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12 | 07 | 2017 VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 49

FROM THE KITCHEN TABLE TO NEW ELMIRA STUDIO VENTURE PAGE 15

COMMENT PAGE 8

BIKE LANES FAIL TO MAKE US GREENER, AT A COST

Woolwich facing decrease in provincial transfers, assessment growth ahead of 2018 budget talks

www.OBSERVERXTRA.com

EVERYBODY LOVES A PARADE AS SANTA ROLLS INTO ELMIRA

STEVE KANNON HEADING INTO BUDGET SEASON, Woolwich finds itself already behind the eight ball, in large part due to the provincial government.

That township’s funding from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) had been cut by 15 per cent for 2018. It will also take a hit when the province hikes the minimum wage to $14 an hour as of January 1.

Combined with a reduced forecast for growth next year, Woolwich is looking at reduced revenues that would require a 3.25 per cent tax hike just to get back to square one, says director of finance Richard Petherick.

The province’s OMPF grant will drop to $625,800 next year, down from $736,200 in 2017, he told councillors meeting last week. The $110,400 difference is the equivalent of a 1.13 per cent reduction in the township’s overall budget.

The decrease comes as the province appears more focused on Northern Ontario and the rural areas, he explained.

Petherick said later that he expected funding might be frozen at its curFUNDING | 4

MORE PARADE PHOTOS PAGE 7 Saint Nick rode into town on Saturday, not on a sleigh but on the back of fire truck, for the annual Elmira Santa Claus Parade.

Wellesley looking at next steps for subdivision in village Councillors raise concerns about density issues, provincial rules that don’t respect local decisions

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

ALI WILSON INCREASING DENSITIES THAT THREATEN the character of the township’s communities are a stumbling block for Wellesley councillors as a new subdivision moves forward.

The Lotco II Ltd. project slated for a vacant 4.76acre site at Ferris Drive and Greenwood Hill Road in Wellesley Village has been

altered to better fit existing neighbourhoods following input from the public.

The current version discussed at a public meeting Tuesday night features 32 single-family homes rather than the previous proposal for three single-detached homes, 32 semis and 13 townhouse units.

Three of the lots are to front on Ferris Drive, along with access from GreenSUBDIVISION | 6

2 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Recreation association continues to seek public input on improvements to Breslau Memorial Park FAISAL ALI WITH THE COMPLETION OF the new tot playground at the Breslau Memorial Park, the Breslau park revitalization committee is now asking for the public’s input on a long-term vision for the park. Unveiling a master plan at the Breslau Community Centre on Saturday, the volunteer-run group is hoping for suggestions as it deliberates on future improvements to the park.

“We’ve now got the concept plan down and we’re looking to now bring that to the public and start moving towards implementation,” explained committee member Bill Smith.

“What we want to present to the people is basically what we’ve done so far,” added Smith. “And the majority of what we’ve

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NEWS | 3

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Wellesley Pond drained down for maintenance work; committee still looking at ways to enhance the area ALI WILSON IS A POND WITHOUT water still a pond?

If you’re in Wellesley this week, you can, well, ponder that for yourself.

The village landmark was drained down earlier this week as the Grand River Conservation Authority inspects the dam.

Water levels should return to normal by week’s end.

Lowered water levels exposed large mud flats, though water will continue to flow through the old creek channel at the bottom of the reservoir. Draining the old mill pond at a gradual rate over two days allowed the GRCA to monitor the flows, thus minimizing the amount of silt washed downstream and to give fish in the pond time to move to other parts of the creek.

Staff were on hand to move any fish that become stranded.

Although the work is something of an undertaking, the GRCA does not see any great impact to the pond, its surroundings or wildlife in the area.

“We do not expect any significant ecological impacts as the result of the drawdown and short time period of the overall drawdown. There may be reptiles such as turtles or amphibians such as frogs that have burrowed into the pond’s accumulated sediment to begin hibernating,” explained Lisa Stocco, the agency’s manager of communications. “Staff will be visually monitoring the pond and wildlife will be relocated if required.”

Inspecting the dam is a one-day job, and following the inspection, the pond will be returned to its normal holding level. The week-long timetable speaks to the time it takes to drain the poind, which is fed

by Firella Creek and Campbell drain, and then let it return to normal levels.

The work is part of the GRCA’s routine maintenance schedule of water control structures. The timing was chosen to minimize the impact on habitat and to maximize the flows to refill the pond as quickly as possible.

“Based on current flows, we expect the pond will return to its normal holding level by the end of the week,” said Stocco.

A similar process was carried out in November of 2014 for concrete repair on the structure.

POND | 6

HOW TO REACH US

EE RY FR IVE L DE

Wild Atom B squad makes a real team effort out of donation to the Woolwich food bank ALI WILSON THE WOOLWICH WILD ATOM B rep girls’ team made a rather unorthodox decision this year regarding the their Secret Santa exchange.

When the 9- and 10-yearold players were faced with the option to either buy each other gifts or use their allowances to give back to the community, the vote to donate their money to the food bank was a unanimous ‘yes’ among the 13 girls.

“We live in a small community. It is really important for them to realize that any little thing that you do makes a huge impact, and they went for it,” said Dee Brun Gow, a parent on the team who suggested the idea.

“What can you buy for $15 that would really matter to somebody, when $15 is a week’s groceries to others?”

Brun Gow originally approached the team manager with a proposition: If she could convince the girls to each donate their $15 and in turn make a handmade gift (coupons to carry hockey bags, homemade hot chocolate kits), she would organize a food drive.

“So we did a blind vote and it was unanimous. It was amazing. There is hope because a lot of the kids right now, it’s a what-is-in-it-forme-generation. We have to fix that,” she said.

With that set, they planned to visit the Food Basics in Elmira ahead of practice the following Thursday evening and Brun Gow said she couldn’t have expected more from the girls – not only were they picking out food to donate, but they were price checking to make sure that they had the lowest possible price to stretch their money as far as possible.

“They were working together as a team, but in a totally different way at Food Basics, which was kind of cool. You had to go off and hunt for your food. I just thought the dynamics for your team was

The Woolwich Wild Atom B Rep team chose to donate their allotted Secret Santa money to the food bank rather than buy gifts this year. The team filled the bins at Food Basics in Elmira with their offerings. Those taking part included Alexa Grundy, Peyton Gaudet, Brooklyn Pope , Nora Hanley, Grace Gow, Brookelynn Kroetsch, Samantha Weber, Sarah Montgomery, Addison Fitzgerald, Julia Adams, Ella Hicks, Lexi Gaudet, Autumn Sabila, Kayleigh Futher, Chloe Futher and Kenna Kroetsch.

[SUBMITTED] neat that night – no one was a right winger, nobody was a centerman, nobody was a goalie, they were all just kids with the same goal in mind,” she said, speaking with her daughter Gracie about the experience.

All of the food was left in the box at Food Basics with the store even donating $25 to the cause.

“There were 13 girls and all of them came, which was awesome,” she said. “We just broke them off into like two or three girls and said, ‘this is your mission. ’ It was just one of those things that was kind of infectious for the people shopping in Food Basics also, because the girls all had their jerseys on and Santa hats.

By doing so it gave the girls a hands-on experience, learning about the cost of food and seeing the value of the donation, which filled the boxes to be totally overflowing by the time they were finished.

In addition to donating to the food bank, making sure that it was done so locally was another rewarding experience for the group, with their offerings going to the food hamper program at Woolwich Community Services, added Brun Gow. “So that’s the whole point, to keep it local. Not that it’s not great to donate everywhere else, but this is where we live, this is our community, this is where they play hockey and do all of their

stuff.”

The donation really brought the girls together, and Brun Gow hopes that they can make it into an association-wide Christmas tradition.

“I think it is going to be bigger next year,” she said. “Do it Wild-wide and try and get all of the girls into it because imagine the power of that. We just literally take over Food Basics – it would be really fun. I just think that we could really do something cool.

Toy mountains and toys and things are great – I love that – but there is just something about the connectivity of food – it really brings people together.

“I think this is only the beginning.”

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4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Edward Denyer, chair of the St. Jacobs BIA, in front of his Eco Café coffee shop on King Street, where construction had disrupted business for two years.

[ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER]

End of protracted road construction might make Christmas merrier in St. Jacobs and Conestogo ALI WILSON THEIR MAIN STREETS FINALLY open, merchants in St. Jacobs and Conestogo are hoping for a bit of Christmas magic to make the transition complete.

Drawn-out regional construction projects shut down stretches of King Street in St. Jacobs for much of the past two years, while Conestogo’s Sawmill Road was off limits through the spring, summer and early fall.

It was a tough stretch for residents and shop-owners alike, with the latter hoping to see business rebound at what is traditionally prime time for retailers.

“Going into the holiday season, it is positive. The town looks good. It’s decorated. It feels cozy, and at night when you’re leaving, it’s lit up. So it has that vibe this year that wasn’t there last year because of [construction], so I think that is a big change and it’s positive. I think from here

on now, it’s all positive outcomes,” said Edward Denyer, the chair of the St. Jacobs Business Improvement Area (BIA).

The Kings Street reconstruction was disruptive, but downtown merchants coped as best they can, perhaps finding some solace in the fact things weren’t as bad as the massive problems associated with reconstruction work in Uptown Waterloo, for instance, he suggested.

“Construction has been a bear and, you know, we can complain all we want about it. We can just look at Waterloo and see it’s worse, so it’s not that bad – it’s perspective, right?” said Denyer, who owns Eco Café on King Street.

“Here, it was hard, and there are still details that aren’t done, so lessons learned. You could always do better. And as long as those who did it can atone for what went wrong, you know that’s what you can try.”

Now, with few signs of construction littering the thoroughfare, the holiday spirit is alive and well, he said.

One of the ways St. Jacobs has geared up for a holiday push for businesses was the annual St. Jacobs Sparkles event, which was extra festive this time around.

“Everyone I have spoken to so far has said it was equal or better to last year in terms of transaction value and sales, which is what really impacts most,” said Denyer.

He attributes the success to a more visible presence of local residents, playing into the ‘live local, shop local’ mentality present across small business hubs.

“The community was coming into play too, so now we are trying to create that symbiotic relationship between the retailers, the businesses and the people that live here – and you are seeing it,” he said. “That is nice because that’s what

we want; we are trying to build a community not just have a sales opportunity.”

In addition to events such as Sparkles, Denyer says local businesses are making the most of a construction-free area by creating a draw for tourists and locals alike by making a visit downtown into more of an experience, despite the cold weather that can deter some people.

“The winter here is difficult in a retail type environment, this is where experiences are key,” he said.

“When you’re competing with online shopping, brick-and-mortar shopping is very difficult to sustain, so specialty is what makes it unique. I think that the village is becoming more and more aware that we are in the business of giving not just product but experience, so creating experience for people is important.”

Denyer himself is embodying the push by offering classes at Eco Café,

such as ‘cupping’ which teaches how to taste coffee, define those nodes that one likes in a hot brew, and quantify a flavour to be able to know how to choose what you enjoy in a specialty coffee.

Over in Conestogo, which doesn’t have a formal business group like the BIA, merchants that weathered the eight-month storm share some of the same hopes for a construction-free holiday season.

Rachel Behling, owner of Auburn Vintage Clothiers and one of the few retail businesses who stayed open during construction, can happily say since the road has reopened there has been a flow of people taking advantage of the access to the village. Shoppers have returned following a stretch when she was unsure about the longevity of her business.

“It is picking up. My hope is that the upswing continues to Christmas,” said Behling. “I know

January is tough for retail anyway, but the fact that people can get there without problems is a good thing.”

With sales having been down a few percent consistently over the last nine months, Behling hopes the Christmas upswing continues through and helps to make up for lost time and revenues.

“We are still there, we are still smiling and, you know, just looking towards a really great Christmas season and hoping for the best, that I can carry on where I am because I love it. I love where my store is,” said Behling. “It can only get better and that’s the great thing.”

Behling may have weathered the construction season staying open, but some were not so lucky. That list includes a long-time landmark, the Black Forest Inn, which closed up shop for good, with the owners putting the blame on the construction.

FUNDING: Woolwich will have to find room in its budget to deal with a series of shortfalls FROM | COVER

rent levels rather than cut by the maximum amount, as Queen’s Park promised no municipality would see grants fall below 85 per cent of the previous year.

“Other municipalities have had reductions in the past. Woolwich has had increases in the last few years, however,” he said,

pragmatically, of the 2018 cut.

“Still, it was a bit of a shock. It’s a good-size hit.”

The township is looking for the province to reconsider its plan for 2018, though not banking on anything.

Meanwhile, as with every other employer in the province, Woolwich faces in-

creased labour costs when the minimum wage jumps to $14 an hour from $11.60.

That change, which largely applies to recreation staff such as lifeguards, will cost the township an extra $110,000 to $140,000 next year, said Petherick.

As well, the township has lowered its growth forecast for 2018, now

expecting assessment to increase by 0.5 per cent instead of 1.5 per cent, shaving the better part of $100,000 from projected revenues.

While growth will continue, there’s a gap between the construction of new homes and the addition of new properties to the tax rolls as the Munici-

pal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) carries out new assessments.

Eventually, those revenues will come on stream.

“We expect supplemental growth will rebound in the coming years,” said Petherick.

Though the combination of these factors amounts to a large shortfall in rev-

enues that’s equivalent to a 3.25 per cent tax hike, Petherick said he doesn’t expect that will be the starting point in the 2018 budget deliberations.

“We have to find ways of mitigating these reductions,” he said of work now underway to prepare budget documents that will be released later this month.

NEWS | 5

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Home sales down, prices up Last month a total of 425 residential properties sold in Kitchener-Waterloo and area through the Multiple Listing System (MLS) of the KitchenerWaterloo Association of Realtors (KWAR). Home sales in November were down 20.1 per cent compared to the same month last year, but on par with the previous five-year November average of 424 sales, the group reported this week.

November’s sales included 246

detached homes (down 30.9 per cent), and 99 condominium units (down 15.4 per cent). Sales also included 52 semi-detached homes (up 67.7 per cent) and 27 freehold townhouses (down 3.6 per cent).

The average price of all residential properties sold last month increased eight per cent to $445,363 compared to November 2016. Detached homes sold for an average price of $515,721, an increase of 8.9 per cent compared to November 2016. During this same period, the average sale price for an apartment-style condominium was $277,660 for an increase of 30.7 per

cent. Townhomes and semis sold for an average of $369,678 (up 19.3 per cent) and $376,677 (up 15.1 per cent) respectively.

The median price of all residential properties sold in November increased 9.7 per cent to $415,000, and the median price of a detached home during the same period increased 12.1 per cent to $476,500.

Realtors listed 601 residential properties in K-W and area last month, a 22.6 per cent increase compared to November of 2016. The number of active residential listings on KWAR’s MLS system to the end of

November totalled 740, which is 50 per cent more than November of last year, but still well below the previous five-year average of 1,318 listings for November.

Wellesley waives fees for Lions Looking to support the fundraising efforts of the Paradise and District Lions Club, Wellesley council this week agreed to waive licensing fees for the group’s bingo and the sale of the Nevada break-open tickets.

Foregoing the three per cent fee

frees up about $5,300 over the next five years.

With the new fees and a decline in bingo attendance, the club said the licensing fees would impact its ability to support the community in the manner that it has in the past.

The Paradise and District Lions Club has been serving the community for some 45 years, raising more than $300,000 in funds that have been collected within the township to go right back into the community and region, the weekly Tuesday bingo being a primary source for raising funds.

Wellesley inks deal for fire dispatch

a speed that appeared to be well above the posted 80 km/h speed limit. The vehicle was locked on radar in excess of 140 km/h. As a result, a 46-year-old Waterloo man was charged with ‘race a motor vehicle’ and will appear in Guelph Provincial Court on January 3. His driver’s licence and vehicle were seized for a period of seven days as per statute.

35-year-old Linwood man driving a white Ford pickup northbound on King Street had stopped for traffic. Likewise, a 46-year-old Wellesley man had stopped his white Ford van behind the pickup when a 31-year-old Waterloo man driving a blue Hyundai Santa Fe failed to see the stopped traffic and rear-ended the white van, pushing it into the pickup truck.

One of the passengers was taken to hospital by ambulance for minor injuries. One vehicle had to be towed from the scene. The driver of the Hyundai was charged with ‘careless driving.’

Wellesley Township will continue to contract fire dispatch services from the City of Kitchener, this week agreeing to a new five-year contract.

The township currently has a one-year agreement that expires on December 31.

The new deal starts January 1.

Wellesley has budgeted $24,200 for the service in 2018.

The Wellesley Fire Department averages 260 calls a year through Kitchener dispatch.

POLICE BLOTTER

CARELESS DRIVING CHARGE FOLLOWING ROLLOVER

DECEMBER 4

5:32 PM | Police, fire and EMS responded to a three-vehicle collision on King Street North near the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. A

Krista Sandelli OWNER/RMT

A reminder to lock it or lose it, and other holiday tips ON TOP OF MAKING merry, ’tis the season for thievery, as your Christmas presents are of interest to more people than just you and yours. Likewise, the wrong kind of people have their eye on your cash and credit cards.

With that in mind, police are reminding shoppers to be vigilant through the holiday season.

Everyone, including would-be thieves, knows that shopping centres will be packed the next several weeks with busy shoppers purchasing gifts. An absentminded shopper is a perfect target for a thief looking for a quick and vulnerable target, warn police, who offer up the following crime-proofing techniques: • Never carry or display large amounts of cash when checking out or at ATM’s.

• Never leave a purse or wallet unattended in a shopping cart or change room.

• Never leave purchased items unattended at any time.

• Keep purchased goods in a locked vehicle trunk and out-of-sight.

• Always check and double-check to make sure your vehicle is locked.

• Park in well-lit portions of parking areas with highvolume foot traffic.

• Shop with a friend whenever possible for company and protection.

• If leaving your home unattended - always lock and secure doors/windows.

• Leave a few lights on at home to give a “lived-in” look.

• Have a friend or neighbour clear your driveway of snow for a “lived-in” look.

• Have a neighbour park their vehicle in your driveway for a “lived-in” look.

• Report any suspicious activity/persons to police or security officials immediately.

Police and emergency services responded to rollover Dec. 1 on Listowel Road in Wellesley Township. The driver, a 16-year-old Woolwich girl, lost control of the vehicle as she was driving around the bend near Steffler Road and rolled into a ditch. No injuries were reported, but the driver was charged with careless driving.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] NOVEMBER 28

9:15 PM | Wellington County OPP were contacted by Grand River Raceway in Elora regarding a threat received from an unknown party. As a result of the threat the building was searched and was found to be safe. The investigation is ongoing.

injuries and was transported to Listowel Hospital by ambulance. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the driver was charged with ‘careless driving.’

NOVEMBER 30

7:10 PM | A 58-year-old Norwich man was driving a white Pontiac on William Hastings Line in Wellesley Township when he lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway and struck a pole. A female passenger suffered minor

4:30 PM | A Wellington County OPP officer was monitoring traffic on County Road 12 near County Road 8 in the Township of Mapleton when he observed a male driving a 2009 Hyundai at

7:40 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to Wurster Place in Breslau for a report of a fire.

Officers arrived, along with fire services, and found a vehicle on fire in an open area at the end of a rural road. A vehicle was seen speeding away from the area shortly after the fire began.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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12:44 PM | Waterloo Regional Police received the first of three calls related to thefts sometime overnight when an unknown suspect(s) entered unlocked vehicles in the area of Water and Henry streets in the Village of Wellesley. Small items were taken, and one vehicle had damage done to one of the seats. Police are asking residents to call in and report any suspicious activity or people they observe at the time it is occurring. Anyone with information regarding these recent thefts is asked to contact WRPS at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

NOVEMBER 29

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6 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

SUBDIVISION: Densities and development driven by provincial dictate, despite local preferences FROM | COVER

wood Hill Road. A new road, Galena Street, would be created on the site, part of which backs on to Schweitzer Crescent.

The new street reflects an historic family name, explained Geoff VanderBaaren, the township’s director of planning.

Though there were no public objections to this version of the subdivision, councillors raised several concerns, largely related to density.

Coun. Carl Smit questioned whether the township will be forced to cram condos or semis into future subdivisions even if the Lotco plan goes ahead as strictly single-family homes.

Coun. Shelley Wagner, meanwhile, asked about the consequences if the township simply said no to minimum density requirements for settlements.

Her’s was a sentiment shared by Coun. Herb Neher.

“What happens if we say we don’t want any more expansion? A lot of people move out here because they want to get away from cities, and here we are building to it. Does the government listen to that at all? There are communities that say, ‘we like the small community, we don’t want to become a Kitchener or Toronto or whatever,’” said Neher. “Is that at all possible? I say that because I feel what people want and what the government wants is just totally, totally at odds.

Can we say we don’t want any more expansion?”

VanderBaaren explained that ever-increasing density levels for residential and employment lands are demanded by the provincial government.

“When the province is given a growth number to the region it is up to the region to then divide that between the seven municipalities, so the four townships and the three cities,

The latest draft of subdivision slated for Ferris Drive and Greenwood Hill Road was presented to Wellesley council this week.

[SUBMITTED] VanderBaaren said staff will have sidewalks on both elsewhere,” he explained. would prepare formal consides of the new street. A The new subdivision ditions for a draft plan of recreational trail along the design includes a 20-metre subdivision approval for frontage on Greenwood Hill wide road allowance that consideration at a council road will also be installed at connects to Ferris Drive meeting in early 2018. the developer’s cost. and Greenwood Hill Road,

and if Wellesley decides that we are not going to grow, then they will just take that allocation that they were going to give to Wellesley and distribute it

POND: Community group looking for input as it works on plan to enhance the village landmark FROM | 3

“There were no significant ecological impacts in 2014, as the pond was not emptied completely. The streams were still flowing so fish were able to move to areas of deeper water.

We expect this will be the case again, this week,” explained Stocco.

In a related matter, the Friends of Wellesley Pond community group provided township councillors meeting Tuesday night with an update on

the group’s rehabilitiation project.

Committee member Murray Bremner reported that a public meeting held last month regarding potential enhancements to the pond and its surroundings generated considerable feedback, including the submission of 265 comment forms.

An open house featured three conceptual plans for revitalizing the pond’s natural aspects. The changes range from minor tweaks,

such as adding sunken trees, log piles and stone formations to act as natural habitats, to replacing the artificial pond entirely in favour of a simple channel bordered by wetlands and some trails. Two of the plans maintain the pond, but differ in terms of the extent of naturalization efforts.

While many residents are concerned about the pond and its future, the committee needs to do a better job of getting informtion to the

The GRCA drained the Wellesley Pond to perform work on the dam.

[ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER]

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Looking ahead, Bremner told the council that the group will be reviewing and identifying questions that the group will answer at another public meeting to be held at a later date.

The goal is to create a plan supported by community, with more details coming forward when the group has a better idea of costs, available grants and the extent of fundraising to be done.

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NEWS | 7

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Christmas spirit on parade in downtown Elmira Saturday

Members of the community of all sorts were out participating in the Elmira Santa Claus Parade on Saturday. Amongst those parading down Arthur Street were Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz (top left), numerous dancers and performers, some Shriners, several bands, community groups including local hockey teams.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

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8 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

JOE MERLIHAN PUBLISHER STEVE KANNON EDITOR

COMMENT

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OUR VIEW / EDITORIAL

THE VIEW FROM HERE

Unused bike lanes offer no benefits, waste tax money THE SAME PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT that has cut transfers to Woolwich Township by $110,000 is able to turn around and find $4 million for bicycle lanes in the region, projects that have pretty much no value to the public.

When you factor in the stated goal of reducing pollution, every dime spent on cycling is essentially wasted – more bike lanes will do nothing to get people out of their cars, or even buses.

That Woolwich had its Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund grant cut isn’t necessarily a bad thing. That’s if the province were moving to control its runaway spending, but that’s not case – the Wynne government continues to mismanage provincial coffers. The Woolwich cut is relatively minor in comparison to the tens of billions Wynne is wasting in an effort to be re-elected next year – no amount of your money is too much for that goal.

But the cycling initiatives are indicative of the same kind of wishful thinking that applies to many of its social/nanny state experiments, all the way up to pushing public transit in areas where large expenditures make little sense – the $4 million given to Waterloo Region for cycling pales in comparison to the waste on light rail here, for instance.

Still, the rush to appear “progressive” when it comes to cycling and bike lanes is not borne out by the numbers – Statistics Canada reports that about one per cent of people in the region use bikes to commute to work, a number that is little more than a rounding error. The eye test shows that even few kids, typically the largest user group, are opting to use their bikes to get around. You need only see the predominance of parents dropping off their children at school to see where the trend is headed.

Some people stick with biking as a recreational pursuit later in life. A handful get out of the student years still using a bike to get around. Trying to boost those numbers is the rationale for many so-called active transportation plans, to little avail.

We know cycling is good for us in that it provides exercise, and if more of us did it there would be a net benefit to the environment, taking us out of our cars in favour of non-polluting transportation. If we were more like Europeans, for instance, we’d be better off for it.

There are, however, a long list of reasons why that’s not the case, safety being a huge issue.

In Europe, denser cities make getting around by foot and by bike much easier, as does the more temperate climate. The price of cars and fuel make alternatives more desirable. Crowding means smaller is better when it comes to a vehicle for getting around. Theirs is a culture accustomed to walking, biking and public transit.

Because of sprawl and car-centric design, our communities are largely unfriendly to pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

We walk and bike less often here, largely because it’s neither safe nor convenient to do so. And that’s not just perception: our car-centric planning in North America makes it much safer to travel by car than by foot or bicycle.

Here, putting money into cycling simply does not make economic sense. That goes double where government is concerned, as there’s every reason to believe projects will cost much more than they should, and will be rife with errors. Worse still, the cost overruns, deficiencies and poor usage will be hidden from the public.

Unless success – low cost, high usage – can be guaranteed, each is just one more needless and wasteful pet project.

When basic logic and math skills go into using taxpayers’ money …

WORLD VIEW / GWYNNE DYER

The sad case of Yemen and the end of Ali Abdulla Saleh WORLD AFFAIRS ALI ABDULLAH SALEH SEIZED power in Yemen in 1978, when he was only 36 years old. He lost it in 2012, when the ‘Arab spring’ was in full swing, and had been trying to get it back ever since. Thirty-four years was not enough. But on Monday his truly astonishing ability to switch sides got him killed.

Saleh was Saudi Arabia’s man in Yemen for a long time, but when Riyadh turned against him in 2012 and put his vice-president, Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, in power instead, Saleh went rogue. A lot of the army was still loyal to him, so he made an alliance with the powerful Houthi tribes in the north (exactly the same people whom he had attacked six times in the past), and started working his way back.

In 2014 the Houthi militia and Saleh’s forces seized control of the capital, Sanaa, and Saudi Arabia’s new placeman, President Hadi, fled south to Aden,

the country’s second city.

Later Hadi fled to Saudi Arabia, and the HouthiSaleh alliance took over most of the country.

Yemen matters a lot to the Saudis, because it is the other big country in the Arabian peninsula, with 27 million people (same as Saudi Arabia), but it is very poor and very unstable.

The fact that almost half the Yemenis follow the Shia branch of Islam (in their own Zaidi variant) is of particular concern to the Saudi regime.

Such distinctions didn’t stop the Houthis (who are Shia) from getting together with Saleh’s people (who are mostly Sunnis), because Yemenis are not much troubled by such things. But the Saudi Arabian regime, all Sunnis, is obsessed by the ‘Shia threat.’ That mostly means Iran, their rival across the Gulf, but the Saudis sees Iranian plots everywhere, especially if there are Shias involved.

The current Yemeni civil war is about the twentieth such power struggle in the past thousand years, and little different from all the others. Iran no doubt en-

joys the Saudi Arabian panic about it, but there is no evidence that it is sending the Houthis anything except good wishes. Whereas Riyadh and its allies are sending bombers.

In March 2015 Saudi Arabia and eight Arab allies launched a bombing campaign against the Houthis and Saleh’s forces, with the United States and the United Kingdom both providing political, logistical and propaganda support to the operation. More than 8,000 Yemenis have been killed by the coalition’s air strikes and around 50,000 wounded, but the lines on the ground have scarcely shifted in the past two years.

The air war has been very costly for Saudi Arabia both in money and in reputation, and it has been getting increasingly embarrassing for the man who started it, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. So Ali Abdullah Saleh calculated that this was the right time to change sides: he could get a good price for ratting on the Houthis, and maybe even recover the presidency he had held for so long.

He pretended to be driven by humanitarian motives. In a televised speech on Saturday, he called on “the brothers in neighbouring states and the coalition to stop their aggression, lift the siege, open the airports and allow food aid and the saving of the wounded, and we will turn a new page by virtue of our neighbourliness.”

The bit about “aggression” was meant to placate his Yemeni audience, which does not love the Saudis, but he was actually offering to change sides.

The Saudi-led coalition immediately responded, welcoming Saleh’s decision to “take the lead and to ... free Yemen of ... militias loyal to Iran.”

The Houthis, however, had seen his treachery coming. They accused Saleh of staging a coup against “an alliance he never believed in,” and Sanaa was engulfed by heavy artillery fire as the Houthis went to war against their former ally. Despite Saudi air strikes to help Saleh’s forces, the Houthis had fought their way to within DYER | 10

COMMENT | 9

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

THEIR VIEW / QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What is your favourite Christmas holiday song?

» Haylee Talbot

» Paige Woods

» Faith Peev

» Emma Wiseman

» Lauren Gerth

“Mistletoe.”

“Mistletoe.”

“Silent Night.”

“All I Want for Christmas (is you).”

“Jingle Bell Rock.”

“The air war has been very costly for Saudi Arabia both in money and in reputation ...” Gwynne Dyer | 8 HIS VIEW / STEVE KANNON

Trudeau in a no-win situation with China trade talks, while Canadians put at risk EDITOR'S NOTES IN CHINA AGAIN THIS week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces criticism on all sides for his handling of trade deals – he’s seen as both obstructionist and as far too keen to be dealing with unsavoury countries like China.

While making noises about issues such as human rights violations and environmental disasters – routine in that part of the world – Trudeau continues to appease China, willing to bend over in whichever direction is needed. His government has already failed to secure the country against the Communist government’s incursion into Canada’s economy and its businesses, from tar sands to the likes of Norsat International.

Clearly, the government, like each one before it, has failed to put the Canadian public first when it comes to trade, not only with China but in general.

Say what you want about

Donald Trump and his pronouncements – and plenty of people have plenty to say – he certainly struck a chord with his decidedly un-Republican bashing of globalization and trade deals, scoring particularly well with his indictment of trade with China. Of course, in typical Trumpian style, he has backed down from that stance, lying about it just as he lies about everything else.

That said, criticisms of Chinese trade policies – lots of cheap crap, currency manipulation and trade barriers – is something to which we can all relate.

If you gathered up all of the Chinese-made products in your home, dragged them out to the backyard and had a giant bonfire, chances are your house would seem much emptier. It’s also a pretty good guess your home would be safer. On the downside, the fire would release huge amounts of toxins into the environment, and earn you a not-so-friendly visit from the fire department and other officials.

There has been plenty of talk about offshore job

HOW TO REACH US

both in China and in countries where Chinese food products end up, including Canada.

With food products, beyond poor handling practices the threat extends to environmental pollutants and the use of chemicals deemed unsafe here. Farmed fish, for instance, has been found to contain chemicals Canada has banned – such seafood can’t be sold here, but there have been cases where such products have slipped by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Lax environmental standards and business practices in China have consumers increasingly worried.

Consumer groups have long advocated for governments to take a closer look at the rules governing the importation of Chinesemade goods. Right now, there are few real assurances that goods are safe.

The government often depends on the manufacturers to provide test data on their products, which is fine for reputable companies, but consumers don’t know who to trust. What’s more, federal officials have

no power to order goods off the shelves, relying on the companies to issue the recalls.

While the government is unlikely to place a ban on Chinese-made products, or even the most risky categories of goods, Canadians can vote for change with their wallets.

Stop buying Chinese products and maybe they’ll change the way they do things.

That’s easier said than done, of course. We’re happy with the low prices that come from China’s lack of labour, environmental and safety regulations, even if manufacturers and retailers are passing on the full savings they enjoy by doing business there.

Worse still, finding alternatives can be difficult.

Certainly, much of the cheap plastic stuff you can find in dollar stores isn’t available from other sources. But even with larger items such as household goods, the Made-in-China label is hard to avoid. It’s a conundrum even for those looking at the larger implications of trade with a country known for its

poor human rights record, lax environmental laws and unfair labour practices even as the now-slowing economy boomed.

There’s no question that Chinese economic growth is causing the Chinese to pollute their environment, but supporters of yet more trade hope that a richer economy will stir calls for better controls. Likewise, social inequality could be less pronounced as standards rise.

Still, it’s too early to tell which direction the Chinese will follow, whether it may someday follow the model of Asian neighbours South Korea, or the more egalitarian Japanese example. Perhaps the economy could end up more like Brazil’s, featuring a wealthy elite, a small middle class and a larger underclass – not a desirable outcome.

Equally unknown is how China’s military aspirations will play into its future, including its economic relationship with trading partners such as Canada.

All of these factors may come into play for pundits, KANNON | 10

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losses as many companies set up shop in China. Add to that the environmental concerns due to that country’s lack of controls and the issue of buying items manufactured there becomes more than just the price tag. The question, then, is how much are we willing to pay to buy from other sources?

Those of you who’ve been around long enough will remember when the label “Made in Japan” was both common and the sign of some low-cost, lowquality goods. Later, Taiwan was a frequent source.

Today, of course, “Made in China” appears on a wide variety of products.

With a frequency that wasn’t seen from past imports, those Chinese-made goods are the subjects of health scares and product recalls. There’s a long list of unsafe toys (lead paint and other toxins, swallowing hazards) and even more dangerous foods (melamine, heavy metals, toxins). There have been scares involving toothpaste, pet food and unsafe tires.

Consumers are at risk

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10 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

THE MONITOR

VERBATIM

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

In 2017, Canada’s Big Six banks continued to gouge out excessively high profits of more than $42 billion (13% higher than in 2016, and more than double their profits in 2010) – in part by firing thousands of people, cutting services, and hiking fees and credit card interest rates. Canada’s big banks also paid their CEOs about $10 million each in 2015, and gave them bonuses that totalled more than $10 million (51% higher than in 2008).

“Kathleen Wynne has put the fox in charge of the henhouse. Only a Liberal party whose untrustworthiness knows no limits would appoint the VP of a company that has cost families $100 million on their hydro bills to a taskforce responsible for preventing customers getting ripped off again.”

The Grand River Raceway in Elora opens today (Dec. 6), ready to show off its hometown style in grand fashion. The building, a barn-like structure, was designed to match the Elora landscape, both inside and outside. It’s the first day of operation for the slots facility following the operation’s move from Elmira.

» Democracy Watch

» Ontario PC energy critic Todd Smith reacts to an appointment to the Market

» From the Dec. 6, 2003 edition of The Observer

Renewal Working Group of an official from a company that collected more than $100 million in what the OEB called “inappropriate expenses”

DYER: War will continue to be

NATIONAL VIEW

the norm, despite Saleh’s death

FROM | 8

200 metres of Saleh’s house

by Monday morning.

Reports differ about what happened next.

Some say Saleh died in the wreckage of his house, which was blown up by Houthi fighters. Others say he made a run for it in his car, which was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

What the internet images show is a fatal wound in his head. The old fox is definitely dead, and the civil war within the civil war is probably over.

Bits of Saleh’s army may

fight on for a while, but without him to bind them together most of Saleh’s soldiers will eventually either go over to the Houthis or go home. The Houthis will be a bit weaker without Saleh’s support, but so long as the coalition’s members are not willing to put large numbers of their own troops in the ground in Yemen – and they are not – the Houthis will probably keep control of most of the country.

And the war will go on until Mohammed bin Salman gets tired of it, or the Saudis get tired of him.

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but it’s unlikely the average consumer in this area ponders them before picking something of a store shelf.

Some unions and their supporters make talk about buying Canadian, but where a product is made is usually secondary to other consumer concerns. How they were made – including the materials used and whether they’re recyclable, what kind of pollution may have been generate – play a more important role for

some consumers.

In the end, it boils down to people voting with their wallets: Wal-Mart doesn’t appear to be in danger of closing any time soon. It might take some work and a few more dollars to wean ourselves from those boatloads of cheap goods.

It’s clear the federal government will take no action, and multinational corporations care not one whit for what is right. The onus is on each of us. In which case, the status quo seems likely.

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SPORTS | 11

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

SPORTS NOT SO GREAT OUTDOORSMAN / STEVE GALEA

LACROSSE / GOING LOCAL

Panther’s lacrosse 101 for girls

Strategies for dealing with startling events

Girls who come out before classes are learning the basics of the sport from teacher Ken Lubert ALI WILSON

OPEN COUNTRY

momentum despite that late boost. The game ended as a comfortable 3-1 victory for the Kings.

Coming off Friday’s win, the Kings had a day to recuperate before they were thrust back into the lion’s den, this time taking on the Stratford Warriors.

While the Kings (16-13)

THE OTHER DAY I went for a walk in the bush and was reminded of two things.

First, grouse will often wait until an unsuspecting person nearly steps on top of them before they flush.

Secondly, that I still have admirable control over most of my bodily functions.

Had I not, I would have turned around and headed back to the car.

This leads me to today’s subject – what is the appropriate response when startled by a wild animal?

Admittedly, this is a complex subject that scientists and other people of wisdom and intellect tend to steer clear of.

Luckily, I am eminently qualified to step in.

Ask any two outdoors enthusiasts about what constitutes a reasonable response when confronted by the sudden appearance of a wild animal and you will get vastly different answers.

I believe much of this has to do with the mindset of the person at the time. For example, a tiny bear cub might not necessarily elicit a high pitched yelp, an attempt at breaking several international land speed

KINGS | 12

GALEA | 13

Park Manor Senior Public School students learning the field lacrosse ropes, part of a before-school program to expose youth to the sport. Front row: Haley Martin, Megan Stickney, Carly Bauman, Alexis McKenzie, Allie Slade, Rachel Bettke, Elena Allemang. Second row: Emma Lashbrook, Raewyn Muller, Megan Hume, Ayla Brubacher, Madi Martin, Amy Dueck, Lexi Oliver, Paige Woods. Third row: Haylee Talbot, Chloe Talbot, Lauren Gerth, Krista Bentley, Faith Katsube, Amilya Wilson, Taylor Schmitt. Back rowt: Taylor Adams, Jazmine Snethlage, Josie Brown, Morgan Fleet, Faith Peev, Kennedy Bradley, Haylee Clemmer.

[ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER] the sport after a former on it, the better,” he said, Brubacher said she who comes out to practice university lacrosse player noting that as director of hopes to continue on with Tuesday and Thursday began the program at their girls’ field lacrosse with the sport. mornings. She hadn’t school.

Kitchener-Waterloo Minor That’s just the thing Luplayed lacrosse before With this current enLacrosse Association, he bert is encouraging with starting the program, but is deavour, Lubert has seen hears that a huge barrier his program, providing happy she did. students come out to practo actually going up for an opportunity for girls to “I thought that it would tice twice a week in the lacrosse is that the youth start early and develop a be fun, and lots of my gymnasium. The program haven’t been exposed prior drive for the sport. friends have been doing is open to players of all skill it,” she said. “I like that all to it.

“Like any sport, there is levels.

“So at least now we are a lot of ‘the arts and crafts’ of my friends are here and Grade 7 student Ayla that we can just learn a new – the stick-work and stuff.

LACROSSE | 12 Brubacher is one of those The more time you spend sport.”

Kings split difference in weekend matchups up an assist. Shots after 20 minutes were 11-6 in favour of the visitors, who would finish the night up 33-20 on that front.

As with the first, the Kings put up the only goal of the middle frame. At 5:55, Jeremey Goodwin (Takamatsu, Harrison Toms) potted one to make it 2-0. The Bombers were back on the heels and

would never recover.

Up by two entering the final stanza of the game, Elmira was able to maintain the momentum with Ethan Skinner burying one at 12:40, Goodwin this time lending the assist.

Rhett Kimmel’s shutout bid ended less than a minute later when the Bombers scored, but they were unable to build any

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THE KINGS CONTINUED THEIR winning ways against Brampton, starting their weekend with a 3-1 win on the road, but were unable to keep the ball rolling upon returning home.

The result was a narrow 3-2 loss to the visiting Stratford Warriors on Sunday.

Going into Brampton De-

cember 1, the Kings stacked up favourably against the Bombers, having won three of the previous four meetings. That had increased to four out of five by night’s end.

The Kings came out of the gate swinging, scoring the first and only goal of the frame at 3:15 courtesy of Tyler Beauparlant, with Ryan Takamatsu picking

Wa lke

FAISAL ALI

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MOVING INTO UNKNOWN TERRITORY by introducing lacrosse into an Elmira school, a teacher met with a much greater response than he expected.

Some 40 girls from Park Manor Senior Public School have taken up the challenge of learning a new sport.

Led by physical education teacher Ken Lubert, the girls have been introduced to the basic skills of field lacrosse as part of a before-school program.

Long involved with lacrosse, Lubert saw an opportunity to promote a sport that he says provides many pluses to the women who participate. He wasn’t sure what kind of response he’d get, however.

“I thought, ‘how many kids are going to get up before school to come?’ and we had 40-some-odd people come out – it’s just nuts,” he said.

Although now running it, he says he can’t take all of the credit: his own daughters got involved in

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12 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

LANCERS EDGE TROJANS IN COURT BATTLE

The EDSS junior basketball team took on the Forest Heights Collegiate Institute Nov. 20, edging the visitors in a narrow 54-52 victory.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

KINGS: Team rolls out of Brampton with a win before falling to Stratford on home ice FROM | 11

have climbed in the rankings to where they are now contesting the third-place spot with Waterloo (15-90-1), both teams are still a ways behind second-place Stratford (21-6). So while the game Sunday ultimately ended in defeat, the Kings gave the visiting Warriors a run for their money.

“I think we battled hard, but we got off of our systems at times throughout the game and when we did that, they capitalized on our mistakes,” said Jeremey Goodwin immediately after Sunday’s match.

In fact, it was the Kings who drew first blood, going up 1-0 on Zack Cameron’s unassisted goal at 11:22.

The Warriors answered back minutes later, however, the first frame ending

with a 1-1 deadlock.

Going into the second tied, it was anybody’s game, but the Warriors pulled ahead with a goal at 12:37. The period ended with the visitors up 2-1.

The final stanza opened with a bang as both teams quickly potted on. Just 21 seconds in, the Warriors upset the home crowd with their third goal of the night, putting them up 3-1. The Kings responded less than a minute later, with Mason McMahon (Matt MacKay, Toms) making it a one-goal game again.

With almost 19 minutes left on the clock, the Kings had plenty of time to work with, but couldn’t get another past a Warriors’ defense that locked things down. It was 3-2 Stratford at the final buzzer.

Sugar Kings goalie Rhett Kimmel faces down a Stratford offensive push at Sunday’s home game.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

“We were looking for that bounce, we were looking for that momentum bounce and we ended up finding it.

We came close at the end, but we didn’t find the back of the net,” said McMahon, who scored the second goal for the Kings. “It was unfortunate, but I was glad to get the momentum going for the guys.”

The Kings head to Guelph Saturday night to take on the Hurricanes, returning home for a Sunday matinee against the Kitchener Dutchmen. The home game, which goes at 2 p.m., features a Hat & Mitten Toss, with those in attendance encouraged to bring some winter gear in a plastic bag, to be thrown on the ice when the Kings score their first goal of the game.

LACROSSE: Program at Park Manor comes as the sport is expanding in the K-W area FROM | 11

giving them some basics and stuff like that, so they can play this game. The reality is if they are good athletes, they will do well.”

Having seen similar skills used across many sports, Lubert says the crossover for athletes is easy.

“It is about speed. It’s about skill. It’s about finesse and agility. So a lot of girls that are good at other

sports find the transition easy. If you’re a fast runner, you do really well at field lacrosse. If you’re a good defender in basketball, your footwork is down, you’ll be a good defender in lacrosse. There are restraining lines like they have in ringette. There’s passing and shooting like you have in hockey, so the transition from traditional winter sports to lacrosse is outstanding,” he said.

Although the program is

just to teach fundamentals before school, he isn’t looking to stop there.

“We are hoping to get some games with some of the private schools,” he said. “We are actually one of the few areas that doesn’t offer lacrosse in schools. If you go to Oshawa, which is where all of the great players come from, or Orangeville – places like that – they have it in their high schools, so they will take teams to CWOSSA

and OFSAA.” “We are not there yet,” he added. “But we are hoping to start getting it in schools.”

Particularly partial to field lacrosse, Lubert has seen firsthand the opportunities the sport can bring women, both his daughters having gone on to play at the postsecondary level.

For one, lacrosse helped her to reach her goal of being a teacher and the other is currently playing in Cali-

fornia on a scholarship.

The before-school program has received a great response, timely now with the introduction of a full girls’ house league through the Kitchener-Waterloo Minor Lacrosse Association.

“In KW we are starting a house league this year,” he said, noting over the past five years interest has grown to include some 200 competitive players in the league. “It has gone nuts, so we want to start a house

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league this year to get more people to come out who are not necessarily looking to get a scholarship but just want to play.”

Thus far, Lubert is running the program only at Park Manor. However, if any other girls want to try their hand at lacrosse, registration for house league begins in January and includes all ages from their Little Laxers program (age 2) all the way through to seniors (19 and older).

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SPORTS | 13

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

GALEA: When it comes to being startled, it isn’t always the size of the animal that matters most FROM | 11

records and a severe dampening of underwear in the average outdoors enthusiast. Yet, if that same person had just watched The Revenant the night before, all of this is entirely plausible.

The size of the animal is not always as important as non-outdoorsy types might think, however – and you’d know this if you have ever had a gray squirrel run up

your shorts.

In fact, it is normally the smaller animals that extract the best responses. A well-placed spider, for instance, can basically cause a total loss of dignity and bladder control. Similarly, a garter snake in the bottom of a sleeping bag can literally launch the occupant out of it like a round shot from a cannon. True, the trajectory might not be as high, but the commotion

the person makes when he or she hits the ground is not all that different.

Certain animals have a greater capacity to startle, as well. Bats and skunks immediately come to mind. And though I have never been charged by an irate rhino, I once found myself between a group of hungry teenagers and a pizza, so I believe I can honestly envision the terror that is involved.

With all this in mind, you might be wondering what the appropriate response to a sudden surprise in the form of a wild animal should be? This clearly depends on whether there are witnesses and what those witnesses did.

If you are lucky, each one of you will have screamed like a kindergarten baby and leapt into each other’s arms or the lower limbs of nearby trees as soon as

that mallard hen charged.

In cases like that, the response is easy – never speak of it again.

Unfortunately, there are times when you are the only one who reacted in the proper way while the others did not know enough to scream and leap into the safety of a friend’s arms.

The only way to salvage a situation like this is to know ahead of time what

your companions fear most. That way, as you are jumping in their arms, you can yell something like “Rabid wolf!!!!” or “Pattern baldness!!!!” And hopefully, this will cause that person to react in an undignified manner that we can all be proud of – and then, never speak of again.

Which is great, so long as you don’t mind silence on the walk back to the car.

THE SCORE

WOOLWICH WILDCATS

Novice: LL #2 Dec 02 vs AYR Home: 9 Visitor: 0 Goals: Grant Rintoul (3), Zion Shadd (3), Jackson Wolfe (2), Nicholas Shardlow Assists: Grant Rintoul (2), Jaden Zhou, Maddox Medeiros, Bryden Schaefer, Nicholas Shardlow, Charlie Brodrecht Shutouts: Aiden Basler

Atom: MINOR Nov 30 vs Caledon Home: 1 Visitor: 8 Goals: Sammy Kruschat Assists: Cam Dawson, Fraser Allen

Atom: MINOR Dec 02 vs Halton Hills Home: 3 Visitor: 4 Goals: Owen MacGregor, Cam Dawson, Sam Houston Assists: Jackson Kellough, Luke Forbes, Cam Dawson, Fraser Allen

Novice: MINOR A

Atom: MINOR

Nov 27 vs Halton Hills Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Mitchell Krasovec (2) Assists: Alex Veitch, Carter Weir, Logan Cluthe

Atom: MINOR A

Novice: LL#1 Dec 02 vs Beverly Novice #1 Home: 1 Visitor: 3 Goals: Josh Wraight

Novice: LL#2 Dec 02 vs St. George Home: 3 Visitor: 4 Goals: Mac Willms, Blake Richardson, Brendan Knipfel Assists: Tyson Kraemer, Kyle Gingrich (2), Mac Willms, Emmett Bartley

Atom: MAJOR AE Nov 30 vs Guelph Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Bryson Rozema Assists: Graydon Martin

Atom: MAJOR AE Dec 03 vs Oakville Blue Home: 7 Visitor: 3 Goals: Carter Snider (3), Bryson Rozema (2), Gavin Sager, Haiden Wagner Assists: Bryson Rozema (2), Haiden Wagner (2), Carter Snider, Tyler Gingrich, Hayden Weber, Wesley Aitken

Atom: MINOR Nov 29 vs Dundas Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Jackson Kellough

Atom: MINOR Nov 29 vs Centre Wellington Home: 5 Visitor: 1 Goals: Cam Dawson (2), Jackson Kellough, Josh Thompson, Harrison Hartwick Assists: Cam Dawson, Owen McAdam, Josh Thompson, Cohen Clemmer, Owen Hallman

Dec 03 vs Oakville Home: 0 Visitor: 3 Nov 23 vs Brampton Home: 14 Visitor: 0 Goals: Bryce Brubacher (3), Spencer Hume, Adam Bloch (2), Mitchell Krasovec (3), Carter Weir (3), Declan Martin (2) Assists: Mitchell Krasovec (4), Spencer Hume (2), Bryce Brubacher (2), Sutton Meier (4), Carter Weir (3), Mac Zettel (2), Declan Martin (2), Caleb Paquet, Alex Veitch (2), Avery Collingwood, Shutouts: Carson Waechter

Atom: MINOR A Nov 25 vs New Hamburg Home: 3 Visitor: 1 Goals: Sutton Meier, Avery Collingwood, Adam Bloch Assists: Carter Weir, Declan Martin, Alex Veitch, Mitchell Krasovec, Spencer Hume, Caleb Paquet

Atom: MAJOR A Dec 01 vs Oakville Ranger Red Home: 0 Visitor: 1

Atom: MAJOR A Dec 02 vs Ancaster Avalanche Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Karsten Smith Assists: Carter Snider

PeeWee: LL#1 Dec 02 vs New Hamburg Huskies Home: 2 Visitor: 4 Goals: Nathan Whittom, Preston Hackert Assists: Nathan Whittom, Jack Rozema

PeeWee: MINOR A Dec 03 vs Hespeler Home: 4 Visitor: 0 Goals: Mitchell Walker (2), Nathan Martin, Eric Kane

Assists: Kane Kruschat, Cale Waechter, Elijah Weiss (2), Isaac Lopers, Seth Shantz Shutouts: Tyler Fisher

PeeWee: MAJOR AE Dec 03 vs Halton Hills Home: 3 Visitor: 6 Goals: Teagan Cadeau (2), Owen Brown Assists: Jonathan Enns, Owen Brown, Teagan Cadeau, Jett Renon

PeeWee: LL#2 Dec 01 vs Embro Home: 0 Visitor: 0 Shutouts: Brennan Catton

PeeWee: LL#2 Dec 03 vs Beverly Home: 3 Visitor: 1 Goals: Gabriel Hicknell (2), Tanner Armstrong Assists: Adrian Koran, Brody Downs, Daniel Kochut

Bantam Dec 02 vs Centre Wellington Fushion Home: 5 Visitor: 1 Goals: Tyler Martin, Cameron Leonard (2), Owen Lee, Carter Servais Assists: Cameron Leonard, Owen Lee (2), Tyler Martin (2), Alex Hutton, AJ Mitchell, Kolin Weigel, Ethan Birmingham

Midget: LL #1 Nov 26 vs Ayr Home: 3 Visitor: 2 Goals: Adam Anstett, Sam Nitsche, Ben Weigel Assists: Dante Del Cul

Midget: LL #1 Nov 29 vs St. George Home: 3 Visitor: 3 Goals: Eli Baldin, Sullivan Keen, Tyson Mifflin Assists: Tyler Horst, Eli Baldin

Midget: LL#2 Dec 01 vs Ayr Home: 2 Visitor: 2 Goals: Blake Richardson, Matthew Brubacher Assists: Kyle Gingrich, Andy Keiswetter TOURNAMENT

Novice: MAJOR Dec 01 vs Lindsay Home: 16 Visitor: 0 Goals: Mason Gear (2), Lucas Frey (2), Cruz Balog, Evan Hall (3), Zack Forwell (3), Zach Wiseman (2), Liam Straus, Nolan Martin, Rhys Taylor

Assists: Rhys Taylor (3), Zach Wiseman, Colton Brito (5), Zack Forwell, Lucas Frey (3), Nolan Martin (2), Liam Straus, Mason Gear (2), Cruz Balog (2), Rhys Taylor Shutouts: Cohen Patterson/ Cohen Hamburger

Novice: MAJOR Dec 02 vs East Gwillimbury Home: 11 Visitor: 0 Goals: Lucas Frey, Liam Straus (3), Zack Forwell (4), Cruz Balog, Evan Hall, Reese Martin Assists: Evan Hall (2), Zack Forwell, Liam Straus (2), Lucas Frey (2), Reese Martin (2) Shutouts: Cohen Hamburger/Cohen Patterson

Novice: MAJOR Dec 02 vs Whitby Home: 6 Visitor: 1 Goals: Zack Forwell (2), Colton Brito, Rhys Taylor, Zach Wiseman, Liam Straus Assists: Lucas Frey, Mason Gear, Max Krasovec

Novice: MAJOR Dec 03 vs Barrie Home: 8 Visitor: 2 Goals: Zack Forwell (5), Evan Hall, Lucas Frey, Nolan Martin Assists: Cameron Fisher, Lucas Frey, Reese Martin, Zack Forwell, Max Krasovec, Evan Hall (2), Liam Straus, Nolan Martin, Cruz Balog, Colton Brito

Novice: MAJOR Dec 03 vs Erin Hillsburgh Home: 10 Visitor: 4 Goals: Zack Forwell (7), Colton Brito, Lucas Frey, Rhys Taylor Assists: Evan Hall, Reese Martin, Lucas Frey, Cruz Balog, Cameron Fisher (2)

Atom: MAJOR AE Nov 24 vs Chicago Bruins Home: 1 Visitor: 6 Goals: Haiden Wagner

Atom: MAJOR AE Nov 24 vs Pittsburgh Arctic Foxes Home: 2 Visitor: 3 Goals: Blake Dueck, Carter Snider

Atom: MAJOR AE Nov 25 vs Fort Wayne Home: 0 Visitor: 4

Atom: MAJOR AE Nov 25 vs Southeast 7’s Home: 0 Visitor: 3

IN THE SPIRIT OF THE HOLIDAYS

Atom: MAJOR AE Nov 26 vs Chicago Bruins Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Carter Snider Assists: Thomas Ferguson

Jr. Sugar Kings Dec 19 vs Huntsville Home: 3 Visitor: 1 Goals: Cole Altman, Evan Gowing, Austin Cousineau Assists: Nolan Hislop, Bart Sherrer, Evan Gowing, Daniel Carr

Jr. Sugar Kings Dec 25 vs Napanee Home: 3 Visitor: 0 Goals: Riley Runstedler, Lukas Shantz, Evan Gowing Assists: Nolan McLaughlin, Austin Cousineau, Owen Harnock, Bart Sherrer Shutouts: Bryce Detweiller

Jr. Sugar Kings Dec 25 vs Erin Hillsburg Home: 3 Visitor: 1 Goals: Nolan McLaughlin, Lukas Shantz (2) Assists: Bart Sherrer (2), Austin Cousineau, Kurtis Hoover,

Jr. Sugar Kings Dec 02 vs Dundas Home: 5 Visitor: 0 Goals: Austin Cousineau (4), Griffin Rollins, Assists: Griffen Rollins (2), Bart Sherrer, Lukas Shantz, Griffin Hergott, Riley Runstedler, Owen Harnock, Bryce Detweiller Shutouts: Bryce Detweiller

Jr. Sugar Kings Dec 03 vs Halton Hills Home: 4 Visitor: 0 Goals: Austin Cousineau, Griffen Rollins, Brad Hale, Kurtis Hoover Assists: Lukas Shantz, Kurtis Hoover, Griffin Hergott, Bart Sherrer, Caleb Cribbin, Cole Altman, Ethan Young, Griffen Rollins Shutouts: Ethan Wilkie

WOOLWICH WILD

Novice: LL#1

The Atom BB Woolwich Wild team donated money and shopping expertise to help provide gifts for others in need during the holidays.Front Row: Charlotte McMillan, Taylor Weber, Kara MacPherson, Brie Brezynskie, Riley Nelson Back Row: Kayla Sargent, Kylie Rayfield, Lexi DeJeu, Sarah Forwell, Carrie Schwindt, Olivia Weiss, Emily Martin, Olivia Strauss, Claire Catton Emily Metzger, Sophia Metzger , Elle Clemmer Shutouts: Hailey Thom

Novice: B Dec 03 vs Guelph Lady Gryphons Home: 1 Visitor: 1 Goals: Isla McCoubrey Assists: Emma McCoubrey

Novice: LL#1 Dec 02 vs LL#2 Home: 1 Visitor: 1 Goals: Bronwyn Rozema Assists: Lauren Kidd

Atom: LL Dec 03 vs West Oxford Inferno Home: 3 Visitor: 5 Goals: Mia Medeiros, Hailey Mueller, Emily Bauman Assists: Emily Bauman, Rebecca Airdrie (2), Ally Crane, Zoriana Kocan, Hailey Mueller

Atom: BB Nov 25 vs Waterloo Home: 3 Visitor: 1 Goals: Kara MacPherson, Sarah Forwell (2) Assists: Claire Catton, Brie Brezynskie, Taylor Weber

Atom: B

Dec 02 vs Woolwich Wild LL#1 Home: 1 Visitor: 1 Goals: Elle Schwindt

Dec 01 vs Ayr Home: 1 Visitor: 0 Goals: Brookelynn Kroetsch Shutouts: Samantha Weber

Novice: B

Atom: B

Dec 02 vs Waterloo Ravens Home: 2 Visitor: 0 Goals: Emma McCoubrey, Katelyn Snider Assists: Leah Thompson,

Dec 03 vs Guelph Home: 1 Visitor: 1 Goals: Grace Gow Assists: Ella Hicks

PeeWee: B Nov 29 vs Guelph Home: 2 Visitor: 0 Goals: Olivia Bloemberg, Emily Sargent Assists: Emily Sargent, Emma Wiseman Shutouts: Makenna Kroetsch

Bantam: B Nov 24 vs Wilmot Wolverines Home: 1 Visitor: 0 Goals: Makenna McLaughling Shutouts: Kyla Hartung

Bantam: B Nov 26 vs Mount Forest Home: 1 Visitor: 1 Goals: Maggie Sebean Assists: Braelyn MacPherson, Makenna McLaughlin

Bantam: B Dec 02 vs Oakville Hornets Home: 2 Visitor: 0 Goals: Makenna McLaughlin, Teesha Weber Assists: Avery Leech, Braelyn MacPherson, Avery Durrer, Megan Pickett Shutouts: Kyla Hartung

Bantam: B Dec 03 vs Oakville Hornets Home: 2 Visitor: 0 Goals: Jane Hinsperger, Carly Bauman Assists: Tanis Uhrig, Brooklyn Widemen Shutouts: Sarah Walker TOURNAMENT

PeeWee: 7100 Nov 24 vs Kensington Valley Home: 2 Visitor: 0

Goals: Maddie Martin, Eadyn Meier Assists: Chloe Hislop, Keely Franklin Shutouts: Gwyneth Martin

Assists: Peyton Ahrens, Nolan McPherson, Tyson Carter (2)

PeeWee: 7100

Atom: AE

Nov 25 vs Oakville Hornets Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Kaitlyn Hyatt, Chloe Hislop Assists: Amy Dueck, Tiana Bender, Keely Franklin, Kayla Shantz

PeeWee: 7100 BB Nov 25 vs Kensington Valley Home: 4 Visitor: 0 Goals: Kayla Shantz, Amy Dueck, Paige Woods, Ayla Brubacher Assists: Keely Franklin, Kaitlyn Hyatt, Amy Dueck, Kayla Shantz Shutouts: Gwyneth Martin

TWIN CITY STARS Nov 28 vs Ayr Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Keenan Wilker Assists: Blake Powell TWIN CENTRE HERICANES

Bantam: B Dec 01 vs Wilmot Wolverines Home: 2 Visitor: 2 Goals: Mackenna Krulicki, Paige Tucker Assists: Marlee Fraser

Bantam: B

Nov 26 vs Oakville Hornets Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Eadyn Meier, Ayla Brubacher Assists: Brooke Rempel, Keely Franklin, Kaitlyn Hyatt

Dec 02 vs Mount Forest Rams Home: 5 Visitor: 1 Goals: Mackenna Krulicki (3), Hannah Kieswetter, Marlee Fraser Assists: Avery Haid (2), Lauren Skanes (2), Bella Kuchma, Mackenna Krulicki, Katya Yusim, Hannah Kieswetter

PeeWee: 7100 BB

Bantam: B

PeeWee: 7100 BB

Nov 24 vs Oakville Hornets Home: 5 Visitor: 1

WATERLOO WOLVES

Atom: MAJOR Dec 03 vs Kitchener Rangers Home: 3 Visitor: 4 Goals: Tyson Carter, Peyton Ahrens, Nolan McPherson,

Dec 03 vs Guelph Jr Gryphons Home: 5 Visitor: 0 Goals: Mackenna Krulicki (3), Avery Haid, Marlee Fraser Assists: Claire Higgins (2), Paige Tucker, Hannah Kieswetter, Lauren Skanes Shutouts: Katie Lee

14 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

Win, lose and draw define Applejacks’ busy weekend Advantage went to the visitors in home-and-home series against Tavistock; tie with Norwich caps the third game FAISAL ALI THE MONTH OF DECEMBER got off to a busy start for the Wellesley Applejacks for reasons that had nothing to do with the Christmas rush. Instead, the team played three games in as many nights, skating away with a win, a loss and a draw.

Things got rolling Friday night on the visiting end of a home-and-home series against the Tavistock Braves, with the Jacks coming away with a 4-2 victory over the South Doherty Division’s leading team. Back in Wellesley the following night, the rematch didn’t go so well: the annual Teddy Bear Toss evening saw the home side fall 7-2.

Switching gears on Sunday, the Jacks welcomed the Norwich Merchants for a match that eventually ended 3-3.

Beginning December 1, the Applejacks took the fight to Tavistock on their home turf to come away with a hard-fought victory over the top-dogs, who had lost only once previously.

“Going to Tavistock, they’ve got a very good

record,” said head coach Brad Gerber. “We ended up winning that game, [and] that’s only their second regulation loss all season.

I thought we went in there with the right frame of mind and we played a full 60-minutes, and [so] we’re very, very pleased to come out with that win.”

Right from the first frame, the Jacks had the opposing team on the ropes, accumulating a twogoal lead.

Kyle Soper potted the Jacks first of the match at 15:49, short-handed and unassisted. Then, with less than a minute on the clock, Wellesley doubled their advantage when Nick Mercier (Kyle Fischer, Soper) scored on the power play to put the visitors up 2-0 going into the intermisison.

The second period saw the Braves push back, with their first goal coming at about the halfway mark.

But Spencer Brick (Shaun Pickering, Trent Dundas) put the Jacks up by two again with another power play marker at 17:14.

Entering the final stanza down 3-1, the Braves had plenty of catching up to do.

Four-and-half minutes in, they closed the gap with their second of the night, making it a one-goal game yet again.

The tying point never came, however. The Braves pulled their goalie in the dying minutes of the game, which instead allowed Pickering (Nathan Schlupp) to pot an emptynetter. Final score: 4-2.

In the battle of the special teams, the Applejacks came out on top, capitalizing on two of their three power plays and nailing down all three of their penalty kills.

“We were always working on our special teams, power play and penalty kill,” said Gerber. “So it’s nice to see our power play starting to get some goals; hopefully it continues. We just need to keep getting pucks to the net.”

Riding high of Friday’s win, the Jacks welcomed the Braves to Wellesley for a second go of it. Despite the home advantage, however, the Jacks couldn’t quite muster the same magic as the night before.

This time, Tavistock took the lead with a string of

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Applejack Kyle Soper skating circles around the Tavistock Braves during play at Saturday’s home game, a 7-2 loss. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] three goals before the Jacks had the time to react. Nine minutes in, the Braves potted their first of the match on the power play, and then followed up with another less than 20 seconds later. A third point came four minutes after that, putting them up 3-0 over the home team.

The Jacks were not rolling over, though. At 14-minutes, Brick got one back on the power play, with Mercier and Pickering picking up the assist. The crowd roared and hooted, and flung their plush teddy bears onto the ice in celebration.

When play resumed, Pickering (Alex Uttley, Spencer Brick) went in for a second goal, again just 20 seconds later. That made it 3-2 after 20 minutes.

The second frame was a chance for the Jacks to knot things up, but the game instead went in a wildly different direction.

Thirty-seconds after play resumed, the Braves sent yet another puck into the net, again on the power play. The two-point lead quickly widened into a three-point chasm as the Braves came back with their fifth less than a minute later.

At just 1:13 into the second, the Tavistock Braves were sitting with a comfortable 5-2 lead over the Jacks, and they’d never look back.

The final stanza of the game proved to be equally inauspicious as the Braves scored twice more, at 4:53 and then again on the power play at 16:46, bringing the game to a 7-2 conclusion.

“I wish we could have done more for the fans

on teddy bear night,” said Spencer Brick after the game.

“We got a little too loose, didn’t stick to the basics [and] fell apart, I guess,” he added, comparing the loss to the previous night’s win.

The special teams were not up to par this time.

Both teams had six power play advantages, with the Braves scoring on three and the Jacks on only one.

“After the first period, it was 3-2 – we got a couple of goals back to make it a game again. But Tavistock is a good team. In the second period they got a couple quick ones and that kind of put us down 5-2 ... and yeah, we just got frustrated,” said Gerber.

“We got to stay focused and when things aren’t going our way we need to fight through that stuff, and we didn’t do a very good job of it Saturday night.”

Having to put the loss behind them quickly, the Jacks were back on the ice Sunday afternoon for another home game, this time against the Norwich Merchants. The two teams turned out to be quite evenly matched as they traded the lead position, ending the game 3-3 after overtime failed to resolve anything.

Pickering (Brick, Mercier) drew first blood at 4 minutes, earning the Jacks an early lead. The strong start was undermined by the Merchants, however, who answered back with a goal of their own at 6:41, and then a second one less than 30 seconds later.

Wellesley’s Ryan Sparkes (Nathan Smith, Trent Dundas) answered in kind just

three minutes later on the power play, knotting the score at 2-2, which is where it would be at the buzzer.

The tiebreaker came halfway through the second frame, with Nathan Smith this time picking up the point (Trent Dundas, Zach Ribeiro). The score now 3-2 in their favour, the Jacks were knocked off their perch in the final minute before the buzzer by a Merchants power play.

“Our bench was a little short to begin with, especially on the defensive side. We talked about that after the second period: we can’t waste energy killing penalties, we’ve got to stay focused and stay out of the box,” said Gerber.

The third period proved to be a protracted slog, with neither side able to pot the tiebreaker, ultimately forcing the game into overtime where the game ended without resolution.

“I give our guys credit.

[It was their] third game in three days, they battled hard. I give Norwich credit, they battled as well. I thought both goalies were really good; good-goal tending on both sides. It was a good, hard-fought game by both teams,” said Gerber.

Showing some impressive hustle and skill, as well as some inconsistency, the fifth-place Jacks (12-10-1-1) are going to have to notch some wins to catch up to the fourth-place Paris Mounties (15-8-0-1). This weekend, Wellesley will be playing two away games, first Saturday against Delhi (0-23), followed by a Sunday night match-up against Burford (3-22).

VENTURE | 15

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

VENTURE ENTREPRENEURIAL / ON THE GROW

Her whole Elmira experience has been just Peachy Keen From its start at the dining room table, business blossoms to the point of opening a new studio

FOOD FOR THOUGHT/ OWEN ROBERTS

Giving birth to a major new dairy market

FAISAL ALI THERE’S AN IMMEDIATE WARMTH and comforting evenness about the place. The light, perfumed air, the soft incandescent lighting, the pleasantly affable music and muted tones of feather white and peach pink on the walls; all of it with the effect of inviting clients in and putting them at ease. Welcome to the brand new Peachy Keen Beauty Studio in Elmira.

For local entrepreneur Courtney Lackner, the Peachy Keen Studio, which opened its doors October 1, was the natural next step for her home-grown business. Located at the corner of Industrial Drive. and Oriole Parkway, Lackner and her team of expert makeup artists and beauticians promise to bring out their clients’ best selves.

“I’m still pinching myself,” says Lackner. “Four years ago I was working from my dining room table and now here I am.”

With a deft hand and keen eye, Lackner and co. at Peachy Keen have a range a services to bring that inner beauty to the forefront. Among their offerings are eyelash extensions, sugaring hair removal and waxing, or-

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FIELD NOTES

Courtney Lackner is the owner of the Peachy Keen Beauty Studio in Elmira, which opened its doors in October. ganic spray tans and teeth whitening. Best of all, says Lackner, it’s all done using organic and natural products that are not only good for clients’ outward appearance, but for their health and well-being as well.

“It’s becoming more and more apparent with everything going on in the world that organic, all-natural is really the way to go,” she said of the decision to go that route. “So I wanted to really hone in on that

and offer something that was not only good for my clients, but also something that was important to them and important to me.”

The business has two broad, but related aspects to how it offers its services, explains Lackner. On the one hand, Peachy Keen operates as a beauty salon and spa, where women – and men, she adds – can luxuriate comfortably as they are beautified.

Mandy Martin, an eyelash extension artist, de-

Lackner about the experience.

Peachy Keen offers a fully mobile bridal makeup team in the region, catering to the client’s every need. Of course, for the bride-to-be it’s a momentous occasion, and Lackner says her team of experts commit themselves to ensuring excellence. And, with about 50 weddings a year to take care of and years of experience,

PICTURE YOURSELF THE PARENT of one of 18 million Chinese newborns that took their place on the Earth last year.

If you had to feed your baby formula, would you choose formula produced in clean and pristine Canada, with its myriad of environmental regulations and reputation for wholesomeness, or in your home country of China, where who knows what goes?

I think the answer is pretty clear – patriotism only goes so far where your kids’ health is concerned.

As much as farmers here feel like they are under the government’s microscope and that environmental demands are extreme, it pays off when these demands play some role in attracting a new export market.

And that’s what happened last week, when the province announced it was investing $24 million into Canada Royal Milk ULC, a $225-million infant formula plant being built in

PEACHY KEEN | 17

ROBERTS | 17

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

scribes the experience as a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere, adding that clients can lay back knowing they are in trained and experienced hands. “[We] take our time and make sure we give a quality product at the end,” says Martin.

The other half of the business focuses on bridal makeup, which brings about its own challenges and rewards.

“Weddings are fun and they’re high energy,” says

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16 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

2017 OBSERVER GIFT IDEAS

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VENTURE | 17

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

ROBERTS: Those in the industry see plenty

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34 Heritage Jeans, Lois Jeans, Bugatchi Shirts and Sweaters, Tommy Bahama, Viyella, Casa Moda, Meyer Pants, 7 Downie St., Nautica, Gala, Riviera, J. Braxx, Ballin, Horst, Leo Chevalier, Save the Duck Coats, Geox, S. Cohen and Jack Victor Suits and Sport Coats, LaMarque Leathers, And Many More.

Custom Made - Suits, Sport Jackets and Trousers

W. C . B R O W N A N D S O N S M E N ’ S C L O T H I E R | 18 - 2 4 A R T H U R S T R E E T S . | 519 - 6 6 9 -115 2 D E C E M B E R S T O R E H O U R S : T U E S - W E D 9 - 6 | T H U R S - F R I 9 -7 | S AT U R D AY 9 - 5

Kingston.

The owner is China’s largest domestic infant formula company, Feihe International. The company produces, packages and distributes milk powder and related products in China.

The Kingston plant, which will be operational in 2020 and employ nearly 280 people, is the company’s first baby formula production facility outside of China.

Now, Feihe didn’t explicitly state that it was our environment that attracted the company. But it was certainly a strong suggestion. Company chair Youbin Leng says Ontario has a natural geographic advantage for milk production that he finds attractive and familiar.

His point: Ontario and Qigihar, Heilongjiang, where Feihe’s operations are based, are both situated in what he calls the “World’s Golden Milk Belt,” 47 degrees north latitude.

Leng says that latitude is where the environment “is the most ideal place for

producing premium quality dairy products.”

I’d love to see what dairy production looks like 47 degrees north latitude in China, and compare it to conditions in Canada. I’m sure Feihe has a good handle on both. It wouldn’t be investing $225 million here if it didn’t.

This is welcome news for the dairy sector. A new market this size is very rare.

The significance isn’t lost on Jeff Leal, the province’s agriculture, food and rural affairs minister. He says the Kingston project will open up new opportunities for Ontario’s dairy and goat producers.

And the ag sector agrees.

“It can only be positive for the dairy goat industry,” says Erin Harris, dairy goat consultant at B-W Feed and Seed Ltd. of New Hamburg. “The opportunity to continue to diversify the market for raw milk will help the sector to develop, and provide increased stability.”

She says currently, about 80 per cent of dairy goat milk is processed into

cheese, “so increasing the amount of products it’s used in will help farmers to continue to grow.”

Dairy farmer Tim May of Rockwood says the plant will add to the already strong growth of the dairy industry in Ontario.

“It gives my family peace of mind to know that our government sees the importance of growing the dairy industry here in Canada,” he says. “We’re thankful for the unwavering support of supply management so that we can continue to produce high quality milk from well cared-for cows.”

The exact source and quantity of milk required for the Kingston plant has yet to be announced. Some people say the Quebec government is working with goat producers there on a scheme that would see Quebec milk fill some of the plant’s needs.

But given Ontario’s $24 million investment, I think Chinese babies will be drinking formula made from milk from Ontario producers, and likely some from our own backyard.

PEACHY KEEN: She’s seen that the community

really likes to support its local businesses FROM | 15

they’ve become quite good at it.

“We’re a 100 per cent there for them. Our motto is pretty much, we want them to look and feel themselves on their best day,” she says. “Rest assured that we’ll be there for anything that you need throughout the process as well.”

The opening of the Peachy Keen Studio in October was the result of years of work and enthusiasm that started even before Lackner, a “city-girl” from the U.S., moved to the Elmira hometown of her new husband.

“I actually always loved everything beauty and aesthetics. I would get caught quite often sneaking into my mother’s makeup bag,” she recalls with a laugh.

Lackner did not start out in her desired field, taking an undergraduate in criminology of all things; but she continued to pursue what was her passion throughout. She took courses and programs in the numerous forms of makeup artistry and wedding service. That dedication eventually led Lack-

ner to start her own beauty business four years ago when she moved to Elmira.

“I kind of just hit the ground running – I had a vision for what I wanted to do,” says Lackner.

She began with humble origins from her kitchen table, moving up to a spare bedroom after it was renovated, and then to the basement to “expand.”

“It became very clear Elmira is very small-business oriented,” she adds, noting appreciatively the support Elmira residents gave to their local businesses.

“Fast-forward four years, it was so busy it was almost like a revolving door at our home. So the next step to this big dream of mine was opening up a studio space. So here we are, and I couldn’t be more grateful. It’s been so good and clients so loyal and so supportive – not just clients, but all of Elmira.

“Elmira is definitely home now, and I want to keep it that way,” she adds.

With stronger roots in the community and a growing business clientele, Lackner speculates what the next five years might bring.

“I’m always thinking, and my wheels are always turning, which can be a good and bad thing. I think in five years I would like to expand, I’d like to add services. We’ve been talking a little bit about adding facials, potentially adding an RMT massage therapy,” she says.

“I love the feeling of when we do someone’s lashes and they get to open their eyes and we show them the mirror; I love the feeling of seeing their eyes light up,” she says. “But at the same time we want them to know that we’re only enhancing what they already have. ... I want them to leave feeling like they’re the best version of themselves.”

Peachy Keen Beauty Studio is located at the plaza on the corner of Industrial Drive and Oriole Parkway East, and Lackner is inviting everyone to come by.

Whether it’s to see what’s on offer, book a makeup party, pick up some of their natural and organic beauty products for the Christmas stocking, or just say ‘hi’ – Lackner wants to meet everyone in her new home.

UP TO

18 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

ADD MORE RED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. INTRODUCING THE REDLINE EDITION SERIES.

ONTARIOCHEVROLETDEALERS.CA

OFFERS END JANUARY 2ND. 2018 SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB MIDNIGHT EDITION

0%*

PURCHASE FINANCING FOR

60 $4,000 +

MONTHS

FEATURES: AVAILABLE APPLE CARPLAY™ 1 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 3 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT (3GB/3 MONTH TRIAL) NHTSA OVERALL VEHICLE 5-STAR SAFETY SCORE4 AVAILABLE CLASS-EXCLUSIVE AUTOMATIC LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL

TOTAL VALUE

THE 2018 SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB WT BLACK OUT EDITION MODEL SHOWN

(INCLUDES $1,000 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS)

THE 2018 SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB CUSTOM EDITION 4X4

$195* @ 2.9% FOR 48 $3,350 BI-WEEKLY LEASE

PLUS GET UP TO

APR

$4,500 TOTAL VALUE

MONTHS

FEATURES: AVAILABLE APPLE CARPLAY™ 1 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 3 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT (3GB/3 MONTH TRIAL) NHTSA OVERALL VEHICLE 5-STAR SAFETY SCORE4 CLASS-EXCLUSIVE AUTOMATIC LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL

DOWN

SILVERADO 1500 DOUBLE CAB CUSTOM EDITION 4X4 MODEL SHOWN

(INCLUDES $1,000 GM CARD APPLICATION BONUS)

THE 2017 COLORADO LT CREW CAB

0%*

PURCHASE FINANCING FOR

60 + $3,000 MONTHS

TOTAL VALUE

FEATURES: BEST-IN-CLASS AVAILABLE HORSEPOWER7,8 BEST-IN-CLASS AVAILABLE TOWING 9,10 AVAILABLE APPLE CARPLAY™ 1 AND ANDROID AUTO™ 2 CAPABILITY AND ONSTAR 3 4G LTE WITH BUILT-IN WI-FI® HOTSPOT COLORADO LT CREW CAB MODEL SHOWN

ALL ELIGIBLE MODELS COME WITH

CHEVROLET

COMPLETE CARE: 2

PROUD PARTNER

YEARS/40,000 KM COMPLIMENTARY

OIL CHANGES **

5

YEARS/160,000 KM POWERTRAIN WARRANTY ▲

5

YEARS/160,000 KM ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE ▲

For the latest information, visit us at chevrolet.ca, drop by your local Chevrolet Dealer or call us at 1-800-GM-DRIVE. For the latest information, visit us at chevrolet.ca, drop by your local Chevrolet Dealer or call us at 1-800-GM-DRIVE. *<Chevrolet Holiday Bonus> total value valid toward the retail purchase or lease of one eligible new 2017 or 2018 model year <Chevrolet> delivered in Canada between December 1 – January 2, 2018. Total Value consists of $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Holiday Bonus (tax exclusive) delivery credit and manufacturer-to-consumer GM Card Application Bonus (offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM Card] or current GM Card cardholders) (tax inclusive). GM Card Application Bonus credit value depends on model purchased: $500 GM Card Bonus on new 2017 Sonic, Cruze, Malibu (excl L), Camaro, Volt, Trax, 2018 Equinox; $750 GM Card Bonus on new 2017 Equinox, 2017 & 2018 Impala, Corvette, Colorado (excl 2SA), Traverse, City, Express; $1000 GM Card Bonus on new 2017 & 2018 Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado LD & HD. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) to verify eligibility. $500 Holiday Bonus is applied against eligible 2017 & 2018 MY vehicles purchased during the program period. 2017 & 2018MY vehicles not eligible for this offer are: exclusions outlined under GM Card Bonuses above, Spark, BOLT EV. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. Void where prohibited. See your GM Canada dealer for details. GM Canada reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. Void where prohibited. See dealer for details. (0/60+$4,000 Total Value Finance Offer) Eligible 2017 Silverado Double Cab WT: Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles financed and from between December 1, 2017 to January 2, 2018.

Financing provided, on approved credit, by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Representative finance example based on a new 2017 Silverado Double Cab WT. Suggested retail price is $46,440 including $1,700 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning charge (where applicable). $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in required. $46,440 financed at 0% nominal rate equals $774 per month for 60 months. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $46,440. Taxes, PPSA, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by region and dealer) are extra. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time financing offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. $4,000 Total Value. Limited time offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada. $4,000 Total Value is a combined total credit for finance purchases on select 2017 trucks; includes: $2,000 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive), $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Holiday Bonus (tax exclusive), $1,000 GM card application bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (taxes included). $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Finance Cash (tax exclusive) towards the finance of an eligible new 2017 Silverado Double Cab at participating dealers. 2018 Silverado Double Cab Custom Edition Lease: Lease based on a purchase price of $45,137 for a 2018 Silverado Double Cab Custom Edition, includes $2,000 CDA, $1,000 Lease Cash, $500 Holiday Bonus and $1,000 GM Card Application Bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (tax inclusive). Bi-weekly payment is $199 for 48 months at 2.9% lease rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $3,350 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $23,621. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $37,402. (0/60+$3,000 Total Value Finance Offer) Eligible 2017 Colorado: Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles financed and from between December 1, 2017 to January 2, 2018. Financing provided, on approved credit, by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Representative finance example based on a new 2017 Colorado. Suggested retail price is $32,760 including $1,700 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning charge (where applicable). $0 down payment or equivalent trade-in required. $32,760 financed at 0% nominal rate equals $546.00 per month for 84 months. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $32,760. Taxes, PPSA, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by region and dealer) are extra. Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time financing offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. $3,000 Total Value. Limited time offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada. $3,000 Total Value is a combined total credit for finance purchases on select 2017 Colorados; includes: $750 manufacturer to dealer cash credit (tax exclusive), $500 manufacturer-to-dealer Holiday Bonus (tax exclusive), $750 GM card application bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (taxes included). $1,000 manufacturer-to-dealer Finance Cash (tax exclusive) towards the finance of an eligible new towards the finance of an eligible new 2017 Colorados at participating dealers. 1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. 2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply. 3 Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and capabilities vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Terms and conditions apply. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Not all vehicles may transmit all crash data. After the trial period, an active OnStar service plan is required. OnStar 4G LTE: Services and connectivity vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Requires active OnStar service and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. Accessory Power must be active to use the Wi-Fi hotspot. 4 U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). 7 Requires available 3.6L V6 engine. 8 Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Small Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models. 9 Requires available 3.6L V6 or 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. 10 Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. **The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 or 2017 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ▲Whichever comes first. See dealer for details. 1 Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. 2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply. 3 Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Services and capabilities vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Terms and conditions apply. OnStar acts as a link to existing emergency service providers. Not all vehicles may transmit all crash data. After the trial period, an active OnStar service plan is required. OnStar 4G LTE: Services and connectivity vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Requires active OnStar service and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. Accessory Power must be active to use the Wi-Fi hotspot. 4 U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). 7 Requires available 3.6L V6 engine. 8 Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Small Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models. 9 Requires available 3.6L V6 or 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. 10 Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. **The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 or 2017 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ▲Whichever comes first. See dealer for details.

THE ARTS | 19

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

THE ARTS ON STAGE / LIVE THEATRE

Nathan Carroll is the center of attention as Ugly in the Drayton Entertainment production of HONK!, which runs through Dec. 24 at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.

[SUBMITTED]

Family fare a HONK-ing good time

Drayton Entertainment’s musical retelling of The Ugly Duckling now on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse STEVE KANNON FIRST CAST AS UGLY in a high school production of HONK!, Nathan Carroll chuckles at remembering it as somewhat insulting. But that was half a lifetime ago, and he’s got a new perspective on the central character in the musical retelling of The Ugly Duckling.

Leading up to the debut at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, he enthuses about the role and magical world created by the stage production.

“It’s a joy to play – it’s such a fun story.”

The musical comedy tells the story of Ugly, a latehatcher who isn’t quite the same as his fluffy yellow siblings ... and the trials and tribulations that flow from that.

This take on Hans Christian Andersen’s tale features more comedy and,

of course, music, Carroll notes.

“It’s really influenced by the British pantomime style. All the characters I meet along the way are larger than life,” he explains. “It’s more comic, but it’s still got that heartwarming story. It’s a really good show for the family.”

While Ugly’s father Drake rejects his awkward fledgling, mother Ida sees something more in the little duck. After being lured away from his home by a wily Cat, he embarks on a quest to find his mother.

With the help of a few new friends (including a comical troupe of geese and a jovial bullfrog), his journey home becomes both an exciting coming-of-age adventure and an exuberant celebration of being different.

It’s those fellow animal travellers that lend them-

The

selves to both the comedy and the magic of the play, Carroll adds.

“What’s nice about playing animals is that it’s natural to break out singing at points,” he says of the magical world where such things happen, aided by the “fantastic” costumes and sets.

Written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, the team behind the stage adaptation of Mary Poppins, HONK! opened in the UK in 1997, moving in 1999 to National Theatre in London, where it won the Olivier award for best new musical, beating both Mamma Mia! and The Lion King.

HONK! features funfilled musical numbers such as “Hold Your Head Up High,” “Warts and All” and “Transformation.”

Carroll is no stranger to musicals, having appeared as Terry Fox in Drayton

Nathan Carroll and Aaron Walpole in a scene from HONK! Entertainment’s production of Marathon of Hope: The Musical. He has also appeared in the original Canadian cast of Once with Toronto’s Mirvish Productions (2015 Dora Award for

We serve Breakfast every day, all day.

DAILY GRILL New Morning Features:

Restaurant

• Breakfast Wrap • Breakfast Waf�le • Breaded Chicken Waf�le

615 Davenport Rd., Waterloo | 519-886-4752 | Hours: Mon. - Sat. 7am-9pm; Sun. 8am-8pm

Best Production and Best Ensemble) and The Wizard of Oz with Young People’s Theatre (2016 Dora Award Winner for Outstanding Ensemble – Musical Theatre Division).

Susan Gilmour is the devoted mother duck, Ida. Gilmour previously appeared as the Mother Superior in Sister Act and HONK! | 20

Friday | Saturday | Sunday

• Pigtails • Turkey with Stuf�ing • 1/2 Rack Ribs • Pork Schnitzel

20 | THE ARTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

HONK!: Putting The Ugly Duckling to music

THEY’RE ALL AGLOW IN ST. CLEMENTS

FROM | 19

as Marilla in Anne of Green Gables. Kyle Blair, who was Phil Davis in White Christmas, returns to St. Jacobs Country Playhouse to play the scheming Cat. Blair is a regular at the Shaw Festival and recently appeared in Me and My Girl and Androcles and the Lion. Fresh off his performance as Lonny in Rock of Ages at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge, Aaron Walpole takes on the role of the enthusiastic bullfrog, among other characters. Walpole has appeared in Les Misérables and Jesus Christ Superstar on Broadway and the national tour of Kinky Boots.

Veteran performers Larry Mannell, Charlotte Moore and Susan Johnston Collins take on several roles in the production, including Ugly’s disapproving father Drake, and the gossipy hens Grace and Maureen, respectively.

Rachel Babor, Eric Da Costa, Sam DiGuiseppe, Sarah Higgins, Kayla James, Tim Porter, Marga-

Nathan Carroll and Susan Gilmour in HONK! ret Thompson, and Christine Watson round out the cast who bring this funny farmyard to life on the stage.

Drayton Entertainment has also engaged 28 local young performers as the Children’s Chorus, with the kids taking turns throughout the run in two teams of 14.

[SUBMITTED]

Now on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, HONK! runs through December 24. Tickets are $46 ($27 for youth under 20), available online at www. draytonentertainment. com, in person at the box office, or by calling 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-DRAYTON (3729866).

Public Notice 2018 Municipal and School Board Election Changes to Nomination Dates The Municipal Elections Act requires that every person who wants to run for office in the Monday, October 22, 2018 Municipal Election must file a Nomination Form with the Clerk.

There have been a number of changes to the legislation, including a change in the Nomination period which now opens on Tuesday, May 1,

2018 and closes on Friday, July 27, 2018 at 2 p.m.

The Tree of Light was set aglow in St. Clements Saturday night by the Paradise and District Lions Club. Donations towards lighting the tree have raised $13,700 thus far.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

It is anticipated the Province of Ontario will release the prescribed Nomination Form on or after April 1, 2018 which will include the new requirement for 25 supporting signatures on the Nomination Form.

The Municipal Elections Act provides that a candidate’s election campaign period for any of the offices listed below begins on the day they file a nomination for the campaign. No contributions shall be made or accepted and no expenses may be incurred before the Nomination Form is filed with the Clerk. Money, goods and services given to and accepted by or on behalf of a person for their election campaign are contributions.

Please note that nominations for the offices listed below will be received by the Clerk responsible for their municipal election to be held on Monday, October 22, 2018: • • • • • • • •

Regional Chair Mayor Regional Councillor for Cambridge, Kitchener or Waterloo Ward Councillor Waterloo Region District School Board Trustee Waterloo Catholic District School Board Trustee Conseil Scolaire Viamonde Conseil Scolaire catholique MonAvenir

For more information, please visit wrvotes.com.

Dated this 1st day of December, 2017.

NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF WELLESLEY Budget Consultation Notice

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Township of Wellesley will be reviewing the DRAFT municipal budget for the year 2018, with the intent to pass a By-law to adopt a budget pursuant to Section 290 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended.

The public consultation meeting(s) for the 2018 budget will be held at the Township of Wellesley Municipal Office, 4639 Lobsinger Line, Crosshill on January 15th, 2018 starting at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 4:30 p.m.

Additional consultation meetings (if required) will be held on January 17 and 19. Should you wish to attend the January 15th meeting or if you require further details or information, please contact Theresa Bisch, Township of Wellesley at (519) 699-3954 or email: tbisch@wellesley.ca

TOWNSHIP OF WELLESLEY 4639 Lobsinger Line, R.R. #1, St. Clements ON, N0B 2M0 • 519-699-4611

CLASSIFIED | 21

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

HELP WANTED

FOR SALE

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:

WEDNESDAYS BY 10AM

AUCTIONS

FOR SALE

LARGE INDOOR

ESTATE

AUCTION

Floradale Feed Mill Limited is an independent, family owned and operated feed company serving livestock and poultry producers in Ontario.

We currently have an opening for:

Night Loader / Production Worker This fulltime position will involve shift work week days (Monday to Friday) with an occasional Saturday shift. Responsibilities will include night loading , warehouse duties and possible pelleting/batching.

The successful applicant will have • Strong oral and written communication skills • Ability to develop effective work relationships with co-workers, and • Ability to represent the Company positively with customers.

At Floradale Feed Mill Limited we take pride in providing the finest in quality feeds and service to our customers in the livestock and poultry industries. Therefore, a background in agriculture is considered an asset.

To apply, forward your resume to: Brian Chamberlain, Operations Manager Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: brianc@ffmltd.com We appreciate all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

HELP WANTED

RESTAURANT & CATERING EQUIPMENT SALE 3 DAY SALE SAT DEC 9, 9am – 1pm MON DEC 11 & TUES DEC 12, 12pm – 5pm Desks, bar stools, bar & dining tables, custom furniture, racking, storage cabinets, 50” plasma TV’s, banquet tables, caterware, light fixtures, bar for your man cave, large quantity dishes, coffee percs, kitchen and bar equipment, coat racks, billiard table, walk-in cooler & freezer, giant gargoyles, booths, banquettes, mobile BBQ cart, pro audio - lights.

341 Marsland Drive, Waterloo 519-886-7730 ext. 29 ANNOUNCEMENT ELMIRA DUPLICATE BRIDGE Nov. 16, 2017 1st - Marion Israel & Judy Komer, 2nd Pat Meek and Al Graff. Nov. 23, 2017 1st - Yvonne Taliotis & Jeff Beatty 2nd - Carla Brechin & Jim Goll.

FREY BUILDING CONTRACTORS is now hiring

Construction Workers / Labourers with some experience in construction to join our busy and successful team.

Job responsibilities will include various construction related tasks such as demolition, site clean-up, operating power tools and complying with safety requirements.

Qualified candidates must be safety conscious, reliable, punctual, energetic and be able to perform physical work.

Please send resumes to info@freybc.com or drop off at 3435 Broadway St, Hawkesville

FIND IT TODAY!

HELP WANTED RECEPTIONIST FOR DR. Mark Brubacher, Chiropractor.

Mature, experienced, caring and self-reliant person required to handle all the duties of the front desk.

Approximately 25 hours/ week, starting January 2.

Drop resume at the front desk or mailbox or mail to 10 Hampton St. Elmira N3B 1X7.

FOR SALE FRESH TURKEYS. GOVERNMENT inspected. From 18 - 30lb. Order now for pick up on Dec. 20. Lloyd Martin 519-669-4753.

FOR SALE 2013 TOYOTA COROLLA. Blue, 5-speed manual, keyless entry, bluetooth, AC. Spacious and fuel efficient.

Well maintained, dealer serviced. Highway driven 202,000kms. Certified & e-tested $7500 o.b.o. Call 519-504-1176.

HILLCREST HOME BAKING Christmas Sale - Dec. 1 to 23, 2017. Customer Appreciation Days - Dec. 13 & 14. Come in for free coffee and donuts.

5% off all bulk foods, cheese, ice cream and snack foods.

10% off all candy. From 10% to 50% off all fabrics. 10% off sewing notions, tablecloth, quilt batts, hosiery, underwear, mitts, hats, sweaters pants and shirts (excluding homemade.) 10% off toys, books, giftware, glassware, touchlamps, clocks, cannister sets, book ends and more. Your one stop Christmas shop!

for the Estate of Grace Martin of Elmira with additions of appliances, furniture, antiques, tools etc.

Sale to be held at #7213 Line 86 Wallenstein approx. 6 km west of Elmira

SATURDAY DEC. 16 10:00 AM Equipment: 9’ double auger Lucknow snow blower (nice), 25kw winpower pto generator, ride on electric pallet mover.

Snowmobile, Scooter, Snow Blowers, Boat: 1989 Yamaha SR5 snowmobile twin cylinder air cooled, Piagglo 2 wheel gas powered scooter (like new), aluminum row boat, Toro snow thrower, variety of walk behind snow blowers.

Shop Tools: Large steel work table on wheels, stainless table with wheels, 5 shelf unit on wheels, Lincoln stick welder, floor model and bench top drill press, 5 HP twin cylinder horizontal air compressor, radial arm saw, Skil saws, 6” bench grinder, large bench vice, sandblaster, 1/2” electric impact gun, cutting torch heads, air impact guns, socket sets, wrench sets, bolt bins, table saws, metal cutting band saw, Shop Vac, fiberglass step ladder, 4 section locker unit, 220v heaters, 5th wheel truck hitch. Tables full of good useful hand tools too much to list. 2 wagon loads of New Hardware.

Large electric commercial paint sprayer.

Appliances: Speed Queen twin tub washer, large upright freezer, 30” Maytag gas stove, 30” electric coil top stove, 2 small chest freezers, bar fridge.

Furniture: 4 pc book case light coloured waterfall bedroom set, 4 pc double size maple bedroom set, 3 pc waterfall bedroom set, tall 2 door wardrobe, 3 door oak china cabinet w pie shelf, 4 door light coloured china cabinet, double size white steel bed complete, double size maple bed complete, large wood office desk w matching credenza, double pedestal oak dining table w 4 leaves, book shelves, floral sofa sets, leather La-Z-Boy recliner, glider rocker, brown sofa bed, maple table w 4 chairs, 4 drawer file cabinets, dressers, night stands, blanket boxes, nesting tables, Grand Father clock, butcher block table.

Antiques: Cross cut saw, platform scale, school desk, Hosier cupboards, swing mirror dressers, treadle sewing machine (nice), buffet w fancy back splash (nice), wash stands harps, set of press back chairs, child’s rocker, extension table w 5 leaves, large blanket box, assortment of wood chairs, 3/4 bed complete, variety of small tables, doll beds, copper boiler and more.

Misc: New stainless steel mixing bowls, new micro velour blankets, dolls, floor mats, stainless kettles, new wall clocks, mantle clocks, lamps, bedding, kids toys, electric wheel chair, large variety of ice skates, hockey sticks, skiis, pre lit Christmas trees, lunch coolers, lots more.

Notes: A very full auction selling with 2 auction rings.

Lots of unlisted items.

Gerald Bowman Auctions & Appraisal Ltd. RR2, Drayton, ON N0G 1P0 Office: 519-638-5708 For full listing & photos visit our website: www.bowmanauctions.ca

MATTRESS AND BOX Spring, new, never used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195.

Delivery available. Newly refurbished digital dehumidifiers, 90 day warranty, $95. 519-635-8737.

AUCTIONS SAT. DEC 9 at 10:00 AM - Clearing auction sale of furniture; antiques; collectables; household effects; and miscellaneous items to be held at 269 Thorncrest Drive in Waterloo for the estate of the late J. Vrablic. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com AUCTION SALE OF Household goods, antiques, tools and miscellaneous items, to be held at the K.W. Khaki Club, 2939 Nafziger Rd. 2 miles south of Wellesley, on Friday, December 15th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138.

LARGE INDOOR ESTATE Auction for the estate of Grace Martin of Elmira with additions of appliances, furniture, antiques, tools etc. Sale to be held at #7213 Line 86 Wallenstein approx.

6 km west of Elmira. Saturday, December 16, 10:00 a.m. Gerald Bowman Auctions 519-638-5708. www. bowmanauctions.ca

FARM SERVICES BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS Agricultural Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-6692045.

FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - at competitive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141.

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

IN THE OBSERVER CLASSIFIEDS

HOW TO REACH US

THE OBSERVER SPECIALIZES IN GETTING THE WORD OUT!

CLASSIFIED

PLACE AN AD IN OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION TODAY! Call: 519-669-5790 or Visit: www.observerxtra.com

PHONE 519.669.5790 | TOLL FREE 1.888.966.5942 | FAX 519.669.5753 | ONLINE WWW.OBSERVERXTRA.COM

ADDRESS 20-B ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON N3B 1Z9 PLACING A CLASSIFIED WORD AD

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In person, email, phone or fax submissions are accepted during regular business hours. Deadline for Thursday publication is Wednesday by 10 a.m. All Classified ads are prepaid by cash, debit, Visa or MasterCard. Ask about Observer policies in regard to Display, Service Directory and Family Album advertising.

22 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

CLASSIFIED ADS CONTINUED FROM PG. 21 AUCTIONS

AUCTION SALE Household goods, antiques, tools and miscellaneous items, to be held at the K.W. Khaki Club, 2939 Nafziger Rd. 2 miles south of Wellesley, on

FRIDAY, DEC. 15TH @ 10:00 A.M.

HOUSEHOLD: Bedroom furniture. Window air conditioner. Small appliances. Cookware.

Bedding & linen. China & glass. Sets of china. Silverware. Corning ware. Partial list only, many boxes to be unpacked!

ANTIQUE/COLLECTIBLE:

MISC. ITEMS: Bench model drill press.

NOTE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; See www.auctionsfind.com/gerber for photos. Terms â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cash, debit or cheque with I.D. 10% buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premium.

AUCTIONEERS:

Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138

2827 Hutchison Rd., RR#1 Millbank (Crosshill)

ICE SALT & ICE MELT - Ice salt comes in 20 & 40kgâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

FIREWOOD GERBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your #1 source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available.

519-656-2057.

7 YEAR OLD Black small trotting mare. 2 year old 16 hand black pacing bred gelding, 2 whites and a star. 2 year old 16 hand bay pacing bred gelding, some white, fresh, $3000. Jonathon Jantzi 519-698-1179.

WILL BUY OLD and used horses and ponies to go direct to plant in Quebec.

Will buy all types, drug form required but will buy either way. TOP PRICES PAID. Contact Calvin Kuepfer for prices at Horizon Trail Equine at 519-272-3290.

BUYING ROLEX, OMEGA, Zenith etc, pocket watches, vintage clocks, all gold & sliver, coins, scrap costume jewellery, musical instruments, rock & roll; jazz records, military items, toys, sports. Email gallamore@ golden.net or 519-242-6900, fair honest prices.

RENTALS 2 BEDROOM APARTMENT in Elmira. Quiet building, newly renovated, close to downtown. Call 519-6695798.

WANTED WANTED - OLD Fashioned Calendars, used greeting cards and magazines for scrapbooking. Call 519-664-3537.

RENTALS FOR RENT OFFICE/STORAGE/ SHOP Area - In total 1360 square feet: small office, work area, storage/warehouse bay (16 foot ceiling, 14 ft high bay door). Security system available, shared washroom. Large concrete pad for parking.

Extra costs include HST, power usage (area is metered), and share snow removal costs.

Private water well. Located near St. Jacobs, Elmira, Hawkesville. $950 per month.

Call Dave at 519 778 4600.

FURNISHED ROOM FOR rent with a private entrance in Elmira. Starting January. Call Annie at 519-635-1033.

HELP WANTED

RENTALS PROFESSIONAL COUPLE LOOKING to rent farm house within 30 mins of Elmira.

References available. Call Paul @ 519-500-9640.

SELL YOUR HOME, YOUR CAR, ALL YOUR STUFF â&#x20AC;¦ IN THE OBSERVER

UPSTAIRS APARTMENT - 2 bedrooms, one bathroom, living room, laundry room, sun porch and all appliances. Heat & hydro included, $1000/mth. No pets, no smoking in house. Working professionals preferred. 519698-2207.

PLACE AN AD IN OUR CLASSIFIED SECTION TODAY!

TRADES & SERVICES RONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DRYWALL AND Renovations. Over 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron. spncr@gmail.com

Call: 519-669-5790 ext. 104 or Email:

drudy@woolwichobserver.com

DEADLINE: Wednesday by 10am

AUCTIONS Police, Municipal, Repo, Fleets & Others Monthly PUBLIC Vehicle

AUCTION to be held at

Breslau Airport Road Auction Complex

5100 Fountain St., North, Breslau (Kitchener)

Sat Dec 9th 9:30 am 2013 Taurus Interceptor 2 - 10/12 Caravan S&G Wgns 2012 Chev Malibu LT 2 - 07 /11 Colorado Ext P /Uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2011 KIA Sorento SUV 5-09/11GMC/Chev1500 P/Uâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2010 Caliber SXT Wgn 2 - 2009 Ford F150 XL Pickups 2010 Mazda 6 4dr 2 - 2009 Chev 2500 Cargo Vanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2008 Pontiac G6 2dr 2008 RAM Caravan C/V 2 - 2008 CROWN Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2007 Toyota Sienna LE Wgn 2003 Forester SX Wgn 2004 Chev 2500HD 2 - 2007 IHC 4300 Diesel SA Reefer Vanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2006 IHC 3200 Diesel Handi-Bus 99 Sterling Diesel SA c/w 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Van Body 91IHC52574 TA Auger Truck

Check Website for Daily Updates No Buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premium or Penalty !!!

VIEWING: Friday Dec 8th, 2017, 1 pm to 5 pm TERMS: $500 Cash Deposit on Each Vehicle, or as announced

M.R. Jutzi & Co DIVISION OF 658347 ONTARIO INC.,

100% LOCAL

WANTED

PROFESSIONALS IN THE ORDERLY LIQUIDATION AND APPRAISALS OF COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL, CONSTRUCTION, MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT & VEHICLES 5100 FOUNTAIN ST. NORTH, BRESLAU, ONTARIO, N0B 1M0

www.mrjutzi.ca

519-648-2111

Floradale Feed Mill Limited is an independent, family owned and operated feed company serving livestock and poultry producers in Ontario.

We currently have an opening for:

Truck Driver (DZ) - Part Time This part time position will involve safe operation of a bag unit or bulk hopper bottom unit on Saturdays and holidays.

The successful applicant will have: â&#x20AC;¢ A valid commercial driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license â&#x20AC;¢ Strong oral and written communication skills â&#x20AC;¢ Ability to develop effective work relationships with co-workers, and â&#x20AC;¢ Ability to represent the Company positively with customers.

At Floradale Feed Mill Limited we take pride in providing the finest in quality feeds and service to our customers in the livestock and poultry industries. Therefore, a background in agriculture is considered an asset.

To apply, forward your resume to: Brian Chamberlain, Operations Manager Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: brianc@ffmltd.com We appreciate all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

$ 6 ( $ ' ( $ ' 6 & 5 , 6 / ( 8 % $ / 3 & $ 5 ' + 2 2 ( 6 8 9 ' ( + , 7 / / < 2 < 2 $ 6 3 6 $ 0 + ( 0 ( , 5 2 1 3 6 6 7

1 0 ( 6 $ < /

$ $ 1 $ 7 + ( 5 6 8 3 5 : , ( 7

% , 6 7 5 2

< 2 . (

6 1 ( $ .

1 2 0 8 ' ( 6 ( 7 ( $

6 0 , & 5 / : $ ( ( 3 1 $ 6 % 5 ( / < 2 7 & 5 2

$ ' ( 1

& 5 $ * * 7 < 6 $ 5 5 ( 6 7

$ , 6 / (

8 3 + ( / '

+ , / ) $ , &

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

Delta 20in. 6sp. scroll saw. Belt/disc sander.

Compound mitre saw. Poulan P3314 chain saw. Assorted hand, power, air & cordless tools (includes Makita & Milwaukee). Tap & Die set. Tool chests. Bits. Grease guns.

Axle stands. Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wagon. Stainless sink.

Electrical supplies. Char-Broil barbeque/ smoker.

HORSES

CROSSWORD PUZZLER

Combination drop front/bookcase, nicely carved. Old kitchen cupboard. Drop front desk. Horse drawn sleigh. Tea wagon. Selection of parlour tables. Rockers. Upholstered stool & bench. Early German salon chair. Victorian side chairs. Chair (converted from a wooden barrel). DeLaval cream separator. Wooden butter churn. Harness repair wooden box (Berlin). Hand wringer. Underwood typewriter. Crocks & jugs. 5 pc. chamber set. Beer bottles & labels. Pop bottles. Jars (Beaver, King, True Fruit, Ball, etc.). Old farm tools. Cross cut saws. Hand forge. Milk cans.

Area rugs. Oil cans. Lightning rods & balls.

Steel wheels. Large doll collection. Tin types.

Postcards. Old maps. Insulators. Canadian Mint coin sets (1963 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1900â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s). Nice selection of tinware. Desk & dresser sets. Fossils.

Stereoscope. Photographs. Copper boiler.

Old land deeds. Prints (Terry Fox, Peter Etril Snyder, Peter Geotz, etc.). Old wooden windows. Assorted collectible cars, CocaCola, Pepsi, Hersey, etc. Neilson signed Wayne Gretzky card. Hockey memorabilia.

Player piano rolls. Wooden boxes. Old lacrosse stick. Chamber set. Fancy linen.

Silver pieces. China, glass, crystal, etc.

FARM SERVICES

CLASSIFIED | 23

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

TIRE

WHERE TIRES ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

GENERAL SERVICES

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

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

BIKE SALES & REPAIRS

THOMPSON’S

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca

www.biobobs.com 519-648-3004

GENERAL SERVICES

We are geared to meet your timing and volume requirements

SEE US FOR

Window & Screen

REPAIRS

BLENDED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS!

800-232-6396

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519-669-5537

STORE HOURS: M-W 8-6, TH-F 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5

Ph: Elmira (519) 669-5219

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

AMOS INC

R O O F I N G

Various sizes & rates

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

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

Blown or Pushed Off

or call today! or

PROFESSIONAL BIKE MECHANIC ON STAFF

Premium Softwood

Visit our website

519-669-4400

519-669-3232

Quality Bedding

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

519-669-4964

CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

IRA HOME COMFORT M L E (519) 669-4600

“25 years in Business”

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

info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca

• • • •

Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases

APPLIANCES – FURNACES – FIREPLACES AIR CONDITIONERS – WATER HEATERS SPRING SPECIAL ON AIR CONDITIONING TUNE UP $99, INSTALLED FROM $1999 FURNACES INSTALLED FROM $2499 FRIDGES $499, STOVES $399, WASHERS $399, DRYERS $369, FREEZERS $199 Come visit our show room FREE QUOTES 1 Union Street, Elmira

Concrete Breaking & Removal

ehc@hotmail.ca (519)-669-4600

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

The Right Window Treatment Can

Save you

Blinds

Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

by Elite or Mera

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

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

FREE

INSTALLATION When you buy 3 or more

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

Evenings By Appointment

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

For all your Plumbing Needs.

Randy Weber

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016

519-669-3652

darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON

www.rwelectricltd.com

ELMIRA

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

WINDOW FASHIONS

Free in-home Consultations.

Call someone you can trust.

Brands You Can Trust 22 Church St. W., Elmira

Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5

SPACE FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

ST. JACOBS

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

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

Your Business Here!

Advertise your business services in our service directory. Weekly exposure with fantastic results!

Call Donna at 519.669.5790 Ext 104.

TEL:

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

homewindowfashions.ca

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL

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

519-577-0370

OUTDOOR SERVICES Since 1998

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

519-503-6033

(CELL)

519-669-2251

36 Hampton St., Elmira

CONCRETE FLOOR/PAD BREAKING & REMOVAL SKID STEER SERVICES • ALL ATTACHMENTS AVAILABLE

CALL ABOUT OUR 28FT FLAT BED SERVICE

CALL DUSTIN AT

226-750-4532

•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

ROLL OFF INDUSTRIAL BIN RENTALS CALL FOR AVAILABLE SIZES CALL DUSTIN AT

226-750-4532

24 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

REAL ESTATE

Results That Move You ...

NEW PRICE

Alli Bauman Paul Martin Sue Wideman SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

519-577-6248 519-503-9533 226-750-9332 allibauman@rogers.com

paul@remaxsolidgold.biz suewidemanhomes@gmail.com

Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

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

$615,000 Elmira - Stunning 2014 Claysam home boasting 2089 sq ft with 4 generous size bedrooms and ample flex space throughout. The open concept main floor is carpet free w/lots of natural light, formal dining and California shutters. The kitchen has granite countertops and new backsplash plus upgraded appliances (gas stove) all included and main floor laundry. Both bathrooms come with soaker tubs while the main bath also includes double sinks. The fully fenced, oversize upgraded lot with no rear neighbors comes with a shed and stamped concrete patio. Don’t miss out! MLS.

$645,000 Elmira - The Tristan II features an amazing Barzotti kitchen complete with Granite counter top, 9’ main floor ceilings, Hardwood and ceramic throughout the main floor. This 4 bedroom 3 bathroom is equipped with two sinks in the ensuite as well as the main bathroom. Currently being built and at the drywall stage it is available for viewings in daylight only. With a January 26 closing date and a neighborhood park behind, you will want to come and see this beautiful Verdone built home.

T H A N K YO U FO R C HO O S I N G R E / M A X !

Bert Be Martin Re/max Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., R BROKER

Brokerage

Independently Owned and Operated

Shanna BROKER

A portion of each sale commission is donated to The Woolwich Community Services.

Brubacher

BROKER

HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO …

appointed inside units available, freehold, standards include gas fireplace, hardwood in great room, maple ARTIST RENDERING kitchen w/island, a/c plus much more. Here is an opportunity to own in Southwood Park Estates, ELMIRA. Closing dates starting in March/18. Call today for further details.

built brick bungalow with triple car garage & triple concrete driveway!

Almost 2000 sq.ft on the main floor, walk-up from the basement to the garage. Open concept, 9' & 11' ceilings, entertainers dream kitchen offers over sized island, quartz counters, built in appliances. Large great room with floor to ceiling stone F/P., walkout off dining area to covered composite deck! MLS.

$714,000

$714,900 ALMA “Quality Homes” built 2200+

FREE Market Evaluation $294,900

$389,900

!

EW E N RIC P

ELMIRA 3+ bedroom Bungalow on an awesome wooded lot. This home features a setting that’s not easily found, 1800+ sq feet open concept kitchen great room w/walkout to deck and patio. Large rec room/games in the lower level. MLS.

EMAIL: bert@remaxsolidgold.biz

NEW LISTING! Great Starter in quiet area of Elmira offers good opportunity for first time buyers. Living & dining rooms are spacious and have hardwood floors, living room has gas fireplace and sliding doors to a large deck and partly fenced back yard, newer garden shed. All original windows have been replaced. Close to park and Riverside School. MLS. Call Bert to view.

$639,900 DRAYTON Stunning custom

LOCATION LOCATION. This one owner bungalow in Elmira offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, finished basement, walkout from dining area to back yard, new roof in November 2017. Great access to amenities.

MLS. Call Bert to View.

sq ft. Beautiful mainfloor of gleaming hardwood flooring and ceramics, french doors, coiffured ceilings, stunning kitchen, walkout to back yard and deck. Fully finished lower level with walkdown from garage. 24 x 50 Heated workshop all this on 3/4 acre lot dead end cul-de-sac. MLS.

www.remaxsolidgold.biz

!

EW G N TIN S LI

EXCLUSIVE!

OFFICE: 519-669-5426

Rozema

Bonnie PARADIGM (ELMIRA) HOMES EXECUTIVE TOWN HOME BUNGALOWS $459,900 Beautifully

DIRECT: 519-572-2669 3 Arthur St. S. Elmira DIREC

Serving the community for 25 years!

ARE YOU READY TO SELL? NOW IS THE TIME! CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE CURRENT MARKET ANALYSIS.

Your referrals are appreciated!

ELMIRA OFFICE: 519-669-3192 | www.YourFamilyTeam.ca | 90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4

Service Pros Advertise your business services in our directory.

Weekly exposure with fantastic results!

Great Options

Starting at:

$

25

/week + tax

Some conditions apply.

Contact us for details.

20-B Arthur St. N., Elmira | 519-669-5790 | www.ObserverXtra.com |

@woolwichnews |

/ObserverXtra

CLASSIFIED | 25

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

REAL ESTATE

LET OUR 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!

BROKERAGE

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office:

519-669-2772 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira www.thurrealestate.com

BRAD MARTIN

JULIE

LUKE

SHANTZ Broker of Record, HECKENDORN Broker Sales Rep. MVA Residential Res: 519.669.1068 Cell: 519.588.7562 Cell: 519.584.4400

Sat, Dec 9 | 2:00-3:30pm BROOKMEAD ST., ELMIRA OPEN214HOUSE 214 Brookmead St., Elmira th

THIS LOVELY 4 BDRM. (2+2) home offers an open concept main floor. Great room w/wall fireplace & vaulted ceiling is open to the kitchen w/island and spacious dining area. Garden doors lead to a covered porch! Master bdrm w/lge. walkin closet & 3pc. ensuite. Fin. rec. room/games area w/large window, 2 bdrms & 4pc bath. (2nd entrance from the garage). Fenced yard. MLS.

$599,900

3 ROBIN DR., ELMIRA LOVELY 70’ X 140’ LOT W/MATURE TREES. 3(+1) bdrm. bungalow w/newer maple kitchen & w/o to HUGE deck.

Hdwd flr. & gas fireplace in L.R. w/lge window.

Large rec. room, 4th bdrm. & newer 3 pc. bath in lower level. DBLE. garage & lots of parking!

Close to schools. MLS.

$499,900

Babies of the

!

R A E Y 17 20

Full colour photo of your little one published in the January 11, 2018 edition.

CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET EVALUATION

® REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

519.500.1865

(Direct)

519.747.0231 (Office)

Dale R. Keller Sales Representative

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

www.KellerSellsRealEstate.com | dale@kellersellsrealestate.com

$40 +hst

Palmerston | $273,000 Quick Closing. This move in ready 2 bedroom home on a large 0.42 acre lot offers a park like setting backing onto the school yard. New roof and furnace.

Large front porch and generous side deck. A beautiful spacious and bright home. MLS Call Dale.

Birth Date | Tow n Parents Names

Bruce Peninsula | $36,000 Really want to get away? 6.2 acre bush lot on paved Dyers Bay Road on the beautiful Bruce Peninsula, 45 minutes north of Wiarton. Build your dream retreat. MLS Call Dale.

CAR BUFFS | Near Harriston | $369,000 Don't miss the great value here. Bungalow with 4 CAR DREAM garage. New stone work, new windows, new roof, 2016. 2 + 1 bedrooms, large 0.46 of an acre. MLS Call Dale.

Numerous possibilities | Just off 401 | $890,000 This 5 acre property could have a potential in law suite with separate entrance at back. The land is zoned such as to permit dog kennel facilities. The barn currently set up for horses could also be used for many other purposes. What dreams would you have for a property like this. MLS Call Dale.

THE PLACE TO SELL YOUR HOME.

Last Name, First Name

BOOK EARLY! Deadline for submission & payment Monday, January 8, 2018 Email photos & caption information to: ads@woolwichobserver.com

PLACE AN AD IN OUR REAL ESTATE SECTION TODAY! Call: 519-669-5790 ext. 104 or Email: drudy@woolwichobserver.com

20-B Arthur St. N., Elmira | 519-669-5790 | www.ObserverXtra.com

26 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

FAMILY ALBUM STAG & DOE

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

Stag and Doe for

Amberlee Fast & Ryan Bankmann Lemon-Lawrence, Marcy Gayle

December 31st, 2017 at 8pm St. Jacobs Community Centre 31 Parkside Drive, St. Jacobs

Come out to have a great time and help the couple celebrate New Year’s Eve! Great Raffle prizes, food, DJ and Games!

Tickets available at the door for $15

OBITUARY Martin, Leah Peacefully passed away on Wednesday, November 29, 2017, at her residence, RR 1, St. Clements, at the age of 79 years. Leah (Bowman) Martin was the wife of Enos Martin. Mother of Salinda and Aaron Frey, and Joseph and Louisa Martin, both of St. Clements.

Stepmother of John and Sarah Martin, Louisa and Reuben Martin, both of RR 1, Badjeros, Jesse and Nancy Martin, Reuben and Magdalena Martin, both of Proton Station, Annie and George Martin of RR 1, Linwood, Joseph and Edna Martin of St. Clements, Elvina and Nelson Martin, and Enos and Louisa Martin, both of Wallenstein. Numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survived by two brothers and two sisters. Predeceased by her first husband, Abraham M. Martin, and one brother. A family service was held at the family home on Saturday, December 2, 2017, then to Centre Woolwich Mennonite Meeting House for interment and service. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com OBITUARY Bauman, Israel B. Peacefully on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at the home of George B. Martin, RR 1, Waterloo, at the age of 93 years. Father of Almeda and George Martin of RR 1 Waterloo, Cleason and Verna Bauman of RR 3, Holyrood, Osiah and Lena Bauman of RR 2, Alma, Salome Bauman of St. Jacobs, Orvie and Esther Martin of RR 2, West Montrose, and Clayton and Susannah Bauman of RR 2, Drayton.

Also survived by 31 grandchildren and 51 great-grandchildren. Predeceased by his parents Eli and Nancy (Bowman) Bauman, wife Esther (Martin) Bauman, daughters Maryanne (1955), Malinda (2007), and Emma (Mrs. Orvie) Martin (1985), two granddaughters, and brothers Norman, Irvin and Sidney. Friends called at the home of Clayton Bauman, 7367 Sixth Line, RR 2, Drayton on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 from 1-7 p.m. where family service was held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 9 a.m. then to North Woolwich Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Passed away peacefully at the Grand River Hospital, Kitchener, on Sunday, December 3, 2017, at the age of 60 years.

Marcy Lemon-Lawrence of Elmira was the beloved mother of Lindsay Richter and Ryan Lawrence. Also lovingly remembered by her son-in-law Bruno Richter and daughter-in-law Jordan Cool. Loved always and forever by her grandson Mason Richter and her mother Marie Lemon of Owen Sound.

She was predeceased by her father, Cy Lemon (2008). Marcy was a social worker and a private adoption practitioner. She was also a teacher with the Waterloo Region District School Board.

Marcy was an active choir member at Gale Presbyterian Church in Elmira.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Gale Presbyterian Church, 10 Barnswallow Drive, Elmira, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com OBITUARY

Smith, Douglas C. Passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the Freeport Campus of Grand River Hospital, one day after his 89th birthday. Doug was the beloved husband of the late Doris (Moore) Smith.

Dear father of Kevin and Rose of Stayner, Gary and Beverly of Elmira, Alan and Nancy of St. Jacobs, Dale of St. Jacobs, Sidney and the late Kathy (Shantz) of Elmira. Much loved grandfather of nine grandchildren and 18 greatgrandchildren. Survived by sister-in-law Audrey (Bill) Gibson, brother-in-law Larry (the late Joyce) Moore. Predeceased by his parents Clarence and Marjorie (Wismer) Smith, brother Harold Smith, and sister Laureen Buchanan. A Celebration of Life open house was held on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Keleher, Sarah and the palliative care team for the wonderful care provided.

Doug always loved the special attention given to him by the nursing staff. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario would be appreciated.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

DEADLINE FOR A FAMILY ALBUM ANNOUNCEMENT IS TUESDAY BY 5PM

Moore, Marcel Francis “Mark” Peacefully and quietly, in palliative care, with Dave and Sandy at his side at Freeport Campus, Grand River Hospital, Kitchener.

In the eleventh hour, Monday, December 4, 2017.

Preceded into eternity by Lillian (nee Thoman). Their loving marriage lasted seventytwo years and three days. She passed August 31, 2015; and it broke his heart. “Daddy’s Little Girl” Janet Lynne (b.1951) left us June 21, 2000; her husband Gerry in 2007. Mark was the last of his generation and he made it to the age of ninety-four. He was born in Toronto December 3, 1923 to Paul and Blanche (nee Clot); baby brother to Paul, Nellie, Yvonne, Madeline (Maddie), and Marguerite (Margie). Lil’s small family was mother Edna Thoman and her sister Dorothy and Dot’s husband Jack Neeve. Best pals remembered over the years who now are ‘gone, but not forgotten’: Bill F., Stan N., Peter D., Bill B., Frank S., Jackie B., and Norm H. (you guys know who you are!).

Those solemn at his passing are son David Mark; daughter-in-law Sandra Anne (nee Forgett); and the orange buddy, Cadeau, aka “Koo-do”. Dad’s surviving nieces and nephews on the Moore side now number under a dozen, at last count. And at the risk of omitting a name, a genealogy: Ron, Blanche, Marianne, Joanne, Jackie, Carolyn, Roni, Ron, and Tracy. Others have passed, others missing and one we never met.

Uncle Mark wanted us to especially mention Blanche (Ray Murray) of Toronto. She will always be the favourite; her Mom Yvonne was always his special sister. Lillian’s nephews: the Neeve boys are Jack, Jim, Bill, Bob; their sister Diane died in infancy.

Mark served in the RCAF (1943-1945). The record shows: “Theatre of Service – Canada”. He trained as an air gunner but he left his signature in the Twin Cities with another gun, and thousands of automobiles, FWD trucks, Lishman busses and the list goes on. He has been called the dean of spray painters in Kitchener- Waterloo, beginning in the trade after the war, first at Bear Auto Body, Queensway, Crown Auto Body and Forbes Motors. His short-lived Moore Auto Paint Shop appeared on Wendell Avenue in the 1950’s; Dad was a superb painter, tireless workman, but had few business skills. His career spanned the ‘hand-rubbed lacquer’ days to the ‘basecoat/ clearcoat’ era. In retirement, he got a ¾ ton diesel pickup and travelled the back roads of southwestern Ontario. Mark, with Lil as navigator, gathered brake calipers, catalytic converters and aluminum wheels from wrecking yards, sorting at home in Linwood, then off to the recyclers in Toronto, Stoney Creek and Buffalo. He never made a lot of money but said he met and remembered a lot of nice people. Just as his years in trade; yes, everybody liked my Dad. He has outlived almost all his contemporaries and peers and gained a legacy of respect. I know – I worked beside the best painter in town – what a privilege. Thanks For The Memory.

Mark and Lil built their dream home on five acres of land on Ament Line in Linwood, and lived there from 1970 until she passed. Mark moved to Highland Place Retirement in Kitchener on September 9, 2015. At the November 18, 2015 auction he said goodbye to a great community of friends.

Friends are invited to Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira, for visitation on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 11 a.m., with Pastor Mark Kirkey of the International Gospel Centre, Kitchener, officiating. A reception will follow. Interment in Linwood Cemetery (Manser Road).

If desired, memorial donations are appreciated. The Gideons were always favoured and supported by Mom. London Health Sciences has held a special significance to the Moore family.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com OBITUARY

IN MEMORIAM

Martin, Priscilla Peacefully passed away on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at Countryview Retirement Home, RR 3, Listowel, at the age of 86 years. Sister of Maryann Martin, Emmanuel and Esther, Clayton, Sidney and Mary, Ada and Joseph D. M. Martin, Adeline and Paul W. Martin, and Aaron and Irene. Predeceased by her parents Sidney and Annie Martin, four sisters, two brothers-in-law, and three sistersin-law. Visitation will take place at the home of Onias Martin, 3240 Boomer Line, RR 1, St. Clements, on Thursday, December 7, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5:30 p.m. A family service will be held at the home on Friday, December 8, 2017 at 9 a.m. then to Peel Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

In Loving Memory Israel ‘Isey’ Weber

June 20, 1936 – December 5, 2013 Husband, Dad, Opa and Friend Dearest Isey, We see your smile but miss your hugs dearly! Every day in some way your spirit surrounds us in all you have touched! We hold you close within our hearts with love forever.

Sally, Andrew, Matthew, Tony, Colleen, Mercedes, Savannah, and extended families, Metzgers and Webers.

LIVING HERE | 27

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

LIVING HERE HELPING HANDS / HAVING A GREEN CHRISTMAS

CHEF’S TABLE/ DONNA GINGRICH

O (recycled) Christmas tree, O (recycled) Christmas tree

Cookies and Christmas are just right together

Project that brings together local businesses and EDSS students sees old pallets turned into unique handcrafted yuletide decorations that are being sold to support Trees for Woolwich RECIPE NOTES

Grade 10 woodworking students at EDSS helped to create wood sculpture trees, which are being sold at the Home Hardware stores in Elmira and St. Jacobs.

FAISAL ALI SUSTAINABILITY HAS BEEN A key part of Willow Brae Pallets for decades.

As a company that recycles wood pallets and refurbishes them back to new, sustainability is what they do. In line with the Christmas season, the local business has come up with a new way to promote that approach in the wider township, livening up people’s homes and yards in the process.

Teaming up with other local businesses, a class of

EDSS students and community group Trees for Woolwich, the company has helped create wood sculpture decorations that are being sold at the Elmira and St. Jacobs Home Hardware stores to support greening initiatives right here in the community.

“Our company recycles wooden pallets, and so we are always interested in looking at opportunities to give back and to promote sustainability,” said Cheryl Weber, vice-president and co-owner of Willow Brae.

“And when we found

out that Trees for Woolwich existed, we thought it would be a great partner for us and to try help get some trees planted. ... So I thought, ‘what if we made pallet wood trees and then sold them to make money to plant trees?’”

The result is a collection of handcrafted sculptures of trees made from recycled wood, now being sold at the local Home Hardware stores.

“They’re cute as the dickens for people who are into what we describe as ‘rustic chic’,” said Inga Rinne,

All the proceeds made from the sale of these sculptures go directly back to Trees for Woolwich, helping promote a greener, more verdant township for years to come.

“I mean, how many ways can you feel good about buying something? It’s recycled and the kids made it and the proceeds are going to a good cause,” Rinne said with a laugh.

With the students pitching in to build the tree sculptures, Weber says they were

’TIS THE SEASON FOR baking! Christmas cookies have been part of Christmas for as long as I can remember. Some recipes are tradition – they must be made every year. And each year, we try a new recipe or two; if they pass the test we’ll make them again. My Mom, sisters and I usually get together for a day of baking early in December.

I found this recipe for Lemon Shortbread several years ago and I am quite fond of them. The lemon is mild, and they are a perfect shortbread. Bake them on a light coloured cookie sheet, and do not over-bake! Bake them only until you see a faint tinge of golden on the bottom of the cookies.

Fudge Filled Toffee Cookies is one we have made a few times and everyone likes them. I made a batch today to take a photo of and I made them a normal-sized cookie. For Christmas, you may make them itty bitty, smaller than one bite, if you wish.

I had plenty of chocolate filling left so I drizzled them with chocolate even though the recipe does not say so.

So this Christmas season, mix up a couple of batches of cookie dough, find someone to help (or not)

TREES | 29

CHEF’S TABLE | 29

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

chair of the Trees for Woolwich group. “They’re about two or three feet high and you can stick them out in your yard or you can dress them up on your front lawn.”

Last year, Willow Brae took it on themselves to build the sculptures out of their abundant supplies of recycled wood. But this year, they were helped by a Grade 10 wood working class at EDSS, who crafted the trees as a school project using the recycled materials provided by the company.

28 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

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HOT TO MANAGE THE holiday season and still allow for grief. Discuss traditions and different approaches to celebrating the holidays after experiencing loss; 6-7:30 p.m. at Wellesley Township Community Health Centre.

COMMUNITY CARE CONCEPTS INVITES you to join Seniors Community Dining at Calvary United Church for lunch, fellowship and entertainment, $11. Please call 519-664-1900 by noon, Dec. 11.

LISTOWEL MENNONITE CHURCH INVITES you to take a journey back to the time when Christ was born and the celebration of his birth. An indoor guided walking tour. Dec. 15 & 16 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dec. 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Donations accepted.

DECEMBER 9 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND the Optimist Club of St. Jacobs. Join us for our 13th annual outing at Calvary United Church. $5 per person. Silent auction, penny auction for the children, face painting, Christmas carols and a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus

DECEMBER 10 CHRISTMAS CONCERT: GLORIA IN Excelsis at 3 p.m., St. Jacobs Mennonite Church; $10 adult, $5 children (ages 5 - 18).

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DECEMBER 20 COMMUNITY CARE CONCEPTS INVITES you to join Seniors Community Dining at Calvary Linwood Community Centre for lunch, fellowship and entertainment, $11. Please call 519-664-1900 by noon, Dec. 18.

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COMMUNITY CARE CONCEPTS INVITES you to join Seniors Community Dining at Breslau Community Centre for a light lunch and fellowship, $6. Please call 519-664-1900 by noon, Dec. 11.

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NEW HORIZONS A GROUP for boomers, zoomers and seniors. Join us at 10 a.m. at the Maryhill Community Centre. Greg Gerber, farmer and auctioneer. Topic Going, Going, Gone!

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LIVING HERE | 29

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

CHEF’S TABLE: That challenge with these tasty treats is not to eat them all before Christmas FROM | 27

Fudge Filled Toffee Cookies

and create a new tradition for your family.

Lemon Shortbread 1 cup butter, softened 1-1/4 cups icing sugar 1 egg yolk 2 cups pastry flour 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Cream butter and icing sugar until very light.

Beat in egg yolk and lemon juice.

Mix in flour, just until blended.

Chill dough for an hour.

Roll into balls with your hands, place 2” apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

For very small cookies, make the balls less than 1” in diameter.

Flatten cookies with a fork.

Top with sprinkles or

glazed cherries if you want.

Bake at 325º F until set and starting to turn colour on the edges.

Cool completely, store in an airtight container.

1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup icing sugar 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil 1 egg 1/2 tsp. almond flavouring 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar 3/4 cup Skor bits 2/3 cup finely chopped pecans 2/3 cup fine coconut Additional white sugar

Filling: 1-1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla Pecan halves for topping

Cream butter and sugars until light.

Beat in oil, egg and vanilla.

Add flours, salt, baking soda and cream of tartar, mix well.

Fold in Skor bits, chopped pecans and coconut.

Refrigerate dough for an hour.

Shape dough into 1” balls or smaller, roll in sugar.

Place 2” apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Using your finger or a wooden spoon handle,

make an indentation in the centre of each cookie.

Bake 350º F for 12-14 minutes or until bottoms are starting to brown. It depends on the size of the cookies as to how long they will need to bake.

In a microwavable dish, melt chocolate chips, condensed milk, and vanilla.

When cookies are baked, and slightly cooled, fill each cookie with chocolate mixture.

Top with pecan half.

Let cool completely, store in an airtight container.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Donna is the author of A Taste of Nostalgia Cookbook, which is available by calling 519-638-5791 or email donna.atasteofnostalgia@ gmail.com.

TREES: Working with wood, pallet company sees a good fit with a group that plants more trees FROM | 27

able to save on extra labour costs – meaning even more money for Trees for Woolwich. Even better, she added, the students were able to put in their own unique touches into the project.

“They were allowed to use their creativity, so [the trees] don’t all look alike.

They’re all kinds of different, and I think that’s kind of exciting – you can pick

a tree that suits you and they’re not all cookie cutters,” she said.

Weber is hoping the project can become a yearly tradition to raise money for Trees for Woolwich, adding she’s grateful for the wider community support.

“It’s nice to have all the different community members involved in it, so its’ not just us,” she explained.

“It’s the schools, and it’s

the Home Hardware stores that are willing to actually sell them for us and collect the money, so it’s everybody kind of working together.”

For Weber, the idea seemed like a natural fit for Willow Brae Pallets and it’s recycling enterprise.

“Our business is wood, and our emblem on our logo is a willow tree,” she points out. “So we just feel

The trees were created from recycled wood and materials donated by Willow Brae Pallets.

that wood and tree planting is just all a natural tie to our business, to show that it’s a sustainable product that we have. We want to contribute to planting trees to continue making it a sustainable business.”

The trees are being sold at the Elmira and St. Jacobs Home Hardware stores, and range in price from $9.99 to $19.99, depending on the size.

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30 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

STRANGE BUT TRUE / BILL & RICH SONES PH.D.

To land this fish, and the huge payoff, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re gonna need a bigger boat WEIRD NOTES

Q. Fish lovers, can you

name the exceptional fish that set a record in 2013 at the Tsukijiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s auctions, selling for US $1.76 million for a 222-kg fish, nearly $8,000/kg!

A. A bluefin tuna (in Japanese, â&#x20AC;&#x153;maguroâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;hon maguro,â&#x20AC;? true tuna), the rarest kind, says Vaclav Smil in â&#x20AC;&#x153;IEEE Spectrumâ&#x20AC;? magazine. The familiar canned white tuna meat comes from the small and more abundant albacore, red meat from the skipjack, another small tuna. The majestic bluefin tuna, on

the other hand, can grow to 3 meters (10 feet) and weigh more than 600 kg (1,300 lbs.). Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an outstanding swimmer, with near-perfect hydrodynamics and efficient propulsion; â&#x20AC;&#x153;the largest ones top 70 kilometers per hour, or around 40 knots â&#x20AC;&#x201D; fast for a powerboat and faster than any known submarine.â&#x20AC;?

The bluefin is Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first choice for sushi and sashimi, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Japan consumes about 80% of the worldwide bluefin catch, far more than its own allotted quota.â&#x20AC;? To fill the gap, Japan now imports either fresh bluefin as air cargo, or else gilled, gutted and frozen solid.

Unfortunately, as the sushi craze has gained global status, demand for

bluefin far exceeds supply and the fish has become endangered stock. As the magazine title aptly puts it, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bluefin tuna: Fast, but maybe not fast enough.â&#x20AC;?

Q. Bats use sonar (echolocation) to navigate in the dark, avoiding obstacles and catching prey. Yet they are prone to crash into windows.

Why?

A. Human alterations to the environment sometimes create â&#x20AC;&#x153;sensory trapsâ&#x20AC;? for animals, such as when a light bulb lures insects at night. Windows, it turns out, are a sensory trap for bats. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We found that bats can mistake smooth, vertical surfaces as clear flight paths, repeatedly colliding with them, likely as a result of their

acoustic mirror properties,â&#x20AC;? report Stefan Greif et al. in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Scienceâ&#x20AC;? magazine. Think of navigating a dark field with a flashlight.

If you encounter a mirrorlike wall, the flashlight beam will reflect off it, and unless the beam happens to be aimed so that it reflects right back to your eyes, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see anything. Similarly, a bat approaching an acoustically flat surface at an angle receives no return echo, so it thinks it is flying into empty space â&#x20AC;&#x201C; crash!

The prevalence of such incidents is not known.

Yet, Greif says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;only if we identify and evaluate the real extent of collisions with acoustic mirrors can we avoid or mitigate potential detrimental effects on bat populations.â&#x20AC;?

Q. Hoarding disorder

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a reality TV staple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is estimated to afflict from 2-6 per cent of U.S. adults, with newspapers, magazines, plastic bags, photographs, household appliances, food and clothing being the most common items stashed.

Though many of us have some such tendencies, clinically diagnosable hoarders are extreme.

Thanks to recent research, including fMRI brain scans, psychologists have uncovered characteristic personality traits. What traits?

A. Hoarders tend to have perfectionist qualities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They might intend to read all their magazines from cover to cover before getting rid of them, for example, or they might be hampered

by their desire to dispose of objects in the best way possible,â&#x20AC;? says reporter Elizabeth Landau in â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Scientistâ&#x20AC;? magazine. They might â&#x20AC;&#x153;see beauty where others see mundaneness,â&#x20AC;? or might â&#x20AC;&#x153;think of 10 different things to do with an old soda can,â&#x20AC;? justifying keeping it. Or they may simply see their things as mementos, â&#x20AC;&#x153;even imbuing them with person-like qualities.â&#x20AC;?

Psychologist David Tolin observes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Hoarders] seem like very intelligent, very creative people. But a strength can eventually become a weakness.â&#x20AC;?

ABOUT THE AUTHORS Bill is a journalist, Rich holds a doctorate in physics. Together the brothers bring you â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strange But True.â&#x20AC;? Send your questions to strangetrue@compuserve.com.

OBSERVER CROSSWORD PUZZLER

ACROSS 1. Association of Southeast Asian Nations 5. 1989 Ed Harris underwater sci-fi film, The _____ 10. Former Portuguese province 15. Word with heat or meat 16. Negatively charged, as an atom 17. Hardly Mr. Personality 18. Theatre curtain fabric 20. Game-show host, at times 21. Chow line?

22. Cold shower?

24. Contents of some bags 25. Obtain (something) by manipulation 27. Theater employee 29. Retain, stronghold

31. Salon supply 32. Matterhorn, e.g.

35. Bad lighting?

37. Foul 39. Diamond, e.g.

41. On a higher level 42. French for shading 45. Bunk 46. Impolitely 48. Seed cover 51. Ford Explorer, e.g.

52. Aware of 53. Nonkosher 55. Remove, erase 56. Puzzle involving a hidden message 57. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ be a cold day in hell ...â&#x20AC;?

59. It comes easily to hand 60. Adverb 61. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Casablancaâ&#x20AC;? pianist 63. Blood pigment 64. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pumping ___â&#x20AC;?

65. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey ... over here!â&#x20AC;?

DOWN 1. Magazine revenue source 2. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be with you in a few ___.â&#x20AC;?

3. ___ of Sandwich 4. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Farewell, mon amiâ&#x20AC;?

5. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ Ngâ&#x20AC;? (They Might Be Giants song) 6. Casual eatery 7. Symbol of servitude 8. ___ preview 9. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My dear manâ&#x20AC;?

11. The Mideastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gulf of ___ 12. Mountainous 13. Seating request 14. Preserved 19. ___ Verde National Park 21. Run out, as a subscription 23. By way of, briefly

25. Beat 26. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Goldberg Variationsâ&#x20AC;? composer 28. Lively intelligence 30. As a whole 33. Golden Triangle country 34. With oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head held high 36. Central point 38. Autocrats of old 40. Process of growth 43. Intro to physics?

44. Old 45 player 47. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no ___!â&#x20AC;?

49. Abbr. after a name 50. Fond du ___, Wis. 52. The royal I 53. Toronto, for short 54. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey!â&#x20AC;?

58. Horseshoes players 62. Andyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radio partner 63. Cool

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LIVING HERE | 31

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

CELEBRATING THE SEASON WITH HIGH TEA

Christmas high tea is an annual tradition at the home of Wellesley Township resident Marilyn Hartung, held this year on Dec. 1. The ladies in attendance collected toys for a Secret Santa program. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

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MARTIN GROVE RD

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APPLE GROVE RD

FARMER'S

PL

The Township and The Planning Partnership are very enthusiastic about the opportunity of

519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca

N

AD NR CO

The Secondary Plan is being undertaken in accordance with the requirements of a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007, Section A.2.9, Integration With the Planning Act). The Class EA process includes public and review agency consultation, an evaluation of alternatives, an assessment of the anticipated effects on the environment, and identification of reasonable measures to mitigate any adverse effects.

KING ST

RD

Project details and information regarding planned public workshops and open houses will be available on the Township’s website (www.woolwich.ca – Navigate to Township Services / News Room / Ongoing Planning Items / Stockyards Settlement Plan and Environmental Assessment).

Comments and information regarding this project are being collected to assist the Secondary Plan Team in meeting the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act and determining the overall scope of this project. Except for personal information, all comments will become part of the Public Record and may be used in the Environmental Study Report.

After Hours Emergency:

LOBSINGER LINE

IN JAM

The purpose of this open house is to review preliminary land use, transportation, servicing and design options for the Stockyards Area, to collect feedback and input on appropriate directions for the future of this area.

working with the entire community on this important project, and invite you to participate and provide your input to help shape the long-term vision for the Stockyards Area.

B EN

The Township of Woolwich has initiated the preparation of a Secondary Plan and Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Stockyards Industrial/ Commercial Area and King 86 Power Centre. As part of the Secondary Plan process,a public open house to review options will be held on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at the Township offices at 24 Church Street West, Elmira.

Phone:

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

ST

Notice of Public Open House STOCKYARDS SECONDARY PLAN & CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

P.O. Box 158

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

WEBER

Community Information Page

STOCKYARDS SECONDARY PLAN & CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT STUDY AREA

For more information, please contact: John Scarfone, Mailing Address: Manager of Planning P.O. Box 158 Township of Woolwich 24 Church Street West Tel: 519 669-6037 or Elmira, ON N3B 2Z6 Toll Free: 1-877-969-0094 Email: jscarfone@woolwich.ca

Ron Palmer, Partner The Planning Partnership Tel: 416-975-1556 ext. 227 Email: rpalmer@planpart.ca Mailing Address: 1255 Bay Street Suite 500 Toronto,ON M5R 2A9

AN YM W RD

32 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2017

PARK: Improvements to come as funding allows FROM | 2

done is to come up with a vision for the park.”

The unveiling of the master plan comes weeks after the park was outfitted with a new playground, replacing the previous one that was deemed unsafe and torn down. The new equipment was paid for by the township at a cost of $30,000, plus an additional $5,000 to remove the derelict play structure.

The creation of the master plan also comes as an important sign of progress for Breslau, after plans to sell off parts of the parkland were nixed due to popular opposition. The Waterloo District Catholic School Board had offered to purchase sections of the parkland in a $1.75-million deal that would have been used to pay for improvements to the remainder of park. Breslau residents instead opted for a local solution to raising funds for future upgrades.

The tot playground was only the first step in a larger project, which envisions a host of new additions and renovations for the park over several years.

Many of the improvements, explains Smith, like the tennis courts, sports pad and playground for older children, will ideally be implemented as the current equipment needs to be replaced.

“In some cases we’d be looking at partnering with the township on certain items. Like one example would be the existing tennis courts,” said Smith.

“When they need to be redone, we’re looking at moving that location to somewhere else in the park. And then it would be a bit of a cost-share. What would the township be putting towards the cost of replacement? And then the community might be kicking additional dollars too.”

Of late, recreational projects such as playgrounds have been paid for by community fundraising, with the township then assuming ownership and looking after operational and maintenance costs.

How quickly the Breslau park projects are tackled depends a good deal on where and when funding becomes available, says Smith. That could be either from the townships, through grant programs, or from fundraising by the committee itself. The master plan will help guide those grant requests and fundraisers.

“I’m a believer that when you want to go fundraise

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STARTS TODAY! The brand new tots playground was installed at the Breslau Memorial Park by the township. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] something, people want to know ‘what is my money going towards? When do you expect that to go in?’

As opposed to just going in vaguely asking for to contribute towards a project.

Especially when we’re talking about something that’s going to be multi-year multi-stage,” said Smith.

“Once we start launching specific fundraising, we’ll be identifying what those [funds] will be going towards. But the initial projects that we want to tackle is we want to build the shade structure by the tot park, we want to get some trees into the park for additional shade and just to have some more trees.”

Included in the master plan is a space for a future splash pad, though the actual splash pad project itself is being organized by the Breslau Lions Club.

How the township plans to get involved, and the funds they’re hoping to con-

tribute, is still undecided.

“As a township we’ll continue to support that committee in an administrative capacity, help them with fundraising initiatives if we can. And we’ll certainly look to partner on new initiatives if there is funding available,” said Ann McArthur, director of recreation services.

“Certainly our role from a capital infrastructure perspective would be to replace any existing infrastructure that has reached its useful life and needs to be replaced.”

The park committee and township say they are still keen for feedback from the community, especially in the early stages of the plan.

A colour copy of the master plan is on display at the community centre. McArthur notes that staff there can help people with questions and comments get in touch with township or the park committee.

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