modernization money provided by the province. That might be possible, Petherick noted, but that money is perhaps earmarked for lower-priority items that might not otherwise be funded.

For more information on influenza and what can be done to prevent getting sick during this season please visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/health-andwellness/flu.aspx.

BUDGET: Have a say with taxes FROM 03

will summarize the results for the regional council to consider, which may have an impact on the decision making process for the 2020 budget. Anyone is welcome to attend public input meeting scheduled for December 11 at 6 p.m. in council chambers at the Region of Waterloo municipal building. The online survey can be completed at www.engagewr.com.

SCOUTING: Sale of Christmas trees at Gore Park is a longtime tradition, a major fundraiser for local Scouting FROM 03

and the dark green Norway spruce. All age levels of 1st Elmira Scouts contribute their time and effort to this fundraiser, from Beavers to Ventures. Bertrand said that he expects sales to pick up soon as Christmas Day nears. “It starts off slow; a lot of the bigger trees have gone already,” said Bertrand. “It usually starts picking up this coming weekend and then next weekend. Now that we’re a month away from Christmas, it’ll really start to pick up.”

The tree fundraiser is a longstanding tradition in the community, and used to be run by a local service club before it was passed on to the 1st Elmira Scouts when the club disbanded. “Jaycees had started it ... that goes way, way back. When the Jaycees closed up, we passed it on to the Scouts ... that’s how that went,” explained Phil Read of Read’s Decorating Centre. Co-commissioner of 1st Elmira Scouts Brian Soehner has long been involved with the tree fundraiser, and will continue this year. “Brian is still involved in

a support role. For health reasons, he’s not as heavily involved as he was in the past,” said Bertrand. “But he’s still a member of our group and we still value his contribution.” Volunteers will be manning the booth at the Gore Park location Monday to Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sundays in November, the hours will run 12-6 p.m., while Sundays in December will start at 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. For mid-week daytime sales, visit Read’s Decorating Centre in Elmira on Arthur Street.

PAGEANT: A live nativity scene takes viewers back to the origins story of Christmas, and the events that followed FROM 01

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are volunteers and some have been doing it since the first year, explains Chamberlain, but there are often newcomers, which makes it even more exciting. Performers range in age, including babies that are carried by the townspeople. “You don’t need performing experience to be able to do it, you just need to have people who are willing and able to help,” said Bauman. Part of the fun of putting the show together is being able to add new elements each year, whether it’s adding new animals or changing up the set added Bauman. The animals had an element of spontaneity, too. Past shows have included sheep, goats, chickens and horses, but this year it’s about the cows. All the animals are from local farms who volunteer their animals in the play, a

way to get the whole community involved. “It’s not just our church, it’s the community at large that really helps us out to do it,” Bauman said of those who make the farm animals available. Although the nativity play is in its fourth year, Bethany Missionary Church in Kitchener previously put on the live nativity story, but after a change in the pastor the show was discontinued. Luckily, pastor Bill Anderson, who helped out with the show there for many years, extended his help to those at Elmira Pentecostal, keeping the tradition alive. Many of those who used to go watch the show in Kitchener even make the trip to Elmira to watch the new nativity play. The play is not just about the birth of Jesus, but takes the audience through an immersive experience from

the stable he was born in to the time of Jesus on the cross. More than just telling a story, it’s a reason for people to think about what the holiday season is really about, said Bauman. “It’s to bring people back to the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate it – we want to magnify Christ’s birth in it.” After the show there will be hot chocolate and cookies inside of the church for show goers to enjoy and warm up. This year Elmira Pentecostal will also be accepting donations to the Woolwich Community Services food bank. The church is offering six performances over the weekend of December 7 and 8. Show times are 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. on both days. Those who are coming out to the show are asked to dress for any kind of weather and be prepared for rain or snow.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

C O M MUN IT Y N E WS | 05

She doesn’t have to be told twice to take a hike Author Nicola Ross’ latest book is a guide to hiking the trails of Waterloo Region, Wellington County and Waterloo, looking to make loops hikers can make, with plenty of reasons to stop along the way – the series of guide books is called Loops & Lattes, after all. “There’s great stuff to do after you’re done hiking.” In that regard, there’s a tourism angle to her books, along with information for novices who may be interested in hiking but don’t know where to begin, where the trails are or how long it would take to walk a certain route. But there’s also plenty of information for veterans of the pastime, as well as locals, said Ross. “I get seasoned hikers who say to me ‘I know all the hikes’ ... but then

BY STEVE KANNON

skannon@woolwichobserver.com

We may not be heading into prime hiking time, but the winter months are certainly fine for making plans, whether you’re the municipality working on expanding the trail network or someone keen to take advantage of the area’s offerings. Nicola Ross’ latest book takes aim at the latter group. Waterloo, Wellington & Guelph Hikes, the fifth in her Loops & Lattes series of hiking guides, looks at the options available in this neck of the woods. Due to hit shelves next week, the book expands on a southwestern Ontario line-up that includes hiking explorations of Caledon, Halton, Dufferin and the Hamilton area. Having written five guide books in as many years, Ross certainly covers plenty of ground, literally in this case given the subject matter. With each book encompassing some 35 hikes averaging about seven kilometres apiece, the numbers quickly add up. Luckily, she loves getting out for a hike, with most days finding her out for at least an hour and a half. “I have a dog,” she laughed in an interview from her Caledon home. Her latest book saw her hit the trails in Waterloo Region and Wellington County, including a focus on the offerings here in the townships. Local organizations such as the Woolwich Trails Group were a big help in her research, says Ross. “They were really helpful to me. I’m really grateful for that.” Her goal in preparing to write a new guide book is to get to know more than just the trail routes, but the surrounding environment. “That’s kind of the fun – really in-depth exploring,” she said, noting each area

Nicola Ross spends much of her time hiking, locally and abroad. Her newest guide book looks at routes in Waterloo and Wellington. [SUBMITTED]

has its unique features, not only in terms of geography but the “après hiking” activities. In Woolwich and Wellesley, that includes taking note of the Mennonite factor. “There are some real cultural differences there,” she said, pointing to the old-time general stores where “you can find axes beside butter tarts.” For those coming in from outside the area, the horseand-buggy sightings are part of the wow factor, Ross added, also singling out the rich farmland. “The farms along there are fantastic,” she said of hiking along the Kissing Bridge and the G2G trails. “It’s really flat,” she said of this area, which can be a boon to novices, the scenery as many trails run along or cross the Grand River making up for some of the limited topography. The area does present some unique features, agrees Ann Roberts, Woolwich Township’s environmental coordinator, who assisted Ross with her local research.

“We have a great variety here – we have starter, easier paths ... and more rugged trails like stretches of the Grand Valley Trail. “The Mennonite countryside and flavour are a huge attraction for the people coming in, as well as to the local users,” said Roberts, pointing to the local food, farmers’ markets and roadside farm stands. The availability of “après hiking” options play a big part in her books, says Ross. For the Waterloo and Wellington guide, she delves into explorations of the likes of Elmira, St. Jacobs, Guelph, Cambridge

there’s something new,” she said. “I’ve had people who’ve lived somewhere for 20 years say ‘I didn’t even know these trails were here.’” That more people are mindful of hiking options reflects the growing interest in the pastime. “Hiking is on the rise. It’s the easiest, best thing you can do to stay healthy,” said Ross. Woolwich has certainly embraced the activity. A relevant latecomer to municipal trails development, the township has jumped in with both feet over the past 20 years, notes Roberts. Along with its own work, the township also has longstanding contributions

from service groups such as the Lions Club and organizations like the Woolwich Trails Group, which also has an updated guide to routes in the township. With the season winding down, the township will now be focusing on planning for next year, including trails set to come online with the development of new subdivisions in Breslau, Elmira and St. Jacobs adding to Woolwich’s ever-expanding network, said Roberts. Ross’ take on local trails, as well as those in the wider area, can be found in the book due for release next week. More information, including retail locations, is available online at www. nicolaross.ca.

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

06 | C O MMUNIT Y NE WS

The Christmas parade season gets going in earnest next week with December's arrival, with plenty to keep Santa and his helpers busy.

[FILE PHOTOS]

The man in the big red suit is coming to town Jolly Old Saint Nick has a busy schedule at local parades in the townships as the calendar flips to December BY VERONICA REINER

vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

We’ve had snow on and off, but nothing says Christmas is coming like the arrival of jolly ol’ Saint Nick. The man in red has a busy schedule locally, with many a parade to headline. Santa’s long list of appearances includes stops in Elmira, Wellesley and St. Clements. He’ll be waving at the crowds along Arthur Street in Elmira on December 7, then making an evening appearance in Wellesley the following week on December 13. There will be a few new aspects to the Woolwich stop, says Murray Haight, an organizer of the Elmira (Kiwanis) Santa Clause Parade. “The float is a recent addition, and replaces one which had been in the parade for many years,” said Haight. “One of our members, Peter, arranged for his brother Paul Waurechen to design and construct the float. Paul is an expert float builder, having worked on many of

the floats seen in the KW Oktoberfest parade.” Now in its 28th year, the Elmira parade has gradually grown over the years, with dozens of local groups, more than 25 floats, and seven bands set to be featured in this edition. Given the sheer size of the parade, the Elmira organizing committee begins planning as early as August.

Planning includes booking Santa Claus, who is a busy man this time of year, arranging for sponsors to help pay for the cost of bands, recruiting volunteers, and setting up floats. “Then the day of, there are the logistics of getting it organized and putting it in the right sequence,” said Haight. “Everybody part of the parade we end up

at the Legion, we go there, they serve coffee cookies hot chocolate for the young participants.” The parade begins at the corner of William and Arthur streets, continues south, then turns left on First Street, before ending at the Legion hall. “Thank goodness William Street has been finished because that’s where

Santa will be the star of the show in a number of upcoming parades, including Dec. 7 in Elmira.

[FILE PHOTO]

the parade is being assembled. Up until a few weeks ago, it was under construction,” said Haight. “So that would have been a bit of a challenge to figure out how to get everyone organized on a muddy street. At least it’s paved and good to go.” The Elmira parade will kick off at 10 a.m. The Wellesley version, on the other hand, is a night-time parade. It will run down Queen’s Bush Road, then onto Nafziger Road, turn onto Maple Leaf Street before ending up at the community centre. At around 7:20 p.m., there will be a live nativity scene by the Wellesley pond. “Our big emphasis on it is that it’s a free, fun night, and it is a local event,” said Michelle Martin, one of the organizers of the parade. Staff will be accepting any cash or food donations for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Martin said the amount raised varies from year to year, with the 2018 outing bringing in $1,800. “We do rely on donations from the parade participants. For the most part,

we get donations from a few local businesses like Pym’s in Wellesley,” said Martin. “They are really, really fantastic about it – they donate all of the story time treats and drinks. We’re very fortunate that a lot of the local businesses are supporting the Christmas Tyme night in that way.” Both organizers were hoping for ideal weather on the day of – a bit light snow can add to the Christmas feel. The Wellesley parade kicks off at 6:45 p.m. - residents of the township can expect a flyer in the mail. Upcoming parades in the Townships: SUNDAY, DEC. 1 – 6 P.M. NEW HAMBURG SANTA CLAUS PARADE SATURDAY, DEC. 7 – 10 A.M. ELMIRA KIWANIS SANTA CLAUS PARADE SATURDAY, DEC. 7 – 1:30 P.M. BADEN SANTA CLAUS PARADE FRIDAY, DEC. 13- 6:45 P.M. CHRISTMAS THYME IN WELLESLEY PARADE SATURDAY, DEC. 14 – 1 P.M. ST. AGATHA SANTA CLAUS PARADE SATURDAY, DEC. 21 - 1 P.M. ST. CLEMENTS SANTA CLAUS PARADE

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C O M MUN IT Y N E WS | 07

ROP: Public consultation stage underway as officials look to draft a new offical plan to take region to 2041 FROM 01

“We’re very interested in the public input from all our stakeholder groups,” he said, noting there are many people interested in the future of the region. “We expect a fulsome debate – a good, robust debate about the ROP review. “Response has been pretty good so far,” he said of the public input process that got rolling earlier this month. The current review follows a similar process that dragged on about a decade. The region approved a new official plan in 2011, but protracted legal battles meant the document didn’t kick in until 2015. Many of the delays were caused by developers taking legal action to allow for more sprawl, including a massive expansion out onto the west-side moraine. Regier said he expects the process to go more smoothly this time, particularly wranglings over suitable development lands. “We’re fairly confident land budgets will work out in a manner we can support,” he said, noting new rules mean that once the province approves the ROP, it can’t be appealed in the courts. “I think it will be easier this time around.” The province itself is something of wildcard, however. The Ford government has stressed an openfor-business philosophy, rolling back some of the controls put in place by the Liberals and indicating a pro-developer stance. To date, Regier noted, there haven’t been huge changes, so the region will continue with existing provincial policies that look to boost densities in Ontario municipalities. Higher densities and de-

veloping so-called brownfield sites make better use of existing infrastructure, he said. “It’s much more cost effective to infill.” Such practices are also in keeping with climate change action, which have demanded a shift in land-use planning. The region has also invested large amounts of money in the LRT and transit, which also benefit from intensification. Still somewhat beyond the pale is actually curtailing growth, rather than containing sprawl. At this point, each new addition to the population eventually ends up costing the municipality more money – existing residents don’t benefit from growth, rather end up with higher taxes and the fallout from congestion. But dramatically reducing development would be difficult given the influx of population – municipalities have no control over immigration, nor internal migration – and the vested interests. “We’re a thriving region. People are coming to the region,” said Regier, noting the conversation should include the negative impacts of growth. “That’s a worthwhile conversation to have. We do need to take a responsible approach to managing growth in the region.” The nature of growth is also on the agenda for the region’s lower-tier municipalities. Woolwich, for instance, has seen a steady increase in population, along with a slew of new development. The township is part of a working group of local municipalities hashing out changes to the ROP, says manager of planning Jeremy Vink. Area planners have been meeting since

June in a process that involves ongoing discussions. Land designation decisions are high on the township’s priority list given increasing demand for housing and employment land, particularly in the Breslau area. Woolwich is also looking for a resolution for concerns about severances related to schools and churches on Mennonite farm properties, said Vink. Currently, the institutional uses can’t be severed from the farm parcels, meaning their subjected to taxation, unlike schools and churches everywhere else. Vink also expects to see some Woolwich property owners making the case for their lands to be included on development maps, continuing the boundary rationalization process the township recently carried out. As rural settlements were dropped from that process midstream with the province made changes, he said he can think of some residents who’ll be looking for inclusion in settlements such as Maryhill. “Those on the outside looking in will have a chance to get their changes,” said Vink. “This is the time to get in with any [additions] people have.” Now is certainly the time for everyone interested in the future of the area to get involved, agreed Regier. “The impact of this plan is going to be felt in decades to come,” he said of the ROP. “Hopefully, people will be interested enough to come out and think about the future.” The goal is to have the bulk of the review process wrapped up by then end of 2020, with an early 2021 target for council to put the new ROP in place.

A SUPER EVENT

POSTING FOR PEACE

The Woolwich Community Lions Club announced the top three winners of the annual peace poster contest on Nov. 25 at the Lions Hall in Elmira. Sofia Nicolas (top) won first place , second place went to Laurel Maquire and Eliza Domzella took third [ANETA REBISZEWSKI] prize.

PROPERTY OWNERS AND INTERESTED PARTIES ARE NOTIFIED OF THE COMMENCEMENT OF A PROPOSED ZONING BY-LAW AMENDMENT & DRAFT PLAN OF SUBDIVISON AND A SCHEDULE “C” CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION A.2.9 AND A.3.5.3 OF THE MUNICIPAL ENGINEER’S ASSOCIATION MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT An Integrated approach with the Planning Act will be undertaken for the Environmental Assessment to determine the preferred Road alignment for the extension of Ottawa Street from Woolwich Street South to Fountain Street North in the Township of Woolwich. The project is being planned under Schedule “C” of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. The proposed study area is shown on the attached map. Property owners who submit written comments will be notified of the date and time of future public information centres/public meeting(s) and will be provided a copy of any staff report relating to the subject Zoning By-law Amendment and Environmental Assessment. As part of this study, two (2) Public Information Centres (PICs) are planned. The first PIC is scheduled for December 18, 2019 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and will be held at the Breslau Community Centre at 100 Andover Drive, Breslau. The PIC will present the problem statement and will identify objectives of the study. This PIC is intended to provide an opportunity for initial public and government agency review and comment. Representatives from the Township and the Consultant Team will be present at the PIC to answer questions and discuss the next steps in this study. Public consultation is vital to the Class EA process. We wish to ensure that anyone with an interest in this study has the opportunity to get involved and provide input before any decisions are made on a preferred concept for the roadway extension. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. Any person may attend any public meeting held and make written and/or verbal representation either in support of, or in opposition to, either of/any of the above noted proposal(s). If a person or public body that files a notice of appeal of a decision does not make oral submissions at this public meeting or make a written submission prior to approval/ refusal of this/these proposal(s), the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal may dismiss all or part of a subsequent appeal. Please address your comments to the undersigned no later than January 18, 2020. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION regarding the problem statement for the EA, the preliminary alternatives, the draft evaluation criteria and background information will be available on the Township’s website following the PIC.

Elmira’s Lions Hall played host to Capes and Crowns this past weekend. Children got the chance to meet their favourite characters such as Captain America, Spiderman and Supergirl. [VERONICA REINER]

Any questions regarding this integrated EA process may be directed to: Dave Barrett, BES, MCIP, RPP Associate – Manager, Aggregate Planning – 519-585-2255 ext. 63248, dave. barrett@ibigroup.com

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | 8

THE MONITOR

VERBATIM Keep the conversation alive on topics of relevance to the community; write a letter to the Editor. Deadline: Tuesdays 4pm Online: ads.observerxtra.com/letters

“Since 2008, the term ‘land grabbing’ has become increasingly common. A number of groups have been monitoring how corporations and private investors are acquiring land around the globe – and in many cases, working to create new colonial relationships with existing communities.”

The first-ever Women's Brain Health Day is set for December 2 in recognition of the fact almost 70% of people with Alzheimer's are women; women suffer from depression, stress, and anxiety twice as much as men; and more woman die from stroke and more women are worse off after stroke.

At The Farm Gate columnist Lois Ross takes aim at a growing threat to food production, climate change

Women's Brain Health Initiative

O U R V I E W | E D I TO R I A L

In shaping the future, only the public interest counts ment levels. There will be some debate about the nature of that development, but we can expect to be crammed into a dwindling amount of space, with no upside to the quality of life, nor any savings on ever-increasing tax bills. Such growth in the region is still bound to put pressures on available land, especially in the townships where farms are still the norm. On the growth and expansion front, the region has its growth management strategy in place, calling for fewer greenfield developments and more intensification in the downtown cores of the three cities. Attached to that goal is the unloved light rail transit scheme designed to encourage public transit over private automobiles, to little avail. On the growth front, the township will continue to be squeezed

t’s going to take an awful lot of public participation in the regional official plan (ROP) review to outweigh the demands of developers, who typically end up with the most say in perpetuating sprawl, congestion and the other negatives of growth. Call it the public interest over self-interest. Unfortunately, the latter typically wins. The developers employee lobbying techniques, legal action and hired help to fight or simply wait out the public good. What local politicians don’t acquiesce to, the courts and provincial government will hand over to those with the deepest pockets. In drafting a new official plan, the region sees unchecked population growth – to 835,000 by 2041, an increase of 300,000 over 25 years since the 2016 census – and commensurate developG LO B A L O U T LO O K

Hong Kong protests at a crossroad

by the perceived need for growth and the push to retain the smalltown feel and rural qualities that brings new people here in the first place. Much of the problem stems from ever-increasing density requirements forced on municipalities by a Toronto-centric provincial government. Policies that decrease lot sizes and demand higher density housing then exacerbate traffic and parking issues that are already getting worse, even in a small town like Elmira. In grouping the homes more closely, planners achieve a number of goals: using less land, reducing the infrastructure (particularly water and sewer pipes) needed to service the homes and, ideally, reducing the need for cars. But the densities don’t mesh

well with existing neighbourhoods, a problem for which the province cares not one whit, leaving municipalities to deal with the fallout. The suburbs of old have come under fire for the sprawl and isolation they represent. New thinking, previously endorsed and enforced by the province, calls for more integrated neighbourhoods where people can live, shop and work in close proximity, perhaps even doing so on foot or bicycle rather than depending on the personal automobile. That remains something of an elusive dream in this area. And price more than anything has dictated smaller lot sizes. Most of us, it seems, still want a big lot and big house away from what we see as the downside of higher density urban living. But skyrocketing land prices and soaring taxes and

charges on development have driven up costs such that 80- and 100-foot frontages are beyond the means of many as house prices outstrip inflation and incomes. As with public transit, higher densities and mixed communities are fine for the other guy. In their ideal form, the mixed developments proposed by developers offer many benefits. The pattern of sprawl we’ve seen in cities since the Second World War has come with many downsides. Urban sprawl contributes to the degradation of our natural environment, air quality and water resources, as well as the consumption of agricultural lands and other natural resources so critical to the future economy. Whatever the future, better it is shaped in the public interest of the residents, than in the financial interest of the few.

T H E V I E W F R O M H E R E | S C OT T A R N O L D

he ‘silent majority’ in Hong Kong, who regime supporters hoped would show that they are fed up with the pro-democracy protests that have shaken the city in the past five months, turns out to be not only silent but non-existent. At the beginning of district council elections on Sunday, a majority of the councils were controlled by pro-Beijing parties. By the time almost three million votes were counted Sunday night, 17 out of 18 councils were in the hands of pro-democracy councillors. It was a great victory – but Hong Kongers are still not going to get democracy. The district councils don’t make important decisions – they mostly deal

GWYNNE DYER GLOBAL AFFAIRS

with things like bus schedules and garbage collection – and for precisely that reason the Beijing regime lets them be genuinely democratic. This time, however, the council elections became a sort of referendum on whether Hong Kongers still support the protesters – and they clearly do. At the higher levels of the administration, where more important decisions get made, democracy is notable by its absence. The DYER | 19

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PUBLISHER Ext 107

STEVE KANNON

EDITOR Ext 103

ANETA REBISZEWSKI

DONNA RUDY

NIK HARRON

VERONICA REINER

PATRICK MERLIHAN

CASSANDRA MERLIHAN

REPORTER Ext 102 REPORTER Ext 101

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Letters to the Editor: editor@woolwichobserver.com | ads.observerxtra.com/letters The Observer is the independent community newspaper serving the communities within Woolwich and Wellesley Townships in Waterloo Region. The Observer is published every Thursday. The Observer is located in Elmira and was founded in 1996.

The holiday shopping marathon can be anything but merry, especially when it becomes a competitive sport. 20-B ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON N3B 1Z9 Phone: 519-669-5790 Toll Free: 1-888-966-5942 Fax: 519-669-5753 Online: observerxtra.com Social Media: /observerxtra @woolwichnews /observerxtra

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

C O M M E NT & O P IN IO N | 9

LO C A L V I E W P O I N T

And so begins the shopping frenzy, though there are alternatives

omorrow’s Black Friday mayhem kicks the Christmas buying season into high gear. Long an American Thanksgiving tradition, the buying frenzy used to see Canadians flock for border crossings to join the fray. Today, with online shopping and many Canadian retailers attempting to compete, there’s much less effort involved. Make that no effort if you take to heart Buy Nothing Day. Launched in Vancouver in 1992 and promoted by Adbusters, Buy Nothing Day has coincided with Black Friday since 1997. Its message of taking a break in our relentless consumerism has since spread to some 65 countries. The event eventually gave rise to the Buy Nothing Christmas movement, a real challenge for many of us who can’t even take a one-day break from our shopping habits. Given an official launch in 2001 by a group of Winnipeg Mennonites, Buy Nothing Christmas is an attempt to not only buck consumerism, but to rediscover the true nature of Christmas – more Jesus, less Santa, as it were. Born from religion, including roots in paganism and animism, Christmas has become much less about any theism and much more about the largest of the isms: capitalism. Fewer of us are attending church, leading to the demise of traditional churches. Far more of us will spend time at the mall than at church this holiday season. We’ve long decried the secularization of Christmas, with Santa supplanting Jesus and gifts trumping family time. Spend, spend, spend is the mantra – now more than ever given consumerism as the salvation for the faltering economy. The economic focus of Christmas is a clear indication that capitalism is our new religion, a trend that the Buy Nothing Christmas movement looks to LO C A L V I E W P O I N T

■ Thicker soil depths in Woolwich a welcome move To the Editor, It was good to learn that Woolwich passed a motion requiring developers to put 45 centimetres of screened topsoil on new lots. Now the effort that new Woolwich homeowners make to improve their precious new homes will not be wasted. With more viable plantings, maybe we’ll even see more birds and pollinators as a result? Sandra Bray, Elmira

reverse. By downplaying consumerism, the groups says, we can enjoy holidays that are richer in meaning, smaller in impact upon the earth and greater in giving to people less privileged. Beyond the religious aspect, there’s a living-lighter-on-theEarth philosophy behind the cause, one that looks at the vast amounts waste – not to mention carbon – generated by the manufacturing, shipping and sales associated with our gift-giving extravaganza. On a wider level, many of us are becoming considered about the disparities inherent in our economic system, including its lack of sustainability. A Buy Nothing Christmas, or even some effort at scaling back, is certainly at odds with our sometimes desperate search to find something, anything for the hard-to-buy-for people on

STEVE KANNON EDITOR'S MUSINGS

our Christmas lists, no matter what kind of junk we ultimately settle on. Instead of a nice homemade gift – perhaps even some cookies – we’re conditioned to believe that we have to go out to the store and buy something readymade. Proponents of homespun gifts – from baked goods to offers of babysitting – argue we’ve got our priorities backwards. That handmade should be seen as preferable to store-bought: giving something plastic made in China and covered in shrink-wrap should be dumb. That should be

thoughtless, instead of the backwards take most of us have on giving gifts. Instead of wandering around the mall spending money for the sake of spending money, we’re advised to bake a cake, make a wooden toy, or give the gift of time, for instance. But even buy-nothing advocates know most of us are stuck in a shopping rut, that the peer pressure to consume shiny objects is overarching. It is hard to shake off the notions we hold, even if our idea of a traditional Christmas is only a few generations old. We’re addicted to stuff, including brightly-wrapped stuff under the tree. Quitting that cold turkey might be too much to ask, both as shoppers and recipients of other people’s Christmas spending. Perhaps the transition could include being more mindful when making choices, including

L E F C O U RT L A N D | JAC K L E F C O U R T

■ Organization sees firsthand the desire for ag. info To the Editor, The column by Owen Roberts “Survey: Canadians less connected than ever to farmers” (Observer, Nov. 21/19) shared how the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s recent survey found that 91 per cent of Canadians know very little or little about modern farming but that 60 per cent of that same group said they would like to know more. At AgScape, we are leading agriculture and food education in Ontario classrooms and are seeing

firsthand the appetite for this knowledge. Since the start of the school year, we have received more than 500 requests for our Teacher Ambassador Program (TAP) lessons compared to 296 requests during the same period last year. Our TAP lessons are taught by Ontario Certified Teachers who are specially trained by AgScape to provide balanced, fact-based and curriculum-linked education on a variety of agriculture and food related topics. Once in the classroom, our teacher ambassadors inspire students to be curious, conscious and think critically as they explore their food choices, and their career paths. After these

lessons, students share comments such as: “I can feel safe when I bite into an apple because now I know how food is harvested and planted and how much care is used to nurture one seed.” As previously shared by Mr. Roberts, AgScape recently received $400,000 from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) to support the Teacher Ambassador Program and our other initiatives. AgScape is funded by government, industry, citizens and corporations with a shared interest in a world-leading agriculture and food sector in Ontario. We believe that educating students is the key to building a greater understanding

the likes of buying local, which strengthens the local economy and can help with the environmental impacts. In that vein, spending on services or on natural products as opposed to plastic-and-soonto-be-landfilled items are also options. Such choices not only make an immediate difference on holiday spending trends, but reinforce that consumers have the ultimate say when it comes to countering decades of corporate messaging reinforced by a financial sector hell-bent on forcing everyone into debt. The imposed consumer culture may seem all-encompassing, but individual choices can make a difference, even if the shifts take years to reach a tipping point. There’s also charitable gift-giving to consider, either sourcing items from charities themselves or foregoing the exchange of stuff we probably don’t need in favour of helping those in need, locally or internationally, in the name of those who’d otherwise get stuff they probably don’t need. While that’s a fine idea, it does raise the issue of the growing need for charity in our increasingly unequal society. In the long run, would be better off changing the nature of consumerism and the balance of power in favour of increased fairness, the better to reduce the underlying need for charitable contributions. A systemic shift is a longterm goal, part of reaching that tipping point. For now, one really strong argument in Buy Nothing Christmas’ favour, however, probably lives in your own memories: thinking back on Christmases past, do you get more joy remembering the things you got or from the time spent with family and friends, some of whom may no longer be with you today? I know it’s the latter for me. And that’s the real spirit of Christmas. And it can’t be bought at the mall.

of our food system and support for those working within the agri-food sector. We invite corporations and citizens to join us in this important work, by visiting agscape.ca to find out

how they can get involved. Together, we will ensure the CCFI will be able to provide more positive survey results in the near future. Glenna Banda, Executive director, AgScape

Have something to say? We’d love your input on the issues and this issue.

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | 10

SINGING AND KINGING

NEW TO THE ROSTER The Elmira Sugar Kings acquired defenseman Tyler Dam from the Waterloo Siskins in exchange for forward Tyson Hillier. The 19-year-old newcomer is a Kitchener native, listed at 5’10” and 190 lbs.

We're keeping score about local kids in sport in our communities. Submit your team results and photos online.

The St. Teresa of Avila school choir will sing O’ Canada for one of the Elmira Sugar Kings games at the Woolwich Memorial Centre. They’ll be at the Dec. 7 match, a date that coincides with the team’s annual hat and mitten toss.

Online: ads.observerxtra.com/scores Deadline: Tuesdays by 4pm

JUNIOR C HOCKEY

Another pair of wins keep Jacks atop division Home cooking just the thing as Wellesley posts wins over Paris and Woodstock

BY VERONICA REINER

vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

Wellesley's Austin Cousineau narrowly dodges a Woodstock Navy Vet player during game action on Saturday. The Applejacks emerged with a 5-2 victory. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

519•669•1212

SOS is excited to help sponsor MOONLIGHT MADNESS!

Come and visit our team at the clinic for a hot beverage, cookies and our Kids colouring contest! The prize is a $50 gift card for Toy Soup!

www.sosphysiotherapy.ca

Church St

3 Wyatt St. East

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Join us downtown Elmira on Thursday December 5th, 6-9 pm

GALEA | 12

Moonlight Madness!

JACKS | 12

It’s time for

the final goal at 10:27, sealing a 4-2 win for the Applejacks. The final shot tally was 43-20 in favour of the team that travelled back to Paris empty-handed. “We talked about it we decide stars in the game and we’re looking around and thought no one really stood out. So who’s the star? Then our captain Pickering stepped up, scored the fourth goal in the third period when we were being heavily out-

than chewed slippers, I mean. A good hunting dog brings companionship, both at home and in the field. They bring listening skills and great discretion. They give you a reason to go for a walk on a cold January day. They give you a reason to visit the lake in July. They make you laugh at their antics or beam with pride when they do the things you trained them to do. A good dog will teach you patience and show you unconditional love. It will impress you with an unselfish desire to please. It will ensure precious game animals are not wasted. It will find and flush birds where you could not. On the other hand, sometimes it will find things you hoped it would not – like porcupines and skunks. And, on occasion, it will roll over in front of guests – mostly in unspeakable things. A good hunting dog is an artist that paints a mural of memories. And it adds wonderful scenes with each passing season. The images depict flushed birds rising high against

the momentum going in the second stanza at 11:28, before Paris came back with a penalty shot goal at 14:42. That sent Wellesley into the second intermission with a 3-2 lead. Brick said that the third period saw Paris really bring the heat to Wellesley, pulling their goalie for an extra attacker in the dying minutes of the frame, and outshooting the Applejacks 19-6. But it was the Jacks who made their shots count – team captain Pickering (Cousineau) scored

STEVE GALEA

NOT-SO-GREAT OUTDOORSMAN

r St

think.” The Mounties drew first blood almost instantly, just 44 seconds in. Wellesley’s Owen Lane (Zach Ribeiro, Zachary Lyons) replied later in the frame at 9:10. Shaun Pickering followed up at 11:24, taking advantage of a power play and gaining a lead that they would never relinquish. Austin Cousineau and Troy Vandenboussche picked up assists. It was 2-1 for the home team after one. James Ranson (Brendan Baker, Carson Wickie) kept

ast week, I listened to my heart and quickly realized something important – namely, this was a boring thing to do. So, for some excitement, I put down entirely too much money on the promise of a little more happiness. I bought a puppy that should arrive sometime in 2020. I transferred some money to a fellow who breeds very good English springer spaniel pups of hunting persuasion. My last dog, Callie, who died exactly a year ago today, was also a English springer spaniel (although you couldn’t tell by her accent) and was a very good hunter of grouse, woodcock and waterfowl. After Callie was gone, I thought I would give myself a little time to see how I felt about getting a new dog. And this year, I realized that I didn’t want to go through another hunting season without one. Dogs, after all, are the best witnesses. To be honest, I was surprised at how the price of puppies had gone up in the 15 years since I purchased Callie. The cost of this new pup is $400 more than I paid for my first car. This raised a few eyebrows from people I know. But that’s only because they do not understand what a good hunting dog brings to the table – other

W al ke

The Wellesley Applejacks posted another pair of wins over the weekend, helping them hang on to a one-point lead atop the PJHL’s South Doherty Division standings. It’s been something of a seesaw battle with the Tavistock Braves, who have a game in hand. At home for the weekend, the Jacks emerged victorious Friday against the Paris Mounties by a score of 4-2, then skated to a 5-2 win over the Woodstock Navy Vets the following night. “You pretty much have to win all your games to stay in the first-place position. It’s that close,” said club president Terry Brick, citing the Navy Vets as a team that dropped significantly after just one weekend. “Woodstock lost to Tavi, then lost to us. ... They were tied for second and third for quite a while, and now they’re five or six points out all of a sudden.” While the final score Friday night against Paris may have looked like a comfortable margin for Wellesley, Brick said the game was much more unpredictable than it appeared to be. “It was close. Paris scored first so that set the tone a bit,” said Brick. “They were taking it to us pretty good – they are a lot better as a team than you

Weighing gain against the price of puppies

E L M IR A att

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

LO C AL S P O RTS | 11

Kings still in first despite a mixed-bag weekend After an OT win in Listowel, Elmira ends up on losing end to Waterloo, Cambridge BY ANETA REBISZEWSKI

arebiszewski@woolwichobserver.com

Picking up just half of the six points available may not have been how the Elmira Sugar Kings envisioned their weekend, but the team was still holding on to the Midwestern Conference lead when the dust settled. The weekend got off to a promising as the Kings faced the Listowel Cyclones, emerging with a 3-2 overtime win last Friday. But the tables were turned the following afternoon in Waterloo, as it was the Siskins who potted the OT winner in a 3-2 decision. Things weren’t close at all Sunday when the Cambridge Redhawks came to Elmira and left with a 6-3 victory. The Kings may sit atop the standings, but they’ve got a fair amount of work to do if they want to stay there, suggests head coach Rob Collins. “We realize when you're a first-place team that comes with added things such as now you're the horse that everyone wants to pick off. You're going to get every team that you play against ready to compete against the best team so you're going to get their best game more often than not,” he said. Starting off a three-game weekend, the Sugar Kings travelled to Listowel to take on the Cyclones. Right off the bat the home team set the tone with the opening goal less than two minutes in. The Kings eventually responded when Jeremey Goodwin (Hunter Dubecki, Jacob Black) got one on the power play at 16:14. The period ended with the teams deadlocked at 1-1. Things slowed down in

Brody Waters celebrates a goal in the final period of Sunday’s game against the Cambridge Redhawks at the WMC, though the Kings lost 6-3. [VERONICA REINER]

the middle frame, where the Kings again had more chances, but the home team scored the lone goal. It was 2-1 after 40 minutes. Newcomer Tyler Dam – acquired in a trade with Waterloo for Tyson Hillier – scored the equalizer less than two minutes after play resumed, with assists going to Brody Leblanc and, Owen O’Donnell. Despite a push that would see the visitors again outshoot the Cyclones 13-5 (42-15 overall), the Kings couldn’t get the go-ahead goal. So it was off to OT. Then the second overtime, which lasted just over two minutes before Jakson Kirk (Waters, Harrison Toms) settled matters in a 3-2 win. Back on the ice the following afternoon, the Kings were in Waterloo to take on the Siskins. Neither team mustered any scoring in the first period, and the same was true for the second, though Elmira outchanced the home team,

which may have contributed to the frustration level. “The guys were probably a little low on energy, a little low on sleep but that was no excuse, we knew that was the challenge so we tried to prepare accordingly and came a little flat,” said Collins of the Waterloo game. The pace picked up in the third, with the Siskins breaking the ice at 1:43. Elmira’s J. Goodwin (Mason McMahon, Dubecki) capitalized on a power play at 9:04 to make it 1-1. The Kings then took the lead courtesy of a goal from Luke Eurig (Cooper Way) at 14:54. But with a minute and a half left to play, the Siskins knotted up the score at 2-2, so it was back to OT. This time, things were settled in less than two minutes, with a perhaps-tired Elmira squad falling 3-2. The Kings would suffer a worse fate on Sunday, losing despite scoring early

and outshooting the visiting Cambridge Redhawks all night. Kurtis Goodwin drew first blood in the opening stanza at 2:27 with assists from McMahon and Dam. Things quickly turned around as the Redhawks gained controlled and potted three goals in a four-minute span to take a lead they’d never relinquish. Despite being outshoot 14-7 in the opening period, the visitors held a 3-1 lead. The Redhawks had no thoughts of slowing down, however, as they went up 5-1 before the second period was five minutes old, the second goal a shorthanded one. Elmira got one back when Dubecki (J. Goodwin) scored at 15:06, but the writing on the wall was certainly clear at that point. The Kings didn’t roll over, scoring another at 11:20 of the third frame – Waters, assisted by J. Goodwin, Dubecki – to pull within two, but five minutes later the Redhawks buried one into the empty net to wrap up the evening. Shots were 34-20 for Elmira in another loss to Cambridge, who’ve been a handful this season. “We look forward to the challenge of getting them again. You know, you keep losing to someone, it makes you want to play them again so you can prove yourself,” said Collins of the Cambridge game. This weekend, the Sugar Kings (18-4-0-4) will travel to Brantford Saturday to take on the Bandits (517-0-3) before returning home Sunday to face the second-place Kitchener Dutchmen (17-5-2-2). The puck drops at 7 p.m. at the WMC.

Bonspiels are the thing as curling season gets into high gear BY VERONICA REINER

vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

The curling season is now well underway, with an array of events taking place at the Elmira & District Curling Club and points beyond. Most recently, the local club hoste the fourth annual “Big Cheese” Masters Bonspiel, which saw the winning team walk away with a big block of premium cheese catered by Kitchen Kuttings. While things can get competitive occasionally depending on the league, longtime club members say that the atmosphere is generally cooperative. “It’s a drinking sport that we threw curling into,” said club member Dan Donaldson with a laugh. “It’s a great social activity. This is a chess game on ice – you’re thinking of ‘if they do this, I’m doing to do this to counteract the move.’ So it’s not as simple as it appears.” “We’re all human, we do get competitive while we’re playing,” added club president Gerry Hahn. “There are different leagues – we have social leagues, competitive leagues, ladies leagues, men’s, combined and daytime leagues.” Many upcoming bonspiels have a similar, fun theme early in the new year, including a Chocolate Lovers – Ladies, the Men’s ‘Striploin Classic’, and the Rib and Schnitz Mixed Bonspiel. There are unique prizes handed out at each one; there are varying levels of competitiveness and skill level present within these events. Eleven Elmira teams entered a 64-team competition, the 2019 Home Hardware Bonspiel, that took place last week in Fergus. Dan Dow of Elora claimed

the trophy, while the cup went to Darren Jones of Arthur. One of the particularly popular offerings is Curling 101, designed for those who have never tried their hand at curling before. Over six weeks, professionals teach players new to the sport, with all equipment provided. Currently, across all leagues, some 300 curlers are enrolled, in large part, due to the Curling 101. “Enrolment has greatly improved over the last few years,” noted Donaldson. “We were at one point down to close to 200 then we started Curling 101 for people who would like to try it but don’t know anything about it.” “It’s really brought our membership up. We’ve got a whole lot of enthusiastic new players; they’re actually joining leagues with some abilities then, rather than coming out cold and trying to learn as you go. It’s really worked well – it’s a real success story,” added Hahn. The Elmira Lawn Bowling Club tried a similar strategy, introducing a Lawn Bowling 101 program back in May, which also saw their enrolment increase. The sports parallel one another in many ways. Players slide heavy, polished granite stones on a sheet of ice towards a target area, which is segmented into four concentric circles. Two teams, each with four players, take turns sliding the stones, called rocks, towards the circular target on the ice. The team with the most points wins. “It’s like shuffleboard on ice,” said Donaldson. The curling season is half a year, starting October 1 and wrapping up on April 1. For more information, visit www.elmiracurlingclub.ca.

LANCERS WELCOME WCI, GRCI TO ELMIRA

Evelyn Hoover of EDSS was among those voted MVP during a WCSSAA swim meet Nov. 21 at the Woolwich Memorial Centre. Other notables were Gemma Sauder (WCI), Nathan Infanti (WCI), and Thomas Borta (GRCI).

[VERONICA REINER]

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

12 | LO C AL S P ORTS

JACKS: Weekend sees Wellesley play three games in as many days FROM 10

played – that was his second goal of the game,” said Brick. “He came out with some ferocity, I’ll call it, pushed around some people, then all of a sudden he stood out to us more and he was first star. He went on to have a good night Saturday night where he had some points and was hustling and he got second star Saturday night. Our captain showed the guys the way on the weekend, played well.” Saturday night’s game against the Woodstock Navy Vets looked like another close affair, at least

in the early going before Jacks got rolling. The visitors scored first and outshot their hosts in the opening frame, but that would be as close as things would get. “We capitalized on our chances a lot more than they did,” said Brick, of the Woodstock game. It was the Navy Vets who got on the scoreboard first at 5:15. But Baker managed to retaliate unassisted at 12:53. Gorman then gave his team the lead at 14:48, also unassisted, as it was 2-1 Jacks heading into the intermission. It was all Wellesley for

the next 20 minutes. Pickering made it 3-1early in the second frame at 1:44, with an assist by Gorman. Lyons followed up at 11:48, with the assist going to Danny Ranson. The third frame had a similar tone, with Pickering capitalizing on a power play at 7:23. Gorman and Cousineau grabbed the assists. Ribeiro (Lyons) scored the final Wellesley goal at 12:06. Woodstock managed to pot another, taking advantage of a power play at 18:40, but it wasn’t nearly enough, as the gamed ended 5-2. “I’ve been pleased with

the reffing we’ve been getting,” said Brick. “It’s been controlled, not a lot of stupid calls tend to happen, controlled enough that the players know that if they cross lines, they’re gone.” The Applejacks look to keep the momentum going during a busy upcoming weekend. They travel to Norwich to take on the Merchants tomorrow (Friday) before welcoming the Ayr Centennials to the Wellesley arena the following night at 8 p.m. They’re back on home ice again Sunday afternoon for a 2 p.m. matinee against the Delhi Travellers.

GALEA: There's plenty to love about getting a new puppy, slippers aside FROM 10

autumn’s backdrop. They tell of wonderful retrieves, the metronome-like motion of a docked tail doing double time, and acts of heroic athleticism – and that’s just from the cats they chase. A good hunting dog will make you go to places that you would not have otherwise gone to – like the veterinarian’s office. It will also show you the meaning of happiness as it sits proudly beside the birds it collected. It will show curiosity and wonder about the world and

joy as it bounds through its very small part of it. The point I am making is that you have to weigh all these things against mere money. For if you do, you’ll realize it’s not that much to spend for such a friend. Especially when you amortize it over what you hope will be a good, long friendship. Lastly, a good hunting dog will be your dearest and most predictable hunting buddy. Yet, it will often be full of pleasant surprises. Which is to say, sometimes it won’t chew your slippers too.

THE SCORE WOOLWICH WILDCATS

Shutouts: Julie Diebolt

Novice: Minor Midget A

Atom: B

Nov 16 vs Oakville Rangers AE HOME: 3 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Curtis Bisch, Carter Cousineau, Cohen McIsaac ASSISTS: Cohen McIssac, Coleton Benham, Curtis Bisch, Ethan Bickerton, Daniel Kelly, Andrew Gear

Nov 24 vs Ayr Rockets HOME: 0 VISITOR: 0 Shutouts: Hailey Thom

Atom: Major Atom A

Nov 18 vs Guelph Gryphons HOME: 5 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Matthew Kochut (3), Levi Adams, Colton Sinclair ASSISTS: Jordan Martin, Levi Adams Atom: Major Atom A

Nov 20 vs FlamboroughDundas HOME: 9 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Cruz Balog, Mason Gear (3), Josh Wraight, Colton Sinclair (2), Colton Brito, Grant Rintoul ASSISTS: Grant Rintoul,

Josh Wraight, Mason Gear, Matthew Kochut (2), Jordan Martin, William Krubally (2), Colton Brito Shutouts: Cohen Patterson Atom: LL3

Nov 23 vs Centre Wellington 1 HOME: 1 VISITOR: 5 GOALS: Bryden Schaefer ASSISTS: Nicholas Shardlow Shutouts: Julie Diebolt Atom: LL3

Nov 24 vs Centre Wellington 3 HOME: 1 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Brylee Patterson ASSISTS: Charlie Brodrecht Shutouts: Julie Diebolt Atom: Select

Nov 24 vs New Hamburg HOME: 5 VISITOR: 8 GOALS: Bryden Schaefer (2), Drew Snyder, Tyler Bauman, Wade Holland ASSISTS: Logan

Goodfellow, Braun Draper, Wade Holland, Cooper Jones, Tyler Bauman, Drew Diebolt

THEY'VE GOT GAME OFF-ICE, TOO

PeeWee: Major PeeWee A

Nov 15 vs Hespeler HOME: 7 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Joshua Carson (2), Brandon Fishman (4), Rylan Heimpel

Nov 23 vs Halton Hills HOME: 3 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Bryson Rozema (2), Wes Aitken ASSISTS: Haiden Wagner (2), Spencer Miller, Owen Weppler, Graydon Martin, Connor Goebel

The Woolwich Wild Peewee A hockey team members have been busy with community activities this season, most recently sponsoring a family through WCS for the holiday season. This week they were out shopping to fill a hamper. Back row: Kendra Hill, Claire Catton, Grace Breen, Brooke Kroetsch, Lexie De Jeu. Middle row: Kiley Rayfield, Riley Nelson, Kayla Sargent, Kara MacPherson, Olivia Weiss, Olivia Straus, Charlotte McMillan. Front row: Sara Forwell, Emma Braun, Brie Brezynskie, Kaeley Parker. [SUBMITTED] GOALS: Ben Hibbard (2),

Hunter Lance, Carter Lipp ASSISTS: Hunter Lance, Benjamin Lipp PeeWee: PeeWee B

Nov 24 vs Walkerton Capitals HOME: 1 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Nora Hanley ASSISTS: Grace Gow, Ella Hicks Bantam: Minor Bantam A

Nov 23 vs Burlington HOME: 3 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Owen Weber, Eric Kane, Isaac Lopers ASSISTS: Eric Kane (2), Jackson Bowman (2), Micheal Gear, Josh Uhrig

PeeWee: Peewee AE

Bantam: Minor Bantam A

Nov 24 vs Center Wellington HOME: 6 VISITOR: 5 GOALS: Bryson Rozema (2), Owen Weppler (2), Patrick McCarthy, Drew Snyder

Nov 25 vs New Hamburg HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Eric Kane ASSISTS: Josh Uhrig

ASSISTS: Graydon Martin

(4), Gavin Sager, Wes Aitken, Owen Weppler, Patrick McCarthy PeeWee: LL #1

Nov 23 vs Centre Wellington HOME: 4 VISITOR: 8

Nov 22 vs TNT Tornados HOME: 4 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Ryan Brubacher, Keenan Martin, Ethan Martin, Cade Beacom

Nov 23 vs Mount Forest Rams HOME: 1 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Grace Gow ASSISTS: Taylor Weber

Bantam: Major A

PeeWee: Major PeeWee A

PeeWee: Peewee AE

PeeWee: PeeWee B

Nov 24 vs TNT Tornados HOME: 4 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Ryan Brubacher, Jordan Chang, Ethan Martin, Joey Martin

Shutouts: n/a

Nov 21 vs Milton HOME: 3 VISITOR: 6 GOALS: Brooks Lehtonen, Nate Dyck, Connor Goebel ASSISTS: Austin Roth, Connor Goebel, Bryson Rozema

Bantam: Major A

Jordan Chang, Keenan Martin, Joey Martin (2), Eric Kane

Rylan Heimpel (2), Karsten Smith, Spencer Hume (2), Hunter Bender, Danny Schaefer (2)

PeeWee: Peewee AE

ASSISTS: Nora Hanley,

ASSISTS: Ethan Bickerton,

ASSISTS: Ethan Burkholder,

Nov 17 vs Burlington HOME: 3 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Gavin Neabel, Brandon Fishman (2) ASSISTS: Carson Staken (2), Gavin Neabel Shutouts: n/a

(2), Jordan Chang, Keenan Martin, Isaac Lopers, Ben Moyer

Midget: Minor Midget A

Nov 18 vs Oakville Rangers Blue HOME: 5 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Zack Bender (2), Curtis Bisch (2), Reid Burkholder ASSISTS: Mitchell Hartman,

Elliott MacCarey (2), Coleton

Benham, Griffin Boerner, Aiden Von Kannen, Cohen McIsaac, Zack Bender, Brett Moser Midget: Minor Midget A

Nov 21 vs Centre Wellington AE HOME: 4 VISITOR: 4 GOALS: Carter Cousineau, Curtis Bisch, Reid Burkholder, Cohen McIsaac ASSISTS: Cohen McIsaac,

Carter Rollins, Brett Moser, Carter Cousineau, Daniel Kelly, Andrew Gear Atom: Major Atom A

Nov 15 vs Game 1 HOME: 3 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Josh Wraight, Colton Brito, Jordan Martin ASSISTS: Matthew Kochut, Mason Gear, William Krubally, Colton Sinclair Atom: Major Atom A

Nov 15 vs Game 2 HOME: 8 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Mason Gear (3), Cameron Fisher, Colton Brito, Matthew Kochut (2), Jordan Martin ASSISTS: Matthew Kochut

(3), Josh Wraight, Levi Adams, Colton Brito, William Krubally (2), Colton Sinclair, Cruz Balog, Cameron Fisher

Atom: Major Atom A

Nov 16 vs Game 3 HOME: 7 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Colton Sinclair, Jordan Martin, Nolan Martin, Matthew Kochut, William Krubally, Josh Wraight, Grant Rintoul ASSISTS: Cruz Balog (2),

Reese Martin (2), Josh Wraight, Grant Rintoul, Colton Brito (2) Shutouts: Cohen Hamburger Atom: Major Atom A

Nov 17 vs Championship Game HOME: 6 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Jordan Martin, Colton Sinclair, Colton Brito, William Krubally (2), Nolan Martin ASSISTS: Nolan Martin,

Reese Martin (2), William Krubally, Grant Rintoul, Colton Brito, Colton Sinclair Shutouts: Cohen Patterson Bantam: Major A

Nov 22 vs London Mustangs HOME: 7 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Ryan Brubacher, Jordan Chang (2), Keenan Martin (2), Joey Martin, Will Lavigne ASSISTS: Ryan Brubacher

ASSISTS: Jordan Chang,

Ben Moyer Bantam: Major A

Nov 24 vs London Mustangs HOME: 4 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Ryan Brubacher (2), Ethan Martin, Josh Uhrig ASSISTS: Parker Alles, Eric Kane, Joey Martin (3)

WOOLWICH WILD Atom: LL

Nov 23 vs Grand River Mustangs #1 HOME: 1 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Madison Klaehn ASSISTS: Amelia McLeod Shutouts: Alexis Weber Atom: A

Nov 23 vs Huron Heat HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Sophia Metzger PeeWee: PeeWee B

Nov 16 vs Woolwich Wild PeeWee B HOME: 0 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Grace Gow, Kayleigh Futher, Carrie Schwindt ASSISTS: Julia Adams,

Addie Fitzgerald, Ella Hicks Shutouts: Sam Weber PeeWee: PeeWee B

Nov 22 vs Ayr Rockets HOME: 3 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Ella Hicks, Julia Adams, Laurel McGuire

Kayleigh Futher, Carrie Schwindt

PeeWee: Woolwich Wild PeeWee A

Nov 24 vs Saugeen Maitland HOME: 1 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Sara Forwell ASSISTS: Emma Braun, Olivia Straus Shutouts: Grace Breen PeeWee: Woolwich Wild PeeWee A

Nov 20 vs Cambridge HOME: 3 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Kendra Hill (2), Claire Catton ASSISTS: Kylie Rayfield (2), Brooke Kroetsch, Brie Brezynskie, Kaeley Parker Shutouts: Connor Kroetsch Midget: Midget BB

Nov 24 vs Brantford HOME: 3 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Shae-Lynn Martin, Delaney Douglas, Cassidy Moser ASSISTS: Delaney Douglas,

Sydney Dettweiler, Shae-Lynn Martin, Claire Higgins, Kara Dietrich, Haylee Clemmer Shutouts: Raegan Cressman Bantam: Bantam B

Nov 23 vs Saugeen Shores Storm HOME: 2 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Alison Martin, Avery Grundy ASSISTS: Tia Zettel (2), Meghan Dietrich Bantam: Bantam B

Nov 22 vs Saugeen Shores Storm HOME: 2 VISITOR: 4 GOALS: Alison Martin, Meghan Dietrich ASSISTS: Alison Martin, Sophia Payne

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | 13

GROWTH FORECAST

GETTING STARTED

Let's keep the local economic engines firing? We want to shine a light on new local enterprises. Online: ads.observerxtra.com/tips

Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures is taking grant applications until Dec. 6 for its Starter Company Plus program, which starts up again in January. The program offers six business workshops, including how to build a business plan and how to create a network of small business peers by participating in weekly hub meet-ups. Participants can take part in a pitch competition to win up to $5,000. www.wwcf.ca

TA K I N G T H E I N I T I AT I V E

Community-led housing projects marks its silver anniversary St. Jacobs Meadows Residential Community Inc. was a novel approach to providing local homes to older adults, undertaken by a group of innovators who took a chance BY ANETA REBISZEWSKI arebiszewski@woolwichobserver.com

Tucked away at the end of Cedar Street in St. Jacobs is the Meadows Residential Community Inc., which many have called home in the nearly 25 years since it was built. One of the charter members, Clint Rohr, this week led a presentation reviewing what it took to organize and implement a community project that took a novel approach to meeting a housing need in the township. Launched as a community initiative with a goal of providing a housing option for those looking to downsize without having to move to the city, it continues in that role to this day. “They’re coming off their farms and out of their larger homes, many didn’t want to move into the city but wanted something like townhouses that’s accessible,” said Rohr of the impetus behind the endeavour. The idea was to build the homes to make up for the lack of housing for older adults in the community that wanted to stay within the township, explained Rohr. “It is an adult community for people age 50 and higher.” Many of the qualifica-

The residents living at Meadows Residential Community Inc. celebrated the project’s 25th anniversary this week. Back row: Clinton Rohr, Laverne Brubacher. Front: Doris Kramer, Dorothy Geisel and Harold Geisel. [ANETA REBISZEWSKI]

tions to live at the 29 Water St. location are quite simple, says Rohr. Typically there is an age requirement of 50 or older, and residents tend to want to live with others from the community. Owners are to be residents. The president of the housing corporation, Laverne Brubacher, explains there was a concern people might buy a few units and rent them out. “That’s

not how communities are formed, so we wanted it to be local people that participate.” Among the practical requirements, there are some that have developed on their own. “You always have to have at least three Dorises,” laughed 96-year-old resident Doris Kramer, who has been living in her unit since the inception of the community. Ever since the

building was constructed, there have been three residents named Doris; currently there are four, which fits in with the prerequisites, she added. The Meadows Residential Community offers a variety of amenities beyond just a place to live but it offers a chance for neighbours to actually interact and take care of one another. RETIREMENT LIVING | 19

The Conference Board of Canada’s Provincial Economic Outlook was forecasts growth in the Canadian economy is expected to reach 1.8% in 2020 as energy investment turns around and consumer spending picks up. While some provinces will benefit from renewed investment in energy, the ability to move more oil to market, and better population growth, other regions continue to feel the effects of slowing global growth and strained trade relations with China.

New markets for traditional crops await farmers

ew crops that hit the market with an unexpected – and perhaps unproven—health virtue may capture the imagination of consumers. But for good reason, farmers are always a little leery about growing them. Is the new crop a fad that could fizzle in a year or two? Is it agronomically sound? Is some pest or disease going to wipe it out, leaving the farmer holding the bag? Farmers have to think ahead to next season. They need ample lead time if they’re going to gear up for a new crop. Like other businesspeople, farmers pursue something different to take advantage of an opportunity and meet the demands of an emerging market. That’s usually a lucrative pursuit, especially if conventional markets are saturated. You’d think they were. Other countries are getting very aggressive with their approaches to trade – not the least of which is our biggest competitor, the U.S., which is being bankrolled by its president so farmers can take less money from the market and more from the US treasury. Growing protectionism, distance and price sensitivity are hurdles Canadian exporters face regularly. But opportunities galore

OWEN ROBERTS FOOD FOR THOUGHT

still exist, says Farm Credit Canada (FCC), the country’s biggest agricultural lender. In a new report – Diversifying Canada’s agriculture exports: Opportunities and challenges in wheat, canola, soy and pulses – FCC says it believes Canadian farmers have room to expand and diversify their top four agriculture exports beyond their largest traditional markets. “Canada has done extremely well in establishing strong trade relations in a number of key markets thanks to a long-held focus on getting trade agreements in place,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief agricultural economist, in releasing the report. “The long-term success of Canadian agriculture relies on our ability to provide a greater diversity in commodities and food products for new and existing export markets.” But some changes will be needed. In 2018, Canada was ROBERTS | 19

Before a baby is born, parents have countless decisions to make. How you feed your baby isn’t always an easy choice. Breastfeeding takes planning, practice, and time to find the right supports you need. The benefits are worth it.

www.regionofwaterloo.ca/breastfeeding Connects you with information, resources and services available to help you prepare for breastfeeding. Don’t wait until your baby arrives, call 519-575-4400 or visit us online to learn more.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND EMERGENCY SERVICES

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

14 ELMIRA MOONLIGHT MADNESS

Elmira Business Improvement Area presents

December 5th 6-9pm Join us downtown Elmira for festive carollers, horse-drawn trolley ride, tree-lighting and more!

1/2 OFF All Christmas Items Make a purchase Dec 5 and receive a gift basket ballot. OPEN LATE Dec. 5th until 8:00 p.m. Purchases go towards our Community Programs “Together Making A Difference” of Church St. 5 Memorial Ave.,Elmira Corner & Memorial Ave. Hours: M-F 9-6, Sat 9-5 | 519-669-1129

www.woolwichcommunityservices.org

MOONLIGHT MADNESS SALE Win a Central Vacuum Unit

Enter our draw Mon-Thurs Dec 2nd–5th Draw will take place at 8:30 (Dec 5th)

Visit us Thursday for many more specials in store! Parts & Repairs on all Makes & Models

9 Church St E., Elmira save 519 669 8362 MON TO FRI: 9AM - 5:30PM • SAT: 9AM - 3PM

$5.00

elmiravacuumelectrical.ca

Moonlight Madness

50% OFF

Thursday, Dec. 5

EVERYTHING IN THE STORE Except snow boots, skates (and new or consignments)

QQUALITY ALITY DISCOUNTS

t h g i l n o o M & Madness

26 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-4032

Customer Appreciation pm 9 7 , h t 5 c e D e l Sa

y! a d l l a n o e r a Sales

as m t is r h C f f O % 25 taining r e t n E & s n io t Decora rice P t s e w o L f f O 65% tre n e C e c n a r a le in C Toys n o X A T e h t e Sav ares & Houspteiow ns apply) (Some exce

22 Church St. W., Elmira | 519-669-5537

Starting at 7PM

Coffee & Refresh ments a Productnd Demos! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon.- Fri. 8-8; Sat. 8-6, Sun. 10-5

ELMIRA MOONLIGHT MADNESS | 15

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

On December 5th enjoy Carolers, Horse Drawn Trolley Rides, Tree Lighting at

From 6-9pm

QUALITY MENS HOLIDAY FASHIONS

40 Arthur Street South, Elmira | 519.669.8225

STOREWIDE

SALE CONTINUES PLUS

WE PAY THE TAX UNTIL DEC 24TH * SOME EXCLUSIONS APPLY * DISCOUNT EQUIVALENT TO THE TAX WILL BE TAKEN OFF

ALL DAY Thurs. Dec. 5th• 5t 9am–10pm

OPEN MOONLIGHT MADNESS TILL 10PM

10% OFF SALE

HOLIDAY HOURS OPEN MONDAYS 9-6 | TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY 9-6 THURSDAY & FRIDAY 9-7 | SATURDAY 9-5

Our Cafe will be open until 10pm!

W. C . B R O W N A N D S O N S

Regular Hours: Mon-Thur 8-6 | Fri 8-8 | Sat 8-5 | Closed Sunday

www.kitchenkuttings.com

M E N ’ S C L O T H I E R | 1 8 - 2 4 A R T H U R S T R E E T S . | 5 1 9 - 6 6 9 - 11 5 2

Browse for deals at our

From 9am - 10pm

WE PAY THE TAXES Moonlight Madness 7 Arthur St. S., Elmira Est. 1940

519-669-3349

WINTER BOOT BARGAIN TABLE Savings off regular priced merchandise only.

! s g n Savi

Reg. Store Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9am - 6pm Fri. 9am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

MOONLIGHT MADNESS SALE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5 OPEN ‘TILL 10PM

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

16 ELMIRA MOONLIGHT MADNESS

On December 5th enjoy Carolers, Horse Drawn Trolley Rides, Tree Lighting at

From 6-9pm Breakfast | Soup & Sandwiches | Cookies & Pies Open Late Dec 5 ‘til 9:30pm!

Take a break from Moonlight Madness Shopping with these one-night specials from 5:30-9:30pm!

6.20

+ 2 slices of toast Also serving soup & sandwiches

9 ARTHUR ST. S., ELMIRA

519-669-3441

Thursday, December 5, 2019 IN STOCK ONLY 9am - 10pm

Bowl of Chili

usy Bee

Cherry Cheescake

Christmas Cookies

$3.25/slice

$4.00/package

Hot Apple Cider

22 Church St. W., Elmira | 519-669-5353 Hours: Mon to Sat 6am to 5:30pm | Closed Sundays & Holidays

10% Discount 6pm - 10pm 20% Discount 9am - 6pm

9am - 10pm

THURSDAY DECEMBER 5

20% 10% Discount

EXCEPT FOR CONSIGNMENT BOOKS

Discount

PAPER, PHOTO BOOKS, DIE CUTTER DIES, & EMBOSSING FOLDERS

MOONLIGHT MADNESS THURSDAY DECEMBER 5TH, 2019 6-9PM elmiramoonlightmadness Carolers

event details!

Horse-Drawn Trolley Rides Roaming Santa

@downtownelmirabia

Fire Barrels Tree Lighting @6:30

SUPPORT ELMIRA'S DOWNTOWN RETAILERS AND SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | 17

ROUNDUP SUIT

EXPORT OPTIONS

RURAL CONNECT

We're in the heart of agriculture science and innovation in Canada. Make a connection to producers, scientists and entrepreneurs.

Canada still has room to expand and diversify beyond its largest traditional markets for its top four agriculture exports, according to Farm Credit Canada. In 2018, Canada was the world’s fifth largest exporter of agriculture commodities, worth almost $34 billion, behind the United States, Brazil, the Netherlands and China. That same year, the United States accounted for just over 35.6% of Canada’s total agriculture exports, while China – the world’s most populous country – accounted for 22.9%.

More than 18,000 lawsuits have been filed in the United States against the makers of Roundup, alleging that its active ingredient glyphosate causes various forms of cancer. These lawsuits have resulted in awarded damages exceeding $2 billion. Diamond and Diamond Lawyers announced last week they will be spearheading Canada's largest class action lawsuit against Bayer, Monsanto and other named defendants.

P U S H I N G F O R S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y

Behind Maple Leaf Foods’ bold call to become carbon neutral

The company is showing what environmental stewardship in agri-food should look like in the 21st century Maple Leaf Foods isn’t just pretending to be environmentally friendly, it’s trying to be a trailblazer in the wild kingdom of proteins. The company has just adopted science-based targets that will help it become the first major agrifood company in the world to be carbon neutral. Clearly motivated by the federal carbon tax and our collective acknowledgment that the planet needs help, the company is showing what environmental stewardship in agri-food should look like in the 21st century. It’s so un-Canadian to be first, to set a world standard, especially in agrifood. But the plan deserves credit. Maple Leaf Foods is going from being a Canadian iconic brand to a global player in proteins. Coupled with this latest move is Maple Leaf Foods’ plan to change how it operates and serves markets. The company recently announced it would create a separate division internally to develop its plant-based business, fully committing to vegetable proteins. Considering its announcement earlier this year that it’s building a $300-million plant in Indiana to support its plant-protein strategy, a change to its structure makes sense. It was an interesting move for a company whose sales, for the most part, have historically been in Canada. Its vegetable protein business doesn’t even exceed $100 million but is expected to grow significantly in years to come, and not just in Canada. In

Maple Leaf's commitment to sustainability includes investment in rural wind farms.

other words, this is where Maple Leaf Foods expects a good portion of its top-line growth to come from. Attaining plant-based product sales across the globe is Maple Leaf Foods’ gamble – and it’s likely a wise one. The company owns the Canadian market, with not much room for more growth, so it needs to play a much broader game. And, most important, this market focus will help make the company reach its target for carbon neutrality. Maple Leaf, one of the country’s largest meat processors, isn’t giving up on meat. In fact, it has reinvested in making its meat operations more efficient.

A state-of-the-art chicken plant is being built in London, Ont. But modern meat sales are marred by abnormally erratic market conditions and unpredictable food safety risks. In recent weeks, Chinese embargoes on Canadian pork have hit Maple Leaf shares hard. Its latest quarterly results fell far short of expectations. Now that China is buying Canadian pork again, Maple Leaf can breathe, but geopolitical risks remain. And food safety is making the meat business less attractive every day. Recalls affecting meat in Canada are rampant. So far this year, we’ve seen over

[STOCK PHOTO]

800 Canadian-made meat products recalled by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. That’s almost three products a day, on average. Consumers aren’t easily affected by recalls, especially Canadians. But an accumulation of food safety snags will take a toll on consumers’ perceptions of risks. Maple Leaf is becoming a completely different company. Everything is changing, from its governance to its focus. So when you look at its performance and how the company is managed, the recent decision to become carbon neutral should not come as a surprise to anyone. Agri-food companies,

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especially Canadian ones, have a long tradition of being commodity-driven, with an emphasis on production technology, high volumes and quality consistency. The fact that agrifood is inherently a low margin business doesn’t help. In the context of global hyper-competition, the ability to understand customer needs and adapt to a wider variety of situations will become crucial. So Maple Leaf, which has been obsessed with the supply side, is adopting a demand-chain management framework for its products. That market emphasis is very different. It’s no longer about processing

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Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University, and a senior fellow with the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies.

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commodities and cutting costs. It’s more about the continuous evaluation of perceived benefits by consumers. Market expectations are different and Maple Leaf Foods is adapting. The brand has been well known to Canadians for decades. But Maple Leaf is clearly showing it will listen to consumers, and not necessarily just its customers. This nuance isn’t trivial. It sells its products to retailers like Loblaws, Sobeys, Save-On-Foods and Metro, not to consumers directly. Ads and merchandising ploys are all we’ve really seen from Maple Leaf Foods over the years. Focus groups and marketing research meant that, for example, some products would be made natural only if the infrastructure permitted. This was the dominating paradigm. Things are clearly different now. In a demand-chain management environment, everything is on the table. When consumers become as critical to the company’s transactional relationship as its actual customers, a company’s structure changes and benefits – provided the marketplace also changes. And that’s exactly what’s happening at Maple Leaf Foods. The company’s goal to become carbon neutral should not be a surprise to anyone.

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

18 | RUR AL C ONNEC T OMAFRA FUNDING

Province launches new training program for dairy-processing facilities The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) is launching new training for provincially inspected cow, goat, sheep and water buffalo dairy-processing facilities, the province announced last week. Such plants will have access to specialized food safety cost-share funding to further decrease food safety risks through improvements to their pasteurization systems. It’s part of new supports for the Ontario dairy processing businesses de-

signed to help ensure they continue to produce safe and high-quality dairy products, says the government in a release. "We're working with our provincially inspected dairy plants to help them continually maintain our high food standards and to ensure they produce safe, high-quality dairy products," said Ernie Hardeman, Ontario minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "Investing in projects like these will add even greater protections for the health of the

many people who enjoy these foods and products." Businesses that receive the training are also eligible to apply for cost-shared funding for capital improvements designed to further boost food safety measures in their operations through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). Funding for the partnership intake opens on February 3, 2020. To date, more than 2,400 projects have been funded through the partnership to help

eligible Ontario farmers, processors, businesses and sector organizations innovate and grow. CAP is a five-year, $3-billion commitment by federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports the country’s agrifood and agri-products sectors. The province’s dairy processing sector supports more than 9,000 jobs and contributes $1.3 billion to the provincial economy each year. There is no registration fee to attend the OMA-

FRA training course for provincially inspected dairy plants. There are separate training dates for plants that operate with batch pasteurization systems and for ones that use high-temperature-short-time (HTST) pasteurization: January 23 and January 24, 2020, respectively. Registrations for the OMAFRA training sessions can be made online. Registration closes on Friday, December 6, 2019, at 4 pm EST. OMAFRA administers the Canadian Agricultur-

al Partnership training and cost-share funding to provincially inspected dairy plants. Dairy plants that attend the training become eligible to apply for the cost-share funding under this new programming. The application intake will be from February 3, 2020 to March 31, 2020 at 4 p.m. More information is included in the guidebook. The guidebook and application form are available by emailing agpartnership@ontario.ca or calling 1-877-424-1300.

TA K I N G I T TO S C H O O L

Fresh from the Farm raises extracurricular school funds and local food awareness The Fresh from the Farm fundraising program generated $862,000 this year for the 471 schools taking part, with some 713,612 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables being sold to help fund extracurricular activities. The program is a collaboration between the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association and the provincial government. It benefits local schools, supports farmers and promotes healthy eating to Ontario families, says the

government. “Fresh from the Farm provides an innovative opportunity for Ontario students to learn about the healthy, nutritious food our hardworking farmers grow while also supporting their local schools’ extracurricular programming,” said Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman in a release. “We also appreciate the coordination effort of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association and each school that

participates in this great program.” Schools keep 40 per cent of the funds raised which are used to support initiatives like school yard improvement projects and fun, educational class trips, as well as other supplementary or after-school programs. “The Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association is pleased to be working with government to deliver the seventh year of the Fresh from the Farm school fundraising pro-

gram. Once again, the program has been a success with over 710,000 pounds of Ontario-grown apples and root vegetables sold and nearly $350,000 raised for schools. The OFVGA looks forward to continuing this partnership with government in 2020 to support school fundraising, access to local food and Ontario farmers,” said Bill George Jr., chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers’ Association. Since 2013, almost 2,200 schools have participated

in Fresh from the Farm. Collectively, the schools have distributed over 4.3 million pounds of fresh, local fruit and vegetables to Ontario families, generating a total of almost $5 million in local food sales across the province. School enrollment opens each May and offers two fundraising bundles: a 14-pound vegetable bundle of fresh Ontario carrots, onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, and an eight-pound apple bundle. Schools interested in

participating in the program can find more information online at www.freshfromfarm.ca.

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ROBERTS: Canada's agricultural sector is resilient and innovative in the face of changing markets FROM 13

the world’s fifth largest exporter of agriculture commodities, worth almost $34 billion (behind the United States, Brazil, the Netherlands and China). That same year, the United States accounted for just over 35.6 per cent of Canada’s total agriculture exports, while China account-

ed for 22.9 per cent. That’s too restrictive. Diversifying export markets could help reduce financial risks for Canadian producers by lessening our dependency on dominant importers, the report says. However, the million-dollar question can be summed up in one word: where? Where are these markets

awaiting Canadian exports? Well, first – and of most interest to our area – is soybeans. In a huge global market dominated by Chinese demand, Canada is a relatively small player. But our limited market share in multiple importing countries can be expanded, says FCC. Second, pulses, truly

an up-and-coming crop, could find more uptake in Europe and the Middle East. Canada is the world’s largest exporter. Then there’s canola. It was shut out of China, but could break into more European markets. And finally, even wheat – for which markets must surely be exhausted, you’d

think – has the potential for more export further diversification. Gervais says Canada’s reputation “as a reliable producer of safe, high-quality commodities, combined with growing world demand and our competitive advantage on so many key exports, reduces some of the chal-

lenges facing Canadian agriculture.” And our ag sector, he says, “is highly resilient and is driven by some of the most knowledgeable and innovative producers in the world.” They’ll grow new-old crops on their farm if they think there’s a market … and according to FCC, there is.

DYER: Chinese government cares only about itself, not about the people, what's right or the rule of law FROM 08

chief executive – the head of the government – is chosen by a committee of 1,200 members of whom fewer than a tenth are elected by popular vote, and their choice must then be approved by the Communist regime in Beijing. That is not going to change, because the Chinese government’s highest priority is always to preserve the Communist monopoly of power, and it will not accept full democracy anywhere on its territory. Democracy in Hong Kong might set a dangerous example for people elsewhere in the vast country, so it cannot be allowed. True, Hong Kong people

enjoy rights that no other Chinese have, like freedom of speech and independent courts. This ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement is guaranteed for 50 years by the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1997, when Britain handed its Hong Kong colony back to China, but that did not include a commitment to unbridled democracy. The ensuing Basic Law that acts as Hong Kong’s constitution does say that the “ultimate aim” is for the chief executive to be selected by universal suffrage, but any lawyer will tell you that an ultimate aim is something you can postpone forever. A better guarantee is the fact that it is in the

Beijing regime’s interest to preserve the city as a place where foreign businesses are happy to set up because the rule of law prevails and the courts are independent. But it’s still just a conditional guarantee, because Beijing’s highest priority is not business. It is control. The protesters have been remarkably determined and successful. They have already managed to force chief executive Carrie Lam to drop her proposed law that would have allowed Hong Kong residents to be extradited and tried in Chinese courts. That would have ended the rule of law in the city, since Chinese courts do whatever the regime wants.

It was not Lam’s idea in the first place, and she probably warned Beijing that it was a bad idea, but she is not a free agent. As she said at a private business meeting several months ago, she has to serve two masters (Beijing and the people of Hong Kong), and her room for room for manoeuvring is “very, very, very limited.” She also said “If I have a choice, the first thing is to quit, having made a deep apology,” but she does not have a choice in that. Neither does she have a choice in which concessions to make to the protesters, but Beijing has already let her drop the extradition law, and these striking election

results might now convince it to let her go a little further. If she were to grant two more of the protesters’ demands – an amnesty for all arrested protesters and an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality – the protesters would be well advised to declare a victory and go home. And it would really be a victory, for the strength of their reaction should act as a deterrent to any push by Beijing for greater control over Hong Kong for years to come. If they go on demanding free elections under universal suffrage for the chief executive and the legislative assembly, however, sooner or later Beijing will

feel compelled to intervene and crush them regardless of the financial and reputational damage it would suffer. Which way will it go? Impossible to say, but a major obstacle to a negotiated outcome is that the protesters have deliberately avoided having recognized leaders. That’s understandable, because any identifiable leaders would promptly be arrested. But it makes it very difficult for Lam to negotiate a deal, or for the students at the heart of the protests to guarantee that a deal would definitely end them. So it could go the distance, and end in tragedy. That would be a great pity.

RETIREMENT LIVING: A model for seniors' housing that remains very popular today, as a waiting list indicates FROM 13

“We have a buddy system here, so a neighbor or someone has key and if you’re going to go away you let them know. People often check in on each other and make sure that they’re all OK. It’s a very tight community in that respect,” said Brubacher. There are also plenty of activities that the residents can take part in, from exercise classes to coffee breaks and even a community centre that can be rented out for events. Everything is self-managed through the board and four different committees –quality of life, property, finance and an interview committee that handles the rental end of things. “None of our staff is paid, we have a [resident] who is a bookkeeper by profes-

Doris Kramer is an original resident at the Meadows in St. Jacobs.

sion,” said Kramer. While the residents work to help each other they also spend time creating memories together, and over the past 25 years there have been many made. It was established to be a caring community, and many of the residents believe it has lived up to that. Planning for the housing began in 1992. When as-

sessing the lot and considering the plans given by the architect, there were a few challenges that were met, said Rohr. Things became more costly than expected and everyone started to modify their personal house plan, but there were also some aspects the residents agreed on together, like creating covered walkways and including basements in the units. When the complex was first built, there were some 20 units and eventually by 2001 there were 38 units in total. Now 25 years later the housing community is a hot commodity for older adults in Woolwich Township, said Brubacher who oversees an approval list that currently has 50 people waiting for a unit. As people come and go from the Meadows Resi-

dential Community, they leave a personal mark and contribution, says Rohr, much of which keeps new people entering the com-

munity and bringing in new aspects. “It’s been a good place let me tell you, I think it was one of the best moves

I ever made in my life. I’ve never for a minute regretted that I came here,” said Kramer with a smile on her face.

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | 20

A FABULOUS TIME

Your local hub for our creative communities. Let us know when inspiration strikes.

Take a trip back to The Fab 50s tomorrow evening (Friday) as Elmira’s Gale Presbyterian Church presents a café-style musical show. Tickets are $15, available from the church office (519-669-2852), with proceeds going to Presbyterian World Service & Development. Show time is 7 p.m.

MOUSE OR MAN? Elmira Theatre Company is holding auditions Dec. 9 and 11 for its spring production of John Steinbeck’s classic Of Mice And Men. ETC is looking to fill 10 cast positions. Cold-read auditions will be held from 7-9 p.m. both days at the group’s Howard Avenue facility in Elmira. www.elmiratheatre.com

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Sleeping Beauty wakens to the panto treatment

A humorous take on the traditional fairytale promises family fun at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse The classic story of Sleeping Beauty takes on a twist – as well as a boo and hiss – as it gets the pantomime treatment in the latest Drayton Entertainment production at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, which opened this week, plays on the traditional characters audiences have come to know and love, telling the fairytale story of the princess Aurora. King Hector and Queen Hecuba are overjoyed with the birth of the young princess, at least until the evil Fairy Carabossy shows up an places a curse on the youngster: on her 18th birthday, the princess will prick her finger on a mystical spinning wheel and fall asleep for a thousand years. But will the prince of her dreams be able to stir her from the trappings of a ceaseless slumber? As this is a panto, there has to be a dame – a man playing a female character – and for this outing it’s Justin Bott as Carabossy. And, given the genre, the audience will be expected to boo the villain at every turn. That’s nothing new for Bott, whose previous panto roles include Widow Twaddle in Jack and the Beanstalk, step-sister Revolta in Cinderella, evil sorcerer Abanazza in Aladdin, and Nurse Tickle in Snow White.

Justin Bott is the Fairy Carabossy in the Drayton Entertainment production of Sleeping Beauty: The Panto, now on stage in St. Jacobs. [SUBMITTED]

“There's always a man dressed as a woman. You try to embody it as much as possible, this character specifically, the thing I'm trying to focus on is the joy of being evil,” says Bott of panto roles. Figuring out the femininity is one part of the gig, but what is the most challenging is acting evil, he adds, as it’s something that normally people don’t act that way in their daily lives. “They love seeing people suffer and causing harm, so it’s a weird, twisted joy.” Playing in a panto, Bott also has to expect the audience to make their feelings clear about the villainy –

crowd engagement is part of the tradition. “You get ready to come out on stage and encourage people to boo and when they do boo, you’re not taking it the wrong way but you kind of take as if they're engaged and enjoying the different characters,” he adds. Princess Aurora who is played by Erica Beck, brings a funky youthful energy to her performance in Sleeping Beauty. With her background and experience varying from Broadway tours, Stratford shows, and performing at the Mirvish Theatre downtown Toronto, people can expect an amazing per-

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Legion Member $20 • Non Members $25 Tour #1 - 6-9 pm SOLD OUT! • Tour #2 - 7:30-10:30 pm For Tickets contact Sandy 519.669.5289 or Jocelyn 519.743.2666 Could be outside for a min. of 5 minutes (longer if you choose to wander) • Ability to walk short distances in winter conditions • Poor driving conditions will result in cancellation and rescheduling Tour subject to cancellation should minimum seats not be met

formance along with her outstanding vocals. “She has a voice like no one else’s,” says Bott. When the princess finally turns 18, the evil Carabossy returns as promised and pricks her finger, with awakening in need of true love’s first kiss. Will that do the trick? And what’s with the two princes, Harry and William? That’s all part of the dynamic of a panto, says Bott, noting that the archetypes fit into the genre. The traditional tale was adapted for the stage by Caroline Smith, who keeps many of the original names of characters and plots that were in the sto-

ry written by the Grimm Brothers instead of basing it on the Disney version. The production takes a team of talented people to make the magic happen on stage – David Connolly is the director and choreographer joined by music director Nico Rhodes, set designer Jean-Claude Oliver, costume designer Rachel Berchtold and lighting designer Kevin Fraser. Along with an all-star cast, there’s a 28-member youth chorus that appears in the show on a rotating schedule. The fun thing about a panto is the revised medleys that bring the performance together, there’s a good mix of pop-

ular music that is incorporated, explains Bott. “We have a Taylor Swift song, we've got lots of recognizable music. We inject pop culture humour and then popular music as well.” The humour might extend to Bott’s mastery of his costumes, particularly the footwear. “I have high pair of twoand-a-half inches – I have never walked in heels that high before. It is a thing I applaud all women who choose to wear them,” says Bott, who has sought out tips and advice from his co-stars. In keeping with the pantomime, the story is very much family friendly, with an emphasis on fun and laughter throughout the story. “We love seeing three generations of theatregoers enjoying the panto productions together. It’s a great opportunity to make lasting family memories during the holiday season,” says Alex Mustakas, the artistic director at Drayton Entertainment. Sleeping Beauty: The Panto is now on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, running through December 29. Tickets are available at the theatre box office, online at www.draytonentertainment.com or by calling (519) 747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (3729866).

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | 21

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oak table with 6 leaves and 8 chairs custom made by Millbank Furniture – very good; double sleigh bed; oak 3 door china cabinet – very nice; oak table and 4 chairs with one large leaf; sofa bed; 2 wing back chairs; 3 piece bedroom suite pine dresser; cedar chest; couch; coffee table set; lamps; oak table and 4 chairs; glider rocker; art easel; settee; pine wardrobe; oak chairs; press back rocker; maple rocker; childs table and chairs; pine 3 drawer chest; cedar chest; tea wagon; cradle; French provincial table and chairs; large butcher block on legs rare; crocks; corner table; wall clock; stereo; lazy boy loveseat recliner; lazyboy chair; quilts; desk; bedroom suite (queen bed, bookshelf mirror, dresser , night table); pine 5 drawer chest; oak desk and bookshelf; electric lift chair 6 months old; desk and chair; pine bookcase; drop leaf kitchen table and chairs; magazine rack; corner what not shelf; 3 drawer file cabinet; small side table; lazy boy; grandmother clock; quilts frames and stands; area rugs; Peter Etril Snyder original watercolors: Acapulco Boat 1993 and Mules Panama Canal 1993 both framed size 17 ¼ x 21 1x4; Peter Etril Snyder original painting: The Red Wagon framed size 28 ½ x 24 ½; Games, child’s toys, tea set; Sewing notions, vintage buttons; vintage Christmas decorations including cast iron holly candle holders; vintage jewelry and watches; Cut glass, cups and saucers; Stainless steel dinnerware (unused); Charlie Chapman doll, painted cast iron kettle, new crokinole board, cross cut saw; buck saw; chamber pitchers; Original Bridal Rose Bavaria 6 places dinner set with extras; butterfly quilt, mantle horse clock, vintage pie chest, beer trays, binoculars, coffee grinder, Royal Doultons including: The Game Keeper; the Laird; Balloon Lady; Balloon Boy; The old Balloon Seller; The cup of Tea; School marm; Lady Charmain; Beatrice; Maureen; June; Sunday Best; Day Dreams; Melanie; Taking Things Easy; Grace; Bon Voyage; Rachel; Julia; Geraldine; Blithe Morning; Grand Manner; 2 Royal Doulton bone china plaques; Royal Doulton figurine book; Walter Campbell prints; Peter Etril Snyder prints and books; Glen Loates print and signed book; Hoselton figurines; miscellaneous figurines including: Lladro; Royal Dux; Beswick; Royal Crown Derby; Shafford; crystal; Kuntz ashtray; rubber tire ashtrays; Underwood typewriter; quantity of good glass and china; depression; Bavaria; 12 place Royal Albert “Dimity Rose” dinner set; Germany; cookware; kitchenware; and the usual household goods.

CHRISTMAS SALE AT HILLCREST HOMEBAKing! Dec. 3 to 28. Dec. 10 & 11, FREE coffee and long johns! Christmas Hours: Open Monday Dec. 16 & 23, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 24 & 31 Open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Dec. 25, 26 & 30. Open Dec. 31. Closed Jan. 1 & 2. 5% off groceries, excluding milk, cream, butter and eggs. 10% off candy. 10% to 50% off all fabrics. 10% off sewing notions, tablecloth, quilt batts, sweaters, underwear, hosiery, gloves, shirts (excluding homemade.) 10% off toys, games, books, giftware, glassware, touch lamps, clocks, cannister sets, bookends, baby supplies, men's pants, etc., etc., etc. There will be a half price table. This will be a store wide sale! May everyone have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for your support! Hillcrest Homebaking, 2192 Floradale Rd. 519-669-1381. Regular Hours: Open Tues. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MATTRESS AND BOX SPRING, NEW, NEVER used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195. Delivery available $35. 519-6358737.

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AUCTIONS FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - AT COMPETItive pricing. Call George WED. DEC 4 AT 9:45 AM Haffner Trucking, - CLEARING AUCTION 519-574-4141. sale of furniture; antiques; miscellaneous ICE SALT & ICE MELT items; tools; and house- ICE SALT COMES IN hold effects at the St. Community 20 & 40kg's, Ice melt Jacobs Centre 29 Parkside Dr. comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, St. Jacobs. Jantzi Auc519-574-4141 or 519- tions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com 669-2045.

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LOOKING FOR COUNTRY OR COUNTRY Extra magazines from 1980's & 1990's. Willing to pay cash. Call 519588-4405 or 519-5884505. TRADES & SERVICES

RON'S DRYWALL AND RENOVATIONS. OVER 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron.spncr@ gmail.com

AUCTION SALE OF TRACTORS, TELEHANdler, machinery, hay, and miscellaneous items, to be held at 7690 - 6th Line, Mapleton Twp, Approx. 5 miles southeast of Drayton or 5 miles northwest of Floradale (west off County Rd. 12) For Arnold and Doreen Bauman, on Saturday, Dec. 7th @ 11:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-6994451 or 519-698-0138 MON. DEC 9 AT 7PM ONLINE ONLY AUCTION closing of military; collectables; stamps; car stereo system; toys; antiques; and much more. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. www.jantziauctions. hibid.com 519 656 3555 FARM SERVICES

BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS AGRICULTURAL Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-5744141 or 519-669-2045.

2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent

• In Drayton, open concept, air conditioning and five appliances. All utilities and parking included. • Walking distance to all amenities, suitable for seniors and mature adults, no smoking • $1,500.00 all inclusive Call 519-465-4492 or 519-664-2008

It's a small world

DS SIFIE CLAS WITH TTER DECLU

And you can be rid of it with a little word ad.

WOOLWICH ATOMS KEEP UP WINNING WAYS

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: White 10.5hp 28” snowblower with electric start – like new very good; lawn and garden tools; camping gear; etc. NOTE: come and enjoy Christmas treats and giveaways. 10% buyers premium; cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard and cheque.

AUCTIONEERS:

Jantzi Auctions Ltd. Wellesley | 519-656-3555 www.JantziAuctions.com

Check Website for Up to date lists & Pictures!

No Buyer’s Premium !!! VIEWING: Friday Nov 29th, 2019, 1 to 4 pm TERMS: $500 Deposit on Major Item, or as announced

M.R. Jutzi & Co Division 658347 Ontario Inc.

www.mrjutzi.ca

519-648-2111

LOOKING FOR LOCAL WORK? YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE.

Woolwich Wildcats Major Atom participated in the Buffalo River Classic Outdoor Tournament Nov. 15-17, where they went undefeated to capture the gold medal and keep their perfect record this season in tournament play. Goalies: Cohen Hamburger, Cohen Patterson. First row: Nolan Martin, Colton Brito, Josh Wraight, Levi Adams, Mason Gear, Jordan Martin. Second row: Matthew Kochut, William Krubally, Grant Rintoul, Colton Sinclair, Reese Martin, Cameron Fisher, Cruz Balog, head coach Dave Gear, asst. coach Mark Rintoul, asst. coach Jason Hamburger, trainer Greg Martin. Absent: manager Nicole Balog.

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

22 | C LAS S IF IE D NOTIC E S

Score it in the classifieds!

“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”

Community Information Page

COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF HEARING

FIND WHAT YOU'RE SHOOTING FOR!

Pursuant to the Planning Act and Ontario Regulations 197/96 and 200/96

BOOK AN AD: ads.observerxtra.com/ads PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

P.O. Box 158

24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6

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On December 16, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. the Committee will meet to consider the following applications. All persons interested in the applications may attend and may contact Nancy Thompson regarding meeting details or visit the Township Webpage – Township Services – Mayor and Council – Agendas and Minutes and Phone: 519-669-1647 or meeting 877-969-0094 select the applicable date. Fax: 519-669-1820 After Hours Emergency: 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca The Committee will also consider submissions for or against the applications if submitted to the Township of Woolwich no later than 5:00 p.m. on December 10, 2019 (Note that this date is before the meeting). Submissions can be forwarded to Jeremy Vink at the address noted at the top of this page, by email jvink@ woolwich.ca or by fax 519-669-4669. Any submissions received will be included in a comment package and presented at the meeting. Any submissions received will be included in a comment package and presented at the meeting. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of Adjustment hearing. Please note that while the Committee may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 22/2019 – Norm and Stefanie Taylor, 89 Katherine Street South, Winterbourne ZONE / USE: Settlement Residential (R-1) / single detached dwelling and accessory building PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting relief from Section 6.10.2 d) to reduce the building line setback adjacent to Lundy Road from 6.0 metres to approximately 4.0 metres for a proposed dwelling addition. The existing accessory building will be removed to facilitate the proposed addition. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 23/2019 – Ezra Brubacher, 53 Katherine Street South, Winterbourne

LINWOOD BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

ZONE / USE: Agricultural (A) and Settlement Residential (R-1) – single detached dwelling, on-farm business, two farm sheds and a livestock barn

Your donation matters. It matters to every patient across Canada. Because it’s something we can do today to help others wake up healthier tomorrow.

PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting relief as follows: • from Section 7.2.8 d) of the Zoning By-law to reduce the required separation between a livestock operation and the adjacent Residential zone from 600 metres to 14 metres; and • from Section 7.2.8 c) of the Zoning By-law to reduce the required setback from the calculated Minimum Distance Separation of 132 metres to 14 metres; in order to permit the construction of a 715 square metre livestock barn and covered manure storage area to replace a portion of the existing barn which will be demolished. The reconstruction of the barn will include a new 200 square metre area to house buggy horses. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 24/2019 – Trinity Bible Chapel, 1373 Lobsinger Line ZONE / USE: Agricultural (A) with site specific provisions (Section 26.1.112) – church and accessory building PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting permission for the following: • to expand the legal non-conforming use of the property to include a private faith-based school as an accessory use to a church; • to expand the legal non-conforming use of the property to permit a 320 square metre addition to the church for offices and multi-purpose classrooms; and

The Next Linwood Clinic:

• to reduce the required parking setback adjacent to Three Bridges Road from 23 metres to approximately 16.4 metres, measured from the centre line of the road.

at Linwood Community Centre Friday, December 6th, 2019 4 – 8 pm

Stratford

500 Wright Blvd 519-271-2111 or 1-877-699-0601

Listowel

515 Maitland Ave. S 519-291-3276

Visit southwestvets.ca

CONSENT APPLICATION B 2/2019 – Preston and Katrina Stringer, 10 High Street, Elmira ZONE / USE: Settlement Residential (R-1) / single detached dwelling and an accessory building PROPOSAL: The applicant received consent approval on April 8, 2019 to create a vacant residential lot being approximately 18 to 20 metres in width by 44 metres in depth. The applicant has requested a change to the conditions of consent approval as follows: • to enter into a development agreement with the Township for the future installation of the municipal water service in place of currently approved servicing requirements outlined in Conditions 5, 6 and 7 of approval B 2/2019; and • to include a 4 metre wide servicing easement (water and gas) that will run between the Kissing Bridge Trail and High Street. The proposed easement will be located on the severed and / or retained lands.

Linwood | Heidelberg | Wroxeter

Proud to support the community effort to donate blood.

519-698-2082 | 1-800-265-8735 | www.jfm.ca

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CONSENT APPLICATION B 13/2019 – 2205299 Ontario Limited, Northeast corner of Arthur Street South and Earl Martin Drive, Elmira ZONE / USE: Service Industrial (M-5) and Service Commercia (C-7) / vacant land PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting permission to sever an irregular shaped portion of land with approximately 58.2 metres frontage on Arthur Street South and 0.4 hectares in area and convey it as a lot addition to the adjacent lands at 325 Arthur Street South (Canadian Tire). The proposed retained lands located at the north east corner of Arthur Street South and Earl Martin Drive are approximately 1.6 hectares in area with approximately 72.5 metres frontage on Arthur Street South. The proposed line of severance will follow the zoning limit between the Service Commercial (proposed severed lands) and Service Industrial (proposed retained lands) zones. NOTICE OF THE DECISION: Within 10 days of the meeting, a copy of each decision will be sent to owners, agents, those who submit written comments, and people who sign the register at the meeting. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Committee of Adjustment in respect to an application, you must submit a written request (to the Secretary-Treasurer – Nancy Thompson ext. 6040) or sign the register at the meeting. This will also entitle you to be advised of a possible Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. APPEAL OF MINOR VARIANCE AND CONSENT APPLICATIONS: Anyone in opposition to a decision may appeal the decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. The Tribunal may dismiss an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral or written submissions to the Committee of Adjustment before a decision was given, or does not provide a reasonable explanation for having failed to make a submission to the Committee.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

C L AS S IF IE D N OTIC E S | 23

“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAST; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”

Community Information Page

P.O. Box 158

24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6

Phone:

519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820

After Hours Emergency:

519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca

TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, please note all comments will become part of the public record. This Notice first issued November 12, 2019. https://www.woolwich.ca/en/township-services/engineering-public-notices.aspx

NOTICE OF CLASS EA SCHEDULE CHANGE AND MEETING BEFORE COUNCIL

Public Notice WINTER OVERNIGHT PARKING BAN

Middlebrook Place Bridges # 170160 and # 180160

In November 2017 the Township of Woolwich and the Township of Centre Wellington initiated a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to review alternatives for the Middlebrook Place Truss Bridge and the Middlebrook Place Concrete Bridge. Structural inspections identified the need for permanent closure, repairs or replacement of the Middlebrook Truss and the Middlebrook Concrete Bridge due to their condition. The purpose of the study was to determine a strategy to address the short and long term needs of the structures. A key component of this study is consultation with interested stakeholders, agencies and members of the public. A Notice of Study Commencement inviting input was published February 16, 2018 and a Public Consultation Centre (PCC) was held on November 27, 2018 to present existing conditions, alternative solutions and their impacts on the social, cultural, natural, technical and economic environments. The recommended solution for the Middlebrook Truss Bridge, removal without replacement, was also presented during the PCC. Since the PCC the project team has examined the issues in great detail, evaluated potential solutions for the Middlebrook Concrete Bridge and their associated impacts and prepared preliminary recommendations to address the short and long term needs of each structure. The preliminary recommendations include: • Removal without replacement of the Middlebrook Place Truss Bridge • Rehabilitation of the Middlebrook Place Concrete Bridge Due to the anticipated costs associated with implementing the recommendations, the Township will finalize the study in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process for Schedule B activities, under the Environmental Assessment Act. A meeting will be held before Council on January 21, 2020 to review the recommendations prior to finalizing the Schedule B Project File for public review. If you have any questions or comments about this study, or would like delegation status at the meeting on January 21, 2020 or would like to be contacted about future public events associated with this study, please contact: Ryan Tucker, P. Eng. Engineering Project Supervisor Township of Woolwich 24 Church Street West, P.O. Box 158, Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 Tel: 519-669-6048 E-mail: rtucker@woolwich.ca

Jack Turner, P. Eng. Consultant Project Manager GM BluePlan Engineering Limited 650 Woodlawn Rd. W., Block C, Unit 2 Guelph, ON N1K 1B8 Tel: 519-824-8150 Email: jack.turner@gmblueplan.ca

This is a reminder the Winter Overnight Parking Ban for snow plowing begins December 1st . Please note the dates and times as follow: December 1st to March 31st between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. No overnight parking is permitted on Township roads during this time to facilitate municipal snow plowing from the streets. THIS BAN APPLIES REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER. Any vehicles in violation of this parking ban may be ticketed. Please note that the Region of Waterloo has a year round overnight parking ban on all Regional roads between the hours of 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. For further information please contact the Township of Woolwich at 519-669-6009.

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

24 | C L AS S IF IE D NOTIC E S

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

THOMPSON’S

Auto Tech Inc. Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence.

519-669-4400 30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca

GENERAL SERVICES

CALL TO BOOK! TODAY.

TIRE

WHERE TIRES

Various sizes & rates

VAN, MINIBUS & WHEELCHAIR LIFT BUS TRANSPORTATION “Specializing in small group charters”

Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service

5196695557 Visit our website! countrymilebl.com Elmira, ON

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

519-669-3232

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

519-669-4964

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

GENERAL SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1998

•Final grading •Lawn repair & complete seeding well equipped for large stoney areas •Spike Aerator/Overseeding •Natural & Interlocking Stone •Retaining Walls, Walks & Patios •Help for Top Water & Drainage issue

Murray & Daniel Shantz

ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427

THIS SPACE IS FOR RENT

ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

While You Wait

MarCrest Backhoe • Residential • Commercial • Industrial

Septic Installations · Tile Repairs Small Footings · Silo Footings

Randy Weber

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

Maynard Martin

www.rwelectricltd.com

2512 Kressler Road RR1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

Tel. 519-699-0507

SKATE SHARPENING

$ 99 FREE!

5th PAIR

PER PAIR Stay Sharp This Winter!

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519-669-5537 STORE HOURS: M-F 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 10-5

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

ST. JACOBS

GLASS SYSTEMS INC. 1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0

Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs Patios • Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Steps • Decorative/Stamped and Coloured Concrete

• Store Fronts • Thermopanes • Mirrors • Screen Repair • Replacement Windows • Shower Enclosures • Sash Repair TEL:

www.marwilconcrete.ca

519-577-0370

519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104 FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

AMOS INC

R O O F I N G

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016 darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON

• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years.

DESIGN CENTRE

John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES

KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS

Blinds, shades, drapery & more • Custom cabinetry made in Canada Free In-home consultations • Our experienced designer will help you work within your personal taste and budget

Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs

Call someone you can trust - your local Home Hardware Popular Brands Available

BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN

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CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

519-503-6033 (CELL)

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114

519-669-2251

Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 10-5

In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

36 Hampton St., Elmira

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES “25 years in Business”

Visit our website

www.biobobs.com or call today! 519-648-3004

800-232-6396

CONSTRUCTION INC. (519) 569-0772 • Commercial & Industrial General Contracting • Specializing in Concrete Work & Excavation • Retaining Walls

info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca

• • • •

Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases

Concrete Breaking & Removal

Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

For all your Plumbing Needs. 24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

The Right Window Treatment Can

Save you

Blinds by Elite or Mera

In home consultations Wide selection of styles & fabrics 1011 Industrial Crescent St. Clements | 519-699-5411 www.LetUsFloorYou.ca

FREE

INSTALLATION When you buy 3 or more

Hours: M-F 8:30 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 - 3:00

Evenings By Appointment

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

C L AS S IF IE D N OTIC E S | 25

R E A L E STAT E S E RV I C E S

Independently Owned and Operated

Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage

3 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-5426

REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

BROKERAGE

Sue From

SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

Alli Bauman SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

226-750-9332 519-577-6248 suefrom17@gmail.com

allibauman17@gmail.com

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION.

Office 519-669-1544

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira www.thurrealestate.com

BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record, MVA Residential Res: 519.669.1068

Broker

Cell: 519.588.7562

11 DUNKE STREET N., ELMIRA

REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

$599,900

$2,250,000 | 3rd Concession (Lebanon) Farm 3rd Concession. Quality land only 15 months from organic certification. Farm is fully fenced. 2 Weather All outbuildings. 17 acres bush. Beautiful custom built home (ICF) construction, open concept. finished basement, 3+1 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Numerous features. MLS Call Dale Direct

For a free, no obligation, consultation on Buying or Selling, call Dale direct at 519-500-1865.

E IC PR

$649,900. MLS # 30774953 Lovely lot with mature trees in Colonial /Lexington area. Lot has been severed but has minor conditions to be fulfilled. The severance is approved with minor conditions to be met. Very desirable area. Contact for more info.

SOLD

Prime commercial space available for lease in downtown Elmira on Arthur St. S. 1,105 sq. ft. Ideal for office or medical related businesses. 2 piece washroom. Front & rear access. Available immediately. $1,200.00/month. Exclusive

BUSINESS FOR SALE

$99,900

#7-112 Oriole Parkway, Elmira Scrubbles Laundromat including everything. Washers and dryers are in great condition. The laundromat is kept very clean. Has several heavy duty fresh co machines to clean hockey gear. The dog grooming at rear leaves enough space to install take out dry cleaning. contact for more info.

CALL FOR YOUR

FREE MARKET EVALUATION

F A M I LY A L B U M OBITUARY

LOT FOR SALE

568 Wissler Rd., Waterloo

Great starter home in established neighbourhood! 3 bdrm semi-detached backing to school grounds. Laminate flooring in kitchen with newer ‘Ikea’ cabinets. Hardwood flooring in LR and 3 bdrms. Walk-out to rear yard from eating area. 2-pc on main flr. Hardwood stairs. Finished rec room. Side entrance to driveway. MLS

$439,000 | Drayton This large brick Grand home has many potential uses.. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, FOUR sunrooms, attached garage with a work room out back, high ceilings, natural woodwork, a key hole stained glass window and a huge lot with possibilities. A great family home, or B&B. MLS Call Dale Direct

95 ORIOLE PKWY, ELMIRA

www.KellerSellsRealEstate.com | dale@kellersellsrealestate.com

Sales Representative

Dale R. Keller

519.747.0231 (Office)

410 Conestogo Road, Unit 210, Waterloo, ON N2L 4E2

19 Weber Street East, Kitchener $15.00 per sq. ft. MLS # 30756996 Hydro extra heat is included in this unit across from the court house. Lawyers, Paralegals, ticket defenders, small book keeping or computer services. Newly painted. Unit is vacant and can be shown anytime. Call for more info.

519.500.1865 (Direct)

Call or text

Cell 519-741-6368 Cell 519-741-6970

FOR LEASE

Unique opportunity to run your business from this totally renovated and architecturally pleasing building. Sitting areas w/gas fireplace & water feature. Full kitchen w/built in oven, range & dishwasher. Upper loft areas. Outdoor storage w/additional washroom. Numerous perennial gardens & creek offer a peaceful outdoor setting. MLS

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Mildred Frey Broker

5158 A & B Ament Line, Linwood $8.50 per sq. ft MLS # 30775472 The building has a great store front with street parking. A wide variety of uses in the core of downtown Linwood. Great open area with office overhead if needed or convert to retail. Currently occupied call for daytime viewing.

JULIE HECKENDORN

LET OUR 60+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!

Sales Representative Call or text

www.thefreyteam.com FOR LEASE

Office:

519-669-2772

Len Frey

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

Before You Sell or Buy, Call Frey.

Call or email today.

OBITUARY

WILLIAM (BILL) JOSEPH FISHER, Elmira

(July 21, 1948 – November 21, 2019) Stroh, Ross Edward Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at the age of 56. Ross was the beloved husband of Jo-anne (Keen) Stroh. Loved father of Christina (Kevin) Kallstrom, Rebecca DeKleer (Doug Donaldson), and Benjamin (Sarah) DeKleer. Cherished grandfather of Carter and Alyssa Kallstrom; Logan and Mikayla Donaldson. Dear brother of Stanley (Deb), William, Garry, Mark, Michael, and Sharon Stroh, and brother-in-law of Barry (Sharon) Keen and Gerri Scarrow. Lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Clarence and Lila (Lasch) Stroh. Ross worked at Home Hardware for 40 years. Cremation has taken place. Memorial visitation took place on Sunday, November 24, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. A memorial service was held in the funeral home chapel on Monday, November 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Grand River Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. The family wishes to thank the staff in the ICU at Grand River Hospital for the wonderful care received.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

We said goodbye on November 21, 2019 to Bill Fisher our loving Husband, Dad, Papa, and Brother. He was a blue-collar guy with an inspiring work ethic who would do anything for his family, Brenda, his beloved wife of 50 years, and his children Bob and Melissa. Papa had a special bond with his one and only granddaughter Raven, who was not ready for him to go but his body was tired and the doctors could not fix him anymore. Bill was a loyal brother and friend who will be missed by Steve (Bert), Charlie (Aline),Jim (Connie); sisters-in-law Linda and Sandi; many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents Walter and Catherine Fisher of New Brunswick, his brother Bob, and sister Marjorie. Raven would like to thank the Cancer Center and family, Dr. Kilmurry, Dr. Fortin, Dr. Knight and his team for helping Papa to stay as long as he could. Thank you to all of the caring and kind people at Freeport Palliative care especially Dr. Schwarz, Dr. Feroze and all the nurses. A special mention to Jane our homecare nurse. Following his wishes cremation has taken place and a private family tree planting will be held in the spring as a celebration of life. Maybe he will visit as a Unicorn.

100% LOCAL

THANK YOU

In Appreciation The family of George Winfield would like to thank their relatives and friends for the visits and support given, the second and third floor staff at Freeport Health Centre, Pastor Hans Borch and St. James Lutheran Church, Betty Ann for the luncheon, the staff at Frey’s Flowers and Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

Buying or selling? Your #1 source for local real estate. FIND A NEW

R E OBSERVE HOME IN TH

BOOK AN AD: ads.observerxtra.com/ads BIRTHDAY

Lorne Martin’s 95th Birthday Celebration

IN MEMORIAM

Brubacher, Lloyd 1945 – 2018

Till we meet again. Candie, Rick & Cindy and Family, Joyce & Kevin and Family.

We have photos to share. ads.observerxtra.com/reprints

Open House Saturday, December 14th, 2019 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Chartwell Retirement Residence (8 Snyder Ave. N., Elmira) BEST WISHES ONLY

GET IT IN THE

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

26 | C L AS S IF IE D NOTIC E S

F A M I LY A L B U M OBITUARY

OBITUARY

Craig, Shirley Jean (Reid) Shirley Jean Craig, of Winterbourne, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Innisfree House, Kitchener, at the age of 73. Family were with her during her rapid decline due to cancer. Born to Charles and Jean Reid (Hogg), of Collingwood, Shirl was the love of Ron’s life for over 50 years, as well as mother to Doug (Rhanda) and Heather Craig, and grandmother to Lillian Craig. Shirley is reunited with her parents, brother Dan, sister-inlaw Carol, nephew David, and niece Sherry. She will be deeply missed by her brothers Bob (Ellie), John (Payge), Jim (Angelika), Ron, Len (Lynda), and Paul (Karen), sisters Joan, Donna (Jeff), Pat (Scott), and Sharon (Darrell), and sister-in-law Kathy, as well as her husband’s family. Shirley leaves behind a large and beloved extended family, and many, many friends from her community (both local and abroad). A graduate of Collingwood Collegiate Institute and the University of Waterloo, Shirley found her calling in teaching, working with both local school boards before retiring in 2005. She enjoyed teaching ESL privately, walking the Kissing Bridge Trailway, hiking, biking, traveling anywhere warm, volunteering, reading, playing bridge, and time with family and friends. Her strong faith provided a solid foundation during life, and a peace during her illness. Visitation was held on Monday, November 25, 2019 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira, and Tuesday, November 26, 2019 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Woodside Bible Fellowship, Elmira, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers (or candy), donations to Innisfree House, or the charity of your choice, are appreciated by Shirley and family. Our thanks to her caregivers at Grand River ICU and Innisfree House.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

OBITUARY

Heintz, Eileen Passed into the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, November 26, 2019 at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, at the age of 90 years. Beloved wife for 67 years of Clarence Heintz of Waterloo, formerly of Elmira. Dear mother of Lois and Stu Weber of Elmira, the late Jim (2014), Sharon and Murray Shantz of Oakville, Ken and Cathy of St. Agatha, Steve Heintz and Benoit Aumais of Montreal, Ruthanne and Mark Ward of Kitchener, Connie Heintz and Janine Smith of Waterdown. Also lovingly remembered by her 7 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Sister of Ida Brubacher and sister-in-law of Mildred Martin, Alice Martin, and Edith Martin. Predeceased by her parents Isaiah and Lydian (Brox) Martin, her brothers Elmer, Aden, Howard and Roy. Eileen and Clarence enjoyed the past year residing at Parkwood Suites in Waterloo. Eileen enjoyed quilting, reading and puzzles, was a faithful member of Zion Mennonite Fellowship, but above all loved her God and her family. Visitation will be held at Elmira Mennonite Church, 58 Church St. W., on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. Interment to follow in Elmira Mennonite Cemetery. In Eileen’s memory, donations to MCC would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

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OBITUARY

Hahn, Ursula Passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Chartwell Elmira LTC, at the age of 93. Ursula (Schiebel) Hahn was predeceased by her husband Alfred (2004). Dear mother of Doug and Marlene, Philip and Marlene, Murray and Bonnie, Dennis, Roger and Joan, Kate and Dennis Ertel, Yvonne and Don James, Ursula and Gary Benesch, Karen and Michael Bickers. Ursula is lovingly remembered by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Sister-in-law of Mary Schiebel and Pat Schiebel. Predeceased by her parents John and Mary (Basler) Schiebel, daughter Theresa (1976), sisters Alma and Jim Bishop, Mona and Jack Jackson, Marina and Ken Hays, brothers Gregory and Madeline Schiebel, Mello Schiebel, and Cosmas Schiebel. Ursula was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a faithful parishioner of St. Teresa of Avila and longtime member of the CWL. Ursula was a dedicated employee at the Elmira pharmacies (Cale’s, Cook’s, and Hare’s) where she worked. For many years she enjoyed volunteering her time as a hospice caregiver. The family will receive their relatives and friends on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila RC Church, 10 Flamingo Dr., Elmira. Cremation will follow. Family interment of cremated remains will take place at a later date in St. Theresa’s RC Cemetery, RR 1, Elmira. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Arthritis Society or Children’s Wish Foundation would be appreciated.

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DeCosta, Lillian Claire

March 14, 1940 - November 23, 2019 It is with the fondest of memories we announce the passing of Lillian Claire DeCosta. Devoted wife of 52 years to Rudolph DeCosta. Survived by her three children Daniel (Jennifer), Yolanda (Ian), Jason (Michelle) and two grandchildren Kassandra and Palmer. Sister to Ted (Evelyn) Lemasurier and Gloria (Wayne) Paisley. Much loved aunt to David, Shelley, Ronnie, Gregg, Warren and Kelly. Predeceased by her parents Roy and Faye Lemasurier. Lillian was born in Gaspé, Quebec and later moved to Espanola, Fairbanks Lake, Montreal, Toronto and Elmira. Lillian was an avid philatelist, hobbyist, music lover, Toronto Blue Jays fan and she enjoyed a good game of cards. Lillian loved everyone and will be missed by a bevy of amazing family and friends. We would like to thank the staff and volunteers at the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre, Grand River Hospital, Hospice of Wellington, Freeport Hospital, Forest Heights Long Term Care, Memory Gardens Funeral Home and St. Teresa of Avila Church in Elmira for the exceptional care and compassion they provided. Visitation will take place at Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 2723 Victoria St. N., Breslau, on Friday, December 6, 2019 from 12-1pm. Memorial service will take place in the funeral home chapel at 1pm with interment to follow. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please take the time to donate to a charity of your choice this Christmas Season. A book of online condolences may be signed at:

www.memorycemetery.ca

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Community Memorial Service Sunday, December 1, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. | Gale Presbyterian Church | 10 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira For many people this is a difficult time of year because of a loss – the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of health, an unhealed relationship, or past or present hurts. This is a special invitation to you to attend a quiet, reflective service which offers comfort and hope. Sponsored by the Elmira and District Ministerial Association and Dreisinger Funeral Home Ltd.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | 27

TUESDAY FOR GIVING Be involved in community activities, events & support local initiatives. Tell us about what's happening and about the people in your neighbourhood.

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world on Dec. 3 and every day. It was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good.

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FILLING THE KETTLE The Salvation Army has launched its 2019 Christmas Kettle Campaign, which is its largest public fundraising drive of the year. Now in its 129th year, the annual fundraiser seeks donations from the public to help The Salvation Army assist millions of people living in poverty. This year’s goal is $21.6 million. Last year, The Salvation Army helped over 1.6 million people, providing 3.4 million free meals, assisting 261,000 with Christmas food hampers and toys and over 1.1 million with food, clothing or practical help.

HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE

Young competitors use robotics to help shape the city of the future FIRST Lego League participants ramping up for big competition this weekend in Waterloo BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

The local young tinkerers are back at it again this year, with two local FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Lego League teams showing off their autonomous robots and innovation projects at a practice tournament last weekend. The St. Clements Wild Goats and the Elmira Space Chickens, along with several other teams, honed their presentation skills at EDSS on Saturday to prepare for their official competition in Waterloo on November 30. This year’s theme is “City Shaper.” Among the highlights of the event included autonomous robots completely constructed by Lego Mindstorm technology. Teams must program their robot to complete as many tasks as possible within a certain timeframe to win points. “The Wild Goats found some of their missions worked smoothly, and others did not,” said team coach Jason Jantzi. “They were able to get their robot to successfully stop on the bridge at the end of the match for additional points.” Team members Tyler MacDonald, Hudson Jantzi, Connor Jantzi, Kayia MacDonald, Brooklyn Alpaugh, Connor Cheng, Tanner Cheng, and Beth Alphaugh met weekly for the past couple of months to ensure that their robot, “Billy the Goat,” was in top shape. “Our robot did pretty well. We had a few issues with the predictability of it

The St. Clements Wild Goats showed off their autonomous robot during a practice tournament at EDSS on Saturday. Team members include Tyler MacDonald, Hudson Jantzi, Connor Jantzi, Kayia MacDonald, Brooklyn Alpaugh, Connor Cheng, Tanner Cheng and Beth Alphaugh. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

because the board we were practicing on was a bit worn,” said Beth Alpaugh. “I think we’re going to try to use more sensors to make our sensors more predictable, so then we won’t have these kinds of issues.” Another component of the day’s activities was sharing the results of their innovation projects. Each team is challenged to find a solution to a real-world problem that affects their community. Examples of topics include food safety, recycling, and energy. These findings are then presented to the judges. “We went to the Waterloo

Region recycling centre,” said Alpaugh. “We found that there is an issue of people putting their recycling in the garbage or their garbage in the recycling. And also that there weren’t any recycling bins in our local parks at all.” Recycled items can’t be shipped away to be reused if they are contaminated. To combat this problem of improper recycling practices, the Wild Goats shared their idea of a “Smart Sorter,” which uses artificial intelligence to sort between garbage and recycling. Once an item is placed in the waste container, the smart sorter would use a

camera to determine if it is garbage or recycling, and that tells the Arduino microcontroller, which will then use motors to move the item to the correct container. It would ideally be installed in parks, ball diamonds, and other public spaces. “All of The Wild Goats team members from last year returned for the second year of FLL since they had such a successful and fun time learning and participating from the first season,” said Jantzi. “As a coach, I could really see the kids develop and learn new skills which hopefully they can continue to develop

and apply to other areas.” The LEGO League also nurtures teambuilding core values and looks at how these values can be applied to everyday life, including discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, and teamwork. Wild Goats team member Hudson Jantzi added that participating in FLL has also been a bonding experience, as the same group members also got together for the 2018 FIRST Lego League event. “It’s really helped us get to know each other better and we’re definitely more comfortable with one another,” said Hudson.

The team noted that the community had been particularly supportive of their endeavours this year. “Last year we only had one sponsor but this year we have plenty. We got sponsors by going door to door in St. Clements and just asking companies if they would sponsor us and we did really good,” said Alpaugh. The official competition will take place at St. David Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo this Saturday. Three local teams will be attending: the Elmira Space Chickens, St. Clements Wild Goats, and the St. Jacobs Super Stingers.

November has marked 13 years of serving the community! We have felt your support through every season and are so grateful for the relationships that have been made! We look forward to the future and count it a privilege to serve you!

– Leroy Martin

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

28 | L I VI NG HE RE BRAIN FOOD

Hedy Lamar lit up the silver screen ... and radio frequencies

Q. In the U.S., the lifetime risk of dying in a car accident is 1 in 522, substantially lower than, for example, the 1-in-64 risk of dying from accidental poisoning, reports “New Scientist” magazine. How is the European Union leading the way in making cars even safer? A. It is mandating that by 2022, all new models of car have 15 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including intelligent speed and lane-keeping assistance, drowsiness and attention detection and black box recorders, says the magazine’s Chris Stokel-Walker. Already ADAS have been shown to improve safety. Jessica Cicchino of the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that “automatic braking halves the number

According to a 2018 European Commission report, ADAS could save some 73,000 lives by 2030 and reduce the number of serious auto injuries by 38,900 over this period.

BILL&RICH SONES STRANGE BUT TRUE

Q. What do your hands or anybody’s hands have to do with the linguistics of life? Can you put your hands on the meanings here: “chirocracy,” “fingerpost,” “manumission” and “glad hand”?

of rear end crashes. And systems that warn drivers when they veer out of their lane reduced the rate of fatal crashes by 86 per cent.” The new tech focuses on “the main cause of road accidents: drivers not sticking to the rules.” Drowsiness and attention detections measure the percentage of time drivers’ eyes are closed, advising them to take a break. And event data recorders can be checked in the event of an accident, helping drivers with insurance claims and police investigations.

A. From the Greek “chiro” (hand) comes “chirocracy,” government that rules by physical force, says Anu Garg on his “A.Word.A.Day” website. Now picture a post with one or more signs pointing toward one or more places and you have a “fingerpost,” so named since the sign resembles the fingers of a hand. The word

can also refer to someone or something serving as a guide. And “manumission,” from Latin “manus” (hand), means to release from slavery, servitude or restraint. The root also gave us “manual,” “manage,” “manicure,” “manufacture,” “manuscript” and more. Finally, “glad hand” is a hearty welcome or greeting, often insincere. As Garg puts it, “glad-handing is typically associated with politicians, used car salesmen and their ilk,” who are greeting you warmly not because they’re pleased to see you but rather want something from you. Q. In 1942, Austrian-born Hedwig Kiesler patented an invention that made radio signals unjammable. Eventually, it found its way into a modern de-

vice that has transformed our world. Do you know this woman’s more famous screen name and the name of the device? A. The beautiful actress Hedy Lamar had been married to an armament manufacturer and arms dealer, but after she left him, she devoted her time working on inventions that she hoped would help the Allies defeat the Nazis in World War II, says Marie Benedict in her book “The Only Woman in the Room.” Hedy’s frequency-hopping invention rendered radio signals from a ship or airplane to its torpedo impenetrable, thus improving torpedoes’ accuracy. Although the U.S. Navy rejected her design, in the 1950’s, her top-secret patent was included in a sonobuoy that could detect subma-

rines and transmit that information to an airplane overhead. Eventually, the military and others developed their own inventions using this interpretation of spread-spectrum technology, but Hedy never received any recompense since her patent had expired. Today, aspects of her frequency-hopping idea can be found in the cell phones we use every day. “Hedy’s role in these advancements was unknown until the 1990s, when she received a few awards for her invention, recognition she considered more important than the success of her movies,” Benedict says. Bill is a journalist, Rich holds a doctorate in physics. Together the brothers bring you “Strange But True.” Send questions to sbtcolumn@gmail.com

O B S E R V E R C R O S S WO R D

The Observer Crossword looks to challenge you and get your brain firing on all synapes. This crossword is only published in The Observer handcrafted exclusively for our audience. Happy word-smithing!

ACROSS 1. Brainy motor relay 8. If it felt like this, it was a long time 12. Forceful galaxy hub 15. Step away from conflict 16. Communication without pictures 17. Not am 18. Not brain surgery, the other tricky one 21. Diem, cent, son 22. Short past afternoon 23. Common for a while in a superstition, a thunderstorm, a counterstrike 24. Simmering rage 25. Sheep amongst the stars 26. Enters in the debate 29. Champagne explosion (Oasis) 32. Together 34. Stored calories 35. Brother definitely did not keep him 36. More certain 39. Jupiter satellite 41. Back talk 42. Empire in decline 43. Sulphurous moon 45. Cool person, annoying pet 46. Watery sphere in the

stars 48. Fringed prayer shawl 52. Darling, can't you hear me? 53. TV award for short 54. Paddler 55. Fungal spore sacs 57. If the muscle fits 61. Ishtar by another name 63. All the Romans, together 64. Short phone 65. To you, and out 66. Exemplary person 69. Force away 73. Carpentry tool 74. Three 75. Small dog vocalizations 79. Not a thing in particular 80. Thai for short 81. Early planetary source 85. Another third of a personality 86. Stag 87. Troubles like boredom 88. Cozy critter home 89. Holly 90. Fellow diner DOWN 1. What he did with his

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40. Take the wagon control 44. Located not in, under, inside, outside, beside or over 45. Jurassic girl, genius (movie quote) 47. Linen fabric 49. I think therefore I 50. Two-pi is arguably cooler than pi 51. 24 in a day 55. Oxygenated water 56. Space in hold 57. Enduring hardship without complaining 58. Stalk connecting organ to body 59. Drink this instead of lager 60. Properly placed, just 62. Before 67. Vice city 68. Sodium hydroxide 70. 1/100th rupee 71. Bigger dashes, but not the biggest 72. French secondary school 76. Celebrities partnered 77. To miss a tree 78. Mumford partners 82. King reptile 83. 13th Greek letter 84. Low light SUNDAY SCHOOL

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used car battery into the ocean (meme) 2. How the used car battery flew through the air into t he ocean (meme) 3. 100 qintars 4. Of spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs 5. Turn down completely 6. Bygone Soviet Empire 7. Ticks 8. Consumed 9. Poor fruit to eat, great for beverages 10. Biological wastes 11. Direct a cow 12. Formal approval 13. Shin armour 14. Perpendiculars to a surface 19. Need two or three for an omelette 20. Over, alive, a wrap 27. Ram partner 28. Sacred star of Egypt 30. Regarding these, I WANT TO BELIEVE! 31. Nosey 33. __ said, s__ said 36. Day star 37. Consume 38. Old timey mischievious person

Service at 10:30am Rev. Paul Snow REACH WITH LOVE. TEACH THE TRUTH. SEND IN POWER. 290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973 www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

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There’s nothing like tradition for the holidays

“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

’m going back to my Quebecois roots for this one to show you a traditional French-Canadian meat pie that’s also very seasonal, as it’s often served on Christmas Eve or News Year’s Eve (or any eve, for that matter). The ‘Tourtière’ was named after the actual pan in which it was baked. My great-grandfather swore by the addition of fresh sage (grown on his own farm), which I can’t go without. Back in the 18th century a similar recipe called ‘sea pie’ was served to British navy officers coming in from the St. Lawrence, who of course brought it down the coast of New England, where it is still served to this day. Some people serve it with ketchup, but I prefer maple syrup!

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4. Add all liquid and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to combine all flavours. 5. Finish with fresh sage. Allow to cool slightly 6. Place in pie plates or casserole dish and spread out. 7. Cover with pastry and egg wash if desired. 8. Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes to brown and then turn down to 325 F for an additional half-hour. 9. Allow to settle for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

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Chef Bruce Duff is the operator of “Chef Duff at RiverSong” Banquet hall, Café and Culinary Centre just outside of St. Jacobs. Since completing his training at Humber College in Toronto, Chef Duff has been an incumbent at many local establishments, including Westmount Golf Club, Conestoga College as well as The Walper and Huether hotels. He can be contacted at info@chefduff.ca.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 CHRISTMAS DINNER AT ST. TERESA OF AVILA IN THE church hall. Meal begins at 6 p.m. Adults $21, children 9-12 yrs $10, under 5 free. Pre-purchase tickets before December 2. Local band playing during dinner and after, gift basket raffle, cash bar available.

SENIORS' LUNCH CLUB. COMMUNITY CARE CONCEPTS invites you to join us noon at Breslau Community Centre, for a light lunch and fellowship, $7. Call 519-664-1900 by noon Dec. 9 to sign up.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 YOUNG AT HEART CHRISTMAS COFFEE. BRING A FRIEND and come for coffee, treats and friendship. Join us at St. Clements community centre, 1 p.m.

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BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT THE ELMIRA LEGION, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All you can eat. Proceeds support Woolwich Sledge Hockey and the Elmira Legion.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AT ST. MATTHEW'S EV. LUTHERAN Church, Conestogo. Visit a beautiful and historic village church and find unique knitted and handmade gifts. All proceeds go to the Prayer Shawl Ministry of St. Matthew's. Advent service begins at 10 a.m., with the bazaar to following.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 CHRISTMAS TUESDAY LUNCHEON AT GALE Presbyterian, Elmira. Two seating times available at 11:15 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance, $15/person. Menu: carved turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, roll, gravy, hot vegetable, cranberry salad, dessert, beverage.

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 YOUNG AT HEART'S ANNUAL TURKEY DINNER. PLEASE arrive at noon for our annual Christmas lunch. There are only 40 spots so sign up soon to reserve your seat: s.mar@ sympatico.ca or call 226-789-8904.

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519-669-9919 charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 EVERGREEN FOR SENIORS AT WOODSIDE CHURCH, Elmira, 10:30 a.m. "Still the Greatest Story Ever Told." Stiff Family Bluegrass Band. Devotional - Darcy Dueck. Carol Singing: Fred Gingrich/Beryl Martin $7 donation includes hot lunch at noon.

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CHRISTMAS BAZAAR AT ST. MATTHEW'S EV. LUTHERAN Church, Conestogo. Visit a beautiful and historic village church and find unique knitted and handmade gifts. All proceeds go to the Prayer Shawl Ministry of St. Matthew's. Advent service begins at 10 a.m., with the bazaar to following.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 SENIORS' COMMUNITY DINING. COMMUNITY CARE Concepts invites you to join us for lunch, fellowship and entertainment at Calvary United Church St. Jacobs, $12. Call 519-664-1900 by noon Dec. 9 to sign up.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 IMCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT AT WALLENSTEIN BIBLE Chapel, 3 p.m. Conductor: Carolyn Neumann VanderBurgh Accompanist: Christine Klaver-Schmidt. Tickets: $10 adult, $5 children.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM AT ST. JAMES LUTHERAN Church, New Hamburg. A live nativity re-creation at Bethlehem stable (church’s red shed - dress warmly!), 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Refreshments to follow.

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New to the Community? Do you have a new Baby? It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess. Elmira & Surrounding Area

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≥

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FIND YOURS TODAY AT GMCOFFERS.CA Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. Conditions and limitations apply. See Dealer for full program details. These offers may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Void where prohibited. General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) may modify, extend or terminate offers for any reason, in whole or in part, at any time, without notice. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Credits vary by model. For a limited time only on select vehicles to qualified retail customers in Canada. On approved credit from select lenders. Participating lenders subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Some trims may have effective rates higher than 0%. ΩOffer available to qualified retail customers in Canada on select vehicles purchased and delivered from November 1 and December 2, 2019. 0%/0%/0% purchase financing (0%/0%/0% APR) offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 72/84/72 months on eligible new 2019 Terrain Denali/2019 Acadia Denali/2019 Next-Generation Sierra Crew Cab Elevation models. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $42,995/$53,545/$51,475 financed at 0%/0%/0% nominal rate (0%/0%/0% APR) equals $598/$638/$692 monthly for 72/84/72 months. The offer includes $450/$650/$2,650 Cash Delivery Allowance (tax exclusive) and $750/$1,000/$2,850 finance cash (tax exclusive), $0/$0/$1,000 RST Bonus and $0/$0/$500 Option Package Discount. Cost of borrowing is $0/$0/$0, for a total obligation of $42,995/$53,545/$51,475. Freight ($1,895/$1,895/$1,895) and air conditioning charge ($100/$100/$100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and, except in Quebec, dealer fees not included (all of which may vary by dealer and region). Dealers are free to set individual prices. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. TD Auto Finance is a registered trademark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.*$750 Black Friday Bonus is a manufacturer-to-dealer credit (tax exclusive) valid toward the retail purchase or lease of one eligible new or demonstrator in-stock 2019 or 2020 model year GMC models purchased and delivered in Canada between November 22, 2019 and December 2, 2019. Eligible models include all 2019 and 2020 MY GMC models. The up to $750 Black Friday Bonus is applied against eligible 2019 & 2020 MY vehicles purchased and delivered during the program period. ~Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles purchased and delivered between November 1 and December 2, 2019. Lease based on suggested retail price of $44,093, towards the lease of an eligible 2020 Terrain Denali. Bi-weekly payment is $179 for 48 months at 1% lease rate (1% APR) on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. The $89 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the bi-weekly payments. Payments cannot be made on a weekly basis. Equivalent weekly payments are for informational purposes only. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $0 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $21,210. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $24,188. Factory order may be required. ¤Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. The driver should remain attentive to traffic, surroundings and road conditions at all times. Visibility, weather, and road conditions may affect feature performance. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for more important feature limitations and information. ≠Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada on select vehicles purchased and delivered from November 1 and December 2, 2019. 0.8% purchase financing (0.8% APR) offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 72 months on eligible new 2019 Canyon models. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $42,430 financed at 0.8% nominal rate (0.8% APR) equals $590 monthly for 72 months. The offer includes $1,250 Cash Delivery Allowance (tax exclusive). Cost of borrowing is $1,000 for a total obligation of $43,430. Freight ($1,895) and air conditioning charge ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and, except in Quebec, dealer fees not included (all of which may vary by dealer and region). Dealers are free to set individual prices. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. TD Auto Finance is a registered trademark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.±Offers are valid toward the retail purchase of an eligible new or demonstrator in stock 2020 Yukon delivered in Canada between November 1 and December 2, 2019. Up to 10% Of MSRP Cash Purchase Credit is a manufacturer to dealer incentive (tax exclusive), valid toward retail cash purchases only on select 2020 models in stock. Not compatible with special lease and finance rates. By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this credit which will result in higher effective cost of credit on their transaction. Credit is calculated on vehicle MSRP (which excludes vehicle freight), excluding any dealer-installed options. Credit value will vary with model purchased: models receiving up to 10% of MSRP Cash Purchase Credit are: Yukon. ∞ Whichever comes first. See your dealer.Δ Visit onstar.ca for vehicle availability, coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. 4G LTE service available in select markets. Requires active connected vehicle services and a data plan to access the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Accessory Power must be active to use the Wi-Fi hotspot. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. Credit card is required for purchase. ≥

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

L IV IN G H E RE | 31

T R AV E L A B R OA D W I T H T H E O B S E RV E R

Names: Amos & Naomi Weber, Henry & Agnes Weber, Clarence & Elmeda Brubacher, Lois Horst, Rachel Anderson (Rachel and Lois are pictured) Location: Bus trip to the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum in Kentucky.

FEATURING

Dog , Bird, Horse Baskets 3 Price Ranges to choose from $30, $50, $70

Baskets available from December 1st to 21st - while supplies last.

Feel free to call ahead to reserve yours.

Remember our Open House December 7 10 AM-2 PM FURNITURE & DESIGN

NOV 28 - DEC 2

2755 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg

519-699-5200 • www.jfm.ca Pet Food – Naturally Raised Meats – Bird Seed – Equine Feed and Supplies

BLACK FRIDAY

Furniture Event For one weekend only, all Palliser products are on sale (15% off showroom items, 10% off custom orders). Stretch out on a recliner, curl up in a loveseat, or chill out on a sectional designed with family in mind, all at an outstanding price. Bring the charm of quality, Canadian-made furniture into your home this winter!

4 DAYS ONLY!

MONDAY-THURSDAY: 9 AM - 6 PM • FRIDAY: 9 AM - 7 PM • SATURDAY: 9 AM - 5 PM 19 Arthur St. S, Elmira • 519 669 5077 • CHERVINFURNITURE.CA

32 | TH E BAC K PAGE

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2019

ONE DAY ONLY! 9AM TO 10PM FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29

NO TAX! S T O R E W I D E

WWW.

.COM

1362 VICTORIA ST N. KITCHENER 519.742.9188 | BLACK FRIDAY 9AM-10PM 1 DAY ONLY!