February 16, 2023

That golden moment

THE ELMIRA MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL committee has chosen its official producer of the year; however, who that is will remain a secret for now. The winner will be announced at the ceremonial first tapping of the year on February 24.

Meeting in Woolwich council chambers Tuesday morning, a panel of three judges tested entries from 10 producers on four categories, including clarity, density, colour and taste. The three judges included Todd Leuty, a former maple, tree nut and agroforestry specialist for the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Jenny Lui,

the new holder of that position; and Brian Bainborough, a maple syrup producer and vice-president of North American Maple Syrup Council.

“We tested all the syrups blindly, so we didn’t know whose syrup it was, and then we tasted all the syrup and we gave comments back to all the producers so they can improve,” explained Bainborough.

When it comes to clarity, the judges examine the syrup to ensure it is free of foreign objects. With colour, there are four categories that it is classified in: golden, amber, dark and very dark. Producers in the competition were asked to aim for amber colour.

Density refers to how

much sugar there is in the syrup. This is measured in brix, with each brix being about one per cent sugar content. Ideal maple syrup is between 66 and 69 brix. According to Bainborough, one entry just missed the mark on density.

“There was one that had an excellent flavour, but the density was just a little bit too high. So it didn’t fall inside those maple syrup categories,” he said. While taste is subjective, the judges have enough experience to make the call, said Greg Bedard, who coordinates the judging for the festival committee.

“They’ve done this thousands of times and tasted thousands of different

Woolwich council approves budget with an 8.68% tax hike

Steve Kannon Observer Staff

LAST-MINUTE

CHANGES TO THE 2023 budget will see Woolwich residents paying a stillhigher tax increase this year.

While some councillors looked for savings on what was originally an 8.5

per cent hike to Woolwich property taxes, when the dust settled Tuesday night the new increase was 8.68 per cent. That was the result of adding in new spending for equity, diversity and inclusion measures on top of some $17,000 in support for the Elmira BIA previously agreed to.

The measures will add $86.11 to the bill of an average home in the township, based on an assessed value of $418,000.

There was some paring back on the capital side, however, as councillors voted to defer the Peel Street bridge reconstruction project for a year,

setting aside plans to borrow $2.75 million this year. The township will also review the viability of installing an electric-vehicle charging station in St. Jacobs. None of the changes to the capital budget have an impact on this year’s tax levy increase.

Council did discuss

putting off the hiring of three new positions this year, including an engineering projects supervisor, a new planner and a fire training officer, the latter two of which could have lowered the tax impact by more than a percentage point, but ultimately opted to go ahead.

The push to lower the tax rate was led by Coun. Eric Schwindt and Coun. Bonnie Bryant, both of whom ended up voting against the 2023 budget over the high increase.

“In support of my constituents, I’m not comfortable with 8.5,” she said of the original target,

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

One of the judges, Todd Leuty, inspects an entry during Monday’s tasting at the Woolwich admin. building to select the official producer for this year’s Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. Bill Atwood

EMSF committee holds tasting to select official producer for 2023

Leah Gerber

Observer Staff

A GROUP OF ABOUT TEN

people protested outside Kitchener-Conestoga MPP

Mike Harris’ Elmira office on Monday, saying that Harris and his staff have barely responded to their emails and phone calls.

“Have you seen Mike?

We can’t find him,” said one protestor to a passerby

walking on the sidewalk.

Neil Lackey, a participating protestor, said he emailed Harris 18 times in four years, and only received one response. The answer did not address any of his questions specifically, said Lackey.

Lackey said he asked questions about a variety of subjects, including Bills 31, 23, and 39. “I got one

Wellesley residents’

group pushing for deeper review of budget

Leah Gerber Observer Staff

WELLESLEY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS CONTINUE

TO push back against the 14 per cent tax increase approved last month by council.

Last week, Kelly Rakowski, a member of the Wellesley Township Concerned Citizens Facebook group, addressed councillors on behalf of many residents who say township staff and council have not been transparent about the increase in cost of the new recreation centre and the resulting increase to their taxes.

Before the council meeting, more than 50 people protested in front of council chambers to demonstrate their frustration before heading inside for the proceedings.

In June 2021, township staff originally released a ‘frequently asked questions’ document stating that the recreation complex project would cost $22 million, the township would take on a debenture of $3 million

at a 2.75 interest rate, and residents’ taxes would increase by 4.3 per cent, or approximately $47 per year for a property with a value of $389,393, the current average property assessment in the township. Mayor Joe Nowak shared this information on the Facebook group, “What’s Up St. Clements.”

Now, the project is projected to cost $27.2 million, the debenture is $8 million at a 3.4 per cent interest rate, and taxes have increased by 7.7 per cent to cover the debenture and staffing. This translates to $112.80 for a property of average assessment.

Rakowski argues citizens were not adequately consulted about the increases in cost and taxes.

“The lack of transparency was very clear when the 7.7 per cent increase in our taxes could be found nowhere in council minutes, agendas or any recording. That is non-existent. So that is part of the lack of transparency,” she

→ WELLESLEY 4

response in November after I asked in capital letters, ‘Are you listening?’” The response was from the stakeholder relations staff member and did not answer his questions, Lackey said. “I’ve asked about research that led him to vote for bill 23. I’ve asked him to help me understand how it will provide affordable housing.” He also asked

whether the Ontario Building Code will be changed to ensure affordable housing is built.

“There were no specific answers to any of my questions,” he said. “It feels like my emails are going into a black hole.”

Other protestors present mentioned a letter they had sent at the end of December signed by 45

New UW research shows the importance of small wetlands

Leah Gerber Observer Staff

NEW RESEARCH OUT OF THE University of Waterloo illuminates the importance of small, stand-alone wetlands. These are wetlands that are geographically isolated, meaning that they may sometimes be

connected to a downstream waterbody, and oftentimes are not.

“The main point that we were trying to make is that a lot of times when you have these smaller upland wetlands that are not near a coastal area, we don’t always think that they are connected to downstream waters,

and we sometimes think that they are not really that important, because they are a small puddle of water someplace and maybe they don’t even have water all throughout the year, they have water part of the year,” said Nandita Basu, a tier-one Canada Research Chair in Global Water Sustain-

ability and Ecohydrology and a professor of water sustainability and ecohydrology at the University of Waterloo.

“I’m not saying that they’re never connected, I’m saying their connections are less apparent than the more riverine wetlands or coastal → WETLANDS 5

A small group gathered outside MPP Mike Harris’ Elmira office on Monday in a call for better communication. Leah Gerber → HARRIS 19

EDSS student earns plenty of kudos of submission to Legion poster contest

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

AN EDSS STUDENT’S TRIBUTE TO veterans has received provincial recognition. Shana Mitchell’s entry into the Royal Canadian Legion’s Remembrance Day poster contest finished second in Ontario in the black and white category.

“I just wanted to capture the seriousness behind it, and how much it affected people,” said Mitchell, a Grade 12 student.

The hand-drawn poster features silhouettes of soldiers across the bottom with hands holding a 3D poppy with the words “Their Sacrifice Our Freedom” written across the top.

“I chose that because I wanted to capture just how it was their sacrifice, and they fought for our freedom. And I had the poppy just for symbolism,”

MCC quick to respond following earthquake that struck Turkey, Syria

she explained. Richard Clausi of the Elmira branch of the Legion emphasized the level of respect in Mitchell’s entry.

“Quite often people see in art something that the artist may not have put in, I guess it’s the beauty of poetry, essays and especially art. You bring your own interpretation to it. If it can create a little bit of reflection, a little bit of thought, it is a good piece of art. This one does get you thinking – there’s simplicity and yet a depth in the drawing. When I saw that, I was moved and our veterans were moved,” he explained.

However, Mitchell did not have a specific message she was trying to send with her poster.

“I just wanted to capture the [impact it had on] people and just they fought for freedom.”

→ POSTER 24

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

WITH THE DEATH TOLL FROM last week’s 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria reaching more than 38,000, the Mennonite Central Committee is working with its volunteers on the ground to provide emergency relief.

“MCC has been working in Syria for decades. And particularly over the past

10 plus years as a conflict has been going on there with different armed groups….So when the earthquake happened, our partners were already on the ground doing work… and were able to pivot really quickly to begin to offer emergency services and support for people on the ground,” said MCC spokesperson Laura Kalmar.

Working mostly in the city of Aleppo, the volun-

teers are coordinating with their eight partner organizations who are opening shelter centers in churches and community buildings and providing emergency food, shelter, hygiene, sanitation supplies and trauma counselling.

One MCC volunteer described the devastation the earthquake left in its wake.

“We are only beginning to see the enormity of

this disaster,” said Garry Mayhew, who, along with his wife Kate, are MCC representatives for Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

“The sheer numbers of lives lost, injured and displaced are overwhelming, and numbers will continue to grow in the days ahead,” Mayhew said in a release.

The earthquake is the latest tragedy in a country that has been rocked by → MCC 8

WELLESLEY: Township looks to hold more public meetings to get the word out

→ FROM 3

said. “The other part of lack of transparency is the fact that the budget just gets approved with a ridiculous number without consultation within the community.”

Nowak said the process for the recreation centre costing and tax increase was completely public, referring to the ‘frequently asked questions’ page released last week by the township.

The FAQ says the cost of the project increased from $22 to $27.2 million because of the pandemic. The contract for the increased cost of the complex was discussed and eventually approved at a public meeting held at the Linwood recreation centre in December 2021.

Five days prior, township staff published a release on the website advertising this meeting, and encouraged the public to come. It said the sole purpose of the meeting was to “review the Wellesley Township Recreation Complex contract.” It did not explicitly state the possible increase to taxes. Proof of vaccination was required to attend, and the meeting was streamed on the township’s YouTube channel.

Multiple comments from residents in support of the project are recorded in the meeting’s minutes, with no presentations from any residents opposed.

Rakowski said the December meeting and its implications were not common knowledge, adding a survey with the updated numbers should have been sent out directly to residents.

“I myself was not aware of the meeting,” said Rakowski, noting others in the Wellesley Township Concerned Citizens group

were likewise unaware of it. “So, I guess I would like to know why people were not more clued-in unless you were in favour of it.”

The debenture for $8 million and its impact on taxpayers was discussed and eventually approved at a council meeting in March 2022. The agenda for that meeting does not include mention that council was going to vote on the debenture that day, but was added in an addendum. A report included in the addendum, prepared the day before, included the anticipated increase in yearly tax paid by the average household of $112.80. This was based on the 2016 MPAC assessment of the average property value in the township.

“Every stage of this from 2019 on, every stage of the approval process for the recreation complex was considered in a public forum and with public reports. Public meetings, open council sessions,” said Nowak.

Nowak wrote about the original projected amount to taxpayers based on the average property assessment in the township of $47 per year on Facebook in June 2021. When asked why the township staff and council did not communicate about the changes to the cost and tax rate more aggressively, he responded:

“We put our agendas on our web page. I believe they can be accessed on social media. When the agendas are coming out, I sometimes put them online. We do, I think, what most communities do as far as getting the message out. We would hope that people would read the newspapers and I guess the website is the place where most of this information can be had.

I don’t know how much

more aggressive we can be. But I think that’s pretty standard procedure, in all communities.” He later added, “I believe we can always do better and will endeavour to do so.”

Nowak noted there were numerous options for people to voice their ‘want list’ as a new recreation complex was first being considered, adding that no one attended the 2023 budget meetings.

“The budget sessions were held, they were two full days. Line by line, each department defended their line items and we looked at them vigorously. To suggest that council just sort of rubber stamped this is absolutely wrong,” he said.

“As mayor I’ve gone through eight budgets, and in each case, we put out that those budget discussions are happening and they’re open sessions, people are allowed to come, and they’re allowed to make presentations. I can think of one person in eight years that actually made a presentation. So, transparent, I’ll stand by that. This council has been extremely transparent. They worked hard for those two days.”

Nowak acknowledges a 14 per cent tax increase is high. “Of course it is, I have to pay it too. I understand full well that it’s an increase,” he said.

Residents were also angry that attendees of last week’s council meeting were not allowed to speak after Rakowski’s delegation. According to the township website, anyone can ask to speak at a public meeting, and a member of council can put forth a motion to let them speak for five minutes.

In response, Nowak said, “It appeared to me at the time, what with some of the comments heard at the time, that it would be

difficult to maintain a civil discussion. It is possible to allow for unregistered guests to address council but that is at the chair’s discretion. Were a member of council to make a motion, proper procedures would be followed. I also hoped at the time that my invitation to meet with them in another forum would be satisfactory. Our CAO did explain the differences between an open forum and a council meeting.”

Rakowski says the Wellesley Township Concerned Citizens group is reaching out to staff and council to schedule that meeting.

She noted members of the group realize the recreation centre is going to be built whether or not they agree, and are now taking a closer look at the budget for 2023 that was passed by council last month.

“The main focus now is budget. Budget and transparency, and understanding why, for a population of 11,500 people, our expenses are so high,” she said.

She says earlier this week the group dropped flyers at Canada Post destined for every household in the township, are putting up lawn signs and will be following up with council and staff to have that meeting.

“If there is nothing to hide, then they should not have an issue about wanting a civil discussion. It will be monitored. And through an open and honest dialogue, taxpayers can understand the decision making made by staff and approved by council.”

Nowak said that council is considering having more public forums in the township’s villages to facilitate more open, roundtable discussions going forward.

OPP reports collisions, fatalities rose in 2022 over previous year

New data released this week by the Ontario Provincial Police show both the number of collisions and fatalities increased last year over 2021 figures.

The data provide a two-year comparison snapshot of traffic fatalities, collisions and their contributing factors, and the most compelling reminder that roads, waterways and trails are only as safe as the actions and behaviours of those who use them, police said in a release, noting the information dispels the notion that traffic fatalities are “accidents,” when in fact, the majority are the result of conscious, poor decisions around taking risks that cause or contribute to people losing their lives. The number of colli-

sions on OPP-monitored roads rose to 74,173 in 2022 versus 60,659 the year prior. There were 359 fatalities, up from 315.

Of those fatalities, 85 last year were speed-related (81 in 2021), while 61 were blamed on inattentiveness (up from 60).

Sixty-four were attributed to alcohol or drug use (32 in 2021), and 61 were seatbelt-related (47). There were 44 deaths in motorcycle collisions, up from 35. That the riders lost control contributed to seven of the deaths.

Police point out that they recognize that adopting and maintaining safe, lawful actions and behaviours falls on everyone who uses the roadways, highways, waterways and trails.

Anonymous tips can be submitted online by visiting www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

FEBRUARY 8

10:15 AM | Perth County OPP have charged one person after a domestic investigation following a disturbance at a Perth Line 55 address in the Township of Perth East.

It was reported that the accused attended the victim’s residence and damaged a door. A 41-year-old resident of Perth East was arrested and charged with ‘mischief – domestic’ and ‘fail to comply with probation order.’ 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.

10 : 45 PM | Police received a report of a theft from a vehicle that was parked on Charlotta Street in Baden. Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

10 : 54 PM | Waterloo

Regional Police received a report of a vehicle striking a deer while travelling on Notre Dame Drive in Wilmot Township.

FEBRUARY 9

9 : 40 AM | The Perth County OPP are investigating a stolen truck with keys left in the vehicle from the Township of Perth East. The vehicle, a black 2012 GMC Sierra, was taken some time overnight from the victim’s residence on Line 47 in Perth East. Anyone with information regarding this or any incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-3101122 or online at www. opp.ca/reporting. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.P3tips. com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000

3 : 00 PM | Police received a report of a

WETLANDS: Areas declining even as we are more dependent on them

wetlands. And because their connections are less apparent, a lot of times when you’re trying to pave over land, they don’t have as much protection.”

Basu and her team found these isolated wetlands actually outperform connected wetlands when it comes to filtering and cleaning pollutants.

When nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus make their way through the watershed to wetlands, one of the main ways they clean these pollutants is through micro-bacteria that live in them. The micro-bacteria can break nitrogen down quickly, but need the time to be in contact with the nutrient, says Frederick Cheng, a postdoctoral researcher now at Colorado State University who worked with Basu on the research.

He said whereas more connected wetlands tend to flush nutrient-laden water to continue to move it through the watershed, these less connected wetlands hold the water and give the bacteria time to digest it.

“In isolated wetlands, most of the water leaves through evaporation, so the water leaves and the nitrogen stays in the wetland, so that increases the time that the microbes can then

transform the nitrogen,” he said.

Cheng notes the process is actually pretty fast. “It’s just a matter of letting the nitrogen come into contact with the micro-bacteria which tend to live in the soil portion of the wetlands, so it can happen in a matter of hours or days. As long as there’s that contact.”

They studied 30 years of satellite imagery measuring water levels in 3,700 wetlands across the United States, and

compared this with pre-established measurements of how much pollution wetlands at these water levels can filter to establish a model comparing connected and isolated wetlands.

Basu said that when a small wetland is connected continuously to a downstream water body, it removes about 40 per cent of the nitrogen that comes in. But when the same wetland is disconnected, it removes about 84 per cent.

shoplifting incident from a business on Farmers Market Road in Woolwich Township. As a result of the investigation, a 34-year-old Kitchener man was arrested and charged with ‘theft under $5,000’ and ‘possession of stolen property under $5,000.’ Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

FEBRUARY 10

8 : 46 AM | Waterloo Regional Police made a fifth arrest in connection to disturbances involving youths that took place in Elmira on September 28. The Woolwich Township youth was charged with ‘Administer Noxious Substance’ and ‘Assault with a Weapon.’ The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477. Anonymous tips can be submitted online by visiting www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.

FEBRUARY 12

9 : 15 AM | A Kitchener man faces charges related to a stolen vehicle after being arrested in Wilmot Township. Police initially received a report of a stolen Toyota RAV4 from an address in Waterloo. Shortly after, police received another call that reported a driver of a RAV4 was driving erratically. The stolen vehicle was located by police in a parking lot in the area of Erbsville Road and Erb Street in Waterloo. As police approached the vehicle, the driver fled the scene, striking a police cruiser, before continuing to flee at a high rate of speed. A short time later, the same vehicle was located by officers in Wilmot Township, where the driver was placed under arrest. The 32-year-old man was charged with a long list of offences, including ‘theft of a motor vehicle,’ ‘flight from police,’ impaired operation’ and ‘breach of a judicial order.’

The wetlands in question don’t need to be large. In fact, many of the wetlands studied for this research were less than 0.5 hectares, and some smaller than 0.1.

Excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous cause algal blooms in the Great Lakes by providing more food for algae. These blooms can be potentially toxic and cause the closure of beaches. In 2014, the water supply for Toledo, Ohio on the coast of Lake Erie was shut off due to toxic algal bloom.

Recently, protection for wetlands in Ontario has been reduced, which Basu sees as disconnected from the research showing their importance.

“I’ve been thinking about it quite a lot. And this is true in southern Ontario, where we’ve already lost over 70 per cent of our wetlands and now we are at risk of losing more. And we argue that we need to do this because we need to build more houses. But the challenge of that is, if you add more people to our landscape, you create more pollution. And so you will need these wetlands even more. We will be taking them away at a time when we need them even more. And that’s the dissonance that is really striking.”

Nandita Basu recently published work about the impact wetlands can have on cleaning pollution when they are less connected to other water bodies. Leah Gerber

Opinion

When

Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Verbatim

“Let’s not blame ‘the market’ for our woes. Landlords choose to hike rents to increase profits, and our governments choose to let them.”

Ricardo Tranjan, a political economist with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, notes rents have increased by an average 18% between tenancies, a key part of soaring prices.

With their protests against tax increases, Wellesley residents are setting an example that should be followed by other municipal ratepayers.

A 14 per cent tax hike would be a bridge too far at any time, but is especially irksome given the economic burden already heaped on residents.

More than half of the tax increase represents debt payments on a new township recreation complex. In opting to spend a large chunk of money on the facility, council knew there would be a large burden spread out over a fairly small tax base – such is the reality of spending in all of the townships and especially in Wellesley.

The township went through the usual public process, but only now are questions and concerns being raised, as residents face the real financial consequences of that decision. A large general tax increase is also under fire, with residents scrutinizing many of the budget items that we’ve long decried as problematic.

Wellesley is not alone in both using the cover of “public consultation” and routinely making spending choices with little input. In fact, it’s historically been more conscious of such issues, its size putting a limit on revenues and, thus, spending options. The kind of scrutiny now underway is long overdue. Profligacy is rampant at every municipality in the area, the regional government being the most egregious of the lot.

Municipal councils do have a great deal of influence over the quality of life in their communities. That’s especially true in the townships, where even small decisions can have a noticeable impact.

Co-opted into the bubble, local politicians have largely taken on the mindset of the public sector employees whose interests are increasingly at odds with residents’ needs, particularly when it comes to spending priorities and keeping budgets under control.

For the system to work properly, even municipal politics must be like the legal system: adversarial. When warranted, council members must be at odds with staff and even with each other, as debate makes for better representation. Unfortunately, such democratic and accountable action is in short supply.

Where things could improve is the use of direct democracy –taking much of the power away from politicians and bureaucrats and putting it in the hands of voters. Major spending and other changes would demand a referendum, one in which a majority of voters would have to take part.

Given the increasingly undemocratic nature of governments globally, even in the ersatz democracies of the West, anything that provides us with a more representative democracy is a good idea. By that I mean democracy that represents the will of the people, as opposed to our system of representative democracy wherein we elect a few people to make decisions in our name. That’s a system that’s clearly showing some strain.

Only the most partisan among us would agree we’re well governed: from the autocratic financial mismanagement in Ottawa and Queen’s Park right on down through regional and local governments, we’re hardly getting full value, yet along anything resembling true representation.

The fact that government has deteriorated to its current state is testament to what happens when we disengage from politics, ironically. In giving the power to a few elected officials and overzealous bureaucrats, we have politicians who make themselves unaccountable for their actions, civil servants pursuing pet projects and pestering of citizens in equal measures.

Those in power – those officially so and those pulling the strings – won’t cede control easily. The public will have to take it. Communication technology theoretically provides the means to exercise direct control, though only if it widens the disingenuous public consultation farce we see from governments today: so few people participate as to not only render it undemocratic, but the process opens the door to the tyranny of the minority while providing cover to officials bent on circumventing the public will.

The Monitor

Canadians already pay the highest taxes on beer in the G7. Yet, the federal government is on track to raise its beer taxes by another 6.3% on April 1, 2023, the biggest increase in 40 years – at the same time as the cost of living for Canadian families is already skyrocketing. Beer Canada

The earthquake and where the blame lies

If you are trying to dodge the blame for a great disaster, the best policy is to say that it was God’s will. So Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, visiting one of the 6,000 buildings that collapsed on their sleeping residents in eastern Turkey last week, said: “Such things have always happened. It’s part of destiny’s plan.”

A very angry Turkish woman on the television news had a simpler explanation for the 33,000 dead already found under the wreckage and the many more to come: “Earthquakes don’t kill people! Buildings kill people!”

To be precise, cheaply built high-rise housing that flouts the regulations about making dwellings earthquake-proof kills people – by the tens of thousands. But it is possible to construct high-rise buildings that will not ‘pancake’ down on their residents in an earthquake.

In Japan, for example, where they have enforced the building regs since the great 1929 Tokyo quake (140,000 killed), earthquakes of almost comparable power now kill in the low hundreds or even in single digits.

Strong concrete floors and vertical columns separating them, both steel-reinforced, cost a bit more, of course, but

they keep your people alive. If you live in an earthquake zone, that’s what you do.

Turkey, like most earthquake zones, has strong regulations on building safety. However, it also has ‘construction amnesties’ which register and legalize buildings that are put up without planning permissions and ignore fire and seismic codes. So build whatever you want, and wait for Erdoğan’s next amnesty to report it.

Some 5.8 million residential buildings were regularized by the last amnesty, issued just before the presidential election of 2018. Another amnesty is planned for the near future, since there is another election coming up this May. Indeed, most of the victims of the recent Turkish earthquakes lived in buildings covered by the 2018 amnesty or earlier ones.

Politicians and developers have a mutually beneficial relationship in most countries, but Turkey is special. It’s not just kickbacks; Erdoğan’s government favours the industry with amnesties, low interest rates and the like because construction produces a quick hit of economic activity that helps

him through the next election or other crisis.

He has quite a few little tics like that. Another is a fixed belief that low interest rates make the economy grow faster. Yes, it does, but most people also know that if the low rates cause inflation then you need higher rates to stop it. Erdoğan doesn’t, and his stubborn conviction to the contrary has raised inflation to almost 100 per cent a year.

The consequent cost-ofliving crisis has already made his victory in the upcoming election doubtful. He has tried all the usual tricks – doubled the minimum wage, increased pensions by 30 per cent, subsidized domestic energy costs, let two million extra people retire immediately – and still the polls show a very tight race.

On top of this, there is now growing public anger about Erdoğan’s role in enabling the developers to get rich by ignoring the building regulations, especially in the southeastern cities that are mourning tens of thousands of earthquake victims. These cities normally vote strongly for his AK party, but probably not this time.

Turkey is still a democracy, despite having been run by a ruthless populist strongman for 20 years. Thousands are jailed

local news matters ...

... it matters where you get your local news.

Wellesley protests provide some long overdue scrutiny

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

Budget process shows the perils of municipal bureaucracies

Asking questions on the public’s behalf is apparently raining on local councils’ parades. Bumming them out. Being negative.

As we’ve seen this budget season, the budget documents, and every other action of staff and councils, are simply to be accepted as is – there’s nothing to see here, move along.

Yes, all this democracy is rather inconvenient, isn’t it?

It’s questioning and demands for proof –sorry, no one’s word is good enough – that we know from the never-ending stream of spending fiascos and scandals. And an incredibly long list of bad decisions, lack of oversight and outright corruption, sadly.

In each and every case, someone assured those asking that there was nothing to see. Move along.

No, assurances don’t mean a thing, I’m afraid. Is that cynical? Negative?

I’d prefer to call it realistic. There’s no room for naiveté, be it the public trusting government or politicians trusting bureaucrats.

Like the courtroom, the whole system works best when it’s adversarial, with plenty of checks and balances against waste, incompetence and graft.

STEVE KANNON Editor's Point of

behalf, watching with a critical eye everything done by bureaucrats. They should be questioning everything, demanding to be sold on every proposal: no irrefutable proof for a new policy or each dollar of spending, then the answer is no.

Fact is, we don’t get that from local politicians. Nor from those at any other level, actually.

It’s a reality noted by many studies of the inherent problems associated with government bureaucracies.

“The media attention focused on elected officials leads many people to think of them as ‘the government.’ Such thinking diverts us from the recognition of a critical truth: politically

articulated agendas are transformed into reality only by bureaucratic systems. Bureaucracies are the dominant means by which governments control and influence the daily lives of people throughout the world,” writes American author Hans Sherrer in one such critique.

Real representative democracy involves an active role for politicians, one that can be uncomfortable ... and should be. It’s not enough just to show up and go with the flow, following an agenda set by staff.

Certainly, much of what gets done by councillors, both in and out of formal meetings, is just routine business, though some of that has to do with mindless rules, procedures and spending ideas conceived by staff and endorsed by elected officials.

Bureaucrats live in a

bubble where the decisions are made to make their lives easier. They do this because they conflate their interests with the public’s, when often the opposite is true. It’s up to the politicians – who represent the people, after all – to halt such practices. That they don’t, speaks volumes. None of this is some conspiracy, just human nature. Everyone feels overworked and underpaid. Everyone could offer up reasons for more pay, less work and additional hiring to help out. In the private sector, that’s often not feasible, given revenue constraints. Nor is it usual for the employees to set the agenda, let alone have it rubber-stamped by those in charge. In government, the opposite is true far too often, with the taxpayers paying, both in terms of funding

and poor service.

An employee at, say, McDonald’s follows the prescribed duties and schedule, earns the going wage and returns a certain level of work. If the arrangement doesn’t suit him, he can seek employment elsewhere (in the absence of unionization efforts, omitted in this example). If the work isn’t up to scratch, service suffers and customers can head over to Harvey’s or other burger joint. If enough customers leave, the business suffers, so those in charge make every effort to ensure the customers are happy.

Little of that applies with government. Most importantly, the public can’t go elsewhere: we’re often stuck in long lineups only to face high prices and lousy service ... and the overcooked meat-substitute “burger” we never wanted in the

first place.

Worse still, the long waits and poor service are used to justify more hiring to “cure” the backlogs, with the usual results we’ve all come to experience.

Clichéd analogy? Certainly. Hyperbolic? Perhaps. Harsh? Maybe a little. Unfair? Absolutely not.

It’s incumbent on politicians to act on the responsibility that comes with the coercive power of government. It requires a higher standard to be applied to decisions, especially when taking people’s money against their will or imposing new controls on them.

“People correctly sense that they have little or no effective defense against government bureaucracies. The most terrifying and predictive aspect of novels such as Brave New World, We, Nineteen Eighty-Four, The Trial, and The Rise of the Meritocracy may be their accurate portrayal of the general sense of helplessness people have against all-encompassing bureaucracies,” writes Sherrer.

It’s in that light politicians must see their role, working for the public by questioning everything. That much of the public is apathetic and resigned to poor governance does not make a do-nothing attitude acceptable.

While we don’t see the kind of waste, bribery and fraud commonplace at higher levels of government here in the townships – there simply isn’t enough money available to blow a billion dollars on vote-buying schemes, for instance – the same rules apply. That means the public should expect 100 per cent accountability from municipal government. That also means local politicians must act on the public’s →KANNON 8

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Wellesley residents' pushback against taxes and spending may serve as a model for an end to the status quo.

Family day is a national statutory holiday.

Alberta first adopted Family Day as a holiday in 1990. It was introduced to promote family values and give workers a long weekend.

Inspiration for “Family Day” came from similar holidays in other countries such as “President’s Day” in the USA.

ↆ LAST WEEK:

Truth: Valentine’s Day was associated with the festival of Lupercalia originating in ancient Rome.

Truth: A significant part of the Hallmark Cards business is made from holidays, especially Valentine’s Day.

Lie: The holiday as we know it today, with cards and gifts, took shape in the Middle Ages. The ancient roman festival of Lupercalia was eventually banned by the Chruch in the 5th century AD, but the idea of celebrating love and affection lived on.

DYER: Turkey now faces an uphill battle getting help

for political reasons, the media work for the boss, corruption and oppression are everywhere – but the voting system is still relatively intact. Erdoğan could lose, and he knows it.

So he will want to make a great show of summoning help from his rich friends abroad for the immense task of rebuilding the region devastated by the earthquakes. His problem is that he no longer has any rich friends abroad.

Russia certainly can’t

afford to bail him out, nor can Iran. The rich Arab regimes don’t trust him because they see him as an Islamist, and China is not splashing the cash around to buy influence overseas any more. Turkey’s Western allies in the NATO alliance have the money, but Erdoğan has alienated them with his games too.

To get the reconstruction aid he needs, he would have to lift his veto on Sweden and Finland joining NATO, stop selling drones to Russia, stop

MCC: Already on the ground with aid

a civil war that has been ongoing since July 2011. Kalmar said this conflict had already left many Syrians displaced from other parts of the country.

“A lot of displaced people were staying in buildings or infrastructures that may have already been compromised by the shelling or the bombing due to the conflict. And then those buildings are not safe to live in or they could fall down or they could crumble. And so we’re going to be seeing the needs mounting of the people who are the survivors and have been left behind.”

Because of import challenges, the MCC is not planning on shipping supplies to Syria from Canada; instead, it is sourcing items locally. However, there are still many ads for Canadians to get involved in the relief efforts, Kalmar said.

“We encourage people to

reach out to their neighbours and colleagues. We have so many newcomers to Canada that are from Syria. So [we are] just encouraging people to look around and find those Syrian refugees in their community or maybe even at their work and ask them how they’re doing. Ask them how their family is. So many of them will have family or loved ones who have been impacted by the earthquake.”

Donations can be made through the Canadian Humanitarian Coalition at www.together.ca.

“We know that this is an unfolding disaster because the numbers that we’re hearing are just growing daily of people who have lost their lives or are displaced or in need of shelter. So working together, we really just want to provide a simple and effective way for Canadians to help when a disaster strikes,” Kalmar said.

threatening NATO ally Greece with a Turkish attack “suddenly one night,” and a good deal more. That might be too much for him to swallow –or he might swallow it and still lose the election.

As for the real victims, the people trapped in the pancaked buildings, the death toll in Turkey may double by the time everything is cleared. In Syria, equally hard-hit by the quakes, the count has barely started, but it could go just as high.

KANNON: Bureaucrats will circle the wagons

and providing real accountability is the role of politicians, including local councillors. Don’t take my word for it: read the job description.

Expect some pushback.

“Any sort of crisis that threatens the bureaucracy or its members triggers a closing of ranks to protect it from outside scrutiny, interference, and legal oversight,” Sherrer notes.

75 Arthur St. South, Elmira, ON N3B 2M8

MCC partner Hope Center is providing emergency relief to displaced people in Aleppo, Syria, following the Feb. 6 earthquakes in Trkiye and Syria. Hope Center has turned churches and community centers into temporary shelters for the growing number of people looking for a safe place to stay. Submitted

Collapsed buildings following the earthquakes in Aleppo, Syria, Feb. 6. Submitted

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Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

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Drive-throughs play a bigger role than most expect

Many tales have been relayed over the years about the patience and the ability to endure possessed by the successful outdoors enthusiast. But I believe that pales in comparison to that possessed by the average employee at the drive-through window who must deal with them. Those people are the real heroes.

The sad part is most of us are blissfully unaware of what drive-through attendants must tolerate. But, if you think about it, no hunting or fishing trip would be complete without a drive-through visit on the way there and back.

Typically, there is very little verbal interaction on the first visit. The outdoors enthusiasts involved are too eager to get to where they are going, so they can become the heroes they were meant to be.

The real problems begin on the way back.

How bad is it? Well, I once witnessed a poor drive-through attendant listen patiently as a veteran outdoorsman wove an entire hunting story between ordering a medium coffee and a blueberry muffin. It was even difficult for me to take, and I was the one telling it.

STEVE GALEA

Not-So-Great Outdoorsman

through basically serves as the outdoorsman’s or outdoorswoman’s confessional.

A typical conversation starts something like this: Drive-through attendant: Hello, welcome to (Place establishment name here). How can I help you?

Outdoors enthusiast: You can help by making me a regular, medium coffee, and you can help my friend by teaching him how to use his bait-casting reel….Har! Har! Har!...”

After that, the attendant is typically regaled with how the fishing day went, the hilarious hi-jinks that occurred at the boat launch, and perhaps given a presentation on the finer points of lure selection. Then he or she will be fooled into thinking that the customer is going to pay-by-phone when in fact, the outdoors person is just offering up photos of the biggest fish of the day.

The thing we should all appreciate most is that the drive-through attendant is essentially the first responder for these stories. They are the ones who blunt the traumatic force of the tale before it ever gets home. If it wasn’t for them, the family, and friends of the outdoors enthusiast in question would get the first draft, before it is refined and

Sadly, this is their fate every day during the hunting and fishing seasons, whether the news is good, bad, or just exaggerated. That’s because a drive- → GALEA 10

When the Kitchener Sports Association holds its dinner meeting Feb. 21 at the Edelweiss Sports Tavern in Kitchener, the KW Titans will be on the menu. Team owner Dave Schooley and members of the coach staff will be on hand to discuss the 2023 season. www.kitchenersports.ca

Having posted a 3-2 overtime win Tuesday against KCI in the quarter-finals, the EDSS boys’ hockey team today (Thursday) faces Grand River Collegiate in the WCSSAA semi-finals. Game time is 2 p.m. at the WMC. The Lancers have a record of 8-1-2-1.

Kings pick up just one win in past three games

THE ELMIRA SUGAR KINGS’ HOLD on fourth place in the Midwestern Conference fell to just one point as the team dropped two of its last three games. Playing a make-up game for one postponed earlier in the season, the Kings dropped a 3-2 decision to Listowel on February 8, following that with a 5-3 win over Caledon on February 11 and a 4-3 loss to Waterloo on Sunday.

“It was not one of our better weeks, for sure.

The Wednesday game against Listowel, we got outworked, outcompeted – they mostly outplayed us for the whole game. And Saturday, home to Caledon, kind of the same story. They outworked us and outcompeted us at the start. We were able to get it going later on, but it was two games where we got outworked for large parts,” said head coach Scott McMillan.

Listowel is always a tough game for the Kings, and the midweek match was no exception. After a scoreless opening period, the Cyclones were on the board first with a goal less than two minutes into the middle frame. The 1-0 lead didn’t last long, however, as Elmira’s Brock Reinhart replied at 4:23, a power-play marker assisted by Brennan Kennedy. That 1-1 score would hold through the rest of the period.

The Cyclones regained the lead just 33 seconds into the third with a power-play goal. It would

take more than 13 minutes for the Kings to tie it up again. Jackson Heron, from Jacob Feijo and Brady Schwindt, made it 2-2 at 14:01.

But just over a minute later, Listowel capitalized on another power play to take a 3-2 lead that would stand at the final buzzer. Shots were 32-24 in favour of the home side, with Elmira netminder Daniel Botelho making 29 stops in the losing cause. The Kings were 1-5 on the power play, while Listowel was 2-4.

Special teams were a factor again Saturday night as the Kings ended up having their hands full with the seventh-place Caledon Bombers who looked decidedly better than a team with just six wins all season.

In fact, the Bombers

were up 2-0 in the first, including a power-play goal to open the scoring four minutes in, before Elmira’s Luke Della Croce finally got the home team on the board. The power-play goal at 19:21, assisted by Ryan Forwell and Madden MacDougall, made it a 2-1 game heading back into the room for the first time.

The Kings tied it at 2-2 when Heron (Schwindt) scored at 13:23, but just over three minutes later, the Bombers retook the lead on the power play.

Adam Grein’s goal with just one second left on the clock meant the game was tied again heading into the second intermission. Assists went to Forwell and Reinhart.

Lammel scored just over two minutes after play resumed, assisted by Della Croce and MacDougall. At 8:15, a power-play goal by Liam Eveleigh (Grein) rounded out the scoring, the 5-3 Elmira lead standing until the end.

Elmira ended up outshooting Caledon 37-28, going 3-9 on the power play versus 2-7 for the visitors. Goaltender Hayden Sabourin stopped 25 to help pace the Kings to victory.

The Kings faced stiffer competition Sunday in Waterloo against the second-place Siskins, doing so without some of their top players, including MacDougall and Eveleigh who’d been suspended one game after a head-contact incident during the previous day’s match.

The team was also without Dustin Good and Joey Martin, who’s expected back from the injured list soon, said McMillan.

The Siskins scored first in what would prove to be a back-and-forth match.

Down 1-0 at 5:09 of the opening period, the Kings replied at 9:57 with a power-play goal off the stick of Chris Black (Kennedy, Della Croce) to make it 1-1. But the Siskins scored again at 18:56 to make it 2-1 and set the stage for what would be more late-period scoring.

Things picked up for the Kings after the intermission.

Jayden

In the second, the Kings made it 2-2 when Malcolm Scott scored at 7:04, assisted by Tanner McDonald. Exactly nine minutes later, Waterloo → KINGS 10

KSA dinner and Titan talk EDSS hockey semis

Steve Kannon Observer Staff

Township of Woolwich – Chief Dennis Aldous is urging families in Woolwich to practice their home re escape plan as part of Family Day on February 20, 2023

“Most fatal res occur at night when everyone is asleep, so that is why it is so important for everyone to know what to do when the smoke alarms sound”, said Fire Chief Dennis Aldous. “Everyone should know what to do and where to go to get out safely.”

CHILDREN/SENIORS

MEETING

ↆ MINOR SPORTS SCOREBOARD

WOOLWICH WILDCATS

■ U10A

Feb 10 vs. Orangeville Flyers

HOME: 6 VISITOR: 4

GOALS: Brayden Clemmer (3), Connor Shantz (2), Devin Vogel

ASSISTS: Matteo Abate (3), Benjamin Collison

■ U10A

Feb 11 vs. Halton Hills

Thunder

HOME: 4 VISITOR: 5

GOALS: Daxton Habermehl (2), Alexander Mielke, Benjamin Collison

ASSISTS: Mason Roadknight,

retook the lead, though that would stand for less than three minutes before Heron scored shorthanded at 19:13, assisted by Della Croce, to make it 3-3.

The third was tightly contested – shots were just 6-6 – but it was Waterloo with the late goal at 18:43 to decide the outcome, a 4-3 final.

The final shot tally was 26-20 in favour of

BUDGET:

noting residents are facing much higher mortgage rates and grocery bills among a host of other financial pressures.

Schwindt shared those concerns, noting the entire budget process that began a month ago failed to find any real savings.

“We haven’t made the cuts that many residents are going to have to make this year,” he said of the rising household expenses people already face.

Mayor Sandy Shantz argued the township is growing, increasing the demand for services and making the tax increases necessary.

Schwindt noted staff size, for instance, has increased 25 per cent in the past five years alone, a pace beyond population

Connor Shantz, Matteo

Abate, Benjamin Collison

■ U15BB

Feb 9 vs Halton Hills White

HOME: 2 VISITOR: 0

GOALS: Carter Weir (2)

ASSISTS: Jackson Kellough, Harrison Hartwick

SHUTOUT: Mills DeVrieze

■ U15BB

Feb 10 vs Oakville Rangers

HOME: 3 VISITOR: 3

GOALS: William Krubally, Charlie Basler, Carter Weir

ASSISTS: Sam Kruschat, Cohen Clemmer

■ U15BB

Feb 12 vs Centre Wellington

HOME: 4 VISITOR: 4

GOALS: Adam Bloch (2), Cohen Clemmer, Carter Weir

ASSISTS: Harrison Hartwick, Jackson Kellough, Adam Bloch, Sam Kruschat, Alex Veitch, Carter Weir

WOOLWICH WILD

■ U11 LL-1

February 12 vs Grand River Mustangs

HOME: 2 VISITOR: 5

GOALS: Delilah Woolner (2)

ASSISTS: Harlee Merner, Hazel Kelly

the home team. Botelho stopped 22 for Elmira.

Despite the loss, McMillan said he felt Sunday’s was the best effort by the squad of the past three games.

“We liked our game. They got a few more shots than us, but we felt like we had dictated the terms of the game. For us to do that is encouraging going into playoffs knowing that we can play with anybody and we can make

life really difficult for any team, no matter who it is. Sunday was a good effort. We’re really happy with that.”

The Kings (27-18-1) meet the Brantford Bandits (2-42-2) twice in the penultimate weekend in the GOJHL regular season. The team is in Brantford Saturday night, then returns home for Family Day matinee Monday at the WMC. Game time is 2 p.m.

growth.

A review of budgets from the past 10 years indicates spending in the operating budget is up 67 per cent – from $13.2 million in 2014 to $23 million in this year’s budget – while taxes for the average resident have increased 58 per cent over that period.

The new budget was approved by a vote of 4-2, with the majority of councillors opting to push ahead with a document slightly tweaked from staff’s initial presentation.

Council was unanimous, however, in its support for funding equity, diversity and inclusion events in the township, adding $6,000 to fund such activities, including $1,775 for an Elmira Pride event,

previously given tentative pre-budget approval. They also approved a $3,000 request for the H.O.P.E. (Hearts Open for Everyone) Multicultural Festival.

Organizer Abby Cooper had earlier told councillors the multicultural festival would provide an opportunity to celebrate Elmira’s growing diversity.

“The more exposure our community has to different racial groups, the more likely people will grow to be more open and understanding of them,” she said.

While the entire 2023 budget was approved by councillors meeting Tuesday night as a committee of the whole, formal ratification will be part of the next meeting, February 21.

GALEA: Showing up a customer can be bad for business

→ FROM 9

CHECK

edited for brevity.

The drive-through attendants also take the heat for the problems we cause. If you are angry at being in a line-up, often it’s not so much about slow service as it is about a long-winded fishing or hunting story.

And while many people think this job requires

little technical skill, they are wrong. A good drive-through employee must possess an ungodly degree of discipline and diplomacy.

For instance, when you show them a photo of a 2-pound lake trout you caught, they have to be able to refrain from showing you a 4-pounder they caught at the same lake.

Because that’s called poor customer service.

I remember this happened to me one time at a roadside establishment whose fast food and coffee I really enjoyed. It was not a big deal really and it hardly bothered me at all.

Every now and then though, I wonder if they are still in business.

The EDSS boys’ hockey team fell 5-2 at the WMC in a Feb. 9 game against Bluevale Colleagiate. It was just the second regulation loss of the season. Bill Atwood

KINGS: With just two more weeks left in the regular season, the team is looking to get into playoff form

Councillors find agreement in support of equity, diversity and inclusion events, including multicultural fest

The KW Titans held their intra-squad Blue vs. White preseason game on Saturday at Woodland Christian High School in Breslau. Their season kicks off on Feb. 20 vs Sudbury. Bill Atwood

New

Funding for DFDCs Wages predicted to rise

The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) this week announced new funding of almost $40 million over the next three years for southern Ontario’s network of Community Futures Development Corporations (CFDCs) to rural economic development.

A shift in labour market has employers on the hop

Workforce Planning Board introduces new resources that looks to help companies connect with new employees

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

THE WORKFORCE PLANNING BOARD OF Waterloo Wellington Dufferin (WPB) has launched a new “Employer Resource Corner” at findyourjob.ca with the goal of helping employers connect with new employees.

The website aims to help employers in three areas: Finding workers, workforce planning and accessing grants and bursaries. The idea for the site came from the WPB’s annual local labour market plan.

“There was a lot of talk about employers not

having one place to go for all of their recruitment and retention. They don’t know where to find the resources when they’re thinking about recruiting people or retaining people,” said WPB executive director Charlene Hofbauer.

There is a “tight labour market” in the region just now, she noted.

“[There] are a lot of employers looking to hire and not as many people actively unemployed. Some are inactively unemployed so they’re kind of thinking, ‘well, if the right job comes up I’ll go back to it or the right job comes along I will leave my current job and

go to it,’” she said.

In January, the unemployment rate in Waterloo Region was six per cent. This is above the national rate, which was five per cent, and the provincial rate, which was 5.2 per cent.

Julie Gibson is a career and work coach and employer liaison at the Conestoga College Career Centre. She provides help to local residents via Woolwich Community Services every other Monday. Gibson said she often hears that jobseekers are not just looking for a job but one that is a good fit and pays a livable wage.

“If they’re going to

If

spend the time at work, they want to feel like it’s worth putting their time and effort into it. So they’re looking for something back from the employer as well. Coming out of the pandemic there’s been a really big labour market shift or labour market trend, that employees are now looking for a quality of life when it comes to employment and not just a job.”

The cycle of employment has changed from one that gave an advantage to employers to a more even playing field, Gibson said, pointing to the historic period when employers held all the →

Most Canadian employers (69%) say wages will increase again this year, according to a survey from The Harris Poll, a steady increase from 66% last year and a significant increase from 55% in 2021. Half of employers (49%) say they are increasing their number of employees in 2023, up from 44% last year and 33% in 2021.

Seeking workers to build machines that replace workers

Ihave a talented friend in Silicon Valley who toiled for years as a project manager at Netflix. A few months ago though, her role with the company ended, like tens of thousands of others in the hi-tech sector.

Few opportunities in conventional venues exist there now, and her future is uncertain.

But maybe I’ll be seeing her at a farm show.

Reuters news service reports this week that hi-tech casualties like my friend are getting snapped up by progressively minded farm equipment and construction companies far from technology hubs like Silicon Valley.

Hi-tech production equipment is becoming more complex, more expensive and more popular, particularly as farm labour supplies continue to dwindle and farmers look to alternatives like autonomous or “smart” vehicles.

Manufacturers are trying to recoup their research and development investment, which at least for now includes humans in some level of lab bench work and project management. That’s where Silicon Valley ex-employees come in, with highly specific skill sets and a proven ability to make technology widely usable and available.

They know little if anything about farming. But they can learn. The key is they know technology, and like it or not,

and an appreciation for great billiard

that’s where labour-intensive agriculture is headed, maybe even faster now that a whack of hi-tech talent that was previously distanced from agriculture is available.

Remote work might further move this phenomenon along. Reuters notes that major agricultural equipment companies – many of which are located in areas where ex-Silicon Valley residents would consider off the beaten track – are opening offices in cities with urban cultural appeal, like Chicago and Austin.

And even remote work is getting a look. Traditionally, equipment companies and others have wanted their employees onsite. That’s a bit like farming itself – farmers don’t work remotely, and it’s not part of their culture. For the most part, they’re used to dealing with real people in onsite shops and dealerships. But maybe that’s poised for change.

And how about the way agriculture has taken a position at high-profile, non-farm events like the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas?

There, far from sounds and smells of the farm, companies like John Deere have rolled out state-of-the-art gear

Julie Gibson of the Conestoga College Career Centre provides employment support at WCS twice a month. Bill Atwood

cards.

While things have changed over the years, and particularly since the pandemic struck, the shift has made it hard for employers to recruit and retrain workers.

Adam Lang, a supervisor at the Waterloo-based Burch Landscape Services, said the company is struggling to find employee, as is the rest of the trades industry.

“I don’t want to sound like the old man, but you know [the saying] ‘nobody wants to work anymore.’ I don’t really think that that’s fully true; I think not many people want to do hard labour work anymore. That’s the biggest issue, anything trades is all hard work. It’s all difficult, but it is very rewarding. It’s hard to show people that reward without having them out there and doing it, and nobody wants to get out and do it first,” Lang said.

While the landscaping business slows down in winter, the company tries to keep its core group of employees until the busy

season starts. Although both Hofbauer and Gibson pointed to paying a livable wage as one thing employers can do, wages are one of the biggest expenses in the trades, Lang said.

“So increasing the amount that the employees are getting paid, that money has to come from somewhere, obviously. So you have to increase the

ROBERTS: Plenty of

to impress shareholders more than farmers. Introducing its hi-tech offerings there to potential employees is a clever, added bonus. But maybe Deere saw it coming for years.

Agriculture is no stranger to recruitment challenges, although

opportunities

cost to the consumers.”

According to Hofbauer, many employers in the region struggle to tap into the already existing talent pool, something that Lang sees happening in the trades.

“When it comes to the trades, not everybody is as computer literate and computer savvy. So trying to get in touch with the rest of the talent pool is

kind of difficult. Something that we have a lot of issues with is finding the right spots to advertise and how to engage with people that are looking for a job in this industry,” he said.

To combat the challenges, his company is trying to reach the younger generation to promote the trade.

“[We’re] trying to get

to extend technology into agriculture

it’s not usually hi-tech positions that are being unfilled. With this latest development, recruiters are looking for workers to create machines to replace other workers. That’s ironic. And it’s all further to the ultimate irony that consumers trust farmers but not technology.

Consumers have been conditioned to associate technology with the likes of products such as pesticides and herbicides, and biotechnology. That sounds menacing to them, and therefore so does technology.

It’s not. It’s necessary, and it’s what most modern farmers are using

to produce our food. We accept robotics and technology in sectors such as transportation where our very lives are on the line every time we put our vehicle in gear and go barreling down the highway. So isn’t it time to take another look at technology’s role in food production?

into the high schools and trying to show that it is a viable career path. One of the things that Landscape Ontario does is they have apprenticeship grants, where people wanting to get into this industry if they’re trying to go for a postsecondary degree through horticulture technician or apprenticeships can almost get their entire university course covered through different bursaries and grants and all that through Landscape Ontario,” he explained.

This is a strategy that other employers in the region have adopted, Hofbuaer said.

“It’s easy to get somebody involved in your organization really early. We’re really encouraging employers to connect to the post-secondary [schools]. And we’re encouraging them to connect to Employment Ontario.…if you’re not connected to those three start there.”

Hofbauer also suggested that employers connect with organiza-

tions supporting immigrants, Indigenous youth and people with disabilities.

Gibson agreed, noting that employers need to tap into the influx of newcomers in the region.

“They’re talented, but maybe not Canadian educated or have limited Canadian work experience. I think that’s a huge market we’re not tapping into, and I think we have people with disabilities that are undervalued and overlooked. I think there’s a huge talent pool as well that employers need to tap into because those two populations are highly under-employed at this time.”

In 2022, the unemployment for landed immigrants who had been in Canada for less than five years was 8.2 per cent, with that figure falling for those who had been here for five to 10 years to 5.8 per cent and 5.1 per cent after 10 years. Just 59 per cent of people with disabilities were employed last year.

EMPLOYMENT: Balance of power has shifted to employees, leaving some businesses scrambling to find staff

The Workforce Planning Board has launched a new resource centre at findyourjob.ca. Submitted

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For Sale

COUNTRY LANE

FABRICS SPRING

Sale. February 13th - 25th. 10% less on fabrics, quilt and comforter batts, tableflex, gloves, hosiery, box cards, rubber stamps and accessories. Selected fabrics and small ware items at half price. 519-664-0701.

HILLTOP FABRICS SPRING SALE.

February 20 February 25th. Open every day that week. 10% off storewide. 4785 Perth Line 67, Milverton. 519-595-4344.

WALLENSTEIN GENERAL STORE INC 7278 Line 86 519 669 2231. Sale

Feb 13, to 24. Closed Family Day and Sat Feb 25th Inventory.

For Sale

UNWANTED GUNS??? PROPERLY Licenced Buyer. Guns, Cabinets, Collections 705-795-7516.

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.

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.

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

Residential: $9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Farm Services

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

Pets

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD/BORDER Collie Puppies for sale. 4 males 5 females left. $750 each. Text 226-820-0078.

WANTED - LOOKING FOR KITTENS, 10 weeks old or younger. Call 519-444-5092.

Coming Events

The Woolwich Seniors Association held their first Valentine’s Day social last week. More than a hundred tickets for the event were sold, and organizers say they hope it will be annual. Entertainment was provided by the Classic Chordsmen quartet. Leah Gerber

Help Wanted

10% off Selected Hardware Garant Forks and Shovels, Barn Owl Forks. Sico Latex Evolution or Kitchen & Bath Paints, Clothing, Fabric, 15% off Housewares, Giftware.

Help Wanted

Wanted STILL BUYING ALL ANTIQUES, COINS, jewellery, wrist and pocket watches, Omega, Rolex, Tudor etc. Fair, honest prices. Over 40 years in business. gallamore@golden.net or call Terry at Elmira 519-242-6900.

KARATE! IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL CLASSES AVAILABLE SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS Self-defense, Self-discipline, Self-confidence GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES 4 TO ADULT Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X World Karate Champion Location St. Peters Lutheran Church2925 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ONLY $105+HST FOR 10 WEEKS Uniform extra. Special ends Feb. 13. Regular price $125+HST Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_ schweitzer@ hotmail.com www.schweitzers martialarts.com

Kurtz Auctions Inc. LIVE AUCTION SALE

Chests//Cherry Entertainment Unit//Love Seat//An�que Dressers & Chests//Large collec�on of Norman Rockwell Plates c/w Authen�city cert.//Variety of Vinyl Records// Fleetwood Console Stereo with Turn Table//Old Blue Original Pitcher &bowl set c/w 2 accent pieces// Coca Cola Collec�on includes Trays, Bo�les & Misc. Memorabilia //Old Tins, Games, Wooden Skis & Snow shoes// An�que Wash Boards, Drying Racks & Clay Jugs//Old Brass Torch & Oil Lamps//Singer Sewing Machine// Quality Ole Crystal and Dish Sets//Lots of unique collectable items.

TOOLS & Misc.: New4Drawer Job MateTool Box c/w 304 pieces tools//50 and 96 pc Socket Sets//Large Variety of New Pliers, Screw Driver & Pry Bar Sets//New Microwave//Variety New Storage Shelving Units (s�ll in box)//New Heaters// Floor Jack& plas�c tool boxes//4 Horizontal Legal Metal File Cabinets//2 doors Metal Storage Cabinet 3’w x6’H//Pro Form Exercise bike.

for

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted. WE ARE HIRING Woodworking Machinist Cabinet Sales & Design Cabinet Installer 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 DATE: Sat. Feb.,25 @ 10:00 am LOCATION: 5461, Hwy 86, 1km north of Guelph Auto Mall PREVIEW: Friday, Feb.24, 1-4 pm and sale day 9 am CONSISTING OF ANTIQUES, SHOP TOOLS FURNITURE & ANTIQUES: 5 pc Solid Birch Dine�e Set c/w 2 leaves//6 pc Oak Victoriaville Bed Suite// Oak Dining Table 43” x 43” c/w 5 leaves, circa 1930//Genuine Leather Occasional Chair//2 matching Krug Corner Cabinets 68”H//Cedar

Auctions Inc. 519-836-0342

The Woolwich Wild U9b team took part in the London Devilettes 32nd annual tournament Feb. 4-6. Front row: Mia Desmeules, Abby Wood, Morgan McKenzie Taylor. Second row (kneeling): Kandis Heckendorn, Everly McCoubrey, Peyton Robinson, Myla Castle, Hazel Weiss, Harper Trimble, Reese Hinbest. Third row: Michaela Denbok, Charlotte Rank, Georgia Roes, Caelen Fitzgerald. Back row: Amy Desmeules, Mark Trimble, Tony Roes, Kyle Rank. Submitted

3rd bedroom and 5 piece bathroom. The basement offers so much versatility with a spacious rec room, 2 bedrooms, a 3 piece bathroom and kitchenette area with sink and fridge, which could easily be converted to a full kitchen for multi-generational living. This space has been well thought out with large egress windows and extra windows in the kitchen area letting in loads of natural light. Additional Features: double garage, new concrete driveway & walkway, main floor laundry, top quality wood used in construction, ceiling fan on back deck, wide stairs, insulation under the poured concrete basement floor, upgrade trim, large tile. MLS

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Tuesday March 21, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Regarding Zone Change Application 2/2023

1066626 Ontario Ltd. and Marhome Farms Ltd.

Please note this will be a virtual meeting only and public attendance at the Township offices will not be permitted. Below is information on how you can submit comments, view or participate in the meeting. You may also contact Development Services staff by sending an email to planning@woolwich.ca or by phone at 519-669-6040 if you have any questions. Take Notice that in accordance with the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, c.P.13, as amended, the Township of Woolwich has received a complete application for the proposed zoning amendment application more specifically described below. This notice summarizes the details of this application and includes a location map of the subject lands. Please be advised that Notice of a Complete Application does not indicate whether the municipality is in support of, or in opposition to the proposal. That determination will be made at a later date.

The Township of Woolwich will hold a Public Meeting, under Section 34 of the Planning Act, to consider the following Zone Change application. No decisions will be made at this meeting; its purpose is to provide additional information to the public and agencies and to receive comments and information from them.

APPLICATION DETAILS

The subject lands consist of a portion of two parcels totaling 2.8 hectares and are located on the north side of King Street North, west of Arthur Street South (see Map 1). The 1.6 hectare portion owned by 1066626 Ontario Ltd. is designated as Industrial/Commercial Area and zoned Stockyards Industrial Commercial Area (C-8) and contains a golf centre. The 1.2-hectare portion owned by Marhome Farms Ltd. is designated Rural and Restricted Land Use Area and zoned Agricultural (A) and contains a farm. Both properties have sitespecific zoning regulations pertaining to the Temporary Use By-law.

The purpose of the application is to extend the Temporary Use By-law for an additional three year period to allow 1066626 Ontario Ltd. to use the 1.2 hectare parcel owned by Marhome Farms Ltd. for a driving range, while Marhome Farms Ltd. uses the 1.6 hectare parcel owned by 1066626 Ontario Ltd. for crop farming (see Site Plan).

APPEAL RIGHTS

TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Township of Woolwich to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of Woolwich before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

AND TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Township of Woolwich before the bylaw is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

As in-person meetings are not an option at this time, you can view or participate in the Public Meeting as follows:

VIEW the Public Meeting / Council meeting livestream on the Woolwich Township YouTube channel at the following link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ ; PARTICIPATE in the Public Meeting by REGISTERING with Council/Committee Facilitator on or before 1:00 pm on Thursday Mart 16, 2023.

To register please:

• visit www.woolwich.ca/delegations for more information on speaking before Council and to register through the online delegation request form; or

• email council meetings@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-6004.

When registering you must provide your name, phone number, email and the application number you would like to comment on. Once you are registered staff will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or conference call number).

If you are concerned that you do not have access to phone or internet or are otherwise concerned about the reliability of your signal, please ensure that you submit written comments. Written comments do not negate your opportunity to also speak at the Public Meeting but do ensure your voice is heard should your electronic connection to the meeting not work.

If you are unsure whether or not you would like to speak at the meeting but want to listen and have the option to comment on a particular application, please register with the Council/ Committee Facilitator. You will not be required to speak if you do not want to.

WHY REGISTER

By registering staff can ensure that you are permitted access to the virtual meeting, we know which application you are commenting on and, can call on you at the appropriate time to comment if you wish to do so. As it is virtual, registering will provide a level of security that is necessary to prevent meeting disruptions.

SUBMITTING COMMENTS AND REQUESTING NOTIFICATION

You can express your concerns/ comments about the proposed changes in writing to the Township of Woolwich. Any comments received on or before Friday March 10, 2023 (Note that this date is before the public meeting) will be included in a report prepared by Development Services and presented at the Public Meeting. Any comments received after the Public Meeting, but prior to Council making a decision on the applications, will be considered. The personal information accompanying your submission is being collected under the authority of the Planning Act and may form part of the public record which may be released to the public. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings. Please note that while the Committee of the Whole and Council may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Records and Freedom of Information Officer at 519-669-1647 or 1-877-969-0094 ext. 6005.

Should you wish to be notified of future meetings and reports regarding the Zone Change application please:

• submit a written request, noting that you wish to be kept informed, to the Township of Woolwich, Development Services, 24 Church Street West, Box 158, Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6, or

• email your request noting that you wish to be kept informed to planning@woolwich.ca

If Council approves the change, a notice will be mailed to you explaining the By-law.

MORE INFORMATION

Additional information related to these applications can be viewed or obtained as follows: Schedule an appointment to view the documents at the Township Administration building located at 24 Church Street West, Elmira weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. To schedule an appointment please call 519-669-6040 or email planning@woolwich.ca

Dated at the Township of Woolwich this 16th day of February 2023.

AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIESIS YOUR NON FARM BUSINESS LEGAL?

The Township is reviewing all the Agricultural properties for compliance with the Zoning By-law. If you run any business from an Agriculturally zoned property such as a produce stand, industrial business, contractor’s operation, storage business, kennel, or any other use that is not directly farming, contact the Township Planning Department to ensure you conform under the zoning. We recommend that you check with Township staff now, as any operation that is discovered by the Township as part of our enforcement process could be subject to increased fees.

Contact Township planning staff in person at the Township Administration Building, by phone at 519-669-6040, or email at planning@woolwich.ca today.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL REGARDING PROPOSED NEW OFFICIAL PLAN

THE PURPOSE OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL

The Council of the Township of Woolwich will hold a special meeting, pursuant to Section 26(3) of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as amended, for the purposes of discussing the proposed New Official Plan. The special meeting of Council will be held as follows:

TUESDAY MARCH 28, 2023 7:00 P.M.

TOWNSHIP OFFICE, TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

THE SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL is to discuss the proposed new Official Plan for the Township of Woolwich. The Special Meeting of Council is intended to provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments regarding any issue or matter that should be considered in creating the new Official Plan. Members of Council will also be providing input on their issues or matters to be considered during the new Official Plan process.

BACKGROUND ON THE NEW OFFICIAL PLAN

The proposed new Official Plan would replace the existing in force and in effect Official Plan once approved. The proposed new Official Plan will affect all lands within the Township of Woolwich. The plan will outline the goals, objectives, and policies primarily used to support growth, economic development, and building the Township’s future as well as establish a framework for managing the effects of growth on the social, economic and natural environment of the Township.

The Planning Act requires that an Official Plan conform with provincial plans or does not conflict with them; has regard to matters of provincial interest; is consistent with provincial policy statements; and addresses recent legislative changes. Taking into account the timing of the approval of the current Official Plan, the introduction of a 2020 Provincial Policy Statement and amendments to the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as well as a new Regional Official Plan, the Township has initiated the creation of a new Official Plan.

SUBJECT LANDS

The new Official Plan will affect all lands within the municipal boundary of the Township of Woolwich. Accordingly, no key map is provided.

YOUR INPUT IS IMPORTANT

Any person can view the special public meeting and/or provide written comments or a verbal representation by virtual participation. Should in-person attendance be permitted, notice will be provided to the public, spaces will be limited, and a registration process will be in place. Register for the Meeting:

Contact the Committee Clerk on or before 10:00 am on Tuesday March 21, 2023

To register please:

• visit www.woolwich.ca/delegations for more information on speaking before Council and to register through the online delegation request form; or

• email councilmeetings@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-6004

When registering you must provide your name, phone number, email and the application number you would like to comment on. Once you are registered the Committee Clerk will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or conference call number).

View the Public Meeting / Council meeting livestream on the Woolwich Township YouTube channel at the following link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ

If you are unable to view / attend the public meeting, you may provide written comments in the following manner:

Email:

• Jeremy Vink, Township of Woolwich – jvink@woolwich.ca

• Heather Sewell, NPG Planning Solutions – hsewell@npgsolutions.ca

Mail / Drop off: Township of Woolwich, Attn: Jeremy Vink, RE: New Official Plan, P.O. Box 158, 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON, N3B 2Z6

A copy of the agenda for the special public meeting of Council, including a staff report and any attachments, will be available by Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 3 pm.

The Township’s current Official Plan may be reviewed on the Township of Woolwich website at Woolwich.ca/officialplan

NOTICE OF COLLECTION

Personal information collected as a result of this public meeting is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Planning Act, and all other relevant legislation, and will be used to assist in making a decision on this matter. All personal information (as defined by MFIPPA), including (but not limited to) names, addresses, opinions and comments collected will be made available for public disclosure to members of the public, at the meeting, through requests, and through the website of the Township of Woolwich. Questions regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of this personal information may be directed to the Clerk, Township of Woolwich; P.O. Box 158, 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON, N3B 2Z6. This notice published on February 16, 2023 and February 23, 2023.

COVID-19 Information:

The health and safety of residents, Council, and staff is the most important part of this meeting. If in-person attendance is permitted at this time, residents who do not wish to attend or are sick and unable to attend in-person, have the option of submitting their comments in writing. Both in person and written comments are equally valued.

Jeff Smith Clerk, Township of Woolwich

NOTICE: NOISE EXEMPTIONS

Did you know that you need to apply for a Noise Exemption for any events with excessive noise, amplified sound, and/or musical instruments?

Submit your fee with your complete application for staff to review.

A minimum of 21 business days notice is required when you apply for your exemption. For more information about how to apply for Noise Exemptions, go to www.woolwich.ca/bylaw.

Neighbours, you can now find approved Noise By-law Exemptions and after-hours noise complaint reporting information on our website at www.woolwich.ca/bylaw.

NOTICE TO RESIDENTS

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Township of Woolwich intends to discuss and adopt the following 2023 budgets as required by section 290 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended:

• Tax-supported operating budget

• Capital budget

• Water budget

• Wastewater budget at the regularly scheduled Council meeting on February 21, 2023, starting at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers situated at 24 Church Street West in Elmira and on Zoom and livestreamed to the Township of Woolwich YouTube Channel.

Richard Petherick, CPA, CMA Director of Finance & Treasurer

Apply to Join the Woolwich 2SLGBTQ+ Ad-hoc Working Group!

The Township of Woolwich is looking for engaged citizens who are passionate about ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for all residents to join the Woolwich 2SLGBTQ+ Ad-hoc Working Group.

The Ad-hoc Working Group will meet as-needed to fulfill their mandate with two to four meetings expected. They will be asked for ideas to make the community a more inclusive place as well as considering specific initiatives like a recent request for a rainbow crosswalk. For more detailed information about the Woolwich 2SLGBTQ+ Ad-hoc Working Group and how to apply, please visit www.woolwich.ca/committees or contact the Clerk’s Office at 519-669-1647 ext. 6010.

The application deadline is Monday, March 6, 2023. Appointments will be in effect until the Group’s mandate is completed or the end of the term of Council, whichever is sooner. Interested, but want more information? Contact Jeff Smith, Director of Corporate Services/ Clerk at jsmith@woolwich.ca or by phone at 519-669-6010.

Birthday

Happy 100th Birthday Jean Heckendorn

Obituary

Driedger, Elaine

Obituary

Lots of love from your family.

Joyce Kailing

From sunrise to sunset, every moment would have been more wonderful if you were here with us today. Your memories will never be forgotten. We miss you.

From Ernie, Jeff, Stephanie & family

Obituary

Weber, Laurene

Died peacefully at Grand River Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in her 63rd year. Beloved wife of Lloyd Weber of RR 4, Elmira. Mother of Ruthann Weber of RR 1, St. Jacobs, Laverne and Sharlene Weber, Florence and Eldon Martin of RR 2, Dundalk, Leonard and Alma Weber, and Marie Weber of RR 4, Elmira. Survived by 11 grandchildren; four brothers: Orvie and Lena Martin, Murray and Naomi Martin, Edgar and Elsie Martin, Lloyd and Ellen Martin; brother-in-law

Oscar and Velina Martin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eileen Weber, Martha and Delton Martin, John and Lorna Weber, Verna and Jesse Gingrich. Predeceased by her parents Edwin and Leah Martin, step-mother Hannah Martin, and sister Alice Martin (Mrs. Oscar). Visitation was held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 6-8 p.m., and Friday, February 10, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1-6 p.m. at her home, 3791 Steffler Rd., Elmira. Family service was held at the home on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 9 a.m. then to Conestoga Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Passed away peacefully at Freeport Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the age of 69. Loving mother of Krista and Scott Veitch, and Timothy Mark Driedger. Proud Oma of Alex and Ashley Veitch, and Sara and Kathleen Driedger. Beloved daughter of Margaret and the late Peter Toews. Will be missed by her brother Ronald (Violet) Toews, sister Sharon (Peter) Neufeld, many nieces, nephews and their families. Remembered by her dear friend Gail. Following Elaine’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service will be held. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Grand River Hospital Foundation –Continuum of Care, Freeport Campus would be appreciated, and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. Thank you to the staff at Freeport for their compassion and care during Elaine’s time there.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Obituary

Passed away after a hard battle with brain cancer at Hospice Waterloo with Melissa by his side on Friday, February 10, 2023 at the age of 42. Beloved husband of Melissa for ten years. Loving Dad to Jackson. Survived by parents Dianna and Arthur Brown, sisters Sarah Van Opstal (Josh), Heather Reid (Jeff), as well as four nieces and one nephew. Lovingly missed by Melissa’s parents Darlene and Greg Turney, sisters Becky Richardson (Kyle), Jessica Weber (Mike) as well as two nieces and two nephews. Dave had many hobbies and interests including gardening, travel, woodworking, curling, hockey, music, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and the Toronto Blue Jays, and spending all the time he could creating constant memories with his little family. He enjoyed a successful career as a Certified Civil Engineering Technologist working for the Region of Waterloo, planning, designing and constructing roads, bridges and sewers. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held for family and friends in Elmira on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Lions Hall, 40 South St. W., Elmira. Refreshments will be served, and everyone is encouraged to dress casually. Words of remembrance and a toast to Dave at 2:30 pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or Hospice Waterloo would be appreciated, and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. A special thank you to the wonderful Care Partners group of nurses, PSWs, Genesis Comfort Care team, our family doctor, and hospice staff who provided Dave with comfort and care to keep him comfortable in his last days.

Metzger, Herbert Henry

Passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the age of 91. Herb is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Frances, children Karen Miersma (Pete), Kevin Metzger (Heather), Rodger Metzger (Lise) and Rennie Cockram (Steve), several grandchildren and great grandchildren, his brother Earl Metzger (Sharon), three sisters, Helen Vandermolen, Gladys Vollmer (John) and Annabelle Payson, half-brother Robert and half- sister Heather as well as extended family members. He was predeceased by his daughters Kim and Rosemarie, brother Bruce, and sister Dorothy. Herb was a loyal, loving husband, and a good provider to his children. He was also a well-respected Grader Operator, a member of Calvary Memorial United Church, and a very good neighbour, as he liked to help others. He enjoyed gardening and working in the greenhouse, and spending time on his word-working projects, but above all, he was a fisherman. Herb participated in many fishing derbys, kept a fishing journal, and even won a lifetime achievement award for his fishing skills. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kristen Robinson of Blue Skies Senior Assistance Ltd, the staff at Victoria Place, the staff at Grand River ICU, and Dr. McKinnon for the excellent care and compassion they gave to Herb.

A Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, February 20th from 2pm – 4pm. The Funeral Service will take place in the Funeral Home’s chapel on Tuesday, February 21st at 11am. A Reception will follow in the Funeral Home’s Fireside Room. Cremation will follow, and Herbert’s urn will be interred at St. Theresa Cemetery at a later date. Condolences for the family and donations to the KW Humane Society may be arranged at www.erbgood.com

❖ www.erbgood.com

EMSF: Sweet success

→ FROM 1

maple syrups, and they know what amber maple syrup should taste like. And if there’s any flaw in the process, they kind of unpack that flaw. And they can really tell you why maple syrup tastes a certain way based on what might happen during the process,” he said.

The winning entry was a “beautiful syrup,” Bainborough said.

“[It had] a good maple flavour, smooth from the time you tasted it to time you swallowed. It was excellent syrup,” he said.

Along with being named producer of the year, the winning farm will be given access to the prime mall spot on sap fest day and will provide the pancake tent with up to 500 litres of maple syrup. While the goal was to pick a producer of the year, the contest is also done to improve the local maple syrup industry, Bedard said.

“As much as we want to produce at the end, we want to also improve and give back to the community and really help everyone develop high quality maple syrup.”

Bainborough agreed.

“It’s education, too, and it makes all the industry better. If you make better syrup, it only helps me.

All of the entries were high quality, Bedard added.

“Just because you finished last or second last, or wherever you finish, it doesn’t mean that that’s a bad maple syrup. It just means we have to score it. And there’s always going to be a winner. The judges make the comment every year that they would buy any of these syrups from any of these producers,” he said.

HARRIS: Looking to talk

→ FROM 3

Death Notice

BRENNER, JEROME - Jerome Anthony Brenner of Listowel, and formerly of Crosshill, passed away at University Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in his 85th year.

JANTZI, SIMEON JACOB - It is with sadness that we share the news of Simeon's passing at the age of 80 on the morning of Friday, February 10, 2023.

KENNELL, ALVIN "AL" - Passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, February 14, 2023, just 4 days after his 91st birthday.

MARTIN, BART S. - Died suddenly due to an accident on the farm on February 8, 2023 at the age of 20.

that never received a response acknowledging Harris had received it. “We’re here because we’re frustrated that we’re not getting any response,” said Dorothy Wilson, a member of the Nith Valley EcoBoosters.

Elmira’s Sandra Bray was another protestor present. “If you look across Ontario, communities are taking action independent of their provincial government,” she said.

“I think the public is looking for leadership and guidance for the [climate] chaos that is coming down the tracks.”

Kasia Kaminska, parliamentary assistant to Harris, said that as of this week, a meeting is in the works for the parties involved, the timing is still to be confirmed.

“Our staff works diligently to manage all incoming correspondence and calls and ensure it is forwarded to the appropriate ministries for attention and response. Due to a high volume of enquiries, we do our best to respond promptly, but sometimes unforeseen delays occur,” she said.

Brown, David (Dave)

Brian Bainborough, vice-president of the North American Maple Syrup Council, was another of the judges. Bill Atwood

Living Here

Coping with strong emotions

▢ Your Mental Wellbeing

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

Still seeking hosts Snapshots of farming

Waterloo Region Grassroots Response to the Ukrainian Crisis is urgently trying to find housing for family fleeing to the area. The volunteer-led group has connected approximately 113 Ukrainian families with hosts. Currently, 30 families have told the group they are interested in coming to Waterloo Region in February.

www.wrgrassrootsresponse.ca

Marking Canada’s Agriculture Day this week, Farm & Food Care launched a nation-wide farm photo contest with $4,000 in cash prizes available for winners in six categories, including the likes of farm scenes, the faces behind the food, farm animals and farm innovation. The contest runs to July 1. www.farmfoodcareon.org/photo-contest

Reminiscing about five decades of service in the community

The Paradise and District Lions Club this week celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

we picked Paradise Lake,” Pfaffinger added.

The club has been heavily involved in the community over the last 50 years.

Emotions make us human. When we interpret them well, they can serve as our guideposts. Emotions provide useful information: Feeling angry may indicate our boundaries have been violated or our needs have not been met. Disappointment lets us know what is important to us.

A common defence mechanism can be to selectively tune out certain strong emotions, and to try and express only positive emotions such as joy and contentment. There can be long term consequences to doing this. We are designed to experience a range of emotions. Think of a piano – each key has a purpose. The piano will not work as designed if you remove some keys. Similarly, if we try to limit our range of emotions, we dampen the whole system.

It takes time and learning skills to be able to dial down the reaction in our nervous system and respond in ways that are healthy for us and our relationships.

Here are some tips to help you cope with strong emotions:

Slow down, connect with your body, and breathe. There are parts of our brain that tend to

Woolwich Counselling Centre → WCC 24

THE PARADISE AND DISTRICT LION Club celebrated its 50th anniversary on Tuesday, with the two remaining founding members, Ed Gerstenkorn and John Pfaffinger, reflecting on the club’s early days.

“People felt there was a need for this area to have somebody to help charities and charity programs. And there were a lot of families that required it and at that time, there was nothing here, service clubs at all, so they felt that it was a good area to start a Lions Club,” Gerstenkorn said.

“We had over 40 people, maybe 45 or so initially. And some joined and dropped off over the years again, of course,” Pfaffinger added.

Although it is based

in St. Clements, naming the club was challenging, Gerstenkorn explained.

“When the club was chartered [we asked] what name is it going to be called? Is it going to be Heidelberg Lions Club,

St. Clements? Because we drew from Wellesley, we had members from Bamberg, Paradise Lake, and St. Jacobs.”

“Plus we had nothing that stuck out really. So some locations there’s

something already like a big city name that is known like Kitchener they picked Oktoberfest [Lions Club] because that was already there. We did not want to leave Heidelberg out or anybody else. So

“We’ve raised over $1 million. It’s a rural club – they’re much different than a city club,” Gerstenkorn said

Among the many highlights was the starting of the annual Tree of Light event.

“John designed that whole tree and everything and it’s used as a flagpole in the summer. And it has benefited the community in the way of fundraising. The first year, I think we only made $2,000. Last year was at $16,000. And then the community donates towards it, because everything stays here in the community,” Gerstenkorn said.

Lions Club International was originally a male-only

Disorder causes body to make too many red blood cells

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have a relative who was diagnosed with polycythemia vera. What is this disorder, and can it be treated? Is any new research being conducted on polycythemia vera?

ANSWER: Polycythemia vera is a blood disorder where the body makes too many red blood cells. It’s one in a family of diseases called myeloproliferative disorders. In these diseases, bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside bones where blood cells

▢ Mayo Clinic

Professional Clinical Health Advice

are made — is affected by a type of chronic leukemia that causes it to make more cells than it should.

Patients with polycythemia vera have a high red blood cell count. But sometimes the disease also can result in too many white blood cells, or too many platelets — the component of blood that aids in clotting. A considerable amount of research

is underway to investigate this blood disorder and treatments for it.

Exactly why polycythemia vera develops is still unclear, although researchers know more about the cause of the disease now than in the past. In 2005, researchers found that a change in a gene that affects the protein JAK2 appears to play a role in polycythemia vera development. JAK2 is one in a series of on/off switches that control when cells grow and divide. In polycythe-

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mia vera, this switch is stuck in the on position, causing cell growth to continue. About 95% of people with polycythemia vera have the JAK2 mutation. The others have different mutations that are thought to affect cells similarly. Research is ongoing.

In its early stages, polycythemia vera may not cause symptoms. Due to the excess red blood cells, though, some people may eventually develop skin itchiness and redness; headaches; dizziness;

shortness of breath; and numbness, tingling, burning or weakness in their hands, feet, arms or legs. Because polycythemia vera causes blood to thicken and slow, it also can increase the risk of developing blood clots, which can cause a stroke.

Over the long term, polycythemia vera may progress to myelofibrosis, a disorder that involves scarring in the bone marrow and disruption of the production of blood cells, and it can lead to

John Pfaffinger and Ed Gerstenkorn are charter members of the club. Bill Atwood

You’ll want these jewels of sweet heat on everything you eat

MAKING THESE

CANDIED JALAPEÑOS

IS as easy as heating the sliced fresh chiles in a seasoned simple syrup and then letting them cool. Yet for such a seemingly basic recipe with so few ingredients and steps, the end product is extraordinarily versatile. The key to their versatility (and to the success of this recipe) proved to be in the balance of flavours and textures.

Ample sweetness — from ¾ cup of sugar — helped keep the potent heat of the chiles in check.

Fruity, tart cider vinegar complemented the vegetal flavor of the fresh chiles

▢ America's Test Kitchen

Rigorously tested recipes that work.

and balanced the sugar’s sweetness, and a generous amount of salt accentuated all the flavours.

Whole coriander seeds contributed vibrant pops of complexity and a welcome textural contrast. Finally, using both red and green jalapeños not only provided a pretty contrast between emerald green and ruby red but also ensured a balanced, assertive level of heat, since the ripened red variety tends to be spicier than the green.

Candied Jalapeños

▢ 4 green jalapeño chiles, stemmed and sliced ¼ inch thick (about 1 cup)

▢ 4 red jalapeño chiles, stemmed and sliced ¼ inch thick (about 1 cup)

▢ 3⁄4 cup sugar

1. Combine all ingredients (including turmeric, if using) in a small saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until jalapeños just soften, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely, about 1 hour.

▢ 1⁄4 cup cider vinegar

▢ 1⁄4 cup water

▢ 2 tsp table salt

▢ 1 tsp coriander seeds

▢ 1⁄4 tsp ground turmeric (optional)

2. Using a fork or tongs, transfer jalapeños to an 8-ounce jar. Pour syrup over jalapeños to fill the jar, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace. Affix jar lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. (Candied jalapeños can be refrigerated for up to one month.)

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

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17

▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: meatloaf, mashed, veggies, salad, roll, dessert, $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

▢ Woolwich Gardeners February Speaker. Join us at St. James Lutheran Church, Elmira, 7 p.m. with Speaker Karin Davidson-Taylor (Royal Botanical Gardens). She will speak on "Healing Plants". Freewill donation for non-members. Open to the public. "Lug a Mug" for refreshments and treats.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

▢ Tuesday Take-out Lunch at Gale Presbyterian Church. Drive-thru pick-up from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30

p.m. $12/meal. Menu: meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, vegetable, salad, bread and cherry cheesecake. RSVP by Fri. Feb 17 (noon) to office@ galepresbyterian.com or 519-669-2852.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

▢ Senior's Community Dining at Linwood Community Centre. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Cost $12. Must register by noon on February 17 by calling 519-664-1900.

▢ Adult Social Drop-In at The Hub, Woolwich Memorial Centre from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Activity is dot painting with Tina. To register please phone 519-669-5139.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24

▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: chicken burger, fries, coleslaw, dessert, $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25

▢ Coldest Night of the Year. Raising funds for Woolwich Community Services. Family-friendly walk to raise money for WCS programs, serving people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness. Team up, fundraise, walk, and gather for good...because it's cold out there. Join us at Woodside Bible Fellowship, Barnswallow Drive, Elmira. 4 p.m. registration, 5 p.m. walk begins, 6 p.m. community chili dinner.

FRIDAY, MARCH 3

▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: lasagna, caesar salad, roll, dessert, $12/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

▢ Woodside Evergreen for Seniors at Woodside Church, Elmira, 10:30 a.m. "Songs and Stories of Bringing Healing and the Gospel of Jesus to the Indigenous People of Canada" by Rick and Linda Martin of Niverville, Manitoba. Suggested donation $10 includes hot lunch. Preregister by March 9 at www.woodsidechurch.ca/evergreen or 519-669-1296.

▢ Gardening 101 with local gardeners Fred Lichti and Chrissy Arjune at the Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira, 7 p.m to 8:30 p.m. This is a brief introduction to the basics of planting and growing a vegetable garden with a hands-on demonstration.Tomato seeds and soil provided to participants. No charge and no registration required.Questions? Contact: Ann at 519-514-7027 or aroberts@woolwich.ca

Mini-Word

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

Sudoku EASY

Crossword

ACROSS

1. Diminutive bone

8. Employees

13. Alfresco

14. By and large

16. Shutterbugs

17. Many a Floridian

18. Octopoda

19. Prohibited

20. Enough (informal)

21. Heavy barge

22. Tease

23. Sore winner

25. Sour

Sudoku HARD

27. Collector's suffix 28. Rootstock starch 31. An ovum

32. Intensify

33. Chinese tea 36. Belonging to the past 40. Paddle 41. Neighbor of Sudan

42. Segments of the corolla

44. Mental sharpness 45. Hit the slopes 46. Pathetic 47. Please, to Shakespeare 49. In the same family

52. Network news stars

53. Managing to avoid

54. Bony fish

55. French noble

SOLUTION:

56. Porterhouse, e.g.

57. Cunning DOWN

1. Tea type

2. Gastropod

3. Summoned

4. To such an extent

5. Temporary accommodation

6. In ___ of

7. Coastal raptors

8. Watched and did nothing

9. Group of three

10. Arctic lights

11. On the lam

12. Item strapped on a horse's head

14. Crab or spider

15. Befurred swimmer

24. Nonsense

25. Most badly made

26. Blood carrier

29. Whickering sounds

30. Trim

33. Cow dung

34. Cafeteria worker's headwear

35. Particular item

37. Chinese porcelain 38. Simultaneously 39. Bewails

Climbers' rests

Clinched an agreement, perhaps

Mother of Helios

Presses the accelerator

Delicate

Pancake Tuesday is on the agenda

So once we get Groundhog Day, Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day out of the way, then of course it’s time for Shrove/Fat Tuesday (aka Mardis Gras) or as I like to call it, “Pancake Tuesday.”

Usually pancakes are regulated to the weekend mornings only, but they’re also a way to spruce up a Tuesday night. Tuesdays can be depressing because they are still an eternity away from Fridays!

Of course, the origin of Shrove Tuesdays was to

▢ 2 large eggs

▢ 1/4 cup flour

▢ 6 green onions

CHEF DUFF

Recipes from the chef's table

use up perishables such as dairy products before starting Lent where some Christians will sometimes practice fasting or giving up certain indulgences whilst preparing for Easter.

Variations of potato pancakes (e.g. latke, rosti) can be found in many European and Slavic cultures throughout the world.

Now we’re doing a variation on a variation by using sweet potatoes.

It’s important to remember that sweet potatoes are lower in starch than white potatoes so need the eggs and flour to help glue them together.

As these potatoes are sweeter, they are well complemented with maple syrup although can be used in a more savoury context as a complement to eggs or a replacement for a potato to serve with a meat or protein entrée.

Sweet Potato Pancakes

▢ 1 lb sweet potato ▢ Salt/pepper to taste

1. Whisk together eggs, flour, seasoning in bowl.

2. Wash peel and grate potatoes.

3. Combine all together, and also mix in green onion.

4. Heat pan on medium heat and add enough oil to cover bottom of pan.

5. Ladle out pancakes, say 1/3 – 1/2 cup per, into pan.

MAYO

More than

▢ Cooking oil as needed

7. Allow to cook for 4-5 minutes and then flip over for another 2 minutes or so to allow to cook through.

⚠ Note: They must be browned before flipping, however if brown before 4 minutes then your burner is too high – you might want to make one first to experiment with the heat.

enlargement of the spleen and liver. Polycythemia vera also can progress to acute leukemia, a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

Treatment of polycythemia vera focuses on controlling symptoms and decreasing the risk of blood clots or bleeding. Therapies often include a daily dose of aspirin and reducing the amount of red blood cells by periodically drawing blood from a vein. In some high-risk patients, medication may be used to decrease the number of red blood cells or to suppress the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells. People who require medi-

clinical trials are underway

cation typically include those older than 60, people who have previously had blood clots or bleeding, people who are at high risk of heart disease, and those with significantly elevated platelet counts.

The three main drugs used to treat polycythemia vera and lower blood counts have been hydroxyurea, peginterferon alfa-2a and ruxolitinib. Hydroxyurea is the typical first therapy, as it works well and has the least side effects. Ruxolitinib is unique in that it targets the JAK2 mutation directly. The most recently approved drug is ropeginterferon alpha 2b-njft. It was approved in November 2021. It

also works to reduce red blood cell production and decrease the risk of blood clots. Patients who progress to myelofibrosis or acute leukemia may need chemotherapy, a bone marrow stem cell transplant or both to treat the disease.

Over 250 clinical trials are being conducted on polycythemia vera. The research includes new drugs, as well as therapies for controlling symptoms and reducing the risk of progression to myelofibrosis and acute leukemia.

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.

JOB

6. Flatten a little with spatula so that they are less than an inch thick.

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.

Patients with polycythemia vera have a high red blood cell count.

POSTER: She has a history of excelling in the contest

Mitchell’s entry was just one of around 400 entered to the Elmira branch from 10 participating schools. The local entries were judged by a team of 21 people, including veterans, Legion members, local artist Dan Holt and other community members.

Mitchell’s poster finished first at each of the local zone (12 branches) and district levels, which goes from Sarnia to Owen Sound and includes most

of southwestern Ontario, excluding the GTA, before being submitted to the provincial level, finishing second in the Ontario Provincial Command.

The number of entries highlights the importance of remembrance, Clausi said.

“Our team was quite impressed with all of the entries. We’re talking about almost 400 entries.”

Mitchell won several awards in the Legion contest from 2015-2018,

including in both poster and literary competitions. Entering again this year, she did not expect to win.

“It was a shock when I got beyond the regional level and went on to the provincial level,” she said.

Mitchell is a “wonderful and talented,” person, Clausi said.

“You always hope when you shake hands with these people a little bit of their talent somehow rubs off on you through a kind of osmosis.”

LIONS CLUB: Members enjoy the camaraderie and doing work that really makes a difference in the community

organization. Women were first welcomed into the Lions Club in 1987, and the Lioness Auxiliary program was dissolved in 1991. The first women joined the local club the next year, bringing a new take on the club and its role.

“When the women joined, we got a whole new perspective of things, and more ideas on how to help the communities was very beneficial,” Gerstenkorn said.

“So different aspects, because women look at things differently and have different ideas,” added Pfaffinger.

Retention of members has been a challenge, however.

“People move away, people pass away. How do

you get interest? Especially younger people, they’re so involved with their families,” said Gerstenkorn.

“The big problem for us was in 1982, members from Wellesley and Linwood in that timeframe split off. When you lose 10 people in one year that’s a big hole,” Pfaffinger explained.

While that dip in membership is challenging, it is good to see the Lions Club grow as a whole, Pfaffinger said, noting that newer clubs were able to learn from their founding.

“And we learned from St. Jacobs and St. Jacobs learned from Elmira, which is one of the biggest clubs,” Gerstenkorn said.

Along with serving the community for 50 years, Pfaffinger enjoyed the

camaraderie of the club and the work they did together.

“Let’s say I design this and that, but when we come together we need all the others to get things going, one man cannot do it. So when a group comes together, like putting up the tree of light, it’s always a team of about a dozen people,” he said.

Gerstenkorn agreed.

“Individuals cannot do that much alone. But as a group, we can do an awful lot more. There’s lots of hard work at times like cleaning up the park and erecting this and helping here. But nobody comes here and goes away mad or anything like that. They come because they enjoy it and they see the benefits that it brings to the communities.”

WELLBEING: Avoid acting in the heat of the moment

→ FROM 20

go offline when we get heated. When we exhale slowly and calm our heart rate, then we can allow the wiser parts of the brain – the ones that can problem solve and see the big picture – to come back online. It works well to practice deep, gentle breathing when you are not heated too. Regularly practicing this can work to lower your stress level and help you to relax.

Avoid speaking immediately in the heat of the moment. Count to 10, especially if you are experiencing a great deal of anger. Try not to react until you are sure your words are mind-

ful and helpful. Remember, in the context of any caring relationship, nothing has to be fixed in this moment. Take the longer view and try not to do damage to your relationship when you are angry.

Take a mindfulness approach to the heated moment. Emotions are like boats going past on the river. You want to learn to sit on the riverbank, rather than riding on the boat. Be aware of the boats going by – be aware of the thoughts, emotions, and body sensations you are experiencing. The goal is to not stand in the river to stop the boats or jump onto a boat to see where it

takes you, but rather to be aware of the emotions and learn what they are telling you. Accept the emotions nonjudgmentally and with compassion.

Coping with strong emotions takes time and practice. If you feel you could use some extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or mental health counsellor.

ↆ This article is brought to you by Woolwich Counselling Centre. This nonprofit counselling agency creates awareness and provides education to promote emotional and mental wellness for individuals, families, businesses, and others in Woolwich and Wellesley. Check out their upcoming small group therapy sessions and workshops at www.woolwichcounselling.org.

Shana Mitchell’s entry in the Legion’s poster contest caught the eye of judges. Bill Atwood/submitted