August 4, 2022 by Woolwich Observer

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Arts | 15

Mariia Mamaisur and Andrew Shulgin hold the Ukrainian and Canadian flags in front of the former Jakobstettel Inn, which will be known as the Woolwich Guest House for Ukrainian Families in Transition for Leah Gerber a year while it hosts those fleeing the Russian invasion. Mamaisur and Shulgin will work as in-house coordinators for the year.

In-house coordinators from Ukraine help prepare for those arriving in St. Jacobs Leah Gerber Observer Staff

MARIIA MAMAISUR AND ANDREW SHULGIN arrived at the Woolwich Guest House for Ukrainian Families in Transition last Monday. The former Jakobstettel Inn is a resting place for them, the latest leg of a journey that began

unexpectedly February 24 when they say they were woken up by the sound of bombs near their home in Kyiv. “We prepared all our clothes and documents because we [thought we would] leave our house maybe for three days,” said Mamaisur. “We didn’t imagine that we leave our

house for so long.” They went to Shulgin’s parents’ home in a village near Kyiv and stayed there for two weeks, but it wasn’t safe there either, they said. “We were scared when night is coming,” said Mamaisur. “Because they make their attacks only at night,” finished Shulgin.

BACK TO SCHOOL

The Russian military also targeted places that people would use to take shelter like cinemas or the metro. “We [didn’t] know where we should run if there is a rocket attack,” said Shulgin. Mamaisur and Shulgin decided to keep moving. Shulgin says his family decided to stay.

“They don’t want to move on because it is their property for which they work very hard for their entire lives,” Shulgin said. “They don’t know what to do in another place, because all their life [is connected] with Kyiv.” Mamaisur says her mother remains in a small village outside of Kyiv.

She didn’t want to leave because she was afraid of facing a language barrier. Mamaisur and Shulgin made their way to Poland where they remained for two months. While there, they stayed in a large hostel that housed 300 people. There they worked as volunteers, helping Ukrai→ JAKOBSTETTEL 6

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Page Three

If it matters to you. It matters to us. News tips are always welcome. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Online: observerxtra.com/tips

Election update

From the archives

With the Aug. 19 deadline approaching for filing nomination papers for the 2022 municipal election, there has been one addition to the list: Evan Burgess is running in Woolwich’s Ward 1. Current Ward 3 councillor Larry Shantz, meanwhile, has decided not to run again. In Wellesley, Ward 2 represenative Herb Neher will not be running again.

Elmira hasn’t been immune to the recent Pokémon Go craze. And if you think you’ve been noticing more people downtown lately, it might have something to do with the launch of the free game in Canada. The location-based game allows those with data plans on their smart phones to virtually catch Pokémon. From the Aug. 4, 2016 edition of The Observer

Dry spell putting pressure on farmers in Ontario Leah Gerber

year event. That said, local farmers and researchers may say it is much, much drier than normal. That lack of rain could impact crop yields in the fall, particularly corn, which relies on precipitation in June and July. Joshua Nasielski, an assistant professor in plant agriculture at the University of Guelph,

Observer Staff

FARMERS IN THE AREA ARE facing a time of dryness. Agriculture Canada classified most of southwestern Ontario as “abnormally dry” in a June 30 report, with little relief since. Abnormally dry is considered a one-in-three

says he has soil moisture sensors installed across the province uploading data that he checks regularly, adding the sensor for southern Ontario is showing half as much moisture in the soil as last year. Mark Reusser, the vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and himself a farmer in Waterloo Region,

estimates this current dry spell is worse than a one-in-three-year event. “I think those analyses by Agriculture Canada are pretty broad. I suspect that there are locations here in Ontario that are actually far worse than that. If their analysis says unusually dry is one year in three, I’m looking at where I live right here and thinking

it’s closer to one year in 10. This is very dry,” he said. “Farmers do what they always do, which is just adapt to what they’re faced with,” said Nasielski. “This is not the first time that it’s been a dry year. Sometimes it’s been very, very wet. And that causes its own set of problems. So farmers, they just adapt their management. They

change plans.” Nasielski said in this case, adapting will mean reducing their input costs as they are able, to increase the net profit in the fall and make up for a smaller yield. Nasielski does not predict absolute crop failure – that is, crops actually dying due to drought – → DRY SPELL 5

A child plays at the Shand Dam, one of the main reservoirs of water in the Grand River watershed. GRCA staff release water from this dam and others to regulate the flow of the Grand River to ensure there is enough water to maintain the environment, operate wastewater treatment plants and provide drinking water for millions of people downstream. Leah Gerber

Dry conditions make management of river system more difficult Leah Gerber Observer Staff

DRY CONDITIONS HAVE THE GRAND River Conservation Authority calling on residents to lower their water consumption by 20 per cent. The watershed’s low-water status is currently classified at a “level two,”

watershed usually sees about 90 mm of rain in July, but as of last week it had seen only 23 to 45 mm of rain. The Grand River Low Water Response team sent out the call for voluntary reduction of water usage. The team is made up of representatives of the watershed’s major water users, including munic-

or “level orange.” This means that the amount of precipitation between mid-June and mid-July was less than 60 per cent of average precipitation for that time period, and/ or flows are less than 50 per cent of their normal summer low flow. Stephanie Shifflet, a water resources engineer with the GRCA, notes the

ipalities, farmers, golf course operators, water bottlers, aggregate companies and others. The water users within municipal areas are the biggest users of water in the watershed, said Shifflet. “If you’re in a city, you’ll have different water users, but they’re all taking water from the same system.

You’ll have your industrial and commercial users, you’ll have your residential, but they’ll all be under the umbrella of the municipal water system. “And by and far across the watershed, the municipalities are the largest water users.” Shifflet says residents and businesses can reduce the amount of outdoor

water usages like watering lawns to help meet the 20 per cent reduction target. The next level of lower water status is “red” or “level three.” This is when there is less than 40 per cent of rain than normal average amounts, and/ or the water flow is less than 30 per cent of normal summer low flows. → CONSERVATION 4

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4 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Gearing up for next month’s Pawtember fundraising activities Bill Atwood Observer Staff

A BRESLAU-BASED CHARITY WHICH PROVIDES service dogs to those with mental health and psychiatric challenges is getting set for its biggest fundraiser of the year. Partners with Paws will be holding several events next month in what it has coined “Pawtemeber.” “September is the month of the service dog where it’s a worldwide acknowledgement of what service dogs can do. But also it is mental health and suicide prevention month. September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day,” said founder Jacqueline Gori. Next month will see the charity host a weekly event starting with a crossfit challenge in Oakville on September 3. There will also be a dance challenge at the Waterloo Regional Police headquarters in Cambridge on September 10, a trail walk in Victoria Park (September 17) and

pilates and yoga challenge at Breslau Public School (September 23). All are welcome to participate or donate. The goal is to raise $75,000 for three dogs the charity currently has in training. As Partners with Paws has no other source of assistance, the public’s help is needed, Gori said. She started Partners with Paws just over two years ago, inspired to do so because of her own struggles with mental illness. “We’ve placed five dogs [so far]. So it’s been quite the journey, and it came about through my own diagnosis of PTSD and finding out that there really isn’t a lot of charities that provide psychiatric and mental health service dogs,” Gori explained The dogs her charity provides do more than just provide companionship like an emotional support dog does, Gori siad. “An emotional support dog doesn’t have public access. It cannot go everywhere with its

Jacqueline Gori of Partners with Paws with her dog, Samson.

owner. It can just be a pet that provides emotional support to the owner. We do not do those kinds of dogs. We do dogs that are trained in behavior interruption. So if I am

picking at my skin, or if I’m scratching myself, or rocking is another [monitored] behavior,” she explained. As each person with a service dog is different

Submitted

with unique needs, the behavior disruption can range from anything like putting their head or paw on the person’s leg to lying their full body on top of the person.

“They’re trained to detect when the owner is having a dissociative episode. That means that they’ve become overwhelmed and the brain kind of shuts down and goes to a different place. So the dog can tell that and then guide the person to an exit to get them out in the open so that they can get fresh air and quiet. That’s pretty amazing,” Gori said. Having a mental health service dog can be life-changing, she added. “One of our slogans is “our service dogs rebuild lives” because a lot of these people that received them, were not able to go out in public before and → PAWTEMBER 7

CONSERVATION: Weather making it more difficult for GRCA to manage flows → FROM 3

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“There are areas of the watershed that are kind of on the edge of that,” said Shifflet. “But we have been getting a little bit of periodic precipitation recently, so that has helped to maintain us at a level two. In some areas of the watershed, if stream flows get much lower, we could be into a level three situation. “But we really have to go and have a longerterm discussion with the province once we get into level three conditions. But we might ask for more voluntary reductions if we continue to have a lack of precipitation.” Shifflet says the GRCA staff anticipate there are already some areas of the watershed that are dry enough to cause damage to the natural environment. “In the main river system, we augment flows from the reservoirs, and so as it continues to be dry, it’s harder and harder for us to augment those flows. And on the smaller river systems where there are no reservoirs, it’s just natural flowing water. “And as this dry condition continues and continues, we’re seeing flows that are so low that it could be detrimental to the aquatic habitat. If we get drier even longer, we could see longer-term issues with

water availability for both human and natural uses.” That means that natural water users like fish will have a hard time living in the streams as the water heats up, reducing the amount of oxygen available, and becomes too shallow for them to physically move around, though she says she doesn’t believe streams will actually dry up. “We probably won’t get to the dried up (point), but the fish not being able to move from areas of refuge – sometimes they stay in cooler parts of the water of the watercourse and then at night would move to another part – and so it becomes harder for them to move around. And the water will heat up as well. The lower that the water is, there’s just less water available to keep it cool.” GRCA staff operate multiple dams to regulate water flow in the watershed, such as at Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake, or the Shand Dam at Belwood Lake. GRCA staff have increased flows coming from the large reservoirs to ensure there is enough water flow to maintain the natural environment, safely operate wastewater treatment facilities and also provide drinking water for population centres like Waterloo Region, Brantford and the Six Nations of the Grand

The Shand Dam and the water in Belwood Lake are a key part of Leah Gerber the GRCA’s water management system.

River. Shifflet suggests there is no danger of running out of water for these essential operations this year, but says issues would arise in the case of a multi-year drought. “The way that the whole system was designed with the reservoirs has that balance built into it. But what happens if you have multiple years of

drought? So we’re really low this year, and the reservoirs don’t get filled in the spring, and then the next year we start with a deficit? That’s when you start to look at those questions. And before we get anywhere close to that we would be convening all of the water managers within the watershed to discuss the situation before we get there.”

Thursday, August 4, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

Lions Foundation looking for foster homes for future dog guides Bill Atwood Observer Staff

THE LIONS FOUNDATION OF CANADA Dog Guides (LFCDG) is in need of foster homes for 39 standard poodle puppies that were recently born at their Breslau facility. Having puppies on hand is a matter of course for the organization, but sometimes a whole bunch of them arrive all at once. “We breed about three to four litters a month in our Breslau facility. So we have around 250 to 300 puppies a year. But Mother Nature being what it is, sometimes the mamas are ready to have puppies bunched together. So during a short period of time, we had eight litters of puppies [including five poodle litters] all at once,” said puppy program supervisor Lisa Kruitwagen, Puppies who will eventually become dog guides are placed with a foster family at seven weeks old, and can be in that home for up to 16 months. The foundation pays for all vet, food and training expenses and provides in-person and online classes; however, poodle foster families are responsible for grooming costs. The foundation is looking for foster families that live within a maximum of 75 minutes from Oakville or Breslau. Kruitwagen explained the important role that

The Lions Foundation of Canada is looking for people to help train poodle puppies.

foster families have in raising dog guides. “These dogs are valued at around $35,000 to raise, train, place and support over their time that they’re teamed up. The only way we can do that is because we have amazing volunteers and our foster families are one of the first levels of volunteering,” she said. “The foster family teaches them basic obedience skills, house manners, and most importantly gets the puppy out and about and does the all important socialization of the puppy. So they expose the puppy to all sorts of life experiences that they might experience when they’re a dog guide later,”

Kruitwagen added. LFCDG provides dog guides under seven different programs to Canadians in need, including vision, hearing, autism assistance, service dogs for the mentally or physically impaired, seizure response and diabetic alert. The foundation also provides facility support dogs that are placed in places where people experience trauma such as courtrooms, child abuse treatment centres and police stations. The foundation breeds Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and standard poodles. While the ideal dog guide is one that matches well with the client, poodles are “fantastic,” Kruitwagen said.

Submitted

“They’re smart, and they’re willing and they’re very cuddly and they really connect with their people.” Poodles don’t shed and have less dander, allowing them to be placed with clients who have allergies, Kruitwagen explained. “We’re one of the few organizations that actually uses standard poodles, so people who do have allergies can take advantage of this life altering experience,” she said. It is difficult for those living with allergies who also need a dog guide, Kruitwagen added. “That’s why the standard poodles really work well for those people. So we’re pretty grateful to them.”

COMMUNITY NEWS | 5

DRY SPELL: Struggle with conditions → FROM 3

because of the moisture held over from winter melt and spring rains. “I would say up until July, most farmers were probably not very worried even though it’s slightly drier because the crops could use the water that was in the soil already from all that snowmelt and all the rainfall that happened in April. Some of that rainfall was still available in the soil. But now that it’s been so dry, crops have essentially used up all that moisture, all that water, and they’re really dependent on rainfall that is going to happen now. So for the corn crop, especially, yields will be lower, but I don’t think it’ll be a crop failure.” Reusser says the rain is needed. “If we don’t get rain here within a week or two, there will be significant damage, and significantly lowered crop yields. Some places much more than other places, depending on soil type and depending on whether or not a thunderstorm happened to bring you some rain.” Nasielski said predicting how badly corn yields will be impacted in the fall is difficult. “The last time we had a dry spell this bad was many years ago, and the corn genetics, the corn varieties, are much, much better now. And they might just be much, much more resilient to drought. The other thing to consider is that, in the

rest of Ontario there is no dry spell, and so (for) other corn producing areas of the province we don’t know what their yields are going to be like.” How will potentially poor corn yields this fall impact the community? How could they impact food prices? “Things won’t double in price because of a dry spell in Ontario,” said Nasielski. “Because corn is traded on a world market, soybeans on a world market, and as a share of the world production of corn and soybeans, Ontario is very small, less than one per cent. So it’s kind of like a rounding error when you think globally.” While globally, a drought in southwestern Ontario might not make a difference, locally, farmers still need the rain to make a living. “Farmers are interesting that their income depends on something over which they have no control. We can’t control the weather. We’re dependent on the weather either bringing us rain or not bringing us rain at the appropriate time. That is very different than most people, especially urban people who get a paycheque every week, no matter what the weather does,” said Reusser. “And I think sometimes we forget that there are people in this country, in this province, who it really matters whether it rains or not. And you know, take some time to think about them.”

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6 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Elmira’s Lynn Krueger is a teacher at John Mahood Public School who also creates fairy houses. She recently started offering them for sale online.

Leah Gerber

Local artist makes fairy houses in her spare time, now making them available to others Leah Gerber Observer Staff

LYNN KRUEGER OF ELMIRA SAYS she always needs to be making art of some kind, and right now she’s making fairy houses. She started making them a few years ago and just kept on going. “I just like to collect things over the years. And then I just came across, I think it was an article,

about fairy houses. And I thought, ‘Oh, I should try that,’” she said. Krueger made the houses as a hobby and gave them away to friends. Now, she’s continuing to make them and even advertising them for sale online. “I (thought), ‘Oh, I’ll just post it and we’ll see what happens,’” she said. “There has been a nice response. So I need to figure out do

any of (the commenters) actually want to buy one? And then another one said, ‘Oh, my grandchildren would really like some.’ So I think ‘oh, maybe I’ll make some smaller ones and see. Maybe with a little more thought if someone might want to buy it.’ “I just made them for the fun of it. And do I need a big thing like this in my house? No. Maybe I need to go smaller. We’ll

just see. But yeah, people have made comments and inquired.” She tries to make the houses out of found materials, especially natural-sourced materials, as much as possible. “My challenge was to try to create something without using too many bought things, and just stuff you find in nature. You’re not cutting down a tree or anything, it’s just what’s

around that you can take and not feel that it was still needed in nature.” To make the houses she starts with a foundation and basic structure, and then builds the house up from there, adding rooms and furniture. But what she loves the best are making small details in the rooms like a painting on a little easel, a bed with a quilt or a broom resting by a door.

When she isn’t creating fairy houses, Krueger works as a teacher at John Mahood Public School in Elmira. “I’ve always done art. That’s my thing, (being) creative. So this is just one of them. So I don’t know how long I will do it for. But right now I just really enjoy doing it,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing to look at nature and enjoy it and be creative with it.”

JAKKOBSTETTEL: Refugees themselves, workers can easily relate to new arrivals and connect with the community → FROM 1

nians get food, find work, fill out paperwork and other needs. But Shulgin and Mamaisur didn’t want to stay in Poland, because they feared the Polish were preparing to fight a Russian invasion, and they didn’t want to stay for that. So they looked for sponsored charter flights to Canada. In the late spring/early summer, Shulgin and Mamaisur made their way to Canada and landed in Halifax. From there, they said they went to Kitchener where they stayed with a host family from Belarus. That family had immigrated to Canada almost 20 years ago.

Back in Kyiv, Shulgin works as a lawyer and an assistant with the Ukrainian Parliament, and Mamaisur works in banking. While here, they want to advocate for Ukrainians’ credentials to be recognized as “counting for something,” in Canada, they say. Shulgin and Mamaisur are connected with the growing community of people helping out Ukrainians in Waterloo Region, called Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis. Waterloo Region Grassroots Response volunteers are working to create a network and safety net for displaced Ukrainians.

Since Ukrainians are being granted work visas, they do not qualify for much of the same settlement help that traditional refugees might receive. Through this group, Shulgin and Mamaisur applied for the position of in-house coordinators at the Woolwich Guest House in St. Jacobs. “We wanted someone who is Ukrainian to fill this position,” explained Rosslyn Bentley, the executive director of the Woolwich Community Health Centre, which supports the guest house project. When they got the job offer, Mamaisur and Shulgin went to St. Jacobs to see the town.

“Even [before seeing] this house we decided we need to take this opportunity and stay here for some time because I think that we will not get any [further] chance to be here. So for us it’s a very good opportunity to live in a nice place and meet a nice and great people who live here,” said Shulgin. They think the house itself is beautiful and are grateful and excited to live in it. “This house is like in a movie or a museum,” said Shulgin. Mamaisur and Shulgin’s duties as the live-in coordinators will include vetting the incoming Ukrainians to see who is

the best fit, and finding those families most in need of help to come to the guest house. They will be taking in Ukrainians who have landed in Canada, and also those who are still abroad and need a place to go. They’ll be helping families settle into Canada, by assisting them with tasks like finding jobs, getting social insurance numbers or enrolling their kids in school. The KW Multicultural Centre is also helping Shulgin and Mamaisur with a dedicated support worker who will help them with their settlement work for their fellow Ukrainians.

The pair is expecting the first family to arrive within a week or two. Mamaisur and Shulgin’s contract is for one year, the amount of time Woolwich Healthy Communities has been given to operate the home as a guest house for Ukrainians. Mamaisur and Shulgin have noticed the community’s hard work in preparing the home, and they are grateful. “We see that the community is always thinking how to make this place better,” said Shulgin. “We appreciate the help of the Woolwich Community,” said Shulgin. “And of all Canada,” added Mamaisur.

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ↆ P O L I C E

COMMUNITY NEWS | 7

PAWTEMBER: Dogs that make a difference to people

R E P O R T

Police partners with community organizations to bring awareness to sexual violence Waterloo Regional Police Service, in conjunction with community agencies, launched a new campaign aimed at helping to bring awareness to support programs and services for survivors of sexual assault. The campaign, called Help is Here, highlights the supports and resources available to sexual violence survivors in Waterloo Region. The goal is to wrap survivors in community care, while also educating the community on sexual

JULY 26 7:37 PM | Waterloo Regional Police are investigating a shoplifting incident at a store in the area of Farmers Market Road south of St. Jacobs where staff saw a suspect select several items throughout the store and exit without paying. The same individual is believed to have done this on two other separate occasions. The suspect has been described as a white male, 5’8” tall, with a medium build, bald, and was last seen wearing black basketball jersey, grey sweatpants, white sneakers and a blue medical mask. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-5709777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

JULY 28 8:00 PM | A boat oper-

violence and how to help prevent it, police said in a release. The campaign brings together partners from the Waterloo Regional Police Service, Sexual Assault Support Centre, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre of Waterloo Region, Family and Children Services, and Victim Services of Waterloo Region. Police laid 277 charges related to sexual assault in 2021. “Sexual assault can

happen to anyone. We hope this campaign will raise awareness about what it is, how to report it, and how to find help,” said John Goodman, acting Chief of Police. “Together with our partners, we hope we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by sexual violence.” For those who’ve been impacted by sexual violence, or know someone who has, more information can be found online at www.HelpIsHereWR.ca.

responded to a single-vehicle collision at the intersection of Floradale Road and Listowel Road in Woolwich Township. Through investigation, police determined that the driver was travelling south on Floradale Road when they failed to stop for the stop sign and drove off the roadway, striking a hydro pole. There were no physical injuries reported. As a result of the investigation, a 36-year-old Elmira male was charged with ‘disobey stop sign – fail to stop.’

was seriously injured in single-vehicle collision on Wellington Road 7. Wellington County OPP and other emergency crews responded to Wellington Road 7, Mapleton Township. where two occupants were located in the vehicle. One was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, and the second occupant was transported to a trauma centre with life-threatening injuries. Wellington County Road 7 will be closed for several hours between Wellington Road 11 and Sideroad 16 for the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw. tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

JULY 30 10:30 AM | A 39-year-

old Woolwich man faces multiple charges after Waterloo Regional Police have arrested a male wanted on two outstanding warrants in Kitchener. Members of the Direct Action Response Team observed a male wanted on a warrant in the area of Victoria Street North and Lackner Boulevard. The male entered a room at a motel, and members of the Emergency Response Team assisted with containment. Shortly after, the male exited the motel room and was arrested. Police seized ammunition found on the male after his arrest. The man was charged in relation to the two outstanding warrants, and for ‘possession of stolen goods under $5,000,’ ‘possession of stolen goods over $5,000,’ ‘break and enter - commit indictable offence’ and ‘possession of ammunition contrary to order.’

ator was charged with impaired and weapon-related offences after Wellington County OPP responded to a complaint of gunshots coming from a private property on Conestogo Lake. A as a result of the police investigation, a 43-year-old of Mapleton Township man was charged with ‘operation while impaired,’ ‘failure or refusal to comply with demand,’ ‘careless use of firearm, weapon, prohibited device or ammunition,’ ‘possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose’ and ‘discharge a firearm into or at a place in a reckless manner.’ He is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice - Guelph at a later date.

JULY 31

10:12 PM | P o l i c e

4:45 PM | One person

→ FROM 4

they were kind of trapped or they didn’t feel like they could participate in society. Once they receive a dog they’re able to go out and lead a normal life and contribute to society,” she said. Because mental illness is often a lifelong struggle, Gori said the need for a dog is likely also a lifelong thing, as evidenced by her own experience. She’s got Samson there to help. “Chances are I’ll never come off antidepressants,

even though I have been through trauma counselling. Even though I am in a good spot emotionally I do have very bad triggers. I do have ups and downs. Unless there’s a magic pill that you can get rid of your past, I’m probably always going to have those triggers. The way I deal with them is very different now. Because Samson is there and he can detect it…with his help, I’m able to overcome them a lot quicker,” she said. Along with the Pawtem-

ber fundraiser there is one key message that Gori is trying to send. “I think we’re educating and acknowledging that there is such a mental health crisis and how these dogs can rebuild lives. That’s really the message. We know the world is suffering right now, but we can help you live with PTSD and not suffer from it,” she said. To register to participate in the fundraiser visit www.partnerswithpaws. ca.

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services responded to the area of Killdeer Road and Bluejay Road in Elmira for reports of a residential fire. Township firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no one was injured. The cause of the fire is undetermined but continues to be investigated by the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s General Investigations Unit and the Ontario Office of the Fire Marshal. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-5709777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www. waterloocrimestoppers. com.

hrgroup@earthscape.ca | 519.804.6854 x832 earthscapeplay.com

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022 | 8

Opinion

When local news matters ... ... it matters where you get your local news. Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Verbatim

The Monitor

“Yes, some prices are rising because of problems in global supply chains. That is absolutely happening. But some prices are rising because corporations are jacking up their markups to serve their bottom lines.”

Over the past 50 years, Canada has experienced six recessions: in the 1974, 1990 and 2008 recessions, workers ended up better off than corporations; in the 1981 and 2020 recessions, corporations had the upper hand. Now, corporate gains are three times larger than in 1981.

DT Cochrane, an economist with Canadians for Tax Fairness, tells the Toronto Star in a piece looking at food prices in particular.

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives

OBSERVER EDITORIAL

Hockey Canada deserves scrutiny for its actions

ummertime is typically no deterrent to the national obsession with hockey. From the Stanley Cup finals through the draft and free agency, NHL news flows well into the hot-weather season, and fans are already counting the days until training camps open. This summer, however, much of the attention on the sport revolves around something much more unsavoury: Hockey Canada’s handling of sexual-assault allegations in the sport. Investigations increasingly expose a culture of toxic masculinity that’s learned nothing from #MeToo movement, nor shown much in the way of enlightenment. The organization came into the spotlight with revelations of a lawsuit filed in April by a woman who alleges an assault by eight Canadian Hockey League players after a 2018 gala in London, Ontario. Hockey Canada settled the claim out of court the following month. When news broke, the organization immediately circled the wagons. Sweeping the issue under the rug appeared to be goal. The tactic didn’t work, sparking more investigative journalism that determined Hockey Canada had a special fund, drawn from registration fees over the years, to pay out such legal settlements. The news prompted the launch of a federal government investigation, and saw sponsors back away from the organization. In June, Ottawa froze Hockey Canada’s federal funding. At the time of the incident, police in London looked into the matter, but decided not to move forward. They’ve now reopened the investigation, looking into claims by the woman known in court documents only as E.M. that she was the victim of a group sexual assault by members of Canada’s world junior hockey team. In her legal statement of claim, the woman says she felt pressured after the incident not to go to the police or cooperate with any investigation. The statement accuses Hockey Canada of failing to act and for condoning a “culture and environment that glorified the degradation and sexual exploitation of young women.” The spotlight on that case soon expanded into allegations of other sexual-assault instances – and settlements using Hockey Canada funds – dating back decades. (Police in Halifax have opened an investigation into an allegation of a separate group sexual assault involving hockey players in 2003, for instance.) It’s not a pretty picture. Under scrutiny is the so-called hockey culture. Anything even hinting at a cover-up only makes matters worse. Hockey Canada has rolled out an action plan it says will “shatter the code of silence and eliminate toxic behaviour in and around Canada’s game.” Even if the effort is more than an after-the-fact attempt to salvage its reputation, Hockey Canada has a long way to go to change established ways of thinking. That much was acknowledged last week by some of the country’s best female hockey players. In an open letter calling for an investigation into recent allegations, players from Canada’s Olympic and world championship teams called on Hockey Canada to address the “toxic behaviour” in the sport. “We join all Canadians in demanding a thorough and transparent investigation of the incidents in question, as well as the structure, governance and environment that exists within [Hockey Canada],” the letter read. “Once the whole truth is out, Hockey Canada and its elected board must ensure that all steps are taken and appropriate measures are put in place to ensure that this kind of behaviour is never again accepted, and never repeated.” There’s no doubt that hockey culture needs to change when it comes to fostering young men who are more respectful of women and society. What remains in doubt is whether the latest scandal will be enough to force Hockey Canada to change its ways on the road to not just setting a better example, but demanding more of those who play the sport. The change starts with the organization ... or with a change of the executives running the place.

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

James Lovelock was Darwin’s heir

im Lovelock was a late bloomer. His first book, ‘Gaia: a New Look at Life on Earth’, was published in 1979, when he was already 60 years old. By the time he died July 28, on his 103rd birthday, he had written 10 more books on Gaia, the hypothesis that has evolved into the key academic discipline of Earth System Science. That gives him a strong claim to be Charles Darwin’s legitimate heir. Just as Darwin’s 19th-century theory of evolution shaped our understanding of how life became so diverse, our understanding of the present is shaped by Lovelock’s idea that the millions of living species function as a self-regulating mechanism that keeps the planet cool enough for abundant life. The puzzle that started Lovelock down that road was the fact that the sun’s radiation has increased by 30 per cent since life appeared on Earth 3.7 billion years ago, while the planet’s average temperature, despite occasional huge surges up or down, has consistently returned to the narrow range most suitable for life. What was making that happen? Collaborating with American biologist Lynn Margulis

GWYNNE DYER

Global Outlook on World Affairs

in the 1970s, he worked out a tentative description of the super-organism he named ‘Gaia’ and wrote his first book. Most scientists treated it with disdain because he was not a biologist, but also because ‘Gaia’ had ‘New-Age’ connotations that he was unaware of. (Jim was not a hippy.) By 1988, however, the scientific world was starting to take the theory seriously. In 2001 a special congress of more than 1,000 physicists, biologists and climate scientists declared that the planet “behaves as a single self-regulating system comprised of physical, chemical, biological and human components.” ‘Gaia’ (under the more dignified name of Earth System Science) had achieved the status of scientific orthodoxy, Meanwhile, Lovelock had been accorded the status of honorary environmental saint by the Greens, although he regarded most of their priorities as mere distractions and some, like their hostility to nuclear power, as potentially lethal blunders. Jim Lovelock’s blunt predictions of global climate disaster

were once seen as exaggerated, but he understood what was really happening. In his first book, in 1979, he gave a warning that I can still quote verbatim 43 years later. “The larger the proportion of the Earth’s biomass occupied by mankind and the animals and crops required to nourish us, the more involved we become in the transfer of solar and other energy throughout the entire system....We shall have to tread carefully to avoid the cybernetic disasters of runaway positive feedback or of sustained oscillation....” “If...man had encroached on Gaia’s functional powers to such an extent that he had disabled her, he would then wake up one day to find that he had the permanent lifelong job of planetary maintenance engineer...and the ceaseless intricate task of keeping all the global cycles in balance would be ours. “Then at last we should be riding that strange contraption, ‘the spaceship Earth’, and whatever tamed and domesticated biosphere remained would indeed be our ‘life support system’....(We would face) the final choice of permanent enslavement on the prison hulk of the spaceship Earth, or gigadeath to enable →DYER 10

Thursday, August 4, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

OPINION | 9

Ever-increasing taxes drive us to drink ... if we can afford it

he lack of rain this summer has plenty of downsides, but it has made for some great deck and patio weather. The heat has been ideal for the refreshing adult beverages that have been known to accompany such times. A frosty beverage may help us cope with the sizzling temperatures, but there’s no relief from taxes that drive the cost everhigher. Canadians pay some of the highest alcohol taxes in the world. On average, 47 per cent of the price of beer in Canada is from federal or provincial taxes. Approximately 65 per cent of the price of wine is due to taxes and on average 80 percent of the price of spirits is taxes. In sum, Canadians already pay about $20 billion per year in alcohol taxes. To make matters worse, Ottawa introduced an ‘escalator tax’ in 2017 that automatically boosts the price of alcohol each spring with no vote in Parliament and no real accountability. Groups such as Restaurants Canada – which have seen the hospitality industry take a huge financial hit during the pandemic – have been calling for an end to the escalator tax, arguing the cascading effect of these recurring tax hikes means the resulting price increases faced by restaurants and consumers are exponential. Opponents say the tax escalator unfairly targets Canadian products and jobs, disproportionately hurting Canadian farmers, vintners, distillers, brewers, restaurateurs and their customers. That’s a view shared by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. The group’s Prairie director, Robin Speer, took aim at the policy in an opinion piece last month.

STEVE KANNON

Editor's Point of View

“If you thought the taxes you paid on your favourite case of beer or bottle of wine or liquor were high today, the Trudeau government is now saying, ‘Hold my beer!’ “Taxpayers have a right to know how much tax they’re paying when they crack a cold one or sip a Sauvignon blanc. They have a right to hold their MPs accountable if they push sky-high liquor taxes even higher. Politicians are hoping taxpayers don’t notice the escalator tax, but we can’t let them get away with running up our bar tabs,” he writes. “Excessively high levels of liquor taxes and the new skyrocketing escalator tax increase hurt you, the consumer.” In Ontario, Premier

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government in general and, specifically, with a longstanding dissatisfaction with the handling of alcohol sales in the province, from absurd pricing to rigged sales restrictions. Much of the ire is simply a reflection of our inherent dissatisfaction with the LCBO and paternalistic liquor laws, coupled with our distrust of pretty much anything overseen by bureaucrats and politicians. Tax increases are seen as another reason to privatize the operation, stripping government of its outdated controls of alcohol. Privatization is not a good option, however – it would be a case of cutting off our nose to spite our retribution-seeking face. Still, that’s not to say there couldn’t be improvements. Yes, the stores themselves have come a long way over the years. They’re much

nicer places to shop, especially compared with the Beer Store, that even more antiquated government-sanctioned cartel selling us our suds. The hours have been extended, but there’s nothing like the convenience found in other jurisdictions. Nor the selection. And, most gallingly given that the LCBO is the world’s largest buyer of spirits, nothing like the much better prices found elsewhere. If the LCBO really wants to be accepted, cut the prices significantly, offer a much better selection (something akin to a grocery store in Buffalo would be a start) and much more convenience. The province, of course, has no interest in any of that. With alcohol, as with cigarettes, governments suffer from multiple personality disorder. On the one hand, they’re

One upside of all the hot, hazy and humid weather is a regular reminder that it really is still summer. Founded in 1996.

JOE MERLIHAN

Doug Ford has made some attempt at easing, however slightly, the burden of the nanny state. There is, of course, his leading the charge on “buck a beer” options, as well as some pricing relief for bars and restaurants coping with the pandemic. Still, one could argue politicians here and across the country should lower taxes to serve as a diversion from the colossal failures of their governments. Instead, they continually hike taxes knowing we’ll continue to drink, in part due to the colossal failures of government, including unwarranted tax hikes and massive amounts of waste. Irony, thy name is “I need a drink.” Beer, wine and spirits are always being swept up in the move to separate Ontarians from their money. That’s the reason there’s ongoing contempt for the

STEVE KANNON

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addicted to the revenues, on the other they want to discourage consumption. The nanny state prevails, but they do love the money. (There’s a similar issue with gasoline, electricity and water, where government preach conservation, but decry the losses when we actually cut back.) The nanny state is never more apparent when it comes to booze. Ontarians apparently would become hardened alcoholics without minimum pricing and fettered access. All we have to do is look at the problems in nearby provinces and states to see that. Oh, wait, that’s not what you’ll find. And the government doesn’t want you to look elsewhere, lest you become even more upset about the poor state of things here. Disillusionment is bad for the business of re-election. What’s really needed is a cultural shift to something more European in flavour when it comes to booze: treating adults like, well, adults. Lower prices would be a start, as would allowing some competition in the form of specialized stores that could offer up some of the huge list of products the LCBO seems disinclined to stock (see the craft beer or whisk(e) y selections of some small U.S. shops, for instance). Pricing is a big issue. In parts of Europe, you can find very drinkable wines for under $3 a bottle. Imports from Australia and the U.S. that run $15 to $20 here can be had for a third of that price. That tells you it’s all about markup and taxes – as noted, successive profligate governments are addicted to the LCBO profits, not to mention the tax revenues. Where we might be inclined to drop a few →KANNON 10

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022

10 | O P I N I O N

Landing the perfect partner

I Muppets Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog announce the end to their relationship on Twitter in 2015. Jim Henson combined puppet with marionette to form the trademarked name Muppets. Oscar the Grouch made his first appearance on The Muppets in 1969 and had brown fur. ↆ LAST WEEK: Truth: As early as 373 BC it was noted that rats, weasles, snakes and centipedes left their homes for safety several days before a destructive earthquake. Anecdotal evidence has suggested strange behaviours from the animal kingdom from weeks to seconds before an earthquake. Truth: Shallow crevices can form during an earthquake, but faults do not open up. Two blocks of earth’s crust slide past one another creating friction on the fault. If the fault could open, no earthquake would occur. Lie: No. California will remain on top of the earth’s crust where it spans two tectonic plates. The plates are moving 46mm per year. There is no where to fall, however Los Angeles and San Francisco will one day be adjacent to one another. You can play online by reading any online post at www.observerxtra. com. Vote for the lie and be notified if you are correct immediately.

KANNON: It’s all about gov’t coffers → FROM 9

bucks on a new Ontario wine or craft beer, the government’s pricing often precludes that option. Backwards policies make it even more difficult for upstarts to reach consum-

ers. As a consequence, the industry suffers. It’s enough to have us all crying in our (overpriced) beer ... if we can still afford it given current inflationary pressures and economic malaise.

was fishing on the weekend with another angler when a heavy wind blew our canoe towards a dock, where a woman was reading a book and enjoying the day. We said hello and then I began to paddle away in order to give her some space. But, to her credit, she was gracious and told us that she didn’t mind us fishing where we were. And then she said something that made me think her husband was perhaps the luckiest man in the world. She said, “You know, my husband caught a 6-pound smallmouth bass and a 9-and-a-half-pound brook trout here this year.” I looked at her and then I turned to the fellow I was fishing with and whispered, “Wow, did you hear that?” “Yes,” he smiled. And then we both agreed. We had just talked

STEVE GALEA

Not-So-Great Outdoorsman

to the best partner any angler could ever ask for. How else would you describe a woman who repeats what their angling spouse says about the size of the fish he caught, without for a moment doubting the veracity of the claim? And, as if that were not enough, she also conveyed genuine pride in his angling accomplishments and was quite willing to brag about them to any person passing by. The only thing that could have made her more perfect was if she had said, “He’s out now with money I gave him to buy more fishing tackle and a new boat.” I won’t lie. If I weren’t so happily partnered up myself, I would have asked her if she had a sister who

was single. An angler doesn’t meet a partner like that every day. I know my partner loves me, but, if I were to tell her that I caught a 9-and-ahalf-pound brook trout, she’d wash my mouth out with soap. And then she would probably give me a new fishing scale and a pair of reading glasses on my next birthday. But not that woman. She just naturally assumed – despite the fact that her husband was an angler – that he was being accurate about the size of the fish he caught. I hope he realizes how lucky he is. I once knew a female angler whose partner came close to being perfect. I remember she told us that she caught a 24-inch brook trout in fast water on a size 20 dry fly and two-pound tippet and he backed her up by

keeping a straight face and then quickly walking away. And I have also heard stories of a wife who casually uttered that her husband could cast a full fly line, God bless her. But, of course, these things are not the norm. Most of us have partners who, for some reason, do not believe the laws of angling weight and measurement apply to them. Instead, they want to call a one-pound fish a one-pound fish. Sadly, the only known cure for that is to actually get them to become anglers too. Which would be fine if you weren’t also obliged to show them your best fishing spots. Anyhow, the point is it is rare to find a partner who is so supportive of your fishing abilities. So, when you do, you need to appreciate it. After all, a partner like that is quite a catch.

DYER: He remained optimistic despite seeing the full environmental impacts → FROM 8

the survivors to restore a Gaian world.” Apocalyptic but accurate, and yet he never despaired. I didn’t meet him for the first time until 20 years after that book, but every time I went down to Devon to see him his natural cheerfulness kept breaking through his professional pessimism. Eventually, I asked him about it. He replied: “Why do I oscillate between being

cheerful and being pessimistic? My role, really, my main job, is being a prophet, and it’s the only way you can make prophecy. You have to build up scenarios in your mind: it could go this way or it could go that way, and only then can you get a more balanced picture of what the future might be like. “Earth’s behaviour itself is uncertain enough, but people’s behaviour is the biggest

uncertainty of all. I mean, we might be on course for curing all these problems and then some stupid, silly war or a pandemic breaks out and it takes all our minds away from it. We’re the Joker in the pack.” We are not on course for curing all these problems, of course. We’re far off course, as Jim well knew, but he has given us the vital context of a self-regulating Gaian system. Without that, we wouldn’t

even know where to start trying to mend the damage we have done. He was also a brilliant inventor: his ‘electron capture detector’ confirmed the existence of the ozone hole and made him financially independent. He had a side hustle as a real-life Q, a gadget-maker for MI5. But above all, he was a warm, gentle man with an impish sense of humour. It was a privilege to know him.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022 | 11

Business

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Odd timing for food safety to fall off consumers’ top worries

utritionists trying to understand why people don’t eat vegetables have heard every excuse in the book, including “they’re not safe.” But something has changed. We’re still not eating enough vegetables, but now, we’re not blaming on-farm production practices for our disdain. Last week the US-based Alliance for Food and Farming announced there’s been a 20 per cent decline in overall levels of concern by the public about produce safety, compared to its 2016 survey. And most notable is that concerns specific to pesticide residues have fallen by 10 per cent. The Alliance claims to be the only organization that conducts broadbased, national research specific to produce safety. So, it’s findings carry some weight. And while it’s an upbeat result, this development’s timing seems odd. First, consumers say they are clamouring for food that is produced with minimal modern technology. You’d think that would include pesticides, even though pesticides are highly regulated. And that leads to the second point. The Alliance believes the declining concern about food safety is directly related to the public’s satisfaction with the government’s ability to keep people safe. It asked: “How confident are you that govern-

OWEN ROBERTS

Food For Thought

ment regulations and other food safety efforts are working well to protect public health?” Nearly 80 per cent of respondents said they were very to somewhat confident. Only nine per cent said they were not confident. This, at a time when confidence in the government in general is very, very low. But by contrast confidence in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is high. When asked to rate how much they trusted various sources to provide information about pesticide use and residues on fresh fruits and vegetables, the USDA, farmers, doctors and health care providers and dietitians/nutritionists topped the list. That could have something to do with the USDA being closely connected to school food programs and food aid. Americans are familiar with the department, and over the years it’s gained their trust. It’s a bright light for government-consumer connections. The Alliance thinks the findings could be related to better communications and the pandemic response. “These positive changes are likely the result of increased outreach, information sharing and transparency regarding → ROBERTS 12

Realtor Run nets $16K

Tech monitors diabetes

The Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors announced this week it raised $16,000 for three local shelter-based charities: YW Kitchener-Waterloo, House of Friendship, and oneROOF Youth Services. The funds were raised through the 2022 Realtor Run, an anytime, anywhere walk or run took place over the week of June 13.

Researchers at the University of Waterloo are working on a diabetes monitor that would replace needle pricks with breath analysis. They’re developing the new healthtech through a startup company called OrientaMED.

Operators weighing options in rollout of $10/day childcare Participating centres saw 25% fee reduction, with full implementation by 2026 Bill Atwood Observer Staff

A RATE OF $10 PER day for childcare has a definite allure for parents, but operators of such facilities have a few more reservations. On that list is the Jacob Hespeler Child Care Centre, which operates seven locations in the region, including one at Riverside PS in Elmira. Still, the organization is going to apply to participate in the program announced earlier this year when Ontario signed on to the federal plan. “We definitely had concerns when it came out because there are criteria as to how much reserve an organization can hold, how much...surplus that you could end up with at the end of the year,” said executive director Colleen Lehnen. Given that the variety of childcare providers have their own philosophies and guiding principles, the question is how the government program might impact the organization, she added. “Are we still going to be allowed to have our uniqueness that makes us our own organizations? Or is the expectation that we’re all going to run exactly the same template that everybody is going to have to operate on? “We want to make sure that we’re not just cogs in a wheel and that we’re still Jacob Hespeler at the end,” she explained. While childcare is implemented locally in Ontario,

Daycare operators have to choose to enroll in the province's new $10/day program.

is it all done under provincial guidelines, said Kristen Bustamante, manager of home child care for Waterloo Region. “We have worked very closely and we will continue to work very closely with the agencies to respond to their questions and concerns. We want to make sure that the funding supports their programs and is sustainable. They can definitely bring [their concerns] forward and have one of our staff discuss further if they have more concerns. We’re happy to have those chats,” Bustamante said. A statement from the ministry of education,

which oversees childcare, said that as private businesses, childcare providers “will continue to maintain control of the decisions associated with how they choose to run their business. “As such, participation in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system is optional. Every licensed child care provider, whether they are providing centre-based or homebased child care, will have an opportunity to participate in the CWELCC system,” the statement said. However, the optional enrollment means that if

the provider where families are receiving childcare does not opt in, those parents will not see their childcare costs decrease. A ministry spokesperson noted, however, that the province did roll out a child tax credit in 2019. “We increased support and focused on affordability and choice for families by introducing the Child Care Tax Credit, providing up to $1,500 per child,” said Grace Lee. For operators, there are concerns about potential costs increases at places such as Jacob Hespeler, Lehnen said “After March 26 our fees were frozen indefinitely. Our fees can never increase to families, so what does that mean in terms of if our operating costs go up, which they will? Every year giving raises to our employees, all of those things…if we ever had to do any large renovations [for instance]. Understandably organizations, us included, had questions in terms of what does that mean,” she said. Bustamante acknowledged this concern, but said the region is waiting on more information from the province. “We do understand that fees naturally normally go up every year and those increased costs are built into the plan. With salary rates, we do know that the early learning sector has some challenges with retention due to lower wages,” she said. Despite these concerns, →CHILDCARE 12

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022

12 | B U S I N E S S

CHILDCARE: Region expects most providers to enroll in the new program → FROM 11

happen. And so we’re going to trust that they don’t and, we’re going to move forward with it,” she said. While there has been a slow uptake in applications by providers in the region, Lehnen pointed to the application process itself, which involves more than just saying yes to joining the program. “It will require some organizations – I would say most – to have to modify some form of how they have been managing our budgets in terms of how we record things or how

Lenhen has been satisfied with the responses she’s received. “We want this break for families, so the reason that we would ever choose not to would be one that would cause our centres to potentially have to close sites because of this, or that wages would be rolled back for our employees, that we weren’t able to continue to offer benefits, which is counterproductive to what they’re trying to develop. They’ve told us that those things are not going to

we invoice, and that sort of thing, because there’ll be a little bit more in-depth participation between the region and the childcare centers,” she explained. Most providers in the region do intend to opt in, Bustamante said. “I don’t know if there’s a challenge per se. I think it’s just that they had just received the applications on June 30 and they’re working towards that September 1 deadline.” Bustamante also expects to see an increase in the number of childcare

spaces in Waterloo Region, however she was unable to determine an exact number. “At this point, this is just the first year of the rollout and it’s a phased approach. So we do expect there to be an increase in spaces, but it does take time to develop and build those spaces. We have already seen an increase in the number of spaces in our licensed home child care program, but in terms of centrebased care, that does take time. We do expect to see an increase,” she said.

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ROBERTS: Getting the message out → FROM 11

produce safety, as well as consumers being focused on the pandemic and other dominating issues since the survey was last conducted in 2016,” says executive director Teresa Thorne. My friend and colleague Karen Davidson, editor of the fruit and vegetable publication The Grower, has another take: “In addition to government safety standards in place, another simple fact should be among the most reassuring: a farmer’s first consumer is their own family, so produce safety is always the priority,” she writes this month in a story about the research findings. The Alliance is using this opportunity to

1/2

remind people their fruit and vegetable consumption is still lacking. “With only one in 10 of us eating enough of

these nutrient-dense foods every day, it is important to understand consumer concerns as well as what sciencebased safety information helps them make the right shopping choices for themselves and their families,” says Thorne. Information sharing is never done. Fruit and vegetable sector, keep your foot on the gas.

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B U S I N E S S | 13

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022 | 15

Arts

Read a local best seller every week. Local stories that inspire. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Tips: observerxtra.com/tips

Gettin’ the blues again

A twist on Hamlet’s tale

The Kitchener Blues Festival brings live music to multiple stages this weekend, with an array of free concerts that includes the likes of Sloan, David Wilcox, The Kramdens and The Headstones. There are also performers on tap for the 12 Bar Blues afterhours segments Friday and Saturday nights.

Hamlet-911, a brand-new play Canadian author Ann-Marie MacDonald, begins previews at the Stratford Festival last week. Hamlet-911 brings us into the life of fictional actor Guinness Menzies who has landed his dream role of Hamlet at the Stratford Festival. But just before a matinée performance, he suddenly finds himself in the Underworld.

www.kitchenerbluesfestival.com

www.stratfordfestival.ca

The Drayton Entertainment production of Good Ol’ Country Gospel runs Aug. 11-28 at the Drayton Festival Theatre.

Submitted

Music that aims to connect with the audience Good Ol’ Country Gospel will offer up more than a little taste of country when it opens next week in Drayton tions that everyone has with this music.” While the production is different from the plays that Drayton Entertainment does, it still finds a way to tell a story, Grandmont said. “We’re not necessarily playing characters – we get to play ourselves up there, and we even get to tell some of our personal stories and personal connections with this music,” he said. Directed and geography by David Rogers, the show features several talented artists joining Grandmont in the performance, including Matt Ballagh, Erik Larson, Dave Robilliard, Paul Jerry Schwarz, Kate Suhr and Alex Baerg, who also serves as music

director. The performance is also a family affair for Grandmont, whose younger sister Leah Grandmont will be singing and playing fiddle. Having that much talent is only beneficial for the production, he said. “Everyone on stage is just so multi talented and so committed to the show. It’s just a great crew to be able to work with. Everyone was so gracious in putting it together, and everyone’s so open to doing different things.” It also provides for a learning experience, Grandmont added. “I would say that most actors, whether they’re doing a show like this or whether they’re doing a traditional musical theatre

show or a concert or a play, you’re always learning from the people that you work with. We’re very lucky that way,” he said. Unlike other musical productions, none of the performers leave the stage at any point, explained Grandmont. “If you’re not the lead singer, you’re singing backups or you’re playing an instrument or you’re doing something else in the song. Accordingly, Good Ol’ Country Gospel offers something for everyone even if they are not religious or don’t like country music. “There are some people who say well, ‘I didn’t grow up with that music.’ Or I’m not a Christian or whatever it is. This music can

be uplifting, and there’s lots of people that can find a connection with this music regardless of faith or belief or upbringing,” he said “We like to say the same thing with country music, too. There’s people out there who don’t like country but we think that we can convince them with this show.” The Drayton Entertainment production of Good Ol’ Country Gospel is on stage from August 11 through August 28 at the Drayton Festival Theatre. Tickets are $53 ($32 for youth under 20), available at the box office, by calling 519-638-5555 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.

Join us for our FREE Running Webinar! Hosted by Chiropractor Dr. Rachel Goldsworthy Physiotherapist AD SPOT -and NON PRINTING Arthur Szydlowski Wednesday August 17th, 2022 at 4:30PM Call our clinic or go to our website to register!

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WHILE DRAYTON ENTERTAINMENT’S PERFORMANCE OF Good Ol’ Country Gospel features some classic hymns such as Amazing Grace, I’ll Fly Away and When The Saints Go Marching In, it will also provides theatregoers with performances of songs from some of the greatest artists in country music history. “Those great gospel songs, and everything from the biggest hymns to the gospel tunes that famous country artists have done like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline, we do some of that music as well. So kind

of everything that we can get from that genre we put in the show,” said Jesse Grandmont, who anchors the production. The show is a mix between a concert and a play, he explained. “It doesn’t have a plot per se, like Mamma Mia or something like that, but at the same time, we’re not just up there standing and singing – it’s staged and it’s choreographed.” Every song has at least one person with a special connection to it, he added. “From the very first note that’s played we hear people singing along with us and they don’t stop until the end of the show. And that’s such a great feeling for us on stages to be able to hear the connec-

Observer Staff

Wal ker

Bill Atwood

James St

ELM I R A a tt

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022 | 16

Classifieds

Seven days. One paper. A bestseller every week. Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com

Help wanted continues and Word ads begin on page 18

AMI Attachments is a local manufacturer of world-class attachments for heavy equipment. Join our friendly, collaborative, growing team!

APPLY TODAY! amiattachments.com/careers to apply online, Or email your resume to: careers@amiattachments.com

Help Wanted

Please call or email for display advertising quotes for Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices, Service Pro Directory and Obituaries.

All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order and pay online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds.

Help Wanted

F/T positions in Hawkesville (nights) & Guelph (days). • Career development opportunity • Competitive wages with shift premium • Great benefits package • Matched pension contributions after 1 year • Supplied uniforms • $200/yr Safety Boot allowance • Modern shop with state-of-the-art equipment

Placing a classified ad

Family Album Notices: Order and pay for family announcement notices online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album.

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104

HIRING: WELDERS

Advertising

Help Wanted

CARSTAR ELMIRA

Residential:

$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial:

$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Help Wanted

Fairway Lumber

Looking for an experienced, licensed

AUTO BODY TECHNICIAN AND AUTOMOTIVE PAINTER We offer a good work atmosphere, company benefits and competitive wages. Wages would be based on experience. Please send resume to ANTH585@OUTLOOK.COM or contact Jack Anthony @ 519-291-8649

building centre Fairway Lumber Home Building Center St. Jacobs is

HIRING FULL TIME INSIDE SALES The successful candidate will need to be customer focused with a positive attitude. Member will work in a team environment and also independently. Experience with lumber and building products would be a great asset. Company benefits offered after the probationary period.

PLEASE FORWARD RESUME TO KRISFAIRWAY@BELLNET.CA

NOW HIRING FULL TIME ROOF TRUSS ASSEMBLERS Must be team oriented, ambitious & responsible No experience required Mar-Span oﬀers competitive wages, production bonuses and employee beneﬁts.

Please apply with resume in person or email resume to marv@marspan.com We would like to thank all applicants, however only those selected for interview will be contacted. 7221 Side Rd. 16 Drayton, ON

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WE ARE HIRING Cabinet Engineering Cabinet Sales & Design Cabinet Finisher Cabinet Install If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, please send your resume to laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519.638.5961 ext 104 Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

Join our friendly, collaborative team today, serving small-medium sized business across Waterloo Region & Wellington County with bookkeeping and business management services. Manage your own schedule and caseload, with opportunity for advancement in this full-time permanent role.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience (2+ years) • Knowledge/experience with MS Office, Electronic Scheduler, Accounting & Inventory Software, Quickbooks, Simply Accounting • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written (English) • Client focused team player with good judgment • Ability to handle tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Account reconciliation, trial balances, journal entries, payroll, general ledgers, financial statements & records • Total fixed assets & calculate depreciation, prepare financial/accounting reports • Establish, maintain & balance various accounts manually & using bookkeeping software F/T permanent; Wages commensurate with experience; 40-60hrs/wk; seasonal flex hours; great benefits pkg; vehicle & valid license required for local travel (mileage reimbursed). Resume and cover letter to: applicant@taylorgerber.ca or in person at 12 Arthur St South, Elmira.

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GENERAL SERVICES

Martin’s Nursery Hydrangea Shrubs & Trees Shade & Flowering Trees Large selection of fruit trees HONEY FOR SALE (fruit bearing age) BEE Supplies Etc. Hedging & Windbreaks We sell a complete line of Bee Supplies; including Spruce, Pine, Cedars Extracting Equipment, jars, Shrubs, Grasses pails, Varroa mite treatments & much and Bees, Nucs, Queens. more! ORHBS Select Queens (Weekly) C/O EMANUEL E.M. MARTIN

42661 Orangehill Road, RR#1, Wroxeter, ON 1 Concession North of Wroxeter on Belmore Line Mon. – Sat. 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday, August 4, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

ↆ LO CA L ↆ

C L A S S I F I E D S | 17

P R O F E S S I O N A L

GENERAL SERVICES

10 OFF REPLACEMENT

PATIO DOOR SCREEN Must bring coupon in or use code “repair22”

IN-STORE SERVICES • Window & Screen Repairs • Glass & Plexi Cutting • Key Cutting • Knife & Scissor Sharpening

• Lawnmower Blade Sharpening • Paint Colour Matching • Interior Design Consultation • Bike Repair 22 Church St. W., Elmira Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN 11-4 Find and follow us on FB and Instagram

ↆ

S E RV I C E S

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MarCrest Backhoe Septic Installations · Tile Repairs Small Footings · Silo Footings

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

Elmira, ON

Tel. 519-699-0507

GENERAL SERVICES

Visit us online to see our entire rental lineup.

Various sizes & rates

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

(ELMIRA)

ↆ

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

TIRE

WHERE TIRES ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service 35 Howard Ave., Elmira

519-669-3232 ↆ

519-669-4964

519-669-0524 www.woolwichrentals.ca 100 Union St, Elmira, Ontario

THOMPSON’S

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

519-669-4400

HOME IMPROVEMENT

John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs

519-503-6033 (CELL) 519-669-2251

30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA

36 Hampton St., Elmira

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

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Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016

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HOME IMPROVEMENT COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

ST. JACOBS

GLASS SYSTEMS INC.

INC

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

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www.rwelectricltd.com TEL:

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

AMOS R O O F I N G

1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

ↆ

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

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

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• FLOORING • Custom KITCHENS • BATHROOM VANITIES • SICO Paint • Custom WINDOW BLINDS

KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS

Many In-Stock or Custom Bathroom Vanities, Kitchen Cabinetry, Flooring and Tiles, Blinds, Shades, Fashion Plumbing • Our experienced personell and designer will help you work within your personal taste and budget

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

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Evenings By Appointment

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22 Church St. W., Elmira Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN 11-4 Find and follow us on FB and Instagram

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022

18 | C L A S S I F I E D S

Help wanted continued from page 16

For Sale

For Sale LAWN FERTILIZER AND LAWN SEED Call George Haffner Tr u c k i n g , 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

Come check out deals! Lots of

Discounted Fabric! Extended hours August 4 - 6 Thurs & Fri 9am - 8:30pm Saturday 9am-5:00pm

83 Arthur St. S., Elmira

519-210-2040

Help Wanted

40 Arthur Street South, Elmira | 519.669.8225

HELP WANTED

FULL OR PART TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE Preparing food and serving customers at our Café. Experience is an asset, however we are willing to train. Contact Shirley to apply with a resume. Email shirley@kitchenkuttings.com or call 519-578-6400

Help Wanted

For Sale TREES & SHRUBS FOR SALE. Shade trees; apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, nectarines; blueberries, aroniaberry, grapes, rhubarb, raspberries, etc; blue spruce, white spruce, Norway spruce & lots of nice cedars to make green fence hedges & windbreaks. Range 1-6 feet tall. Now is a good time to plant! Excellent quality plants. Stop in Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Martin's Nursery, c/o Emanuel E.M. Martin, 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter Ont. N0G 2X0. (1 km north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line).

ↆ R E A L

E SAT E

BRAD MARTIN

BROKERAGE

Broker of Record, MVA Residential

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Oﬃce: 519-669-2772 Brad Direct: 519-741-6231 | Jenna Direct: 519-760-2265 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | www.thurrealestate.com

ACCREDITED SENIORS AGENT

JENNA MARTIN Sales Representative

35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON!

NEW LISTINGS 95 Arthur St. S., Elmira

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JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM AS A US CROSS BORDER OWNER OPERATOR OR COMPANY DRIVER Requirements • Valid AZ License • Clean Driver Abstracts • Currently able to cross the US Border • A desire to grow and develop within a positive team culture We provide a safe and reputable work environment with a competitive wage package.

Please contact recruiting@grandridge.ca

921 Katherine Street North West Montrose ON N0B 2V0

JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM AS A TRUCK AND TRAILER TECHNICIAN We will evaluate anyone with a 310 T certification or nearly certified. Primary responsibility is to conduct routine and preventative maintenance to an over the road fleet of Hi way trucks and trailers. Our specialized fleet provides a variety of work to keep you motivated as well as plenty of opportunities for further training if you are interested. We provide a clean, safe, and friendly work environment with a competitive wage package. You provide an energetic interest to use and keep developing your 310 T experience.

Please contact recruiting@grandridge.ca

BAGGED PINE S H AV I N G S Agricultural Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045. KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by E i n w e c h t e r. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045. OAT & PEAS FOR FORAGE COVER CROPS - Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

Call for details: 519-503-2753

Century home awaiting personal touches. Country kitchen, living room w/ hardwood & main flr den or dining room also w/hardwood. 3 bdrms upstairs. Master bedroom w/walk-in closet. Unfinished cellar. Replacement gas furnace. Detached insulated & heated double garage – ideal for the hobbyist. NEW MLS 12 Park Ave. W., Elmira

Incredible detail inside & outside on this beautiful century home! Approx 2,200 sq. ft. “Black Ash” natural trim, pocket doors, stained glass windows & intricate woodwork are features in this home. Mn flr laundry & 2 piece. Formal LR/DR & eat-in kitchen. Grand entry. 4 bdrms upstairs & walk-up attic. Mn flr addition includes a family room w/gas F.P. & large garage. The lot - 57’ x 142’ runs through to the street behind where there is a double asphalt driveway. NEW MLS 17 Maple St., Drayton

$799,900.00

Meticulously maintained 2-storey in a family friendly subdivision. 1838 sq. ft. Original owner has updated the home since new with quartz counter tops, flooring, furnace & air, roof shingles, garage doors, painting & decorating. Eatin kitchen w/island, formal dining room & great rm with cathedral ceiling. 3 bdrms. Master suite w/walk-in closet & 4 pc. ensuite. Mn flr 2 pc. Unspoiled basement. Sauna. Concrete driveway. Beautiful park like landscaping! MLS 22 Meadowlark Rd., Elmira

Personals S E C O N D STRONGEST Addiction? Gambling! *Causes 30% of suicides. * loses houses, loses spouses. Gamblers Anonymous meeting, Rockway Centre, 1405 King St. E., Kitchener. Mondays 7 p.m. except holidays. 519-277-0341.

ↆ PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Solutions for this week's puzzles.

Reduced to $874,900.00

All brick bungalow w/4 bdrms on the main flr. Central location to schools & park. 1655 sq. ft. Main flr laundry. Updated bathrooms. Country style eat-in kitchen. Large finished rec rm w/gas F.P. Potential of finishing more bsmt space. 3 pce bathroom downstairs. Replacement windows/furnace & C/Air. Private yard with stamped concrete patio at rear. Garden doors from master bdrm to patio area. MLS

CALL FOR YOUR

FREE MARKET EVALUATION

Sell it in the Observer All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Residential:

$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial:

$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Order online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds.

EASY

$879,900.00

Wanted SINGLE,PROFESSIONAL LOOKING to rent a one bedroom apartment or room, with parking in Elmira or St. Jacobs area. Email: lynnanne50@ gmail.com

HOME EVALUATION

$599,000.00

Farm Services 39 Arthur St N Elmira, ON

Looking for Listings? Thinking of Selling?

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

Community Information Page

P.O. Box 158

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

Notice of Public Meeting Township of Woolwich Technical Advisory Group (TAG) Meeting 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca Thursday, August 11, 2022 6:30 p.m. Public Meeting

Phone: 519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820 After Hours Emergency:

Please note this will be a virtual meeting only and public attendance at the Township offices will not be permitted. Below is information on how you can participate in the meeting.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE As in-person meetings are not an option at this time, you can view the meeting by REGISTERING with the Support Specialist on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, August 9th. To register please email lschaefer@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-1647, ext. 6112. Once you are registered the Support Specialist will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or toll-free conference call number).

Thursday, August 4, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

ↆ R E A L

C L A S S I F I E D S | 19

E SAT E

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION. Sue From

Alli Bauman

226-750-9332

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

suefrom17@gmail.com

Aug 6 10am-12pm OPEN HOUSE Saturday, 215 William St, Elmira th

519-669-5426

Emily Minielly SALES REPRESENTATIVE

519-504-6247

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

emilyminiellyrealestate@gmail.com

NEW PRICE

$699,000

$1,180,000

NEW LISTING

$739,900 ELMIRA - This recently built (2015) semi-detached home is located right across from the Riverside Public School and has so much appeal for both a first time home buyer to a larger family. With 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, this tastefully finished home offers a bright open concept main floor with updated powder room, large closets for storage and large sliding glass doors out to your deck. Enjoy a view of the open field behind while sipping coffee on your large deck. The upstairs offers two bedrooms and an oversized primary suite complete with walk in closet and ensuite bathroom. Head down to the finished basement (2018) and enjoy many of the custom finishes! You will find luxury vinyl plank floors, powder room with laundry, additional pantry/storage and a little nook under the stairs. No detail was missed in this home! With convenient access to Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph come make this beautiful property your home

$1,299,000 MOOREFIELD - This private 50 acre property is located on a quiet street near Teviotdale. Follow along the winding laneway through a picturesque cedar rail fence surrounded by greenery to acres of open space including a spring fed pond. You will be greeted by a bungalow and a small barn to house any animals you have or may wish to have. This property so much more to offer a with green house/shed and a detached 30 x 40 heated and insulated shop (built in 2009) surrounded by fruit trees. The 1459 square foot bungalow has a retreat like master bedroom (added in 2008) with vaulted ceilings, in suite laundry, a propane fireplace and walk-out to the deck and hot tub! The kitchen is open to the dining room and living room, with a fireplace and loads of natural light with sliding glass doors to the front and back deck. The walk out basement has a 3 piece bathroom, rec room and office space which could be easily transformed into an in-law suite. The deck wraps around the house to the master bedroom and connects the outdoor bar with bar fridge, hot tub (2017) and on ground pool (2019). Be prepared for all of your friends and family longing to hang out here! Hop on your off road vehicle and explore the back 40 acres of your own private bush where you will find wildlife and a mix of trees. This serine setting could be just what you have been dreaming of!

ↆ FA M I LY

MILLBANK - Looking to escape the big city for small town living? This charming recently updated, 3-bedroom 2-bathroom bungalow is exactly that and more. Located in the quaint town of Millbank, only 30 minutes from all the big city amenities that Waterloo or Stratford have to offer. You are welcomed through the front door into a bright living room that flows into the dining and kitchen area. From the dining area, slip out through the large sliding doors to your back deck, (complete with propane hook-up), relax and enjoy your large .3 acre corner lot with mature trees, ideal for family gatherings and summer BBQ’s. Or head out to the covered front porch, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or an evening beverage. Upstairs you will find three updated bedrooms and a newly refinished bathroom. The basement with a double door walkout and large windows provides an abundance of natural light, giving a main floor feel. The basement offers just as much as the main floor, rec room, workshop, 2 piece bathroom, laundry room, large cold room, bonus (play) room, loads of space for your family and guests to enjoy. You could easily convert this space into an in-law suite. Updates include, new LVT flooring , drywall, potlights, bathrooms, most windows, all trim and interior doors all done in 2022 as well as Furnace & A/C (2021), this house is move in ready! With an insulated garage, (new door on order), oversized shed, and ample parking, you will have tons of space to store your “toys” or entertain.

DRAYTON - This Executive bungalow welcomes you home with an expansive covered front porch and double car garage. Step through the front door into a beautiful open concept main floor. Large picture windows and vaulted ceilings give the living space a bright and welcoming feel! The dining space has large sliding glass doors to the sizable, raised deck, providing an extension to your living space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Enjoy the luxury of a main floor mudroom / laundry with garage entrance. The main floor continues to offer three bedrooms and two full bathrooms! This unique floor plan has a separate suite for the primary bedroom complete with walk in closet and 4-piece ensuite including a soaker tub. You will find a separate wing with two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom. Follow the modern open staircase to the finished basement. The spacious rec room features wall to wall built-in cabinetry, perfect for movie nights at one end and a home gym at the other end. You will find plenty of room for games, toys and ping pong in the area in-between. The large glass sliding doors and windows offer almost as much natural light as the main floor. Walkout from the basement to a great interlocking brick patio with a hot tub! Plus, the basement features an additional bedroom, a full 3-piece bathroom, a craft room, and a cold cellar. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own your forever home! The quaint town of Drayton offers everything you need only 20 minutes from Elmira and 40 minutes from the city amenities in Guelph and Waterloo!

SOLD

$849,000 ELMIRA - Check out this 5 Bedroom Bungalow in Birdland! This unique opportunity gives you the option of multi-generational living or a single-family dwelling...you choose! The main floor has 3 bedrooms, a fair-sized kitchen, a dining room, a living room with big bright windows overlooking the covered front porch, 4 piece bathroom, and a main floor laundry room. Walk out from the dining room to a shaded deck and relax in the yard with the view of mature trees. The open concept basement has 2 bedrooms, its own kitchen and laundry room, 4-piece bathroom, dinette area, 2 living room spaces, and lots of storage. You will be impressed with the overall open feel of this home. The doublewide, concrete driveway provides parking for 2 and the oversized single garage is perfect for the car enthusiast and is equipped with a hoist. Come and see this nicely finished and well-kept home that is sure to impress!

MILLBANK - You will love all that this home has to offer in the quaint town of Millbank. You will immediately feel at home when you walk into this charming 1.5 story home with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms and a bonus room at back, which could be a playroom, additional bedroom, office or gym! This property has been lovingly updated over the years with new windows, (2009), convenient eat in kitchen (2010), water heater (2017) and furnace (2020)! Not to mention the insulated detached shop with loft, perfect for all of your hobbies and storage needs. You will not want to miss out all that this 75 x 123 foot property has to offer.

A L B U M

In Memoriam In loving memory of my son

Robert(Rob) John Hallman September 7, 1956 - August 1, 2018

Born in Hanover, Ontario. Rob had Crohn’s disease for 30 years and then developed cancer. Rob lived and worked in Elmira, Ontario. Pre deceased by his father Edgar Hallman, his nephew, Warren Patrick Shea, July 14 2014 in his 48th year, Calgary, Alberta and his brother in law Reverend John Smith, May 23 2018, Wasaga Beach, Ontario. Sadly missed but never forgotten. Mom, Myrtle Hallman, Hanover, Ontario. Carolyn Shea, sister, Hanover Ontario. Brenda Smith, sister, Wasaga Beach, Ontario, Aunts, many nieces and nephews, and friends. Rob loved to go for a ride on his motorcycle and with friends on theirs. Some of them drove to Hanover on their motorcycles and attended Rob’s funeral service which was really appreciated by his family. The special years will not return when we were all together, but with the love in our hearts you will walk with us forever. All our love until we meet again, Mom.

Birthday

Anniversary

Look who’s turning 75

Congratulations to Dan and Connie Arndt on their 50th wedding anniversary!

Join us for Ellen Clifford’s 75th Birthday Open House

Help us celebrate at an open house from 1 - 4pm on Sunday August 14, 2022 7248 Wellington Rd 17, Alma Best wishes only

On Sunday August 7th 2-4 p.m. At Gale Presbyterian Church, Elmira

Obituary Martin, Willard Passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 29, 2022 in his 72nd year. Brother of Erma, Alice and Aleda Martin, all of 924 Arthur St. S., Elmira, Vernon and Louisa Martin of RR 2, Elmira, and Lorene Gingrich of RR 2, Drayton. Also missed by nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents Enoch and Minerva (Bauman) Martin and brother-in-law Melvin Gingrich. Visitation took place on Sunday, July 31, 2022 from 2-4:30 and 6-8 p.m. and on Monday, August 1, 2022 from 2-5 p.m. at the home of Vernon Martin, 1903 Scotch Line Rd. A family service was held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at the home of Vernon Martin, then to Conestoga Mennonite Meeting House for burial and further service. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Post an ad. Pay for it. Make your next hire. Hire local with the power of print and online.

jobs.observerxtra.com

Book a print job listing: 519-669-5790 ext104

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022 | 20

Living Here

It's about all of us. Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Report it: observerxtra.com/tips

It’s a no-burn zone

Give that tree a check

The ongoing dry weather has prompted an open-burn ban in the region’s four townships, North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich. The ban, which will remain in place until further notice, prohibits the burning of the likes of garden waste, even for those with burn permits, but does not preclude campfires limited to 2 feet by 2 feet or BBQs.

Throughout August, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is asking Canadians to check for invasive pests in their own backyard in honour of Tree Check Month. Certain invasive insects, diseases, and other organisms threaten the health of Canadian trees and plant life. www.inspection.canada.ca

His love for going fast is still going strong Behind the wheel of his outlaw modified racing car, Dave Hodgkinson feels only exhilaration Bill Atwood Observer Staff

IN NEARLY 50 YEARS OF motor racing, Dave Hodgkinson has never been scared for his life. He has however done a lot of screaming because of the exhilaration while behind the wheel. “If you’re on a fast race track and go into the turn, you can see your front tires and rubber roll like that. And you’re screaming your lungs out. Lady Gaga sings that song ‘The Edge of Glory,’ that’s the song I would sing when I’m racing,” said the Breslau resident. “I came off one track and my wife said ‘what’s the matter with your voice? It’s all croaky.’ I said I was screaming my freaking lungs out the last 25 laps. It’s just exciting.” Born in England, Hodgkinson’s first time racing was in an Austin

Mini at the Minden ice race track in 1974, which he maintains is much safer than it sounds. “[Someone] would plow a track on the lake and there would be snowbanks like four feet high. So if you got off the ice, you just went up the bank a bit and then came back down again. You wouldn’t be doing any more than 50 mile an hour out on the ice,” he explained. Following that experience, Hodgkinson got into mini stock racing and eventually into outlaw modified racing, the latter of which has seen him pick up many wins in the last 35 years. The format may not be well known among casual racing fans, with Hodgkinson pointing out the differences. “Outlaw modifieds are basically a four-cylinder race car. No front fenders, with [open] racing

tires. High performance, four-cylinder engine, a 1,700-pound minimum weight and as much horsepower as you can get out of a little motor,” he explained. Modified racing events take place on smaller tracks than stock car races (around 500 to 800 metres) and the cars reach top speeds of around 130 km/h. A race is typically 25 to 30 laps. “It is a different ballgame from the 500-lap races,” he said. Racing is about more than driving as fast as possible, he enthuses. The steel bumpers on the modified cars allow for bumping to gain an advantage, for instance. “And if you’re behind a guy and you’re faster, you give him a one bump. And that’s to get his attention that you’re there. And if he doesn’t move you give Dave Hodgkinson has collected a fair bit of hardware in his decades of racing.

Bill Atwood

→MOTOR RACING 23

Modern elbow replacements provide a solution for patients DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have bad arthritis in my elbow. After several failed surgeries, I have been told that my only option is elbow replacement. I've heard others say that elbow replacements do not work. Does Mayo Clinic have experience with elbow replacements?

ANSWER: The surgeons at Mayo Clinic are considered world experts in elbow replacement. Traditionally, elbow replacement has been reported to lead to complications more often than replacements of other joints, like the hip or knee.

▢ Mayo Clinic

Professional Clinical Health Advice

However, modern elbow replacements provide a reliable solution for many patients, and the complication rate with Mayo Clinic patients has decreased. First and foremost, it is important to make sure your elbow is ready for replacement. Pain and motion in arthritic elbows can be improved tremendously using an alternative procedure called arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty, where a

camera is inserted in the joint and instruments are introduced through small skin cuts to essentially clean the joint. This procedure allows the surgeon to remove bone spurs, fragments of bone or cartilage, and inflamed tissue. Unfortunately, in many circumstances the elbow is severely damaged. Elbow replacement is the best option in these cases. Three bones form part of the elbow joint: the arm bone, also known as the humerus; and the two bones in the forearm, the radius and ulna. The ulna and the humerus form a

hingelike joint for elbow bending and straightening. The radius supports the wrist and helps the palm of the hand rotate up and down. Elbow replacements provide a new joint between the humerus and the ulna. In certain circumstances, the upper end of the radius, the radial head, is replaced to avoid any long-term complications, as well. Typically, the procedure is performed under general anesthesia through an incision in the back of the elbow. The bones in the elbow are prepared to receive the implants, which are fixed with bone cement.

A high-quality plastic liner forms the new joint against metal. Once the wound is healed, it takes about three months of physical therapy to restore elbow motion, and most patients' pain completely resolves. However, complications to watch for include infection, nerve injury, tendon injury, and implant wear or loosening. Infection is particularly worrisome in people with rheumatoid arthritis who take medications that affect the immune system. It is also a concern when replacement is performed in elbows that already have

been operated on several times. Every effort is made at Mayo Clinic to prevent infection, including careful evaluation of the elbow for possible occult infection when needed, use of antibiotics locally in the wound in addition to through an IV, and meticulous care of the surgical wound. Complete nerve palsy is a rare complication of elbow replacement. However, one of the nerves of the arm – the ulnar nerve – is close to the joint. This nerve is sensitive, and some patients may experience partial loss of → MAYO CLINIC 21

What is a Performance Oil Change? GDI ( Gasoline Direct Injection) engines run much more efficiently and perform better than regular fuel injection engines. However, this extra performance and efficiency comes with a cost. This style of fuel injection causes carbon to build ADtime SPOT - NON PRINTING up in engines much faster. Over this excessive carbon causes numerous issues like increased oil consumption, variable valve timing issues, and potential premature engine failure. Because of these issues we recommend doing a performance oil change every other oil change on vehicles with GDI engines. Contact us with any questions, we are happy to chat!

20 Oriole Parkway E., Elmira.

Tel: (519) 669-1082

www.leroysautocare.net

Thursday, August 4, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

Easy one-pan meal a must on a busy night

hen you don't have a lot of time and don't want to make a big mess, this sheet pan dish is for you.

sauce

boneless, skinless chicken breasts

▢ 1 pound broccoli

▢ 1⁄4 teaspoon plus 1⁄8

▢ 2 tablespoons

Kleensweep Carpet Care

3. Place broccoli in a bowl. Break any large florets into small pieces. Add oil and remaining 1⁄8 teaspoon salt and toss with your hands until broccoli is coated with oil. Arrange broccoli around chicken on the baking sheet.

2. Use paper towels to pat chicken dry. Place chicken in center of baking sheet. Sprinkle chicken evenly with 1⁄4 teaspoon salt. Brush chicken evenly with barbecue sauce.

4. Bake until chicken registers 165 degrees, 12 to 14 minutes. Place baking sheet on cooling rack and serve.

ↆ For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America's Test Kitchen for rigourously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks. See more online at www.amercastestkitchen.com

MAYO CLINIC: Elbow replacements → FROM 20

feeling or tingling in the ring and small fingers for a few months after surgery. Sometimes this loss can be permanent. To access the elbow joint, the triceps muscle or tendon oftentimes is detached from the bone or divided at the time of replacement. The triceps is reattached or repaired at the end of the procedure, and it heals in most, but not all, patients. When the triceps does not heal, patients may feel weakness with activities that require extending the elbow, such us opening a door or holding objects overhead. One major advance in Mayo Clinic's practice has been to develop alternative ways to deal with the triceps at the time of the replacement to minimize weakness. Finally, like other replacements, elbow implants are mechanical devices that are subject to wear and tear after years of use. Luckily, higher-performance implants are

available that likely will last much longer. However, common sense would suggest avoiding use of the replaced elbow for high-demand activities, such as weight training or hard manual labour, if possible. The good news is that people who suffer with pain and stiffness due to severe elbow arthritis are seldom disappointed with the results of elbow replacement: Pain goes away, and movement allows most activities to be performed. The key for success is to place your confidence in a surgeon who performs this procedure regularly and has developed techniques to minimize complications. An elbow replacement is a wonderful procedure for those who need it, and it can provide significant improvement in quality of life from the effects of arthritis. ↆ Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. For more information, visit www.mayoclinic.org.

Rugs and Upholstery

•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates

extra-virgin olive oil

1. Adjust oven rack to upper-middle position and heat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spray lightly with vegetable oil spray.

ↆ FA I T H

“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

florets (6 cups)

teaspoon salt, measured separately

E V E N T S

CA L E N DA R

Rigorously tested recipes that work.

▢ 1⁄4 cup barbecue

▢ 4 (6- to 8-ounce)

ↆ C O M M U N I T Y

▢ America's Test Kitchen

Sheet Pan Barbecue Chicken with Broccoli ▢ Vegetable oil spray

L I V I N G H E R E | 21

West Montrose, ON

T. 519.669.2033

COLLEEN

Cell: 519.581.7868

Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD. • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication

MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS

519.669.5105 1540 FLORADALE ROAD P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 ▢ Concert in the Park - Every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park in Elmira. This week Wendy Lynn Snider will perform in the park. Bring your lawn chairs.

Bus: 519.744.5433

▢ Concert in the Park - Every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park in Elmira. This week The Chaparrals will perform in the park. Bring your lawn chairs.

Preaching (Recorded)

www.elmiramennonite.ca 58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123

9 Church St. E., Elmira

SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 ▢ Concert in the Park - Every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park in Elmira. This week Fred Lewis and Riding High will perform in the park. Bring your lawn chairs.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 ▢ Harmony in Faith Worship Service, 10 a.m. at

Gibson Park Elmira. The Elmira & District Ministerial Association is pleased to announce our plan to re-gather together as a community for Sunday morning worship in the park to praise God in song, scripture readings, a children's story and sermon preached by Pastor Derek Osborne, Elmira Pentecostal Assembly. Free will offerings to be given to Woolwich Community Services either in food or monetary donations. A barbecue will follow the service (a donation basket will be available for people to contribute whatever they can afford towards their meal).

519-669-8362 Email: elmiravacuum@gmail.com

Quality & Service you can trust.

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com

▢ Season Finale for Concert in the Park. Join us for the last of the Elmira Sunday Concert Series from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park, Elmira. Dianne and The Cavaliers will be performing. Bring your lawn chairs. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 ▢ Waterloo Region Newcomers and Friends Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free to attend at Lincoln Road Chapel, 145 Lincoln Rd., Waterloo. Women of all ages, who are new to the area, or have experienced a lifestyle change are invited. Monthly meetings include speakers and social activities. For further info: waterloonewcomersandfriends@gmail.com

Freedom 55 Financial is a division of The Canada Life Assurance Company

Education and Treatment

Your First Step to Better Hearing

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

SANYO CANADIAN

Email: nancy.koebel@f55f.com

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

TOTAL

SPACE FOR RENT

HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Advertise here for great weekly exposure in Woolwich & Wellesley townships.

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS VERMONT Castings

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

519.664.2008

ↆ The Community Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and similar events do not qualify for free advertising. See complete policy online. All submissions are to be made online at observerxtra.com/event-listing/.

D I R E C TO RY

9:30 am Elmira Mennonite Doug Klassen, Church Mennonite Church Canada

Repairs Se Service All Makes & Models

SUNDAY, AUGUST 14

www.mgmill.com

NANCY KOEBEL

Vacuum Sales,

Woolwich

Healthy Communities

The place to get involved. • Volunteer Opportunities • Projects & News • Sub-Committee updates

CALL Donna to book this space today! 519-669-5790 ext. 104

healthywoolwich.org

Playtime Word of the Week

Find-A-Word

NEBULOUS often used as a synonym of indistinct or vague, but can also be used to refer to something that is related to or that resembles a nebula.

Mini-Word

ACROSS 1. 40 winks 7. Dawn goddess 8. Less refined 9. Skill 10. "Amen!"

Sudoku

DOWN 1. Desert flora 2. Acoustic 3. Strumpet 4. Bumps 5. Hippodrome, e.g. 6. Celebrate

EASY

Sudoku

HARD

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022 | 22

If your company would like to sponsor this page, please contact The Observer at 519-669-5790 ext.104 Or email donna@woolwichobserver.com

& / $ 5 < + ' & &

$ & 1 6 $ < , 8 $

& + , 9 ( 6 / 0 <

2 & 6 4 , 6 / , (

8 Letters 1 Word

THEME: HERBS AND SPICES

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CAYENNE

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MYRRH

THYME

BAY

CHILLI

ENDIVE

RUE

WOAD

BENNET

CHIVES

GINGER

SAGE

BETONY

CLARY

HYSSOP

SENNA

SOLUTION:

Figure out the mystery letters to complete this eight-letter word reading clockwise or counterclockwise.

Crossword ACROSS 1. British parent,

50. Cavern, in poetry 51. Tenure of office

4. Carpenter's groove 8. Dwell 12. Legal prefix 13. Representation 14. Food thickener 15. Skater Hughes 16. Earth orbiter 18. Durante's trademark 20. Bits 21. 1969 Peace

54. Pool game 56. People 57. Long, long time 58. Sandler of "Big

familiarly

Prize grp.

22. Slime 23. Risky 24. "Mission

Impossible" actor 26. Breathe hard 28. Bolivian export 29. Cell-destroying antibody 30. Cause for a lawsuit 31. Accomplishment 32. Rocket part 35. Birds' words 38. Creme-filled cookie 39. A heap 43. 30-day mo. 44. Animal house 45. Baby 46. Certain football player 48. ___ and cheese 49. Chester White's home

of a rabbi

Daddy"

paper game 7. "___ moment" 8. Meteorological effects

Fever" music

5. Berry in diet pills 6. Pencil-and-

3. Reddish-brown 4. "Saturday Night

DOWN 1. Abandons 2. Kuwaiti, e.g.

59. Eye

60. Cravings 61. Balkan native 62. "Baloney!"

Join us every Sunday from 7pm - 9pm this summer for live country and bluegrass music in Elmira’s parks.

9. Perturb 10. Almond liqueur 11. Current 12. Exploit

successfully

15. "Details, now!" 17. Fluff 19. Former French coin 23. "Do ___ others

as..." 25. Living quarters 26. Conundrum 27. "Giovanna d'___" (Verdi opera) 30. Spelling of "Beverly Hills 90210" 31. Charges 33. Crowd noise 34. Guarantor 35. Parsley family herb 36. A necessary accompaniment 37. Another kind of exam 40. Barrage 41. Grit 42. Eye sores 44. Goatish glance 45. Subway alternative 47. Shift, e.g. 48. Bikini blast 51. Harassed 52. Apple spray 53. Canceled 55. ___ de deux

Free Sponsors:

AD SPOT - NON PRINTINGSunday, August 7

Wendy Lynn Snider Gibson Park, Elmira — Bring your lawn chairs. Find timely updates: facebook.com/elmirasundayconcerts

Pass the hat freewill offering to support musicians

Thursday, August 4, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

L I V I N G H E R E | 23

MOTOR RACING: His pursuit of speed and faster lap times has proven to be a remarkably safe pastime → FROM 20

wheel when you’re heading toward the wall. I still had a hold of the wheel and snapped my wrist” he said. “People say to me you’re more likely to get in a bad accident towing to the racetrack because of oncoming traffic. Where on a racetrack, you’re all going the same way,” he added. In 2010 Hodgkinson had his own modified car built from parts he purchased across North America. “I bought the chassis

him a second bump to tell him ‘I’m coming, get out of the way.’ And if he still stays in your way, then the third boom, you spin him out,” he said. “That’s the rules are racing: three bumps, you’re off.” In his decades as a driver, Hodgkinson has only had one injury, a twisted wrist when his off-switch broke. “My throttle stuck one time and I hit a wall and bent the car back. You’re supposed to let go of the

from Long Island, and then I took it to McColl Racing in London and they finished it for the suspension control on the rear end. It’s got an Eslinger engine from California.” At a price of $50,000, the car has served him well over the last 12 years. “The guys in California that built my engine said you can rev that thing at 9000 RPM and you won’t destroy it. Guaranteed. And so far it’s been the same engine in my car for 12 years.”

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, August 4, 2022

24 | T H E B A C K PA G E

A good reason to fire up the BBQ

was teaching a BBQ class outdoors the other day and I had a customer criticize me for not holding a beer in one hand whilst grilling with the other, saying that it was mandatory. I don’t completely disagree with him, however being at work makes this idea more problematic, and even though I’m the boss, it would be awkward to fire myself! That being said one of

CHEF DUFF

Recipes from the chef's table

the current food trends is of course the Korean BBQ. “Bulgogi” is a word that literally means “fire-meat” The word fire is not to necessarily imply that the recipe should be spicy but more so that it should be cooked over a fire or grilled. This is a tradition that started off as a “streetmeat” in Korea that has

now evolved into finer restaurants. I like to put a few chili peppers in the marinade more so for flavour than for actual heat, as this dish can be quite flavourful! I like to make the marinade in a separate bowl, pour some over the raw meat but also reserve some that has not been contaminated so that I can use some on the veggies and also to finish the cooked product. Fire away!

“Bulgogi-Fire Steak” ▢ 1⁄8 cup oyster

▢ 1⁄2 cup sesame oil ▢ 1⁄8 cup soy sauce

▢ Half a lime

▢ 1 bunch scallions

mushroom

2. Grill steak on hot grill or BBQ until desired

doneness, remove and allow to rest for a minute. 3. Brush veg with marinade and sear on grill afterwards. 4. Slice steak into

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For the veg: ▢ 2 red peppers

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6. Enjoy.

ↆ Chef Bruce Duff is the operator of “Chef Duff at RiverSong” Banquet hall, Café and Culinary Centre just outside of St. Jacobs, which hosts private events, banquets, team building and cooking classes and also run breakfast and lunch in the café from Wed. – Sat; info@chefduff.ca.

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