Backlog adds to stresses on healthcare system
said a spokesperson for the Ontario Medical Association to the Observer in an email.
IN A SYSTEM ALREADY STRESSED by a shortage of doctors and increased demand for services, physicians are working longer hours these days, creating a variety of problems, says the Ontario Medical Association.
“Physicians in team-based practices are providing care 235 days a year, up from 221 before the pandemic, according to new analysis of Ontario Health Insurance Plan billing data by the Ontario Medical Association,” the organization said last week in a release.
OMA members are now working on what would have been their days off, as well as weekends and evenings, the group notes.
The extra time is needed to catch up on the backload of work that has accumulated since the pandemic, and also because of the persistent doctor shortage in the province, the OMA says.
“Patients are returning to the health-care system in large numbers, catching up on health care they missed during the pandemic. Many are showing up sicker and with more undiagnosed conditions requiring more aggressive treatment,”
The issues are certainly familiar to Rosslyn Bentley, executive director of the Woolwich Community Health Centre.
Catching up on routine childhood vaccinations is one aspect of the backlog that WCHC staff are working on, she said.
“School-aged children’s vaccines are really backed up because public health would normally provide many of those in the school setting and, of course, that didn’t happen during COVID,” she said. “So we’ve been doing catch-up in the office for that work.”
Cancer screening is another example where things are running behind.
According to the Ontario Medical Association, almost 22 million fewer healthcare services happened during the pandemic than would normally have taken place.
“The pandemic backlog includes everything from routine checkups and childhood immunizations to diagnostic tests and surgeries – any healthcare service that was delayed, deferred or canceled because of COVID-19 as well as newly identified issues that now need
Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume | Issue This Weekend Friday Saturday Sunday Ontario's #1 Weekly Community Newspaper AD SPOT - NON PRINTING DECEMBER 8, 2022 Living Here | 30 00 10 20 2748 519-669-3232 371 Arthur St. S., ELMIRA, ON WE’VE GOT YOUR TIRES! NEED WINTER TIRES? SALES Storewide Christmas OFF 25 to 50 Prices reduced All Christmas Merchandise % Wraps & Bags Napkins Chocolates Hostess/Secret Santa Gifts Stocking Stuffers and more Products may not be exactly as shown. 1 Union St., Elmira 519-669-2201 • 99 Geddes St., Elora 519-846-5540 Shop at www.schelters.ca Office & School Su pplies • Print & Copy Centre • Computer IT Su pplies NEW Super Saver GUARANTEED LOW PRICES WE MATCH THE COMPETITION
Leah Gerber
Observer Staff
→ BACKLOG 9
Philippe Saraiva carved out a reindeer ice sculpture at Moonlight Madness in downtown Elmira on Dec. 1, an event that included a tree-lighting ceremony to kickoff the countdown to the holidays. Leah Gerber
2 | COMMUNITY NEWS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 TWIN MATTRESS $699 DOUBLE MATTRESS $749 KING MATTRESS $999 QUEEN MATTRESS $799 WHITNEY 2-SIDED EUROTOP Flippable Mattress! • 1166 Pocket Coils • Viscose Foam Layer • 2” High Density Foam • Double Fibre Pad/Lumbar Support QUEEN MATTRESS $299 TWIN MATTRESS $249 DOUBLE MATTRESS $279 KING MATTRESS $499 EUROTOP 416-13 gauge spring coil system Organic Bamboo Cover Heavy duty fibre pad/lumbar support NO TAX SHOP IN-STORE OR ONLINE...SLEEP-EZZZ.COM TWIN SET $799 DBLE SET $849 KING SET $1399 TWIN SET $699 DBLE SET $749 KING SET $1299 QUEEN SET $899 QUEEN SET $999 TWIN SET $899 DBLE SET $949 KING SET $1499 DRSG V FIRM OR PLUSH EURO PILLOWTOP DRSG III TIGHT TOP EXTRA FIRM MAKERS OF REFLEXION ADJUSTABLE POWER BASES CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR NEEDS REFLEXION PULSE •HEAD & FOOT LIFT COMFORT •USB PORTS LIFT BASES FROM ALEXIS POCKET COIL 816 Zoned Pocket Coils with Gel Memory Foam plus Memory Foam BOXSPRING SOLD SEPARATELY BOXSPRING SOLD SEPARATELY SAVE $700 899 $899 LISA PILLOWTOP POCKET COIL 816 Zoned Pocket Coils with Gel Memory Foam SAVE $800 DRSG VI PLUSH EUROTOP MAKERS OF MAKERS OF TWIN MATTRESS $129 CASH & CARRY ONLY WATERLOO 354 KING ST. N., 519-746-5056 ON KING, SOUTH OF COLUMBIA IN THE AYRES BULK FOOD BUILDING MON-FRI 10-6, SAT. 10-5, CLOSED SUNDAYS KITCHENER 844 COURTLAND AVE., EAST 519-579-7778 AT THE EXPRESSWAY BESIDE JAMIESON TRUCK RENTAL MON-FRI 10-6, SAT. 10-5, SUN 12-5 CAMBRIDGE 415 HESPELER RD. 519-624-2495 CORNER OF HESPELER & BISHOP -ACROSS FROM MCDONALDS MON-FRI 10-6, SAT. 10-5, SUN 12-5 COUPON PLUS $200 OFF TAKE AN ADDITIONAL ANY TEMPUR-PEDIC MATTRESS NO TAX GARNET POCKET COIL Comfort Pocket Coils Bamboo Cover • Insulator Pad • 11/2” Bio Comfort Foam 1/2” Bio Trizone Visco QUEEN MATTRESS $599 SAVE $600 QUEEN MATTRESS $699 QUEEN MATTRESS $799 TRI-ZONE POCKET-COIL TRI-ZONE POCKET-COIL FOAM ENCASED VISCO MEMORY FOAM VISCO MEMORY FOAM QUEEN SET $799 BROOKLYN EUROTOP 416-13 gauge spring coil system • Organic Cotton Cover • Heavy duty fibre pad with lumbar support CHARLOTTE PILLOWTOP 600-13 gauge spring coils • Bamboo Fabric Heavy duty fibre pad with lumbar support • Edge Guard TWIN MATTRESS $329 DOUBLE MATTRESS $369 KING MATTRESS $599 TWIN MATTRESS $399 DOUBLE MATTRESS $479 KING MATTRESS $699 TWIN MATTRESS $499 DOUBLE MATTRESS $549 KING MATTRESS $799 QUEEN MATTRESS $399 QUEEN MATTRESS $499 QUEEN MATTRESS $599 MEAGAN POCKET COIL • 972 Tri-zone Pocket Coils Parameter Foam Support • Extra Lumbar Support Bio-Foam, Eco-Friendly • Bamboo Fabric MATTRESS BLOWOUT! THE RENAISSANCE LUXURY FIRM • 1200 Zoned Comfort Pockets • Gel Quilt Foam Layer • An Extra Layer of BioFoam Ice Viscogel Added Layer TWIN SET $799 DOUBLE SET $899 KING SET $1499 QUEEN MATTRESS & BOXSPRING! ONLY $999 G PLUS FREE EXPRESS DELIVERY
News tips are always welcome.
Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Online: observerxtra.com/tips
Concerned about the impacts of Ontario’s Bill 23, including loss of planning resources and development charge revenues, Woolwich council this week passed a resolution calling on the province to mitigate the impacts. That might include increased financial supports to cover expected shortfalls. They’re also seeking a meeting with MPP Mike Harris.
As the last of the opponents dropped their objections, plans for a power centre in St. Jacobs moved forward at Woolwich council this week. The tentative opening date for the Wal-Mart-anchored project is Jan. 1, 2004. From the Dec. 7, 2002 edition of The Observer
Owners seeking more flexibility for Riverworks site in St. Jacobs
Steve Kannon Observer Staff
CITING THE NEED FOR MORE flexibility when renting space to commercial tenants, the owners of the Riverworks in St. Jacobs are seeking to ease zoning restrictions on the property.
The zone change application discussed Monday
night by Woolwich councillors includes amendments to the site-specific provisions on the property at 1440 King St. N. If approved, the three existing commercial buildings could then be used by a hairdresser, barber or beautician; commercial or trade school; entertainment or recreation facility; private club; or a licensed
Wellesley Township to revisit sidewalk snow-clearing issue
Atwood Observer Staff
THE TOWNSHIP WILL REVISIT SIDEWALK
snow-clearing options, Wellesley councillors decided Tuesday night following a presentation from a resident.
Nancy Kennedy is looking for the township to take on more responsibility when it comes to keeping sidewalks clear in the winter.
She told councillors that after she moved to the area 12 years ago, almost five feet of her property was appropriated by the township for a sidewalk. Since then, there have been ongoing issues.
“Winter is not going away and it seems like we are constantly getting more snow every year. Our sidewalks on Parkview Drive meet the road and are almost impossible to keep clear of snow and ice because of cars driving over the sidewalks and, mainly, from the plows clearing the roads,” she explained.
Kennedy brought a simi-
lar request to council about five years ago. She again pointed to the challenges of keeping the sidewalk clear, included the cost and physical demands of applying salt and sand.
“Many of us pay to have our driveways cleared. When this is done, the sidewalk portion at the bottom of the driveway is also cleared. Why should we pay to have the entire sidewalk cleared? Why should we pay to have someone clear our sidewalk if we go away for a night, or a week?” she asked council.
“It is my recommendation that the Township of Wellesley assume responsibility for snow clearing on all sidewalks,” Kennedy said.
“It’s particularly important to clear the sidewalks before the children go to their buses or school. Let’s make our sidewalks safe.”
In response Mayor Joe Nowak referenced a report that was given to council by staff on March 29 of this year. According to that report the township owns approximately 27 kilome-
establishment.
Existing site-specific restrictions on the property date back to the 1980s when municipal-servicing concerns led to exclusions of businesses considered to require more water capacity, manager of planning Jeremy Vink explained.
The amendment requested by Riverworks
LP would bring the property more in line with typical C1 zoning in the St. Jacobs core, though the site’s floodplain location does preclude some uses, including any residential component, he added.
Kevin Muir of the Zehr Group, which owns the Riverworks property and is also headquartered there, said the request was
sparked by a hairdresser interested in the one vacant space now available there. The expanded list of uses would be helpful down the road for any prospective new tenants.
“We’re just looking essentially for some flexibility for a different range of uses,” he said at this week’s meeting.
There are no plans for
redevelopment of the property, Muir added.
In response to a question from Coun. Eric Schwindt about the number of licensed establishments in the village, Vink said the township does not control numbers only whether the business fits the zoning.
“It’s up to the market,” said Vink.
More pushback as province moves ahead with Bill 23
Bill Atwood Observer Staff
COMMUNITY MEMBERS
GATHERED IN THE cold rain outside MPP Mike Harri’s office Saturday during the Santa Claus parade to protest Bill 23 and encourage bystanders to sign a petition against the provincial legislation.
Bill 23, The More Homes
Built Faster Act, received royal assent last week, but Ontarians of all stripes are still upset about it and continue to seek to have the bill repealed.
Art Timmerman was one of the present protestors. He decided to brave the rain because he disagrees with Bill 23.
“Particularly the part of Bill 23 to do with wetlands
and the protection for wetlands that would be lost with that bill,” he said.
Timmerman was joined by another protestor Jeff Leader. “I just think it’s the wrong direction for the province to go. It creates more of a dichotomy in society between the rich and the poor. We’re not going to see affordable housing going down this
path. And I’m worried about the ecocide. Bill 23 and Bill 39 erode our democracy,” he said.
Neil and Linda Lackey also joined the protest.
“I am deeply concerned because it’s not just Greenbelt, it’s farmland,” said Neil. “And that means food security is at risk.”
Bill 23 has an impact
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 3
If it matters to you. It matters to us.
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING Page Three
Elmira • 519.669.1217
Woolwich and Bill 23 From the archives
Our best wishes from all of us at RPM Construction
Santa and his elves are hard at work!
Opponents of Bill 23 protested outside MPP Mike Harris’ Elmira office on Dec. 3. Leah Gerber
→ BILL
23 9
Bill
→ WELLESLEY 14
4 | COMMUNITY NEWS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 40 Arthur St. S. Elmira Ontario N3B 2M7 | 519.669.8225 www.kitchenkuttings.com Drop in &see our display for sale,or place an order & we’ll put together the productcombination of your choice. On Large Ordersof 100 baskets or more,we appreciate one weeks’ notice. For smallerordersweask for 24 hour-notice if possible, however, rush orders canbe accommodated. Our Baskets assembled on site, range in price from $15.00 -$300 or more and can include a variety of Specialty Cheeses, Preserves, Fudge & Brittles, Maple Syrup, Local Foods and other Specialty Food Items. For the best variety place your orders by Mon. Dec. 12th! 31 Arthur Street South Elmira, Ontario December Hours Tuesday 10:00 – 5:00 Wednesday
– 5:00 Thursday
– 5:00 Friday
–
Saturday
–
Evening appointments available Full Jewellery Repair Service Lab Grown Diamonds Custom Design Watch Repair Canadian Diamonds 2615 Victoria St. N • BRESLAU 519-648-2608 www.belgian-nursery.com CHRISTMAS CACTI IN BLOOM! CYCLAMEN $6 99 $16 99 $6 99 $12 99 TROPICAL HOUSEPLANTS Make Amazing Gifts! SALT ROCK LAMPS WINDCHIMES METAL WALL ART SUNCATCHERS GARDEN FLAGS 20% off SALE GARDEN DÉCOR
10:00
10:00
10:00
5:00
9:30
2:30
For this group, it’s all about the service
Bill Atwood Observer Staff
The Elmira council of the Knights of Columbus gathered last week to celebrate and reflect on 40 years of service in the community.
“Because it’s our 40th –you look at a lot of organi zations that do volunteer stuff, what happens is they [have anniversaries] but a lot of those original people are all gone, and we wanted to do some thing while our members were still alive, kicking and involved,” said Grand Knight Todd Cowan.
A fraternal organization with the Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus were founded in New Haven, Conn. by Father Michael McGivney in 1881.
Locally, the Father Hugh MacKinnon council 8192 was founded by its name sake in 1982, with a total of 37 members.
“A lot of our charter members, so the members that were there from day-one are still alive and still around. We still have 22 charter members that
were with us then,” Cowan said.
The Knights of Colum bus organization as a whole, along with the Elmira council “is one of the best kept charity secrets,” said member Mike Noel.
“What we mean is that we do a lot of work, char itable works where the people don’t know where it’s coming from. We work on big projects like the maple syrup festival but we also work on a small scale, too, and answer individual needs as well.… We work on the big scale, right down to the smallest need,” Noel said.
Being low-key does present some challenges, however, when it comes to the likes of recruitment, he added.
“So the council figured as a whole, if we could get the Knights of Columbus name out there a little more, people may start talking about the Knights of Columbus, and then it may help us in recruiting new members as well. We were the best-kept secret in the sense that we
performed the charity, but we were quiet about it.”
Since 1982 the Elmira council has supported many causes in the community, including the Elmira Maple Syrup Festi val, Woolwich Community Services, and helping to raise funds for Ukraine relief efforts. In total it has raised more than $200,000 to support local causes.
“If there’s a need, there’s a Knight. It’s one thing to raise money for the arena
and stuff like that, but it’s another thing to help those that need toys or need food or need help or need a hand shovelling their driveway. I think what kind of separates us is we’re more one-on-one stuff,” Cowan said
Although the organi zation is affiliated with the Catholic Church, its service isn’t limited to church membership, Noel said.
“They have a motto
called ‘in service to one, in service to all’ If somebody approaches the Knights of Columbus with a need, if we are able, we will help them out,” he said.
While Cowan currently serves as Grand Knight, the real story of the Knights of Columbus in Elmira is the longstanding members who have kept it going, he said.
“This story is about the 40 years of what they’ve been doing [in] supporting
the community. That’s the big thing that makes this such a great community, the role that organiza tions like ours and other community organizations play,” Cowan added.
Looking ahead, the anniversary is also a changing of the guard, Cowan said.
“I think that over the next 40 years, we’re going to continue to grow…we do some succession plan ning. So it’s kind of like, ‘OK, we’re going to start working on you right now because someday you’ll be a Grand Knight, and then when you get to the Grand Knight, you’re going to be working on somebody else to kind of take over.’”
Noel agreed, stating the Elmira council should be around for a long time.
“I can see the coun cil continuing to do the charitable events, and fundraising that have been successful in the past, while also trying to build up new members to bring in fresh new ideas for us to consider for future charitable events or future fundraising ideas.”
Notice of Intention to Pass By-Law to Amend Fees and Charges By-Law
The Region of Waterloo intends to pass a By-law to amend the Fees and Charges By-law as of January 1, 2023, which reduces the children’s services, home child care parent fee rates for children under the age of six.
The by-law will be considered at the Regular Council Meeting, scheduled for: Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
Held in the Council Chamber 2nd Floor, Administration Building 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener
A copy of the proposed by-law will be available for review in the Council and Administrative Services Office, Region of Waterloo, 2nd Floor, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener. If you have questions concerning the amendment, please email regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca
If you wish to speak at the Council meeting regarding the proposed by-law, please register as a delegation with the Region's Council and Administrative Services Division, using the Delegation form at: https://forms.regionofwaterloo.ca/Counciland-Administrative-Services/CAS/Delegation-Registration or by calling 519-575- 4400 by 4:30 p.m. on December 13, 2022.
All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this by-law are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. Under the “Municipal Act”, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of this information should be referred to Council and Administrative Services.
COMMUNITY NEWS | 5 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
The Elmira Knights of Columbus held a gathering Dec. 2 to mark the group’s 40th anniversary. Top, Bishop Wayne Lobsinger delivers an address. Bottom left, charter member Joe Lehmann with past State Deputy Grant Ertel. Bottom right, Lobsinger and current Grand Knight Todd Cowan. Submitted
Elmira council of the Knights of Columbus marks 40 years, with many charter members around to celebrate
The community in St. Clements celebrated the lighting of the Paradise and District Lions Club Tree of Lights last Saturday. Erick Traplin performed and had all the kids dancing with bubbles and music. Santa was also present. Funds raised will go toward a local monument for members who have served in Canada’s armed forces. Leah Gerber
6 | COMMUNITY NEWS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 3044 Sawmill Rd., St. Jacobs, ON 519-664-3711 “Where Quality Comes First” Wishing You A Safe & Merry Christmas From all the elves at our workshop 31 David St., Wellesley | 519.656.2909 ECRA / ECA 7000298 May the Light of the world bring you peace & joy this Christmas & throughout the new year RURAL RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL 3785 Nafziger Rd., Wellesley 519.656.3083 May Joy, Love and Peace warm your hearts this holiday season 5 FORWELL ROAD AT VICTORIA ST., N., KITCHENER (519)745-3250 www.bfdrona.com Wishing you all the best for the Holidays & the New Year! VALUGUARD SECURITY SYSTEMS LTD. Wishing you a safe andholidayhappy season from all of us at 519-699-4020 valuguard.ca SYD SNIDER OWNER/MANAGER 100 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira | 519.669.1949 Elmira, ON |519-669-9877 | www.talbot-promo.com WAYNE G. MARTIN Promotional Consultant CALENDARS | PENS | APPAREL | TOTES | MUGS Wishing You All The Best In 2023 Email: jweber@talbot-promo.com JEREMY S. WEBER Promotional Consultant TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS RE SID E NT I AL & COMME RCIAL 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE 11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS 519-664-2008 or 1-800-410-1141 Season’s Greetings TRUCK & TRAILER REPAIR & MAINTENANCE 270 Arthur St. N., Elmira, ON 519.669.8420 After Hours Cell: 519.577.1459 Warmest thoughts & best wishes for a great Holiday www.mrjutzi.ca 519-648-2111 M.R. Jutzi & Co. 5100 Fountain Street N., Breslau Merry Christmas! Christmas! HILLCREST 2192 Floradale Road | 519-669-1381 Home Baking Follow the Christmas star to a happy and fulfilling holiday season. We sincerely value your patronage this year, and look forward to seeing you again soon. Behold the Christmas Spirit HO! HO! HO! Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays 519-669-1332 www.ccc-group.com 60 First St. E., Elmira Happy Holidays
Santa Claus visits Elmira
COMMUNITY NEWS | 7 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
There was plenty of merriment in downtown Elmira Saturday as Santa Claus paraded along Arthur Street in an event organized by the Kiwanis Club of Elmira. Leah Gerber
8 | COMMUNITY NEWS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 OK TIRE ELMIRA 519.669.3232 371 Arthur St. S. Prince of Peace At this time of year, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas — the miracle of a babe, born in a manger. May His love ring out to the world. Peace on Earth, good will towards men. Wishing you a safe and Happy Holiday! “Wishing you the Love, Peace & Happiness that the true meaning of Christmas brings.” 21 Church Street W. Elmira | 519-669-2806 arlene@assetbookkeeping.ca www.assetbookkeeping.ca Gourmet Oils & Vinegars Gift Emporium 2 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 226-600-3502 Thank you for your support & wishing you all the best in the new year! GIFT CERTIFICATES, IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS Waters, Hastings & Grainger g g Professional Corporation er We do gift certificates for estate planning services. Call us for details! Do the special people in your life need wills and powers of attorney? MERRY CHRISTMAS 104 BONNIE CRES UNIT 1 519-669-0264 Enjoy time spent with family & friends Signs Banners Truck Lettering Digital Printing Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings Merry Christmas! shing you and your family a happy, safe holiday season! 284 Union St.,Elmira 519.669.5040 www.rigarus.com WE’RE HIRING! JOIN OUR TEAM Hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, too! Our wish may be old-fashioned, but it still holds true. 1205 KING ST. N., ST. JACOBS 519.664-2226
FROM 3
→
on many pieces of legislation at once. It takes away planning authority from upper-tier municipalities, among other major changes such as what conservation authorities are allowed to protect, and the legal planning process for decisions about where development can go.
Through Bill 23, the government also plans to remove 7,400 acres of protected land in the Greenbelt to allow development, after stating publicly that he wouldn’t touch the protected area. The Ford government also faces scrutiny following reports companies with ties to the party recently purchased land in the Greenbelt that is slated to be opened up for residential development.
Last week, Mike Schriener, the MPP for Guelph and leader of the Green Party of Ontario, filed a complaint with the provincial Integrity Commissioner.
“The people of Ontario are rightfully suspicious of the timing of the sale of certain protected Greenbelt lands that will now be open for development, and the ties these land speculators have to the PC party,” he
→ FROM 1
treatment. Some individuals may be waiting for more than one service,” said the OMA staff.
The organization estimates Ontario has just 2.32 doctors for every 1,000 people.
Bentley said that most of the local centre’s patients are seen in person, and that sanitizing the room between patients adds to the amount of time needed.
“We see most people in person so that takes time, especially if you’re still asking people to be masked and cleaning the room between patients, which we do, to make sure that we’re not the place where people catch COVID or flu because we’ve seen people that are sick,” she said. “It does take longer.”
That said, the Woolwich Community Health Centre does have a full complement of doctors, including two physician positions in the Wellesley office and four at the St. Jacobs location. “We also have other primary care providers that provide care as well,” she said. “We are very lucky.”
Bentley says one of the reasons the Woolwich Community Health Centre has all the doctors it needs
said in a statement.
A recent Mainstreet Research poll found that 55 per cent of respondents strongly disapprove of Bill 23, and 12 per cent somewhat disapprove of the bill, including Progressive Conservative voters.
The Chiefs of Ontario met yesterday (Wednesday) to call for a repeal of the bill after passing a resolution in November condemning the bill, “due to its clear violation of First Nations’ constitutionally protected, inherent and Treaty rights and its inevitable adverse environmental impacts on First Nations customary
and ancestral territories.”
Kevin Eby, Kevin Thomason and Mark Reusser, the team that helped push the region of Waterloo to develop an official plan that included gentle density and walkable neighbourhoods, submitted comments to the province questioning the basis for the bill, also in November.
For its part, the province expressed on the Environmental Registry that the bill is to address the housing crisis. “Ontario needs more housing, and we need it now. That’s why the Ontario government is taking bold and transformative action
to get 1.5 million homes built over the next 10 years.
The province believes the bill addresses the missing middle of the housing market, streamlines municipal planning responsibilities, and stimulates higher density around transit among other issues.
“These changes are providing a solid foundation to address Ontario’s housing supply crisis over the long term and will be supplemented by continued action in the future.”
The comment period for the Environmental Registry of Ontario for the bill is open until December 9.
could be because of the nature of the community health centre model of practice.
A community health centre is a non-profit organization governed by a community-elected board of directors. Here, doctors work a set amount of hours each week in the office, as well as some work at home, and are paid a salary with pension and benefits.
Community health centres focus on health promotion, illness prevention and health at the community level as well as primary care for patients. Often, the centres are focused on a segment of the population facing barriers in accessing healthcare. For example, WCHC focuses on the rural population, said Bentley.
According to Health Ontario, the province has 101 community health centres.
In a more typical fee-for-service model, doctors run a practice, and the amount they are paid depends on the number of patients they see. This means they may take on high patient loads.
“Physicians are indicating they much prefer to be in a team environment,
possibly salaried environment, because it takes away the pressure of, I call it the hamster wheel of medicine,” she said.
Doctors operating a practice alone must see enough patients to earn the amount they expect to earn, as well as cover overhead costs of running a practice.
Bentley said the majority of community health centres were founded about 40 years ago, and more aren’t being established. “It’s certainly something we’d love the government to address,” said Bentley.
In 1983, the St. Jacobs Village Association established a health committee. Through this, the Woolwich Community Health Centre was founded as a non-profit organization in 1985. With a combination of funding from the province and fundraising by the community, the permanent health centre at 10 Parkside Dr. opened in December 1990.
Bentley admits the community health centre model is more expensive for the government initially. “But we would beg to differ in the longer term because we then are able to provide more comprehensive care and
that helps prevent more hospital visits, more complications.”
So how can the doctor shortage be addressed?
“Well, of course, I’d love to see more CHCs established. I think the group model is a really efficient and effective way of providing for people, but that’s not something that’s going to happen overnight,” said Bentley. She says she would like to see more people trained locally to avoid attracting doctors from areas of the world where they really need their doctors to stay.
She also suggests using more interdisciplinary care including pharmacists, nurse practitioners and others. “There is a lot of routine care that does not require a physician,” she said.
She also suggests that people do their best to stay healthy, including staying up to date with vaccines and, “Keeping healthy over your lifetime. That helps prevent most of the diseases that we get today. Many of the things that are related to healthy lifestyle, keeping active and sleeping well, keeping our brain active, these are all things that will help you keep you out of the doctor’s office.”
Exclusive gear for newspaper readers now available.
COMMUNITY NEWS | 9 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER $3.49 BONE-IN HAM Our plant is 100% Gluten Free 2065 Floradale Rd. Elmira, ON. PHONE: 519-669-2300 TOLL FREE: 844-669-2300 Tuesday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 3pm Sunday CLOSED HOURS: FEATURE ITEM: Reg.$4.35 /lb TURKEY DRUMSTICKS $3.59 /lb Reg.$4.49/lb /lb SMOKED CAFÉ HOURS: Tues. Thurs. 8-4, Fri. 8-7, Sat. 8-4 takeout Lunch & dinners Turkey & Dressing or Roast Beef includes: coleslaw, rolls, mashed potatoes, vegetable & dessert Dinner 3:30pm-7:30pm Dec 9 pre-order reQuired (519) 669-2142 | 2238 Floradale Rd., Floradale | www.bonnielouscafe.com Lunches 11am-4pm Dec 14-17 Hot Turkey includes: coleslaw, rolls, mashed potatoes, vegetable & dessert
BACKLOG: Higher demands are a bigger issue due to shortage of physicians
BILL 23: Province has faced plenty of pushback on Greenbelt, other changes
People gathered outside Kitchener-Conestoga
newsmart.ca
MPP Mike Harris’ office Saturday. Leah Gerber
10 | COMMUNITY NEWS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 WISHING EVERYONE a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday season! 519-577-0370 | www.marwilconcrete.ca Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season We look forward to working with you in 2023 519.698.2114 In Business since 1971 • Fully Insured Family owned and operated for over 40 years! OPEN 8AM TO 10PM 7 DAYS A WEEK • CLOSED DEC 25 + JAN 1 • OPEN BOXING DAY 10AM-6PM Wishing You & Your Family 519-669-1653 • 11 Arthur St. N., Elmira During the holiday season more than ever our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress possible. And in this spirit we say, simply but sincerely thank you and best wishes for the holiday season and a happy new year. Blessings At Christmas 7705 Fourth Line, Wallenstein | 519.698.9930 HO! HO! HO! Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays
POLICE REPORT
Police offer up tips to help prevent package theft
Online shopping makes it easier to find that perfect gift for the festive season, but it’s also made it a cinch for thieves to steal your purchases right from your doorstep, say police.
The good news is that you don’t have to be a victim if you follow a few simple steps aimed at sending the porch pirate away empty-handed.
NOVEMBER 30
10 : 46 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to a collision on Crowsfoot Road in Woolwich Township. The driver of the vehicle was travelling south on Crowsfoot Road, lost control and struck the driver of a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction. Poor road and weather conditions were a contributing factor. There were no charges laid.
DECEMBER 1
7:00 AM | Perth County
OPP responded to a single- vehicle collision on Road 119 in the Township of Perth East. Officers speaking with the driver suspected the driver had consumed alcohol and was displaying signs of impairment. A roadside screening device was administered, the driver was subsequently arrested and transported to a local operations center for further testing. A 20-year-old West Perth
• Request a signature on delivery.
• Ship the package to a trusted neighbour or relative who will be home.
• Arranged to have packages delivered to your workplace, if your employer allows it.
• Track your delivery online so you know when they’re
man was charged with ‘operation while impaired - blood alcohol concentration (80 plus)’ and ‘operate a motor vehicle without insurance.’ The accused was released from custody and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charges.
DECEMBER 2
8 : 00 AM | Wellington County OPP responded to a serious collision on Fife Road at Township Road 1, Guelph/Eramosa Twp. Initial reports indicated that a black SUV and a white pickup truck had collided and the driver of the SUV had sustained serious injuries. A 46-year-old driver from Breslau was airlifted to a trauma centre with serious injuries. The other driver, a 34-year-old from Cambridge, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The cause of the collision is being investigated and
slated to arrive and plan to be home when the package is delivered.
• Install video cameras and post signage to indicate surveillance is in effect.
• Request the package be left out of sight at a rear or side door.
• Choose in-store or curbside pickup.
Wellington County OPP is asking anyone that may have witnessed this collision to please call 1-888-310-1122.
DECEMBER 3
5 : 25 AM | Emergency services responded to a residence in the area of Cordell Street and Townsend Drive in Breslau for reports of a fire, which was extinguished by Woolwich firefighters. Through investigation, the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. No one was injured. Damage was estimated at $200,000.
DECEMBER 5
11 : 04 AM | Waterloo Regional Police received a report of property damage to a battingcage fence at Lions Park in Elmira, where the fence had been cut. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-5709777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
If packages are stolen from your home, report the incident to your local police and the company that delivered your purchase. Reporting the crime gives police valuable information about potential theft trends in your area. If investigators know there’s a problem, police can dedicate resources to problem areas.
8 : 36 PM | Police responded to a reports of a collision in the area of Kressler Road and Benjamin Road in Woolwich Township. The driver of a vehicle attempted a left turn from Kressler Road onto Benjamin Road when their vehicle was struck by another vehicle that was travelling south on Benjamin Road. There were no reported physical injuries. The driver making the turn was charged with ‘turn – not in safety.’
DECEMBER 6
4 : 52 AM | Police received a report of a break and enter at a business in the area of Weber Street North in Woolwich Township. The unknown suspects forced entry into the rear business and stole property. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information, or anyone who observed suspicious activity in the area, is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477.
COMMUNITY NEWS | 11 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ
45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519.669.5484 www.elmi r ainsurance.ca all the Magic and Joy this Holiday Season!
519-669-8234
A 46-year-old Breslau resident was airlifted from the scene of a serious two-vehicle collision Dec. 2 at the intersection of Fire Road and Township Road 1 in Guelph/Eramosa Twp. The other driver, a 34-year-old Cambridge resident, was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Submitted
observerxtra.com/letters Write a letter to the editor and submit it online today.
Woolwich firefighters responded Monday to a report of a chimney fire on Sandyhills Road. Leah Gerber
OBSERVER EDITORIAL
When local news matters
Connect: observerxtra.com/staff
Bill 23 leaves real spending decisions in its wake
Woolwich
The new legislation exempts more projects from development charges (DC) and puts more controls over the process. The move addresses runaway increases in such fees, which are levied on the premise that the buyers of new homes should pay for future services such as roadwork, parkland, schools and the like. The dubious growth-paying-for-growth arguments have spurred exponential growth in such DC fees.
Given that government fees and taxes can add tens and even hundreds of thousands of dollars to the price of new construction – GTA builders, for instance, note those charges can amount to 25 per cent of the cost of a new home, as much as $250,000 –the province is not barking up the wrong tree when it takes aim at development charges.
Premier Doug Ford’s motives for the sweeping changes in recent legislation are fair game. It’s also fair to scrutinize whether any of the moves will actually lower prices or house more people – neither is likely. At the municipal level, any talk of affordability can automatically be discounted as hypocritical when delivered by politicians and bureaucrats supporting ever-increasing fees and property taxes. The same nullification applies to environmental utterances that do not include ending growth.
It’s disingenuous to claim the ability to both suck and blow at the same time.
Even the idea that growth will pay for growth does not stand up to scrutiny given that municipalities are losing ground, and existing residents end up paying more as growth continues. Anyone paying attention in places that have seen a spate of new subdivisions – a list that includes Woolwich – knows that developers and builders made money, some people got new homes, the municipality raked in development charges and new additions to the tax roll, but there was nothing but downside for the existing residents who lost something in the mix only to face ever-increasing taxes.
Those who support such growth will always argue the benefits outweigh the negatives. Growth is always good. The trouble is, they can’t ever prove it. What we do know is that, at the local level, each new home ends up costing more than it generates in revenue. In the short-term, however, the opposite is true. The money paid just to develop the land and construct a home –development charges and building permits, for instance – bring in thousands of dollars in each case. Then there are the property taxes. The funds far outweigh the marginal cost of providing services to one more home.
Multiplied over hundreds of houses in a subdivision, that money adds up to a big boost to municipal coffers. Problem is, little if any of that money benefits existing residents of the community. Rather, the year-over-year growth in assessment is simply rolled into the budget – typically doled out by politicians and bureaucrats not to the public but to themselves in the form of raises and more hires to bloat government still more.
No one ever says, “Hey, we have all this extra revenue, let’s cut everybody’s taxes.” That, at least, would provide some shortterm compensation to existing residents inconvenienced by the growth.
Over longer periods, growth brings increased demand for services – always overpriced in the case of governments – and, eventually, huge infrastructure costs.
The new Woolwich council meeting this week heard about shortfalls, more borrowing, shifts in the tax burden and the seeds of more staffing requests, all the result of new provincial legislation. Councillors must resist such arguments in favour of prioritizing the essential from the optional. The latter must come under economic scrutiny, while the latter may have to be foregone in the name of budgeting that benefits residents’ wallets.
Total consumer debt climbed to $2.36 trillion in the third quarter, an increase of 7.3% compared to last year. Average non-mortgage debt per consumer rose to $21,183, the highest level since Q2 2020.
Equifax Canada
Winter fighting is not an issue in Ukraine
When the two most senior military and intelligence officials in Washington make the same obvious error in public three times in three weeks, you have to wonder what they are really up to. Can it just be simple ignorance, or do they have a hidden agenda?
First up was General Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He caused quite a stir on November 9 by saying that the slowdown in the fighting in Ukraine as winter arrives may create “a window... of opportunity for negotiation.”
“There has to be a mutual recognition that a military victory is probably, in the true sense of the word is maybe not achievable through military means,” he added, “and therefore you need to turn to other means.”
Milley’s stumbling remarks caused a considerable uproar, as they were widely seen as an attempt to push Ukraine into abandoning its stated goal of recovering all the territory conquered by Russia. Instead, Kyiv should settle for the best deal it can get while it still has the advantage militarily.
He was back at it a week later in a joint news conference alongside Defense Secretary
Lloyd Austin. Once again he pointed out that the approach of winter, when the pace of combat is expected to slow, could provide “a window” for a political solution — as pushing Russia out of Ukraine completely would be “a very difficult task.”
The Ukrainians were clearly unhappy about the pressure they felt was being applied to them, but they refrained from pointing out the large hole in Milley’s logic, presumably because they didn’t want to make matters worse. Better to ignore his remarks and hope they didn’t represent the official US position.
Then it was the turn of US Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, who told the annual Reagan National Defence Forum in California on Saturday that “We’re seeing a kind of a reduced tempo already of the conflict... and we expect that’s likely to be what we see in the coming months.”
Both sides would try to “refit, resupply and reconstitute” for offensives next spring, Haines
said. She didn’t drop the other shoe and say that Ukraine should therefore start negotiating for a compromise deal now, but the same amateur mistake was driving her argument.
Repeat after me: winter is the best time for war-fighting in Ukraine (and in Russia). It isn’t the 18th century any more. Armies do not retire into winter camps at the first snowfall, and stay there until spring.
The very worst time for fighting is the spring ‘rasputitsa’ (mud season), when rain and melting snow make unpaved roads almost impassable to heavy vehicles and off-road movement impossible for about two months.
One of the reasons the initial Russian invasion stalled was that it coincided with the start of the rasputitsa. The Russian general staff knew about it, of course, but they figured they would just roar down the freeway in tanks, fly some Spetsnaz troops into a Kyiv-area airfield, and knock off the Ukrainian government in a couple of days. No off-road travel.
Summer is a good time for fighting, because the ground is dry, the weather is warm, and visibility is good. The autumn
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 12
...
... it matters where you get your local news.
Opinion
“The contrast between the pain and squalor that haunts exploited workers in Qatar and the sumptuous display of luxury and conspicuous consumption attending the FIFA gala is sharp, and makes the argument for our solidarity.”
Vancouver writer Tom Sandborn urges support of the Amnesty International petition that calls for justice for the brutally exploited workers who suffered and died.
The
Verbatim
Monitor
council this week joined in on one of the major municipal squawking points when discussing Bill 23, the so-called More Homes Built Faster Act: the loss of development charges revenue.
ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS
→DYER 14
GWYNNE DYER Global Outlook on World Affairs
As with defence of Ukraine, we must support fight against autocrats in Iran
Reports of the death of Iran’s morality police seem premature, but growing protests against the extremist regime could eventually lead to much-needed change in that oppressive state.
While the regime change long called for by US hawks may not be forthcoming, the West should be supporting those pushing in the right direction.
Statements by Attor ney General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri taken to mean the morality police had been disbanded spread quickly, but soon the rebuttals began. It was not just the regime, but activists who took exception to the “fake news” that was perhaps more wishful thinking than deliberate.
Still, protests continue to call for change in Iran, where nationwide strikes are set to up the ante.
“Nationwide strikes, particularly in key sectors, could be used to put time on the side of protestors while creat ing chaos and financial issues for the state,” Behnam Ben Taleblu, an Iran expert and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democra cies, told CNBC, stressing the importance of main taining pressure on the regime.
The apparent disor der in the government, he added, shows “the imperative of keeping up domestic and foreign pressure against the Islamic Republic. And nobody understands this better than the Iranian people, who have been bravely protesting for almost three months now and are looking to amplify street power with strike power.”
The protests came in
reaction to the detention and killing on Septem ber 23 of Mahsa Amini, a young Kurdish-Iranian woman who died while in custody of Iran’s morality police. The death of the 22-year-old woman – she was detained for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly – sparked wide spread internal turmoil and another round of international condemna tion in a pariah state not unfamiliar with interna tional outrage.
Canada has joined in with the repercus sions. Most recently, Ottawa announced that Canada has designated the Islamic Republic of Iran as a regime that has
engaged in terrorism and systematic and gross human rights violations. That means that tens of thousands of senior members of the Iranian regime, including many members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, are now inadmissi ble to Canada.
Canada had already joined in further sanc tions following Amini’s killing, with the last month’s announcement adding on.
Clearly there’s more to be done. In addition to its egregious behaviour at home, Iran’s actions abroad, including weap ons proliferation and malicious cyber activity, continue to threaten international peace and security and demonstrate the country’s complete disregard for the rulesbased international
system. Iran continues to use state-sponsored disinformation to spread false narratives that attempt to justify its policies.
Its pursuit of nuclear technology alone has been the subject of inter national sanctions for the past 15 years.
From the recent crackdown and killing of protesters, to the seizure of British hostages and the murder of a Canadian journalist in 2003, Iran’s militant rulers have not endeared themselves to many.
The parade of viola tions of international laws and norms mean Iran’s militant rulers have won themselves few friends in the world. That’s made it easy to international support for sanctions, espe cially those related to
controlling Iran’s bid for nuclear weapons, but there’s no appetite for the death and destruction that would come with a war in the vein of Iraq, though the prospect of such – or bluster thereof – has cooled signifi cantly since the days of saber-rattling led by the former occupant of the White House.
There are more than a few shades of the 2003 invasion of Iraq in that kind of hyperbole about Iran.
Even for hawks, however, the interests of the oil industry may trump the desire to impose US will on yet another reluctant state.
Therein lies the issue that arises in any discus sion about the region: oil. We might not care for the people we get it from, but we want it nonetheless.
So far, concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and very real support for Islamic militants play second fiddle to the flow of oil, particularly to China and Russia, both of which have veto power at the UN Security Council.
The US, too, has much at stake in the region, though the previous administration opted for diplomatic approaches, proceeding warily. While chastising Tehran, their hold on the moral high ground even then was precarious.
Having invaded Iraq under dubious pretexts, the US position was steadily undermined by revelations that the reasons for war were unfounded.
Iran may indeed be a major threat to the region – there are plenty of experts who make a case for that stance. But the Americans cannot now count on automatic support for action against Iran, if only increased sanctions led by the United Nations.
Ironically, the case against Iran is much stronger than it was in Iraq. Iran’s previous nuclear posturing and fundamentalist bent are far larger threats.
Still, that country is only of interest because of its natural gas and oil reserves, and for its stra tegic location. If Iraq is any model, those factors will play the largest role in whether a war expands to Iran.
For now, the key is to keep Iran isolated, making it pay a steep price for its authoritar ianism, its radicalism, its support of extrem ism and suppression of the rights of its people. There’s also the issue
Find Us: 20B Arthur Street North, Elmira, Ontario, N3B 1Z9
Contact Us: Phone: 519-669-5790 Toll Free: 1-888-966-5942 Fax: 519-669-5753 Email: info@woolwichobserver.com newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Web: https://observerxtra.com
Social Media: Facebook: observerxtra Twitter: woolwichnews Instagram: observerxtra
Professional Associations:
• Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA)
• News Media Canada
• The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce
About Us: Independent, locally-owned and the only weekly community newspaper serving the residents of Woolwich and Wellesley Townships. Real news, real reporting concentrating on the close-tohome issues in our communities. When it comes to reaching our residents, The Observer is unsurpassed.
Press Oversight: The Observer is a member of the National Newsmedia Council - an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practises and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, contact: 519-669-5790 ext 103 or editor@woolwichobserver.com. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a complaint, visit mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163 for more information.
Subscriptions: Annual subscriptions to The Observer mailed within Canada/U.S. are available by contacting the office or visiting online: observerxtra.com/subscribe
Delivery Concerns: Issues with local delivery can be directed to The Record by calling 519-894-3000.
Letters to the Editor: Letters must be exclusive to this publication on a topic of relevance to the community. It must contain the author's name, address, contact info and be no more than 300 words. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. The Observer declines announcements, poetry, thank-you and unsigned letters. Deliver to: editor@woolwichobserver. com or online: observerxtra.com/letters
Store: www.newsmart.ca
Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER OPINION | 13
Founded in 1996. JOE MERLIHAN Publisher 519-669-5790 x107 STEVE KANNON Editor 519-669-5790 x103 PATRICK MERLIHAN Digital Strategist 519-669-5790 x105 DONNA RUDY Sales Manager 519-669-5790 x104 CASSANDRA MERLIHAN Production Manager 519-669-5790 x109 LEAH GERBER Reporter 519-669-5790 x101 BILL ATWOOD Reporter 519-669-5790 x102
STEVE KANNON Editor's Point of View
Saying "affordable housing" is one thing, but actually making it attainable just ain't working.
→KANNON 14
There are no plums, in Christmas Plum Cake.
The term ‘Xmas’ is a modern and disrespectful abbreviation for ‘Christmas.”
The biggest Christmas gift ever given was the Statue of Liberty.
To the Editor, Russia’s strategy to hit sensitive civilian infrastructure with missiles and undermine Ukraine’s future is being copied by the provincial government of Ontario. The government’s More Homes, More Choice Act (2019) promised “We are not touching the Greenbelt. We will protect
it and all its beauty.” When Ukraine gave up its nuclear missiles, Russia promised to respect Ukraine’s integrity.
Did you vote to launch development of the Greenbelt? Did you vote for launching urban sprawl that will remove class 1 and class 2 farmland from food production? Did you vote for soaring property taxes to maintain the infrastructure required to service urban sprawl?
Did you vote to have
the Greenbelt developed so speculators could reap huge profits from the protected land they quietly bought?
Many Conservative voters are farmers who deeply care about the stewardship of fertile farmland and producing healthy food.
Would you have voted Conservative knowing that regional urban intensification plans, limiting urban sprawl and made with your tax dollars in response to a provincial mandate, would
be scrapped?
Will these missiles enable a sustainable future? Mr. Ford and the Conservative government need to pay attention to their own wise researchers who advised against building Highway 413, and against opening the Greenbelt to development.
Who benefits from the Ford government’s missiles?
Neil Lackey WELLESLEY
WELLESLEY: Snow-clearing efforts would come at a cost to taxpayers
→ FROM 3
approximately 27 kilometres of municipal sidewalk and 2.5 kilometres of multi-purpose trails along roadways. Some 11 kilometres of sidewalk is on right of ways owned by the region.
“The current practice of maintaining snow and ice on the municipal sidewalks in the Township of Wellesley, including those
on regional rights of way, is that the landowner must clear the sidewalk,” the report stated.
The current budget for winter maintenance in the township is $150,000. The report presented several different options for additional maintenance, including one that would see township employees do the work and one to have it be contracted out. Staff
also examined costs for clearing snow in the entire township and for Wellesley village only.
According to the report there would be initial cost of $200,000 for equipment and $150,000 budget for full township maintenance, while Wellelsey village would require the same start-up costs, the yearly price would be cheaper at $115,000.
For contractors to clear the snow there would be no initial start-up costs, but the yearly budget would be $180,000 for the entire township and $90,000 for just the village. Costs for any plan would be paid for by taxpayers.
While the March report was accepted as information at the time, the new council said they would examine it again.
→ FROM 13
of its cyber crimes and support of other pariah regimes, including Russia and North Korea, not to mention China.
Iran is said to be supplying arms to Russia in its illegal assault on Ukraine, making sanctions even more pressing given the need to support Kyiv in its efforts to drive Russians out of the county, including Crimea.
Complicating matters is the issue of oil, which both curtails the pressure
put on Iran and Russia and leads to extensive efforts to bypass sanctions. The latter loopholes not always countered as aggressively as they might otherwise be if the trades in question didn’t involve oil and gas.
That internal pressures are mounting against repressive dictators in Tehran and Moscow is something we can support in hopes that change comes organically.
→ FROM 12
rasputitsa (October-November) slows thing down a lot, but it’s not as bad as the spring one.
And then comes winter. Yes, it’s cold, but so what? The ground will be frozen hard within another week or ten days, and the next three months will be ideal for rapid off-road movement, even across rivers. For classic high-speed armoured thrusts, in other words, and we are likely to see some of those, at least
from the Ukrainian side.
So the question on the table right now is: are Milley and Haines just ignorant about the basic historical realities of ground war in eastern Europe (almost all the big Soviet offensives of the Second World War began in winter), or are they deliberately misrepresenting things? And if so, who are they trying to fool?
Not the Ukrainians, obviously. They know how their own climate really works.
The Western public? That’s plausible.
Twisting the Ukrainians’ arms to force them into an early compromise peace may suit official agendas in the White House and the Pentagon, where they worry about possible escalation to nuclear war. However, some cover story about why the Ukrainians can’t win big victories in the near future anyway would be needed to sell that policy to Western voters.
But frankly, I don’t believe this particular conspiracy theory. There is no doubt that the White House, and indeed NATO as a whole, are keeping the Ukrainians on a short leash. They are genuinely worried that Kyiv will win too big, and cause a real international crisis.
However, I have no difficulty whatever in believing that sheer ignorance is driving this whole weird sub-plot about a winter pause in the fighting.
HAPPYHOLIDAYS & HAPPYNEWYEAR
14 | OPINION THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022
ↆ LAST WEEK: Truth: According to a 2016 survey by Peter Pan Simply Ground Peanut Butter. An average adult eats a PB&J three times a month. Truth: Southern US states take freshly harvested peanuts and boil in a brine until they are a soft bean-like texture. Lie: Peanuts are actually a legume and do provide healthy fats and protein You can play online by reading any online post at www.observerxtra. com. Vote for the lie and be notified if you are correct immediately. Floradale, Ontario 519-669-3392
Forest | 519-323-1880
| 519-655-3777
Mount
Tavistock
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
DYER: Ignorance may be at the root of discussions about winter warfare
KANNON: Keep up the pressure
Ford lobbing missiles with Greenbelt decision
Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER OPINION | 15 regionofwaterloo.ca/SaltingShift I’m your drinking water Add traction when needed with sand Shovel or plow the snow first Break up ice with a steel ice chopper Help keep salt out of groundwater If salt is absolutely necessary, spread evenly on icy areas only and give salt time to work WWW.HYGATELIVING.COM onLexington RE TI RE M EN TR ES I DENC E I LOVE THE MEALS, LOTS OF ACTIVITIES... IT HELPS ME GET OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING! “ ” 215 Lexington Rd, Waterloo 519-501-1131 INFO@HYGATELIVING.COM Today!Call observerxtra.com/letters Write a letter to the editor and submit it online today.
News that hits home. Local people in action.
Sports tips are always welcome.
Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com
Team Scores: observerxtra.com/scores
Field dressed and turning more than a few heads
U p until recently I never knew that my partner Jenn was the jealous type. This unexpected discovery revealed itself on the weekend when I told her I was going to town to do a bit of Christmas shopping.
“You’re not wearing that, are you?” she said.
The “that” she was referring to, was my new late-season duck hunting parka – a stylish, shapeless little number elegantly decked out in Tru Timber camo DRT which is all the rage this year on the runways of Milan, Paris, New York and Tokyo, if the salesperson at the sporting goods store is to be believed.
And, let me just say, I have no reason to suspect she lied to me.
When I asked Jenn what was wrong with what I was wearing, she just shook her head and mumbled under her breath. Fortunately, we have been together long enough for me to be able to decode what she was thinking.
Roughly translated, it was: “Gadzooks man! Don’t you know that the average woman cannot resist a man in a camouflaged duck hunting parka! Especially if that man is on top of the latest camouflage trends that are being showcased on the runways of Milan, Paris, New York and Tokyo! If you go out on the town dressed so temptingly, women will look at you like a dog looks at a pork chop.”
STEVE GALEA Not-So-Great Outdoorsman
Sensing this, I replied, “Don’t be ridiculous! It’s not as if I am wearing neoprene waders!”
And then I walked out the door.
Call me a dreamer, but I have more faith in the modern woman than that. After all, we live in an era where we are all trying our best to be respectful of each other.
Unfortunately, it turned out Jenn was right. Though I as a man should be able to wear anything I want, it appeared that my new duck hunting camo parka was a little too on fleek, as the kids say.
I suppose it was the blocky shape that caused the issue. For, women are nothing if not cerebral. And, let’s be honest here, a blocky shaped item of outerwear leaves practically everything to the imagination. I could just tell what those gawking women I passed by were thinking. Is he wearing a duck call lanyard too? Is his shirt camouflaged?
Rodeo belt buckle? These were the questions that were probably going through their minds.
I didn’t want to believe this. But the woman in the fancy store I went to (I won’t name drop, but let’s just say they actually wrap the beef jerky in that establishment) looked at me for far too
Volleyball action returns EDSS boys back on court
The EDSS senior girls’ volleyball squad are now 2-1 this season on the strength of a 3-2 win Tuesday over Preston High School. The junior Lancers are still looking for their first win of the season, however, having fallen to 0-3 with a 3-0 loss this week to their Preston counterparts.
The EDSS junior boys’ basketball team evened their record to 1-1 by defeating Preston High School 50-42 on Tuesday. The squad opened the season Dec. 1 with a 61-33 loss to Bluevale Collegiate. The senior boys, meanwhile, fell to 0-2 with a 51-47 loss to the visitors from Preston. They, too, fell to BCI to open their season, a 62-50 decision.
Kings pick up three points in posting a win and OT loss
Staff
THE ELMIRA SUGAR KINGS TOOK three of the four points up for grabs last weekend, winning in Brantford 4-2 December 3 and dropping a 3-2 OT decision to visiting Stratford Sunday night at the WMC.
A rematch with the last-place Bandits provided the W, but it wasn’t perhaps the best way to prepare for taking on the Warriors, who now sit atop the GOJHL’s Midwestern Conference standings.
“We played Brantford for two games in a row going into the Stratford game. It took us probably 15 minutes just to remember what it felt like to play at that pace –they overwhelmed us for the first 15 minutes, just because we weren’t used to playing at that pace,” said head coach Scott McMillan of the slow start that may have seen the Kings miss out on two points Sunday.
“We were down 1-0 after the first, and we did a good job of battling back and getting back in the game. I think they were outshooting us 15-3 at one time, and the shots ended up being 35-34. We felt like we were the better team for the second half of the game. But it’s tough when you have a start like that.”
The weekend had got off to a good start in Brantford Saturday night. It wasn’t the 8-1 hurting the Kings had put on the
Bandits six days earlier in Elmira, but the team was in control from the get-go. The Kings opened the scoring just 90 seconds in, a Luke Della Croce marker assisted by Logan Crans and Brock Reinhart. Two more goals before the end of the period would be enough to put the game out of reach. Joey Martin scored at 8:25, with assists going to Austen Pomerleau and Jackson Heron. Just 13 seconds later it was 3-0 courtesy of Della Croce’s second of the game. Helpers went to Jacob Feijo and Ryan Forwell.
It was 4-0 Elmira just over a minute after play resumed in the second courtesy of a goal by Madden MacDougall (Adam Grein, Jayden Lammel). That would
prove to be more than enough.
The Bandits got on the board with less than six minutes remaining in the middle frame, adding another in the third to make it a 4-2 final.
Shots were 49-22 in favour of the visitors, an indication of the game’s flow. The Kings were 0-3 on the power play, while the Bandits never had the man advantage. Goaltender Daniel Botelho earned the win.
It was a bit more of a struggle the following day as the Kings returned to home ice to face Stratford. The team was caught flatfooted, with the visitors scoring early in the opening period and outshooting Elmira 15-6 to take a 1-0 into the first intermission.
Just past four minutes into the second, the Warriors made it 2-0, but the Kings were picking up the pace. Martin made it 2-1 at 14:27 with a powerplay goal, assisted by Forwell and MacDougall. Shots were 14-9 in favour of the home team that was battling back.
The sole scoring play in the third came off the stick of MacDougall (Austin Mumby, Martin) to make it a 2-2 game as the Kings again outshot the visitors 10-7 over the 20-minute span. The comeback fell short, however, when Stratford scored at 6:55 of overtime to take the win.
The loss wasn’t for lack of trying, said McMillan.
“We got the win on Saturday, but Sunday was definitely our better game,” he said, noting the Kings were right there in it against Stratford.
“We had a couple of breakaways. We had a couple of really good chances, a couple guys alone in front. I think everybody in the rink would say that their goalie was probably the best player in the game that night. Our goalie was good, too, but their goalie was called on a little bit more, and he answered the call on almost all the chances.”
This weekend the Kings (14-12-1) are in Listowel to take on the Cyclones (14-10-1) Friday night, returning to the WMC Sunday to host the Cambridge Redhawks (18-5-4-1). The puck drops at 7 p.m.
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 16
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING
Sports
Shanna Rozema BROKER Cell 519-572-2528 Phone 519-747-2040 shannarozema@royallepage.ca HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO … A portion of each sale commission is donated to The Woolwich Community Services. Wishing you and your
health and
this holiday season and a joyous new year! Your ocal Realtor
family
happiness
Steve Kannon Observer
→ GALEA 19
SPORTS | 17 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER Best Wishes to you and your family this Holiday Season from staff & management SANYO CANADIAN MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” 10 MAIN ST., DRAYTON May His Blessings Bring You this Season & in the New Year 519-669-5557 Visit our website! countrymilebl.com Elmira, ON Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas 6880 Line 86, RR#4 Elmira, ON N3B 2Z3 Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8-5, Sat.8-3, Closed Sun. & Statutory Holidays 519-669-2225 DUB-L-E ESSO 390 Arthur St., S., Elmira 519-669-2015 519.698.2472 www.erbelectric.ca ESA Licence #7000438 May your Christmas be Merry & Bright! From all of us here at: All the Best this Holiday Season
18 | SPORTS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 519 • 669 • 1611 Merry Christmas! F rom our family to yours, and a happy New Year. Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year 1.800.265.8735 www.jfm.ca 2755 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg | 519.699.5200 Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas www.aptico.ca 63 Union St. Elmira, ON, N3B 2Y3 Ph: 519.669.1842 Email: sales@aptico.ca all the best this holiday season! ELECTRICAL/INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY Season’s Greetings! Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays
GALEA: Operating at the height of fashion comes with a few complications
long before doing exactly the thing Jenn did. Yes, she also shook her head and mumbled under her breath. And then, as if that was not enough, she also palmslapped her forehead.
Between you and me,
almost every woman in the store displayed the same reaction.
It almost caused me to blush.
Instead, I decided to maintain my dignity. So I unzipped my coat a little more, so there was less
to imagine. And then I walked out of that store with my head held high. And I drove directly home where Jenn was waiting.
“That was quick,” she said.
“Yes,” I replied curtly, as I hung up my coat.
“Your camo parka was inappropriate, right?” she asked.
“Yes,” I said. “Lesson learned.”
And then I put on my hunter orange deer hunt ing parka and set out once again.
SPORTS | 19 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
The EDSS swim team hosted its first meet of the season at the Woolwich Memorial Centre on Dec. 1. EDSS will host again today (Dec. 8) at the WMC at 1:30 p.m. Bill Atwood
Contact Us: sales@clbuilders.ca 519-699-4388 countrylanebuilders.ca
The EDSS senior boys’ basketball team fell 62-50 to Bluevale Collegiate Institute Tuesday in their first home game of the season. Bill Atwood
→ FROM 16
20 | SPORTS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season's Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Merry Christmas! Division of Martin’s Small Engines Check out our selection of snowblowers Stress less about snow removal this holiday. 21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519-669-2884 30 Oriole Pkwy. E., Elmira | 519.669.4400 Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle. THOMPSON’S Auto Tech Inc. Wishing You All a Safe & Happy Christmas! from all of us at: Serving the Elmira area for 25 years www.rwelectricltd.com 519-669-1462 ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605 May the beautiful lights of the season remind us of Him who is the source of all light 1010 Industrial Cr., St. Clements | 519-698-2610 | 1-800-663-2941 Sending our Best Wishes to our good friends everywhere. (large and Small) MERRY CHRISTMAS MERRY CHRISTMAS 315 Arthur St. S. Elmira | 519-669-5403 Open 8am - 9 pm 7 Days a Week! Closed Christmas Day.| Boxing Day 9am-9pm Happy Holidays! From the staff at Elmira Foodland As the days until Christmas dash by,we’d like to take time out to thank all of you for stopping by our way this year. BonnieBrubacher BROKER 519-747-2040 A portion of each sale commission is donated to The Woolwich Community Services. HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO Bonniebhomes.ca Bonnieb@royallepage.ca May the light and warmth of the season bring comfort and joy to your family and friends this Christmas season.
WOOLWICH WILDCATS
■ Bantam U15BB
Dec/03/2022 vs Oakville
Rangers
HOME: 4 VISITOR: 2
GOALS: Cohen Clemmer, Carter Weir, Sam Kruschat, William Krubally
ASSISTS: Grant Rintoul, William Krubally, Thomas McCarthy, Sam Kruschat
■ Bantam U15BB Dec/04/2022 vs Oakville Rangers
HOME: 7 VISITOR: 0
GOALS: Grant Rintoul (2), Sam Kruschat, Carter Weir, Cohen Clemmer, Adam Bloch, William Krubally
ASSISTS: Cohen Clemmer (3), Luke Forbes, Thomas McCarthy, Adam Bloch, Josh Wraight (2), Jackson Kellough, Alex Veitch (2), Carter Weir
SHUTOUTS: Mills DeVrieze
■ Bantam U15BB Dec/05/2022 vs Milton Winterhawks White
HOME: 4 VISITOR: 2
GOALS: Adam Bloch, William Krubally, Grant Rintoul, Carter Weir
ASSISTS: Josh Wraight, Sam Kruschat, Thomas McCarthy, Levi Adams, Harrison Hartwick, William Krubally, Alex Veitch
WOOLWICH WILD
■ Atom U11 LL-1
Nov/27/2022 vs Waterloo Ravens U11-1
HOME: 3 VISITOR: 5
GOALS: Delilah Woolner (2), Danika McCallum
ASSISTS: Charlotte Young, Poppy Hicknell
■ Atom U11A
Nov/26/2022 vs Owen Sound Ice Hawks
HOME: 1 VISITOR: 0
GOALS: Emma Forwell
ASSISTS: SHUTOUTS: Kenzie Gunn
■ Atom U11A Nov/27/2022 vs South Huron Sabres
HOME: 1 VISITOR: 0
GOALS: Abbey Versteeg
ASSISTS: SHUTOUTS: Kenzie Gunn
■ Atom U11A Dec/01/2022 vs Kitchener Lady Rangers
HOME: 2 VISITOR: 0
GOALS: Abbey Versteeg, Avery Robinson ASSISTS: Haylee Zinken
SHUTOUTS: Kenzie Gunn
■ PeeWee U13 LL Nov/25/2022 vs Wilmont Wolverine
HOME: 3 VISITOR: 2
GOALS: Maddy Collison, Chloe Futher, Maria Martin
ASSISTS: Chloe Futher, Bree Merner
■ PeeWee U13 LL Nov/26/2022 vs Flamborough Falcons
HOME: 8 VISITOR: 0
GOALS: Keira Walsh (3), Adeyln Wilk, Bronwyn Rozema, Cam Holland, Chloe Futher, Bree Merner
ASSISTS: Josie Atkinson (3), Adelyn Wilk (2), Keira Walsh, Bronwyn Rozema, Lauren Hennessy, Neve Kelly, Haley Boese
SHUTOUTS: Hailey Maxwell
■ PeeWee U13 LL Dec/04/2022 vs CAMBRIDGE
HOME: 3 VISITOR: 0
GOALS: Maria Martin, Neve Kelly, Bree Merner ASSISTS: Bronwyn Rozema, Josie Atkinson
SHUTOUTS: Hailey Maxwell
■ PeeWee U13LL Dec/04/2022 vs Cambridge
HOME: 3 VISITOR: 0
GOALS: Maria Martin, Neve Kelly, Bree Merner
ASSISTS: Bronwyn Rozema, Josie Atkinson Shutouts: Hailey Maxwell
■ PeeWee U13A Dec/03/2022 vs Waterloo Ravens
HOME: 4 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Elle Schwindt (3), Ellie Clemmer
ASSISTS: Taylor Rayfield, McKenzie Rank
■ PeeWee U13A Dec/11/2022 vs Woodstock Wildcats
HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Ellie Clemmer ASSISTS: Megan Nixon
SPORTS | 21 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER 519-669-1535
15 Memorial Ave., Elmira (behind Bank Of Montreal) The best Christmas decoration is wreathed in smiles ↆ MINOR SPORTS SCOREBOARD
ELMIRA DENTURE CLINIC
The EDSS girls’ hockey team welcomed KCI to the WMC on Monday, posting a 5-2 win over the visitors. Leah Gerber
22 | SPORTS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 Wherever you go this holiday season, our fond wishes are with you. All the best to our many friends throughout the area! This has been a great year for us, thanks to your generous support. 840 King St. N., Waterloo 519-669-1445 rmwexteriors.com For unto us a child was born e Messiah who saves e world. May your Christmas be great as ever in the light of the Savior’s love! 6455 Reid Woods Dr., RR#4 Elmira 519-669-9488 | www.tubeline.ca Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings HO! HO! HO! Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays Season’s Greetings☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings ☆ Season’s Greetings Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings ☆ Season's Greetings Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas ☆ Merry Christmas Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays ☆ Happy Holidays 2316 Floradale Rd., Floradale | 519-669-8818 We feel very blessed to have you as our customers and proud to call you friends!
Leading the way.
Shining a light on local enterprise, stoking the economic engines.
Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com New Business: observerxtra.com/enterprise
Home sales, prices down
There were 453 homes sold in November through the MLS system of the Waterloo Region Association of Realtors, a decrease of 43.7% over a year earlier. The average sale price for all residential properties was $736,024, down 10.4% from this time last year. The average price of a detached home was $838,609, down 13.1% from November 2021 and 3.5% compared to October.
Movember at Home
Home Hardware Stores Limited this week announced that employees raised more than $22,000 for Movember to support men’s health. Twenty-three team members participated in growing their moustaches and raised more than $12,000, with the company donating an additional $10,000 for a total of $22,135 in support of the cause.
Early introduction of students to skilled trades is key
Bill Atwood Observer Staff
A NEW REPORT FROM STATISTICS Canada from the 2021 census shows that the percentage of working-age Canadians –those 25 to 64 – who hold apprenticeship certificates has either declined or remained stagnant in three key fields since 2016.
That includes construction trades, which went up by 0.6 per cent, mechanical repair technologies, which went down by 7.8 per cent and precision production which fell by 10 per cent overall.
In Ontario the construction field suffered a net loss of 3.8 per cent, while across the country 30.2 per cent of mechanic and repair technologies or precision production certificate holders were aged 55 or higher.
That same report shows a 4.3 per cent increase in the working age population that holds a bachelor’s degree or higher, noting that Canada leads the G7 in the percentage of population with a college credential (57.5 per cent).
The decrease in skilled trade workers is concerning, said Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario.
“There’s no question about it. It’s something that we’ve been dealing with for quite a few years. We just don’t have the amount of people going into the skilled trades that we need, and that’s why you’ve seen those reports on shortages in skilled trades. It’s costing $13 billion a year to the economy,” Lyall said.
The report’s findings came as no surprise to his organization.
“The bottom line is everything we live in, move on, move around, it’s all built by skilled trades. So that’s a significant problem,” he said of the labour shortage. “We’ve had a problem in skilled trades, in certain elements of construction.
“We’ve been seeing this and talking about it for a long time, but our school system is really geared towards and designed for producing and prepar-
ing kids for college and university,” Lyall added.
That will have to change as part of efforts to boost the ranks of the skilled trades, he added.
“You’ve got a school system that does not have the connections generally speaking, with skilled trade sectors. You’ve got school boards and guidance counsellors, in particular, and guidance officers that really are not knowledgeable about skilled trades. There aren’t the connections there should be with local indus-
try. So you’ve got a lot of kids that graduated from high school…they haven’t had the exposure and prepared for skilled trades to the extent that arguably they should be,” he said.
Skills Ontario is a Waterloo-based organization that works to educate students and parents about career options in the skilled trades. They do this through in-school presentations, competitions, summer camp and by connecting students with employers. Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft agrees
with Lyall that not enough students graduating high school know about skilled trade career options.
“We presented last year virtually to 220,000 students, which is a very impressive number. We’re really proud of that, but there are two million students in the school system. We hope our numbers go up significantly this year to get more kids, more students aware of what these opportunities are. And that’s been a long standing challenge. It was a long standing chal-
lenge 30 years ago, and it’d be even worse now,” Howcroft said.
However, meeting the labour shortfall will require “radical transformation of what we’re doing in our high schools and public schools,” Lyall said.
“You have to get the kids earlier in Grade 6, 7 and 8, start exposing them to skilled trades, opportunities and careers, because that’s when they pretty much decide what they’re going to do with their lives. And then in high school, there has to be courses and curriculum related to skilled trades,” he said.
“But the problem is that with our system, we don’t have the teachers who can do that. Our teachers in our high schools and guidance counsellors were people that pretty much went from high school to university and then back to high school again,” Lyall added.
The report also shows that women and racialized groups make up a small percentage of those with apprenticeship certificates.
Women made up 2.4 per cent of working-age apprenticeship certificate holders in the three fields in 2021. Racialized persons represented just seven per cent of working-age apprenticeship certificate holders in these trades, even though they are 27.3 of the total working-age population.
Much of Skills Ontario’s programming focuses on opportunities for girls and Indigenous students.
“If we can get more girls and young women aware
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 23
Business
519 •669•1212 www.sosphysiotherapy.ca 3 Wyatt St. East Church St E Arthur St S WyattStE Walker St James St ELMIRA
Is the cold weather causing your joints to freeze up? Don't let the sti ness settle in for the winter!
Come
see one of our Physiotherapists to build up your strength for snow shoveling and winter activities!
Industry sees targeted immigration as a good stopgap in wake of falling apprenticeship numbers reported by Stats Can
→ SKILLED TRADES 24
Richard Lyall is president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario. The organization, as with others such as Skills Ontario, is looking to promote the skilled trades to help fill shortages in the labour market. Submitted
Reaching for an awesome, near-im possible, almost unimag inable height – that’s a moonshot, a term that’s crept into our vernacular, relating back to 1969 when the US stunned the world by putting an astronaut on the moon.
Moonshot has mostly replaced airy, ambitious visioning, like “let’s reach for the stars.” The stars are pretty much unattain able… but reaching for the moon is within our grasp. Set a goal that’s akin to the US moonshot, and history has shown it might be achievable.
That’s the kind of thinking behind US Pres ident Joe Biden’s Cancer Moonshot. He launched it back in 2016, with, as the White House says, “the mission to acceler ate the rate of progress against cancer.”
Specifically, he wants to cut the death rate from cancer by at least 50 per cent over the next 25 years and improve the experi ence of people and their families living with and surviving cancer.
He stands to gain polit
ically, for sure. But you won’t see him popping a cork at the finish line.
Biden just turned 80, and while he shows incredible and inspiring longevity, even he’s unlikely to see the day cancer is cut in half. Maybe the effort will be his legacy, but the odds dictate that it won’t be his personal agenda for much more than another decade, at best.
That though, is the kind of non-partisan campaign people can rally around. Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives, Liberals, Green, Orange, Black, whatever, who hasn’t lost someone to cancer?
And like the moonshot from the 1960s, this effort has at least a glimmer of hope. If cancer-related forces can be collec tively and effectively mobilized, significant progress is possible. So much encouraging work is underway at universities, hospitals, institutes and government and private
against cancer
laboratories everywhere, with a common goal. How wonderful if the Cancer Moonshot can have a role in bringing them more together.
Healthy diets, built on agriculture and food, are a huge part of an anti-cancer program. Policy wise, that’s espe cially true in the US, where nutrition programs in schools come under the United States Depart ment of Agriculture. As a result, the department connects to citizens much more directly than most countries, including Canada.
That means the depart ment can have a real impact on health-re lated and diet-related matters. So, it made sense that when the Cancer Moonshot was dusted off Monday and reintro duced, US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack was among those at the podium.
Vilsack announced a new virtual centre – the Agricultural Science Center of Excellence for Nutrition and Diet, which will be popularly known
as ASCEND for Better Health. It’s designed to support the Cancer Moonshot by uniting the scientists, partner orga nizations and commu nities for a focus on science-based solutions that improve the health and well-being of all Americans, particularly in underserved communi ties. Of course, the ripple effect to other countries is also very real, and hope fully the new centre will make liaisons abroad.
Vilsack has street cred. At the announcement, he talked about his own battles with weight control and family members he’s lost to cancer.
This seems like one of the most right-minded initiatives ever. The 1960s moonshot was a matter of pride, fueled by technol ogy and determination. In the same light, how incredibly proud would anyone feel by being part of an effort, likewise driven by technology and determination, that unraveled cancer’s intri cacies.
Godspeed to the Cancer Moonshot.
SKILLED TRADES: Seeking changes to help address the labour shortage
→ FROM 23
of and interested in the trades, that would go a long way to helping fill the pool of potential workers. We also want to do, and we’re doing, program ming for Indigenous youth. Indigenous youth is the fastest growing population in Canada,” Howcroft said.
As governments push for more housing, RESCON recently put out a call for a larger percentage of the immigrant popu lation to be from skilled trades to help meet the demand.
“We’re not asking to increase the number of immigrants, but more of them should have more of certain skilled trades or be from certain skilled trades, according to our require ments here and according to what we need,” Lyall explained.
Howcroft agreed that immigration could be key
in filling the gaps.
“We have huge short ages right now. And we will need immigration to help fill parts of that vacuum. Part of that short fall will need to be found through immigration. So if someone comes with a certain skill set or certain competencies already, they can become an active player in the economy. And so some of these jobs that are going unfilled right now and keeping the economy held back,” he said.
There is, however, some hope, Howcroft said.
“I think we’re actually at a good time right now because more and more people are talking about it. More and more people seem to recognize we need to take these actions. We need to build this workforce for the future because we no longer have the luxury of time,” he said.
24 | BUSINESS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 Mobile: 519-699-4828| Email: fermon@fermonconstruction.com fermonconstruction.com Thank-you for your support! Merry Christmas!
Food For Thought Revving up the agri-food “moonshot”
OWEN ROBERTS
Arts
Read a local best seller every week.
Local stories that inspire.
Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Tips: observerxtra.com/tips
Arts grants announced A Jakobstettel holiday
Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF) this week announced $284,000 in funding to support the arts in the region, including $214,000 in grants to 17 small and mid-sized arts organizations and collectives. Among the recipients are the Grand Philharmonic Choir, Green Light Arts and K-W Musical Productions.
Getting some laughs is decidedly personal
Bill Atwood Observer Staff
IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD for a laugh on Saturday, Rural Roots Brewery might have just the thing for you. That night it will be hosting the first stop in the Happy Merry Comedy Tour, which features a group of seven comedians headlined by Londoner Gee Gethiga.
While the tour has a holiday theme to it, it will resonate with everyone.
“We want the vibe to be, come celebrate the holidays, no matter what your background is. And that’s why the joke is there’s no Christmas in the name. It’s called the Happy Merry Comedy Tour. So, no matter if you celebrate Christmas or you don’t –or just the holidays – just come, have a good time and have a good laugh,” Gethiga said.
“One of the comedians sings funny Christmas songs and then everyone else is a professional comedian, so it’s going to be a really fun night,” Gethiga said.
The group features comedians from a wide variety of backgrounds, including Gethiga, who is a Kenyan immigrant, and Kitchener native Dylan Lindsay.
“He’s a pretty wellknown comedian. He’s been on [comedy club chain] Yuk Yuk’s. He’s got an interesting perspec-
tive. He’s got cerebral palsy, and he’s a really funny dude. We have someone who has been on CBC Debaters and she’s a very unique different kind of comedian. We have a Ukrainian,” Gethiga explained.
Like most stand-up comedians, the performers will be sharing personal stories to help bring the laughs.
“Most comedy is personal. A lot of the stories are personal. I talk about my upbringing. I talk about growing up in London, Ontario. I think the best comedy is personal,” Gethiga said.
While stand-up
comedy has that personal element, it is also universal, he added.
“The main thing that I find with comedy is it’s kind of like music where there are different genres and some people like certain comedians, but at the same time, funny is funny. So good music is good music and no matter the type of comedy you do, the talent will always rise to the top. I think everybody can know when they see something funny or they hear something funny.”
Although he has only been doing comedy for five years, Gethiga has been inspired by several
generations of comics.
“Going back to Richard Pryor in the ’70s and then down to Dave Chappelle is one of my biggest inspirations. Canadian-wise, I just grew up on John Candy and Norm Macdonald. We have a great tradition of comedians in Canada. Jim Carrey [and] all these guys who were Canadian made me feel like it wasn’t that far away,” he said.
Being a stand-up comic also requires being vulnerable, Gethiga explained.
“What I’m learning is the more vulnerable you get, the more the customers and the crowd
Christmas is steeped in history, something that can be seen in some local celebrations. It was back in 1852 when the Mennonite community of Jakobstettel was granted its name and a post office. As part of the celebrations marking the 170th anniversary of St. Jacobs, holiday events include the Waterloo Central Railway’s vintage holiday train adventures.
Drayton extends run of the Wizard of Oz: The Panto
Kannon Observer Staff
HAVING ALMOST SOLD OUT OF tickets even before opening night December 1, Drayton Entertainment has extended the run of it’s panto version of the Wizard of Oz at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse. Originally set to wrap on December 31, the show will be staged eight more times from January 3 to 8.
appreciate it – that’s how you relate to the crowd. I used to think you need to be more general, like you need to appeal to everybody, but I think people want to know about you.
“I think human beings are very similar. We’re all going to have problems. We all went through COVID together. We’re not all that different. I think we’re all Canadians – we have the same problems, the same fears,” he said.
The Happy Merry Comedy Tour lands in Elmira on December 10, 8-11 p.m. at Rural Roots. Although tickets are already sold out, some walk-ins will be accepted.
“Wizard of Oz: The Panto is pure family fun – it’s packed with outrageous characters, extravagant costumes, and lots of music and dancing that make it wildly entertaining for everyone, from kids to parents to grandparents,” said artistic director Alex Mustakas in a release.
“We love seeing three generations of theatregoers enjoying the magic of live theatre together. And now, with the extra performances, even more families will be able to make memories at the theatre this holiday season.”
The production is a twisted take on the famed children’s story by L. Frank Baum. When Dorothy and her beloved dog Toto are whisked over the rainbow in a tornado, she must band together with →
Holiday Princess Cinema
PRINTING THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 25
AD SPOT - NON
The
Dr. Mira Nusaputra & Associates 10 Parkside Drive, St Jacobs Call Us: 519-664-2434 info@stjacobsdentalcare.ca www.stjacobsdentalcare.ca TA KE TH IS TEST: Do yo u h ave • Yell ow Teet h • Sensitive Teet h • C ro oked Te et h • Ba d B reat h • Ble e ding Gum s • Mis s ing Te et h • Fe ar of D en t is try Welcoming
Annual Christmas Gift Packs, Passes, Memberships & lots of Merch. On Sale! Princesscinemas.com
Gift
New Patients!
Ideas
Gee Gethiga headlines the Happy Merry Comedy Tour that makes its way to Elmira on Saturday
Rural Roots Brewing Co. hosts the comedy tour’s stop in Elmira on Saturday. Bill Atwood
Steve
DRAYTON 27
Help Wanted
THE LOOSE CABOOSE IS LOOKING FOR HELP, May 1st to Aug. Perfect for University student. Must be able to work independently. Will provide training. Email eschwindt@rogers.com for more information.
For Sale
BREVILLE TABLE TOP BBQ/PANINI PRESS. Brand new never used. Has all original labels, booklet and plug cover. Paid over $400.00. Asking $150.00 Great Christmas gift! Call 519-573-8588. Photos available.
Help Wanted
For Sale
CHRISTMAS SALE AT HILLCREST HOME Baking. Dec. 6 to 13, 2022. Ph # 519-6691381. Tues. Dec. 13 and Wed. Dec. 14 Free coffee and Long Johns. 10% off throughout the store excluding groceries, coats, homemade shirts, pants & hats. Christmas Hours: Closed Mondays & Sundays. Closed Dec. 25, 26 & 27. Closed Jan 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. We will close at 4:00 on Dec. 24 & 31. Bakery will be closed Jan. 1 to 27.
For Sale
COLLECTION OF 13 VINTAGE OIL LAMPS all in mint condition ( no cracks/ chips). Some taller, eyelash base, shorter with handles. Prefer to sell as "lot". Asking $400.00 519 573-8588. Photos available.
Farm Services
BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS AGRICULTURAL Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.
FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - AT COMPETItive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141.
Help Wanted
Farm Services
ICE SALT & ICE MELT - ICE SALT COMES IN 20kg, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.
KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.
Wanted
WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Happy New Year. Peace, hope and love. Feel free to call anytime with any antique items you wish to dispose of. Call Terry 519-242-6900 or gallamore@golden.net
Wanted
WANTED - FARM & RANCH, COUNTRY Woman, Country and Reminisce magazines. Call 519-897-2932.
Garage Sales
HUGE INDOOR FAMILY GARAGE SALE!!
Saturday December 10 from 7am-12 noon Gale Presbyterian Church 10 Barnswallow Drive Elmira Upstairs gym FREE coffee and Timbits!! Lots for everybody!! See you there!! Call 519-575-2668 with any questions.
Word ads Continue on page 27
The Township of Woolwich is hiring
Crossing Guards
for the 2022-2023 School Year.
Crossing Guards make a di erence in our community by determining safe opportunities to cross, assisting children and adults across the intersection, and ensuring tra c remains stopped until all pedestrians have safely crossed the intersection.
Crossing Guards serves the school community for two 30-minute shifts per day. Ideal candidates are at least 18 years old, community-minded, and have reliable transportation or the ability to walk to the school crossing for each shift. They must be able to communicate clearly and e ectively in English using spoken commands and hand signals. They are required to hold the stop paddle (approx. 2 lb.) up with one arm to be seen clearly by motorists for up to 1 minute intermittently over each 30 minute period.
Physical requirements are good vision, hearing, and footing. Must be able to walk and stand for each 30-minute shift and work in all weather conditions including extremes of heat and cold. Must provide a current Police Vulnerable Sector Check satisfactory to the Township if hired. On-the-job training and equipment is provided. This is a paid position.
Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume and cover letter by email to hr@woolwich.ca.
All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The Township of Woolwich is committed to diversity and inclusion and o ers an accessible workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to meeting the needs of applicants during all phases of the hiring process. This document is available in alternate formats, or with accessible communication supports, upon request.
Position
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 26
Classifieds Please call or email for display advertising quotes for Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices, Service Pro Directory and Obituaries. Family Album Notices: Order and pay for family announcement notices online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album
will
pay
at:
Advertising
Help Wanted Only those receiving an interview will be contacted. WE ARE HIRING Cabinet Engineering Cabinet Sales & Design Cabinet Finisher Cabinet Install Cabinet Installer (Bracebridge Location) If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, please send your resume to laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519.638.5961 ext 104
Seven days. One paper. A bestseller every week. Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104 Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com
All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads
be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order and
online
observerxtra.com/classifieds Residential: $9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word) Commercial: $15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)
Placing a classified ad
involves customer service in retail hardware and building materials
environment.
customers
products,
purchases,
orders,
Tasks include, but not limited to, assisting
purchase
advising
taking
and quoting small projects.
retail
FULL TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE REP arnold@marspan.com EMAIL YOUR RESUME TO IN ELMIRA hardware building centre
Candidates must be neat and organized and be able to multi-task. Must have computer and organizational skills. Experience in
sales and hardware an asset, but not required. Willing to train the right individual.
MAR-SPAN
Help Wanted
Go to: mrjutzi.hibid.com/auctions www.mrjutzi.ca M. R. JUTZI & Co. 5100 Fountain St. N., Breslau 519.648.2111 So Close 2:00 pm December 20th 20 DECEMBER TOOL & EQUIPMENT TIMED ONLINE AUCTION Cars and Trucks Saturday, December 17th at 9:30 am DECEMBER VEHICLE AUCTION - WEBCAST ONLINE Auction
M ARTIAL ARTS 8 weeks plus uniform only $139.50! Taxes extra. Beginners only. Join now or give as a gift Special ends Jan. 7, 2023 Group classes for ages 4 to adult Classes taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X World Karate Champion Location at St. Peters Lutheran Church - 2925 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg Call 519-5801418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@ hotmail.com www. schweitzersmarti alarts.com
→ FROM 25
some newfound friends to journey to Oz and defeat the Wicked Witch who is determined to take over the land.
Making her Drayton Entertainment debut, Lia Luz stars as headstrong heroine Dorothy. She’s joined on the yellow brick road by Stacey Kay as the Lion, JJ Gerber as Scare crow and Noah Beemer as Tin Man.
The children’s chorus includes Abygail Rosen berger of Elmira and Taya Nero of St. Jacobs. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 519-747-7788 or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.drayto nentertainment.com.
CLASSIFIEDS | 27 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER ↆ PU ZZLE SOLUTIONS BLIZZARD Solutions for this week's puzzles. HARD EASY Coming Events
KARATE HOLI DAY SPECIAL! SCHWEITZER'S
Word ads Continued
page 26
from
Having recently made the short move to 73 Miranda Path, Elmi ra’s Shawn Hamelin went about recreating his annual Christmas display of lights. Submitted
The Elmira branch of the Region of Waterloo Library hosted Little Ray’s Nature Centres for a Nature Ninjas event on Saturday. Kids and adults alike had a chance to learn about a variety of animals, including a ferret, bearded dragon, tortoise, caiman, chinchilla and boa constrictor. Leah Gerber
DRAYTON: An indication of the tale’s enduring popularity
28 | CLASSIFIEDS THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 ↆ LOCAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AMOS RO OFIN G INC CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE. 519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114 In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured • Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years. WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED - Design and buildAGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016 darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS DESIGN CENTRE KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS Many In-Stock or Custom Bathroom Vanities, Kitchen Cabinetry, Flooring and Tiles, Blinds, Shades, Fashion Plumbing • Our experienced personell and designer will help you work within your personal taste and budget 22 Church St.W., Elmira Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN 11-4 Find and follow us on FB and Instagram Popular Brands Available Call someone you can trust - your local Home Hardware BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN 519-669-4964 100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call Various sizes & rates 36 Hampton St., Elmira FREE ESTIMATES Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs 519-669-2251 519-503-6033 (CELL) John Schaefer Painting MarCrest Backhoe Septic Installations · Tile Repairs Small Footings · Silo Footings Maynard Martin 2512 Kressler Road RR1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0 Tel. 519-699-0507 519-577-0370 www.marwilconcrete.ca Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs Patios • Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Steps • Decorative/Stamped and Coloured Concrete TIRE 35 Howard Ave., Elmira 519-669-3232 WHERE TIRES AR E A SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE. Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service • Residential • Commercial • Industrial ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605 Randy Weber 18 King sher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462 www.rwelectricltd.com •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 ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427 Murray & Daniel Shantz Since 1998 Evenings By Appointment • FLOORING • Custom KITCHENS • BATHROOM VANITIES • SICO Paint • Custom WINDOW BLINDS www.LetUsFloorYou.ca 1011 Industrial Cres. Unit #2 | TEL: 519.699.5411 Hours: M-F 8:00 - 5:00 & Sat 9:00 - 3:00 ST. JACOBS GLASS SYSTEMS INC. TEL: 519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104 FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL 1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0 • Store Fronts • Thermopanes • Mirrors • Screen Repair • Replacement Windows • Shower Enclosures • Sash Repair THOMPSON’S Auto Tech Inc. Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence. 519-669 -44 00 30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA ↆ GENERAL SERVICES ↆ GENERAL SERVICES ↆ AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES ↆ HOME IMPROVEMENT ↆ HOME IMPROVEMENT ↆ HOME IMPROVEMENT 519-669-0524 www.woolwichrentals.ca 100 Union St, Elmira, Ontario Visit us online to see our entire rental lineup. 519-669-5557 VAN, MINIBUS & WHEELCHAIR LIFT BUS TRANSPORTATION “Specializing in small group charters” Visit our website! countrymilebl.com Elmira, ON CALL TO BOOK! TODAY. (ELMIRA) Martin’s Nursery Hydrangea Shrubs & Trees Shade & Flowering Trees Large selection of fruit trees (fruit bearing age) Hedging & Windbreaks Spruce, Pine, Cedars Shrubs, Grasses & much more! HONEY FOR SALE BEE Supplies Etc. We sell a complete line of Bee Supplies; including Extracting Equipment, jars, pails, Varroa mite treatments and Bees, Nucs, Queens. C/O EMANUEL E.M. MARTIN 42661 Orangehill Road, RR#1, Wroxeter, ON 1 Concession North of Wroxeter on Belmore Line Mon. – Sat. 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. ORHBS Select Queens (Weekly) Contact us for all your Custom or Replacement Tarps & Covers! ▪ Bale covers in stock ▪ Patio canopy repairs Irvin Martin trailviewmfg@gmail.com 226-584-0923
F AMILY ALBUM
Death Notice
FREY, JOHN - John G. Frey of Moorefield passed away at Listowel Memorial Hospital, with his family at his side, on Friday, December 2, 2022, at the age of 82.
HAISER, VALERIE ANNEIt is with great sadness that the family of Val Haiser (née Tyreman) announce her passing on December 1, 2022 at the age of 79, surrounded by family at home after a brief battle with recurring melanoma.
HAYES, MURIEL - Peace fully passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Grand River Hospital at the age of 88 years.
ROTH, DORA - Dora Roth was born in Mornington Township 96 years ago, July 5, 1926. She died peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton.
STRENZKE, SIEGFRIEDPassed away peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2022 at the age of 94, surrounded by family.
Obituary
Floto, Eileen
Peacefully passed away on Monday, December 5, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital at the age of 91 years. Dear mother of the late Kim (2020) and Karol, Peter and Theresa, David and Laura, Chris and Michelle. Proud grandma of Nicholas (Melissa), Michael (Alexandrea); Jeffrey (Erin), Michelle (Andrew), Jennifer; Hayden (Isabella); and Emily, and missed by her great grandchildren Lucas, Ethan; Thora, Remi; Nathan; and Indie. At Eileen’s request, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service. Donations to St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation or KW Humane Society would be appreciated, and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Obituary
Gingrich, Mary (Mrs. Edgar)
Passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Lanark Heights Long Term Care, Kitchener at the age of 93 years. Dear wife of the late Edgar (2019). Loving mother of Earl and Karen Gingrich, Marilyn and Ozie Martin, Darrell and Rhonda Gingrich, Arnie Gingrich and Kelly Atkinson, and Rose and Ron Martin. Loved grandma to 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Mary was the last surviving member of her family, being predeceased by one great-grandchild in infancy, parents Urias and Lydia Martin, siblings Noah and Hannah, Levi and Elizabeth, Sarah and Cleason Brubacher, Leah, Valina, and Aaron and Adina. The family received relatives and friends on Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 1:30 – 4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A family service took place on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 9 a.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, then to Elmira Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service. Special thanks to the staff at Lanark Heights for their compassionate care. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Israel “Isey” Weber
Dearest Isey, Nine years have gone by. Lovingly we hold you in our hearts to walk with day by day. Loved by me, your family, and all whom you knew. One in a million, that was you.
June 20, 1936 – December 5, 2013 Sadly, Sally, family, and friends.
Obituary
Martin, Abner H.
Passed away at Grand River Hospital on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 at the age of 74 years. He is the cherished father of Elverne (Ruthanne) Martin of Listowel, Rhoda Martin of Linwood, Eric (Janelle) Martin of Listowel, Myrna (Darrel) Bauman of Drayton, and Arnie (Anita) Martin of Hesson. Loving grandfather to Max (Beth), Laura, Jaydin, and Tyrone Martin; Damian, Mariah, and Ian Martin; Cody, Caleb, Damaris, and Deena Bauman; Anika, Owen, Alex and Brett Martin. Abner is also the loving great-grandfather of Kaiden Martin. Also remembered by his siblings Seleda Martin, Eldon (Florence) Martin, Orlan (Sharon) Martin, and Elsie (Merle) Bowman. Predeceased by his wife Almeda (July 25, 2022), granddaughter Daina Martin, brotherin-law John Metzger, sister-in-law Mary Metzger, and his parents Aaron and Salome (Horst) Martin. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 1 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. at Woodlawn Mennonite Fellowship, 6449 Wellington Road 11, Dorking. A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 9, 2022 at Woodlawn Mennonite Fellowship followed by interment in Hillside Cemetery, 3210 Boomer Line, RR 1, St. Clements. As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to Christian Aid Ministries- Disaster Response, and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the three hospitals where Abner spent his final days: the emergency team at Stratford Hospital, the surgeon and nurses at University Hospital in London, and the support team at Grand River Hospital. The service can be accessed by calling 226-779-5238 or through the livestream link https://woodlawnmf.org/livestream/.
CLASSIFIEDS | 29 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ
In
In
Memoriam
Memoriam
ↆ R EAL ESATE 10 Dunke St. S., Elmira MLS SOLD 1-545 Elm Ave., Listowel MLS $499,900.00 race. Life Lease ownership. Mn flr LR/DR with sliders to a private patio overlooking a park & trails. Kitchen, den, bonus room & laundry. Master bdrm with ensuite & walk-in closet. Wide single garage. Monthly fees of $325.00. CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET EVALUATION BROKERAGE BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record, MVA Residential 36 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON! R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office: 519-669-2772 | Cell: 519-741-6231 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | www.thurrealestate.com
❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
ↆ GENERAL SERVICES ↆ L OCAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES IN-STORE SERVICES • Window & Screen Repairs • Glass & Plexi Cutting • Key Cutting • Knife & Scissor Sharpening • Window & Screen Repairs • Glass & Plexi Cutting • Key Cutting • Knife & Scissor Sharpening • Lawnmower Blade Sharpening • Paint Colour Matching • Interior Design Consultation • Bike Repair • Lawnmower Blade Sharpening • Paint Colour Matching • Interior Design Consultation • Bike Repair Must bring coupon in or use code “repair22” $10 OFF PATIO DOOR SCREEN REPLACEMENT 22 Church St.W., Elmira Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN 11-4 Find and follow us on FB and Instagram Pre-owned phones with warranty CELLPHONE, TABLET & LAPTOP REPAIR Screen Repairs, Battery Replacements, Charge Port Repairs & More! 25 Industrial Dr, Elmira Call or Text: (226) 444-9927 www.519techservices.ca Lifetime warranty on all repairs Reach local people at the right time every week. Advertise your professional services to Woolwich, Wellesley and beyond. The BridgeKeepers hosted the annual carol sing Monday night at the West Montrose covered bridge, a holiday tradition that dates back more than three decades. Bill Atwood
Living Here
It's about all of us.
Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home.
Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Report it: observerxtra.com/tips
Open house in Maryhill Snowflake Auction
There’ll be an open house Dec. 15 (3-9 p.m.) at the new Ukrainian Guest House in Maryhill. The former Hillside Residence is hosting Ukrainian families with young children fleeing the war. The move is in conjunction with the Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis (WRGR), a group of residents in Waterloo Region who are helping support displaced people.
The Woolwich Community Lions Club’s Snowflake Auction supporting The Woolwich Guest House for Ukrainian Families in Transition is now underway. To join in, visit www. facebook.com/groups/727289997993396.
She still digs what she’s doing for the environment
Bryant is grateful for the committee.
Staff
AFTER VOLUNTEERING AS THE CHAIR of the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) for the last nine years, Susan Bryant is stepping down from the position.
“Plenty long enough,” she said.
She said the committee is full of excellent people volunteering and working hard to make the township better, so she’s not worried about the organization losing energy. It’s a team effort.
“I figure my main responsibility is to make sure the meetings don’t last more than two hours,” she said. “I’m the gavel.”
“While Susan was chair of TWEEC, I was chair of Trees for Woolwich which is a subset of TWEEC,” said Inga Rinne, another volunteer with the committee.
“She was a joy to work with, always engaged, anxious to help where she could and firmly cheerful in the face of obstacles.”
“TWEEC is a wonderful organization that saved me way back when, in those early days of the water crisis and the hearings, everything was so adversarial. It was really stressful,” she said. Since the late 1980s, Bryant has been heavily involved in the cleanup of Elmira’s creek and aquifer that were discovered to be contaminated with toxic and cancer-causing chemicals.
“And so, when TWEEC came along, the opportunity to do some hands-on [activities], things that you know are going to help. Maybe a drop in the bucket, but still, planting trees, promoting native plants, cleaning up ditches and working with other people hands-on was just such a positive, relaxing, wonderful, meaningful way to spend time. That’s what TWEEC has been for me. And you know, it’s given me a whole tribe of wonderful friends,” she said.
TWEEC was formed in February 2004. It was the brainchild of Dave Gosnay, a former director of engineering and planning at the township. He proposed the township give funds to a group of community volunteers to improve the township’s environment. Today the committee
continues to meet regularly to plan projects, and organize groups and volunteers to carry them out.
In 2011, the group decided to create the sub-committee Trees for Woolwich. “We decided that if we didn’t take it up a
notch, we weren’t actually going to make any significant inroads into the tree canopy,” said Rinne.
Together, volunteers with TWEEC and Trees for Woolwich have planted tens of thousands of trees, conducted a tree inventory in Elmira, carried out
Top tips to avoid back injuries this winter
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I threw out my back doing yardwork. While I was laid up for a few weeks, I'm OK now. I'm concerned I will reinjure my back shoveling snow this winter. How can I protect my back while shoveling?
ANSWER: Winters in certain parts of the country can be long and snowy. While seemingly an innocuous task, snow shoveling can be a rigorous aerobic
activity and one that significantly stresses the back. You should be mindful to avoid serious injuries when shoveling. Here are a few tips and techniques to hopefully keep your driveway and sidewalk clear while avoiding serious injury:
Assess your personal fitness and ability.If you have any preexisting conditions, such as heart disease or lower back conditions, it is critical to consult with your health care provider before the snow starts falling. Often, for those who have long-standing back issues, the best way to avoid injury may
be to avoid shoveling altogether by purchasing a snowblower or hiring someone to help. Warm up and stretch beforehand.Treat snow shoveling like any other workout. Warm up to get the heart rate up and blood flowing beforehand.
Stretches focusing on the lower back
Meet Priscilla!
She is a mom of 4 and celebrated her 13th wedding anniversary this year with her husband Tyler.
and hamstrings also will help prevent overstressing the back during shoveling. Dress warmly and hydrate ahead of time. Keeping the body warm during aerobic activity improves blood flow and oxygenation to muscles in the lower back, which reduces stress and overexertion. A good pair of
the pruning of every small tree in Elmira, worked with schools to produce seedlings, established a nursery, restored many acres of land and much more.
“TWEEC’s future will depend on the new committee. I think there is tremendous potential on the climate change action front as the issue becomes more front and centre,” said Rinne.
Bryant does not know who will be replacing her as chair.
“At the moment there is not an heir apparent for Susan, but will be chosen by the new committee,” said Rinne.
“In the way it goes with TWEEC, people come up with things they want to do, and if they’re willing to take the lead and do them, and gather some volunteers to help, that’s the way it works. It’s not up to the chair to direct what we do,” said Bryant.
She says she is going to stay on the committee,
boots or shoes with good traction will help you avoid slips and falls that could cause a back injury. Make sure to hydrate appropriately ahead of time to avoid exhaustion and lower back cramps. Pick the right time and the right shovel. Depending on the timing of snowfall, many
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING
Priscilla is working the afternoon shift and started here with us in October. She will be the friendly face at the front desk when you walk in and will also be scheduling appointments.
We are excited to have Priscilla a part of our team and welcome you to say hi the next time you find yourself in our office!
Tel: (519) 669-1082 www.leroysautocare.net 20 Oriole Parkway E., Elmira.
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 30
▢ Mayo Clinic
Professional Clinical Health Advice
Leah Gerber Observer
→ BRYANT 33
After nine years as the volunteer chair of the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement committee, Susan Bryant is passing the baton in February. Leah Gerber
Stepping down as chair of TWEEC, Susan Bryant has no plans for anything other than staying involved
MAYO CLINIC 35
→
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8
Fizzy, chocolaty drink is a New York classic
Egg creams are a beverage steeped in history and mystery.
An iconic New York City drink, egg creams reached peak popularity in the early 1900s, particularly in Brooklyn and the Lower East Side of Manhattan, where soda fountains and candy shops dotted the streets, serving sodas, sundaes, and, of course, egg creams.
The origin of the name "egg cream" is murkier than its timeline. Some say it was inspired by the foam at the top of the drink, which looks like whipped egg whites. Others claim that a man who had recently returned from France, where he enjoyed a drink called "chocolat et creme," ordered one at a New York soda fountain.
He explained the recipe to the soda jerk working behind the counter, who misheard the name of the drink as "chocolate egg cream."
Another possibility? Around the turn of the 20th century, many soda fountain drinks featured
eggs or egg whites. It's possible that the original egg cream did contain eggs, but they were removed during the Great Depression to make the drink more affordable. As egg creams were popular among the large Jewish American populations in Brooklyn and Manhattan, some believe that "egg cream" is an Americanization of "echt keem," Yiddish for "pure sweetness."
The true story is lost to time, but this historic beverage isn't. And you don't have to travel to New York to have one -- you can make it right in your own kitchen!
Chocolate egg creams are classic, but New Yorkers also enjoy a vanilla version, traditionally made with Fox's U-Bet Vanilla Syrup, or a "black and white," made with both chocolate AND vanilla syrups.
ister by December 2 by calling 519-664-1900.
▢ Woodside Evergreen for Seniors at Woodside Church, Elmira. Starts at 10:30 a.m. Christmas Music and Words - piano and cello concert with Anthony and Sam Domzella, Devotional: Pastor Gary Goodkey, Reading: Cairine Domzella, Carol Sing: Beryl Martin, piano and Fred Gingrich, organ. Suggested donation $8 includes hot lunch. Registration required by Sun Dec 4 at www.woodsidechurch.ca/evergreen or 519-669-1296
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9
▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: Sausage on a bun, Parmesan potatoes, coleslaw, dessert $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.
▢ Journey to Bethlehem at Floradale Mennonite Church, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. View the Bethlehem display in the basement windows and enjoy hot chocolate under the stars. Sign up for a time slot on the Church website floramc.org or email office@floramc.org
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13
▢ A Concert of Christmas Favourites at the Breslau Community Centre, 7:30 p.m. The Breslau, Bloomingdale, Maryhill Concert Band invites you to A Concert of Christmas Favourites (and sing-a-long.) Santa will also be there so bring the kids.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14
▢ Senior’s Community Dining at Linwood Community Centre. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Cost: $12. Must pre-register by December 9 by calling 519-6641900.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16
▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: Cabbage rolls, veggies, salad, rolls, dessert $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20
▢ Tuesday Take-Out Lunch at Gale Presbyterian. Drive thru pick up from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ham and scalloped potatoes, veggies, bread, cranberrry salad and apple pie. $12/meal. RSVP by Friday, December 16, noon to office@galepresbyterian.com or 519-669-2852.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23
▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: Shepherd’s Pie, Caesar salad, roll, cherry cheesecake $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31
▢ Woolwich Observer Free Skate and Swim at the Woolwich Memorial Centre. Bring the family and enjoy a free swim, skate or both. 9 a.m. to ll a.m.
LIVING HERE | 31 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America's Test Kitchen for rigourously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www. amercastestkitchen.com New York Chocolate Egg Cream ▢ 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup ▢ 1⁄3 cup cold whole milk ▢ 2⁄3 cup cold plain seltzer ▢ 1 pretzel rod (optional) 1. Add chocolate syrup to glass. Pour milk on top. Use a long spoon to stir until well combined. 2. Pour in cold seltzer. Working quickly, stir mixture hard until well combined and thick layer of foam forms on top, about 30 seconds. Serve immediately with straw (if using) and pretzel rod (if using). ▢ America's Test Kitchen Rigorously tested recipes that work. ↆ FAITH DIRECTORY 58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123 Elmira Mennonite Church www.elmiramennonite.ca Advent 3 Tell What You Hear and See 9:30am Jonathan Brubacher Preaching ↆ The Community Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and similar events do not qualify for free advertising. See complete policy online. All submissions are to be made online at observerxtra.com/event-listing/. Kleensweep Rugs and Upholstery Carpet Care COLLEEN “A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME” T. 519.669.2033 Cell: 519.581.7868 •Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates West Montrose, ON M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD. • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication 519.669.5105 1540 FLORADALE ROAD P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA www.mgmill.com MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS TOTAL HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE R ES IDENT IAL & COMMERC IAL 11 HENRY ST - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS 519.664.2008 VERMONT Castings SANYO CANADIAN MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED 33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591 Quality & Service you can trust. 21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage, Freedom 55 Financial is a division of The Canada Life Assurance Company RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities 652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo NANCY KOEBEL Bus: 519.744.5433 Email: nancy.koebel@f55f.com Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management 24 COMMERCIAL FUEL DEPOT HOUR CARDLOCK 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira Your First Step to Better Hearing 519-669-9919 charlene@bauerhearing.com Education and Treatment Vacuum Sales, Repairs Service 9 C hurch St. E., Elmira All Makes & Models 519-669-8362 Email: e lmir avacuum@gmail.com Se ↆ COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
▢
Senior’s Community Dining at Breslau Community Centre. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Cost: $12. Must pre-reg-
Woolwich Healthy Communities healthywoolwich.org The place to get involved. • Volunteer Opportunities • Projects & News • Sub-Committee updates SPACE FOR RENT Advertise here for great weekly exposure in Woolwich & Wellesley townships. CALL Donna to book this space today! 519-669-5790 ext. 104
The good kind of apps ahead of the holidays
oving into holiday time, it’s great to have some new apps in your repertoire, whether to be a snack for guests (sometimes unexpected) popping in for a drink or to complement a meal.
If you serve only an hors d’oeuvre to unwanted guests, then they might leave early as they are likely still hungry.
That being said, the
term “hors d’oeuvre,” which of course is French, literally means “outside the work” which is to say it is typically a food that is served in addition to a main course (or instead of in certain contexts).
The following recipe is great because it is served cold, so it can easily be prepared ahead of time or can be brought over to a friend’s house. Don’t you love it when company brings something over, but it “just needs a few minutes in the oven first”?
Anyways, a great finish is something crispy, looks cool and gives it some crunch.
Stuffed Pepper Hors d’oeuvres
→
CLINIC:
people tend to shovel early in the morning after waking up. This is not the most optimal for your body, as you are less likely to be warmed up and you'll be more prone to injury. Try to avoid early morning or late-night shovel ing as much as possi ble. If a large amount of snow is predicted to fall, consider taking multi ple passes, with frequent breaks, so you are not shov eling large piles of snow. Lay down salt or sand ahead of time to improve traction and prevent ice buildup. Lastly, invest in a good shovel, ideally one that is lightweight, metal and sturdy, and has good grips and a long shaft to help with leverage.
Salt & pepper
250g goat cheese
should be a nice pink colour.
Pinch basil, pinch chili flakes ▢ Garnish: “hick ory sticks or fried noodles” 1. Lightly soften garlic & shallots in oil on the stove but don’t allow to brown. 2. Place in food proces sor with tomatoes, cheeses and seasoning.
Allow to mix
Meanwhile cut peppers in half, scoop out seeds and place on tray cup side up.
Using a pastry bag
or even a zip lock bag with the corner snipped off, squeeze cheese mixture into peppers.
Allow to chill. 7. Garnish and serve cold.
Keep your back straight, use your legs and take frequent breaks. When shoveling, the rule is to start slow and take frequent breaks, especially early in the season as you're building up your stamina. While you shovel, avoid bending with your back to scoop. Instead bend at the knees and hips. Keep your arms close to your body to avoid overstressing your back. When dump ing the snow from the shovel, turn with your entire body versus twist ing with your back. Avoid scooping large, heavy loads. Ideally, break up the snow into smaller, more manageable shovel loads.
Treat lower back strain appropri ately. If you strain your lower back by shoveling snow, take some time to rest to give your body
You should be mindful to avoid serious injuries when shovelling.
time to recover.
Over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, or nonste roidal anti-inflam matory medications such as ibuprofen, can help control pain. Topical agents, as well as heat and cold compresses, also can help.
Gentle lower back therapy, including stretching and core exercises, can help with the recovery process, as well.
B e aware of red flag symptoms and seek medical care when appro priate. If you have any severe, progres sive or persistent lower back pain, seek medical care urgently. This is especially true if your back symptoms are accompanied by pain radiating down your lower
extremities, weak ness in your legs or feet, numbness in your genital area, or symptoms of incontinence. Other nonspinal symp toms, such as short ness of breath, chest pain, lightheaded ness or palpations, also should warrant urgent medical evaluation.
With proper prepara tion and mindful atten tion to the actions you take while shoveling, snow clearing doesn't have to be a tedious or difficult winter task. Should you need addi tional assistance for injuries, consult with your primary health provider or a spine care center.
32 | LIVING HERE THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022
▢
▢
▢
▢
▢
▢ 1-1/2 lb mini peppers, fresh
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 shallot, fine chopped
1 clove garlic, minced ▢ 1 Tbsp. sun-dried tomato, rough chop
250g cream cheese
▢
▢
3.
well,
4.
5.
6.
ↆ Chef Bruce Duff is the operator of “Chef Duff at RiverSong” Banquet hall, Café and Culinary Centre just outside of St. Jacobs, which hosts private events, banquets, team building and cooking classes and also run breakfast and lunch in the café from Wed. – Sat; info@chefduff.ca.
ↆ Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www. mayoclinic.org. FROM 31
MCHEF DUFF Recipes from the chef's table The Observer presents ... Bab es Year! of the b 2022 $45 +tax Hint! Thismakesa greatgiftfrom grandma& grandpa! Full-colour photo of your new member of the family published in The Observer. Publish: January 12, 2023 Book By: January 9, 2023 Book and purchase online: observerxtra.com/babies Book early, Save $5 Coupon Code: ChristmasBaby Coupon valid online only until Dec 24, 22 Notice includes: Name, Birth date, Town and Parents Names. For more information inquire at: ads@woolwichobserver.com or call 519-669-5790.
MAYO
Snow shovelling presents various risks
BRYANT:
and focus on keeping track of the environmental recommendations previously given to the township in the Elmira green infrastructure report given to the township in 2018.
Through a grant from the region, TWEEC hired a consultant to produce
environmental advocate in the community, she’ll continue to take part in activities
the report. The point was to create a 20-year plan focused on increasing Elmira’s tree canopy, as well as stormwater management and increasing habitat in the township.
“This was the follow-up to all the trees being cut down in the urban area,
and we figured we needed some professional help that was not township staff,” Bryant said.
The report included recommendations for improvements, “for the way the township deals with trees and develop-
ment, you know, soils around trees and all kinds of stuff like that. Maintenance. And there’s short term recommendations, longer term and aspirational goals.”
She says one of the aspirational goals is to achieve
30 per cent canopy tree cover in the township, “which we’re way behind on,” she said.
Rinne says the group has also just created the Susan Bryant Volunteer Award. “The criteria for which are basically a recognition of
someone who puts in time and effort. Any volunteer effort that has a good story,” she said.
For her part, Bryant wants to spend more time planting trees. “I just hope to get out and dig in the dirt,” she said.
LIVING HERE | 33 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER Takeadvantageofourdiscountedfitness membershipsattheWoolwichMemorialCentreby purchasingalovedoneagiftcertificatethisseason. DiscountedGiftofMotionPricing: 1YearFullAccess$500 6MonthFullAccess$275 1MonthFullAccess$48 20VisitPass$100 10VisitPass$60 ValidDecember1-31 T h e G i f tTheGift o off M o v e m e n Movementt Growwith Woolwich Cookie & Craft Station 4 - 7pm FREE Skate 4:30 - 6pm Woolwich Memorial Centre Cookie & Craft Station 6:30 - 9:30pm FREE Swim 7 - 8:30pm Woolwich Memorial Centre FREE Skate 9:30 - 10:30am Cookie & Craft Station 9:30 - 11:30am St. Jacobs Arena SaturdayDecember10 FridayDecember16 SundayDecember18 Drop in- No registration Try transit. Flexible Transit now serving Breslau Book using the GRT Flex app grt.ca/Breslau
31
→ FROM
A long-time
Susan Bryant (middle) with Sandra Bray and Shannon PurvesSmith protesting Bill 23 at an event Saturday in Elmira.
Leah Gerber
Playtime THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 | 34 Sudoku EASY Sudoku HARD Mini-Word Crossword 8 Letters 1 Word Find-A-Word THEME: CHRISTMAS Word of the Week ACROSS 1. Dealer type 5. Plant part 9. Ponzi 13. Overthrow 14. Corporal punishment 16. “Unforgettable” singer 17. Icelandic epic 18. Attributable (2wrds) 19. Departure 20. Breaks 22. Incriminate 24. Cdn apparel NASDAQ 26. Direction for silence 27. Capital of Georgia 30. Refer to things 33. Christmas tree decoration 35. Brouhaha 37. Wilbur, Charlotte’s Web 38. Devour 41. Mental disorder (Accro) 42. Construction girder 45. Frozen rum drink 48. Printing error 51. Free fall 52. West Indies native 54. Man or boy 55. Twin hull sailing vessel 59. Express frustrations PG 62. Firearm live in the chamber 63. Killer spider 65. Salt Lake City State 66. A chip, maybe 67. “La Grande Parade” artist Fernand 68. Break 69. Can be good or bad 70. Full trust 71. Downhill toy DOWN 1. Maple genus 2. Harassed 3. Political campaign rhetoric 4. Flipper 5. “Acid” 6. Decorative case 7. Slang is “ain’t” 8. Big shot 9. Doubtful person 10. Hip 11. Came down 12. Allocate, with “out” 15. Joey’s home 21. Big loser’s nickname? 23. Bottom of the barrel 25. A Swiss army knife has lots of them 27. Antelope of Africa 28. Cash inducement 29. Setting for TV’s “Newhart” 31. Part of a drum kit 32. Animal catcher 34. Bit 36. Cut, maybe 39. 50 Cent piece 40. Shoot 43. Arched entryway 44. Polite address for woman 46. Campus area 47. Deutsch marks? 49. Drag the deep 50. Breezier 53. Symbol of authority 55. Attired 56. Bang-up 57. “Soap” family name 58. “O Sanctissima,” e.g. 60. Charades, e.g. 61. Abandon 64. Crooked ACROSS 1. Gawks 7. Deserted 8. Bigfoot 9. Custard-base frozen treat 10. Leaked DOWN 1. Smelting residue 2. Indian helmet 3. Anoint with sacred oil 4. New pattern layout 5. Really happy 6. Christian council CAROLS CHRISTMAS COOKIES DECORATING ELVES FAMILY LIGHTS MARCHINGBAND PARADE PRESENTS REINDEER SANTA SINGING SKATING SLEIGH RIDE SNOW TREE TURKEY WREATH SOLACE Someone or something that gives a feeling of comfort to a person who is experiencing grief, sadness, or anxiety. 27 If your company would like to sponsor this page, please contact The Observer at 519-669-5790 ext.104 Or email donna@woolwichobserver.com West Montrose, Ont. 519-669-5219 Figure out the mystery letters to complete this eight-letter word reading clockwise or counterclockwise. SOLUTION:
LIVING HERE | 35 Thursday, December 8, 2022 | THE OBSERVER www.stjacobsprintery.com May the timeless message of Christmas fill your heart & home throughout the year Serving you for over 100 Years 1145 Printery Rd., St. Jacobs 519.664.2263 Wishing you a happy new year. May you & your family be touched by the spirit of the Christmas Season! you TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU BETTER autofleetservices.ca 1070 Industrial Cres., St. Clements 519-699-9496 3533 Broadway St., Hawkesville 519-699-5252 Celebratng 30 years of servce to our community 374 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-3390 Christmas Greetings Christmas is here, and we hope the season delivers much happiness and good fortune to you and yours! We appreciate the year-round support of good friends like you, and we wish you all the best at Christmastime and throughout the new year.
Federal funding will help medical company in St. Jacobs
Atwood Observer Staff
A ST. JACOBS BUSINESS
LAST week received a $1-million repayable loan under FedDev Ontario’s Business Scale-up and Productivity stream.
The no-interest loan to Huron Digital Pathology will help lead the expan sion of the company’s manufacturing, and allow them to add 11 more employees.
Founded in 1994, the company develops scan ning instruments that are used in imaging micro scope slides for pathology.
“Say you get a biopsy or a researcher has a piece of tissue that they want to do research on, they process that tissue and eventually it finds its way onto a microscope slide. And then they look at it under a microscope to do their research or make a diagnosis. So that’s the traditional way and that’s the way that it’s done in the majority of labs today. Whereas the other disciplines have gone digital like Xrays in radiology, they no longer have the big pieces of film. It’s all digital,” explained company president Audil Virk.
Developing this type of technology comes with a lot of barriers, which means pathology lags behind other medical areas.
“The images that we generate from scanners require a lot of memory and a lot of computing power to do so. Whereas in radiology, you could just snap an image. In pathology, a lot of tech nology has to be devel oped in order to image it at the same resolution as if you’re looking through
a microscope,” Virk explained of the chal lenges.
There are several advan tages to this technology, Virk noted. That includes improving diagnostics by making it faster and more accurate.
“One is that the image analysis algorithms can assist the pathologist. But because it’s an image, now it can be viewed from any pathologist anywhere in the world. You’re not just stuck with your local hospital, you can access any pathologist in the world and patients can get access to their own images and get second opinions and things of that nature.”
The technology also uses artificial intelligence to store images, which will allow pathologists and other medical profession als to compare current cases to older ones.
“Let’s say a patholo gist gets a new case, the image-analysis algorithm we’re developing can compare the new image with the older cases, and then display it to the pathologist. That way, if they’re having difficulty diagnosing the case, they can compare it against all of the previous cases and the outcomes actually for the patient, based upon whatever medicine they prescribed,” Virk said.
The loan will see Huron grow significantly.
“Huron has been doing
this for a while, but now it’s really starting to take off and we can’t keep up in manufacturing the scanners. And so with the funding, we’re going to be doubling the size of our facility, and probably more than doubling the size of the manufacturing so that we can produce more systems and faster.”
Dany Mercado, a manufacturing supervisor at Huron, highlights the growth of the company he has been working with for the last 10 years.
“We’ve gone from a single slide holder... to now being capable of doing from 12 slides to 120 and now to 400,” he explained.
“I’m a cancer survivor and to be able to help with these systems and push these systems to get them to the hospitals and clin ics in pathology labs to be able to make a difference with cancer research. It’s absolutely amazing that we’re able to do that,” Mercado added.
The pandemic has highlighted the need for both the production of medical equipment in Canada, and the move to make pathology digital, Virk said.
“We’re the only Cana dian company doing this, and we’re going up against major international play ers in the medical field, so [the loan] is a way to scale our growth,” he added.
36 | THE BACK PAGE THE OBSERVER | Thursday, December 8, 2022 Order online: www.neverenoughthyme.ca ✦ 83A Arthur St. S, Elmira ✦ 519-669-0374 Sending the sweetest holiday wishes your way! Thank you for your support in 2022 1362 VICTORIA ST N. KITCHENER MON-SAT 9AM-6PM SUNDAY 10AM-5PM AREA RUGS 5’X8’ FROM $ 99 NOT EXACTLY AS SHOWN NO TAX! 12” X 24” PORCELAIN TILE $ 1 99 FROM IN STOCK! SUBWAY TILE STARTING FROM PER SQ FT $ 1 39 FROM SLATE -LOOK TILES 12” X 12” $ 399 FROM IN STOCK! HARD WOOD STARTING FROM PER SQ FT HARDWOOD STAIR TREADS OAK OR MAPLE $ 4999 FROM IN STOCK! IN STOCK! 99 ¢ FROM /SQ FT 3.99 CLICK LUXURY VINYL + PAD ATTACHED $ 1 79 FROM PER SQ FT REG 3.99 4FT LONG X 8” WIDE CLICK LUXURY VINYL + CORK PAD ATTACHED $ 399 FROM PER SQ FT REG 6.99 $ 1 79 FROM IN STOCK! LAMINATE 12MM THICK PER SQ FT IN STOCK! IN STOCK! HOT NEW PRODUCT! WWW.SOURCEFLOORING.COM SCAN ME $ 5 99 FROM IN STOCK! 2”X6” HERRINGBONE TILE PER SQ FT REG 9.99 PER SQ FT REG 4.99
Bill
A piece of equipment developed at Huron Digital Pathology in St. Jacobs. Bill Atwood