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12 | 20 | 2018 VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 49
BEFORE DIGITAL, THERE WERE CARDS AND POST LIVING HERE PAGE 30
COMMENT PAGE 10
FORGET EVERYTHING AND JUST ENJOY CHRISTMAS
www.OBSERVERXTRA.com
Christmas on its way!
It’s that time of the year – Santa’s big scene. Among his stops in the area, St. Nick made an appearance at Wellesley village’s Christmas Tyme Parade Dec. 7. See more on p. 9.
COUNCIL / WOOLWICH
Councillors like speed humps in bid to boost traffic-calming measures STEVE KANNON SPEED HUMPS IF NECESSARY, but not necessarily speed humps. The vehicle-slowing roadway additions were the centre of attention this week as Woolwich council discussed a new trafficcalming report. Councillors largely lamented an apparent lack of progress in addressing some consistent com-
plaints about speeding and related issues on a variety of township roads. Woolwich has a process, first adopted in 2015, that does appear to react slowly following public complaints about safety on a given road. Starting with an examination of the street to see if it warrants a study, the township then moves to traffic monitoring: speed TRAFFIC CALMING | 7
White Christmas unlikely Recent mild spell undoes early snowfall, with milder winter in the forecast VERONICA REINER WITH PREDICTION MODELS ALL over the map, winter will be hard to gauge this year. However, we can expect the season in Waterloo Region to be milder and a little shorter than what we got last year, according to Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips. “There’ll be moments ahead where we’re reminded where we live: the second coldest country in
the world and the snowiest country in the world,” said Phillips. “But my sense is when we come right down to it, add up all the numbers – we won’t be as bad as we were last year.” While it may have felt differently over the past few months due to the excess precipitation, winter has not yet begun – the official start date arrives tomorrow (December 21). “Fall is a glorious time of the year,” said Phillips. “People like the fall, and
this year we felt cheated; it was short. We went from sweat to slush. Precipitation was up in October, November. It tended to be more of the white stuff than the liquid stuff.” Indeed, Waterloo Region has already seen more snow than usual, getting between 30-35 cm versus the average 25 cm for this time of year – which was good news for those dreaming of a white Christmas, at least until the recent spate of mild weather,
though there are flurries in the forecast. What’s unique about the 2018/2019 winter season is the presence of an El Niño, which is the warmer portion of a phase known as the El-Niño-Southern oscillation cycle that describes a fluctuation cycle in temperature between the ocean and the atmosphere. The cooler variant of the phrase is called La Niña. FORECAST| 8
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2 | NEWS
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
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Don’t let your holidays go up in flames. Literally. 10 Tips to help you celebrate safely this holiday season:
Outdoors
Indoors
Check for overhead powerlines before using a ladder to put up and take down your decorations. Remember to always carry your ladder horizontally to avoid contact with powerlines. Do not use poles to hang lights near powerlines.
Only your tree should have branches, not your outlets. Do not overload outlets to avoid an electrical fire; plug decorations into a power bar instead.
Plug outdoor decorations into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet with a cover to avoid electric shock. Use proper clips to hang outdoor holiday lights. Never use staples, nails or tacks. Only use extension cords, lights and decorations outdoors that are designated for outdoor use. Read the package instructions, and never exceed the recommended wattage. Keep connections above ground and out of puddles; don’t run them across driveways or walkways.
Consider switching to LED lights and decorations, which are cooler to the touch and use less power. Watch out for frayed or old cords, and discard any damaged strands. Do not run cords under rugs or carpets. Don’t place flammable materials close to lights. These are all fire hazards. No more more than three lights strings can be safely connected together in most cases; read manufacturers’ instructions for directions. Keep an eye on pets - they may chew or damage electrical cords.
Have a safe and happy holiday season from all of us at Waterloo North Hydro www.wnhydro.com/HolidaySafety
NEWS | 3
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
Region gives Elmira greening initiative $16,000 boost green season as the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) has plans and some money to step up its efforts, TWEEC, a volunteer committee under the auspices of Woolwich council, will receive $16,000 from the Region of Waterloo, part of $145,000 in envi-
FAISAL ALI WHEN THE SUN HASN’T made an appearance in over a week, and there’s snow on the ground and the trees are all barren, it’s hard to think about anything green. But winter inevitably gives over to spring, and this year is looking to be an especially
Woolwich eyes new guidelines for tree planting STEVE KANNON LONG-DISCUSSED NEW STANDARDS FOR planting trees as part of development projects in Woolwich are now starting to take form. Meeting Tuesday night, council looked at tree planting and landscaping design guidelines that would help boost the green canopy in the township and help newly planted trees to have a better chance of surviving. The policy would require developers to provide more and better topsoil, for instance, increasing the viability of trees and other plants in new subdivisions. The review also looks at environmental measures in areas such as commercial parking lots. The changes are in line with the recent Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) green infrastructure report, director of engineering and planning Dan Kennaley told councillors December 18. He identified four key guidelines in the draft proposal: a minimum width of 1.5 metres for planting widths on boulevards, a 300 millimetre topsoil depth, mandated soil quality and a planting area of at least 15 cubic metres for new trees.
natural environments and cultivate greenery. “Courtesy of this money, [we have] a couple of projects that will happen in the spring,” said Inga Rinne, chair for the Trees for Woolwich group under the TWEEC banner. Perhaps the most novel of the lot is a plan to enlist a group of committed
volunteers in the area and train them to maintain the existing trees in the township. “[We would be] initiating and coordinating a volunteer tree-care program,” explained Ann Roberts, the trails coordinator with the township. “So that would be comprised of tree inventory work, mainte-
nance work which would likely include pruning and mulching, and an education component.” “There’s a lot of work that needs to be done in terms of pruning that nobody ever seems to quite get to,” said Rinne. “If you prune them properly, they TWEEC| 8
CHRISTMAS / MAKING A LIST
Think twice about giving a pet as a gift this Christmas
Though welcoming the changes, Coun. Patrick Merlihan suggested they perhaps didn’t go far enough, decrying a “middle of the road” approach of, for instance, a new topsoil depth requirement of 300mm instead of a TWEEC-recommended doubling of the current 200mm. “Maybe we want to be champions of the environment,” he said. Coun. Larry Shantz stressed the need for hard targets rather than leaving too much discretion in the new rules. In response, Kennaley noted the policy is something of a starting point for the sake of discussion. The township plans to consult with developers and open the process up to public input “We can learn from the consultation process,” he said. “In the end, it’s going to be up to council to decide what the number will be.” Kennaley said his department plans to start consultations with developers and hold public meetings as early as the first quarter of the year. New guidelines would go beyond those established first in 2010 for guiding the landscaping component of various site plan and subdivision developments.
HOW TO REACH US
ronmental grants for 22 organizations approved last week by regional council. Woolwich’s share will go towards the implementation of the Elmira greening plan, which was formulated by TWEEC and formally adopted by the township in September. The plan serves as a roadmap of sorts for the township to boost its
VERONICA REINER CUTE, CUDDLY AND WITH a built-in “ahhh” factor, pets may seem like an ideal Christmas gift idea, but you might be barking up the wrong tree. Marjorie Brown, development director of the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society, cautioned against purchasing a pet as a Christmas gift due to the enormous commitment and responsibility that comes with being a petowner. “We frown on that,” said Brown of such gifts. “When people come in and walk through and want to look at the adoptable pets, our adoption councillors have been trained to question where the pet is going.” Shelters globally sometimes see an influx of animals shortly after the holidays, the result of what seemed like a good idea going bad, with the new pets not being a good fit for any number of reasons. When purchasing a pet, it is crucial to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Pets are a huge responsibility and a longterm commitment, notes Brown. “If you’re taking a pet home to your family, we
Don’t let the puppy dog eyes fool you – pets like Louie and Winston should be well-thought out purchases, not last-minute Christmas gifts. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER] water bowls, and grooming can also add unnecessary ask you to bring in your supplies. They also have stress to these animals. family,” she said. “Parmany needs such as exer“When we send a pet ticularly if it’s a dog – we cise, veterinary care and home,” said Brown. “We don’t want any children in training. don’t like to see them come the home being nervous For those set on giving back. Because it stresses a around a new dog. Also, we a pet-related present, alpet out more so than not.” want to watch out for any ternative ideas include a Pets require extra acallergies.” cessories to be cared for Multiple home changes HUMANE GIFTS| 8 adequately such as food, in this short period of time
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4 | NEWS
Wellesley extends Mapleton fire deal The Township of Wellesley extended its longstanding fire protection agreement with the Township of Mapleton to run for the next five years. The agreement tasks Wellesley firefighters operating out of Linwood station with responding to calls and providing service for 66 homes in the neighbouring township. In return, Wellesley is compensated on a per household basis, at $173 per house, or $11,423 for 2019, with an annual increase of two per cent rate factored in. The timeframe of the contract was
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
increased from three to five years, while four new addresses were added to the list of residences protected by Wellesley’s fire services. Expiring in 2023, the agreement is expected to generate some $59,000 over the next five years.
Centres for the purchase of a 2018 tandem Freightliner complete with plow equipment at a net cost of $282,282. The new rig will replace 2008 International truck with high mileage that is starting to require frequent maintenance.
Despite a recent lull, snow-clearing season is entering prime time. With that in mind, Woolwich council this week approved plans to acquire a new plow truck. They awarded a tender to Team Truck
The Township of Wellesley will be undertaking a review of its development charges for the next five years, hiring a consultant to assist with the process. Watson & Associates Economists Ltd., a Mississauga-based
$282K for new plow truck
Wellesley reviews development fees
consultancy firm, was hired by the township to the tune of up to $28,170. The company was hired as part of a joint request for proposal put out by the townships of Wellesley, Woolwich, Wilmot and North Dumfries, though the municipalities performed the hiring individually. Development charges are added to each new residential, commercial and industrial building to cover future municipal expenditures related to growth. The goal is to recoup costs of providing municipal infrastructure to service new buildings and the people who occupy them. The charges are reviewed every five years.
Seiling tribute raises $60,000 Former regional chair Ken Seiling last week presented a cheque for $60,000 to the Hospice of Waterloo Region, the funds coming from a tribute dinner held in his honour. The October event celebrated Seiling’s retirement after more than 40 years in public life. The funds will help support the construction of a new palliative care centre and residential hospice in north Waterloo. Construction on the facility, to be called The Gies Family Centre,
Hospice of Waterloo Region, is now underway, having received financial aid from all levels of government and the community. The new centre will serve as a hub for palliative services in the region. In addition to a 10-bed hospice residence, it will include a medical clinic, program areas for clients and families, administrative offices, and counselling spaces. It’s the first of its kind in the region. “I believe that the programs and services provided by Hospice of Waterloo Region are necessary and important in strengthening our community,” said Seiling in a statement following the December 12 presentation.
POLICE BLOTTER
New law gives police wider powers in search for impaired drivers WITH THE SECOND PART of Bill C-46 in effect as of Tuesday, police are now exercising new authority for investigating impaired drivers on Ontario roads. Police officers will now be able to demand a roadside breath sample from any lawfully stopped driver to determine whether a person has alcohol in their body without first having to suspect the motorist has been drinking. Until now, officers had to have a reasonable suspicion that a driver had alcohol in their body before demanding a sample. Drivers need to be aware that it is mandatory for them to comply with this demand and that those who do not can be charged with failing or refusing to provide a breath sample. Under the new legislation, drivers impaired by alcohol will also face higher mandatory minimum fines and some higher maximum penalties. (See penalties below). “The new mandatory alcohol screening serves as an important deterrent to drivers who are impaired by alcohol, including those who believe they can avoid detection by police. So far this year, alcohol and/or drugs have been a factor in the deaths of 41 people on OPP-patrolled roads. Every person who uses our roads has the right to be safe. The OPP fully supports this and any other legislation
that enhances our ability to reduce the number of preventable deaths attributed to this deadly driving behaviour,” said interim commissioner of the OPP Gary Couture in a release this week. The OPP laid more than 7,300 impaired driving charges across the province between January 1 and mid-November. There are new penalties for impaired driving as of December 18. Alcoholimpaired driving that does not cause bodily harm or death – mandatory minimum penalties: • First offence + blood alcohol content (BAC) of 80-119 mg: mandatory minimum $1,000 fine • First offence + BAC of 120-159 mg: mandatory minimum $1,500 fine • First offence + BAC of 160 mg or more: mandatory minimum $2,000 fine • First offence of refusal to be tested: mandatory minimum $2,000 fine • Second offence: mandatory minimum 30 days imprisonment • Third and subsequent offences: mandatory minimum 120 days imprisonment
NO INJURIES IN ST. JACOBS COLLISION
suspension (A.D.L.S.) and seven-day vehicle impoundment were initiated as per statute. He is scheduled to appear in Guelph Criminal Court on January 15 to answer to the charge. DECEMBER 16
Emergency services were called to the scene of a collision between a car and truck Dec. 13 at the intersections of Sawmill Road and King Street in St. Jacobs. Despite the extent of the damage, no injuries were reported. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] DECEMBER 12
7:00 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to a single-vehicle collision on Lobsinger Line in Woolwich Township. A 28-year-old male was driving a pickup truck west on Lobsinger when he lost control, left the roadway and struck a tree. The driver and a 35-year-old female passenger were transported to a local hospital, and the woman was later airlifted to a hospital outside of the region with serious injuries. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending. Anyone with information is asked to call Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Unit at 519-570-9777, ext. 8856.
speaking with the man, officers determined that he was under the influence of alcohol. A roadside screening device test (ASD) was conducted, resulting in a fail. He was arrested and brought to a local OPP
operations centre for further testing. The 42-year-old resident of AdjalaTosorontio Township was charged with ‘driving with over 80 mgs of alcohol in 100mL of blood.’ A 90-day administrative driver’s licence
9:00 PM | A 47-year-old Breslau man faces a drinking-anddriving charge after being stopped by the Wellington County OPP at a R.I.D.E. spotchecks on Roszell Road near Townline Road. While speaking with the driver, officers determined that he was under the influence of alcohol. A roadside screening device test resulted in a fail. He was arrested and brought to a local OPP operations centre for further testing. he was charged with ‘driving with over 80 mgs of alcohol in 100mL of blood. A 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension (A.D.L.S.) and seven-day vehicle impoundment were initiated. He is scheduled to appear in Guelph Criminal Court on January 18 to answer to the charge.
BUGGY TOPPLED IN COLLISION
DECEMBER 15
7:50 PM | Wellington County OPP were conducting R.I.D.E. spotchecks on Highway 6 near Side Road 21 in Mapleton Township when a man driving a black SUV entered into the checkpoint. While
A horse-drawn buggy was flipped onto its side following a collision Monday evening at Parkside Drive and Sawmill Road in St. Jacobs. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]
Merry Christmas
Sending our Best Wishes to our good friends (large and Small) everywhere.
from the Council at
“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”
18 Arthur St. N., Elmira | 519-669-2561
NEWS | 5
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
Achievement Awards
James Martin was presented with a plaque of recognition and appreciation for 40 years of service at Reist Industries Inc. (Nov. 2, 1978 - 2018) His loyal, outstanding, humble & dedicated service have and continue to be a large component to the success of the company. With sincere appreciation from the management staff. From left: Lester Martin (General Manager) Paul Horst (Owner) James Martin (Long Time Employee) Peter Reist (former Owner)
Wishing you Season’s Greetings and a Wonderful New Year! We thank-you for your support in 2018.
Steve Schlosser received a certificate of appreciation for 25 years of dedicated service at Reist Industries Inc. Thank you for your loyalty and service to the company. From left: Lester Martin (General Manager) Paul Horst (Owner) Steve Schlosser ( Employee) Peter Reist (former Owner)
Innovation working for you. 519.669.1501 | 100 Union St., Elmira
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Holiday waste collection There will be NO WASTE COLLECTION on Tuesday, December 25 or Tuesday, January 1. During the two weeks of December 24 to January 5:
If your collection day is: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Your collection day will be: Monday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Natural Christmas trees will be collected for composting: • December 31 to January 11, 2019, on your collection day • Remove all decorations, lights, standand plastic bags • Must be visible and reachable from street level
www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste 519-575-4400 TTY 519-575-4608
Space provided through a partnership between industry and municipalities to support waste reduction programs.
6 | NEWS
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
COUNCIL / WELLESLEY
Wellesley re-opens committee of adjustment to the public New version of the municipal body will have a mix of citizens and elected officials, council decides FAISAL ALI WELLESLEY WILL ONCE AGAIN be opening membership on its committee of adjustment to the public, township council decided this week. Acting on a proposal from Coun. Shelly Wagner, councillors meeting Tuesday night voted 3-1 to reverse, at least somewhat, its stance on the committee. In March 2017, council dissolved the citizen-staffed committee of adjustment, taking on the duties itself. The latest move would see councillors and members of the public on the body. The 2017 divorce was at times bitter, leaving councillors a bit hesitant to revert to including citizens, however. Per Wagner’s suggestion, the new committee will feature a mix of two councillors and three members of the public. “I believe in the past with the committee of adjustment, it was the taxpayers that sat on the committee to keep council at a little bit more of an arm’s length,” she said. “So that there was no perception of the decisions being made being biased, or more in favour of the township than in favour of the citizens or taxpayers. “I believe that’s why we went with a committee before that was just taxpayers and we went like that for
years without any issues until more recently.” Municipal committees of adjustment are authorized under the provincial Planning Act, constituted as a governing body composed of five members that has the power to review and grant “minor variances” of the township’s zoning bylaws. Minor variances are changes deemed small enough to avoid a fullblown zone-change application. An example might involve a resident of the township interested in building a shed that is closer to the property line than the bylaw allows. Another applicant may wish to extend their fencing past the permitted limits, or build a non-regulation addition to their business. The function is typical of most municipalities, where citizens are appointed by council to form a committee of adjustment, usually with planning staff support but no council representation. In Wellesley’s case, controversies have arisen in the past over decisions made by the committee, as housing developers have used minor variances to build homes that are smaller and more compact than the minimum size permitted by the township’s planning guidelines, for instance. Other requests such as homes that are taller than the maximum permitted heights or a decrease in
the lot size of new housing developments have similarly earned criticism. Under the law, all requests for minor variances require a public meeting be held for residents to voice their concerns. Given that, those interested in joining the committee of adjustment must be prepared for public scrutiny as they weigh the needs of the applicant against those of the community. Central to the decision-making process that committee members will have to follow is whether the request for a minor variance falls within
reasonable limits. A conflict between council and its former committee led to the split last year. “We have had the public sit as the committee of adjustment in the recent past. This council took over the committee of adjustment about a year and a half ago,” explained Wagner outside the meeting. “I suggested the combination of public and council because I feel that a council member will have some additional knowledge to offer on some situations where a person from the public would not necessarily have that. I
think having two council and three public representatives is a good combination of representation.” Coun. Peter van der Maas and Mayor Joe Nowak voted in favour of Wagner’s proposal, though Nowak agreed with some reservations. “I think things have been going quite well as far as the committee of adjustment is concerned. I don’t think it has been that onerous on us to keep it, and I’m not sure if this is going to be a step backwards,” said Nowak. With councilors’ approv-
al, township staff will begin seeking out interested applicants for the job. Details on the application process, as well as compensation and working hours, will be forthcoming, with information being posted on the township’s website (www. wellesley.ca) Any adult resident may apply. Under the Planning Act, municipal councillors have the authority to appoint members of the public to the committee, meaning Wellesley’s elected officials will have the final say on who’ll be selected.
GETTING WARMED UP FOR THE SEASON
Park Manor Public School in Elmira held an evening show for friends and family on Dec. 13, replete with classic holiday fare.
[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]
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NEWS | 7
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
Townships see an uptick in parking tickets issued Woolwich, Wellesley and the region have varying regulations governing overnight on-street parking during the winter FAISAL ALI THOUGH IT PROBABLY WON’T rank amongst residents’ top concerns this Christmas, those with visitors joining them over the season will want to be mindful of overnight on-street parking bans in place, if only to avoid the toll. Both Woolwich and Wellesley saw a modest uptick of tickets being issued since bans were put in place. In Wellesley Township, 56 tickets were handed out for on-street parking in the first month since the ban came into effect in November. In Woolwich
Township, by contrast, which enacted its own ban a month after Wellesley, 40 tickets were issued in the first week of December alone. “Before the overnight parking ban went into effect, the township put ads in the Observer, our website and social media, and bylaw enforcement officer issued approximately 100 courtesy notices to drivers that were parked overnight,” said Woolwich deputy clerk Jeff Smith. At $20 apiece, plus any additional late fees or court costs that may arise, that’s a total of at least $800-worth of fines issued in seven days in Woolwich,
versus $1,120 in Wellesley over a month. “The cost of paying a parking ticket can increase with court costs or late fees if drivers wait too long,” said Smith. “We recommend paying a parking ticket as soon as possible to avoid extra fees.” Overnight on-street parking bans are enforced throughout the Region of Waterloo during the winter months, though with some variation as each municipality tackles the issue in its own way. In Wellesley, for instance, the ban runs for two months longer than the other Waterloo municipalities, starting on November
1 and running until the last day of April for seven days a week, from 2:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. In Woolwich, the prohibition runs from December 1 to March 31, more in line with the other municipalities. But unlike the others, the hours of enforcement start and end later in the morning, from 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. At the same time all regional roads in the townships, such as Ament Line, Herrgott Road and Weimar Line in Wellesley, and Sawmill Road and Arthur Street in Woolwich, have yearround bans on parking between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. In the townships, park-
ing rules are typically invigilated by bylaw enforcement officers, with some assistance coming from the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and other outside workers. “Bylaw enforcement officers patrol the streets at night, as do WRPS officers,” said Smith. “However police treat overnight parking as a lower priority than their emergency calls. Public works staff also have authority to ticket and do so when they are inspecting road conditions ahead of the plows.” “WRPS may assist but that is rarely the case,” noted Todd Loveday, bylaw enforcement officer for
Wellesley Township. “The township bylaw officer tours the entire township handing of tickets on vehicles that are found parked on the streets between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.” The City of Waterloo, meanwhile, prohibits onstreet parking at night year-round as well, but allows vehicles to apply for up to 15 free overnight parking permits a year. However, the permits are voided if a snow event is declared by the city. With a bit of planning and arranging parking ahead of time, residents can enjoy a ticket-free Christmas week no matter where they live, officials note.
TRAFFIC CALMING: Councillors want to see a quicker response to concerns FROM | COVER
information, traffic counts and accident data collection. If a problem is eventually identified, there’s then a two-stage response available. Stage one involves lane narrowing, painted lines, “slow down” signs, the use of the township’s radar speed trailer, and targeted police enforcement. Stage two would see the use of speed humps, raised crosswalks or extended curbs to narrow the roadway. The township uses what it calls the three ‘E’s when discussing traffic-calming measures: engineering, education
and enforcement. But councillors appeared to take issue with the effectiveness of that approach, particularly the education component. Pointing to the continuing number of cases of impaired and distracted driving despite a very large public education bid, Coun. Larry Shantz noted at least one of the E’s might not be working. “Something’s not working. I’m wondering how we can make these streets safer.” “We have to find better ways to educate the public,” agreed Coun. Patrick Merlihan, who called for an increase in the number of traffic-calming reports
and resultant discussion to twice a year instead of annually. Coun. Murray Martin suggested the township should move more quickly to stage-two measures. “Speed humps – it’s the only thing that works. If they work in other places, they’ll work here,” he said, pointing to a variety of other municipalities that make extensive use of the devices. While cautioning against the overuse of speed humps, Kennaley said the township is moving in the direction of more action. “It’s time to step up our game.” He noted Kitchener and Waterloo are looking
at lowering the standard in-town speed limit to 40 km/h from 50, a move that should boost safety and a precursor to new norms in the region. For Shantz, however, such changes in the township wouldn’t be useful without regular enforcement, noting speed humps always do the job. “It’s the permanency of speed humps. It’s there all the time, 24/7.” Coun. Scott McMillan also suggested more onroad measures to slow traffic, from painted lines to lane narrowing. “Really, it comes down to one E, and that’s engineering,” he said, suggesting roads should be designed
to reduce speed. For 2019, the township has identified six locations for stage one measures: • Woolwich Street South (Woolwich Street North – Schiefele Place) • Benjamin Road (Burning Bush Road – Cheltonwood Crescent) • St. Charles Street East (Notre Dame Avenue – Pine Creek Road) • Whippoorwill Drive (Green Warbler Crescent – Grey Owl Drive) • Oriole Parkway West (Mockingbird Drive – Flamingo Drive) • Crowsfoot Road (Sawmill Road – St. Charles Street East)
WCS HAMPERS
Volunteers diligently wrapped hundreds of presents for the WCS Christmas Goodwill program on Dec. 11. The presents will add a little something extra to the Christmas hampers, which will go out to families across the townships.[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]
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8 | NEWS
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
TWEEC: One of 22 organizations given support
in the latest round of environmental initiatives
FROM | 3
grow a lot better. What we want to do [is] a blatant copying of the program in Elora called NeighbourWoods.” Drawing on the Elora program’s years of experience, TWEEC is hoping not just to add to the township’s natural spaces, but to support the existing plant life in the area. “They have a team of trained volunteers that are doing pruning,” explained Rinne of the Elora program they hope to emulate. “Now they’re doing pruning on smaller plants,” she added, noting that volunteers would restrict themselves to easily maintained trees and plants. “They have no high-wire acts going through.” TWEEC is also working to remove and replace the remaining ash trees in Elmira, with a grouping of about 14 trees in town slated for replacement. Rinne notes, however, that there isn’t a proper count on the number of ash trees in the area, and the condition they’re in, limiting the ability of the township to budget for their removal. To that end, TWEEC is hoping to create an inventory of all tree species, beyond just ash, in selected locations around the township. “So far, the inventory that has been launched by summer students [hired by the township] for the last two summers has been
strictly crisis management. They’ve been identifying hazard trees,” said Rinne. TWEEC is hoping to take a more proactive approach to the township’s future tree management activities. “So basically, there isn’t really a tree inventory now that tells us what do we have in the way of species? What kind of shape are they in?” she said. “We don’t know how many more ash trees have to come down. Nor do we know what kind of shape those trees are in. Are they healthy, robust, or are they on their last legs? Are they in need of pruning?” Apart from the some of the bigger initiatives that are being launched in the coming spring, the local environmental group is also hoping to organize more community tree plantings in the spring. “We want to host two planting launch events in Elmira. One will be at Bolender Park and throw a little shade on some of the play areas over there,” said Rinne. “We’ve got some swings sitting out in the blazing sun, probably more to the point for the parents who are watching.” A second planting is also being planned at Gore Park, she adds. “If you look at some of the trees in Gore Park, they’re not looking very happy. There are some that have dying limbs and such. We need to have those looked at and decide whether they need to come
down, and some will be replaced.” As part of the plantings, Rinne says that the group are hoping to add plaques by the trees naming the particular species planted. The tree plantings are central to the township’s greening plan, which calls enhanced tree cover in the area – that is, the percentage area of the township covered by natural foliage. The goal is to reach a coverage of 30 per cent. It’s an ambitious number for the township which, despite its rural character, actually has less coverage than cities like Toronto, with an area of 16.3 per cent (versus 26.6 per cent in Toronto). Increasing that coverage would provide the township with a host of benefits, say members of TWEEC. Beyond just lending a more pleasing aesthetic to the area, a greener downtown core in Elmira, for example – which has been grappling with the loss of its ash trees to the borer infestation – would attract greater foot traffic and tourism to the area. Enhanced cover would also serve as a natural source of shade for the township, cooling the local environment, as well as reduce storm-water runoff and provide a natural carbon sink in the region. “It’ll be I think an exciting spring, in terms of a lot of new initiatives, and I think some real enthusiasm around implementing this whole greening plan,” said Rinne.
FORECAST: Winter to be milder than last year FROM | COVER
Specifically, the El Niño brings unusually warm water in the Pacific ocean and has a global effect on the climate. However, its presence is relatively weak this time around. “My sense is this year, because of El Niño, it might be milder than last year,” said Phillips. “It’s not going to be record mild. In a weak El Niño, it’s never recordbreaking. It’d have to be a strong episode of El Niño to give us more Pacific air and less Arctic air.” There is really no agreedupon consensus as to how the next few months are going to go weather-wise. “From where I sit now and when I look at the different models, the models are all over the place,” said Phillips. “In the American models, it says it’s going to be warmer than normal. The Weather Network said it was going to be colder
It was definitely a green Christmas at the Elmira Scouts’ tree lot in Gore Park with less than week to go before the big day. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER] our snow tires on, we know than normal. So everybody where our snow shovels has a different forecast.” are, we’ve got the leg warmBut whatever happens, Phillips maintained that Ca- ers out and the parkas. So we’re already acclimatized nadians will be ready for it, as there have already been a to whatever nature can give us.” fair share of frigid days. Get ready to bundle up “We’ve already been confor the next few months unditioned. We’ve already had til at least winter’s official a taste of winter,” said Philend date in late March. lips. “And so I think we put
HUMANE GIFTS: Don’t rush into a decision FROM | 3
stuffed animal or a relevant gift card. “We actually have gift certificates,” said Brown. “So if you want to give a pet for Christmas, we encourage you to give a gift certificate instead. And then the person can come in after Christmas and choose his or her own pet – might make a better match.” The K-W Humane Society tends to see more traffic throughout the holiday season in general, particularly
when the weather gets worse. “It does tend to get busier here,” said Brown. “Not so much this year, because we haven’t had those horrendous snowfalls yet. But once the snow starts flying, we do tend to get a lot of strays brought in. People don’t like to see the pets living on the street in the wintertime.” Out of all of the pets brought in around this time, Brown noted that stray cats are one the group sees in particular. “There’s many what we
call ‘community cats’ folks see at their back door,” said Brown. “They’re social enough that when the snow does fly when it does get too cold, the folks who have been feeding them bring them in and we adopt them out.” The K-W Humane Society and its Stratford Perth counterpart are selling chocolates this Christmas as a fundraiser for the animals in their care. The stocking stuffers are available directly from the organizations themselves.
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
Santa Claus makes appearances in Wellesley
Hundreds of people lined the streets for the St. Clements Santa Claus Parade last Saturday, waiting on the arrival of St. Nick himself. There may not have been any snow, but the milder weather was a boon for the crowd. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]
NEWS | 9
The Christmas Tyme Parade made its way down the main streets of Wellesley lined with spectators, and ended at the community centre right as a light flurry of snow began to fall on the township. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]
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10 | COMMENT
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
JOE MERLIHAN PUBLISHER STEVE KANNON EDITOR
COMMENT
DONNA RUDY
PATRICK MERLIHAN
SALES MANAGER
PRODUCTION MANAGER
REPORTER
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
FAISAL ALI
VERONICA REINER
NIK HARRON
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OUR VIEW / EDITORIAL
THE VIEW FROM HERE
Forget the drama, enjoy Christmas for what it’s about CHRISTMAS, IT SEEMS, IS a little less merry than it used to be. Oh, not necessarily in absolute terms, but anecdotal evidence shows we’re sharing fewer greetings of “Merry Christmas” or even the more neutral “Happy Holidays.” Perhaps even fewer incidences of meeting “smile after smile.” Maybe this can be blamed on political correctness: People are afraid to offend, so they say nothing. If that’s the case, we’re certainly taking the shine off a holiday like no other. There’s the crux: Christmas is not just another day off from work or school. No other holiday even comes close in terms of the goodwill and anticipation engendered by what occurs each 25th of December. It transcends even religion, as witnessed by how we celebrate Easter, a more significant holiday on the Christian calendar, yet it doesn’t generate the same reaction. Even if you’re not religiously inclined or of another faith, there’s still something delightful about Christmas – the one time of year where we live up to our potential as kind, considerate human beings. We like ourselves better for it, but seem unable to carry it through more than a few weeks. Yes, those of the Christian faith celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And in recent years that has sparked a certain amount of controversy, as the unimaginative deem the holiday incompatible with a multicultural society. That is, of course, piffle supported by a few blowhards, including some of the majority culture who feel they must act as apologists for our traditions. None of these people realize the magic of the season extends far beyond the religious aspects. Those who decry the commercialism of Christmas would say it’s just greed that makes us enjoy the season, but that’s too simplistic. Christmas shows us what we could be, if only we’d embrace our potential. If asked to describe what they love about Christmas, even the most devout Christians would go beyond the religious to tell of the glow and warmth that comes with being near to family and friends at Christmastime, a feeling unrepeated at other gatherings throughout the year. There’s an indefinable charge in the air, as if something is compelling us to be more attuned to the world around us. We’re driven to be a little nicer (hopefully more than a residual desire to stay off of Santa’s naughty list) and to be a little more generous to others – at least in situations outside of the mall, where it can still be every man or woman for him/herself. While some will argue Christmas is simply for children, they may be missing the point that it’s a chance for all of us to be kids again, to try to recapture some of the innocence and sense of wonder. If the Christmas spirit is on the wane today, it’s because we let business, stress and political correctness intrude on the holiday – much as they do on our lives as we progress from childhood into adulthood. The goal, then, is to recapture some of that zest, that anticipation and wonder that came with the Christmases of youth. At the same time, there is the need for an adult appreciation of what a timeout from the “real world” can mean for the soul. That’s the real magic of Christmas.
A very Merry – and non-abominable – Christmas from the elves here at The Observer workshop. WORLD VIEW / GWYNNE DYER
Congo election an example of political crime and corruption WORLD AFFAIRS MAYBE THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC of Congo (DRC) is a bit more democratic than the mere Republic of Congo, but it’s a matter of (fairly small) degrees. President Denis Sassou has ruled the Republic of Congo for 33 of the past 38 years, winning a couple of civil wars in the process and changing the constitution when term limits got in the way of his staying in power. He’s still there. President Joseph Kabila of the DRC, on the other hand, is actually leaving the presidency after a mere 17 years in power. He hung on for two years past the scheduled election in 2016, offering a series of increasingly absurd reasons for the delay, but the election will actually be held on December 23 – and Kabila will not be a candidate. So two cheers for democracy in the DRC. The Republic of Congo is the little Congo (population five million), with nothing much to offer the
world except oil. That gives it a certain fragile prosperity, although much of the oil money is stolen by Sassou and his associates. The DRC is the big Congo, with 85 million people scattered across a largely roadless country the size of Western Europe. It should be rich: it has oil, cobalt, gold, diamonds and coltan (used in electronics). But the money is almost all stolen, and it is just about the poorest country in Africa (no. 51 out of 52). When it got its independence from Belgium in 1960, the DRC was no poorer than other countries in the region (although the Belgians had completely neglected education, and only 17 Congolese had university degrees). What has condemned it to seemingly perpetual tyranny, violence and poverty is its uniquely awful style of politics. The first post-colonial leader, Patrice Lumumba, was overthrown within months of taking office, and murdered shortly afterwards. His successor, Mobutu Sese Seko, a former private soldier in the Belgian colonial army, then ruled the country (and loot-
ed it) for 32 years. He was finally driven from power in 1997 by a combination of rebellions at home and invasions by African armies that came “to help.” The invaders helped themselves to a lot of the country’s mineral wealth, and put into power Laurent Kabila, a former Marxist revolutionary and guerrilla leader who had served as a Congolese front-man for the invasion. He was assassinated by his bodyguard in 2001 and his cronies and allies chose his son Joseph Kabila, then only 30 years old, to replace him. Kabila Jr., having initially been very reluctant to take the job (presumably because of the high fatality rate), eventually got into the spirit of the thing. He proceeded to loot the DRC for a further 17 years – Bloomberg reports that his wife, children and close relatives hold 120 mining permits, the main source of money from bribes – and was naturally most reluctant to leave office when constitutional term limits obliged him to step down. But the pressure mounted inexorably on him, both from better-run African
countries and from Western countries, including even Donald Trump’s former UN ambassador, Nikki Haley. After two years of stalling, during which sanctions were imposed on a number of the regime’s senior members, Joseph Kabila agreed to hold elections this month. So is democracy coming to the Congo at last? Don’t count on it. The regime’s choice for a successor, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, is a close colleague of Kabila’s with no independent support base of his own, so if elected he would faithfully serve Kabila’s interests. Indeed, Shadary could even serve as place-holder until the following election, when it would be constitutionally permissible for Kabila to run for the presidency again (rather as Vladimir Putin put Dmitry Medvedev in the Russian presidency for four years before taking it back himself). Of course, Shadary has to win the election first, but that may not be hard. Apart from having all the resources of the state at his DYER | 12
COMMENT | 11
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
THEIR VIEW / QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What is your fondest Christmas memory?
» Brenda Brenner
» Sara Keul
» Andrew Smutniak
“Family.”
“Serving the Lord for 33 years.”
“The way my parents did the Christmas tree - Kaitlin - “Playing ice hockey!” it was natural and nicely decorated! That and Kristin - “Trying roasted chestnuts.” Polish food.”
» Kaitlin & Kristin Doering
» Klaus Burmeister “When I was a child and sang Christian songs in the choir. You never forget that.”
“Many children passed by and were drawn to the display, with wonder on their faces, as parents took pictures of them.” Jane Weber | 12 HIS VIEW / STEVE KANNON
Christmas finds us on our best behaviour - mostly - if only for a little while EDITOR'S NOTES THERE’S BEEN A DECIDED increase in traffic on the roads as Christmas gets closer, though nothing like what used to happen this time of year. We probably have online shopping to thank (or blame) for much of that, just as the previous ascension of big-box stores lessened crowds at the malls. Still, there are enough extra trips to make the holiday rush a notable thing ... and a risk to my blood pressure, not to mention the increased chance of my language landing me on Santa’s “naughty” list. There are more people driving everywhere, but the frustration mounts the closer you get to a mall or power centre. In the vicinity, there are very few jolly drivers. Get into the parking lot, and all bets are off – the spirit of Christmas absolutely does not apply while finding a place to park. Inside stores, it’s usually not much better. Hot, tired
and broke (or on their way to one, two or all three), shoppers walk in circles looking for just the right gift before ultimately finding something – anything – so they can get out of that place. The smiles diminish as the countdown to Christmas grows shorter. Working in that environment must be akin to a new level on Dante’s list. In short, I’m not overly fussy about the shopping component attached to the season. Many people, of course, revel in the shopping, taking special joy in finding bargains in the process. My paternal grandmother was just such a person. She was a constant shopper, never more so than at the yuletide; the summer she died, cleanup efforts at her place revealed a closet packed with all kinds of goodies, many of them earmarked for a Christmas still months away. While she enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, many of us aren’t so fond of the chore most linked to the commercialization of Christmas. Sure, we all like receiving gifts, but that’s
HOW TO REACH US
of Old Saint Nick. If Church thought we lived in a skeptical age more than 120 years ago, what would he make of society today? It’s unlikely he would identify at all with where we have gone. We continue, of course, to tell our children about Santa Claus. As they age, they, too, develop pangs of doubt. And, because kids seem to be growing up faster all the time, the onset of disbelief comes sooner and sooner – probably not aided by living in the Internet age. That perhaps is the least of our worries, however. Maybe we should be asking if there really is a Christmas spirit. Certainly many of us hold Christmas in our hearts, if only because yuletide events are among our most cherished childhood memories. Increasingly, however, those old notions of Christmas have either come under attack or gone by the wayside. For Christians, there is the significance of celebrating Christ’s birth – and all that it entails – in observing the holiday. But even among that group, Christ-
mas has become a more secular event: the holiday we celebrate today, with its grab-bag of “traditions,” is the product of many inputs beyond the birth of a baby boy some 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. Of course, Christmas has become highly commercialized – some of the symbols we use today were in fact created by marketers (the image of Santa Claus developed by Coca-Cola, or Rudolph the Montgomery Ward Reindeer) – almost to the point of overkill. But there has always been something – a feeling in the air perhaps – that made the season lift the spirits beyond anything the socalled greeting-card holidays could ever do for us. That feeling of warmth and goodwill, no matter your take on Christmas, was tangible; in some ways, it appears on the wane today as business, stress, and political correctness intrude on the holiday – much as they do on our lives as we progress from childhood into our adult lives. That is undoubtedly a shame. The goal, then, is to
recapture some of that zest, that anticipation and wonder that came with the Christmases of youth. At the same time, there is the need for an adult appreciation of what a timeout from the “real world” can mean for the soul. It’s easy to get caught up in the shopping, the dinner preparations, the running around, and a host of other complications, but if there was ever a time for simplifying things and seeing the world through less-jaded eyes, it is now. While Christmas has us on our best behaviour – shades of the childhood drive to curry Santa’s favour – the effort is a sprint, while a year-round improvement is more like a marathon. Despite good intentions, few of us go the distance. With the approaching offer of renewal that is the New Year, Christmas is, after all, the one time of the year where we can actually believe that peace on Earth and goodwill toward others might actually be viable options – just like the message in all those carols we hear.
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not really what the celebration is all about. For children, Christmas really boils down to what’s under the tree. The day could never come soon enough, and it was always still pitch dark out when you got up to see what Santa had left you. Gradually, the holiday became more about enjoying the company of family and friends, many of whom you hadn’t seen all year. My fondest memories are certainly linked to those gettogethers, rather than the stuff I got. Those feelings are even more pronounced given that many of those people are no longer around to argue over who gets a drumstick or the recipe for the perfect eggnog. Still, there are holiday traditions to uphold. They link Christmas past with Christmas present. Take Santa Claus, for instance. We’re all familiar with the famous editorial that tells us, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus …” Penned in 1897 by New York Sun writer Francis P. Church in reply to eightyear-old Virginia O’Hanlon’s inquiry about the existence
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12 | COMMENT
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
THE MONITOR
VERBATIM
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
Bill C-76 more than doubles the spending limits for third party interest groups and individuals during election campaigns from approximately $200,000 up to $500,000. Bill C-76 also sets high limits of $1.5 million for party ad spending and $1 million for third-party (interest group) ad spending during the 60-75 days before the election campaign period begins. The bill doesn’t lower high donations limits that allow wealthy people to influence politicians.
“Ford is giving tax breaks to the richest corporations and cash handouts to polluters – and the rest of us will pay for it. A downgraded rating means investors have no confidence in Doug Ford and more public money will be spent servicing debt rather than on the services families depend on.”
A campaign to reduce the residential use of pesticides will continue to have Wellesley’s support, councillors decided this week. The township will fund its share of a marketing campaign through 2010, extending a program launched in 2004. The move adds a three-year extension to a campaign to alter lawn-care practices and reduce the use of non-essential pesticides throughout Waterloo Region.
» Democracy Watch
» NDP finance critic Sandy Shaw reacts to the downgrading of Ontario’s credit rating,
» From the Dec. 23, 2006 edition of The Observer
in part due to Doug Ford’s meddling in the likes of the hydro file
DYER: Democracy matters not
NATIONAL VIEW
to those intent on holding power
FROM | 10
disposal, Shadary faces a disunited opposition. The seven leading opposition parties, some of them simply the personal political vehicles for one man, tried to agree on a united front last month, but the agreement broke down within a day and there are two competing coalitions of parties running against Kabila’s nominee. One is led by Felix Tsishekedi, a long-standing opposition figure, the other by Martin Fayulu, a prominent member of parliament. There’s not
really much difference between them, and the split is mostly due to the fact that too big a coalition means that if you win, there are too many people seeking a share of the spoils of victory. Nobody imagines that corruption will end if Shadary is defeated. Since the opposition vote is being split in this way, Shadary will probably win – and Kabila could be back four years later. Or he could end up dead. Any of them could. The political game in the DRC is played for high stakes, but it rarely if ever focuses on the welfare of the citizens.
YOUR VIEW / LETTER
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To the Editor, I WOULD LIKE TO take this opportunity to commend Brian from Brian’s Foto Source for his hard work in creating a beautiful window display for all to enjoy. During Moonlight Madness in Elmira, I took my parents uptown to park directly in front of the store so we could have a front row seat to view the moving display. Many children passed by and were drawn to the display, with wonder on their faces, as parents took pictures of them. I sat in the car with my parents for 45 minutes as we reminisced together of
days past when, as a little girl, they would take my sisters and I to Toronto for the Santa Claus parade and to see the displays in the Simpson’s and Eaton’s storefronts. As Brian played Christmas favourites on the speaker to accompany his display, we were lost in pleasant memories evoked from this magical view. It is this commitment from Brian as well as other merchants who take the time to do something special like this and provide personal service to their customers that draws me to Elmira to do my shopping. Thank you to Brian for a moment of magic this Christmas season.
JANE WEBER | WINTERBOURNE
General Contracting Agricultural Residential New Buildings Commercial Renovations www.stirtonconstruction.ca 8012 8th Line.RR #2 Drayton, ON | 519-638-5462
SPORTS | 13
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
SPORTS NOT SO GREAT OUTDOORSMAN / STEVE GALEA
HOCKEY / JUNIOR C
Applejacks go two for three in weekend matches
What to get a retriever who has everything
After falling to Tavistock, Wellesley bounces back for wins over Woodstock and Norwich, breaking a four-way tie
OPEN COUNTRY
the home team. The Merchants put up a bit of resistance, scoring a single goal in the first, but could not stop the Applejacks from skating to a 4-1 win. Uttley (Tyler Schwindt, Brendan Baker) potted the first goal of the game in this match, coming five minutes into the first. The Merchants would respond at 17 minutes, knotting it up 1-1 by the first intermission. The second saw the
NOW THAT CHRISTMAS IS almost here, most normal people are at the stage where they are in panic mode because they have not completed their Christmas shopping. Well, this year, for the first time, I am proud to admit I’m one of the abnormal ones. Strangely enough, when I declared this to Jenn, she agreed and then added, “But at least you’ve got all your Christmas shopping done.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her that this was not quite true. There is still one member of the family that I have not bought a gift for yet: our Labrador retriever, Millie. She’s difficult to buy for. For one thing, she has everything a retriever could ask for. She’s has a selection of couches to sleep on, shiny food and water bowls, a variety of “indestructible” toys to destroy and two cats to
APPLEJACKS | 16
GALEA | 15
Wellesley defenceman Drew Mullett eyes a loose puck in front of his net during game action Saturday evening on home ice against the Woodstock Navy Vets. The Jacks skated to a 4-0 victory. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER] at 13:33, and Mitch McKay put in the last goal of the game unassisted to make it 7-3. Following Friday’s loss, the Jacks were back in fighting form the next night. Playing host to the Woodstock Navy Vets, Wellesley’s Bryce Dettweiler posted his first shutout of the season. There was no scoring in the first, but Wellesley opened the second frame with a goal 51 seconds in off the stick of D. Tsiampas (J. Tsiampas). Ribeiro
(Danny Ranson, Reade MacInnis) potted a second at the 13 minute mark, making it 2-0 by the second intermission. Two more goals followed in the third, the first coming a minute in from Ranson (Uttley, Shaun Pickering). Pickering (D. Tsiampas, Uttley) capped off the game with an empty-netter to make it 4-0. Back on the road Sunday for a stop in Norwich, the Jacks were able to claim another victory in a matinee match against
Thank you Elmira and surrounding areas for your continued support! Keep us in mind for all your injury needs in 2019!
From the SOS Staff Team
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THREE GAMES IN AS many days is tough challenge, so emerging with a pair of wins was a nice prize for the Wellesley Applejacks. Though they’d have liked to have beaten the top-ranked Tavistock Braves to get the weekend rolling last Friday night, they would go on to defeat Woodstock and Norwich. The wins shook up a four-way tie that had emerged last week for the third place spot in the South Doherty Division standings, with the Jacks, the Merchants, the Navy Vets and the Paris Mounties all with the same point total. After this weekend’s four points, the Jacks (16-6-1-3) pulled ahead of Paris (16-9-1-1) and Woodstock (15-12-2-1), but still remained tied in third with the Norwich Merchants (17-10-0-2). The Braves continue to hold down first place, picking up another two points December 14 in a 7-3 win over the visiting Jacks, who did rally at one point to make a game of it. Wellesley drew first blood in this match, nine
minutes into the first, with a short-handed marker coming from Alex Uttley, assisted by Daniel Tsiampas. The Braves, however, put the next two points on the board, with the last coming 40 seconds before the first intermission. The second proved to be even more disastrous, with the Braves picking up another two, including a penalty shot, while letting nothing by in return. That put the Jacks on the short end of a 4-1 difference for the final 20 minutes of play, and it was at this point that the Wellesley team closed the gap. Taking advantage of back-to-back power plays, Jordan Hoekstra (D. Tsiampas, Ethan Hebel) buried the team’s second goal seven minutes into the frame, followed by a third coming from Zach Ribeiro (Hoekstra, Uttley). The board was now 4-3, but that’s as close as it would get. Perhaps feeling the heat, the Braves knocked another three into the net before the frame was out. Tavistock’s Ryan Donat potted an unassisted power play marker
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14 | SPORTS
H ! O O ! ! H O H
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
• SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS •
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SPORTS | 15
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
Sugar Kings defeat first-place Listowel in sole game of the week Win puts Elmira among group of four teams within two points atop the Midwestern Conference standings VERONICA REINER COMING OUT FLYING AGAINST the Conference’s top team, the Sugar Kings gave the fans plenty to cheer about early and often en route to a 5-3 victory over the Listowel Cyclones Sunday afternoon at the WMC. The win tightened up the race in the Midwestern Conference, with just two points separating the top four teams. With a record of 18-7-0-3, Elmira and its 39 points trail Listowel at 41 points, Waterloo (40) and Stratford (40) in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League standings. Elmira started strong in the matinee, scoring four times in the opening frame to take a lead they’d never relinquish. Jakson Kirk drew first blood at 6:38, with Brock McKenzie and Luke Israel picking up assists. They potted another goal just over 20 seconds later courtesy of Kurtis Goodwin (Harrison Toms, Damian Figueira). Keeping up the momentum, the Kings got another
goal from Kurtis Goodwin, taking advantage of a power play. Jeremey Goodwin and Zack Cameron picked up assists. Tyson Hillier (Cameron, Anthony Azzano) potted one more for good measure, sending the team into the intermission with a solid 4-0 lead. Shots were 12-8 for the home side (2927 at game’s end). “We had a great first period,” said head coach Trent Brown. “The goals were very reflective of that. Structurally we were quite sound, even defensively. We gave up eight shots; we had a power-play goal. I thought we played with a lot of speed and that really plays into our game-play.” The Cyclones weren’t about to go down without a fight, however, making a game of it by taking advantage of their chances, including a power play goal at 6:51 that got things rolling. They scored another one just 30 seconds later at 7:21, though there would be no more scoring in the period. It was 4-2 after 40 minutes. “We ran into penalty trouble there,” said Brown of the middle stanza. “Four
TOWNSHIP OF
Despite Sunday’s win and two other victorious games taking on Listowel under their belt, Brown said the Cyclones are a force to be reckoned with. “It’s always a war,” said Brown. “They’re the top dog in our division and the reigning Sutherland Cup champions. It’s always a red star on the calendar when you’re playing them.” He also noted the great turnout of the home game, with hundreds of Kings fans showing up to Sunday’s matchup. “We had a great crowd,” said Brown. “Almost 700 people came out. I know our guys really enjoy playing in front of a home crowd and really feed off of their support. If we could keep supporting the team that would go a long way for our guys, for sure.” There are no home games in the mix prior to the Christmas break, however. The Kings are on the road in Brampton Friday night, then play in Waterloo in a Sunday matinee (1:30 p.m.). They’re next at home January 6 to face the Brantford 99ers.
WELLESLEY It was all eyes to the left on both sides during Sunday’s match at the WMC that saw the Kings defeat the visiting Listowel Cyclones by a score of 5-3. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]
penalties, four minors in the second period. They have one of the top power plays in the league. Their top guys are top guys for a reason – they make you pay when you make a mistake like that. Give them too many opportunities and they will make it count. “We allowed them to
GALEA: Making an effort to complete the list FROM | 13
chase. Clearly, she has everything a retriever could ask for. Except, that is, the one thing she can’t have – a mallard duck of her own. Let’s be clear. I’m not the one raining on her parade. I won’t name names but there is a certain someone in our household (rhymes with pen) who has a strict “no live mallards in the house” policy. Restrictive? Tell me about it. Quite frankly, I think it is unfair. Retrieving mallards and other ducks is what retrievers dream of. It’s what they wish they were doing when they are not eating your socks, barking at snowplows or stealing cake from the counter. I would go so far as to say duck wrangling is part of their higher education. With that in mind, would
you refuse to buy books for your children? The answer is no, of course. Admittedly, books don’t leave droppings on the floor, beg for bread, live in the bathtub, respond loudly every time you blow into a duck call or attempt to migrate south through the front window. Maybe so, but I happen to think all that’s a small price to pay for having a well-rounded retriever. You’d think that the person I’m speaking of (starts with J) would see that we could make one Labrador retriever very happy if she could retrieve and then open her present on Christmas morning. It’s not like we use the bathtub a lot. I have even made concessions. My initial idea was to buy Millie a whole flock.
Still, someone in this house (in case you haven’t yet guessed, it’s Jenn) refuses to allow it. As a result, I am going to have to think of some other gift for Millie. I could buy her another collar but that’s the canine equivalent of buying your dad a neck tie, which is not exactly exciting. And, if I bought her a pack of sow’s ears she would immediately know that I hadn’t put much thought into it. (Who says, “I know the perfect gift, sow’s ears?”) Worse still, she’d probably feel obliged to share. No, a live mallard drake really would have been the perfect gift for Millie. But Jenn probably has a valid reason – though I can’t think of it at the moment – for not wanting a mallard duck in the house. So I will respect that. I wonder if a goose would do?
THE SCORE DUE TO SPACE CONSTRAINTS THIS WEEK’S SPORTS SCORES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE – DEC. 27TH
have a lot of momentum and time and space with the puck, which isn’t the best idea against a team like that.” The play was a little more even in the third. The Cyclones made it a one-goal game by capitalizing on another power play to score at 12:13.
But the Kings responded, limiting the visitors’ chances and controlling much of the play until Anthony Azzano put the game away with an empty-net goal at 19:11. “We answered back, and we held court at home,” said Brown. “We got an empty net in just under a TOWNSHIP OF minute to seal the deal.”
WELLESLEY TOWNSHIP OF
WELLESLEY WELLESLEY TOWNSHIP OF
NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WELLESLEY Budget Consultation Notice TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Township of Wellesley will be reviewing the DRAFT municipal budget for the year 2019, with the intent to pass a By-law to adopt a budget pursuant to Section 290 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended. Public consultation meeting(s) for the 2019 budget will be held at the Township of Wellesley Council Chambers, 4805 William Hastings Line, Crosshill on January 7th, 2019 starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m. Additional consultation meetings (if required) will be held on January 9th and 11th. Anyone wishing to speak at the meeting(s) must register with the Clerk, Grace Kosch, no later than January 3rd, 2019. (519) 699-3946 or email: gkosch@wellesley.ca
16 | SPORTS
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
Woolwich Wild team fosters a real sense of community With Food Basics, players exemplify the best in team playing by giving up gifts to donate to the Woolwich Food Bank FAISAL ALI THE WOOLWICH WILD ATOM A squad were out in numbers, fanning through the aisles of the Food Basics store in Elmira on Sunday afternoon. This was no simple stop for some postgame munchies, however. Instead, the girls, having just wrapped up a 2-1 win over the visiting Ilderton Jets, were picking up food and supplies to donate to the Woolwich food bank. This year, the team raised $300 by giving up their Secret Santa funds, and getting a little help from the grocer. “We did it last year, we’re doing it again this year. We’ve raised a little more money this year,” said Dee Brun Gow, a mother of one of the players. “We’ve raised $200, and then Food Basics is kind enough to match half, so they’re giving us $100.” Brun Gow pitched the idea a year ago as a way of instilling a sense of civic duty and community in the young players. Using hockey as a medium to bring the group together,
she encouraged the youth to give back to the communities that had given them so much in turn. “I think one of the things that is lacking in kids these days that I’m trying to do with the next generation coming up is they lack a sense of community, which in turn can lack a sense of self,” said Brun Gow. “And if they don’t understand that there’s people hungry in their community and they need to reach out and help their community, then it makes a big difference how they give back as they get older. “They kind of forget that there’s people out there, so this one of those things we try and do just to say, ‘hey, look around – there are kids that go to school with you that don’t get breakfast.’” It’s in some way a natural extension of the values taught in minor hockey, but applied to the community as a whole. Just look at the example of the Humboldt Broncos, says Brun Gow. When the Saskatchewan Junior A team suffered calamity in a col-
The Woolwich Wild Atom A team was at the Food Basics in Elmira on Sunday to pick up supplies after an afternoon match, repeating last year’s efforts on behalf of the food bank. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] lision en route to the SJHL semi-finals, an outpouring of support raised $15 million to support the victims and their families in the aftermath. “You just think about hockey. Where is it? Well, it’s at the Elmira community centre. Hockey has a huge sense of community,
and it’s a big community. We saw that with Humboldt,” she said. “There are thousands of other tragedies that happen every year, and this one just really struck a nerve with people. And it’s something about hockey, about being Canadian – and girls’ hockey, especial-
ly, I’m trying to do it with.” There’s been a growing recognition of the value of girls and women participating in Canada’s national pastime, and it’s a trend Brun Gow wants to see go further. She points to the recent Shootout Tournament held by Woolwich Wild earlier this month –
the first time the township had hosted the event in a decade – as an example of the trend. “It was a huge success, and girls’ hockey is becoming such a big thing. I just think it’s important,” she said. Right now, the Atom A team is competing in a tough division, notes head coach Clinton Rayfield, but the team’s camaraderie has remained excellent throughout. “So far, so good,” said Rayfield of the season. “We’re in a very tight division, meaning that there’s no easy games. So the girls have to work hard every single game if they want to be successful.” Rayfield sees community activities like these as an important life lesson for the team. “I think it’s really, really important to give back to our community. I think as the girls are getting older, they’re starting to see the benefits of being involved in a community like ours, like Woolwich. So this is just one way that we can try and give back,” he said.
APPLEJACKS: Wellesley facing another three-game weekend, almost a reprise of the last one FROM | 13
Jacks dominate with two more goals, the first a short-handed marker from Zachary Lyons (Warren Gorman), followed by a second from Uttley (Kyle Soper, MacInnis) to make
it a 3-1 tilt for the last 20 minutes of play. The third proved to be a relatively uneventful affair until the home team pulled its netminder for the extra attacker. The empty net was just too easy a target
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for Kyle Soper, who tallied a final goal unassisted for the visitors to make it 4-1. A three-game weekend behind them, the Jacks are going to keep the ball rolling as they head into the Christmas season.
This coming weekend, Wellesley will be facing off against the same three teams, albeit in a different order. On Friday, the Jacks are in Woodstock for a 7:30 p.m. game. Saturday will see the Jacks return
As We Give Thanks
to Wellesley arena for another 7:30 game against Norwich. Then on Sunday, the Applejacks invite the Tavistock Braves for a 2 p.m. rematch. The busy schedule continues into the following
week as the Jacks play the Ayr Centennials in North Dumfries, December 27 , at 7:30 p.m. Finally, on December 29 they will invite the Burford Bulldogs for another 7:30 home game at the Wellesley arena.
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SPORTS | 17
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
May your Christmas be filled with joy and gratitude because of all that Christ has given you. God gave his greatest gift to us on that first Christmas day and may the wonder of it always guide and light your way. May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace
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18 | AD FEATURE – BOXING DAY
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
BOXING DAY SHOPPING s a m t is r h C r e r t f o f A s Sale that uff ot. t s e th a forg Sant
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VENTURE | 19
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
VENTURE FOOD FOR THOUGHT/ OWEN ROBERTS
COLLECTIBLES / UNDER THE TREE
Farm toys range from sandbox to curio cabinet Replicas of the real thing, it’s the detail that decides if they’re meant to be played with or go straight into the collection FAISAL ALI THERE’S SOMETHING MARKEDLY HUMAN about collecting. Whether it’s curious baubles found at the market, extravagant paintings worth small fortunes, that mug that says “world’s greatest dad” or a souvenir from a family vacation, it seems a natural compulsion we share to seek out unique and interesting things and put on display for others to see. In the rural areas, the item of choice has a distinctly local flavour. Head to any of the nearby farm equipment dealers in the area, and many will carry life-like and intricate replicas of the massive machinery that dots the farmland in the townships. “Well it’s all John Deere, first of all. Anything from 1/64th, which is the smallest one, all the way up to your 1/16th scale precision models,” says Kyle Bosomworth, parts consultant at the Premier Equipment Ltd. in Elmira, and an avid collector of the John Deere models himself. “[It’s] the thrill of the
hunt for some of the items,” says Bosomworth of his passion for collecting. “It’s a little bit of everything. I worked at an auction house, so I picked up a few things there. And go to other auctions just to see what I find.” There’s a wide range of reasons people pick up miniatures, he notes, and a corresponding range in quality, going from plastic toys on one hand to the high-end, rarified collector’s items manufactured with hard metals and lifelike authenticity. “So they would have different levels of quality they would produce,” says Brad Lang, parts manager at the Stoltz Sales and Service, which carries its own line of models in the company’s signature red scheme. “So some are produced at kind of a play-toy quality. And then there are some that are produced at a significantly higher detail.” “We have a few of those people that want the latest, but then there’s also some that will come in and they’ll have three or four kids. And to keep them all
FIELD NOTES
Kyle Bosomworth with some of the farm toys on offer at the Premier Equipment Ltd. in Elmira. happy and to keep them from fighting, they all get the same toy,” notes Bosomworth. On the other end, the value for the toys could easily run into the thousands. “We’ve got one that’s coming up for sale, it’s a 1/16th scale S-780 Combine available in the spring of 2020,” says Bosomworth. But at $1,110, picking this little yet weighty die-cast item is not an inexpensive purchase, and not an impulse buy. The demand for collector’s items has dipped sig-
nificantly in recent years, note the equipment dealers, with the miniatures not generating the same level of enthusiasm amongst younger customers. “Without a doubt it has. It’s not what it once was,” says Lang. “The younger generations can’t really afford it.” Naturally, the monetary value of the rare collector’s items – one of the attractions of collecting – has also taken a hit, making the initial investment an even costlier proposition. “I’ve been to the auction
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sales and they don’t bring the money they used to. But if you get the collectible toys that are not as high production, then they still bring good value,” says Bosomworth. Those interested in seeking out the local memorabilia on offer can check any of the equipment dealers in town, or search through their catalogues for the latest. Whether it’s a plaything to stick in the sandbox, or a prized possession locked behind a sheet of glass, there’s a good selection to be browsed.
ROBERTS | 20
Holiday Hours December 24
Closing at 6 p.m. Boxing Day December 26, 9-5pm Re-opening December 27 at 7am Closing at 6 p.m. Re-opening January 2 at 7am
Thank you to all of our loyal customers & friends for your support in 2018. rgingrich@dti-logistics.com
[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]
AS WE SAT AT the dinner table enjoying chicken masala this week, somehow the conversation rolled around to cultured meat – you know, the kind that uses a few meat cells as a starter, like making bread from yeast. My wife and I reacted strongly, and negatively, to the thought of it. Why eat meat from the likes of a petri dish, when Canadian farmers produce some of the best livestock on the entire planet? And let’s not forget the role of animal agriculture in replenishing soil with natural nutrients. There are reasons livestock production is entrenched in our society and in our
December 31
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20 | VENTURE
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
ROBERTS: The market is changing, with producers having to keep pace with shifting demands FROM | 19
farming culture. But my 14-year-old stepson Emmitt had a different take on it. He’s not vegetarian or vegan, but he heartily endorses the idea of animals not being used for food. For him, it’s an ethical choice. Plus, the weird-science, test-tube baby era had concluded by the time he was old enough to make informed food choices. His whole life has involved technology like computers and cell phones. No blurred lines exist for him between human life in a test tube and cultured cells for food, because he
wasn’t part of an earlier science revolution. So maybe I shouldn’t be too surprised at his approach to such foods. A generation ago, my own parents would have turned up their noses at something as exotic (for southwestern Ontario palates) as chicken masala. Yet for meat, they would think nothing of eating wild duck or muskrat, or sometimes even roadkilled rabbit if it was still warm. We grew up in the country and my dad was a conservation officer. Dinner was much different than it is now. My stepson hasn’t had
those same low-tech experiences. So cultured meat, while new, is just like anything else that’s new. It’s not gross or revolting. It’s simply something that can take its place among the hundreds and hundreds of other food choices available to him every day. And when I took a closer look at the chicken masala we were eating, it occurred to me that it indeed could be cultured meat. Covered in sauce, it’s unlikely I would have known whether it was raised on a farm or a factory. I’d like to think I have enough culinary savvy to distinguish between the two, but I
don’t know for sure. I do know, though, that if there’s a market for cultured meat, researchers and companies’ product development specialists will continue to make it taste better and work on its nutrition and texture profile. After all, look what’s happening with other meat alternatives. After years of trying, product developers have finally figured out how to make vegetarian fare taste and feel like meat. Clearly, the public has an appetite for such products, if A&W’s ultra-popular Beyond Meat burger is any indica-
tion. It’s not made from cultured cells, but it’s also not made from an animal. And to some people, like my stepson, that’s important. Traditional meat processors have started investing in alternative protein companies. Like the Big Three automakers that are closing factories producing conventionally powered vehicles in favour of new technology, meat companies know the tide is turning towards alternatives. And to me, all this makes the movement towards cultured meat 2018’s top agricultural
story of the year. The implications are huge for farmers and rural Ontario itself if an upcoming generation of consumers is perfectly fine with a meal of cultured or alternative protein. Farmers know how to grow meat alternatives, like legumes and vegetables. But they don’t know how to make cells grow in a lab-like setting. At least, not yet. And they worry when the public points a finger at their operations and shouts “factory farm.” But isn’t cultured food grown in lab-like setting kind of like a factory?
Now in Elmira! P: 1 877 595 7585 W: www.lwcb.shop
122 Church St. W Elmira, ON
Boxing Week Sale December 27-29 *In-store sales on select items
We will be closed December 25 & 26 for Christmas and Boxing Day.
VENTURE | 21
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
H ! O O ! ! H O H
• SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS •
• HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS •
Come, Come, Delivering HAPPY • MERRY CHRISTMASOur • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • EMMANUEL HOLIDAYS Best Wishes! Enjoy time spent with family & friends
AUMAN
PRINTING
To Santa’s Garage and Yours!
4 Herbert St., Elmira
519.669.2540
At This Time Of Year…
Thoughts turn to loved ones, both past and present, Of happy childhood memories Unwrapping toys, helping with the baking and licking the bowl, Remembering always their kindness and love. Sweet times gone by During your time of loss and sorrow, thank you for the confidence placed in us.
Happy Holidays from:
ELMIRA: 81 Arthur St. S. ERIN: 4 Erinville Dr. GREETINGS 519-669-1533• SEASON’S 519-833-9785
Since 1955
1172 Henry Street, Wellesley, N0B 2T0 519-656-2880 chris@futher-franklinfuneralhome.com www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com
• SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS •
FERGUS: 390 Beatty Lane ARTHUR: 100 Charles St. 519-843-1620 519-848-2531 • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS
• HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS •
• MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS •
Wishing you and your family a happy, safe holiday season!
WISHING EVERYONE a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season!
We thank you for your patronage.
May His Blessings Bring You Joy this Season & in 2019
From all of us
Merry Christmas!
284 Union St.,Elmira
519.669.5040
519-577-0370 | www.marwilconcrete.ca • SEASON’S GREETINGS •
www.rigarus.com SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • SEASON’S GREETINGS • countrymilebl.com ountrymilebl.com
• HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • HAPPY HOLIDAYS • • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS • HAPPY NEW YEAR • MERRY CHRISTMAS •
22 | THE ARTS
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
THE ARTS ON STAGE / A CHRISTMAS CLASSIC
Celebrating 200 years of Silent Night Elmira Mennonite Church service on Christmas Eve will feature a production of the song in its entirety VERONICA REINER A LOCAL CHRISTMAS SERVICE this year will give some little-known background knowledge about the popular Christmas carol Silent Night, composed 200 years ago. The event will also feature a string ensemble, a choir, carolling, and the singing of Silent Night in both English and German. Elmira Mennonite Church pastor Fred Lichti penned this original performance. It tells the story of just how the song came to be, performed for the first time in an Austrian Church on Christmas Eve in 1818. “The carol’s author, Joseph Mohr, was a priest in the Saltzburg area during the Napoleonic wars,” said Lichti. “He witnessed the withdrawal of troops in 1816-1817 and the poverty
Members of the Elmira Mennonite Church choir rehearse for the Christmas Eve presentation of Silent Night. The production, directed by Gord Davis, presents the song in its full historical context. The service is open to all. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER] gift of the Christ.” direct the production that and economic hardships About the Way You Look The Bing Crosby version features around a dozen which accompanied almost Tonight. of Silent Night is the third participants. twenty years of war. While only a portion of best-selling single of all “Normally, people only “Referencing the context the song is typically sung, sing three or four of the of his day and our own, two time, right behind Crosby’s the performance will inWhite Christmas in first original verses. A couple verses decry the plight of clude every verse of Silent and Elton John’s Candle in of the verses don’t directly human conflict and call for Night. the Wind 1997/Something deal with the Nativity. I’m peace on earth through the Elmira’s Gord Davis will
hoping to create a certain mood – a peaceful sort of mood,” said Davis. “The priest who wrote it was hoping that the birth of Christ would bring peace and hope to people after a war situation, that kind of a thing.” Davis added this puts a new spin on their Christmas service, which is performed each year and usually consists of a choir performance. “At Elmira Mennonite Church, we always have a Christmas Eve service,” said Davis. “This year, Fred Lichti wrote this play, and the committee decided – I came up with this idea of extending it a bit. So they said ‘okay, let’s base the whole service around Silent Night.’” The service will take place at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve (December 24) at the Elmira Mennonite Church. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Theatrical production wishes you A Very Leila Christmas Green Light Arts presents the comedic tale of an immigrant’s introduction to the holiday season in Canada STEVE KANNON IN THE 1954 CLASSIC White Christmas, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye dress up as women to help the Haynes sisters out of a jam en route to a feel-good finish about the true meaning of the holiday. Fast forward six decades and there’s the decidedly much quirkier A Very Leila Christmas that has the same destination. The creation of awardwinning artist Izad Etemadi, Leila is a recent immigrant from Iran spending her first Christmas in Canada. Her immersion in the culture
finds her swept away by the whole yuletide thing, to great hilarity in the Green Light Arts presentation now running at The Registry Theatre in Kitchener. “We brought the show here last December, and it was a hit,” said Carin Loweriston, managing director of Green Light Arts, noting holiday shows do have a habit of becoming traditions. “Leila has developed something of a cult following in K-W,” she added with a laugh. Leila is the alter-ego of Etemadi, first introduced for an altogether different pro-
duction some four years ago, Borderland, a solo show about the perils of being a gay man in Iran. A character in that show, Leila took on a life of
her own. That’s to be expected – or maybe not – of a bearded, flamboyant Persian woman. An unconventional character played in a
bouffon style, Leila manages to capture the spirit of Christmas in her own way. “She has a knack for bringing people together,” said Loweriston of the character and her comedic take on an issue increasingly relevant in a multicultural Canada. Such issues are the bread and butter of Green Light Arts, a not-for-profit theatre company founded in 2014 by Lowerison and her partner Matt White. A Very Leila Christmas definitely falls on the lighter side of the company’s productions. Its spring show,
for instance, will be Guarded Girls, which tackles the psychological destruction brought on by solitary confinement and looks to humanize women navigating both sides of Canada’s corrections system. The following month, in June, The Seat Next to the King takes on what it meant to be gay in the turbulent 1960s. “If you want the world to be a better place, you have to start somewhere – and we think live theatre is an excellent way to reach people,” said Loweriston.
Watch Ontario's Best Men & Women Curlers compete at the 2019 Provincial Curling Championships Jan. 27 - Feb. 3 at Woolwich Memorial Centre Tickets & Information: www.curlonchamps.ca
LEILA | 25
THE ARTS | 23
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
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* Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles purchased between December 1, 2018 to January 2, 2019. Limited time only. $9,000 Total Value is a combined total credit value for cash purchases on eligible new 2018 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 3SA Kodiak Edition including $1,000 Year End Bonus manufacturer-to-consumer (tax inclusive), $3,500 Non-Stackable Credits (tax exclusive), $4,100 Stackable Credit (tax exclusive) and $555 Kodiak Option Package Discount. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ¥ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada on select vehicles delivered to an authorized GM dealer in Canada from December 1, 2018, to January 2, 2019. 0% purchase financing (0.8% APR) offered on approved credit by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank for 72 months on eligible new 2018 Sierra 1500 Crew Cab 3SA Kodiak Edition. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Down payment, trade and/or security deposit may be required. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Example: $50,000 financed at 0% nominal rate (0.8% APR) equals $694 monthly for 72 months. The offer includes $1,000 Year End Bonus manufacturer-to-consumer (tax inclusive), $4,100 Stackable Credit (tax exclusive), $2,400 Finance Cash and $555 Kodiak Option Package Discount. Cost of borrowing is $0, for a total obligation of $50,000. Freight ($1,795) and air conditioning charge ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) may modify, extend or terminate offers for any reason, in whole or in part, at any time, without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. TD Auto Finance is a registered trademark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact GM Canada to verify eligibility. These offers may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Conditions and limitations apply. Void where prohibited. 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Cost of borrowing is $992, for a total obligation of $40,107 Freight ($1,795) and air conditioning charge ($100, if applicable) included. License, insurance, registration, PPSA, applicable taxes and dealer fees not included. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) may modify, extend or terminate offers for any reason, in whole or in part, at any time, without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. TD Auto Finance is a registered trademark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact GM Canada to verify eligibility. These offers may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Conditions and limitations apply. Void where prohibited. See Dealer for full program details. £ Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles purchased between December 1, 2018 to January 2, 2019. Lease based on suggested retail price of $38,185, including $600 Dealer to Consumer credit, includes $1,000 Year End Bonus manufacturer-to-consumer (tax inclusive) towards the lease of an eligible 2019 Terrain SLE 2.0 All-Wheel Drive Black Edition model. Bi-weekly payment is $157 for 48 months at 0.5% lease rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. The $78 weekly payment is calculated by dividing the bi-weekly payments. Payments cannot be made on a weekly basis. Equivalent weekly payments are for informational purposes only. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $1,850 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $18,132. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $16,420. See dealer for details. Credits vary by model. Dealer may sell for less. Limited time offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice. Conditions and limitations apply. Offers may not be redeemed for Cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. # Whichever comes first. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details.≠ Limit of four complimentary Lube-Oil-Filter services in total. Fluid top-offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc., are not covered. Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ± Visit onstar.ca for vehicle availability, details and system limitations. Services and connectivity vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Requires active connected vehicle services and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. Accessory Power must be active to use the Wi-Fi hotspot.
24 | CLASSIFIED
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
CLASSIFIED
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:
WEDNESDAYS BY 10AM
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED AUCTION
DAVID CARSON FARMS & AUCTION SERVICES LTD. SAT. DECEMBER 29TH – 11:00 A.M. – Beef
Transport-Customer Care Coordinator Wallenstein Feed & Supply Ltd. i s g r o w i n g a n d w e h a v e a d d e d a n e w to o u r lo g is tic s te a m . W e a r e a c c e p tin g a p p lic a tio n s fo r a p e Co o r d i n a t o r . T h i s p o s i t i o n , w h i c h b a l a s e r v ic e , w ill b e r e s p o n s ib le fo r d e v e lo p r o c e d u r e s th a t m a k e u s e o f r e a l tim e id e a l c a n d id a te w ill h a v e e x c e lle n t so l vi n g ski l l s. A f u l l j o b d e scr i p t i o n i s co
r m a n e n t, fu ll tim n c e s d u tie s b e tw p in g a n d im p le m d a ta to o p tim iz e c o m m u n ic a tio n a va i l a b l e b y r e
e T r a n s p o r t - Cu s e e n lo g is tic s a n e n tin g n e w p r o o u r fe e d in g p r o , a n a l yt i ca l a n q u e st .
p o s itio n
t o m e r Ca d c u s to m c e s s e s a g ra m s . T d p r o b le
I f oy u a r e i n t e r e st e d i n a n e xci t i n g p o si t i o n w i t h co m p e t i t i ve m p e n as t i o n a n d b e n e f i t s, p l e a se su b m i t yo u r r e su m e vi a e m a i l t o recruiting@wfs.ca b y December 31, 2018.
re e r n d h e m
Cow & Calf Sale. Offering cows, breeder bulls, and cow/calf pairs. Cull cows at 11A.M. followed by Stocker sale. Consignments Accepted! This is the last Beef sale of 2018.
WED. JANUARY 9TH – 11:30 A.M. – Dairy Sale. Offering registered and grade, fresh and springing young Holstein cows and heifers. Open & Bred heifers will start at 11:30 A.M. prior to the Dairy Sale. Consignments Welcome! SAT. JANUARY 12TH – 11:00 A.M. – Beef Cow & Calf Sale. Offering cows, breeder bulls, and cow/calf pairs. Cull cows at 11A.M. followed by Stocker sale. Consignments Accepted!
Schlegel Urban Developments is a mid-sized Kitchener real estate management and construction company – part of the RBJ Schlegel Holdings group of companies. Schlegel Urban Developments are recognized for master-planned residential subdivision projects and unique commercial developments, the most prominent being the mixed-use Williamsburg Town Centre.
On-Call team member to join the
Winter Snow Removal team (begins immediately).
We Offer: • 40-50 hours a week (with weekend and night work required in winter months as per snow events) • Training
Carson’s Auction Service
• Friendly work environment
R.R.#3 Listowel, ON N4W 3G8
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and thank all applicants in advance. Accommodations are available during all stages of the recruitment process.
Tel: 519-291-2049 | Fax: 519-291-5065 Website: www.davidcarson.on.ca | Email: info@davidcarson.on.ca
HELP WANTED
• Competitive wages Prior landscape, snow removal or farm experience is an asset but will train the right candidate. Interested candidates can apply online or hand deliver your resume to reception at Schlegel Urban Developments during the hours of 9AM and 5PM to 201-325 Max Becker Dr. Kitchener.
We are looking for a
Our St. Jacobs Distribution Centre currently has the following opportunities...
Stair Designer/Engineer In this position you would be assisting our lead designer in creating drawings & 3D rendering’s and as well as preparing any other documents for the production process. You will be coordinating with our production and install members on a regular basis, relaying job details and specifications.
Full-time permanent Material Handlers (#966) Afternoon & Night Shift positions available Approximately 40 positions available
Able to perform strenuous physical activities including: walking, standing, bending, and lifting, you demonstrate high-quality accuracy and attention to detail and have excellent reading and number skills. Rate of Pay: $18.27 per hour - $22.21 per hour Additional 7.5% Shift Premium applies on 40 hours/week Hours: Night Shift - 11pm to 7am Sunday night through Friday morning Afternoon shift - 3pm to 11pm Monday through Thursday; 3pm to 8pm on Friday, with 3 hours of make-up time on the night shift.
***due to operational changes*** Effective May 12, 2019, the afternoon shift hours will change to be Monday - Friday 3pm to 11pm.
We will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code in all parts of the hiring process.
HOW TO REACH US
hr@homehardware.ca
Eligible to benefits and staff discount!
Visit www.homehardware.ca/careers for a listing of all available jobs.
HELP WANTED
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION LABOURER
Job Description Woodland Horizon Ltd is a manufacturer of high end custom cabinetry and solid wood stairs located in the town of Drayton ON. At Woodland, we strive to build relationships with our employees & customers through mutual respect, kindness & integrity. We deeply care about providing our customers with a positive experience, so the successful candidate will need to be customer focused and work well with in the existing team of designers. Woodland Horizon is committed to see it’s employees thrive personally and professionally through our mission of continuous improvement, quality of service & being altruistic! If this sounds like an environment that you would be interested in being a part of, please contact us.
Responsible to the Shift Foreman for helping to maintain service levels to Home Hardware Dealers, you will contribute to the smooth flow of merchandise through the Distribution Centre by picking, packing, shipping, and receiving.
We offer a competitive salary and great working conditions. If you are interested in becoming part of Home Hardware, please forward your resume, quoting Full-Time Permanent Material Handlers (#966) to: Recruitment, Human Resources, Home Hardware Stores Limited, 34 Henry St. W., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 E-mail: hr@homehardware.ca
Schlegel Urban Developments is pleased to accommodate individuals needs in accordance with the Accessibility of Ontario with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), within our recruitments process. If you require accommodation at any time throughout the recruitment process, please speak with the hiring leader.
Required skills • Previous Design Software or CAD experience, will be an asset. • Verbal & written communication skills. • Familiarity of Microsoft products such as; excel, word and or other programs. • Able to work independently but also in a team environment. • Previous wood working experience will be an asset. • Dependable, friendly, motivated & adaptability are some of the qualities we are looking for. • Ability to read drawing blueprints. • Analytical & numeracy skills. • No post secondary education is required. This position is full time, with benefits after probationary period. If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, with opportunities for personal growth/advancement please send in your resume. Email laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519-638-5961. Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.
Currently looking for a full-time General Construction Labourer. We are looking for an individual with the ability to work at a variety of duties. We do construction projects in the agricultural construction. General Construction Labourers are responsible for assisting Lead Hands or Site Foreman in all tasks associated with the construction project. Previous experience in construction or other related fields would be an asset. This is a full-time year round position and we offer competitive wages, as well as a benefit package.
Job Type: Full-time Salary: $17.00 to $28.00 /hour If you are interested in the position, please call 519-669-0240 to apply.
CLASSIFIED LISTINGS
CHILD CARE REQUIRED CHILDCARE WANTED: PASSIONATE about working with children? Looking for care for a one-year-old child. Starting September 2019 for approximately 10 days/month. Schedule for a full year available in advance. No summer/school holiday care required. Email brentandtessa@outlook. com. Call/text 519-291-8042.
FOR SALE 1 CROSSWALK TREADMILL exerciser. 1 Free Spirit Elliptical trainer. Excellent condition. Fair Price. Call Jim at 519-669-4596. FRESH TURKEYS FROM 20 30 lbs available on Dec. 21. Lloyd Martin 519-669-4753. CONTINUED ON PG. 25
PHONE 519.669.5790 | TOLL FREE 1.888.966.5942 | FAX 519.669.5753 | ONLINE WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM
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CLASSIFIED | 25
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
HELP WANTED
CONTINUED FROM PG. 24
FOR SALE MATTRESS AND BOX Spring, new, never used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195. Delivery available $35. 519635-8737.
Our St. Jacobs Distribution Centre currently has the following opportunity...
Full-time Truck Driver
WINTER FABRIC SALE, Busy Bee Quilts Elmira, 519-6693441. Dec. 27 - Jan. 12. 10% discount off most fabrics, vinyl tablecloth, ladies & children hosiery, 18” quilt blocks, yard. Swedish knit $11.99/yd. 40% off mounted stampers, 20 % off surprise packs of mounted stampers. Check out our new line of packaged quilt batts.
Responsible to the Dispatcher for delivering merchandise to stores and picking up merchandise from Suppliers for the Distribution Centre, you will comply with all Government regulations pertaining to driving position Highway Traffic Act, Labour Canada, National Safety Code and all regulations described in the professional Drivers Manual. Acting as an ambassador for Home Hardware Stores Limited, you will treat Dealers in a courteous and helpful manner, unload orders and load Dealer returns for transport. You will be responsible for completing and delivering all necessary paperwork for the dispatch and receiving offices, inspect vehicle and trailer for safety, and fuel and wash truck.
We will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code in all parts of the hiring process.
HELP WANTED
Assistant Retail Store Manager – Full Time position
FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - at competitive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141.
ORGANIC FERTILIZER FOR sale. Sulfur 90 and Sulfate Potash. Call George Haffner Trucking at 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.
ICE SALT & ICE MELT - Ice salt comes in 20 & 40kg’s, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.
100%
LOCAL
BUYING: ROLEX, OMEGA, Bretling and others: pocket watches, all gold and silver jewellery and diamonds, silver and gold coins, silverware, Group of Seven paintings. Call Terry 519-242-6900 or gallamore@golden.net Fair, honest prices. Elmira.
TRADES & SERVICES RON’S DRYWALL AND Renovations. Over 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron. spncr@gmail.com
PLACE AN AD IN OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION TODAY! 519.669.5790 www.observerxtra.com
HELP WANTED
Retail Sales Representative Part Time and Full Time Positions Available
We are seeking an Assistant Store Manager to provide leadership to our retail sales associates and provide a positive brand experience for our customers. This individual will focus on exceeding customer expectations, demonstrating product knowledge and achieving sales targets.
We are seeking a Retail Sales Representative to provide leadership to our retail sales associates and provide a positive brand experience for our customers. This individual will focus on exceeding customer expectations, demonstrating product knowledge and achieving sales targets.
The Assistant Manager will model an awareness of business processes with respect to merchandising, store standards, and profitability. A key component to the position will be to act as a role model for customer experiences by ensuring the execution of the establish service model and inspiring and coaching sales associates to deliver an exceptional brand experience.
Retail Sales Representatives will ensure that a clean, safe and visually stimulating environment is provided to customers by performing daily store duties, maintaining store displays and learning and executing store standards and processes. The role also requires maintaining the store stockroom as you assist in the receiving of merchandise, monitoring inventory levels, and ensure that product is properly displayed and promoted in store.
• A minimum of 2 years leadership and/or management experience ideally in a specialty retail store environment
KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519669-2045.
THE OBSERVER.
The Toy Building Zone located at St. Jacobs Outlet Mall in the Farmers’ Market District, is an independently owned retail store selling exclusively LEGO products.
Required Skills/Qualifications
IN THE OBSERVER
BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS Agricultural Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-6692045.
WANTED
FOR
The Toy Building Zone located at St. Jacobs Outlet Mall in the Farmers’ Market District, is an independently owned retail store selling exclusively LEGO products.
In addition, the position involves collaborating with your peers to formulate new customer offerings and experiences in an effort to promote Toy Building Zone and drive sales.
FIND IT
FARM SERVICES
OPTIMUM ADVERTISING RESULTS…
hr@homehardware.ca
Visit www.homehardware.ca/careers for a listing of all available jobs.
ANTIQUE AUCTION SALE Of Primitives, textiles, pottery, furniture, china & glass, etc. to be held at the K.W. Khaki Club, 2939 Nafziger Rd. 2 miles south of Wellesley, for Ed and Sue Herringer, Paradise Lake, and additions, on Saturday, January 5th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138
FARM SERVICES
LEILA: A newcomer’s take on the holidays
You must have a Class A driver’s license with Z endorsement, a clean Driver’s Abstract and CVOR, and be able to work weekends. You will be required to travel throughout Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec. We offer a competitive salary and great working conditions. If you are interested in becoming part of Home Hardware, please forward your resume, quoting Full-time Truck Driver to: Recruitment, Human Resources, Home Hardware Stores Limited, 34 Henry St. W., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 E-mail: hr@homehardware.ca
AUCTIONS
In addition, the position involves collaborating with your peers to formulate new customer offerings and experiences in an effort to promote Toy Building Zone and drive sales. Required Skills/Qualifications • A minimum of 1-year retail store sales experience
Leila, the alter-ego of Izad Etemadi, has a bit of trouble – and a lot of laughs – getting a handle on the whole Christmas thing in the Green Light Arts presentation now on stage at The Registry Theatre. [SUBMITTED]
• Passionate about retail and selling – especially LEGO!
• Passionate about retail and selling – especially LEGO!
FROM | 22
• Experience with employee training • Scheduling and payroll management
• Work various hours, days, nights and weekends as business dictates
• Excellent organizational and verbal skills
• Excellent organizational and verbal skills
• Cash handling and inventory/sales auditing
• Cash handling
• Point of sale automated systems
• Point of sale automated systems
• Merchandise maintenance and visual merchandising
• Merchandise maintenance and visual merchandising
• Organizing and supervising birthday parties held at the store premises
• Organizing and supervising birthday parties held at the store premises
• Physical specifications ability to lifting at least 10 lbs
• Physical specifications ability to lifting at least 10 lbs
To apply please email your resume to: amarit@schlegelurban.com or hand deliver your resume to reception at Schlegel Urban Development during the hours of 8:30am 4:30pm at 201-325 Max Becker Dr., Kitchener.
To apply please email your resume to: amarit@schlegelurban.com or hand deliver your resume to reception at Schlegel Urban Development during the hours of 8:30am 4:30pm at 201-325 Max Becker Dr., Kitchener.
While not all of Green Light’s shows are suitable for kids, A Very Leila Christmas and it’s occasionally salty language should be fine for older children. “It’s definitely the lightest show of our season. A hundredand-ten per cent of the time, people come and experience the show ... find that they’re enamoured, that they’re swept up,” she laughed.
It’s not surprising that Leila, a newcomer to the country, should find all of the activities around Christmas – the commercialism, the merchandise and all the hype – to be somewhat confusing. It’s easy to get the wrong idea ... and she does. Taking part in her first job as a customer service rep in a call centre during the holiday season, Leila is keen to learn about this “Christmas-thing
Canadians seem to love so much.” To impress a co-worker she promises to throw the ultimate Christmas party, but things get out of hand and the laughs follow. There’s also dancing, singing, tree decorating and sugar cookies in which the audience is encouraged to partake. Leila’s eagerness to join in leads to some “disastrous holiday planning,” that is a recipe for
laughs where the audience is concerned. A Very Leila Christmas runs tonight (Thursday), Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at The Registry Theatre, 122 Frederick St., Kitchener. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students and seniors), available online at www. greenlight-arts.com or at the door an hour before show time.
26 | CLASSIFIED
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
THOMPSON’S
Auto Tech Inc. Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence.
Accredited Test & Repair Facility
519-669-4400 30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
TIRE
WHERE TIRES ARE A
SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.
Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service
Drywall & Taping Painting Flooring Installation
Trim & Moulding Tiling Appliance Installation & much more
FREE ESTIMATES ON ANY SIZE JOB
Over 30 Years Experience
RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL
Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs • Patios Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Steps Decorative/Stamped and Coloured Concrete
CALL US TODAY! 226-220-1196
35 Howard Ave., Elmira
519-669-3232
www.marwilconcrete.ca
519-577-0370
info@martinandmousso.ca | www.martinandmousso.ca
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
“25 years in Business”
ST. JACOBS
GLASS SYSTEMS INC. 1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
• Store Fronts • Thermopanes • Mirrors • Screen Repair • Replacement Windows • Shower Enclosures • Sash Repair TEL:
519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104 FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service
CONSTRUCTION INC.
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial
info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca
(519) 569-0772
Randy Weber
• Commercial & Industrial General Contracting • Specializing in Concrete Work & Excavation • Retaining Walls
ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605
www.rwelectricltd.com 18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462
• • • •
Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases
Concrete Breaking & Removal
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
AMOS INC
R O O F I N G
- Design and build -
AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS
Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016 darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON
• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches
DESIGN CENTRE
KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS
Blinds, shades, drapery & more • Custom cabinetry made in Canada Free In-home consultations • Our experienced designer will help you work within your personal taste and budget
Call someone you can trust - your local Home Hardware
A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years.
Popular Brands Available
WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED
BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN
CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.
22 Church St. W., Elmira
519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114
Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 10-5
In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured
John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs
519-503-6033 (CELL) 519-669-2251
36 Hampton St., Elmira
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
Steve Co.
Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.
Visit our website
www.biobobs.com or call today! 519-648-3004
or
800-232-6396
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
For all your Plumbing Needs.
Save you
by Elite or Mera
In home consultations Wide selection of styles & fabrics
24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi
Blinds
The Right Window Treatment Can
1011 Industrial Crescent St. Clements | 519-699-5411 www.LetUsFloorYou.ca
ELMIRA
519-669-3652
E
Hours: M-F 8:30 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 - 3:00
Evenings By Appointment
GENERAL SERVICES
HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES
HOME COMFOR LMIRA T
FREE
INSTALLATION When you buy 3 or more
YOUR BUSINESS RIGHT HERE. OUTDOOR SERVICES Since 1998
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
(519) 669-4600
APPLIANCES – FURNACES – FIREPLACES AIR CONDITIONERS – WATER HEATERS SPRING SPECIAL ON AIR CONDITIONING TUNE UP $99, INSTALLED FROM $1999 FURNACES INSTALLED FROM $2499 FRIDGES $499, STOVES $399, WASHERS $399, DRYERS $369, FREEZERS $199 Come visit our show room FREE QUOTES 1 Union Street, Elmira
ehc@hotmail.ca (519)-669-4600
Humidity or Heating Issues in Your Home? Give us a call or visit us online.
CALL 519-206-0336
BOOK APPOINTMENTS ONLINE
www.koebelhcm.com
Various sizes & rates
CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call
519-669-4964
100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA
•Final grading •Lawn repair & complete seeding well equipped for large stoney areas •Spike Aerator/Overseeding •Natural & Interlocking Stone •Retaining Walls, Walks & Patios •Help for Top Water & Drainage issue
Murray & Daniel Shantz
ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427
CLASSIFIED | 27
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
REAL ESTATE
Sue From
Alli Bauman
226-750-9332
519-577-6248
SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT
Happy Holidays and All the Best for 2019!
SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT
D L SO
allibauman17@gmail.com
suefrom17@gmail.com
ipsum Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated
$419,900
$899,900
Waterloo - Move-in condition! Close to public schools, U of W & WLU and Conestoga College. This home is perfect for investors, first time buyers & young families alike. The basement includes space to be used as bedrooms OR recreation OR office & separate walk out to the side yard!! Lots of possibilities! New Roof in 2010, Furnace 2012, A/C 2017, Window 2012, Shed 2016, basement finished with spray foam insulation & fireproofing right into the crawl space in 2012. The fridge, stove & dishwasher are all included as well as the brand new washer, dryer & Ecobee thermostat.
Drayton - A rare opportunity to own a custom built bungalow in a picturesque country setting only 30 minutes to KW. This meticulously maintained home has an open concept feel and is finished from top to bottom. With the sprawling island, formal living room, family room and main floor laundry, this home has been well thought out. Entertaining is a breeze in this huge rec room, two bedrooms and an office in the basement. In addition to the single garage, the 24X24 ft detached workshop will impress. Call today to visit this property!
3 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5426
SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION.
BROKERAGE
R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office:
519-669-2772 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira www.thurrealestate.com
BRAD MARTIN
JULIE HECKENDORN
Broker of Record, MVA Residential Res: 519.669.1068
Broker
Cell: 519.588.7562
LET OUR 60+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU! BUR OAK, ELMIRA
Shanna
Want to retire in comfort? You’ll enjoy these custom built townhomes with everything on the main floor! Gas fireplaces, tray ceiling in liv.room, quality windows, hardwood and ceramics. Custom kitchens w/island & lots of cabinetry & granite countertops.. your choice on the finishing touches! One end unit available. EXCLUSIVE. Prices start at $499,900
Rozema
BROKER
Bonnie
Brubacher
A portion of each sale commission is donated to The Woolwich Community Services.
BROKER
3.59 ACRE COUNTRY PROPERTY - DRAYTON AREA
From $499,900
HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO…
8 BUNTING PLACE, ELMIRA
NEW LISTING! HAWKESVILLE - WORK FROM HOME OPPORTUNITY
$549,000 OPPORTUNITY awaits to make this your dream country home, Spacious 2 Storey, with walk-outs on both levels, 3 + bedrooms, gas fireplace, gas appliances. Double Garage + detached workshop/garage, small barn with hydro and water and a storage/shelter building. Picturesque views both Westerly and Easterly directions. NEW MLS.
Huge 58x220 lot backing to open space! Original owners in this custom built backsplit. 3br + den, 2 bath. Country kitch.walk out to two tier deck, family room walk out on grade to fenced inground pool. Formal LR/DR. Unfinished lower level waiting your design. Shows well! MLS
$569,900 $719,000 How convenient to have the
opportunity to purchase this 6800 sq ft shop right across the street on its own 1/2 acre lot. 25' and 8' ceiling height, 2nd floor office, fireplace, board & batten exterior and cedar shake roof. 800 sq ft mezzanine, overhead crane and Picture perfect private setting. 4 level backsplit with an abundance of windows, walkouts and inground pool. MLS more. MLS
$749,000 Inviting cottage feeling home with fieldstone
CALL FOR YOUR
FREE MARKET EVALUATION
PARADIGM ELMIRA HOMES
$409,000 ELMIRA Bungalow on a fantastic 61' x 135' lot. Very well
maintained with many updates already completed. Walking distance to schools, recreation and downtown. Amazing price for a detached home in Elmira. It may be worth your visit. MLS
ONLY ONE UNIT REMAINING IN THE FIRST PHASE OF TOWN HOMES! Base Price includes finished basement $492,000. 2+1 bedroom, 3 full bathrooms, central air conditioning, gas fireplace, hardwood & ceramic flrs, custom kitchen with island, master ensuite, main floor laundry, walkout + more! EXCLUSIVE
WANT TO SELL? CALL US TODAY TO FIND OUT WHAT YOUR PROPERTY IS WORTH! ELMIRA OFFICE: 519-669-3192 | www.YourFamilyTeam.ca | 90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4
FAMILY ALBUM DEADLINE WEDNESDAY BY 10 AM CALL 519-669-5790 EXT 104 OR email: drudy@woolwichobserver.com
PRINTING SERVICES
ALWAYS . LOCAL. INDEPE INDEPE NDENT . ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS ALWAYS . LOCAL. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. INDEPE INDEPE INDEPE INDEPE NDENT . ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS ALWAYS . LOCAL. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. INDEPE INDEPE INDEPE INDEPE INDEPE NDENT . ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS . LOCAL. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. INDEPE INDEPE INDEPE INDEPE NDENT . ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS NDENT. ALWAYS NDENT. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. . LOCAL. INDEPE INDEPE NDENT ND ENT. . ALWAYS . LOCAL.
2018 MEDIA KIT
The results of doing nothing. Have your business hopping. Advertise locally.
Rates effec May 2018 tive follow us
The Obser
ver
20-B Arthur St. N. Elmira, ON N3B 1Z9 43.600 9337, -80.55 67690
Call us: 519-669-5790 x104
Phone
& Fax
Phone: 519.669.5790 Fax: 519.66 9.5753 Toll Free: 1.888.9 66.594
Online
2
Email 1: ads@w oolwic hobser Websit e: https:/ ver.com /obser verxtra Twitter : @wool .com wichne ws
28 | CLASSIFIED
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAST; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”
Community Information Page NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION AND PUBLIC MEETING Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. Township Council Chambers 24 Church Street West, Elmira Take Notice that in accordance with the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as amended, the Township of Woolwich has received complete applications for the following proposed Zone Change applications more specifically described below. This notice will summarize the details of the applications and includes location maps. Please be advised that Notice of a Complete Application does not indicate whether the municipality is in support of, or in opposition to the proposal. That determination will be made at a later date. The Township of Woolwich will hold a Public Meeting, under Sections 34 of the Planning Act, to consider the following Zone Change applications. No decisions will be made at this meeting; its purpose is to provide additional information to the public and agencies and to receive comments and information from them. ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 15/2018 - Rudy and Maria Briski The property is located at 5070 Fountain Street North, MAP 1 Breslau (see Map 1) and described as Part Lot 116 German Company Tract. The property is designated Rural Land Use and Restricted Land Use Area in the Township Official Plan and is zoned Agricultural with site specific provisions permitting a mobile home (garden suite), by Temporary Use By-law. The 2.9 hectare property is developed with a single detached dwelling, garden suite and accessory building. The purpose of the application is to extend the / Temporary Use By-law for an additional three year period to allow the garden suite to remain on the property. The garden suite is currently occupied by the applicants daughter. ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 16/2018 - Elmer and Karen Zettel The property is located at 195 St. Charles Street West, MAP 2 Township of Woolwich (see Map 2) and described as Part Lot 75 German Company Tract. The property is designated Rural Land Use and Restricted Land Use Area in the Township Official Plan and is zoned Agricultural with site specific provisions permitting a mobile home (garden suite), by Temporary Use Bylaw. The 0.4 hectare property is developed with a single detached dwelling, garden suite and accessory building. / The purpose of the application is to extend the Temporary Use By-law for an additional three year period to allow the garden suite to remain on the property. The garden suite is currently occupied by Mrs. Zettel’s sister. ZONE CHANGE APPLICATION 17/2018 - Allen Sauder The property is located at 1172 New Jerusalem Road, MAP 3 Township of Woolwich (see Map 3) and described as Part Lot 33 German Company Tract, Part 1 Plan 58R4543. The property is designated Rural Land Use and Restricted Land Use Area in the Township Official Plan and is zoned Agricultural with a site specific provision permitting a mobile home, by Temporary Use By-law. The 22 hectare property is developed with a single detached dwelling, mobile home, buggy shed, drive shed, greenhouses, honey house and livestock buildings. / The purpose of the application is to extend the Temporary Use By-law for an additional three year period to allow the mobile home to remain BRESLAU
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Region of Waterloo International Airport
FO
SUBJECT PROPERTY 5070 Fountain St N
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Grand River
City of Kitchener
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P.O. Box 158
24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6
Phone:
519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820
After Hours Emergency:
519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca
on the property for farm help purposes. The mobile home is currently occupied by the applicants son and daughter-in-law. Please Note: APPEAL RIGHTS TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Township of Woolwich to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of Woolwich before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision. AND TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Township of Woolwich before the by-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party. NOTIFICATION: If you cannot attend the meeting, you can express your concerns/comments about the proposed change in writing to the Township of Woolwich. Any comments received on or before January 8, 2019 (Note that this date is before the public meeting) will be included in a report prepared by Engineering and Planning Services and presented at the Public Meeting. Any comments received after the Public Meeting, but prior to Council making a decision on the applications, will also be considered. The personal information accompanying your submission is being collected under the authority of the Planning Act and may form part of the public record which may be released to the public. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings. Please note that while the Committee of the Whole and Council may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Records and Freedom of Information Officer at 519-669-1647 or 1-877-969-0094 ext. 6005. MORE INFORMATION: The public may view planning documents and background material relating to this application at the Township of Woolwich, Engineering and Planning Services Department between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, or on the Township website at www.woolwich.ca . Questions or written submissions may be directed to: Township of Woolwich Engineering and Planning Services Department Box 158, 24 Church Street West Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 Dated at the Township of Woolwich this 20th day of December, 2018.
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SUBJECT PROPERTY 195 St. Charles St W
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WEBERLY
SAW MIL L
BSE Electrical Contractors Elmira Lions Club Good Auto Parts Elmira Insurance Elmira Pet Products Josslin Insurance Programmed Insurance Brokers/RWAM
Pumps Plus St. Jacobs Printery Township of Woolwich Council Toyota Boshoku Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council Woolwich Community Lions
LEM RD
SUBJECT PROPERTY 1172 New Jerusalem Rd
NORTHFIELD DR E
NEW JER USA
THANK YOU to the following businesses and organizations for their generous sponsorship of Free Holiday Swims and Skates at the Woolwich Memorial Centre:
We would also like to thank Canadian Tire for our big, beautiful Christmas Tree!
Please stop by the Woolwich Memorial Centre to pick up the holiday schedule of free skates/swims or visit us online at www.woolwich.ca
CLASSIFIED | 29
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.�
OBITUARY
P.O. Box 158
24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6
Gary Bowman It is with heavy hearts that Wayne & Brenda announce the passing of their son Gary, due to a tragic accident.
Township of Woolwich – Animal Control Services Update
Dear brother to Woody (Greg) & Jen of B.C., Tammy Dougherty and her daughters Kendra & Carmen of Waterloo. Grandson of Evelyn Bowman of Elora. Remembered by many Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
The Township of Woolwich has contracted the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society to provide animal control, dog licensing, shelter services and by-law enforcement for the municipality. Call the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society for Animal Protection Services Residents of the Township should call the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society at 519-745-5615 for the following:
A “Meet & Greet� for family & friends will be held on Jan. 5, 2019 at Elmira Legion from 1-4 p.m.
• to report by-law violations (except barking dogs – see below) • to report stray animals Phone: 519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820 After Hours Emergency: 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca • to report a lost pet • to report a found pet • to report injured animals • to report a dog bite • to report a dead domestic animal • to report dead wildlife (dead wildlife on public property is collected at no charge)
In memory: Please go treat YOURSELF to something today. Life’s too short!!!
Call the Township of Woolwich for Barking Dogs
Barking dogs are considered a noise violation and are handled by Township By-law Enforcement Services or the police. If you are experiencing a disturbance in the Township of Woolwich and are looking to report a noise complaint, please call 519-669-6009. Please note that all complaints are made confidentially, and that the Township is unable to investigate complaints where the location of the dog is unknown.
DEATH NOTICES
BIRTHDAY
Friends, relatives, neighbours and former customers
2019 Dog Tags Available Now
SCHMIDT, NANCY Passed away peacefully at Derbecker’s Heritage House in St. Jacobs on Saturday, December 15, 2018 in her 90th year. Born on June 23, 1928.
Dog tags must be purchased annually or within 21 days of moving into the Township. The fees for dog tags are $26 neutered/spayed or $37 non-neutered/spayed which increases by $15.00 after March 1st and expire December 31st. Renewing your dog tags annually keeps your contact information and address up-to-date so your pet can be returned should they ever be lost.
THOMAN, ALMA MARY (nee Pope) - It is with heavy hearts we announce our mother’s passing at Innisfree House, Kitchener, on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the age of 76.
You can buy tags by cash or cheque at the following locations: • Creature Comfort Pet Emporium (1553 King Street N., St. Jacobs) • Eldale Vet Clinic (150 Church Street W, Elmira) • Pet Valu (315 Arthur Street S., Elmira) • Breslau Animal Hospital (2057 Victoria Street N., Breslau)
You can buy tags by cash, cheque or debit at the following Township buildings: • • • •
Administration Office (24 Church Street W., Elmira) Breslau Community Centre (100 Andover Drive, Breslau) Woolwich Memorial Centre (24 Snyder Avenue S., Elmira) Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (250 Riverbend Drive, Kitchener)
Please come and help me celebrate Romie’s 95th birthday at an open house on Sunday Dec. 30 at the Maryhill Community Centre, 58 St. Charles St. E., Maryhill from 2-4
REC CORNER Tuesday January 1st Wednesday January 2nd
Woolwich Memorial Centre is pleased to be hosting the 2019 Provincial Curling Championships! • Men’s Recharge with Milk Tankard January 27th--February 3rd, 2019 • Women’s Scotties Tournament of Hearts January 27th- February 3rd, 2019 Please note that there may be limited parking at the Woolwich Memorial Centre and some programs will be cancelled for the week. Check www.woolwich.ca for updates. For more information on the Championships and how to get involved check out www.elmiracurlingclub.ca
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
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CROSSWORD PUZZLER
We are hiring summer camp staff! Join our AMAZING Camp staff team as a Full or Part Time Camp Leader, or Full Time Camp Coordinator! See the job posting and more details at https:// www.woolwich.ca/en/township-services/Careers-and-Volunteering.aspx.
IN THE OBSERVER
SUDOKU CHALLENGE
All Township Facilities CLOSED. Family Swim 10am-12:55pm, Free Public Skate 2 - 3:30 pm Sponsored by Pumps Plus Thursday January 3rd Public Swim 1:15 - 3:15 pm Free Public Skate 1:30 - 3:30pm Sponsored by Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention. Friday January 4th Family Swim 10 am-12:55 pm, Noon Skate 12 -1:00 pm. Thursday January 10th Seniors Lunch in Breslau $6 per person. Call 519-664-1900. Friday January 11 Together in Heidelberg returns to the Heidelberg Community Centre 9:30 -11:30 am. Friday January 11th & 25th Aquamat Fitness Class 8:45 - 9:30pm and 9:30 - 10:15 pm Register in advance: $12/16 & under, $13.56/16+years. January 14 - 18 Home & Wellness Show 2019 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Vendor information available. January 25 Only one week left to register for the Seniors Information Fair. Call 519-664-1900 or 1-855-664-1900 to register. Winter Break Camp January 2nd-4th 9:00 am-4:00 pm Campers ages 5-12 will skate, swim, and play both indoors and out! $44/child (per day) Lunch option available for $9/day. Registration for winter programs and swimming lessons is now open! See all of our program offerings and register online at https://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/woolwich/Home.
FIND IT
Mary Voisin
FAMILY ALBUM DEADLINE WEDNESDAY BY 10 AM
Community Information Page
FAMILY ALBUM
30 | LIVING HERE
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
LIVING HERE SEASON’S GREETINGS / THE WAY WE WERE
Putting it on paper
CHEF’S TABLE/ DIERRE ACHESON
The digital age has largely done in Christmas cards, but there’s a long history to the tradition VERONICA REINER SOCIAL MEDIA AND EMAIL mailing lists make it quick and easy to share holiday greetings today. For a century and a half before the emergence of the Internet, however, we relied on printed Christmas cards and even postcards for sharing best wishes with others. The ritual of writing out cards, addressing envelopes, affixing stamps and dropping a bundle into the nearest postal box already seems antiquated after just a generation. The rise of technology contributed to a rapid decline in a tradition that dates back to the middle of the 19th century, as more people opt to send e-cards, e-mails, or publish family portraits on social media rather than send Christmas cards through the post. In fact, traditional cards are already something of a piece of history. “Because of Facebook and social media that we have today, it’s easy,” said Karen Richardson, curator of the Haldimand County Museum. “Just put that picture up on Facebook, wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and you know everybody’s going to see it. All your family and friends, because they’re all connected now.” The instantaneous and cheaper method of social media has made posting more convenient for the average person. But histor-
‘Tis the season for some treats RECIPE NOTES
Former Waterloo Region Museum manager Tom Reitz holds up a postcard depicting the inside of a St. Jacobs church in the early 1900s. ically, expressions of goodwill were sent through different mediums. The creation of postcards goes all the way back to 1840 when writer Theodore Hook sent one to himself in London. The more traditional Christmas card, specifically wishing ‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’, was developed shortly thereafter in 1843 by English illustrator John Horsley. Tom Reitz, the former
longtime manager of the Waterloo Region Museum, notes that those historical mementos echo modernday text messages. “For those who do have their own messages, whether they’re Christmas cards or any kind of card, they kind of read like text messages today that people send,” said Reitz. “They’re quick – ‘Coming on the noon train. Meet me.’ or ‘Merry Christmas.’ Sometimes there are long
messages, about health or life on the farm or whatever’s going on. But at the same time, they do seem to be these really quick messages.” “They’re always brief, but they say a lot,” added Richardson. The cheap cost of these postcards made them globally popular, with the emergence of the “Penny Post” in the 19th century. “They were about a penny to buy and penny
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, we wish all our customers, suppliers and friends a joyous season and a happy new year. If you ever have any vehicle concerns throughout the holidays we are only a phone call away. Merry Christmas! – Leroy’s Auto Care
[VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]
postage to send within the country,” said Reitz. “Two cents across the border. So I think it was one of those things – it became this popular thing to collect and to send.” “With the coloured lithographs, it was cheaper to produce, so that made it more affordable for everybody,” added Richardson. “It was very popular between the 1890s, 1900s right CARDS | 32
COOKIES, COOKIES, COOKIES! IT’S the time of year for treats galore, and thousands of cookies have been made this month in the Never Enough Thyme kitchen. Our decorated cookies and “Cookies for Hope” have been occupying our ovens and raising money for the HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre – we’ve raised $500 so far. Our catering department has been bursting at the seams preparing for many large groups locally, and we feel very fortunate to be thought of for so many special events. Thankfully our talented kitchen at the Northfield Racquet Club has done a wonderful job keeping our dips, dressings and cheese ball stocked. During these times it is a challenge to keep the shelves full; it just never stops during the holiday season. We are in the last week of Christmas bliss before we start to think of the New Year – seems crazy to think we are about to CHEF’S TABLE | 33
Two locations in Elmira to serve you better
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Tel: (519) 669-1082
www.leroysautocare.net
Accredited Test & Repair Facility
LIVING HERE | 31
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
Vacuum Sales,
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Repairs
Rugs and Upholstery
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COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
West Montrose, ON
T. 519.669.2033
COLLEEN
Cell: 519.581.7868
ELMIRA LEGION’S TURKEY DINNER at 6 p.m. Served upstairs at the Legion Hall. $10/person.
SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT Breslau Community Centre at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship, $7. Please call 519664-1900 by noon January 7 to sign up.
DECEMBER 31 NEW YEAR DANCE AT the Elmira Legion. 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., $20/person. Late lunch provided. Doors open at 8 p.m.
COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR
JANUARY 9 WOOLWICH SENIORS’ ASSOCIATION MONTHLY Book Club. Join us at the Woolwich Memorial Centre at 10 a.m. This month’s book is “Barney’s Version” by Canadian author Mordecai Richler. For more information call 519-669-2643. Come on out and join the conversation.
M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD. • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication
SENIORS’ COMMUNITY DINING AT Calvary United Church, St. Jacobs at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch, fellowship and entertainment, $12. Please Call 519-664-1900 by noon January 7 to sign up.
MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS
519.669.5105
9 Church St. E., Elmira
519-669-8362
JANUARY 10
UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE CUP RINGETTE Championship. Bring the family out to watch at the Woolwich Memorial Centre December 27 to 31. Full schedule available at www.canadianuniversityringette.ca. Free admission.
Cardlock Fuel Management
E-MAIL: ads@woolwichobserver.com
DECEMBER 21
DECEMBER 27
Truck & Trailer Maintenance
www.elmiravacuumelectrical.ca
JANUARY 16 SENIORS’ LUNCH CLUB AT Wellesley Community Centre at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship, $7. Please call 519-664-1900 by noon January 14 to sign up.
JANUARY 21 SENIORS’ LUNCH CLUB AT Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship,. $7. Please call 519-664-1900 by noon January 17 to sign up.
JANUARY 23 SENIORS’ COMMUNITY DINING AT Linwood Community Centre at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch, fellowship and entertainment, $12. Please call 519-664-1900 by noon January 21 to sign up.
JANUARY 26 SPAGHETTI DINNER & SALAD Bar at The Elmira Legion. Two sittings - 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Legion 519-669-2932. Adults $10; Children 5 -10 yrs. $4. Under 5 yrs. $2.
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Education and Treatment
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519-669-9919
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charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira
P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA
SUBMIT AN EVENT The Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local community events that are offered free to the
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Service Se
public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and the like do not qualify in this section. 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TOTAL
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HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS
Bus: 519.744.5433
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Home: 519.747.4388
Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,
YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS
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healthywoolwich.org New to the Community? Do you have a new Baby? It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess. Elmira & Surrounding Area
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PLACES OF FAITH | A DIRECTORY OF LOCAL HOUSES OF WORSHIP
7//$3)$%
9OU RE )NVITED 4HIS 3UNDAY 35.$!9 3%26)#%3
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10:15 am: Worship
St. James Pastor: Hans J.W. Borch Lutheran Proclaiming Christ through Church Love and Service 60 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-5591
Worship: 9:30am Elmira Mennonite Fourth Sunday in Advent Church Jonathan Brubacher preaching
Dec 24, 7pm – Christmas Eve choir, drama & carols. It’s the 200th anniversary of “Silent Night”. All are welcome.
58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123
Sunday, Dec 23rd 10:30 am
I Have Come Discovering God Together
Speaker: Ron Seabrooke
4522 Herrgott Rd., Wallenstein www.wbconline.ca • 519-669-2319
Service at 10:30am Rev. Paul Snow
Healthy Communities WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591
NURSERY PROVIDED
Spread the word, advertise your service here every week.
REACH WITH LOVE. TEACH THE TRUTH. SEND IN POWER.
Zion Mennonite Fellowship 9:30 am Sunday School 10: 45 am Worship Service 47 Arthur St., S. Elmira • 519-669-3153 zionmenno.com
KEEP FAITH ALIVE, ADVERTISE HERE.
[ sundays 10:30am ] www.ecelmira.com | 519.669.5030 2 First St W, Elmira
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REACH OUT. www.OBSERVERXTRA.com
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Woolwich
11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS
9OU !RE )NVITED
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VERMONT Castings
652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo
The place to get involved.
To place an ad, or learn more, call Donna Rudy
519-669-5790 ext. 104
32 | LIVING HERE
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
CARDS: A piece of history, and a practice being lost to the digital age FROM | 30
up until lately when the Internet kind of took over.” In fact, postcards were so popular that some decided to keep and collect them as a hobby, rather than to mail them out. There is an entire subculture dedicated to those who collect and study postcards, known as deltiology. The phrase was coined in the 1940s and is the third-largest collecting hobby after stamp and coin collecting. “They might have
tucked them in a gift, they might have put them in an envelope,” said Reitz. “Or, they just collected them because it was a fad, kind of like baseball cards or hockey cards. People collected postcards.” Businesses were even created to profit from the postcard craze. “There were specifically postcard stores,” said Reitz. “Racks and racks of postcards – every kind of postcard you can imagine. Because people collected and traded them, there
was a market for that kind of store.” What was featured on these postcards was wideranging. Some had simple generic expressions of goodwill; others had the whole family accompanied by the life updates of each member in the past year, or children posing with a mall Santa. The First World War (1914-1918) and Second World War (1939-1945) eras came with their own unique, specially designed set of postcards.
“It was a very popular time to send postcards overseas because it was something simple and easy, and could put it in their packages and that kind of thing,” said Richardson. “They actually developed a whole series of World War I postcards for Christmas. “Sometimes they were from the battalion. For example, we have here the 114th Haldimand Battalion. There was a specific card made that would say ‘Seasons Greetings from
An example of a Christmas card from the early part of last century, when the post was the way to send holiday greetings.
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Haldimand 114th.’ Almost every Battalion all across Ontario did that.” Other times a card would be sent to a spouse in the military, wishing them goodwill during the difficult period. More recently, the exact dates of each postcard could be tracked using a feature online. Postcards do still make an appearance in the present-day, although not as frequently in the traditional sense. Many libraries, historical societies, and genealogical societies collect postcards, as it provides a little snapshot into the past; painting a picture
of how a specific area once looked. Though largely supplanted by digital alternatives, the classic Christmas card still makes an appearance, along with the other paper-based trappings of the holiday – Canadians spent $98.7 million on stationery, office supplies, cards, gift wrap, and party supplies as recently as December 2016. Displayed on mantles and perhaps tucked away in a shoebox for posterity, the traditional greeting card is likely to have a place, if only as a connection to the past and as a glimpse of our history.
YOU DO YOUR BEST TO SAVE MONEY. The Home Assistance Program (HAP) is here to help you and improve your home comfort.
Appliances, lights, and other household items that are old and out of date can make your electricity costs more expensive. The Home Assistance Program (HAP) offers FREE energy efficient upgrades and an in-home visit with an energy expert to help save you money and make your home more comfortable.
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POWER WHAT’S NEXT
Call 1-855-591-0877 or visit SaveOnEnergy.ca/HAP to see if you qualify. If you participate in the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) you automatically qualify for HAP. Subject to additional terms and conditions found at SaveOnEnergy.ca. TM Trademark of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under license.
5 Dunke St. N,
ELMIRA 519-669-2901 nwvethospital.com
LIVING HERE | 33
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
CHEF’S TABLE: Time for a few indulgences
FROM | 30
say hello to 2019. Happy holidays from our kitchen to yours!
Double Chocolate Snowquakes
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa 2 tsp. baking powder 3/4 tsp. salt 1/2 cup softened butter 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup sugar 2 large eggs, room temperature 1 tsp. vanilla 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1-1/2 cups milk chocolate chips 1 cup icing sugar
Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in bowl, set aside. Cream together in a mixer the butter, brown and white sugars until light and fluffy. Add one egg at a time, then vanilla. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to fully combine the butter and eggs together and avoid lumps. Add the flour mixture in thirds until fully combined. Do not over-mix. Add the chocolate chips. Place dough in bowl in the fridge for an hour. Preheat oven to 350F.
AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS
Use a tablespoon to measure out the dough. Roll into balls, toss into icing sugar and coat in the icing sugar – just a few at a time. Once rolled, place onto a large parchment-lined cookie sheet about 2-1/2 inches apart. Bake in oven at 350F until puffy – it will show cracks, about 10 minutes. Allow to cool before storing in an airtight container.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Never Enough Thyme Catering Inc. was created with one thought in mind ... to create more thyme! Enjoy our food shop, specialty cakes and catering. 83A Arthur St. S., Elmira. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Marilyn Hartung and guests enjoy her Victorian-styled Christmas cottage in Wellesley, designed to reflect the year 1914. It takes Hartung about a month to fully decorate for a tradition that’s continued for some 10 years. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]
ELMIRA BLOOD DONOR CLINIC
Give Blood … to save lives. THE ELMIRA BLOOD DONOR CLINIC ANNOUNCEMENTS ARE BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE FOLLOWING COMMUNITY-MINDED BUSINESSES:
22 Church St. W Elmira
519-669-5353
Breakfast • Coffee • Soups • Sandwiches • Donuts • Muffins • Bread • Pies • Cookies
OPEN 7am to Midnight | 7 DAYS A WEEK
Hours: Mon to Sat 6am to 5:30pm | Closed Sundays & Holidays
315 Arthur St. S., Elmira • 519-669-5403
• Fabrics • Men's Wear • Ladies Coats • China • Glass Ware Farm - Auto - Truck - Industrial and we have On-the-farm service
2192 Floradale Rd. ~ Floradale, On.
35 Howard Ave. • 519-669-3232
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MODULAR BUILDINGS MOVING & LEASING
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DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Call for Details
SANYO CANADIAN The Quality You Demand, the Service You Deserve.
Mon. Closed · Tues.-Fri. 8-6 · Sat. 8-5
The Next Elmira Clinic: Friday, Dec 28th, 2018 from 2 pm - 7:30 pm at Lion's Hall, Elmira
Arthur, ON • 519-848-3113 • 877-669-1440 www.martindrainage.com
MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED
33 Industrial Dr. • 519-669-1591
ELECTRICAL WHOLESALE
ELECTRIC MOTORS | GENERATORS | AUTOMATION CONTROL
63 Union St., Elmira • 519-669-1842
1.800.265.6126 |
Various sizes & rates
CLEAN • DRY • SECURE 100 South Field Dr. • 519-669-4964
THANK-YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY. YOUR DONATION HELPS SAVE LIVES IN YOUR COMMUNITY. LIFE–IT’S IN YOU TO GIVE.
CALL 1 888 2 DONATE for more information or to book an appointment. Visit www.blood.ca
34 | LIVING HERE
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
STRANGE BUT TRUE / BILL & RICH SONES PH.D.
With languages going extinct at a quickening rate, why not a museum to house them? WEIRD NOTES
Q. The United Nations has
declared 2019 the â&#x20AC;&#x153;International Year of Indigenous Languages.â&#x20AC;? What is its purpose, and what role does technology have here?
A. People use language to preserve their history, customs and traditions, memory and more, yet languages are becoming extinct at an alarming rate, says Stephen Iraraki in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Forbesâ&#x20AC;? magazine. Enter artificial intelligence (AI), which is becoming â&#x20AC;&#x153;more important than ever in the fight to save endangered languages.â&#x20AC;? Jason Lovell, for example, co-founded a Facebook Messenger chatbox â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reobotâ&#x20AC;? powered by IBM Watson AI that understands â&#x20AC;&#x153;te
reo Maori,â&#x20AC;? New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indigenous language, and answers users in both that language and English. Soon, pronunciation help will let learners converse in te reo Maori wherever they are during the day. Also, a team of researchers has developed Opie, a low-cost, easily transportable robot to teach Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indigenous languages to children living in remote communities. And, working with Google, the team has developed machine-learning technology to transcribe and build AI models for indigenous languages, thereby saving linguists millions of hours of transcription time. Additionally, First Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cultural Council, working to revitalize indigenous languages and culture in British Columbia, has created a First Voices platform with a keyboard app so that users can
type in over 100 indigenous languages on any app in their mobile devices. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Futurist Thomas Fey envisions a global language archive as a living museum, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Louvre of Languages,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; where even extinct languages can be learned.â&#x20AC;? Q. What is the possible link between Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grand Canyon and Tasmanian rocks in Australia? And how might it help solve an ancient geological jigsaw puzzle?
A. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To peer into the Grand Canyon is to behold, in the rock layers, a record of Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distant past,â&#x20AC;? says Lucas Joel in â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Scientistâ&#x20AC;? magazine. Of special interest to Australian geologist Jack Mulder are the most ancient layers in the sequence â&#x20AC;&#x201D; rocks some 1.2 billion years old that look just like similarly ancient rocks in Tasmania. Further study has
sphere â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the southern African coastlines, the rocky beaches of Chile and Peru, New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s South Island â&#x20AC;&#x201D; though two species call Antarctica home. Their name may have derived from the Welsh word for â&#x20AC;&#x153;white head.â&#x20AC;? Can you name those birds?
shown that these rocks â&#x20AC;&#x153;contain minerals with the same â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;geochemical fingerprintâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as those in the Grand Canyon,â&#x20AC;? suggesting that Tasmania must have been attached to the western United States at one time in the distant past. Now more on the puzzle: About a billion years ago, all of Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continental plates formed a single supercontinent called Rodinia, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been difficult to discern how todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s continents would have fit together, given the enormous time lapse. The critical clue: The Tasmanian discovery provides â&#x20AC;&#x153;clear evidence that North America and Australia were linked together at the time.â&#x20AC;? Q. They loom large in pop culture but were once even physically bigger, with several extinct species the size of a 200-pound human. They reside largely in the Southern Hemi-
A. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re penguins, of course, and regardless of size, all of them have the same body features, with wings that have evolved into flippers and dense bones to counter buoyancy, says Gemma Tarlach in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Discoverâ&#x20AC;? magazine. Their feathers are uniquely adapted for swimming in chilly water, but unlike other birds that undergo gradual molting, penguins experience â&#x20AC;&#x153;catastrophicâ&#x20AC;? molting in which their old feathers are rapidly lost and replaced. The speed is important because, â&#x20AC;&#x153;during this weekslong transi-
tion, the birdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; coats are not waterproof and they must stay on land, going hungry.â&#x20AC;? (So beforehand, penguins head far out to sea and eat, putting on as much weight as they can.) As to their name, reportedly a 16th-century Welsh sailor noticed a black-andwhite aquatic bird as his ship was exploring South Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Strait of Magellan. Thinking it resembled a giant auk, he called it a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pen gwyn,â&#x20AC;? (â&#x20AC;&#x153;white headâ&#x20AC;?), the Welsh name for the giant bird. But he was mistaken. And although the auk went extinct in the mid-19th century, the name â&#x20AC;&#x153;penguinâ&#x20AC;? now denotes a completely unrelated bird.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS Bill is a journalist, Rich holds a doctorate in physics. Together the brothers bring you â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strange But True.â&#x20AC;? Send your questions to strangetrue@compuserve.com.
OBSERVER CROSSWORD PUZZLER ACROSS 1. Hiding place 5. Mojave plant 10. Chasers 15. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ on Down the Roadâ&#x20AC;? 16. Needle-shaped 17. Dugout, for one 18. Post-toast sound 20. Piece of land 21. Have an impact on 22. Purple Arrowroot, for one 24. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dilbertâ&#x20AC;? cartoonist Scott Adams has one: Abbr. 25. Bright red 27. Blood carrier 29. Easter flower 31. Jail, slangily 32. â&#x20AC;&#x153;20/20â&#x20AC;? network 35. Goes bad
37. Turingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crypto computer 39. Dairy airs? 41. Irish mother 42. Summer cooler 45. Muscle 46. Blocks 48. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t go!â&#x20AC;? 51. A pint, maybe 52. Dweller on the Red Sea 53. ___ orange 55. Barbershop quartet members 56. Tsarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife 57. Asian mountain pass 59. Half a matched set 60. Occupy a point in space 61. Afflict 63. Barbershop call 64. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mi chiamano Mimi,â&#x20AC;? for example 65. Indian bread
DOWN 1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hold on a ___!â&#x20AC;? 2. After-bath powder 3. ___ Minor 4. Medicinal plant 5. Appear 6. Regional ancestry 7. Kuwaiti, e.g. 8. Not shy 9. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Câ&#x20AC;&#x2122;___ la vie!â&#x20AC;? 11. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oâ&#x20AC;? in old radio lingo 12. Informant 13. Pelvic bones 14. Acetylene, systematically speaking 19. Bow 21. Culinary herb 23. Jack-in-the-pulpit, e.g. 25. Artery problems 26. Door part 28. Business person 30. Candytufts
33. Half a Pacific paradise 34. Certain pitch 36. Locale 38. Operatic villains, often 40. Amberboa moschata 43. Copper 44. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Roots,â&#x20AC;? e.g. 47. Fat letters 49. Prepare leather 50. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Absolutely!â&#x20AC;? 52. Half a returning toy 53. Logical operator 54. Turkish officer honorific 58. Classical Greek courtesan 62. S. African cormous plants 63. Not a Number
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LIVING HERE | 35
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2018
As 2018 draws to a close, we reflect on the year that has passed by acknowledging the following staff for their dedication and contribution to the success of our organization.
Heather Aguiar
Judy Charles
Laura Kindrat
Sue McKay
Kevin Pfeiffer
Elaine Racey
Caren Watchorn
Jen Bettke
Jane Leung
Derek Martin
Lynn Martin
Mike Sanderson
Roxanne Schott
Kelly Smith
Christine Weigel
Dorothy Batchelor
Evelyn Downey
Cindy Erb
Brian Kinnear
Lisa Plant
Rosemarie Simon
Dianne Benninger
Lissa-Marie Brossard
Ryan Desjardins
Miranda Habschied
Levi Jeles
Linda Robertson
35+ Year Members
Bruce Burnham 1980 Diann Hollebrandse 1980
30+ Year Members Mike Shantz 1984 Christine Bradley 1985 Judy Bell 1985 Karen Horn 1986 Dave Speir 1986 Krystyna Werner 1987
25+ Year Members Charles Wood 1989 Dale Enns 1989 Dan Galloway 1989 Lesa Martin 1989 Todd Edwards 1990 Carole Yari 1991 Joan Orser 1992
20+ Year Members
Lisa Demerling 1994 Margaret Schuiling 1994 Pat Nowak 1994 Kari Ryan 1994 Dave Ryan 1994
20+ Year cont...
Monica Shantz 1994 Mark Bannon 1994 Linda Hergott 1994 Cheryl Kruschel 1995 Tina Hanley 1995 Bob Dobson 1995 Deanna Batchelor 1996 Darlene Shantz 1996 Doug Snoddy 1996 Joan Winkler 1996 Laura Kerr 1997 Marleigh Sack 1997 Tammy Martin 1998
15+ Year Members
Tammy McBay 1999 Kathy Service 1999 Susan Densmore 1999 Salena Booth 1999 Martin Kent 1999 Peggyann MacMillan 1999 Stephen Lewis 1999 Mike Benjamins 1999 Carole-Anne Mighton 1999 Nancy Miller 2000 Sandy Snider 2000 Danielle Mokren 2000
15+ Year cont...
Cathy Armstrong 2000 Adam Straus 2000 Mark Shanks 2000 Dan Nguyen 2000 Donna Martin 2001 Sarah Hunt 2001 Lea Pender 2001 Jacqueline McKinnon 2001 Shauna Schiel 2001 Sheryl Oke-Infanti 2001 Gabrielle Hoffmann 2001 Keri Straus 2001 Julia Martin 2001 Monika Rath 2002 Sheila Evans 2002 Andrea Doherty 2002 Janey Frey 2002 Kristy Allen 2002 Shirley Barry 2002 Jennifer Meyer 2002 Sarah Lareau 2002
10+ Year cont...
Ryan Welsh 2004 Bev Waters 2004 Glen Marshall 2004 Jennifer Austin 2004 Sylvia Bertram 2005 Susan Goetz 2005 Mark Duke 2005 Jen Shoemaker 2005 Danielle Mullin 2005 Patsy Pond 2005
10+ Year cont...
Tim Waters 2005 Denise Koepke 2005 Bernita Scarlett 2006 Cal Bussey 2006 Paul Topp 2006 Chris Nezny 2006 Gloria Bauman 2006 Barb Grosz 2006 Lukus Shea 2006 Heidi Mathers 2006
10+ Year cont...
Brenda Poole 2006 Matt Desmeules 2006 Lynda Hatesohl 2006 Grace Bott 2006 Robyn Shoemaker 2006 Diana Menary 2006 Steve Tarasko 2007 Claudie MacAskill 2007 Jenette Hackbart 2007 Tammy Kidnie 2008
10+ Year Members Chad Buchan 2004 Sharon Biro 2004 Julie Diebolt 2004
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