EGC GOLF SHOP OPEN 10-4 DAILY & THE GRILL ON THE GREEN 11-8AD WED-SUN 11-2 MON & TUES UNTIL DEC. 23RD SPOT -AND NON PRINTING
GOLF SHOP HOLIDAY SPECIALS Clothing, Headwear and Footwear up to 40% off Good Selection of Packaged Golf Sets for all ages Golf Ball Dozens, Golf Bags, Travel and many more accessories Call us to track down any item at a competitive price
GREEN FEE PACKAGES ON SALE ANNUAL 3 GREEN FEES UNDER THE TREE, WALKING FOR $122.22 + HST*
12 packs of 18 holes or 9 holes. With or with out carts. Available in store or shop online Thank you for a great season at the golf club, wishing you and your families a wonderful holiday season *
PLAY PRACTICE DINE SHOP 40 Eldale Road, Elmira
www.elmiragolfclub.com |
Ontario's #1 Weekly Community Newspaper
519.669.1652
DECEMBER 2, 2021
This Weekend Friday
00 Saturday
00 Sunday
Arts | 14
00
Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume 26 | Issue 48
Plan to demolish Middlebrook bridge to be reviewed by Centre Wellington Woolwich awaiting report on costing, as structure is a shared resource that spans a boundary road between the townships Steve Kannon Observer Staff
Elmira’s Karen Meissner announced her NDP candidacy Wednesday at Gibson Park, where she was joined by Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife. Justine Fraser
Local trustee to run for Ontario NDP Karen Meissner is the party’s candidate for Kitchener-Conestoga Justine Fraser Observer Staff
CURRENTLY THE AREA’S SCHOOL BOARD trustee, Karen Meissner has her sights set on Queen’s Park, announcing this week she’ll run as the NDP candidate for Kitchener-Conestoga in the next provincial election. She launched that bid at an event Wednesday morning at Gibson Park in Elmira, where she was joined by Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife. The park is home to Kate’s Place for Everyone, the accessible playground
named for her niece. “I am very honoured and excited to announce that I am running for the candidacy for NDP in Kitchener-Conestoga. I am a school board trustee, I have children, I’ve raised them in this community, and I see firsthand the cuts to education and the impact it’s had on families, on education workers and on children in our schools. I know we can do better. I’m here to do better,” said Meissner, who’s called Elmira home for the past 14 years. “I think that the NDP
team in Waterloo Region – Catherine Fife in Waterloo, Laura Mae Lindo in Kitchener Centre, Marjorie Knight from Cambridge – are a strong team of women, and I’m deeply honoured to stand amongst them, along with [party leader] Andrea Horwath. Provincially, we are making decisions that matter to families.” Meissner has served as a Waterloo Region District School Board trustee since 2018. She is a former small business owner and professional photographer. Currently studying at
See our selection of
Instock Laptops and Chromebooks
ACER- ASPIRE 15.6" Ready to r e fo take hom as Christm
Wilfrid Laurier University, she describes herself as an advocate for education. “What I’ve seen as a trustee, and as a parent, cuts to education have been devastating and it’s been really hard on families. I’ve had a front-row seat to that, so that’s the number-one issue facing members of the community, along with affordable housing – it’s very difficult for families in the region, in Kitchener-Conestoga. Health care, we see how vital that has been throughout the → NDP 5
Hi-Tech Holidays!
for the
A315-33-P8HD AD SPOT - NON PRINTING As shown $
494.99
THE BRIDGE IS STILL SLATED for demolition, but residents looking to save the old steel span on Middlebrook Place got some good news last week when Centre Wellington Township agreed to review costing options. The Save Middlebrook Bridge Community Action Group, which advocates for rehabilitating the structure for pedestrian use, challenged figures used to justify keeping the bridge closed for future removal. Meeting November 22, Centre Wellington councillors agreed to the group’s request for a review. Revised costing for removing the bridge put the figure at $720,000, up from $700,000, to be split with Woolwich Township, as the bridge spans the boundary between the two municipalities. In a report to Centre
Shop at Schelters.CA
NEW!
Fast and Free Delivery to Home or Work
1 Union St., Elmira 519-669-2201 www.schelters.ca
Wellington council, manager of engineering Adam Gilmore noted the environmental assessment (EA) process completed in 2020 put the cost of rehabilitating the bridge for pedestrian and cycling use at $1.6 million, while repairs to allow only for pedestrians would be $1.2 million. Last week’s council decision applies only to a review, with no promise of reversing plans to demolish the structure. The decision may come down to funding. Centre Wellington’s current 10-year capital plan for bridges and culverts calls for $28.5 million in spending, including $350,000 for its share of the removal of the Middlebrook bridge in 2029. A dozen of its 111 bridges and culverts are currently closed. While the citizens’ group made a pitch to Woolwich council earlier this year, there’s been no movement → BRIDGE 7
ADDESSO - GAMER MOUSE + KEYBOARD COMBO Back lit Coloured effect, Hot Keys $ Reg. $59.99
Sale 49.99
Office & School Supplies • Print Copy Courier • Computer IT Supplies
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
2 | COMMUNITY NEWS
Your full-service computer depot for a digital world.
LAPTOPS
DESKTOPS
TABLETS / IPADS
ACCESSORIES
PARTS
CHROME BOOKS | MACBOOKS | LAPTOPS | IPADS
40 Arthur St. S. Elmira Ontario N3B 2M7 | 519.669.8225
DECEMBER WE ARE OPEN FOR WALK-IN BUSINESS
Drop in & see our display for sale, or place an order & we’ll put together the product combination of your choice. On Large Orders of 100 baskets or more, we appreciate one weeks’ notice. HP Elitedesk 800 G2 Towers Intel i5 (6500) 3.2ghz, 8gig DD4 Ram , 1TB Hard Drive ,Windows 10 Pro
Regular$399
BLOWOUT!
299
$
Lenovo T440
Lenovo IdeaPad 3
intel i7 (7600u), 2.8 ghz, 8 gig DDR4 Ram, 256gig SSD, 13.3” 1920x 1080 Touch Screen, Regular$699 Windows 10 Home
Intel 10th Gen i5 CPU, 8GB DDR4 Ram, 256GB SSD, 17.3” HD screen, Regular$699 Win 10 Home
599
$
BLOWOUT!
AMD A4-9120C APU 4GB x 32GB 11.6” LCD $
$
399
599
$
NEW!
(OPEN BOX)
HP CHROMEBOOK G8
Intel i5 4300u, 1.9ghz, 8 GB Ram, 500 GB HDD, 14” screen, Win 10
BLOWOUT!
For smaller orders we ask for 24 hour-notice if possible, however, rush orders can be accommodated.
Lenovo Yoga 370 with Pen
Regular BLOWOUT!
ELMIRA
$
299
199
NEW
iPad 6 Wifi
iPad Air Wifi
Regular$42999
Model A1474 32gig
Model A1893 128gig
$
37999
BLOWOUT!
$
199
WE REPAIR ALL MAKES AND MODELS
36 Oriole Pkwy E. 519-669-5551 FERGUS
920 St. David St. N., 519-787-0006
Backup & Recovery
COME SEE US IN ELMIRA OR FERGUS TO CHECK OUT THESE GREAT DEALS
Virus System Removal Upgrades
E-Waste Depot
Monday - Friday 9:00 - 6:00, Saturday 9:00 - 5:00
... and much more!
www.kitchenkuttings.com
FInd us online www.realitybytescomputers.com
Please continue to follow local public health guidelines
WOOLWICH Win $100 Weekly! Shop local online or in-store & purchase gift cards directly from local businesses or visit www.shoplocalwoolwich.ca
Shop at a local business until Christmas Eve
Dine-in or order take out from local restaurants
Upload photo of receipt online: bit.ly/WoolwichContest
Be kind, show your appreciation & tip generously Leave positive reviews! Post photos & tag businesses!
December 2, 6-9pm
Winter Candyland selfie set, live music, tree lighting, late shopping and much more! Share a photo and tag #ElmiraMoonlightMadness for a chance to win a gift basket! For more details visit, downtownelmira.ca
Post photo and use #ShopLocalWoolwich for an extra ballot! Weekly winners announced Fridays!
#ShopLocalWoolwich
Downtown Elmira BIA Moonlight Madness
Visit stjacobsvillage.com for places where you can eat, shop, stay and explore with your family and friends during the holidays!
From December 1-12th, follow all @WoolwichTownship social media accounts to see what our local businesses have to offer this season!
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021 | 3
Page Three
If it matters to you. It matters to us. News tips are always welcome. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Online: observerxtra.com/tips
Fees up for dog tags
From the archives
An increase in the price of dog tags and kennel licences are among new fees approved this week by Woolwich council. A tag for a spayed or neutered dog will rise to $41 in 2022 from $26 today, while non-spayed/neutered dogs will see a fee of $52, up from $37. Class 1 or 2 kennel licence renewals will cost $15 per dog, up from $13, while class 3 fees increase to $25 per dog from $22.
Rebuffed in its request for rumble strips at a regional intersection, Woolwich will look at setting an example by reviewing intersections under township control. The move follows Waterloo Region’s refusal to install rumble strips at Hawkesville and Kressler roads, the site of a fatal collision last summer. From the Dec. 2, 2006 edition of The Observer
Woolwich backs seniors’ bid for crosswalk at Church St. Steve Kannon
Meeting by videoconference Tuesday night, councillors not only backed the request of the group at Chartwell Elmira Retirement Residence, but vowed to press the point home. “This has been around for a long time,” said Coun. Murray Martin, noting the township
Observer Staff
THE BID BY RESIDENTS OF an Elmira retirement venue to have the region install a crosswalk at Church Street West and Snyder Avenue got a boost this week thanks to an endorsement from Woolwich council.
should do more than send a resolution. “We need to talk to somebody that will deal with the situation.” “We should try to support this any way we can. I agree with Coun. Martin that this has been going on for quite a while,” added Coun. Larry Shantz. “I think we should try to get some teeth put
into it and see if we can get something done.” In November, Mayor Sandy Shantz took the residents’ letter to the Region of Waterloo, which has jurisdiction because Church Street is a regional road. The residents are looking for an official pedestrian crosswalk at the west intersection
of Church Street and Snyder Avenue, including button-activated flashing lights and simultaneous blinking lights and signs at the top of both hills on Church Street alerting motorists to pedestrians crossing the road ahead. The request is currently under review, said Mike Jones, the region’s
supervisor of traffic engineering, noting the analysis involves the warrant methodology as set out by the province. “Staff is currently assessing the need for additional control to assist all modes of travel including pedestrians crossing Church Street → CROSSWALK 7
Santa Claus will be back in St. Clements on Saturday Paradise and District Lions Club will be flipping the switch on the Tree of Light Steve Kannon
dedications will be read aloud as part of the ceremony, said club member Janet Pfaffinger, who chairs the Tree of Light committee. Bulbs should be purchased by noon tomorrow (Friday), though the club will still be accepting donations. Funds raised this year will support Lions community causes, including Meals on Wheels, Community Care Concepts and local hospitals and hospices. Pfaffinger said she’s happy to see the event return to an in-person format. Though held outdoors, there will be pandemic precautions, and attendees are encouraged to wear masks. “We really wanted to have Santa there for the kids, for instance. I don’t think they’ll be able to sit on his lap and that sort of thing, but he will be presenting a message and he will be mingling in the crowd,”
Observer Staff
AFTER GOING VIRTUAL LAST YEAR, the St. Clements Tree of Light event will be held in-person on Saturday. That means Santa will be there to greet those who show up at 5:30 p.m. outside the St. Clements library. At 5:45, he’ll be joined by entertainer Erick Traplin. The lighting ceremony gets underway at 6 p.m. There’ll also be Christmas cookies to go along with coffee, hot chocolate and hot cider. As usual, the Paradise and District Lions Club is selling bulbs on the tree. It’s $5 to dedicate one light bulb on the tree, either in memory of someone passed away or in honour of an individual. For $50, donors could light a string of bulbs on the tree, while above $50 would let people light a bulb on the star. As with past events, the
→ TREE OF LIGHT 5
The EDSS senior girls’ basketball team had a strong season. Front row: Natalie Martin, Macy Weber, Delaney Cortes, Megan Stickney, Rachel Bettke. Middle row: Kyla Bloch, Kaleohana Manalang, Haylee Clemmer, Faith Neumann, Megan Hume, Krista Bentley. Back: Caela Submitted McLennan, Brian Carter.
Strong season for EDSS senior girls Two members of the team named as league all-stars Steve Kannon Observer Staff
THE INCLUSION OF TWO PLAYERS on the all-star list was a nice cap to a strong season posted by the EDSS senior girls’ basketball team. Macy Weber and
Delaney Cortes were named to the Waterloo County Secondary School Athletics Association (WCSSAA) all-star team. Huron Heights Secondary School, the team the Lancers met in the finals, was the only other team to have two players on the list.
Cortes put up 19 points and Weber 13 as EDSS fell just short – 44-42 – in the WCSSAA finals last month. It was the best showing for the senior girls in some time, says coach Brian Carter. The Lancers were undefeated in regu-
lar-season play in what was an anything-but-regular season due to the pandemic. Though truncated, the season was an improvement over the year before when athletics were cancelled outright over COVID-19 concerns, → BASKETBALL 6
Wednesdays is Senior’s Day - Receive 20% Discount* W • O • O • L • W • I • C • H
P
H
A
R
M
A
C
Y
FREE DELIVERY | 10 Church St. W., Elmira 519.669.8282
Always Fast, Friendly & Professional Services • Compression Stockings (Standard & Customized AD SPOT - NON PRINTING • Compounding • Compliance Packaging • Free Blood Pressure Check • Free Blood Glucose Monitor & Teaching Samer Mikhail Pharmacist | Owner • Ostomy & Home Health Care *See store for details.
OPEN: Mon. to Fri. 9am - 7pm; Saturday 9am - 4pm; Closed Sundays
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
4 | COMMUNITY NEWS
would like to congratulate its dedicated Team Members who have contributed to its success!
This Year’s
25 Year Inductees
Jacqui Cressman
Sandra Grubbe
Luc Martin
Lori Pinder Solomon
40 Year Inductees
Robert Poole
Mike Richards
Carrie-Ann Smart
Stephen Yick
This Year’s Larry Brunkard
Jaye Coghlin
Shelley Plein
Michele Esch
Jim Sheppard
Denise Jordan
Tino Tomadini
Joan Lackner
Holly White
Dennis McLachlan (D)
Joanne Winfield
Other 25 Year Members: Grant Allen Joe Ament (R) Paul Ament Brian Anstett (R) Kelly Atkinson Richard Badke Jeff Baillie Larry Bast Randy Beitz Dave Bender Karen Bender Pat Bender Yvonne Bender Frank Beraro Phil Bousfield Richard Brenner Todd Brimley Will Buddell Gary Burkitt Jennine Camm Richard Campbell Ruth Carmichael Alvin Carter Matt Carter
Jeff Cassel Blaine Chisholm Dennis Clifford Fraser Collinson Joe Cormier Joey Coxon Ken Cressman Mark Cressman Wendy Culp-Wing Allan Dale Suzanne Danis-Harkness Michelle Deline Sean Deline Jeff DeVries Cathy Dewar Lynn Diebold Jim Donkersgoed Chris Duench Sharon Duff Rick Dunphy Mario Durocher John Dyksterhuis Paul Edwards Doug Fallis
Jana Fallis Art Fast Brad Fisher Jacqui Friedmann Bruce Gabel Don Gascho Rob Giles Bernie Gohl Bruce Gooding Gerry Grubbe Brad Haffner Cory Haugerud Tammy Hehn Joe Henry (R) Paul Hergott Marg Herron Heather Hoffman Bonnie Horst Daniel Howe Stan Hubble Dan Hutchinson Tracey Jones Stephanie Kavanaugh Ken Kennery
Brian Kerr Pete Kiertscher Roger King (R) Andy Klonikowski Lynn Kratz (R) Tony Krotz Shawn Lavoie Dan Legault (R) Kevin Leis Steve Leith Junior Lewis (R) Will Lincoln Ron Logie Julie Logel-Doll Cathy Lowry-McLachlan (R) David Ludington Mark Lussier Al MacDonald Dan Marchesan Jeff Martin Kevin Martin Kevin Mayberry Brad McBeth Keith McCluskie
Gary McInnes Chris McLeod Doug McNee Karlene Mears Ann Metzger Brian Miller Randy Miller Rosanne Moore Todd Mowbray Ron Mugford Paul Near Kathy Neeb Clarence Nieuwhof Kim Noonan Michael Oehring Mark Pardue Tim Payne Nelson Petersen Jamie Pope (R) Tammy Porter Audra Prescott Doug Psutka (R) Steve Rajcak (R) Bernice Reed
(R) – Retired | (D) - Deceased
Brian Reed Ed Reitzel Matt Richardson Randy Riff Craig Ritchie Peter Roberts Robert Rock Greg Ropp Darwin Rose Rod Roth Don Rumig (R) Glen Runstedler Chris Sauer Don Schade Scott Schalk Bill Scheeringa Fran Schill Janine Schill Darryl Schneider Dale Schultz Donna Schultz Rod Schultz Quintin Schwartzentruber Sue Schwartzentruber
Grace Scott Dave Senek Bruce Shannon Paul Sharratt Linda Shoemaker Bill Simmermaker Gerry Smeding Scott Smibert Barb Smith Wayne Smith James Smithers Jim Solomon Sheila Solomon Brian Stoner Greg Storey Ernie Streicher Stan Stroh (R) Jay Talbot (R) Rob Thoman Murray Townsend David Tucker (R) Rick Turner Todd Uhrig John Vanderwelle (R)
Daniel Verville Jeff Verwey Dana Waters Rob Wallace Darrell Weber Dave Weishar Steve Weltz Calvin Wenzel Andy Westberg Larry Whyte (R) Don Wilson Dean Wittie Laurie Wittie Ben Wong Trevor Woods Melody Ziegler Mike Ziegler Sr. Rhonda Zuk
Other 40 Year Members: Steve Allgeier (R) James Bell Linford Bowman (R) Leonard Boyes Gord Braid Bob Broughton
Raylene Cooper Rod Courtemanche Scott Courtemanche Jim DeLong Tim Dietrich Debbie Dunlop
Bruce Ernst Matt Esch Winn Faries Rich Fierling (R) Dave Fischer (R) Marvin Gingrich
Darryl Gromeder Dave Gromeder Judy Hackbart Don Karcher (R) Barb King Ben Krause (R)
Derril Linseman (R) Wayne Loos Dale MacPherson Judi Martin Edgar McIntosh Dianne McTavish
Don Miller (R) Todd Ritter (R) Karen Sauder (D) Brian Schneider (R) Cathy Shulist Robert Solomon
Rick Somers (R) Brent Surnoskie Al Taylor (R) Tim Tomiuk Greg Turney Joe Voll (R)
HOME HARDWARE STORES LIMITED
Bert Weber George Wright (R) Steve Yensen (R)
34 Henry Street West, St. Jacobs
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ P O L I C E
COMMUNITY NEWS | 5
R E POR T
Festive RIDE programs underway through the holidays With the holiday season in full force, the Ontario Provincial Police and other departments are in the midst of the “Festive RIDE” campaign, which runs through January 3. The OPP notes Ontarians have stepped up significantly this year, placing more than 21,000 calls to the OPP to report suspected impaired drivers. Despite efforts by police and the public to keep these dangerous drivers off our roads, OPP officers have responded to close to 2,000 alcohol/ drug-involved collisions this year. The incidents resulted in 29 people
NOVEMBER 23 3:02 PM | Waterloo Regional Police received a report of a theft from a motor vehicle on Maplecrest Drive in Breslau. Sometime overnight on Nov. 20, an unknown suspect entered a vehicle parked in a driveway and stole personal items. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-5709777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
NOVEMBER 25 4:11 PM | Police received
losing their lives and many others sustaining serious injuries, police report in a release. «Losing a loved one in a collision that involves impaired driving is among the most preventable tragedies on our roads. Make a commitment to never drive while impaired by alcohol or drugs and report anyone you suspect of doing so to the police. During the Festive RIDE campaign, OPP officers will make full use of their expertise, tools and authority to detect and charge impaired drivers. Together, we have the ability to keep our roads
safe over the holidays and throughout the year,” says OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. Drivers are reminded that under Mandatory Alcohol Screening (MAS) laws, an officer can demand a breath sample from any driver they lawfully pull over, without having reasonable suspicion that they have alcohol in their body. An officer can also demand that a driver submit to a standardized field sobriety test (SFST) and a drug recognition expert (DRE) evaluation. SFST-trained officers and DREs have the expertise to detect impairment by
alcohol, drugs or both in a driver. Young, novice and commercial drivers are reminded that the OPP enforces the zero tolerance sanctions that apply to these driver classes. The OPP has laid more than 8,000 alcohol/drug impaired driving charges so far this year. OPP officers conducted close to 6,700 “Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere” (RIDE) initiatives, charged 611 drivers with impaired driving and issued 199 warn range suspensions during the 2020-2021 Festive RIDE campaign.
a report of property damage in the area of William and Maple streets in Elmira. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.
old Woolwich Township man was charged with ‘right of way on entering highway from private road.’
Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.
NOVEMBER 27 5:19 PM | Waterloo
Regional Police responded to a collision at Arthur Street South and Oriole Parkway in Elmira. A vehicle exited a private driveway on Arthur Street South and struck a vehicle that was travelling west. A 53-year-
NDP: Education a priority, she says →FROM 1
pandemic and we continue to see cuts, so I’d like to make sure the people in this community are represented and I’m the person to do that,” said Meissner. Meissner is an avid volunteer for Kate’s Kause, a charitable organization dedicated to Angelman Syndrome awareness and inclusive, accessible community projects. She also invests her time with the Business Education Partnership and the KW Multicultural Centre. Fife welcomed her into the fold at Wednesday’s announcement. “When you serve as a
public trustee, you have a deep connection to community. Watching her performance over the last three and a half years, watching her fight for special education, for autism, for environmental programs, she’s exactly the kind of candidate we need to stand up to Doug Ford, who has turned into one of the biggest bullies in education that we’ve ever seen,” said Fife. “We’re excited to have her as part of the Kitchener-Waterloo NDP team and we know she is dedicated to delivering results for the families of Kitchener-Conestoga.”
NOVEMBER 28 7:04 AM | Police received
a report of a break and enter in the area of Country Squire Road and Millennium Boulevard in Woolwich Township. Earlier at approximately 6 : 40 a.m., an unknown suspect entered a business area and stole property. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-5709777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
NOVEMBER 30 9:10 AM | A single-vehicle
collision closed a portion of Northfield Drive north of Scotch Line Road. A dump truck loaded with gravel was travelling south on Northfield Drive East when the driver lost control and collided with a concrete bridge barrier. The collision caused the dump truck to flip onto its side and spill the gravel load it was carrying. The male driver was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The investigation remains ongoing, and charges are pending. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or
9:12 AM | Waterloo
Regional Police received a report of theft from a motor vehicle in the area of Marty Lane and Theodore Schuler Boulevard in Wilmot Township. It was reported that sometime between Nov. 29, at 9 p.m. and Nov. 30 at 6 a.m., an unknown suspect entered a parked vehicle and stole personal property. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-5709777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
6:39 PM | A fatal collision
in Poole is under investigation by Perth County OPP. Emergency crews responded to Perth Road 121 after a pedestrian was struck by a pickup truck. The pedestrian was transported from the scene by ambulance to a local hospital where they were later pronounced deceased. Any person with information regarding this collision should immediately contact Perth County OPP at 1-888-3101122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
TREE OF LIGHT: Friday is deadline for purchasing a bulb ahead of Saturday’s illumination of the tree ger can be contacted by email at jennypfaffinger@ golden.net. Donations can also be made through the club by e-transfer: treasurer@paradiselions. ca, use password Lions. In person, bulbs and mint smoothies can be purchased at the CIBC branch in St. Clements. Other locations include Creative Hair Works, Exotic Wings and Pet Things, inSeason Home + Garden, Kate’s Hair Den and Styles By Lori.
→FROM 3
she explained. The main event will be the lighting of the tree that follows the name-dedication ceremony. “It’s not a real tree anymore because we found we were damaging the real tree by the strings of lights. So we decided to go with more of a steel structure – it’s 40 feet tall and it’s got 3,850 lights on it.” For more information or to purchase bulbs, Pfaffin-
75 Arthur St. South, Elmira, ON N3B 2M8
Visit our Pharmacy today! We offer many services that may benefit you
• Medication management • Seasonal flu vaccine (Blister pack) • Over the counter • Free Prescription delivery delivery available (Elmira and local area) (Minimum $50 before tax order required) • Ostomy Supply • Compression Stockings
• Incontinence products
• Travel Vaccine administration service
• Prescription Transfer to our pharmacy just like 1-2-3
Monday - Friday Saturday
9:00am - 6:00pm 10:00am - 3:00pm
Sunday
Closed
Tel: (519) 669-5655 Fax: (519) 669-5595 Raj Patel Pharmacist / Owner
Receive a 2kg select Bird Seed FREE with the purchase of a bird feeder for the month of December. Over 150 bird feeders to choose from!
takeout Lunch & dinners Dinner 3:30pm-7:30pm
Turkey and Dressing or Roast Beef includes:
Lunches 11am-4pm
Hot Turkey includes:
Dec 3 & 4
Dec 8 - 11
coleslaw, rolls, mashed potatoes, vegetable & dessert
coleslaw, rolls, mashed potatoes, vegetable & dessert
Delivery available Thurs, Fri, Sat. Call for details. CAFÉ HOURS: Tues.-Thurs. 8-4, Fri.-Sat. 8-7:30
r orde pre-Quired e r
(519) 669-2142 | 2238 Floradale Rd., Floradale | www.bonnielouscafe.com
Watch for other December Specials! General Contracting Agricultural Residential New Buildings Commercial Renovations www.stirtonconstruction.ca 8012 8th Line.RR #2 Drayton, ON | 519-638-5462
2755 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg
519-699-5200 • www.jfm.ca
Pet Food – Naturally Raised Meats – Bird Seed – Equine Feed and Supplies
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
6 | COMMUNITY NEWS
Virus levels stable as region rolls out vaccinations for kids, braces for Omicron Justine Fraser Observer Staff
STILL AWAITING DETAILS OF THE new Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, local public health officials see stable numbers in the region, attributing that to high vaccination rates and adherence to protocols. The Delta variant is the main concern just now. At midweek, there were 231 active cases of COVID-19 in the region, down from 250 a week earlier. “I’m really grateful in a sense that it hasn’t accelerated as rapidly as it could have, in the sense that Delta is highly transmissible without measures it quickly goes from six to 36 to 1,000 in a short period of time because it is very, very transmissible. What we have seen to date is actually a slow rise and that’s because we do have many people in our region who are immunized and continuing to
practice public health measures. All of these things are helping to prevent an escalation like we’ve seen in the past,” said medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang at the weekly pandemic briefing November 25. “It’s important to try to slow the spread – going upwards is not the right direction.” With wintry weather forcing more people indoors and Christmas approaching, there are concerns about the potential for increases. “We have noticed people are taking less precautions. People are fatigued, the holiday season is coming up, they really want to get together again, everyone wants this to be over. We are seeing in our case in contact management people are just not practicing precautions anymore, including the vaccinated. We cannot let up on those public health
precautions just because the holiday season is coming up,” she said. Hanging over everything is the Omicron variant, the properties of which will take a couple of weeks to determine. Thus far, four cases of Omicron, the new variant deemed to have originated in South Africa, have been reported in Canada, with more to be expected as the country traces more than a thousand high-risk contacts. The variant has spread quickly, with more and more countries coming forward with positive cases. In response, Canada has started to implement strict border measures for any travellers returning from southern Africa or any of the 10 countries that have reported cases so far – not wanting to delay a response, measures went into effect at the beginning of the week at all border control agencies and airports.
In the region, the current focus is on vaccinating children between the ages of 5 and 11, an effort that got underway last Friday. Since then, 13.5 per cent of eligible kids have already have their first dose in the region. Overall, 82.5 per cent of residents over the age of 5 have received at least one dose of vaccine, with 79.2 fully inoculated. The goal is at least 90 per cent. “For many families I know this is a sense of relief, as kids now can get a vaccine to protect against the virus and the Delta variant and their welcoming this opportunity in many settings across the region,” said regional Chair Karen Redman at the briefing. “Vaccines are an important tool to help stop the spread of COVID19 and now allows families with young children to feel safer resuming normal activities.” “This could not have
come at a better time, because children 5 to 11 are now becoming one of the highest populations with the greatest incidence of confirmed COVID-19 infections even though their rates of hospitalization has remained fairly low overall,” said local pediatrician Dr. Matthew Purser during the pandemic briefing. “Some children regardless of their health status can still develop pretty serious complications of infection from COVID-19.” To help speed the process, the region will be rolling out school clinics in addition to the regular clinics offering first and second doses. “School clinics will be open to anyone 5 plus so children can bring their caregivers along if they are still outstanding a first or second dose,” said Vickie Murray, director of pharmacy for Grand River and St. Mary’s hospitals, noting that anyone still
needing a first or second dose can do so by booking an appointment at one of the regional clinics online. “At this time, we will be moving to an appointment-only system. While the focus is on vaccinating children right now, we do encourage anybody 12 up who has not had a first or second dose to come to our clinics,” said Murray, “While we have done a lot of work to make our clinics family friendly, they may not be the right option for everyone. Pharmacies may be quieter; school settings more familiar and family physicians already know your children. Parents know their child best, pick the vaccination option that is the best fit for your child.” A school vaccine clinic will be held at Linwood Public School on December 23 from 9:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. with the intention of immunizing children in Wellesley ages 5 to 11.
BASKETBALL: Coach sees a strong team emerging from this season’s experience; hopes to move past pandemic →FROM 3
said Carter. In fact, the school wasn’t even sure there was going to be any sports this fall, with the basketball schedule starting about a month later than usual due to uncertainties. “We didn’t know coming into the school year what was going to happen,” he said. “Usually we start practice the first or second day of school, and we weren’t even given the OK
to practice until the second or third week. Even when we were practicing, we weren’t even entirely sure if the season was going to be a go. It was very up in the air; we ended up starting probably three or four weeks later than we normally would. “We had a bit of a condensed year – we would usually play 11 regular season games, we only played six this year.” Not only fewer games,
Waters, Hastings & Grainger Professional Corporation
but a limited number of opponents, as the board looked to group schools into small, geographic pods to minimize exposure. For EDSS, that meant facing Sir John A. Macdonald Secondary School, Waterloo Collegiate Institute and Bluevale Collegiate. “So instead of playing 11 different teams, we played a home-and-home, two-game series with each of those three teams.
That was what made up our regular season – that was our six regular-season games, two games each against those three schools,” Carter explained. All 16 schools were included in this year’s playoffs, with pods based on the pandemic and seedings arranged accordingly. EDSS met Grand River Collegiate in the first round of the playoffs, a win taking them on to play Cameron Heights.
Dr. Rebecca Cannon B.A., N.D.
DOCTOR OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
GIFT CERTIFICATES, IN TIME FOR
CHRISTMAS
Quality Care for All Ages & All Health Conditions INCLUDING: Hair Analysis Hormone Testing • Allergy Testing
www.elmiranaturopath.com 69 Arthur St. S., ELMIRA | 519-669-2405
Do the special people in your life need wills and powers of attorney?
We do gift certificates for estate planning services. HOME | AUTO | FARM | LIABILITY | COMMERCIAL
OUR POLICY — YOUR PROTECTION SINCE 1927
Former Assistant Crown Attorney
21 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-1641 | whglaw.ca
Bring your savings together Better things come from someone who knows you. Call today to get a quote. Jeff Watkin, Agent Suite 204A 151 Frobisher Dr Waterloo ON N2V 2C9 519-886-4470 jeff@jeffwatkin.com www.jeffwatkin.com
45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519.669.5484
www.elmirainsurance.ca
Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance products. Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence. State Farm branded policies are underwritten by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company. ®State Farm and related trademarks and logos are registered trademarks owned by State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, used under licence by Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company and certain of its affiliates.
1810929CN
Friendly, Experienced & Passionate legal representation with high integrity from your local, full service law firm
finals match against Huron Heights, where the Lancers came up just short in a very tight game. This year’s run sets the team up nicely for next year, said the coach, noting most of the players are in Grade 11, the same core from the junior girls’ squad that won the championship two years ago. There’s a good chance most of them will be back next season with all that experience under their belts.
IS NOW
Call us for details! Cynthia L. Hastings BA (Hons) LLB Scott A. Grainger LLB Brent Wiancko B.A (Hons.); M.A. (History), M.A. (Public History), J.D. Michelle Barbosa-Macedo Licensed Paralegal
“Then in the semi-finals, we faced off against the number-one team in the in the other pool – that was KCI. We played a fantastic game, and that was a bit of an upset. Most thought that KCI was the strongest team in the league this year. We played a fantastic game, and we were able to defeat them. That was an extremely great accomplishment for the girls,” he said. That win set up the
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | THE OBSERVER
COMMUNITY NEWS | 7
After slow start, Kings come back to beat Brantford; face busy weekend ahead Steve Kannon Observer Staff
HAVING LOST THE LAST TIME they faced the last-place Brantford Bandits, the Elmira Sugar Kings can be excused for experiencing some déjà vu last Sunday, at least for a little while. Less than 10 minutes into the match at the WMC, the Kings found themselves down 2-0. They regrouped in the intermission, however, eventually coming away with a 3-2 win that kept them atop the GOJHL’s Western Conference standings with a record of 16-4. “It wasn’t the start we were hoping for,” said head coach Rob Collins of the team’s sole game of the week. “The guys were resilient, dealt with the adversity and came up with the result we were hoping for.” The Kings got on the board at 2:41 of the middle
frame with a power-play goal from Luke Eurig, assisted by Brody Leblanc and Nathaniel Mott. It was the start of some much better play, said Collins. “We talked about it during the intermission. They got a couple of bounces and they took advantage of their opportunities – that’s hockey. We regrouped in between the first and the second, and the guys played with more focus and attention to detail in the second and third.” Though the Kings converted on just one of nine power plays, the chances were indicative of Elmira’s control of the play, forcing the Bandits to take penalties, said Collins, adding that helped keep the Kings out of the box, as well. “I felt as though we just had the puck the majority of the time. It’s tough to take penalties when you got the puck, so I think we
did a good job controlling the management of the puck – that helped us with earning power plays. We seemed to be in their zone a lot, so it forced them to pull us down. I thought guys were good that way,” he said. The home side tied things up at 2-2 on Lucas Carson’s goal at 10:01, assisted by Jack O’Donnell. Eurig’s second of the night and 11th of the season less than three and a half minutes later proved to be the game-winner, with assists going to Mott and netminder Matthew Lunghi. There was no scoring in the third, despite Elmira having four powerplay opportunities and outshooting Brantford 13-2. The final shot tally for the game was 35-15. After the slow start in the first, the team started to play its game, earning the win, said Collins. “It was evident in the
Elmira’s Liam Eveleigh moves up ice during game action Sunday at the WMC, where the Kings beat Brantford 3-2. Justine Fraser
second period. We came out, got the lead after two. We didn’t expand it, we didn’t take advantage and power plays we had, which would have been nice, ... but I think it’s safe to say we were in control,” he said. “They’re one bounce
or one shot away from tying it the whole third period, but with that being said, there wasn’t a ton of nerves amongst the coaching staff – from the third period, I thought we had full control.” The Kings have a much busier schedule this week,
starting tonight (Thursday) in Cambridge. For the weekend, they’ll welcome the Ayr Centennials to the WMC Saturday night, then the Stratford Warriors on Sunday. Game time both nights is 7 p.m. “We’ve got three games in four nights. I would I would say it’s the last tough stretch in the schedule where we have that many games in that many nights. We’ll be short a couple bodies again this week – nothing new for these guys, so we’ll play through,” said Collins, noting that roster fill-ins have been a big issue so far this season. “We’re getting close to getting back to full strength as far as our roster goes, so it’s exciting to get everyone back. We don’t even know what we have with the full roster yet because we haven’t seen it yet, but it’s nice to see everyone’s getting back to healthy, though.”
BRIDGE: Community group draws on Peel Street decision as a model for saving Middlebrook Place structure →FROM 1
away from the current plan to keep the bridge closed. “There was no direction other than what was the preferred option in the EA, which was to remain closed and removal at some point in the future,” said Jared Puppe, Woolwich’s director of infrastructure services, noting the township will be watching to see what happens in Centre Wellington. “I guess their staff will
be providing a report to their council – we’ll wait and see what transpires out of that before anything needs to be discussed again with our council.” Aware that Centre Wellington’s decision to reopen the file might not change the outcome, the community group nonetheless welcomed the move. “We’re glad they voted to reconsider their decision, which it had to be clear to our group doesn’t mean that they will change their
decision, only that they are willing to reconsider it, which is massive,” said Stephanie Lines-Toohill, a community member and a representative of the action group. “I’m happily surprised we got this far.” She said Woolwich’s handling of the Peel Street bridge serves as a good model for the Middlebrook situation, pointing to the heritage value and the feedback from the public calling for the retention of a route for hikers and cyclists.
CROSSWALK: Region studying intersection to see if crossing is warranted; Woolwich sees need for lobbying →FROM 1
at and near Snyder Avenue. Our review is focusing on the need for pedestrian traffic control signals, full traffic control signals or a level 2 pedestrian crosswalk,” he said in an email. “The criteria used to establish the need for additional traffic control includes collision history, vehicular and pedestrian volumes and a detailed assessment of the roadway characteristics. “For pedestrian control, generally there must be a minimum of 100 pedestrians crossing the main road. Staff will be assessing the need for additional control within the coming months and should be in a position early in 2022 to recommend action should any additional control
be warranted. Should additional control be warranted staff will arrange for the installation sometime in 2022.” The region’s warrant studies are a source of concern, however, for Coun. Patrick Merlihan, who has been involved with a regional committee looking at crosswalks as part of future reconstruction of stretches of Church street east and west of Arthur Street. “I don’t think their warrants warrant crosswalks anywhere in Woolwich Township,” he said. “We do need to do something stronger than a resolution,” he said, noting the region has a history of dragging its feet on such requests, citing the 12-year battle of former councillor Mark
Bauman to get a crosswalk at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market “That solved the problem. The crosswalk solved the problem, and it took 12 years of convincing ... the council to act on that. I think we’re going to need regional council to back us on other crosswalks,” he said, arguing for a crossing across from Bolender Park on the other end of Church Street. “We should be in the business of fixing problems. This is a problem I think is fixable, we just need the region to work with us.” With the crosswalk request under review, Mayor Shantz suggested the township wait for a report before deciding the next course of action.
With the Peel Street bridge, the township’s environmental assessment process led to a report to keep the century-old steel bridge closed with an eye towards future demolition, just as with the Middlebrook structure. In the case of the Winterbourne bridge, however, the public pushed for the rehabilitation option to keep the structure in place and open for pedestrian use, with Woolwich council eventually coming on board. Woolwich this week wrapped up the latest public feedback session for the design of the rehabilitated Peel Street bridge, with Lines-Toohill drawing inspiration from the online presentation. “I’m very excited. The designs are beautiful. They did a really good
job with presenting the options for designs, with a really accessible link on YouTube. I think they did a fabulous job of making that accessible,” she said. “I’m hoping that helps lay some groundwork in the discussion about the Middlebrook bridge, because they’ve already done so much work towards figuring out how to rehabilitate Peel Street.” As with Peel Street, which dates back to 1913, Middlebrook is a steel truss bridge. The Chambers Bridge was originally constructed in approximately 1845 as a wooden span over the Grand River. Subsequently, that bridge was replaced at the same location in 1905. The Middlebrook steel truss bridge (#180160), as it is currently known, was originally constructed in the
ng Welcoemwi ���patient! s ! �� �n
early 1930s and was moved into its current location in 1946 as a replacement for the 1905 structure. The bridge has undergone a number of repairs in the past 30 years, and was previously closed from 1994 to 2002 before being reopened until 2013. For now, the community group is waiting for Centre Wellington’s review to be completed before deciding on its next steps, said Lines-Toohill. In Woolwich, the consultation process with the neighbouring municipality is likely to come after the holidays, Puppe suggested. “I think Centre Wellington staff and township staff will likely be having some discussion, but I suspect it’s not ’til the new year. Nothing’s been set at this point,” he said.
!
Come be part of our wonderful family at
Dr. Mira Nusaputra & Associates 10 Parkside Drive, PO Box 240 St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
TAKE THIS TEST: Do you have…
Bad Breath
Yellow Teeth
Bleeding Gums
T: 519-664-2434 F: 519-664-3824
Sensitive Teeth
Missing Teeth
info@stjacobsdentalcare.ca www.stjacobsdentalcare.ca
Crooked Teeth
Fear of Dentistry
|
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021 | 8
Opinion
When local news matters ... ... it matters where you get your local news. Connect: observerxtra.com/staff
Verbatim
The Monitor
“As the scientific community continues to determine the risks that Omicron poses globally, there’s one thing that every Ontarian can do now to protect themselves and others from variants of concern – and that’s getting vaccinated, if eligible to do so.”
The Waterloo Regional Labour Council is aiming to send 10,000 letters to Ottawa to remind MPs that they work for the people, calling for investments in better jobs, climate action, health care, and a stronger social safety net.
Anthony Dale, president of the Ontario Hospital Association, says vaccines offer the highest level of protection.
OBSERVER EDITORIAL
Judging the value of area’s old steel bridges
R
epair one, demolish the other two. Such was the original plan following a study of three old steel truss bridges in Woolwich Township. The Glasgow Street bridge in Conestogo is currently being rehabilitated. In Winterbourne, the Peel Street bridge is still closed, but slated to be converted for use by pedestrians and cyclists rather than being torn down. Now, the fate of the Middlebrook Place bridge is being revisited. While that third structure, a boundary-road bridge shared with a neighbouring township, may yet remain closed for eventual removal, Centre Wellington has opted to review costing estimates in response to calls to save the bridge in the vein of the Peel Street span. The arguments are much the same, centering on the historic value and its appeal to hikers and bikers. Whereas the Glasgow Street bridge was deemed worthy of retention due to traffic counts, the other two carried insufficient numbers to warrant remaining open. When it comes to converting them for pedestrians, cost was the biggest factor. Woolwich council ultimately decided the Peel Street span would be rehabilitated for recreational uses, both for Winterbourne residents and the wider community of hikers and cyclists. Perhaps in poorer condition, the Middlebrook structure’s fate may involve more money and will certainly involve two councils instead of one. Only the Glasgow bridge is open today, though it has been shut down numerous times for repairs. Middlebrook has been closed since 2013, while Peel was shuttered in 2017. The recommendation for permanent closure hinges principally on economics: maintaining them for vehicular traffic or even pedestrian use would be costly, an expense hard to justify given low usage. Moreover, millions spent today and over the next couple of decades might not extend the lifespans of the structures to anything like the amount of time they’ve already been in place, the original study found. In order to get another century out of such crossings, the existing bridges would have to be replaced. That’s even more cost-prohibitive; so much so that the option is barely worth mentioning. Moreover, such moves would undo perhaps the number-one reason for preserving the existing spans: the historical value. All three bridges harken back to an earlier time in the township, with steel and wood instead of the ubiquitous concrete and asphalt. Their single lanes are more in line with a small population and buggy travel. Longtime fixtures in their respective locations, they are in essence pieces of the landscape and the local heritage. There are undoubtedly those who would keep the bridges in operation for the sake of history alone, noting you can’t put a price on pieces of the past. The townships will have to be much more pragmatic, however, as the costs are significant. In spending millions, councillors have to look at how many people benefit and for how long. Such spending typically requires a long-term return, and reports suggest the Middlebrook and Peel bridges will have come to the end of their lifespans by 2050; that may not be long enough for a payback. And even in the parlance of this area’s relatively short history, 30 years doesn’t amount to much. While many people may appreciate the history and the aesthetics, most of us wouldn’t be happy to see large tax increases to pay for privilege. Everyone is well aware – or should be – that there’s an infrastructure deficit in Woolwich, along with every other municipality, province and, indeed, the country itself. There’s nowhere near enough money to meet today’s requirements, let alone tomorrow’s, as the existing infrastructure continues to age and deteriorate. Still, the heritage considerations can’t be dismissed out of hand. The region has a very poor track record of protecting historical structures, many of which were left to crumble while others were torn down in favour of ugly, badly designed and poorly built replacements. That’s to be avoided at (almost) all costs.
ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS
An exciting new crisis brewing in Ukraine
“
There is a threat today that there will be war tomorrow. We are entirely prepared for an escalation,” said Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky last Friday. His head of military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, warned that around 90,000 Russian troops are now deployed in the vicinity of Ukraine, and could invade “from several directions” by January. Budanov also said that his government has asked several Western countries to send small contingents of military forces to Ukraine to show support (and to get killed and thereby guarantee NATO military backing if there were an actual Russian invasion). Ukraine has also requested air-defense weapons, multi-purpose fighters and naval reinforcements. NATO’s Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that Russian use of force against Ukraine would “come at a cost,” without specifying what this would be. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued an alert for Americans in Ukraine over reports of “unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine’s borders and in occupied Crimea.” And the U.S. State Department let it be known in the
GWYNNE DYER
Global Outlook on World Affairs
usual way (unattributed briefings) that it is considering its options to deter the Kremlin, including sending military advisers and new weapons to Kyiv. Just in time for winter, an invigorating new crisis pops its head up. It was first discovered by the American intelligence services, which started warning that Russian tanks were moving west several weeks ago. Ukraine played down the reports at first, but now it’s begging for new weapons to resist the allegedly impending attack. Here we go again. All the players know the steps of the dance, and some of them even enjoy it. The purpose, however, is obscure. First, let’s consider the Russian tanks “moving west” and threatening the borders of Ukraine. One significant Russian military force did move west last month: the 41st Combined Arms Army, which was transferred from Novosibirsk in western Siberia to Yelnya, southwest of Moscow. That puts it 280 km from the
Ukrainian frontier, which is not exactly breathing down the necks of the Ukrainians. The Russian troops that really are near Ukraine’s borders in the east and in the Crimean peninsula are exactly where they were before this ‘crisis.’ So why did the 41st Combined Arms Army (around 30,000 soldiers) move almost 4,000 km. west last month? Here’s a clue. It’s now 280 km north of the Ukrainian border, but it’s less than 100 km from the border of Belarus. It’s not there to invade Belarus right now, of course. ‘President’ Alexander Lukashenko, still clinging to power there after rigging an election last year and crushing the massive protest movement that ensued, is a longstanding Russian ally. The 41st Army’s job is to keep Lukashenko in power if it can, and to ensure that his successor is friendly to Moscow if he falls. That didn’t work for Russian president Vladimir Putin in the case of Ukraine, where not one but two different pro-Moscow leaders have been overthrown by popular revolutions and the current leadership wants to join NATO (which is essentially an →DYER 10
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | THE OBSERVER
OPINION | 9
Latest Elmira core review only useful if changes are implemented
A
lready undertaking yet another review of the Elmira core, the township last week adding a streetscaping component to the study. The consultant carrying out the work will get another $15,000 to help with a much-needed refreshing of the downtown, the idea being to have a plan in place ahead of the regional governments’ reconstruction of Arthur Street. It’s the latest attempt to help boost the core – a number of studies have been carried out over the years, with mixed results. It’s a worthwhile exercise, but only if leads to actual changes. Ideas such as looking at zoning to encourage more retail or mixed uses, as opposed to office space, for instance, make sense, but don’t require a consultant per se. In spending upwards of $65,000, the township needs to see some actual movement on any changes that might come out of the process. That’s something of a tall order, as many past studies of the core have recommended ways to improve the situation there, but to little avail. The BIAs plan to improve the appearance of the core, particularly through façade upgrades, is a good one, but will rely on property owners being willing to spend money to make their buildings more attractive. Likewise, better streetscaping and other aesthetic measures will require money, both private and public. Will such investments take place? That’s the great unknown, but critical if any expenditures on planning are going to pay off. While the retail component in downtown Elmira has suffered over the years, the core’s prospects have improved with additional apartment-style housing
STEVE KANNON Editor's Point of View
in the area. The subdivisions on the west side also increase the number of people within easy reach of the downtown. What’s missing is the kind of retail/commercial development that makes the core more vibrant, something unique that makes the place a draw. The changing nature of shopping, both the online and big-box kind, means the downtowns of every community face new challenges, ones that can’t be met head-to-head. Creating a mixed-use core – residential, work spaces and unique retail, for instance – is an established goal, but one that isn’t always easy to achieve. Compact, mixed-use communities modelled on the best of European
Publisher 519-669-5790 x107
STEVE KANNON
Editor 519-669-5790 x103
JUSTINE FRASER
Reporter 519-669-5790 x101
PATRICK MERLIHAN
Print/Web Manager 519-669-5790 x105
CASSANDRA MERLIHAN
Graphic Designer 519-669-5790 x109
range of retail and services that would cater to those living in the building, making the location even more convenient and user-friendly. It would also harken back to an era when commercial buildings that lined the main street pretty much always included living space above – just take a look at the stores along Arthur Street, for instance. The downtown cores of most cities are struggling, often left to decay as suburban sprawl and the big malls drew people away. Even where the retail and office uses have remained fairly strong, the downtowns suffer from the exodus that occurs nightly at 5 p.m. The key, urban planners now say, is to have people living downtown, providing a sense of community and vibrancy. That’s not a large part of past and present plans for Elmira, though there are
more people living within walking distance, though that’s thus far not been reflected in practice. A bypass route that would take through traffic, particularly trucks, off of Arthur Street and through, say, an industrial area on the east side of town would do wonders. Of course, there are other steps to take in helping to preserve the downtown. A core review done a few years back looked at the requirements. Attractive, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, including trees, green spaces, flowers, benches and trails and amenities such as restaurants are what residents want from their downtowns To be sure, Elmira’s downtown is in much better shape than most in the area, but there is a need to be proactive. Having more people living downtown would set off a
Concerned about repair costs, Woolwich makes a tech patch to allow hikers and cyclists to enjoy the heritage bridges. Founded in 1996.
JOE MERLIHAN
examples would be ideal outcomes, countering the North American suburban expanse that’s been the norm for several decades. There’s a big if, however, as that remains something of a long shot. And it will involve investment that hasn’t been forthcoming as of yet. There has been much talk about the need in Elmira for alternatives to single-family suburban homes, particularly for housing catering to an older population looking to get out of those big homes but remain in the community. A medium-density project that offered ground-floor retail, for example, fits the bill on many fronts. Also key is walkability, ideally with the likes of medical services, restaurants and groceries within easy access. The mix has its advantages. It’s easy to imagine a
DONNA RUDY
Sales Manager 519-669-5790 x104
Find Us: 20-B Arthur St. N., Elmira, Ontario, N3B 1Z9 Contact Us: Phone: 519-669-5790 Toll Free: 1-888-966-5942 Fax: 519-669-5753 Email: info@woolwichobserver.com newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Web: https://observerxtra.com Social Media: Facebook: observerxtra Twitter: woolwichnews Instagram: observerxtra Professional Associations: • Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) • News Media Canada • The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce
About Us: Independent, locally-owned and the only weekly community newspaper serving the residents of Woolwich and Wellesley Townships. Real news, real reporting concentrating on the close-tohome issues in our communities. When it comes to reaching our residents, The Observer is unsurpassed. Press Oversight: The Observer is a member of the National Newsmedia Council - an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practises and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, contact: 519-669-5790 ext 103 or editor@woolwichobserver.com. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a complaint, visit mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163 for more information.
chain reaction, one certain to be welcomed by retailers and service providers. A number of studies have mapped out some ideal changes, but the township isn’t in the business of acquiring real estate or helping to launch new ventures, unlike some larger municipalities (often with mixed or poor results). Ideally, there would be the development of a cohesive vision for the core, a strategy to provide what the public wants in order to attract people downtown. That could include longer hours and marketing expertise to make stores more in line with the expectations of today’s customers. In the bigger picture, that would mean attracting the kinds of businesses that bring people in and entice them to linger, such as outdoor cafés to play up the downtown’s advantages in the better weather. The township and its BIA have recognized an opportunity presented by a growing Elmira. Many of the new homes – current and future – are within walking distance of the core; the goal now is to give them a reason to walk, and stop, downtown. Over the years, Woolwich has studied the core area, and has undertaken zoning changes to tweak the development options downtown. Much of the emphasis, not surprisingly, has been on the retail portion of downtown business. Such thinking dominates municipal planning schemes just about everywhere. Under pressure today from big-box retail, much as they were from the malls in previous generations, downtowns are having to cope with change. That doesn’t always sit well with core retailers. Beyond shopping, →KANNON 10
Subscriptions: Annual subscriptions to The Observer mailed within Canada/U.S. are available by contacting the office or visiting online: observerxtra.com/subscribe Delivery Concerns: Issues with local delivery can be made online: observerxtra.com/delivery. Immediate issues can be directed to The Record by calling 519-894-3000. Letters to the Editor: Letters must be exclusive to this publication on a topic of relevance to the community. It must contain the author's name, address, contact info and be no more than 300 words. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. The Observer declines announcements, poetry, thank-you and unsigned letters. Deliver to: editor@woolwichobserver. com or online: observerxtra.com/letters
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
10 | O P I N I O N
Snowshoeing can leave you fit ... to be tied
T Scouts Canada introduced a Climate Change Education and Action program to demonstrate how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in 2004. The first zero-emission building in the Townships was built in Elmira in 2004 by Next Energy Geo-thermal Solutions. A proposal to capture the heat and methane from cow manure and reclaim the energy through powering generators was pitched to Wellesley councillors to power the Wellesley Council chambers. ↆ LAST WEEK: Our online players were completely duped and didn't identify the lie this past week. Perhaps too much time on social media or the lie was so ridiculous that it must be true thinking. TRUE: There was a business in Elmira started in 2004 called Breath Patrol that sold lozenges to conveniences stores and bars. The lozenges were souced from Europe. TRUE: Explosions at Uniroyal Chemical (now Lanxess) identified a major problem with community safety when residents flocked to the site despite shelter-in-place sirens wailing. LIE: A weight loss business called Fatso-Long in Maryhill is ficticious. The name should have been the tell ... we have more work to do honing your BS detector. Play again this week. You can play online by reading any online post at www.observerxtra. com. Vote for the lie and be notified if you are correct immediately.
For breaking news, contests and more visit us online. observerxtra.com
he other day I was browsing the internet hoping to find out what the going price was for a new pair of snowshoes when I noticed several articles that basically suggested that snowshoeing is the new fitness craze. It almost made me want to send those online magazines a photo of me in a swimsuit, just to dispel that horrible rumour. Don’t get me wrong. There is no doubt it could be a fitness craze. But you could also make a fitness craze out of opening and closing the fridge if you ate only celery. And, let’s be honest, who does that? To really get fitness benefits out of snowshoeing, you’d have to leave the beaten track, break your own trails and travel for days at an impossible pace for long hours while being pursued relentlessly by a hungry pack of wolves. In fact, the idea that snowshoeing is a fitness activity verges on being preposterous since these days most snowshoeing is
→FROM 8
anti-Russian alliance). It may not work in the Belarusian case either – but that’s why the 41st Army is on the Belarusian border. So there’s no threatening build-up on Ukraine’s border – nor would Russia have an easy time invading Ukraine even if there were. Russia has three times Ukraine’s population, but its ground forces are not even twice as big (400,000 vs. 255,000). It has many far-flung borders to guard, and half its soldiers are conscripts serving only
→FROM 8
4.99
$
APPLE BUTTER
PORK SAUSAGE CHUB
SUMMER SAUSAGE
18.99 ea.
$
2065 Floradale Rd. Elmira, ON. Our plant is 100% Gluten Free
/lb
Reg.$5.89/lb
PHONE: 519-669-2300 TOLL FREE: 844-669-2300
Reg.$21.99 ea.
HOURS: Tuesday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 3pm Sunday CLOSED
Not-So-Great Outdoorsman
almost exclusively done on hard-packed, wellgroomed trials with plenty of breaks for hot chocolate, granola bars and social media posts. No, the real fitness activity is getting your snowshoe harnesses off and on. If you ask me, that should be an Olympic event. For this is an endeavour that takes true athleticism. It requires all the horrible, torturous things that are inherent in any good exercise – bending, twisting, using muscles that you never knew you had, touching your toes, stretching, grunting, persevering, wondering why the heck you are doing this, occasionally losing control of bodily functions, and, finally, nailing the landing. And then you have to repeat the process with the other foot. Snowshoe harnesses are
the main reason people resort to cross-country skiing. When it comes to snowshoe harnesses, I happen to be a traditionalist, which means I swear a lot and then do them up well enough so that they take me 100 yards before I have to do it again. Then, if only one comes off, I will hop on that one snowshoe for as long as I can get away with. Then again, I was taught to snowshoe correctly – by watching Yukon Cornelius in the Rudolph the Reindeer Christmas show that is on each year. If that old gold prospector taught us anything, it is that snowshoes are a means of making tracks towards the edge of the cliff you will eventually fall off of when wrestling a Bumble, which, as we all know thanks to Yukon’s ground-breaking research, bounce. Also, he taught us that you should never take your snowshoes off, presumably for fear of having to deal with the
harnesses again. Just to be clear, I am not trying to dissuade anyone from putting on a pair of snowshoes and going for a long walk – unless you happen to be one of those shut-ins who never leaves their apartment. Then, it can be annoying for the people in the unit below you. By all means, enjoy snowshoeing. It might not be the fitness craze as advertised, but it is still a means of getting you out of the house and active in the winter, without the embarrassment that comes with wearing those tight cross-country skiing getups. It is fun, easy to learn and a good way to be socially distant in these pandemicky times. Most importantly, they also provide you with the power to traverse the deep snow off the beaten path to see what a real winter wonderland looks like. I wouldn’t have a bad thing to say about it, if you didn’t first have to harness that power.
DYER: Putin is unlikely to do anything stupid like attack Ukraine
KANNON: Time to act on another review of core
FEATURE ITEM:
STEVE GALEA
attractive, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, including trees, green spaces, flowers, benches and trails and amenities such as restaurants are what residents want from their downtowns. Studies have highlighted those demands. But while the township can favour such things, and even promote them, it’s in no position to make the changes demanded by the public. Creating a plan is easy. Implementing it is the hard part, as we’ve seen many time to date.
one year. True, Russian air power is much superior to Ukraine’s, so it might win in the end if NATO did not intervene militarily (and NATO wouldn’t do that – nobody wants a nuclear war). But it would be colossally stupid for Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine, and he is not a stupid man. He would end up occupying a country of 45 million people most of whom resent the Russian occupation so much that a big, long guerrilla war would be almost inevita-
ble. He would face a rejuvenated NATO that posed a real threat to Russia from borders far closer to Moscow than those of the old Cold War, plus a crippling full-spectrum trade embargo. There has been some rhetorical sabre-rattling from Moscow recently, but NATO has also been pushing the Russians hard: American and British warships in the Black Sea coming very close to Russian-occupied Crimea, U.S. nuclear-capable bombers doing the same,
and sales of advanced Western weapons to the Ukrainians. The Kremlin is just as suspicious and frightened of the West now as it was at the height of the Cold War. That does not excuse Putin’s behaviour towards Ukraine, but if the ‘Western media’ just go on printing the handouts, everything will seem to be under control until one day somebody makes a serious mis-step in the dance, and everything goes very badly wrong.
LETER TO THE EDITOR
Province must act against antivaxxer threat To the Editor, Our MPP, Mike Harris Jr., owes it to his constituents to have a chat with his boss Doug Ford regarding his government’s lack of response to recent events. The vile behaviour this week of anti-vaxxers harassing mothers taking their children to a vaccination clinic in North Bay along with a family doctor in Latchford, Ontario, essentially driven out of her practice on false vaccination accusations and another in Ottawa receiv-
ing death threats for being a vaccine proponent, should be a clarion call to Doug Ford’s Conservative government. It is way past time for Mr. Ford’s government to stop pandering to these home-grown terrorists. Some 10,000 Ontarians have died from COVID-19, leaving families grieving. It is critical that the government make a strong and visible stand right now to protect Ontario citizens who are trying to do the right thing for the entire population. It is time to put an end to harassment by these ignorant, ideologically driven, anti-science terrorists. They can whine and complain all they
want to each other and politicians but need to be kept from stopping the rest of us from trying to get Ontario back to some sense of normalcy. The vast majority of Ontario’s population have looked critically at the medical and scientific data and have decided to trust masks, distancing and vaccines as the best mechanism for mitigation of this nasty disease. Why our provincial government has taken such a lackadaisical attitude towards this disruption by a small pitifully ignorant minority is beyond understanding. Paul Marrow
WINTERBOURNE
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021 | 11
Business
Leading the way. Shining a light on local enterprise, stoking the economic engines. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com New Business: observerxtra.com/enterprise
Realtors elect new pres.
Business optimism
The board of directors of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors last week elected Megan Bell to serve as its president for a one-year term. Bell succeeds Nicole Pohl, who will serve on the board executive committee for another year as past president. Bell, a sales representative with Royal LePage Wolle Realty, has been a realtor member of KWAR since 2010.
A majority of Canadian business leaders are optimistic about the general economy, according to a new survey conducted for Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. While roughly half are expressing optimism, it’s clear that most respondents want to see the federal government concentrate on the country's finances and a majority want it to address the issue of climate change.
Moving to increase diversity in the skilled trades As province looks to address shortages in the sector, Skills Ontario sees casting a wider net as part of the solution Steve Kannon Observer Staff
PROMOTING THE SKILLED TRADES FOR the past three decades, Skills Ontario is now looking to cast a wider net via diversity, equity and inclusion in the trades sector. To that end, the Waterloo-based organization is hosting a range of online events it hopes will attract more people into the trades and technology industries. Today, for instance, the Persons with Exceptionalities Conference takes aim at students in Grades 7-12 by presenting them with the opportunities in the sector as they begin to think about their future career paths. That effort goes beyond getting more women and people of colour into the trades, addressing a number of barriers, says Ashley Pszeniczny, Skills Ontario’s manager of diversity, equity and inclusion. “These barriers are based on people’s age, on their gender, on their physical abilities, and,
Skills Ontario is known for its competitions that foster interest in the skilled trades.
yes, on their race and their ethnicity, but [also on] their sexual orientation, their income, where they’re located in the province. So it’s a whole bunch of things that make up that pool of people that may face barriers going into the skilled trades,”
she explained. “Maybe they’re a youth at risk – how are they now going to turn around their future? Or maybe they’re an underrepresented population, and how are they going to get into the skilled trades and feel comfortable doing
Submitted
that? Is there support put into place for Indigenous peoples going into the skilled trades, where they feel comfortable leaving their First Nation community to take and pursue their education experience?” Given the growing
shortage of workers in the skilled trades, it’s important to open opportunities to as many people as possible, adds Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft. “We’ve introduced new programming within our inclusivity series. We did
our first session in the summer, in August, for new Canadians. And we’re looking at what else we can do, what else should we be doing to broaden our audience?” he said. “We have a huge shortage of skilled workers in Ontario and Canada. And we’re not restricted to Canada – this is a global challenge. We’re trying to make sure that students are aware of all opportunities. In addition to our commitment to diversity and equity, we’re also trying to get to the other audiences: we’re trying to better include an engaged small business, we’re trying to make sure that parents understand this, that teachers understand, all the technology teachers understand the importance of skilled trades.” Those goals are in line with new funding and programs announced last week by the provincial government, which is providing an additional $90 million over three years to further promote the skilled trades to young people. → TRADES 12
Farmers angry about relentless consolidation and food prices OWEN ROBERTS Food For Thought
are skyrocketing. The agricultural economy is huge and farmers spend billions on mandatory supplies feed for their animals, seed, fertilizer to grow their crops and crop protection products to abate bugs and weeds. But major commodity
suppliers’ ownership has shrunk drastically. The farmers’ union notes just four companies control 85 per cent of beef packing, 85 per cent of seed corn production and 84 per cent of the pesticide market. And since the 1970s, 40 per cent of flour mills and nearly 90 per cent of meat processing facilities have closed their doors, unable to compete with the giants.
Prices could get even worse, as supply chains that bring essentials to farmers remain sluggish and suppliers’ costs increase as well. With the Omicron variant upon us, and who knows what after that, the forecast for more fair and efficient supply chains is unclear. And now all this is landing on consumers’ laps, in the form of higher food prices.
In response, producers are stepping up a campaign they started in September, as harvest approached, called Fairness For Farmers. It’s designed to raise awareness of the inequitable position they say they’re in. In the U.S., the campaign is aimed at policy makers who have let consolidation steamroll the countryside. → ROBERTS 12
Join us for our Free Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Webinar! Wednesday December 8th, 2021 at 4:30PM
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING
Church St S St ur th
Hosted by Physiotherapist's Courtney Voisin and Ali Dings! Call our clinic or go to our resources tab on our website to register!
Ar
ers’ suppliers. The U.S. National Farmers Union notes that for every dollar spent on Thanksgiving meals, a paltry 14 cents of it goes to farmers and ranchers. Compare that to the old days – back in the 1950s, when farmers had many more choices about where to buy supplies. Then, half of the food dollar went to them. Now though, their costs
r St
hanksgiving in both Canada and the U.S. is a hallowed holiday. But this year, American farmers are not feeling festive, nor are they optimistic things are going to change with Christmas around the corner. And their president is starting to pay attention. At issue is shrinking corporate ownership, and how so little competition exists among farm-
Wa lke
T
519•669•1212
www.sosphysiotherapy.ca
3 Wyatt St. East
Jam es St
Wy
E L MI R A att
St
E
E
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
12 | B U S I N E S S
From culinary arts to bricklaying, the Skills Ontario competitions allow students to put what they’ve learned through real-world tests.
Help keep salt out of groundwater
I am groundwater and I’m worth protecting
Submitted
TRADES: From training to the workplace, the sector is undergoing changes to reflect what’s going on → FROM 11
The funding includes an additional $2.9 million, for a total of $20 million annually, to expand the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), which now has 63 recruiters who visit some 800 schools promoting the skilled trades to students at a younger age. “Our government is equipping students with the job and life skills that will help them gain access to meaningful and well-paid employment,” said Education Minister Stephen Lecce in a release announcing the new funding. “We have introduced a new math curriculum that focuses on financial literacy, coding, and entrepreneurship, while expanding the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program so that young people have a direct pipeline to good jobs in the skilled trades.” The province estimates one in five jobs in Ontario will involve skilled trades
by 2025. But even as the demand grows, a third of tradespeople are nearing retirement, meaning the province is projected to face a shortfall of 100,000 construction workers, for instance, over the next decade. To encourage employers to take on more apprentices, the province’s investments in achievement incentives and pre-apprenticeship training will increase to more than $77 million annually starting in 20222023. The achievement incentive will also focus on hiring apprentices from underrepresented groups, including women, BIPOC people, newcomers, Francophones and people with disabilities. Pre-apprenticeship program participants can also receive living allowances for costs like rent and childcare. There’s definitely a shifting landscape, says Howcroft. “I think from my
perspective that there’s a lot more interest, a lot more people understanding what the barriers are. There’s a lot more that still needs to be done, but I think there’s a receptivity to doing that,” he said of increased awareness among educators and employers alike. “The comments I’m hearing and experience I have is that employers are very receptive to what we’re doing. They engage with us and are participating more, but there’s still a lot more that still has to be done,” he added. “There are still complexities in the system [about] how they move forward, particularly if you’re coming from an underrepresented group – this has some challenges. We do have to make sure that the support systems are in place, and that’s what we’re working to do, to try to identify solutions and help people on their educational and career journey.”
ROBERTS: Even as prices rise, farmers are getting a smaller share of consumers’ dollars, and they’re none too pleased → FROM 11
Shovel or plow the snow first
Break up ice with a steel ice chopper
Add traction when needed with sand
regionofwaterloo.ca/SaltingShift
Corporations will be fingered as the villain. If anyone doubts that activists can’t pull that trigger, just look at what happened to Monsanto. As a result of restrictive technology ownership policies that many felt benefitted the company more than they did farmers, Monsanto became synonymous with corporate greed and heavy handedness, even when the company marketed
biotechnology products that farmers really liked. Most farmers still gravitate towards technology and need it in place of the manual labour they just can’t find. But they’re pretty grumpy about how much it all costs, and wonder why. U.S. President Joe Biden wonders why, too. On Monday, he convened a meeting of decision makers from major retailers, consumer products firms and grocers, to see
what’s up, and how everyone could work together to keep store shelves stocked. Farmers have some ideas. Start by improving price discovery and ensuring fair and accurate market information, they say. Facilitate competition and more diverse market opportunities. Reinvigorate antitrust enforcement. And do it now, they add, before prices are out of sight.
We Care For You Like Family
martinspharmacy.ca Woolwich Community Health Centre 10 Parkside Dr, St. Jacobs, Ontario, N0B 2N0
Accreditation Number: 38988
(519) 664-3785
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
S M A L L T O W N , B I G ♥ | 13
Give the Gift of Local! DISCOVER HERE AT HOME: LOCAL PRODUCT SHOWCASE
♥ Gifts of all types can be found with us at MCC Thrift & Gift.
♥ Casa Moda Shirts Soft Brushed Cotton Flannel. Casual Fit. Comfortable with jeans and Cotton Pants, this shirt is always a good choice. Small to 3XL.
Reasonable prices and no taxes charged. Shop the gift of Local #supportlocal.
♥ Belts
Genuine Solid Leather or French Braided Stretch. Casual and Dress. Made In Canada. Sizes 32 to 54.
15% Off the regular price
25% Off the regular price.
MCC Thrift and Gift | 519-669-8475
WC Brown & Sons | 519-669-1152
WC Brown & Sons | 519-669-1152
☀ M-W 10am-5pm; Th-F 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-5pm
☀ T-W 9am-6pm; Th-F 9am-7pm; Sat 9am-5pm
☀ T-W 9am-6pm; Th-F 9am-7pm; Sat 9am-5pm
59 Church St W, Elmira | mccontario.com/elmira
18-24 Arthur St. S., Elmira | brownsmenswear.com
♥ Lang 2022 Wall Calendar
Quantities Limited
Over 50 styles in stock. 12x12.
$18.49
♥ Cyclovac Unit ♥ Tropical Houseplants
Wide selection to choose from; including Cacti, Succulents, Orchids, & More! You can be sure to find a plant for everyone on your list!
Belgian Nursery | 519-648-2608
2615 Victoria St. N. Breslau | belgian-nursery.com ☀ W-F 9am-6pm; Sat 9am-5pm; Sun, M, T Closed
143" Water Lift. 25 year warranty. Sale price of
$549.95
reg. $849.95
Elmira Vacuum | 519-669-8362
Schelters | 519-669-2201 | 519-846-5540 1 Union St, Elmira | 99 Geddes St, Elora | schelters.ca
☀ M-F 9:30am-5pm; Sat 9:30am-3pm; Sun Closed
☀ M-F 8:30am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun Closed
9 Church St E, Elmira | elmiravacuumelectrical.ca
DOOR CRASHER DEALS
♥ Toys and Games
Your local source for games and toys for the whole family!
18-24 Arthur St. S., Elmira | brownsmenswear.com
♥ G31 Magna Power Battery ONLY $125
♥ 1/64 Case IH AFS Connect Steiger 540 Quadtrac 2020 Farm Show Edition
with Core exchange.
NOW $19.95
#CCMF31GW / #CCMF31GSW
Was $31.95
DOOR CRASHER DEALS
ZFN44188
Living Waters | 877-595-7585
Equipment Ontario | 519-669-1561
Equipment Ontario | 519-669-1561
☀ M, W, Sat 8am-6pm; T, Th, F 8am-9pm; Sun Closed
M-F 7:30am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-1pm; Sun Closed
M-F 7:30am-5:30pm; Sat 8am-1pm; Sun Closed
122 Church St W., Elmira | www.lwcb.shop
6805 Line 86, Elmira | equipmentontario.com
♥ New Era Stretch-Fit Observer Cap
♥ Christmas Planters Starting at
$40
Fresh cut greens, wreaths, baked goods, handmade gifts and much more!
6805 Line 86, Elmira | equipmentontario.com
♥ Christmas Greeting Cards $10
12 cards (4 designs x3). 12 white envelopes. Blank inside. Packaged in box with clear lid.
These caps come in Observer Navy with a white outlined logo and caption "I'm a newspaper reader" on the front. Limited run.
$39
Fall Harvest Farm | 226-791-7601
Woolwich Observer | 519-669-5790
Woolwich Observer | 519-669-5790
☀ F-Sun 9am-6pm; M-Th Closed
☀ M, T, Th 8am-5pm; W 8am-4pm; F 8am-3pm
☀ M, T, Th 8am-5pm; W 8am-4pm; F 8am-3pm
1011 Gerber Rd., Wellesley | fallharvestfarm.ca
20 B Arthur St. N., Elmira | newsmart.ca
20 B Arthur St. N., Elmira | newsmart.ca
Discover our local businesses | observerxtra.com
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021 | 14
Arts
Read a local best seller every week. Local stories that inspire.
Arts awards
Putting a stamp on it
The arts community – artists, supporters, and fans –gathered at a live online event for the 2021 Arts Awards Waterloo Region event Nov. 26. Winners included Neruda Arts, MT SPAE, Green Light Arts and CAFKA (Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener + Area).
Canada Post has a new stamp paying tribute to Buffy Sainte-Marie. Believed to have been born on the Piapot First Nation in Saskatchewan in 1941, she is internationally renowned for her unique vocals and emotionally charged songs, which have been covered by hundreds of artists, from Elvis Presley to Cher. She is still an active performing artist at age 80, including a stop last week in the region.
Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Tips: observerxtra.com/tips
JP Sunga’s new single, ‘Dirty Water,’ is available for streaming now via his YouTube channel.
Submitted
JP Sunga lets it all flow in new single Part of a theme of renewal and self-forgiveness, ‘Dirty Water’ is the latest track from album now under construction Justine Fraser Observer Staff
WATERLOO-BASED MUSICIAN JP SUNGA RELEASED a new single in November that was accompanied by a creative music video exploring the themes of renewal and self-forgiveness. The song entitled ‘Dirty Water’ was inspired by his late grandmotherin-law. She lived in India as a single mother with eight children who faced challenges that went well beyond that situation: she was told she had leprosy, which at the time was incurable. She met a
stranger who saw her pain and, so the story goes, he advised her to simply “let the dirty water flow,” after a couple weeks went by, she was cured of that disease. “It’s a very mysterious story. But those words ‘let the dirty water flow’ really kind of stuck with me. She was the type of woman where she just exuded a love of life, she was just so joyous. There was nothing in her actions and the way she conducted herself that would have let you know anything about her challenges and everything that she’d gone through – growing up poor as a
single mother in India – that’s what she chose to give out to the world,” said Sunga, explaining the meaning behind the song. “Oftentimes, we talk about forgiveness of others; no one really talks about forgiveness of self. Sometimes it’s important to allow yourself that chance for a new outlook, for a new path. So that’s why the song, one of the main themes, is about renewal and it’s about that sort of cleansing and that ability to be able to move forward with a clean slate, with a new outlook.” The music video was filmed on Manitoulin
Island with beautifully landscaped backdrops such as a waterfall and cliff. The music video was a family affair as his wife helped with production and his son, Jaryn Sunga, played a role in the ‘Dirty Water’ music video as a younger version of JP. “Music is such a huge part of me that it became clear that if I didn’t do this and something were to happen to me, my kids would not really know me – this is a huge part of who I am. So, this is what I’m doing now with all these singles that I’m releasing in this album that I’m working towards, it’s a
legacy piece,” said Sunga, inspired to write music that represents where he is now as an artist, coming out of the pandemic. “It was initially slated for 2020 and then COVID. So my producer and I haven’t been able to meet in person, everything we’ve been doing ever since March 2020 has been virtually; it’s been really slow and really challenging and difficult to really get some stuff done. But now things are starting to ease up where I think we’re going to change gears and really push forward with the remainder of the songs
that are left to be done.” Sunga has been writing and creating music for more than 20 years, taking a break to raise his children, now feeling inspired to create, he’s ready to step back into the scene. He’s also a long-time judge on Wellesley Idol, an annual singing competition at the Wellesley Fall Fair and Wellesley ABC Festival, which was cancelled this year due to COVID. His new song, ‘Dirty Water,’ can be streamed on Sunga’s YouTube channel. The upcoming album from JP Sunga is slated for next year, with an exact date still to be announced.
BILLIARDS
If you have a love for billiards and an appreciation for great billiard tables, or if you are a fan of any indoor games, then you owe it to yourself to visit Jamieson’s Billiard Sales & Service.
Family Owned and Operated Since 1929 See us for: • Pool Table Sales, Service, • Billiard Table Lights Supplies and Accessories • WE DELIVER! • Recovering and Refurbishing FREE PARKING AT THE DOOR!
See us for Outdoor Ping Pong Tables
Foosball Tables
Made in Canada by Canada Billiards
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING Pool Tables
Darts Dart Boards and Accessories
Dart Board Cabinets with Scoreboard
103 Ontario St. S., Kitchener • 519-745-4053 • Monday to Friday 11-6 • Saturday 11-4 • www.jamiesonsbilliards.com
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021 | 15
Classifieds
Advertising
Placing a classified ad
Seven days. One paper.
Please call or email for display advertising quote for Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices and Obituaries.
A bestseller every week.
Please talk to our ad dept for pricing and to order a Pro Services Directory.
All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds.
Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104 Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com
Help Wanted
For Sale
Help Wanted
Truck Driver Looking for casual part time AZ Truck Driver for local deliveries. No heavy lifting. Please apply to Willow Brae Pallets at 519-664-3688 or email your resume to
info@willowbraepallets.com
Help Wanted
We’re Hiring!
Full time permanent positions available at our apple processing plant in Elmira. Line Workers Days, Afternoons & Nights Forklift Operator Afternoons Monday to Friday 40hour week Shift premium + benefits
Please message: PART TIME COOK with a passion for food and the culinary industry. Our ideal candidate will have strong organizational and time management skills. Experience in Canadian Cuisine, especially homestyle meals. Resumes accepted by email: adminassistant@stjacobsplace.ca or in person at 10 Water Street, St Jacobs.
Help Wanted
Family Album Announcements pricing and info can be ordered online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album.
hr@martinsapples.com
Sell it in the Observer
All classified advertising is prepaid. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Residential:
$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)
Commercial:
$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)
Order online at: observerxtra.com/ classifieds.
For Sale
CHRISTMAS SALE AT HILLCREST HOME BAKING!! December 7 31, 2021. 10% off all candy; 10% off all fabrics; 50% off selected polyesters; 5.99 - 7.99m cottons (selected); 10% off tablecloths, sewing notions, quilt batts, hosiery, underwear and mitts. 10% off sweaters and packaged shirts; 10% off toys,books, games, school supplies, baby items etc. 10% off clocks, touch lamps, bookends, giftware, towels, cannister sets etc. REGULAR HOURS Tues - Fri. 8:00 - 6:00, Sat, 8:00 - 5:00, Closed Mondays. HOLIDAY HOURS- Dec. 24 & 31, 8:00 - 4:00, Closed Jan. 1 to 5th. Bakery will be closed Jan. 1 to 18th. CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAYS DEC. 14 & 15TH -FREE COFFEE, & LONG JOHNS!!! New Item coming Happy Mom's Diapers. Thanks to all our customers!!
CHRISTMAS GIFT BASKETS FROM MAITside Orchard & Store. Price range $13.$33. For details and local pick up options & o rd e r i n g c a l l 519-835-0099.
Farm Services
Residential:
$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)
Commercial:
$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)
Farm Services KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.
Wanted
BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS AGRICULTURAL Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045. FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - AT COMPETItive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141. ICE SALT & ICE MELT - ICE SALT COMES IN 20kg, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.
ↆ R E A L
LOOKING TO BUY OLDER WATCHES, old black and white photographs, postcards and vintage costume jewelry. Call Steve, 519-831-3011.
Rentals UPSTAIRS APARTMENT - 2 BEDROOMS, one bathroom, living room, laundry room, sun porch and all appliances. Heat & hydro included, $2200/mth. No pets, no smoking in house. Working professionals preferred. 519-698-2207.
Trades & Services RON'S DRYWALL AND RENOVATIONS. OVER 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron.spncr@gmail.com
Coming Events KARATE! IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL CLASSES AVAILABLE SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS. Self-defense, Self-discipline, Self-confidence. GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADULT. Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 5X World Karate Champion. Location Heidelberg Community Centre - 2915 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg. Our Winter 10 week session $120+HST Begins Nov. 22. Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@ hotmail.com
ES TAT E
Help Wanted Lorem ipsum BROKERAGE
HIRING: DELIVERY DRIVERS We offer: • Steady year-round work • Clean, well-maintained equipment • Optional benefits • Seasonal overtime We require: • Valid G or DZ license with clean drivers abstract • Physically fit, must be able to lift 40kgs • Proof of double vaccination Send resume to: operations@riepertsalt.com 66 Schaefer St., Waterloo www.riepertsalt.com
R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office: 519-669-2772 | Cell: 519-741-6231 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | www.thurrealestate.com
Craftsmen Hardwoods Inc is seeking a
NEW LISTING
to perform bookkeeping, general office duties and assist in customer service.
6 Mourningdove Cr., Elmira 3 bdrm backsplit in a great neighbourhood – Crescent location. Formal L.R. & D.R. Eat-in kitchen. 1 ½ baths. Rec room & workshop. Sunroom addition at rear. Original owner. Two sheds. New MLS $655,000.00
Skills & Requirements:
• Honest character • Detail oriented • Team player • Bookkeeping experience an asset • Familiarity with Microsoft Office & QuickBooks • General office organization
46 Stillwater St., Elmira End unit, freehold townhouse in great condition. Mn flr 2 piece. LR w/hardwood flr, eat-in kitchen w/ oak cabinets & sliding doors to interlocking brick patio. 3 bdrms w/ master ensuite& walk-in closet. 4 pc. bath. Finished basement w/rec room, office area, laundry & utility rooms. New furnace & A/C in 2020. Double driveway. MLS $619,900.00
Our Mission Statement To glorify God while providing quality wood products and services to the Ontario market Please submit resumes via: Fax: 519-638-3105 Email: hr@craftsmenhardwoods.com In Person: 34 Drayton Ind. Dr. Drayton ON Only those selected for an interview will be contacted
Observer photographs online or in print are all available for purchasing a reprint. ads.observerxtra.com/reprints
Broker of Record, MVA Residential
35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON!
FULL TIME OFFICE ADMIN ASSISTANT
CALL FOR YOUR
FREE MARKET EVALUATION
www.craftsmenhardwoods.com
FROM PAPER TO PRINT
BRAD MARTIN
8x10 $15
2nd Print only $7.50
5x7 $11
2nd Print only $5.50
4x6
$9
2nd Print only $4.50
OWNSHIP OF
TOWNSHIP OF
ESLEY WELLESLEY
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
16 | C L A S S I F I E D S
ↆ S P O R T S
WOOLWICH WILDCATS
■ PeeWee LL1
Nov/27/2021 vs Centre Wellington U13 LL2 HOME: 2 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: James Foye Gondos, Alex Lloyd ASSISTS: Aiden Basler, Brylee Patterson, Matt
SCOR ES
Wilkie
Flamborough Sabres HOME: 3 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Grant Rintoul (3 ASSISTS: Patrick Goetz (3), Wyatt Garan, Oliver Horn (2)
■ PeeWee U13AE
Nov/25/2021 vs Guelph Gryphons HOME: 3 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Josh Wraight (2), Grant Rintoul ASSISTS: Jordie Martin (2), Zach Carter
■ PeeWee U13A
Nov/28/2021 vs Brampton 45's HOME: 8 VISITOR: 0
■ PeeWee U13AE Nov/27/2021 vs
GOALS: Reese Martin
(3), Colton Brito, Jaxon McGuire, Evan Hall, Austin Dietrich, Colton Sinclair ASSISTS: Emmett Colwill (4), Evan Hall, Reese Martin, Colton Sinclair, William Krubally, Cameron Fisher, Colton Brito (2), Matthew Kochut
Shutouts: Cohen Hamburger
#2
Nov/19/2021 vs LL#3 HOME: 2 VISITOR: 8 GOALS: Lucas Radler, Tristan Kraemer ASSISTS: Hudson Haycock, Adam Short, Sam Goebel
Haycock, Myles Hunter, Preston Hackert ASSISTS: Sam Goebel, Lucas Radler, Owen Padfield
■ Midget LL#1
■ Midget LL#1
Nov/21/2021 vs CW
TOWNSHIP OF
Orangeville Flyers HOME: 5 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Patrick Goetz (2), Thomas McCarthy (2), Nolan Cruickshank ASSISTS: Oliver Horn (3), Grant Rintoul, Boston Esbaugh, Josh Wraight, Levi Adams, Patrick Goetz
HOME: 3 VISITOR: 5
GOALS: Hudson
■ PeeWee U13AE Nov/30/2021 vs
WOOLWICH WILD
■ Atom LL#1
Nov/27/2021 vs Ayr Rockets HOME: 1 VISITOR: 4 GOALS: Lexi Gaudet ASSISTS: Isla Dunn, Brynn Russel
Sports scores continue pg 18
TOWNSHIP OF
WELLESLEY
WELLESLEY
Parking By-law 4/2021: The parking by-law is enforced in the Township of Wellesley by the Municipal Law Enforcement Officer. • Parking is prohibited on all highways within the Township of Wellesley between 2:30 am – 6:00 am. (November 1st – April 30th) • Parked overhanging any boulevard, sidewalk or multi use trail is prohibited within the Township of Wellesley Heavy trucks are prohibited from parking on all highways within the Township of Wellesley except while loading and unloading.
Building Public Meeting Notice TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Corporation of the Township of Wellesley is presenting proposed revisions to the existing Building Permit Fees pursuant to the provisions of Section 7 of the Building Code Act. A PUBLIC MEETING will be held on December 21st, at 6:45pm via Zoom to review and discuss the proposed permit fee revisions.
A highway includes all roads, shoulders, boulevards and sidewalks in the Township of Wellesley. Snow and Ice Removal By-law 12/2011: The owner or occupant of any building occupied or not, vacant land in any settlement area in the Township of Wellesley within 24 hours after a snowfall or freezing rain, during the months starting October 1st until April 30th each year, shall clear away and remove all snow and ice from the sidewalks in front, along the sides and at the rear of such building or vacant land. The owner or occupant of any building occupied or not in any settlement area in the Township of Wellesley with a roof sloped towards a sidewalk in front, along the side or at the rear of such building before 9:00 am every day from October 1st to April 30th each year shall remove the snow and ice from the roof of the premises. They shall take due and proper care and precaution for the warning and safety of all persons using the sidewalk or road on the vicinity of the house and property when removing it.
line
MY NAME
job title address
Phone: 555-555 -5555 Fax: 555-555-5555 my@email.com www.mydomai n.com
2999
$
plus tax
Make a Great First Impression at a Great Price! • With or without UV gloss (1 side) • Single sided • Full Colour • 12 pt C1S stock • Print ready file
THE PROPOSED Building Permit Fee Schedule revisions would alter existing building permit fees associated with construction of all categories / classifications of buildings. INFORMATION AVAILIBLE: Additional information and material relating to the proposal will be available for review during business hours, at the Township Office at 4639 Lobsinger Line, St. Clements, ON. or on the Township website at www.wellesley.ca. Questions for clarification prior to the meeting date may be directed to the Building Department at (519) 699-3951 during normal business hours or e-mailed to ddenny@wellesley.ca
Specializing in Posters, Banners & Trade Show Booths
Our Everyday Low Price!
500 FULL COLOUR BUSINESS CARDS
For additional details please call the Chief Building Official at 519-699-3951, ddenney@wellesley.ca or Municipal Clerk at 519-699-3946 gkosch@wellesley.ca
WE DO SIGNS OF ALL KINDS!
MY COMPANY
my company tag
NOTE: As in person meetings are not an option at this time you can participate in this meeting via zoom or view the meeting through YouTube.
Car Wraps Also Available!
Indoor & Outdoor Signage Huge assortment of materials to print on Laminating, sewing, wind slits, grometting available Hardware included • Installation available
Get Your Message Out And Keep People Informed!
AS LOW AS
$
12995
• We have an In-house Graphics team to help with the perfect design, or supply your own print-ready file
Call today
for more information! Our consultants are always available to price your project!
• These banners are excellent for trade shows and presentations • They are affordable, lightweight, durable and easy to setup or take down • Includes padded carry bag • Full colour, single sided
Call Today to Get Started! ARTWORK EXTRA
Have You Written A Book?
Call for a copy of our Idea Guide for a full listing of available products • • • •
NEWSLETTERS
Retractable Banners
Raptor, Magnum, Frontier, Extreme Frontier
We can help you get your book into print! Lawn Bag Signs
• Family History Books • Cookbooks Inquire about our • Manuals • Catalogues Publishing Packages • Children’s Books and free Author’s Guide
M&T Printing Group is Ready to Serve You
675 DAVENPORT RD., WATERLOO • 519-804-0017 www.mtprint.com
DOOR HANGERS
Catch the attention of your prospects and drive traffic to your business!
Large enough to include plenty of information, but small enough to provide budget friendly pricing and easily distributed.
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ L O C A L
C L A S S I F I E D S | 17
PR O F E SS I ONAL
SERVICES
ↆ GENERAL SERVICES
CALL TO BOOK! TODAY.
MarCrest Backhoe Septic Installations · Tile Repairs Small Footings · Silo Footings
VAN, MINIBUS & WHEELCHAIR LIFT BUS TRANSPORTATION “Specializing in small group charters”
Maynard Martin
519-669-5557 Visit our website! countrymilebl.com Elmira, ON
2512 Kressler Road RR1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0
RK COUNTRY BUS LINES
IN-STORE SERVICES • Window & Screen Repairs • Glass & Plexi Cutting • Key Cutting • Knife & Scissor Sharpening • Lawnmower Blade Sharpening • Paint Colour Matching • Interior Design Consultation • Bike Repair
519-502-8262 Elmira, ON
Tel. 519-699-0507
ↆ GENERAL SERVICES Thorncreek Farms
Poultry Barn Pest Solutions
Visit us online to see our entire rental lineup.
Poultry Pest Management Pest control with residual built in
Various sizes & rates
CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call
519-669-4964
519-504-2698
Serving KW and surrounding area
100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA
ↆ HOME IMPROVEMENT
ↆ AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
TIRE
WHERE TIRES ARE A
SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.
Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service 35 Howard Ave., Elmira
519-669-3232
519-669-0524 www.woolwichrentals.ca 100 Union St, Elmira, Ontario
THOMPSON’S
Auto Tech Inc. Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence.
519-669-4400
John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs
519-503-6033 (CELL) 519-669-2251
30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA
36 Hampton St., Elmira
- Design and build -
AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS
Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs Patios • Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Steps • Decorative/Stamped and Coloured Concrete www.marwilconcrete.ca
Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016
519-577-0370
darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON
ↆ HOME IMPROVEMENT COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
ST. JACOBS
GLASS SYSTEMS INC.
INC
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial
• Store Fronts • Thermopanes • Mirrors • Screen Repair • Replacement Windows • Shower Enclosures • Sash Repair
Randy Weber
ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605
www.rwelectricltd.com TEL:
18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462
AMOS R O O F I N G
1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years.
WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED
CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.
519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104 FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service
519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114 In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured
ↆ HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1998
•Final grading •Lawn repair & complete seeding well equipped for large stoney areas •Spike Aerator/Overseeding •Natural & Interlocking Stone •Retaining Walls, Walks & Patios •Help for Top Water & Drainage issue
Murray & Daniel Shantz
ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427
DESIGN CENTRE
• FLOORING • Custom KITCHENS • BATHROOM VANITIES • SICO Paint • Custom WINDOW BLINDS
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 Popular Brands Available
BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN
www.LetUsFloorYou.ca
Hours: M-F 8:00 - 5:00 & Sat 9:00 - 3:00
Evenings By Appointment
1011 Industrial Cres. Unit #2 | TEL: 519.699.5411
Tel:
22 Church St. W., Elmira 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537
STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN Closed Find and follow us on FB and Instagram
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
18 | C L A S S I F I E D S
“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAST; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”
Community Information Page COVID-19 Woolwich Township Update Township Office – Open for select services The Township office is open to walk-in public traffic, with staff working a mix of in office and from home. It is recommended that you use our services offered online or phone to book an appointment before visiting the office to ensure we are available to assist you. The following services can be accessed through our website: • Tax & Water Bills can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/taxes • Building Permits can be applied for and paid online: www.woolwich.ca/buildingpermits • Parking Tickets can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/parkingtickets • Report Issues or Service Requests (By-law Enforcement, Potholes, Signs, Streetlights, Trees, Winter Maintenance, etc..) online: www.woolwich.ca/reportit For current information on facilities and services, please visit www.woolwich.ca or call 519-669-1647. For health information, call the Region of Waterloo Public Health 519-575-4400.
Council Meetings – Remote For registration, help or alternative participation options, call 519-669-6004.
Recreation Programs and Facilities As per Ontario Regulation 645/21, beginning September 22, 2021, all individuals who are entering indoor municipal recreation facilities will be required to provide proof of vaccination along with ID. Exemptions include: • Individuals under 18 years old who are entering the facility to participate in • Children under 12 years old • Individuals with a medical exemption. Visitors to our facilities must continue to Covid pre-screen prior to entering. QR codes will be provided at the door. Please display the green checkmark upon entry. We ask for your patience & understanding as our Recreation staff work to implement these new procedures to keep our patrons, volunteers & staff safe. For more information on Recreation Programs and Facilities, please check the Township website or call 519-514-7000.
Local Business Resources FREE masks: order your free supply of masks online at: https://forms.woolwich.ca/Small-Business-PPE-Mask-Request. FREE COVID-19 screening kits: Visit www.chambercheck.ca to learn more and to schedule your pick-up. COVID-19 Small Business Ambassador Program: Free program for small and medium sized businesses in the Region to minimize COVID-19 risks and boost staff and customer confidence. Get a window decal to show you completed the program. Sign up at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ambassador
ↆ F A M I L Y
A LB UM
In Memoriam
In Memoriam
August 31, 1949 - December 7, 2020
Israel ‘Isey’ Weber June 20, 1936 – December 5, 2013
Linda and family
Dearest Isey, husband, dad, Opa, brother and friend. Now for eight years your love wrapped itself around our hearts. Although it’s difficult, beyond our tears and all the world’s wrong, the memories of your tender, loving, caring spirit will see us through until we meet again. Sadly missing you, Sally, family and friends ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Phone:
After Hours Emergency:
519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820
519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca
Businesses grants: https://reliefwithinreach.ca/waterloo-region/ For more information about government programs and other business supports call Jenna Morris at 519-669-6020 or email: EconomicDevelopment@woolwich.ca
Public Health Information Getting fully vaccinated protects you against hospitalization and serious outcomes caused by COVID-19. Every single person who gets vaccinated helps to build up our wall of protection against COVID-19 in Waterloo Region. Get vaccinated today: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/GetVaccinated
Elmira Core Area Urban Design Study
Follow up to the Virtual Community Information Session - November 29th Did you miss the Information Session? If you were unable to attend the virtual information session on November 29th or you do not have a computer to view the information on the Township webpage, please visit the Township Administration offices to view the information and complete a comment sheet. Information will be made available in the lobby of the Township Administration Building at 24 Church Street West, Elmira from December 6th to 17th during the weekday office hours of 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. For more information, please contact: Deanne Fries, Director, Development Services, Township of Woolwich dfriess@woolwich.ca 519-669-6028 1-877-969-0094 ext. 6028
Notice of Public Meeting Township of Woolwich
Remediation Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting Thursday, December 9, 2021 5:00 p.m. Public Meeting Please note this will be a virtual meeting only and public attendance at the Township offices will not be permitted. Below is information on how you can participate in the meeting.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE As in-person meetings are not an option at this time, you can view the meeting by REGISTERING with the Support Specialist on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, December 7th. To register please email lschaefer@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-1647, ext. 6112. Once you are registered the Support Specialist will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or toll-free conference call number).
Sports scores continued from pg 16 ■ Atom LL#2
Nov/27/2021 vs Woodstock Wildcats White HOME: 2 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Callie Wagner, Kirsten Dueck ASSISTS: Callie Wagner
JOHN H. GERTH
Time changes many things but not the memories this day brings. No longer in our lives to share but in our hearts you are always there Love you and missing you always and forever.
P.O. Box 158
24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6
■ PeeWee U-13 B
Nov/28/2021 vs Cambridge Roadrunners HOME: 2 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Alexandra Vincent, Rowyn McDowell ASSISTS: Emily Brubacher, Katelyn Snider, Addison Searth
■ PeeWee U-13 B Nov/27/2021 vs Grand River Mustangs
ↆ S OL U T ION S
HOME: 3 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Addison
Searth (3) ASSISTS: Leah Hunter, Cayleigh McQuinn, Tatiana Kocan, Chloe Futher
■ PeeWee U-13 B
Nov/19/2021 vs Lambeth Lancers HOME: 1 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Emily Brubacher ASSISTS: Eden Ropp
■ PeeWee U-13 B
Nov/20/2021 vs St. Marys Rock HOME: 0 VISITOR: 0
■ PeeWee U-13 B
Nov/20/2021 vs West Oxford Inferno HOME: 2 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Addison Searth, Ellie Clemmer ASSISTS: Vienna Cooney (2) , Cayleigh McQuinn
+ $ 7 5 $ & .
2 1 ( , ' $
/ 0 , $ ' 5 % 6 $ & , $ / 1 ( 7 <
& 2 0 0 2 1 ' ( 1 2 0 , 1 $ 7 2 5
8 6 / 0 , & 3 / $ 5 2 0 $ ( 1 6 7 $ % , ( 1 < $ ' $ 3 / ' 9 , ( < 2 . 2 2 1 2
+ $ 6 ( 1 8 , 0 1 $ 8 1 & / ( / 2 1 6 & , ( 2 1 7 1 $
$ 1 & $ 5 7 , $ 3 5 ( 5 + $ 6 0
$ 0 2 1 , $ 7 2 ' 7 : ' 2 7 ( : 2 0 6 2 2 3 ( % 5 ( 0 ( 5 8 1 / ,
* 5 2 9 ( 6 : $ 7
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ F A M I L Y
C L A S S I F I E D S | 19
A LB UM
Obituary
Obituary
Obituary
Obituary
Martin, Levi G.
Brown, Mabel Isabella
Shantz, Janis F. (nee Oehm)
Passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2021 at his residence at the age of 77. Husband of Hannah (Horst) Martin. Father of Maryann Martin of Conestogo, Noah and Verna Martin of Mount Forest, Louisa Martin, Hettie Martin both of Waterloo, Susanna Martin, Eva Martin, Isaac, Cleason, and Elsie Martin all at home. Brother of Annie Martin, and brother-in-law of Amsey Horst, Hettie and Manassah Frey, Osiah and Lovina Horst, Barbara and Levi Weber, Lena and Melvin Martin, Angus and Louisa Horst, Elvina Brubacher, Lucinda and Ivan Weber, Esther and Silas Bowman. Predeceased by his parents Onias and Maryann (Gingrich) Martin, brother Cleason, sisters-in-law Minerva and Elizabeth Horst, and brother-in-law Elias Brubacher. Visitation took place on Sunday, November 28, 2021 from 2-6 p.m. and on Monday, November 29, 2021 from 1-5 p.m. at the family home, 851 Sandy Hills Dr., Elmira. A family service took place at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at the family home, then to North Woolwich Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service.
Peacefully passed away on Monday, November 29, 2021 at Barnswallow Place Care Community, Elmira at the age of 90. Beloved wife of the late Bruce Brown (1992). Mother of the late Lynn (2011), Kevin and Marlene. Grandmother of Dale (Alice), Sandra (Brian), Kevin Jr. (Christina), Todd (Jessica), and great-grandmother of Kaylee, Nicholas, Riley, and Cameron; Keegan and Tanner. Mabel was very active at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Elmira and was the co-founder of the Lutheran Braille Workers of St. Paul’s. Predeceased by her parents Ezra and Isobel (Dietrich) Schellenberger, Bernice (Bill) Heinbuck, Viola (Murray) Hoffmeier, Howard (Gertrude) Schellenberger, and Lloyd (Hilda) Schellenberger. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 7-9 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Funeral service will take place on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Elmira followed by interment in Elmira Union Cemetery. Masks are mandatory and social distancing will be maintained. Donations to Lutheran World Relief or Lutheran Braille Workers would be appreciated, and can be made through the funeral home. Remember me with smiles and laughter, for that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears, then don’t remember me at all.
In a sudden change of life’s path on Friday, November 26, 2021, Janis Shantz was called home through God’s grace. She was supported and much loved by her family and friends. Predeceased by her loving husband John Shantz. Janis will be greatly missed by her daughters Allison (Chris Koebel) and April (Nevin Martin), grandchildren Justin and Ashley Koebel, and Shawn, Kara and Dylan Martin, best friend Norma (Norman Tetz) and longtime friends Ed and Jane Sporbeck and Gunner and Bonnie Hell. Dear sister-in-law of Katheryn Giffen (Shantz) and Susan Fife (Shantz). Janis’ family will receive relatives and friends from 3:30-4:15 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St. Kitchener. Funeral Service in the Chapel on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Please note that if you plan to attend, masks are mandatory and you must RSVP your attendance through the funeral home website or by calling (519) 749-8467. Those unable to attend may view Janis’ service via the following live stream link: https://www.henrywalser.com/livestreaming. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated (cards available at the funeral home). Visit www.henrywalser.com to view Janis’ memorial and to RSVP.
❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Horst, Florence (Martin) Passed away peacefully at Groves Memorial Community Hospital on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 in her 90th year. Beloved wife of Daniel M. Horst for 68 years. Dear mother of James and Eileen Horst of Elmira, Vernon Horst of Elmira, (Erla 2020) and Amsey Brubacher of Wallenstein, Marlene and Gordon Frey of Drayton, Murray and Emma Horst of Teeswater, Donald and Mary Horst of Shelbourne, Sharon and Ernie Martin of Drayton, Wilma and Wayne Brubacher of Elmira, Willis and Erma Horst of Arthur, Nancy and Brian Martin of Elmira, Martha and Murrel Sauder of Wallenstein, and Florence and Oscar Gingrich of Elmira. Lovingly remembered by 66 grandchildren and 107 great-grandchildren. Survived by siblings Eileen Martin, Maryann Martin, Salome Martin, Almeda and Leonard Martin, Ruth and Leonard Metzger, brothers and sisters-in-law Carl Wideman, Harvey and Joyce Horst, Anna Horst, and Melinda Martin. Predeceased by her parents Edward and Nancy Martin, daughter Erla Brubacher (2020), grandchildren Glen Frey and Colleen Horst, brothers and sisters-in-law Delton Martin, Walter and Nancy Martin, Edward Martin, Stuart and Luella Martin, Nancy Wideman, brothers-in-law Leonard S. Martin, Oscar W. Martin, Edmund Martin, George Horst, and Ervin S. Martin. Family received friends and relatives on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 1-5 p.m. at the home of Oscar Gingrich, 2764 Floradale Rd., Elmira. A family service will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 9 a.m. at the home, followed by burial and public service at North Woolwich Mennonite Meeting House. A special thank you to her doctors and nurses for their kind care and support during her illness at Groves Memorial Community Hospital. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Martin, Elinor “Ely” Peacefully, while listening to Christmas carols, Elinor went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Monday, November 29, 2021 in her 78th year. Beloved wife of Ray Martin for 57 years. Loving mother of Kent (Carolyn) Martin, Krista (Leon) Frey, and Todd (Nikki) Martin. Adoring grandma to Cody (Chelsey) Martin, Ali Martin and Braiden Martin. Elinor will be missed by siblings Wayne (Sally) Martin, Audrey (Ken) Zehr, Pauline (Dave) Horsfall, Bill (Elaine) Pearce, as well as many nieces and nephews. Elinor is reunited in heaven with her parents Edgar and Edna Martin and her sister, June Pearce. Mom enjoyed touching the lives of others through her work at Red Cross Homemaking and “At the Crossroads” Restaurant. She loved catching up with others to see what was happening in their lives. She enjoyed life up until her last days when her journey with cancer took a surprising turn. She will be missed by all. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A private family interment will take place on Saturday, December 4, 2021 in Elmira Mennonite Cemetery, followed by a public memorial service at Elmira Mennonite Church, 58 Church St. W., at 11 a.m. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Please call the funeral home at 519-669-2207 to register for the visitation and/or funeral service. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person, and may be accessed on Elinor’s tribute page of the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, donations to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre or Elmira Mennonite Church would be appreciated by the family and can be made through the funeral home.
❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Obituary
❖ www.henrywalser.com
Obituary Martin, Onias W.
Peacefully passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021 at Pinehaven Long Term Care, Waterloo at the age of 85 years. Beloved husband of the late Elaine (Schultz) Haidysh (2014). Dear father of Heather Haidysh and the late Richard Haidysh (2017). Victor is lovingly remembered by his sisterin-law Pat Haidysh and his nieces. Predeceased by his parents Stanley and Valeria Haidysh and his brother Albin Haidysh. Victor worked in the mail department at the University of Waterloo for many years. At Victor’s request cremation has taken place. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at a later date by zoom. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Watchtower Bible or Tract Society would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.
Peacefully passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at St. Mary’s General Hospital one day short of her 83rd birthday. Beloved wife of David for 54 years. Dear mother of Scott and Lori Courtemanche, Rod and Deb Courtemanche, Michele and Scott McLean. Wanda “Grammy” will be greatly missed by all of her Grandchildren, Danielle Vines (Ryan Vines), Ali Courtemanche (Jordan Cannon), Jordan Courtemanche (D’Arcy Finnegan); Katie Kelly (Mike Kelly), Brittany O’Brien (Shane O’Brien); Gavin McLean and Kennedy McLean and by her greatgranddaughter Harper Kelly. Sister of Bradley Buck. At Wanda’s request cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral home visitation or funeral service. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Regional Cardiac Care Centre at St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation or Grand River Hospital Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.
Passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Grand River Hospital, in his 55th year. Beloved husband of Karen (Martin) Martin of RR 2, Wallenstein. Dear father of Marilyn at home, Leroy and Kristine of Elora, Kathryn, Steven, Fern, and Karen all at home. Leaves to mourn three grandchildren, Janelle, Jordan, and Sherlyn Martin. Survived by his stepmother Elvina Martin of Wallenstein, sisters Almeda (Mervin) Sauder of Linwood, Lucinda (Oscar) Weber of St. Clements, Nancy (Joseph) Martin of Ariss, Lovina (Joseph) Burkhart of Wallenstein, Lydia (David) Burkhart of Wallenstein, Mary (Philip) Wideman of Wallenstein, mother-in-law Verna Martin of St. Jacobs, brothers and sisters-in-law Dennis (Vera) Martin of St. Jacobs, Shirley (Paul) Martin of Elmira, Pauline (Amos) Martin of Ariss, Richard (Arlene) Martin of St. Jacobs, Florence (Vernal) Martin of Ayton, and Fern (Paul) Steckle of Kenabeek. Predeceased by his parents Eli G. and Louisa Martin, father-in-law Daniel Martin, and brother Enos in infancy. Visitation was held on Monday, November 29, 2021 from 1-5 and 6-8 p.m., and Tuesday, November 30, 2021 from 1-6 p.m. at the family home, 7349 Fourth Line, RR 2, Wallenstein. A family service took place on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 9 a.m., then to Olivet Mennonite Meeting House for public service and burial in the adjoining cemetery.
❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Obituary Haidysh, Victor R.
Courtemanche, Wanda
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021 | 20
Living Here
It's about all of us. Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Report it: observerxtra.com/tips
United community fund?
Spill non-response
The Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation and Kitchener Waterloo Community Foundation have began talks of amalgamating to create one group that would serve the whole region. The talks were sparked by the planned departure over the next year of Anne Lavender, CNDCF executive director. and Elizabeth Heald, KWCF, president & CEO.
There were more than 73,000 hazardous spills reported in Ontario between 2011 and 2020, but the Ministry of the Environment attempted to recover its response costs just three times. Even in those three, it went after only about half of the $1.3 million spill response cost it incurred, said Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk, in her annual report of environment audits.
Making himself at home all over town Insisting on being outdoors, Timber the cat has his own Facebook page chronicling his wandering ways Justine Fraser Observer Staff
“TIMMMMBBBERRR!” In Elmira, that’s not a warning about a falling tree, rather a greeting for a local cat becoming increasingly famous for his friendly self-guided tours and neighbourhood visits. Timber the outdoor cat now has his own Facebook page that lets the community stay abreast of his escapades while giving his owner some idea of his whereabouts. A wandering soul, Timber can be found visiting the homes of Elmira residents, who’ve taken to documenting their interactions with him via his Facebook page, which has some 104 members. Tracey Crewe, Timber’s owner, was surprised how quickly people joined. More surprising still was some of the things Timber was getting up to when he wasn’t home. “In less than a week he’s had over 100 followers. It’s mindboggling how everyone in this block knows him,” she said.
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My New Year's resolution was to focus on fitness. I have never had a formal plan before, but I joined a gym. Do you have any advice on a variety of exercises or workouts a beginner like me can focus on, so I don't get bored immediately?
ANSWER: A well-balanced fitness training routine is essential for good health. For someone like you, who has not exercised a lot
“He always cries to be outside. He’s from a farm – it’s not that I would say he’s feral at all, but he doesn’t like to be indoors. So, we started off with a lead and he tangled himself up in everything possible. Finally, we just had to give up and say like, ‘OK, you’re an outdoor cat,’” Crewe explained of his evolution from ersatz indoor kitty to well-documented explorer. “I always had a collar on him, and we would get phone call upon phone call of, like, ‘who’s got our cat?’ So, I finally decided to get a new collar for him and the tag says, ‘Timber, I’m an outdoor cat’ with my phone number on the back. Over the past year and a half, I’ve probably bought him at least six collars because he manages to wiggle out of them or lose them. My husband has at least a dozen addresses on his phone where he’s gone to pick him up, and the stories are so funny. He went to pick up the cat from this little lady, she
Timber's adventures can be tracked on his Facebook page, Timber the Outdoor Cat.
Submitted
comes to the door and she said, ‘my husband said not to feed him, but I did.’ She opens up the door and there’s Timber curled up
on the chair next to her husband having a grand ole nap.” Crewe noted that the adventurous feline always
makes it home for his meals, never being out for more than two days. “We call him a creep because he literally
Aerobic fitness, also known as cardio, is the basis of most fitness training programs. Aerobic activity is an essential factor because these exercises cause you to breath faster and deeper, which maximizes the oxygen in your blood. Essentially, the better your aerobic fitness, the more efficiently your heart, lungs and blood vessels are at transporting oxygen through your
body. And that makes it easier for you to complete routine physical tasks. There are many choices when it comes to aerobic activity, including walking, biking, jogging, swimming, dancing and water aerobics. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activ-
ity per week, or a combination of both. For instance, you could alternate periods of brisk walking with periods of leisurely walking or include bursts of jogging. Strength training, or muscular training, is another key component to fitness. This type of training increases bone strength and muscular fitness, helping you manage your weight or lose weight, while improv-
follows children home from school. I have one lady who you see on the Facebook page where she was working from home, and she looked up and all of a sudden, he’s there staring at her in the window. I got a message on Elmira’s How can I help (Facebook group) that somebody had found one of his collars, and of course everybody immediately responded with ‘oh, that’s Timber. We all know Timber. Wouldn’t it be great to follow the adventures of Timber?’ So that’s how the idea happened – it allows me to kind of track where he is.” From chasing mice behind local stores to stopping by neighbour’s homes, Timber is a cat with things to do, places to go and people to see, only coming back home for food or a nap. He’s out so often, that Crewe says Timber has become more of the neighbourhood’s cat then her own, but she enjoys listening to the tales of Timber. → TIMBER 21
Five elements of a balanced fitness routine
▢ Mayo Clinic
Professional Clinical Health Advice
before, variety is important to keep you motivated. Luckily for you, there are five basic elements that you can focus on to achieve your wellness goals, whether at a gym or elsewhere: aerobic fitness, strength training, core exercises, flexibility and stretching.
ing your ability to perform everyday activities. Aim to include strength training of major muscle groups into your fitness routine at least twice per week. Although most gyms offer various free weights, resistance machines and other tools for strength training, you don't need to invest in a gym membership to earn the benefits of strength training. Hand-held → MAYO CLINIC 22
November has marked 15 years of serving the community! We have felt your support through every season and are AD SPOT - NON PRINTING so grateful for the relationships that have been made! We look forward to the future and count it a privilege to serve you! -Leroy’s Auto Care
Two locations in Elmira to serve you better
20 Oriole Parkway E. | 47 Industrial Drive
Tel: (519) 669-1082
www.leroysautocare.net
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | THE OBSERVER
TIMBER: He’s a familiar face in the neighbourhood ... and now online
‘OK who’s he hanging out with tonight?’ He doesn’t like the roads, he’ll hang out on people’s porches, he’ll stare in people’s windows and he’s really good at putting on a sad face to make you think he’s lost or something and convinced you to take him in, then they read the collar: ‘oh, you’re an outdoor cat anyway.’” Timber has proven he will make friends everywhere he goes, noted Crewe, who wasn’t surprised when someone posted photos of him cuddling with their dog inside their home. “Another lady where I went to pick him up said ‘he and my daughter have been playing, he can come back and visit anytime. He’s always welcome for visits.’ I would love to be able to put a microchip on him to track where he goes – this is part of what the Facebook group is going to help with, just to see what friends he’s making.” Now three-years-old, Timber the outdoor cat is young, mobile, and ready to meet more people living in Elmira. If anyone sees or gets a visit from the famous cat, they can post it on his Facebook page for Crewe and the community to enjoy.
→ FROM 20
“He has a very distinguishing mark on his face, like around his mouth, so he’s very easy to identify,” she said of her little traveller, who not only has a home but a house of his own when he decides to wander back. “We built this outdoor house for him – this is a fully insulated four-seasons home. My husband even put a little loft inside the house so he can get up inside. It’s got shingles and everything. He’s got a full four-storey, four-seasons home in case he ever comes back and we’re not around to let him in. But he comes home, he eats, and he immediately cries at the door to get out again. We’re home base, so he just pops in whenever he wants and every now and then he’ll go up and cuddle up in my daughter’s bed to have a nap.” The initial idea for Timber’s Facebook page was to bring some joy to the community and the people who have met the friendly cat, with Crewe noting it’s also given her a way to find him. “It does give me peace of mind if I get worried. If I hadn’t seen him in a day or two, then I can just kind of put out a call and say,
ↆ F A I T H Elmira Mennonite Church
D IR ECTOR Y 9:30 am
L I V I N G H E R E | 21
ↆ C O M M U N I T Y
“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”
Kleensweep Carpet Care
Rugs and Upholstery
•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates West Montrose, ON
T. 519.669.2033
COLLEEN
Cell: 519.581.7868
Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management
COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD. • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication
MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS
519.669.5105 1540 FLORADALE ROAD P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA
www.mgmill.com
Advent 2
CAL EN DAR
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 ▢ Boundaries and Saying No. Often we feel
compelled to agree to do things that don't feel right for us or that go beyond what we feel able to do. Woolwich Community Health Centre will help you explore where there is a "yes" in your life for your own needs & things that help you thrive. We'll also explore what boundaries might serve you & your values better & how to communicate these in a way that works for you. This presentation is virtual at noon. Email gberihun@wchc.on.ca to receive your Zoom link.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 ▢ Journey to Bethlehem at Floradale Mennonite Church. 5p.m. to 9 p.m. daily until January 10. Come view the Nativity display in the basement windows, no charge.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7
Vacuum Sales, Repairs Se Service All Makes & Models
9 Church St. E., Elmira
519-669-8362 Email: elmiravacuum@gmail.com
Quality & Service you can trust.
▢ Wills and Powers of Attorney. Woolwich Commu-
nity Health Centre presents an information workshop that will focus on estate planning and the concepts of legal capacity as well as health care consent. This presentation is virtual at 6:30 p.m. using Zoom. Email gberihun@wchc.on.ca or phone 519-664-3794 to register for this free event.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021 ▢ Tuesday Take-out Luncheon at Gale Presbyterian from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., drive-thru pick. $12/ meal. Menu: ham & scalloped potatoes, hot vegetable, coleslaw, bread & apple pie. Please RSVP to Marilyn by Dec. 17 (519-669-5734 or atcoupal@ rogers.com)
WOOLWICH RESIDENTS SUPPORT FUND: RESPONDING TO FINANCIAL NEEDS DUE TO COVID-19
21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com
Education and Treatment
Your First Step to Better Hearing
The WRSF will initially address the anticipated unprecedented needs that many Woolwich residents will experience due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the WRSF will continue to address ongoing needs experienced by Woolwich residents long after the pandemic has ended.
519-669-9919 charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira
Jonathan Brubacher Preaching
www.elmiramennonite.ca 58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123
NANCY KOEBEL
Bus: 519.744.5433 WOODSIDE
EVENT S
Join Us Online Each Sunday
woodsidechurch.ca/live
ↆ S U D O K U
Freedom 55 Financial is a division of The Canada Life Assurance Company
Email: nancy.koebel@f55f.com Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,
RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities. 652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS VERMONT Castings
11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS
519.664.2008
Woolwich
Access to the Fund is available by contacting: Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot Woolwich Community Services Woolwich Counseling Centre Woolwich Community Health Centre
SANYO CANADIAN
MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED
Fund Administrator: Woolwich Community Services 33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591
Fund Review Committee: Kelly Christie – Executive Director, Woolwich Community Services Cathy Harrington – Executive Director, Community Care Concepts
Woolwich Township Ward 1 Councillor
Donations to the WRSF may be mailed to Woolwich Community Services, 5 Memorial Ave., Elmira, ON N3B 2P6 or through the website on the WCS Donate page. ↆ The Community Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and similar events do not qualify for free advertising. See complete policy online. All submissions are to be made online at observerxtra.com/event-listing/.
Healthy Communities
The place to get involved. • Volunteer Opportunities • Projects & News • Sub-Committee updates
How can I help you? 519.514.6051
pmerlihan@woolwich.ca
www.merlihan.com
healthywoolwich.org
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
22 | L I V I N G H E R E
ↆ X - W O R D
Gingerbread rocks! Especially when the cookies are homemade
O
ne of our favourite ways to decorate cookies is with a glaze you can spread on with an icing spatula or the back of a spoon. To make glaze: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/3cups (5 1/3ounces) confectioners' (powdered) sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon softened cream cheese, and 1 to 2 drops food colouring (if desired). Use a rubber spatula to stir until very
▢ America's Test Kitchen Rigorously tested recipes that work.
smooth. Glazing your cookies gives you a blank canvas for decorating. Just make sure to let the glaze dry completely, about 30 minutes, before serving. Here's how to do it decorate your gingerbread cookies: - Use small icing spat-
ula or back of spoon to spread the glaze in even layer on a cookie, starting in the middle and working your way toward the edges. - While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with sanding sugar, sprinkles, crushed cookies or candy. Our recipe tester, 9-year-old Brendan, says these cookies are yummy! "They cookies were soft, chewy, and I need more," he says.
Soft and Chewy Gingerbread People
▢ 1 1/2 cups (7 1/2
ounces) all-purpose flour
▢ 1/2 cup packed (3
1/2 ounces) dark brown sugar
▢ 1 1/2 teaspoons 1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda and salt. Process until combined, about 10 seconds. Add melted butter, molasses and milk. Turn on the processor and process until soft and crumbly dough forms and no streaks of flour remain, about 20 seconds. 2. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the dough onto a clean counter. Knead dough until it comes together, about 20 seconds. 3. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on counter. Place the dough in center of the plastic and flatten the dough into 8 inch circle. Wrap dough tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. If the dough has been refrigerated
ground cinnamon
▢ 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
▢ 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
▢ 6 tablespoons
unsalted butter, melted and cooled
▢ 1/3 cup molasses ▢ 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) milk
for more than 1 hour, be sure to let the dough sit on the counter for 15 minutes before rolling out.
ula to transfer shapes to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 1/2 inch apart.
4. Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Gather dough scraps and place them in the center of large piece of parchment, and place another piece of parchment on top. Repeat rolling and cutting steps with dough scraps until you have 12 cookies. Discard remaining dough scraps.
5. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and discard plastic. Place dough in the center of a second large sheet of parchment. Place a third large sheet of parchment on top of the dough. Use a rolling pin to roll dough into 11-inch circle (about 1/4-inch thick), rolling the dough between the parchment. 6. Peel off the top sheet of parchment. Use a cookie cutter to cut the dough into gingerbread people. Use a spat-
8. Bake until cookies are slightly puffy and just set around edges, 9 to 11 minutes. Place the baking sheet on a cooling rack and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer the cookies directly to the cooling rack. Let cookies cool completely, about 30 minutes. Decorate as desired.
ↆ For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America's Test Kitchen for rigourously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www. amercastestkitchen.com
OPEN 8am - 9pm | 7 DAYS A WEEK
DELIV SER ERY AVAILVICE Call fo ABLE rD
ACROSS 1. ____ Pocus 6. ___ apso (dog) 11. ___ friends 16. Socially unstable 18. One who articulates 20. Member of the Poor
Knights of Christ 22. I am 23. Advertisement 24. Quip, part 3 25. Backboard attachment 26. Arab League member 28. "A jealous mistress": Emerson 30. Or do not, there is no try 31. Bothers 33. Pronounce clearly 36. Formerly Free the Children 37. Singable 39. School dances 41. Contradict 42. St. Anthony, notably 44. "My bad!" 47. Detective's need 48. Fungal spore sacs 49. Spoken language of the Israelites
etails
315 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5403 51. Attention 52. Redundancy in
linguistic expression
54. Victorian, for one 55. "Much ___ About
Nothing"
56. Country in Asia 57. Dark 58. __ Little Pony 60. Short story of a life 61. Collapsed 62. "Bye now" 63. A chorus line 64. Advertising sign 65. Apprentice DOWN 1. For hanging hats 2. Iroquoian language 3. A common trait 4. Person in a mask 5. Fodder holder 7. Helium 8. "Gimme ___!" (start of
an Iowa State cheer)
9. Poison plant 10. __ ant 11. A hand 12. Mother
13. "Beetle Bailey" dog 14. "___ what?" 15. Stand 17. Acquired 19. Excess of thick phlegm 21. Doctor Who villainess,
with "the"
27. Measures zero 29. Opportune 30. Demobilize 32. Lieu 34. Neoconservatism 35. __, too, or two 38. "Go on ..." 40. The New Yorker
cartoonist Edward
43. Dobrev, Simone, Lu, etc 45. "Frasier" actress Gilpin 46. Belt 47. Ceiling 48. G, p, d, m, t 50. Australian runner 51. Fold, spindle or mutilate 52. 3.14 53. Before lunch 59. Artist that was married
to John Lennon
60. Outer wall of a castle 61. Barely enough
MAYO CLINIC: Anyone can benefit from balance training, given that it can help stabilize your core muscles → FROM 20
weights, or homemade weights, such as a plastic drink bottle filled with water or sand, will work just as well. Resistance bands are another inexpensive option. You also can try pullups, pushups, leg squats or abdominal crunches. Core exercises use the muscles in your abdomen, lower back and pelvis. These exercises protect your back and connect upper and lower body movements.
Core strength is key to a well-rounded fitness training program. Core exercises train your muscles to brace the spine, and they enable you to use your upper and lower body muscles more efficiently. A core exercise is anything that uses your abdomen without support, such as bridges, planks, situps, flutter kicks, bicycle crunches and fitness ball exercises. To help you maintain balance as you age, make sure you incorporate
balance training exercises into your workout routine. While balance exercises are good for all ages, they become particularly important the older you get since balance tends to diminish with age. Diminished balance could increase the risk for falls and fractures. Anyone can benefit from balance training, given that it can help stabilize your core muscles. Try things like standing on one leg for increasing periods of time or activities
such as tai chi to improve overall stability. Last but certainty not least, flexibility and stretching are important aspects of physical fitness, and it's a good idea to include these activities in your fitness program. Stretching exercises increase flexibility, which makes it easier for you to perform many everyday activities. Stretching also improves the range of motions of your joints and may stimulate better posture, while relieving
stress and tension. You should consider stretching after you exercise, when your muscles are warm and responsive. As for stretching before a workout, you can warm up first by walking or exercising for five to 10 minutes before stretching. Ideally, you will want to stretch whenever you exercise to combat injury or joint pain, but if you don't exercise regularly, you might want to stretch at least two or three times a week to maintain flexibility.
Whether you work out at a gym, at home, on your own or with a personal trainer, your exercise plan should include these elements. It isn't necessary to fit each element into every fitness session, but including them in your regular routine can promote health and fitness for life. ↆ Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www. mayoclinic.org.
Thursday, December 2, 2021 | THE OBSERVER
L I V I N G H E R E | 23
While Santa’s visits were curtailed last year due to the pandemic, he’ll be returning to past form starting with parades Saturday in Elmira and Heidelberg.
File photos
Santa starts his busy stretch with events Saturday in Elmira and Heidelberg Justine Fraser Observer Staff
AS IT’S THAT MOST WONDERFUL time of year again, Santa Claus will be making his rounds across the region this month. While some parades or events will be smaller this year due to public health requirements, kids will still be able to drop their letters off and get a glimpse of their favourite man in red. Right off the hop, his sleigh will be flying through Elmira, Heidelberg and New Dundee on Saturday. “The Heidelberg Recreation Association
is excited to have Santa and Mrs. Claus return to Heidelberg again this year,” said volunteer coordinator Julie Tribou. “It is really nice to be able to provide our community with the opportunity to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in a way that is safe for families during COVID.” Parade-goers are expected to maintain physical distancing and wear masks in crowded spaces to keep everyone safe this holiday season. “We encourage everyone to maintain distancing with people outside their households and to wear their masks when appropriate. We look
forward to our second year of bringing this event to Heidelberg and hope that we can make this an annual event for our community.” Santa’s elves in Heidelberg will be collecting non-perishables and cash donations for the Woolwich food bank. Children can bring letters for Santa, provided they put Santa’s address on the front of their envelope (Santa’s address: Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada). Despite not running their parade last year due to the pandemic, the Elmira Kiwanis Club is excited to be bringing
RENT SOFT WATER FOR $9.95 /MTH FOR THE FIRST 3 MONTHS
CULLIGAN.COM
back the annual event. The Elmira parade starts at 10 a.m. December 4 from the corner of William and Arthur streets, making its way down Arthur, turning left on First Street, and ending at the Legion. “We’ve got over three big bands; we have a bunch of dignitaries. In terms of floats, it’s just under 20. The fire department’s putting in some fire trucks. Of course, we have Santa Claus on a float at the end,” said Murray Haight, president of the Kiwanis Club of Elmira and co-chair of the Santa Claus parade. “Because of the COVID
protocols, we’re encouraging everyone to wear masks. This year, for the kids, the candy will be put in bags and given to them instead of tossed out like in previous years.” Saint Nick will be dashing through Elmira for about an hour this Saturday, alongside his reindeer and elves. “There’s not been a lot of activities that we could engage in – this is really one of the bigger opportunities I think, for the community to come out and celebrate, even though there are health concerns still occurring. It’s been a big challenge,
but it’s been a lot of fun to put the thing together and to see so many of our members come out and participate in helping to organize it. Also, the generosity of the community because we do a bit of fundraising to help offset the costs. We’ve had great community involvement.” See the full list below for a bevy Santa’s upcoming events. Dates and times are subject to change because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are reminded to follow public health guidelines while attending any of these events. → PARADES 24
At the Committee of the Whole Meeting on November 23rd, longstanding service awards were presented to members of the Township of Wellesley Fire Department. With 80 years of service recognized, Council extended their heartfelt congratulations to these gentlemen and thanked them for their dedication to the Township.
519-744-2248 | 427 GAGE AVE. KITCHENER INFO@CULLIGANWATER.CA
From L-R; District Chief Station # 2 Brad Dietrich 20 yrs. Deputy Fire Chief Frank Karley 30 yrs. District Chief Station #3 Ted Stroh 30 yrs.
24 | T H E B A C K PA G E
PARADES: Kris Kringle has a busy few weeks in the area ahead of his big ride on Christmas Eve → FROM 23
Elmira – Santa Claus Parade Saturday, Dec. 4 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Elmira will be lining the streets downtown to get a glimpse of the man in red as he makes his way from the downtown core to the cenotaph near Elmira District Secondary School, followed by other floats. Heidelberg – Santa Claus Parade Saturday, Dec. 4 Starts at 10 a.m. Santa will be driving through the town starting at 10 a.m. starting on Venus Crescent moving on to Bavarian Drive and making his way to Arthur Road, on to Kressler Drive then ending on Venus Crescent where he started. It will be a smaller parade but the Heidelberg rec. association is excited to bring Santa Claus to the community this holiday season. New Dundee– Reverse Santa Claus parade Saturday, Dec. 4 11a.m. – 1 p.m. The Optimist Club of New Dundee will be handing out special treats as Santa and Mrs. Claus greet
children in the parking lot of the New Dundee Community Centre for this physically distanced reverse parade. Donations of non-perishable food items and toys will be collected for the Wilmot Family Resource Centre. Children are welcome to drop off their letters to Santa while coming by to see the famous couple. Rockwood – Farmer’s Santa Claus Parade of Lights Thursday, Dec. 9 7 p.m. Starting at 7 p.m. next Thursday, the farmer’s parade will start north of the fire station, proceed to the intercession of main street and highway 7, then finally head north on 4 line. Christmas Tyme in Wellesley Friday, Dec. 10 6:30-8 p.m. The parade starts at Wellesley Public School, turning left on Nafziger Road, left on Maple Leaf, and ending at the community centre. The
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 2, 2021
VINYL
VINYL
M-F
9-6 SAT
9-6 SUN
10-5
IN STOCK!
CLICK VINYL PLANKS
1
IN STOCK! SPC CLICK VINYL PLANKS
$ 00
$ 55
3X1 2 MFAT T E O R G LO SY ROM
evening will also feature a live nativity scene near the pond, the Tree of Lights and a holiday market set for Friday evening and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Town of St Clements Christmas parade Saturday, Dec. 18 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Guelph – Sparkles in the Park Dec. 16-31 5:30-9 p.m. Guelph opted out of a Santa Claus parade this year. Instead, Santa will be at the end of the Sparkles in the Park route in an enormous snow globe up until December 23 when he will head back to the North Pole to prep for Christmas.
$
3
LAMINATE FROM
FROM
PER SQ FT
HAND PRESS R EE GD 2.99 WA L L T I L E S
49
$ FROM
REG 6.99
1 $ 99 L U X U RY
FROM
PER SQ FT
99 PER SQ FT
REG 2.99
IN STOCK!
$ 57
TILE
1
LAMINATE
12MM THICK LAMINATE C LPER I CSQ KFT VIN Y L REG 3.99
FROM
12” X 24”
P O RC E LRA E GI N 3.99 TILES
PER SQ FT
IN STOCK!
1
4MM THICK
1
PER SQ FT
REG 2.99
IN STOCK!
HIGH GLOSS LAMINATE
199
$ 97 W I D E X L B OA R D
LUXU VIN YL F RRY OM PER SQ FT C O R K PA D AT TAC H E D
$
3
REG 3.99
BACKSPLASH FROM
PER SQ FT
REG 6.99
IN STOCK!
GLASS & STONE BACKSPLASH
12X24 POLISHED
CARRARA TILE
$ 199
$ 99
$ 199 5
$ 99
5 ” T H I C K W I R E B RU S H E D
5 ” T H I C K W I R E B RU S H E D
OA K FHA R DWO O D ROM
OA K HA R DWO O D
ENGINEERED
3
HARDWOOD FROM
PER SQ FT
REG 3.99
PER SQ FT
REG 6.99
IN IN STOCK! STOCK!
3/4” THICK
FROM
PER SQ FT
REG 6.99
HARDWOOD FROM
PER SQ FT
REG 9.99
IN STOCK!
100’S OF NEW
3/4” THICK AREA NATURAL RUGS HARD MAPLE
CLICK ENGINEERED
HANDSCRAPED HARDWOOD
2 99 1
H I G H - G LO S S L A M I N AT E
$
$
Community Care Concepts
FROM
FROM
of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot
Helping Seniors and Adults with Disabilities to Live Independently in Their Own Home Meals on Wheels • Transportation Day Programs • Homemakers • Maintenance Friendly Visitors • Community Meals • Social Programs Transportation from Hospital to Home FREE Community Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes FREE Short Term Home Support
519-664-1900
|
1-855-664-1900
PER SQ FT
REG 5.99
PER SQ FT
REG 3.99
IN STOCK!
MDF PRIMEDNWHITE EW
P RO D U C T ! BASEBOARDS
MORE STYLES AND 47 ” W I D E V I N Y L SIZES TO CHOOSE
67 65
STA I R T R E A D S
¢ 99
ST E P & R I S E R I N C L U D E D
$
FROM
FROM
For information, services or support contact Community Care Concepts
99
WWW.
E A/LIN CH
FT
$
2 199 $
69
8’ X 11’
STA RT I N G F RO M
FROM
PER SQ FT
REG 4.99
N O T E X A C T LY AS SHOWN
RUGS
BASEBOARDS
$ FROM
0 79 PER LIN FT
REG 3.29
3/7” WIDE C O LO N I A L
4’ X 6’ $ RUGS 99 AREA CLEARANCE 5.5” WIDE
9
FROM
$
1
PER LIN FT
REG 3.29
99 2 29
C O N T E M P O RA RY
FROM
$ FROM
PER LIN FT EACH REG 3.99
REG 59.99 6” W IDE
S Q UA R E
.COM
1362 N. SKITCHENER 9AM-6PM 1 3VICTORIA 6 2 V I C TOST RIA T R E E T N O RT •H MON-SAT K I TC H E N E R | 5SUN 1 9 . 710AM-5PM 42.9188