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01 | 18 | 2018 VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 03

KINGS AND JACKS RELY ON A CADRE OF VOLUNTEERS SPORTS PAGE 10

COMMENT PAGE 6

EXTRA PRECAUTIONS NEEDED AS FLU CASES MOUNT

Woolwich eyes 3.3% tax increase this year

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WOOLWICH GIRLS REACH OUT ACROSS THE GLOBE

Councillors begin to work in earnest on 2018 budget with series of public meetings; second set for Thursday night STEVE KANNON

WOOLWICH IS PROPOSING A 3.3 per cent tax increase for 2018, a move that will add $27.35 a year to the township portion of the average home, based on an assessed value of $361,000.

A general increase of 1.8 per cent, chosen to reflect the inflation rate expected this year, will be joined by a 1.5 per cent special infrastructure levy.

The additional levy reflects a longstanding township priority to build up funds to deal with future projects such as the replacement of roads, bridges and recreation facilities.

The target increase won approval in principle January 11 as council kicked off budget season in earnest with the first of three special meetings.

As presented, the budget proposes total spending of $16.4 million on the operating side and $12.4 million for capital expenditures.

The Woolwich Wild Atom girls’ team got together Saturday to create individualized cheer cards for the women’s Olympics team. The young Atoms will be sending their personalized cards to female Olympians playing at the 2018 games in Pyeongchang.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

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2 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

A quick thaw at the end of last week saw ice on the Grand River system break up, causing a few jams in the usual spots such as the West Montrose covered bridge, but no flooding was reported.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

Ice jams follow sudden thaw, but no flooding issues along local stretch of the Grand River FAISAL ALI THICK SECTIONS OF ICE were seen washed up along the banks of Grand River last week in places like West Montrose and Conestogo after an unusual thaw in the weather caused minor ice jams and elevated river flows. Melting ice and rainfall contributed to flooding of low-lying areas – areas typically flooded in the springtime – such as the low-level bridge along

Three Bridges Road upstream from St. Jacobs.

About a month of cold weather preceded last week’s sudden warming, which caused the sudden breakage of ice along the Grand River, says a spokesperson for the Grand River Conservation Authority.

“The river, essentially from source to mouth, really was a sheet of ice, and pretty thick ice in some parts, too, prior to this event happening,” noted Cam Linwood.

“As the event started and those temperatures warmed, it started contributing to snowmelt and started contributing to some of the rainfall runoff into the river.”

The additional water levels increased river flows, which in turn became backed up by thick ice in the river until finally the river flows spiked around midday on Friday in West Montrose.

“That’s when the temperature was warm enough

that ice started breaking up,” said Linwood, causing the ice jams in West Montrose.

“So essentially it’s too much broken ice in the river that gets kind of stuck for a short period of time, water will back-up behind it, and then obviously that water pressure puts more on the ice, it releases the ice jam and everything goes downstream,” he explained.

In the space of an hour, it was over, and by late afternoon the flow and water

levels had receded, leaving only miniature icebergs piled along the riverbanks.

“When we’re talking in the context of ice jams, this is a relatively small one in comparison to some that you’ll see quite often farther downstream, and even some that they’ve seen in West Montrose before,” noted Linwood.

The Shand Dam on Belwood Lake was able to absorb some of the higher river flow to minimize flood-

ing during the ice jam. Now that the event is over, the reservoir is slowly releasing the excess water back into the river, which will contribute to higher than normal river flows until the dam is returned to its regular wintertime operating level.

The likelihood of flooding in the area is receding, though the GRCA is still monitoring the river for ice jams, which can suddenly and unpredictably raise water levels.

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NEWS | 3

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

Walking school bus program looks to expand in Waterloo Region Success of pilot project at Wellesley PS prompts $250,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation ALI WILSON A WALKING SCHOOL BUS program, piloted at Wellesley PS last year, will expand to 30 schools in Waterloo Region thanks to a financial boost to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Launched last year in Wellesley as The Trottibus, the walking school bus is, as the name hints, an organized system that does on foot what a school bus does in shuttling kids home safely as a group along their route.

“Volunteers, parents or other adults lead the walking school bus and it works just like a traditional school bus,” explained Leslie Maxwell, school travel planner with student transportation services of Waterloo Region. “Parents would register their kids and say, ‘Yes I want their ‘school bus’ to pick them up’ and they would be assigned a given time at a given stop, be picked up and walked to school the rest of the way.”

The successful pilot outing of the program and the resultant increased physical activity levels among children prompted the foundation to provide funding totalling $246,800 over three years.

“The pilot had been very successful and so we were looking for resources to scale the program up to more schools in the region,” explained Susan Flynn, senior manager of cancer prevention in Ontario with the Canadian Cancer Society.

Grants through the foundation are intended to help organizations expand an existing, proven, not-for-profit project. Local partners who helped to make the pilot feasible and workable include Waterloo Region Student Transportation Services, the school boards, the Waterloo Region Block Parent program, and the Region of Waterloo Public Health’s active and safe routes to school program.

“We also fitted under the stream of keeping Ontarians active, so a walking school bus is a great way to get young children and their families out walking in their communities, rather than taking their car. We know that healthy patterns that are established early in life are more

Wellesley and District Lions Club chief Susan Reid handed out some $15,000 to local beneficiaries Tuesday evening at the Schmidtsville Restaurant in Wellesley Village.

Strong fundraising drives allow Wellesley Lions to support local charities Club able to donate some $15,000 to various causes as a result of December activities ALI WILSON A NUMBER OF LOCAL charities were some $15,000 richer Tuesday night as the Wellesley and District Lions Club distributed the proceedings of their various December fundraising initiatives.

Lion chief Susan Reid handed out nearly $15,000 to local families in need, as well as Meals on Wheels, the Wellesley Family Outreach Program and the Wellesley Habitat for Humanity build during a gathering at Schmidtsville Restaurant in Wellesley Village.

“There was a time when the Lions had very little money, and every time somebody would come up for a request we had to scrimp and save and decide who we could help and who we couldn’t help.

Things have been much more successful in the last few years and we have done really, really well, even at Christmas-

SCHOOLS | 4

HOW TO REACH US

[ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER]

time,” said Reid. “We normally give our needy families in town some help for Christmas. This year, because of the money we had in the bank, we gave away $2,200 to the needy families in town, and that was a really good feeling. Between that and what we gave away tonight, we have given out over $15,000 over the past month.

“All of you Lions can be very proud of yourselves.”

Money was raised from the lighting of the Tree of Light, donations from local businesses and collections during the month of December.

Among repeat organizations receiving donations was Community Care Concepts, towards the Meals on Wheels in Wellesley, and the House of Friendship, for the Wellesley Family Outreach Program.

Cathy Harrington, from CCC was there to receive $4,000.

“I just want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your fi-

nancial contribution. Iit is so important to allow us to be able to do what we do and I want to thank you for the wonderful service that you do in the community. I know many, many folks see it and it is truly, truly appreciated,” said Harrington.

Over the past year, Meals on Wheels in Wellesley delivered some 2,500 hot meals, and provided nearly 1,300 meals in community dining.

The program provides local seniors’ meals weekdays at lunch, while also providing social contact and a necessary safety check.

Sue Martin from House of Friendship also received a cheque for $4,000.

A community-based initiative, the Family Outreach Program was created to prevent and reduce child poverty in Waterloo Region. In Wellesley, they work with low-income families with children to help connect them with lo-

cal services and anything else they may need, said Martin, noting she can be reached by any family in need or by those who know a family that could use some help.

Habitat for Humanity was a first-time recipient. The group built its first home in Wellesley Township last year.

Jerry Lawlor, vice-president, development for Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, was there to receive the cheque.

Their first build in the township has gone smoothly thus far, Lawlor explained, adding that new residents would be moving into the home on the Easter long weekend.

As the only remaining service club in the area, the Wellesley and District Lions Club works to serve the community. Heading into 2018, they say they will be looking for new projects to invest their time and fundraising efforts towards.

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4 | NEWS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

NOTICE OF STUDY COMPLETION EASTSIDE LANDS SANITARY SERVICING ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT The EA Study The Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Region) has recently completed a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) for the provision of sanitary servicing to the area known as the “East Side Lands”.

This Class EA study has built upon the approved 2014 East Side Lands Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) and the Region’s 2007 Wastewater Treatment Master Plan (WWTMP), both of which have included extensive public consultation in the past.

The Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process The Region has undertaken this study in accordance with the requirements for a Schedule ‘B’ project under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) (Municipal Engineers Association, June 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015). The study completes Phases 1 to 4 of the Municipal Class EA Process.

Study Findings Based on the study findings, a preferred solution has been identified as gravity sewers without the need for a pumping station. The gravity sewer begins at a location north of Freeport Creek, is aligned through the Deer Ridge subdivision, and ends at the inlet of the Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plant. A dedicated service bridge for the sewer pipe is proposed to cross above the Grand River.

Environmental Study Report Available for Review An Environmental Study (ESR) which documents the study process and findings has been prepared and is available on the Region’s website at: http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/aboutTheEnvironment/MasterPlansandProjects.asp The ESR is also available for viewing from December 18, 2017 to February 28, 2018 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.at the following locations: Regional Clerk’s Office 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor Kitchener, Ontario

Regional Operations Centre 100 Maple Grove Rd., Front Reception Cambridge, Ontario

The review period for the ESR has been extended to February 28, 2018 to allow adequate time for public review.

Please provide written comments on the ESR to Ms. Nicole Sapeta, Region of Waterloo by the end of the business day on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at the address provided below.

Nicole Sapeta, P.Eng. Project Engineer Water Services, Region of Waterloo 150 Frederick Street, 7th Floor Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3 Tel: 519-575-4400 ext. 3682, Fax: 519-575-4452 Email: nsapeta@regionofwaterloo.ca All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding this project are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision. Under the “Municipal Act”, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record. Questions regarding the collection of information should be referred to the person indicated above.

If concerns regarding this project cannot be resolved in discussion with the Region of Waterloo, a person or party may request that the Minister of Environment and Climate Change make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order), which addresses individual environmental assessments. Requests for a Part II Order must be received by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change by Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the following address: Minister of the Environment and Climate Change 77 Wellesley Street West, 11th Floor, Ferguson Block Toronto, Ontario M7A 2T5 Tel: 416-314-6790, Fax: 416-314-6748 Email: Minister.MOECC@ontario.ca The request to the Minister must be copied to the Region’s Project Manager. If no request is received

by Wednesday February 28, 2018, this phase of the project will be deemed as complete.

This notice is being provided pursuant to the Environmental Assessment Act, the Municipal Engineers Association’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, dated October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, and 2015 and the direction of the Ministry of Environment.

This notice was issued on December 14, 2017 and January 11, 2018.

Wellesley Lions look to brighten up winter with a ceilidh on Saturday night ALI WILSON EXPECT LOTS OF SCOTTISH music, dancing and food in Wellesley this weekend.

The Wellesley and District Lions Club will be hosting their Ceilidh Night Saturday (January 20) from 7-10 p.m. at the Wellesley Community Centre. “(It’s) a chance to dress up in Scottish regalia if you wish, a chance to learn group dances or just enjoy the music and watch others learn the dances,” said Jennifer Sommer, member of the Lions Club and organizing committee for the event.

The festivities come just in advance of Robert Burns Day, the celebration of the birthday of one of Scotland’s best-known and beloved poets, which is marked around the world on January 25.

Just three years ago, the local Lions Club had been looking for a familyfriendly event to host, with the hopes that it would bring the community together for fellowship and fun in the middle of the winter months when folks don’t see each other as often.

“The idea of a Ceilidh came up, I had been to several during my years studying at the University of Guelph and had fond memories of a night of fun,” she explained. “When we realized we had members of a Celtic band living locally, the event got off the

ground.”

That local band is known as Failte. Now an annual event, they have headlined since the inception of the event. Stephen Todd, a band member local to Wellesley is joined by his wife Ellen, who happens to be the caller, someone who teaches dance steps to the crowd, for the dances.

“They happen to live in Wellesley as well and every year their enthusiasm for the community and the event is apparent,” said Sommer.

In addition to dancing and music, there will be a snack and drink bar featuring themed beverages and food along the lines of whisky, Irish beer, shortbread, Mackintosh Toffee, haggis meat pies and scones.

Celtic music and offerings aside, Sommer’s stresses that the event is held really to bring out every member of the community.

“It’s a way to experience amazing music and community fun. Something the entire family, neighbours young and old can enjoy,” she said. “It’s also affordable fun for the family – $20/family ticket or subsidized tickets available if needed. We want the event to be accessible to all.”

This year, proceeds from the evening will be going to the Wellesley Habitat for Humanity build.

Blair Cressman, first vice-president with the

Lions Club expresses the desire to do things in your own back yard is very prominent among villagers.

“You can do something in your backyard, people are looking for that,” he said. “A lot of families with young kids are looking for just an opportunity, for a night out with their kids involved. It was so successful in the first year, we held it again last year and it grew last year as well. So again just not a real big fundraising event just really more focusing on having a really fun night for families, a pretty neat event.”

The sense of inclusiveness the event provides, is something he enjoys seeing – not only as an organizer, but also as an attendee.

“Families get out on the dance floor – young and old, grandparents, young kids and just go through the dances – they play just amazing Celtic music,” he said. “My kids just ran around with their heads cut off for the entire event and when you’re there, their faces are just so flush, just running around having a great time all night - just a great success.

“A fun event in town.”

Tickets for this weekend’s event are $20 for families (regardless of family size), $5 for seniors/ students and $10 for adults, available at Pym’s grocery store, the Esso gas station or by contacting a Wellesley and District Lions Club member.

SCHOOLS: Looking for other participants FROM | 3

likely to be carried on as the child grows older,” Flynn added.

As Maxwell explained, the list of benefits for the walking program exceeds just physical activity.

“The walking school bus can make the walk to school more feasible for some families who struggle with scheduling or who have more than one child attending different schools,” said Maxwell.

“This project has a real chance of reducing the number of parents who may have been driving their children to school and can make a positive environmental impact as well as supporting greater child

health and better focus in the classroom.”

The grant will be implemented over the next three years, where schools who are interested in the program will be educated and aided in order to make the project successful and sustainable.

“We are planning to work with our local partners to set up a walking school bus program in 30 schools.

We recognize setting up the program is one thing, building in mechanisms to make sure the program is sustained and becomes an ongoing activity of the school is something that requires a bit of time, which is why this is a three year project,” explained

Flynn.

The CCS will work with schools to identify interest by promoting the program to the parents, recruiting them to be volunteers both to help around the program and be walk supervisors.

They will also support the schools in identifying optimal walking routes. As well, there will be ongoing evaluations of the program to find opportunities for improvement.

Funding will officially begin flowing in February.

However, they say they will be spending the months leading up to the next school year identifying schools that are interested, with an eye on starting in September.

NEWS | 5

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

Surplus for 2017 snow budget Despite a substantial amount of snowfall at the end of the year, including holiday overtime, Woolwich ended 2017 with a small surplus its snow-clearing budget.

Heading into the last month of the year, Dan Kennaley, director of engineering and planning services, predicted a surplus for the winter control budget, crediting a mild end to last winter.

At the outset of 2017, the township set a budget of $699,973.

“The ending balance is $663,021.50, so the difference between the budget and the ending balance is $36,951.50 to the positive, representing a small surplus,” said Kennaley.

Based on the surplus of $40,000, Kennaley said that number comes in a little tight.

“That’s really close – all it would take is probably one extra snow event, and we might have been over budget,” he said.

Private contractors look after sidewalks and municipal parking lots, while township staff look after the roads, with costs for wages, salt and sand fluctuating based on the weather.

West Montrose wells to close A system of four ground water wells in Woolwich have been approved for decommission, in favour of installing a direct connection to the region’s integrated urban system waterline.

Regional council voted last week to decommission the system in West Montrose, as well as five other systems in the region, after a study determined they would not be needed to meet future water demand. Instead, West Montrose would be supplied via a connection from Conestogo.

“This is the water supply and distribution system which currently supplies water to Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo, St. Jacobs and Elmira,” explained Pam Law, a senior engineer with Waterloo Region in an emailed statement.

“Once final connections are made the existing wells and associated treatment processes in Conestogo and West Montrose will be decommissioned. “ The cost to decommission the well systems is estimated at $150,000, while the entire project is earmarked for $8.5-million.

While still operational, the reliability of the well system has been spotty at

times, requiring water to be trucked into the community regularly to maintain the supply. The project is slated for completion in 2019.

GRH seeks CEO Grand River Hospital now has a search underway for a new president and chief executive officer after Malcolm Maxwell announced his intention to retire on September 28. He has served in the role since June 2007.

“Malcolm has been a leading champion of quality patient care and staff and physician engagement throughout his career. Under Malcolm’s

leadership GRH has become one of the safest hospitals in Canada,” aid Janice Deganis, chair of the GRH board of directors in a release. “GRH has become a stronger organization, with a great senior leadership team, a talented and growing medical staff, wonderful and caring staff, and dedicated volunteers.”

The board says it will arrange a national search to fill the position. The hospital recently launched its updated strategic plan focusing on patient care, research and innovation. GRH has begun the renewal of its clinical information system in conjunction with St. Mary’s General Hospital.

POLICE BLOTTER

Warming up your car can be a letdown, police warn WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE ARE reminding motorists to not leave their vehicles unattended to “warm up” after receiving several reports of vehicle thefts in the region.

In December, police received 11 reports of “warmup” thefts. So far this year, a total of nine vehicles have been stolen. Most are taken from residential driveways or from gas stations and variety stores.

While it’s tempting in this cold weather to leave your vehicle idling while you get ready for work or run into a store, it is also an open invitation to thieves looking to drive away with your vehicle, police warn.

To reduce the chances of your vehicle being stolen while warming up, it is essential that you never leave it unattended with a key in the ignition.

As well, police suggest you carry your registration and insurance papers with you and never leave personal identification documents or valuables in your vehicle. It is also advised that you write down license

PEDESTRIAN SENT TO HOSPITAL IN BUGGY COLLISION

plate and VIN numbers and keep them with you so if your vehicle ever is stolen, you can provide the necessary information to police quickly.

JANUARY 7

10:46 AM | A 39-year-old Waterloo woman was driving a grey Mazda on King Street south of St. Jacobs when she attempted to make a left turn onto Lobsinger Line and lost control of her vehicle, left the roadway and struck a sign. She was charged with ‘careless driving.’ No injuries reported and the vehicle was towed from the scene.

7:50 PM | A 16-year-old Floradale girl was travelling eastbound on Line 86 approaching Reid Woods Drive east of Elmira when she drove onto the shoulder of the roadway and lost control of the vehicle, crossed the centre line and struck a cable guard rail, crossed back over the road and came to rest in the south ditch. No injuries were reported, but the vehicle had to be towed from the scene. The driver was issued a provincial offence notice for driving left of the centre of the roadway.

An 81-year-old Wallenstein man was struck by a horse-drawn buggy while attempting to cross the intersection at Arthur Church streets in Elmira. The pedestrian had stepped onto the road crossing when driver of the buggy attempted to make a right turn onto Church Street. The Wallenstein man was taken to hospital with minor injuries, and released soon after. The driver and horse were unharmed, but the driver was charged with ‘failing to yield to a pedestrian.’ [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] JANUARY 12

6:30 PM | A concerned citizen’s phone call to police led to the arrest of a driver whose vehicle was reported to have entered the ditch in the area of Perth Road 119 and Perth Line 43 in the Township of Perth East. Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of vehicle had

been consuming alcohol. As a result, a 39-year-old Municipality of West Perth man was arrested and charged with ‘over 80 - care or control’ and ‘impaired - care or control.’ Breath samples obtained were more than four times the legal limit. The man was released on a promise to appear. The vehicle was impounded, and the

driver’s licence was suspended.

JANUARY 15

11:25 PM | A Wellington County OPP officer was conducting a patrol in Drayton when he observed a silver sedan travelling westbound on Main Street at a speed that appeared to be well above the posted 50

km/h limit. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver was identified as a suspended driver and a disqualified driver. As a result, a 29-year-old Wellington North man was charged with ‘driving while disqualified.’ He is scheduled to appear in Guelph Criminal Court on February 23 to answer to the charge.

BUDGET: Deliberations likely to get more involved as council moves on to more expensive items FROM | COVER

That will require $10.1 million from the tax levy, explained director of finance Richard Petherick.

The township’s take of the overall property tax bill is 24 per cent, with 57 per cent going to the region and 19 per cent to the school boards.

Some increased costs and lower provincial transfers will be offset by higher revenues this year to keep the general tax increase at an inflationary rate, Petherick noted.

The township’s funding from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) had been cut by 15 per cent for 2018. It also

took a hit when the province hiked the minimum wage to $14 an hour as of January 1. Combined with a reduced forecast for growth next year, Woolwich faces reduced revenues that would require a 3.25 per cent tax hike just to get back to square one if not for mitigating factors.

The province’s OMPF grant will drop to $625,800 this year, down from $736,200 in 2017. Meanwhile, as with every other employer in the province, Woolwich faces increased labour costs as the minimum wage jumps to $14 an hour from $11.60. That change, which largely applies to recreation staff

such as lifeguards, will cost the township an extra $110,000 to $140,000 this year, said Petherick.

As well, the township has lowered its growth forecast for 2018, now expecting assessment to increase by 0.5 per cent instead of 1.5 per cent, shaving the better part of $100,000 from projected revenues.

Some offsetting revenue increases, including interest income, recreation user fees and supplemental taxes. Woolwich is also recouping more of its costs from fire calls thanks to new options that bill insurance companies for responses to motor-vehicle

collisions involving nonresidents and for fires where homeowner policies cover certain charges.

“We’re recovering a significant amount of our costs,” said Petherick.

Future adjustments will be necessary, as the minimum wage increases another dollar an hour in January 2019, and provincial transfers will be cut again. Petherick notes the OMPF will be cut a further 15 per cent annually until the transfer falls below $300,000.

Last week’s meeting gave approval in principle to the budgets covering the fire, finance, chief administrative officer, and council

and information services departments.

In the CAO’s office, councillors balked at a request for a market survey of wages, with staff looking to hire a consultant to compare pay ranges with other municipalities.

Coun. Larry Shantz noted the public sector already sees an upward pressure on wages, deserved or not – getting a raise instead of earning a raise.

“We’ve got to stop this cycle,” he said.

“I don’t see that as a good use of money,” added Coun. Patrick Merlihan.

Chief administrative officer David Brenneman countered that it’s been 10

years since the township last looked at its pay levels vis-a-vis similar municipalities, proposing $5,000 for that report, plus another $5,000 for a pay equity study.

“We think it’s time to check in,” he said.

Asked by Coun. Murray Martin if the market study would look at private sector wages or just government pay, Brenneman quickly dismissed that idea, saying that’s not the norm in public sector studies.

The second of three special budget meetings is schedule for tonight (Thursday), with a focus on engineering and planning services.

6 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

JOE MERLIHAN PUBLISHER STEVE KANNON EDITOR

COMMENT

DONNA RUDY SALES MANAGER

ALI WILSON REPORTER

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OUR VIEW / EDITORIAL

THE VIEW FROM HERE

Heavy flu season calls for additional preventative steps FEELING UNDER THE WEATHER? As if cold and flu season wasn’t bad enough, a new study indicates that turning to comfort food may be doing more harm than good. Research indicates eating processed food may be triggering an immune response in much the same way as our bodies deal with bacterial infections.

That’s no comfort to Canadians facing a large increase in both the number and virulence of flu cases this year, up to almost 16,000 from 9,000 at the same point in 2017.

As 2018 got rolling, there were 54 reported cases of flu deaths and 1,850 hospitalizations in the country, the majority of cases involving seniors. Influenza is ranked among the top 10 leading causes of death in Canada.

Overall, influenza activity in Canada is high and continues to increase. The majority of influenza detections continue to be A(H3N2), although the proportion of detections that are influenza B has been increasing steadily.

Southwestern Ontario has seen widespread issues with the flu this season.

The Public Health Agency of Canada notes that influenza A(H3N2) has been the most common subtype affecting Canadians, although the proportion influenza B cases has been increasing steadily.

Typically, some 12,000 Canadians are hospitalized due to the flu, with 3,500 deaths expected. Those at most risk are the elderly and young children.

Globally, there are some one billion cases of influenza, with the number of deaths estimated at 250,000 to 500,000.

The upswing in flu cases this year has health officials warning us to take precautions, beginning with frequent hand-washing.

The seasonal flu vaccine remains the best protection against flu viruses. Everyone over the age of six months is encouraged to get the vaccine, argue officials. The flu vaccine is especially important for those who are more likely to get seriously ill or suffer complications if they catch the flu.

Got the shot previously, so think you’re fine? Think again, say health experts. Getting the flu shot every year is important because the vaccine is reformulated annually. Flu viruses are constantly changing and your immunity levels following vaccination decrease over time, which is why a flu vaccine is needed each year. Flu vaccine is made up of the flu strains that research suggests will cause the most illness in each year’s flu season. That involves some guess work in advance, which isn’t always 100 per cent accurate.

The quick mutation of the strain of H3N2 has rendered this year’s vaccine somewhat less effective, which was predicted heading into the season based on earlier deployment in other countries.

In Ontario, the Ministry of Health has identified flu activity at a elevated season level – yellow, or stage two of its four-part evaluation system that ranges from green to yellow, then orange and red.

Children, seniors and those living with chronic diseases or underlying conditions such asthma, heart disease or diabetes are more susceptible to the flu and are at a greater risk from its complications, the doctors stress. Following a few basic guidelines such as coughing and sneezing into an elbow, using hand sanitizer, and washing hands frequently will help prevent the flu, doctors advise, adding that those already infected should try to avoid going out in public where there’s a risk of spreading the virus.

Budget time reminds taxpayers they’re on their own when it comes to looking after their wallets.

WORLD VIEW / GWYNNE DYER

Donald Trump continues to dig himself into a (#!@) hole WORLD AFFAIRS POOR DONALD TRUMP. HE was simply asking for information, and they’re all over him as if he were a racist thug. His choice of words was unfortunate, but the angels rejoice when an ignorant person seeks enlightenment. We should take his question seriously and answer it for him.

What Trump asked last week was: “Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” From the context – he was meeting with congressmen and senators who were working on immigration issues – it’s clear that by ‘shithole countries’ he meant Central American and African countries.

El Salvador and Haiti came in for special mention.

What marks these countries out is that many of them are very poor, and some of them are plagued by war, crime and/or massive corruption. But most of the immigrants to the U.S. have always come from countries like that:

people who are safe and prosperous generally don’t abandon the countries they grew up in.

The first wave of Irish who went to the United States in the mid-19th century were driven by famine at home. The German, Polish and Italian immigrants of the same period were fleeing both poverty and political repression; the Russian Jews were also fleeing anti-Semitic violence. They would all have been ‘shithole countries’ at the time.

They are all safer, more prosperous places now, and the sources of the migrant flows have changed – but the motives of the migrants have not. Donald Trump should already have known that, since he grew up in New York City, but maybe he was just too privileged and isolated. At any rate, I’m glad to have cleared it up for him – and now that he understands the process all he has to do is clean up his language.

No, wait a moment.

Trump had another question, too. He wanted to know why the United States couldn’t bring in immigrants from non-

shithole places like Norway instead. This is a little harder to answer, because it’s a question of definition: the whole concept of a shithole depends heavily on your perspective.

From the point of view of Mexicans or Cubans, for example, El Salvador and Haiti are indeed shitholes (although they are far too polite ever to say that out loud).

And from the viewpoint of a Norwegian, the United States is ... Well, let me leave that question to Dr. Christian Christensen, a NorwegianAmerican currently living and working in Sweden, who tweeted as follows: “Of course people from #Norway would love to move to a country where people are far more likely to get shot, live in poverty, get no healthcare because they are poor, get no paid parental leave or subsidised daycare, and see fewer women in political power. #Shithole.”

A bit heavy on the sarcasm, but you get the point. Trump will have to make do with immigrants who are – how shall we put this? – darker in hue.

And this brings us to the heart of the matter. Trump

is a racist: such a dyed-inthe-wool racist that he is virtually unconscious of it. He openly says that he prefers immigrants from nice, white countries like Norway to brown or black immigrants from “shithole countries.”

He was so confident that every American who had ever voted for him or ever might shared his views that he didn’t even deny what he had said right away. It was reported as soon as the meeting finished on Thursday, but the first White House statement just defended his remarks: “Certain Washington politicians choose to fight for foreign countries, but President Trump will always fight for the American people.”

It was more than 24 hours later, with the outrage still growing both at home and abroad, that Trump finally put out the usual statement (we’ve heard it on dozens of other occasions) denying that he had said what many people – senior members of Congress, in this case – had heard him saying. It’s the kind of damage control DYER | 8

COMMENT | 7

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

THEIR VIEW / QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What do you want to be when you get older?

» Josie Atkinson

» Katelyn Chen

» Chole Clemmer

» Nicholas McDermott

» Seth McBay

“A vet.”

“A police officer.”

“A horseback rider.”

“I don’t know, a computer programmer or something that my Dad does.”

“I don’t know.”

“I guess this means that the ordinary people need to lobby to get the service and necessities for comfort of living.” Denstedt, Hertzberger | 8 HIS VIEW / STEVE KANNON

Canadian brewers the latest to take aim at runaway taxes of the nanny state EDITOR'S NOTES IF ONLY ONLINE EFFORTS to change bad government policy – i.e. much of it – and bad governments – i.e. almost all of them – would go viral like those around more captivating subjects, like kittens tumbling like pandas. At that point, the Internet might actually live up to its democratizing hype.

At www.axethebeertax. ca, the campaign centers on what Canadian brewers – and the rest of us – call runaway taxation, as taxes now make up 47 per cent of the cost of a bottle of beer.

Beyond the beer itself, the ever-increasing taxation and nanny-state floor pricing, particularly prevalent with the Ontarianhating Wynne government, is one small example of the disregard governments have for our wallets.

But back to the beer.

Though demand is down by about 10 per capita, in part due to high taxation, beer remains Canada’s

most popular alcoholic beverage, making up over 40 per cent of total alcohol sales through liquor boards and other retail outlets. We bought the equivalent of 223 bottles of beer per person during 2016, for instance, says a report released this week by the Conference Board of Canada.

All that beer is good for more than just hangovers, as our consumption and foreign demand for Canadian-brewed beer accounted for $13.6 billion in economic activity in 2016.

“Consuming a Canadianbrewed beer supports many more jobs and businesses beyond the local brewery,” says Pedro Antunes, deputy chief economist at the Conference Board of Canada of the study’s findings. “No matter where Canadians buy beer, they support jobs across the country in a wide range of industries, including accommodation and food services, wholesale and retail trade, transportation and agriculture.”

The beer economy supported nearly 149,000 jobs across the country in 2016.

HOW TO REACH US

some 50 brewers, large and small, who represent 90 per cent of all beer sold in Canada.

Since 2012, provincial taxes on beer have increased 58 per cent in Quebec, 18 per cent in Ontario, 19 per cent in Manitoba, 24 per cent in Saskatchewan and 28 per cent in Alberta.

Now, the two per cent federal excise tax that came into effect in March 2017 will climb annually, with the automatic tax escalator kicking in on April 1, the organization points out.

“That means even higher prices for beer in Canada,” Croft says. “Governments are punishing beer drinkers with these price hikes for no good reason and its time brewers and consumers said enough is enough.”

Beer, like wine and spirits, is part of the ongoing effort to separate Ontarians from their money.

That’s the reason there’s ongoing contempt for the government in general and, specifically, with a longstanding dissatisfaction with the handling of alcohol sales in the province, from absurd pricing to rigged sales restrictions.

Much of the ire is simply a reflection of our inherent dissatisfaction with taxes and paternalistic liquor laws, coupled with our distrust of pretty much anything overseen by bureaucrats and politicians.

Tax increases are seen as another reason to privatize the operation, stripping government of its outdated controls of alcohol.

Yes, the LCBO stores themselves have come a long way over the years.

They’re much nicer places to shop, especially compared with the Beer Store, that even more antiquated government-sanctioned cartel selling us our suds.

The hours have been extended, but there’s nothing like the convenience found in other jurisdictions. Nor the selection. And, most gallingly given that the LCBO is the world’s largest buyer of spirits, nothing like the much better prices found elsewhere.

If the LCBO really wants to be accepted, cut the prices significantly, offer a much better selection (something akin to a grocery store in Tonawanda would be a start) and offer

more convenience.

The province, of course, has no interest in any of that.

With alcohol, as with cigarettes, governments suffer from multiple personality disorder. On the one hand, they’re addicted to the revenues, on the other they want to discourage consumption. The nanny state prevails, but they do love the money. (There’s a similar issue with gasoline, electricity and water, where government preach conservation, but decry the losses when we actually cut back.)

The nanny state is never more apparent when it comes to booze. Ontarians apparently would become hardened alcoholics without minimum pricing and fettered access. All we have to do is look at the problems in nearby provinces and states to see that. Oh, wait, that’s not what you’ll find. And the government doesn’t want you to look elsewhere, lest you become even more upset about the poor state of things here.

Disillusionment is bad for the business of re-election, after all.

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Governments “supported” the industry by hitting it with taxes and markups amounting to 47 per cent of the average cost, raking in some $5.7 billion in the process.

Canadian brewers say the industry is severely threatened in 2018, however, by runaway taxes. Thus the online effort at www. axethebeertax.ca.

They’re particularly worried about automatic escalators that will kick in annually beginning in April, another policy that fills government coffers without regard for the impact on the economy, people’s jobs or other detrimental effects. It’s the same disregard behind many policies, from electricity supply to payroll taxes.

“Imagine being stuck on an escalator going up and up and up, and you cannot get off, and you cannot make it stop – that’s what beer lovers in Canada are facing with this escalator tax. We need people who love beer to help us axe the escalator tax,” says Beer Canada chair George Croft of the escalator taxes, speaking on behalf of

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8 | COMMENT

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

THE MONITOR

VERBATIM

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

Canada’s official corporate tax rate is now 26.6% but, on average, Canadian big businesses paid only 17.7% from 2011-2016 – one of the lowest rates of all G7 countries. Canada’s big banks paid a tax rate of only 16% over the past six years, lower than banks in other G7 countries. They are the biggest tax evaders of all Canadian big businesses and, not surprisingly, also the most profitable. They made a record $42.3 billion in profits in 2017.

“Families are struggling to keep up with the 300 per cent increase they have seen to hydro rates under the Liberal government.

Kathleen Wynne and her privatized Hydro One seem to think the problem with hydro bills is that people have trouble reading them.

I disagree. I think the problem with hydro bills is that they’re too high – and a redesign to justify hiking them further doesn’t help families one bit.”

An increase in staff costs and forecasted drop in revenues call for a 3.5% increase in Woolwich Township’s operating budget, councillors heard January 15. Operating costs for 2002, everything from salaries to fuel for township trucks, are expected to reach $5,894,910.

Operating revenues are forecast to be $2,859,266, leaving a net operating amount of $3,035,644.

» Democracy Watch

» Ontario NDP energy critic Peter Tabuns demands Kathleen Wynne stop a plan to

» From the Jan.19, 2002 edition of The Observer

force families to pay $15 million for redesigned hydro bills

DYER: Trump’s comment

NATIONAL VIEW

reflects a certain racial stance

FROM | 6

that doesn’t really control the damage.

Fox News host Tucker Carlson told his audience that Trump’s ‘shithole’ comments were “something that almost every single person in America actually agrees with.”

Wrong. What he should have said was “almost every single American who watches Fox News.”

Very few non-white Americans agree with this kind of talk, and a large number of white Americans, maybe as many as half, don’t either. That

adds up to a 65-70 per cent majority who don’t agree.

Trump will not win this argument, and Michael Steele, the former chairman of the Republican National Committee, knows it.

“There are, I have to say, a growing number of white Americans who are afraid of and do not want to see the browning of America. They have a picture-perfect 1950s view of mother wearing an apron as dad, in a hat, goes off to work. It looks a lot more like them than it does me, but America is starting to look more like me.”

Michael Steele is an African-American.

YOUR VIEW / LETTER

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To the Editor, WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP ALWAYS AMAZES me. It snowed heavily on January 8 just when schools and businesses were beginning for more residents and their families. Yet we had no snow plowing in our area until after the sidewalks were cleared at 11 a.m.

How could junior kindergarten and even young school-age children plod through the snow to an area clogged with snow and chunks of snow to wait for the bus?

The chunks of snow were on the sidewalk because the snowplow drove too fast, throwing the chunks over the banks or depositing them at the end of the walkways. Upon measurement, the ends of most paths were 18 centimetres high. The sidewalks should have been cleared after the plowing of the snow off the streets.

Is there a coordinated plowing route? Does it match the route of the buses in regard to the times

of local pickups for the children? January 8 was a different day since many streets were not plowed properly, and I got stuck three time just getting out of town in the afternoon.

I am really surprised Woolwich cannot seem to employ enough people to service the needs of the people, yet we are growing and developing quickly.

This township must solve these simple concerns, or people will look elsewhere for a friendly, service-driven small town.

Spending money on a splash pad seems redundant when you cannot provide services necessary for the comforts of retired people. It seems the council can be easily swayed by certain groups of people even when money is scarce and should be directed to the necessities of a rural small town. I guess this means that the ordinary people need to lobby to get the service and necessities for comfort of living.

DONALD DENSTEDT, CAROLYN HERTZBERGER | ELMIRA

Send your letters to the editor to editor@woolwichobserver.com

SPORTS | 9

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

SPORTS HOCKEY / SLEDGE TEAM

Woolwich welcomes Sledge Team Ontario for training camp Local organizers use time to woo officials, having made a bid to host the 2019 sledge hockey nationals FAISAL ALI THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH was visited by some of the premier athletes in the burgeoning sport of sledge hockey last weekend. Sledge Team Ontario (STO), the province’s elite sledge hockey team, was at the WMC’s McLeod arena in Elmira for a three-day training camp.

It was a big opportunity to impress the big leagues, as the township not only has a strong local scene with the Woolwich Thrashers, but is actively seeking to host the 2019 sledge hockey nationals.

“We put a bid in for the nationals and we’re hoping to get the bid,” said Keith Metzger, head of hockey operations for the Thrashers. “They sent some representatives for the national program, and we’ve already had a visit with them and we showed them some of the area stuff – restaurants and stuff like that.”

With Elmira already set to host the provincial curling championships next year, having the sledge hockey nationals as well would really be a great boost for the community, Metzger noted.

The Ontario team, for its part, had ample opportunity to try out the arena at the Woolwich Memorial Centre, which has been specifically

outfitted for sledge hockey.

During their time off, they had a weekend with which to take in the attractions of the township as well.

So how has Woolwich been for Sledge Hockey Ontario?

“Oh, actually Woolwich is fabulous. It’s a great facility and staff have been fabulous – the ice is really good.

We love this place,” said head coach Todd Sargeant.

And the players?

“Awesome,” said Christina Picton enthusiastically. “I’ve come to Woolwich so many times for sledge hockey camps and different things, so it’s always great to come back to the arena.

It’s awesome. People are friendly, it’s great.”

Picton is one of the few women on the provincial team.

“It’s always exciting to be playing at this higher level with the guys. As one of the only girls on the team, it’s very high level. You got to train really hard, you got to work your butt off to keep up with everybody and to just play,” she said.

Picton has been with the SLEDGE | 11

NOT SO GREAT OUTDOORSMAN / STEVE GALEA

Hunting options for coping with cabin fever OPEN COUNTRY IF YOU ARE A person who enjoys hunting – and particularly wingshooting – this is probably not your favourite time of year.

Sure, there is the opportunity to hunt rabbits, which are fun, but they don’t exactly fly.

Furthermore, the days are short, so hunting is limited. These are the times when cabin fever takes hold.

Luckily, I have found a solution. And it combines all the things I like about wingshooting – a good staunch point, winged creatures, and the opportunity to phone your friends and brag just a bit about your pets and your own shooting ability.

That’s right; I have pioneered hunting houseflies over pointing cats.

It works this way.

Every now and then, my brace of hunting cats will sit below and point at a housefly they got wind of.

That’s when I will get out

Sledge Team Ontario was in Elmira last weekend for a training camp at the WMC. The team got to check out the facilities and the township at large during the time here.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

Kings add a pair of players to their roster at deadline Damian Figueira arrives from the Drummondville Voltigeurs, Marcel Berube from the Charlottetown Islanders ALI WILSON THE ELMIRA SUGAR KINGS acquired two new players in advance of last week GOJHL trade deadline, officially locking in their roster.

With the addition of two new players, head coach Trent Brown is happy with the team they have going forward.

“I’m very confident in our group. But more importantly, I believe the players are confident in themselves as a team. Management – (director of hockey operations) Jeff Snyder and (general manager) Kevin Bloch – did a great job of addressing our needs to help us reach our commitments,” said Brown. “Everything we do is to compete for the

Sutherland Cup, that is our commitment.”

Damian Figueira came to the team from the Drummondville Voltigeurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. An experienced defenseman, the 19-yearold is a welcome addition to the team’s back end.

“We are looking to get some solid defence out of him, some consistency

and some dependable minutes. He can skate, he makes a good pass, and he is pretty solid defensively – a pretty physical player,” said Brown. “He has got some experience in differTRADING | 12

Marcel Berube and Damian Figueira are the newest additions to the Elmira Sugar Kings’ roster.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

GALEA | 10

10 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

Zach Ribeiro high fives one of the Twin City All Stars after a fierce game played during the Applejacks intermission. Bringing in community members of all ages, the community owned team has various volunteer run initiatives throughout the year that go above and beyond the game day duties.

HOCKEY / MAKING IT WORK

Most of the action happens off the ice Jr. teams like the Elmira Sugar Kings and Wellesley Applejacks rely on a long list of volunteers to stay in game shape ALI WILSON ATTEND A LOCAL JUNIOR hockey game and your attention will be focused on the action out on the ice, naturally. But look around and you’ll see an even larger team that makes the whole thing possible.

From the ticket-takers and concession workers to the administrators and player billets, community teams such as the Elmira Sugar Kings and Wellesley Applejacks rely on a cadre of volunteers for their very existence.

Each game you can look around and spot some 20 volunteers in Wellesley making sure everything is running smoothly, while in Elmira that number might grow closer to a hundred.

Both clubs are community owned, meaning there is no one owner but rather they are run by a board of directors, each member also a volunteer. Being community owned, each depends on local support and the sponsorship that businesses and individuals donate, as well as the numerous fundraising events

Blair Bender and Cameron Hoi began with the Jacks this year. They started as a way to collect community hours for high school, but volunteering comes with some perks, they say, including being able to watch the games.

each club holds throughout the year. Both rely heavily on volunteers to get sponsorships, to run the events and to do the marketing, among a host of jobs.

Chris Soehner, who sits on the boards of both teams, explains the imperative role volunteers play in the success of any community owned team.

“The only way an organization can sustain itself is by three main elements: sponsorships, fans attending the games and volunteers to help out. Without all three components, it

would be very hard to keep an organization running,” he said. “To make the whole thing run is the volunteers, and without that you just can’t do it. That’s a big thing.”

Countless volunteers hours go into the many facets of each organization, from board members and scouts, to local billets and the individuals manning concession tables. Add to the list statisticians and timekeepers.

All that work doesn’t go unnoticed by the players and coaches.

Carolyn Sieling (right) has been volunteering with the club for eight years, while her fellow ‘stamper’ June Logan has been volunteering for five. Sieling started helping out after her husband became a director. In addition to volunteering with game day operations, Logan is also a director on the board.

“It takes a small army to run the place,” said Elmira Sugar Kings head coach Trent Brown. “There are a ton of people that make this thing tick. There is not a chance that we could run without the volunteers – without people volunteering time there is just no way that it could work at all.”

Brown is a great example of what that sense of community at the organization has produced. Having played hockey here he met his wife in Elmira, returned here, and was an assistant

coach for many years before taking on the role of head coach this season.

“To me this is a dream gig. It is a great age, it is a great skill level,” he said of the working with junior players. “I care about the organization. I think bringing people in around me that have played here before is really important. It is really special to be a part of the Elmira Sugar Kings because of what they have done for me in the past – I just want to translate that CONTINUED NEXT PAGE

Al Strong, new to the Jacks this year, does part-time duty as DJ and announcer.

Terry Brick, along with being a score keeper, is also an executive member.

Bob Reid has been volunteering as timekeeper and a board member since the organization’s inception.

GALEA: Hoping it’s not a fly-by-night venture, but catches on with other avid hunters FROM | 9

my trusty elastic bands and approach the fly that is being pointed at. Then I will draw and release the band.

If all goes well, I will hit the fly (I aim for the head), it will fall, and the cats will make an effort to retrieve it.

Not to brag, but I have killed them dead at as far as 10 feet. You don’t want to have to go in and deal with a wounded one.

Unfortunately, I live in

what is considered only marginal fly habitat. We see three or four a week.

But the good news is there is, as yet, no a limit or licence required.

As this is a new form of hunting, there are still a few little details to work out too. For instance, as far as I know, there are no good recipes for wild flies. Also, I’m still not sure how to distinguish the drakes from the hens, so I can’t tell you what constitutes a trophy.

Worse still, I have yet to find a way to take a good hunting photo – mostly because I don’t own a macro lens that is up to the task.

Worst still, I haven’t yet met the taxidermist who will agree to making me a head mount for a reasonable price.

The good news is that I will one day be reverently referred to as “The Father of Fly Hunting.”

That is not to say that others have not already done

it – but they use fly swatters and do not have the respect for the animal I have. My way, I think you will agree is, at least, sporting.

As an outdoorsman and an entrepreneur, I also feel like there is plenty of opportunity here. That’s why, next season, I am going to offer a limited number of guided fly hunts over my pointing cats. And right now, I am working on a line of decoys and fly calls, for those who would rather

hunt from a blind.

If this catches on, I’m also thinking of starting an organization called FU or Flies Unlimited. That way, I can raise funds to create proper fly habitat, so that we will never run out of these magnificent creatures. I’d also like to ban the use of flypaper.

I might just pitch the idea of a magazine that focuses on house fly hunting called Pointing Cat Journal. Or, if that fails, at

least create a TV show for those who are smitten by the sport.

Also, I have a number of tips to divulge that might be the basis of a book on fly hunting over pointing cats that is sure to be a classic. For instance, never draw your elastic to your eye. And, your wife’s hair elastics will do in a pinch, so long as you don’t tell her.

Did I mention I might have cabin fever?

SPORTS | 11

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

FROM | 10

to everyone else who is playing here right now as well.”

That focus on the young players is shared by many of the volunteers who work with the organization.

It’s much the same for those involved with the Applejacks.

In Wellesley, club president Garry Springer sees firsthand the impact volunteers have on the team.

“You have all of these people who spend an enormous amount of time running a hockey organization that I think most people just don’t see what it actually takes to be able to run it,” said Springer. “If you’ve ever heard the saying that ‘it takes a community to raise a child,’ it takes a community to rally around anything I think in the sense of that and when people volunteer it is taking pride in your community.”

Instilling a sense of

community among many residents, especially for rural Ontario hubs, can be attributed to hockey clubs like the Jacks. In Wellesley – a village of 11,600 – any game can see some 300 people attending games, all made possible by the volunteers.

“I enjoy the people that I am working with, we are trying to build something towards a common cause.

That’s maintaining a successful franchise in Wellesley that the community can support and be proud of,” he said.

Having first started with the Jacks after his son’s involvement, Springer’s story is not unique – many of the volunteers start their involvement by being connected to a player.

Elmira Booster club member Anne Hanley, for instance, was one of the club’s first members – she started because her son was playing and hasn’t let up since.

The Sugar Kings’ Booster Club of Donna Martin, Marilyn Craig, Anne Hanley, Dayl Rominger, Betty Pfanner, Alva Cummings, Marylou Wilson, Kate Metzger, Deb Farr, Karen Good, Sandy Mann, Jen Wilson and Cathy Nearingburg provides the Kings with hot meals after home games, meals on the bus for away games and helps the team with anything it might need.

“Well, it was when my sister and I, our boys were on the team at the time.

The executive started feeding the boys hotdogs after their home games and then we thought, ‘oh, this is cool, let’s go a little further and give them something different, not just hotdogs’ – so we do,” she explained.

And from there the booster club was formed.

Unique to the Kings, the club provides the team with meals after home games and meals on

This is Trish Pauser’s third season volunteering with the Jacks. She originally started helping out because she had friends on the team, but continued after because it is fun to watch and see the community get together for fun.

the bus for away games.

However, they have transformed into what is a support system for the team, helping fill in with anything they may need.

“We supply them with shampoo. We supply them with towels for their showers. We bought washer, dryer, fridge for the dressing room, a portable skate sharpener. Things like that, anything they need,” she said.

Made possible by fundraising, the club goes above

Ashely Sindall began with the Apple Jacks this season, she started volunteering as a way to give back as well as enjoy the game.

and beyond game day support to provide for the team.

For Hanley, who of course comes to every game, being a part of the booster club goes beyond simply helping out.

“It is a family. We are a family, really, everybody here,” she said. “And I think most of us started out because we had boys playing – a lot of us, but a lot of the girls don’t and never did have a boy playing, we sort of conned them in to

get them to help us out. We have fun.”

Whether it be the booster club with the Kings or game-day operations with the Jacks, both teams are always looking for more volunteers – there are perks that come with helping out, including being able to cheer on the local teams, making acquaintance with some familiar faces and finding your place in a community within a community.

Marilyn Craig has been volunteering with the Kings for more than 40 years, along with her husband John, who is a scout with the team. Volunteering keeps them young, she says, explaining they enjoy it ... or they wouldn’t do it.

SLEDGE: Getting out and recruiting new players is a top priority FROM | 9

STO for three seasons now.

Besides that, she’s also been on the Women’s Sledge Hockey of Canada team for years, a team that has its roots in Woolwich.

For Picton, during her time playing sledge hockey, the sport has changed a lot.

“I’ve been playing on that team for seven years, and to see the opportunity and the development and the calibre of play on the women’s side has been amazing,” she

said.

“And then ... provincially, I’ve played on Team Ontario for three seasons. Just to see the development across Canada is really exciting.

When I used to play on this team in 2011, there was only Team Ontario and Team Quebec, but now there’s British Columbia, there’s Alberta, there’s teams out east. It’s grown so much, it’s really exciting.”

However, coach Sargeant notes the challenges of recruiting new players.

“I think we’ve gained a ton of experience on how to play sledge hockey. I think the one difficulty we’re having, and it’s probably true in a lot of sports, we’re not having the same influx from younger people that we had in the past. It’s a bit of a challenge for the sport [and] we need to recruit more players.”

The upside though is there is a lot of experience on the ice right now in Ontario, meaning taking home the gold at this year’s cham-

pionships in Vancouver is in the cards.

“I think we got a good chance, we really do. Our guys are a lot more confident now than they were a year ago,” said Sargeant.

As for next year’s nationals location, a selection will likely be made soon. According to Americo Morais, general manager for the STO and committee member for selecting next year’s location, the final decision will likely be announced by the end of January.

Christina Picton, one of the few female players on the team, says she always enjoys coming to Woolwich for a game. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

12 | SPORTS

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

THE SCORE Home: 1 Visitor: 5 Goals: Carter Snider Assists: Bryson Rozema, Thomas Ferguson

WOOLWICH WILDCATS

Novice: LL2 Jan 09 vs Plattsville Home: 8 Visitor: 1 Goals: Ryan Curtis (2), Daniel Kelly (2), Logan Beard, Dom Roth, Zach McMurray (2) Assists: Zach McMurray (2), Ryan Curtis, Braxten Breen, James McCormick (2), Josh Moore

Atom: MAJOR AE Jan 13 vs Milton Winterhawks Home: 6 Visitor: 0 Goals: Carter Snider, Tyler Gingrich, Nate Dyck, Blake Dueck, Haiden Wagner, Austin Roth Assists: Thomas Ferguson (2), Carter Snider, Nate Dyck, Bryson Rozema Shutouts: Reid Deyell

Novice: LL2 Jan 12 vs Twin Centre Home: 4 Visitor: 4 Goals: Michael Wang (2), Daniel Kelly, Thomas Hill-Ring Assists: Josh Moore (2), Dom Roth, Braxten Breen (2)

Atom: MAJOR A Jan 14 vs Owen Sound Jr Attack Home: 4 Visitor: 1 Goals: Connor Goebel, Ethan Burkholder (2), Danny Schaefer Assists: Josh Carson, Carson Staken, Brandon Fishman

Novice: LL2 Jan 13 vs Embro Home: 0 Visitor: 0 Shutouts: John Kilgour

PeeWee: MAJOR A

Novice: LL#1

Jan 14 vs Halton Hills Black Home: 2 Visitor: 0 Goals: Joey Martin (2) Assists: Haiden Idzik Shutouts: Evan Catton

Jan 13 vs Ayr Flames #2 Home: 6 Visitor: 1 Goals: Ryder Bauman (2), Wade Holland, Oliver Horn, William Krubally, Josh Wraight Assists: Oliver Horn, Ethan Leveck, William Krubally, Max Staines, Josh Wraight

PeeWee: LL#2

Novice: LL #1 Jan 14 vs Hespler Shamrocks #1 Home: 2 Visitor: 7 Goals: William Krubally, Josh Wraight

Novice: TYKE MD Jan 13 vs Garden City Home: 2 Visitor: 7 Goals: Cody Paquet, Sullivan Shantz Assists: Kitson Bakker, Jack Wood

Jan 14 vs Embro Home: 1 Visitor: 1 Goals: Tucker Armstrong Assists: Brody Downs, Jakob Geimer

PeeWee: LL#2 Jan 13 vs Embro Home: 4 Visitor: 1 Goals: Tucker Armstrong (2), Daniel Kochut, Jackson Smith Assists: Hailey Brubacher, Tucker Armstrong

Bantam: AE Jan 10 vs Centre Wellington Fusion Home: 3 Visitor: 2 Goals: Lucas Radler, Emmett Weissenboeck, Connor Waters Assists: Colton Schmitt, Lucas Radler, Corbin Schmidt

Novice: TYKE MD Jan 14 vs Guelph Gryphons Home: 1 Visitor: 4 Goals: Bryce McFadden Assists: Owen Porter

Atom: MAJOR AE Jan 11 vs Guelph

Jr. Sugar Kings

Weber

Shutouts: Hailey Thom

Jan 10 vs Halton Hills Home: 3 Visitor: 0 Goals: Austin Cousineau (2), Evan Gowing Assists: Lukas Shantz (2), Ethan Young, Bart Sherrer, Griffen Rollins, Nolan Hislop Shutouts: Bryce Dettweiler

Novice: MAJOR

Novice: B

Jr. Sugar Kings

Novice: MAJOR

Jan 14 vs Owen Sound Home: 6 Visitor: 2 Goals: Daniel Carr, Evan Gowing (2), Caleb Cribbin (2), Lukas Shantz Assists: Nolan Hislop (3), Nolan Mc Laughlin, Cole Altman (2), Bart Sherrer (2), Daniel Carr, Austin Cousineau

Jan 11 vs South Huron Home: 4 Visitor: 5 Goals: Zack Forwell (4) Assists: Max Krasovec, Reese Martin, Evan Hall, Rhys Taylor

Jr. Sugar Kings Jan 13 vs Halton Hills Home: 6 Visitor: 0 Goals: Lukas Shantz, Austin Cousineau (2), Nolan Hislop, Ethan Young, Nolan Mc Laughlin Assists: Bart Sherrer, Griffen Rollins (2), Brad Hale (2), Riley Runstedler, Austin Cousineau, Daniel Carr, Evan Gowing (2), Nolan Mc Laughlin, Lukas Shantz Shutouts: Bryce Dettweiler

Jr. Sugar Kings Dec 22 vs Hespler Home: 7 Visitor: 0 Goals: Griffin Hergott (3), Griffen Rollins, Riley Runstedler (2), Lukas Shantz Assists: Bart Sherrer (2), Lukas Shantz (2), Brad Hale, Nolan Hislop (2), Riley Runstedler, Austin Cousineau, Kurtis Hoover (2), Nolan Mc Laughlin (2) Shutouts: Bryce Dettweiler

TOURNAMENT

Novice: LL Jan 13 vs Clarington Red Rockets Home: 2 Visitor: 3 Goals: Ally Crane; Mia Medeiros Assists: Hailey Meuller; Lauren

Jan 11 vs Tillsonburg Home: 5 Visitor: 1 Goals: Cruz Balog, Lucas Frey (2), Rhys Taylor, Zack Forwell Assists: Colton Brito (2), Liam Straus, Cameron Fisher, Evan Hall

Novice: MAJOR Jan 12 vs Orillia Home: 3 Visitor: 0 Goals: Zack Forwell (2), Evan Hall Assists: Nolan Martin, Colton Brito, Lucas Frey, Max Krasovec Shutouts: Cohen Patterson/ Cohen Hamburger

Novice: MAJOR Jan 13 vs Orillia Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Zack Forwell, Evan Hall Assists: Cruz Balog, Nolan Martin, Colton Brito, Lucas Frey

Novice: MAJOR Jan 13 vs Waterloo Home: 1 Visitor: 0 Goals: Zack Forwell Shutouts: Cohen Hamburger/ Cohen Patterson

Novice: MAJOR Jan 14 vs South Huron Home: 0 Visitor: 4

WOOLWICH WILD

Jan 15 vs Kitchener Lady Rangers Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Emma McCoubrey, Maya Slot Assists: Kara Grant, Leah Thompson, Sophia Metzger, Elle Clemmer

Novice: LL#1 Jan 14 vs Cambridge Road Runners Teal Home: 2 Visitor: 9 Goals: Rachel Heckendorn, Chloe Futher Assists: Rowyn McDowell, Lauryn Kidd, Cassidy Bauman, Macey Robbins

Atom: BB

Goals: Kayleigh Futher, Ella Hicks Assists: Brookelynn Kroetsch, Brooklyn Pope, Alexa Grundy, Autumn Sabila

Bantam: BANTAM B Jan 08 vs Twin Centre Hericanes Home: 1 Visitor: 0 Goals: Faith Katsube Shutouts: Sarah Walker

Jan 12 vs Clarington White Wolves Home: 2 Visitor: 0 Goals: Hailey Meuller (2) Assists: Mia Medeiros Shutouts: Emily Bauman

Atom: LL

Atom: BB

Atom: LL

Atom: BB Jan 13 vs Waterloo Home: 4 Visitor: 1 Goals: Brie Brezynskie, Olivia Strauss (2), Kylie Rayfield Assists: Olivia Strauss (2), Kayla Sargent, Brie Brezynskie, Carrie Schwindt

additions from the Q

Atom: LL

Jan 06 vs South Huron Home: 2 Visitor: 0 Goals: Lexie De Jeu, Claire Catton Assists: Olivia Strauss, Brie Brezynskie Shutouts: Riley Nelson Jan 10 vs Grand River Home: 3 Visitor: 0 Goals: Kayla Sargent, Olivia Strauss (2) Assists: Lexie De Jeu Shutouts: Riley Nelson

TRADING: Pair of late

TOURNAMENT

FROM | 9

ent leagues; we can benefit from that.”

“We are looking for him to have some impactful minutes for us on the defensive side of the puck.”

The defenseman played in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League for the Elliot Lake Wildcats, and the Canadian Central Hockey League for the Kemptville 73s, before heading to the QMJHL prior to his start this past weekend in Elmira.

As for the second addition, Marcel Berube is coming to the Kings from the Charlottetown Islanders. Although he also came from the QMJHL, the 17-year-old forward had his junior debut with the Lambton Shores Predators, also in the Greater On-

Jan 12 vs Clarington Royal Nightmares Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Maggie Ropp, Mia Medeiros Assists: Kelly Grant Jan 13 vs Clarington Night Furies Home: 1 Visitor: 3 Goals: Hailey Mueller

TWIN CENTRE HERICANES

Novice: LL #1 Jan 14 vs South Huron Sabres Home: 3 Visitor: 0

PeeWee Jan 14 vs Orillia Hawks Home: 0 Visitor: 1

Atom: BB

Novice: B Jan 11 vs Grand River Mustangs Home: 5 Visitor: 0 Goals: Katelyn Snider (2), Emma McCoubrey, Emily Hibbard, Sophia Metzger Assists: Isla McCoubrey, Elle Clemmer, Maya Slot, Leah Thompson, Emily Hibbard, Emily Metzger

Jan 14 vs Saugeen Maitland Home: 1 Visitor: 0 Goals: Sara Forwell Shutouts: Riley Nelson

Atom: ATOM B Jan 13 vs Wilmot Wolverines Home: 2 Visitor: 2

HARD WORK DESERVES TO BE RECOGNIZED. Submit sport scores online.

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“We are looking for some rugged physicality and scoring. We want to play a fast game, and he will help us with that,” Brown said of Berube.

“Last year, he was just 17 in our league and had 20 goals and 20 assists – he has that ability with the puck. To go along with that, he had 100 penalty minutes – we want to direct that physicality into a positive for us.”

After a first skate with the team last weekend, both are happy to be with the Kings, and confident in the team’s ability to go far this year, ideally repeating as Sutherland Cup champs.

“There is a great group of guys in the room, and I think we have a championship team here,” said Figueira.

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SPORTS | 13

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

HOCKEY / JUNIOR B

HOCKEY / JUNIOR C

Kings in tight against visiting Brampton

Jacks hang on after strong start to beat Woodstock

The weekend’s other game postponed due to weather, Elmira was ready and waiting at the WMC Sunday night

Taking a six-goal lead into the third period, Wellesley weathers the storm for 8-7 victory on home ice

FAISAL ALI FRIDAY NIGHT’S WEATHER HAVING wrought havoc on traffic and hockey, the Elmira Sugar Kings found themselves with just one weekend game. A trip to Stratford scratched, they were well rested for what would be a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the visiting Brampton Bombers Sunday night.

It was a nail-biting affair as the two teams spent much of the time deadlocked. Even when the Sugar Kings pulled ahead in that final period, things got no easier.

The opening frame saw nothing in the way of goals scored, but a bit of loose play on the part of the Kings gave Brampton a penalty shot just five-anda-half minutes in. The shot was taken by Ivan Brewer, and could very easily have cost Elmira the game if not for the goaltending of Tyler Mazzocato.

The keeper denied Brewer, sending both teams into intermission with an uneasy 0-0 between them.

“Tyler [Mazzocato] has been playing a lot better for us. He’s a lot more calm and solidified in the net for us. It’s been excellent to see,” said head coach Trent Brown.

It was in the second frame that the scoreboard saw some movement.

Elmira’s Ethan Skinner would get thing rolling with the first goal of the match about midway through the second. Picking up the assist were Braydon Munn and newcomer forward Marcel Berube in what was his first game with the Kings.

Also sporting the Sugar Kings colours for the first time was defenseman Damian Figueira. Both were acquired by the Kings just

before the trade deadline last week.

“I think it went pretty well,” said Figueria, just after the game. “A little turnover in the first period, but I just stuck with my game and started to get better throughout the game.”

Brown noted the two will need some time to come into their own with the team.

“I think for those guys ... there’s going to be an adjustment period. There’s going to be a little bit of feeling out between linemates, teammates, new town, new league – all of those things,” he said.

With one up on the board at 10:36, the Kings were finally on top. They had maybe a good five minutes to savour the moment, however, as the Bombers hit back with a power play marker. Once again, both teams were tied, heading off into the second intermission at 1-1.

With the final 20 minutes to go, the game was inevitably played down to the wire as both teams fought for the crucial advantage.

The Kings hammered at the opposition, shot after shot, until the biscuit finally squeaked in at 9:45.

It was Ethan Wiseman who lodged the game-winning goal into the back of the Bombers’ net, with Munn and Skinner picking up assists.

Having taken the lead, the Kings were determined to keep it. Brampton wasn’t keen on that idea, bringing it to the home team as time ran down. The final push came with a minute left as the Bombers took advantage of an offensive zone faceoff to pull their goalie in favour of an extra attacker. That wasn’t enough, however, as the Kings were able to sweep the puck out of their zone again and

FAISAL ALI

Elmira netminder Tyler Mazzocato in action.

Sunday.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] again despite the Bombers’ best effort.

The 2-1 lead held through the final buzzer.

“It was a good game.

Good win, but we got to be better,” said Figueria.

With their victory on Sunday, the Kings are on a five-game winning streak.

Every win counts now as the Kings (16-18-0-2) hold the third-place position in the GOJHL’s Midwestern Conference, just a hair’s breadth in front of the fourth-place Waterloo Siskins (19-13-1-3). A fair distance ahead of the Kings in second place is Stratford (26-8-1-1), followed by Listowel (31-5-0-1) in first.

“I think we’re starting to play the way we need to to win games, and put ourselves in a position to win games. We have a lot of speed. We have a lot of skill.

But when those two don’t mesh and we can’t play the way we want to, then that’s when we’re struggling with getting those results that we want,” said Brown.

Coming up this week, the Kings will play host to the Listowel Cyclones in a Sunday matinee for charity that’s sure to be a difficult scrap. On Tuesday, the Sugar Kings will head over to the Kitchener Kinsmen Arena for an evening game against the Dutchmen.

A rescheduled match against the Warriors will see the Kings in Stratford on Wednesday.

THE SNOW SQUALLS THAT postponed the Applejacks’ first game of the weekend on Friday did nothing to cool down a second heated game the following night at the Wellesley arena.

With Friday’s away game against the Delhi Travellers on ice, the Applejacks played on Saturday with the full force of winter storm against the Woodstock Navy Vets, decimating their opponents in the first 40 minutes of play, but losing momentum in the final 20 to ultimately win the game by a narrow 8-7 margin.

“For two periods, or for 40 minutes, we played a perfect hockey game,” said head coach Brad Gerber of Saturday’s game.

The night certainly started strong for the Jacks, with the first goal of the match coming in less than three minutes into the game.

Ryan Sparkes drew first blood, with Shaun Pickering picking up the assist.

Wellesley newcomer Mackenzie Aiken (Sparkes, Nathan Schlupp) put a second one on the board at 9:14, followed by a shorty from Nathan Smith (Brady Gerber) at 18:00.

The Jacks were already up 3-0 when the players headed off to intermission.

Wellesley had racked up a few penalties, including a kneeing infraction, but was otherwise mostly staying out of the box. But from there, the game got a lot more scrappy on both sides.

A scuffle broke out before the puck had even dropped in the second frame, getting Woodstock slapped with a host of penalties for instigating. Right out of the gate, Wellesley had the advantage, which they used for two powerplay markers.

Just 45 seconds in, Pick-

Kyle Soper lets one rip during Saturday’s game in Wellesley in which the Jacks came on strong in the first two periods before crumbling in the third.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] ering (Nick Mercier, Alex Uttley) scored on the power play. Five minutes later, Aiken (Zach Ribeiro, Sparkes) came in for his second of the match, putting the team up 5-0 before Woodstock had a chance to respond.

Now it was Wellesley’s turn to lose a player to the box, giving Woodstock the opportunity for a power play marker of their own at 7:18.

Wellesley responded with two more goals with the man advantage, picked up by Reade MacInnis (Kyle Soper, Uttley) and a second by Smith (Uttley).

The scoreboard was now sitting at 7-1.

Woodstock again hit back with their second goal of the match at 13:06. But five minutes later, Tomas Azzano put another Wellesley puck into the net, with Trent Dundas and netminder Ryan Hergott lending assists. The score, after that

dizzying volley of shots, was 8-2 for the Applejacks.

“We’re playing the game the right way – we’re outworking them, everything’s going our way, our power play was clicking – and at the end of the second period we had the 8-2 lead,” said Gerber. “But the third period there, well, we just kind of fell apart.”

It might have seemed a lock for the Jacks as they entered the final 20 minutes of play, but as has been the case in the past, the team suffered a severe drop in performance in the third. Looking at their two previous games against the Navy Vets, in both cases the Applejacks were tied or in the lead for the first two periods of the games before giving up three and four goals to the Navy Vets in the third.

The Jacks lost a handful JACKS | 23

14 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

VENTURE FOOD FOR THOUGHT/ OWEN ROBERTS

BRANCHING OUT / NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Wallenstein Feed & Supply boosts its focus on dairy markets

These vets make sure the kids are all right

Expert speakers and panel discussion part of company’s plan to host dairy producers meeting ALI WILSON EXPANDING ITS PRESENCE IN the dairy feed sector, Wallenstein Feed and Supply Ltd. will host a dairy producers meeting January 31 at the Linwood Recreation Complex.

It marks the first time WFS will hold the event.

Long known as a leader in chicken feed, the company felt it was time to show its expertise in the dairy feed market as well.

“It is a learning opportunity for our customers but also for people who don’t have any experience with Wallenstein Feeds,” said Wendell Schumm, ruminant division manager with WFS. “This is sort of our coming-out party a little bit. We have a fair market share of dairy business in Ontario, but we haven’t really promoted ourselves in the local market.

“We have been waiting until we are ready, and now we are ready. So this is us saying ‘here we are, this is what we are all about.’”

Toward the end of 2016, Wallenstein Feed and Supply constructed a new mill with the capacity to tackle the dairy feed market.

Since then the company has expanded its name to reach further into Ontario.

Now, they hope to show local producers the quality products they offer.

“Our philosophy is that if we are going to do something, we are going to take the time to be the best at

FIELD NOTES

Wendell Schumm will be moderating a panel of local producers at the Wallenstein Feed & Supply’s first dairy producers meeting on Jan. 31 at the Linwood Recreation Complex. The day will include expert guest speakers Dr. Stephen LeBlanc (inset left) and Milos Haas (right).

[ALI WILSON / THE OBSERVER / SUBMITTED] there are a lot of things that transfer program, will be feed sales and nutrition it and make sure that we are similar as well.” discussing ‘Genomics as a team to the local market.” are a leader in the market.

Schumm adds that Lamb Management Tool.’

The lineup includes That’s what we have done is not a speaker who vis“Jonathan is a guy who three experts who will be with dairy. We have built its the area often and for has a lot of success not only addressing topics relevant the best facilities. We have many, this will be the first in the production side of to all producers’ day-tohired the best staff – you time that people have dairy farming but in day work, including know, we have the got the chance to the genetics side, nutrition, reproprogram, we hear him in Onso people in duction and are confident tario. the audience genetics. that it is going Scheduled to will be interJonathan to represent speak both beested in both,” Lamb, a past what Wallenfore and after explained chairman of stein feels is lunch, Dr. SteSchumm.

Holstein USA’s the best choice phen LeBlanc, “We like to Genetic Adfor customers, a veterinarian get people from vancement Comwith their profitand professor from outside of this area mittee and partner in ability in mind,” said the University of Guelph, to give us a little bit of a Lamb Farms, Inc./Oakfield Schumm. “And that’s what has delivered talks in more different perspective on Corners Dairy, an 8,000this meeting is supposed to than 20 countries. Drawing what they do; obviously his head dairy operation in do, introduce some people business is different than New York State and Ohio who may not know much WALLENSTEIN | 16 some people’s here, but about the Wallenstein dairy with an extensive embryo

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*$3,750 Limited time lease offer valid to eligible lessees in Canada who obtained credit approval and enter into a lease agreement with GM Financial, and who accept delivery from January 3, 2018 – January 31, 2018 of a select new or demonstrator 2018 MY Chevrolet vehicle. 2018 MY vehicles not eligible for this offer are Spark LS, Malibu L, Colorado 2SA, Camaro ZL1 and Bolt EV. Total Lease Value consist of $1,500 manufacturer-to-dealer New Year Lease Bonus (tax-exclusive), the GM Card Application Bonus (tax-inclusive), and may include manufacturer-to-dealer lease cash (tax exclusive) (“Lease Cash”). Lease Cash applies to select vehicles and value depends on model purchased: $1,500 on new 2018 Spark (excl LS), Sonic, Malibu (excl L), Camaro (excl ZL1), Corvette, Volt, Equinox, Traverse, Silverado HD, Tahoe, Suburban, Express, City Express; $2,000 on new 2018 Silverado LD Reg Cab, Colorado (excl 2SA); $2,500 on new 2018 Trax, Silverado LD Double Cab; $2,750 on new 2018 Silverado LD Crew Cab. GM Card Application Bonus applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card or current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders. GM Card Application Bonus credit value depends on model purchased: $500 GM Card Bonus on new 2018 Sonic, Cruze, Malibu (excl 1VL), Camaro (excl ZL1), Volt, Equinox, Trax (excl 1SV); $750 GM Card Bonus on new 2018 Impala, Corvette, Colorado (excl 2SA), Traverse, City Express, Express; $1,000 GM Card Bonus on new 2018 Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado LD & HD. As part of the transaction, dealer may request documentation and contact General Motors of Canada Company (GM Canada) to verify eligibility. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Conditions and limitations apply. Void where prohibited. See Dealer for full program details. GM Canada reserves the right to amend or terminate offers for any reason in whole or in part at any time without prior notice. 2018 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Lease: Lease based on a purchase price of $46,425 for a 2018 Silverado Double Cab Custom Edition 4X4, includes $3,870 CDA, $2,000 Lease Cash Bonus and $1,000 GM card application bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (taxes included). Bi-weekly payment is $185 for 48 months at 2.5% lease rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $3,200 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $22,482. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $20,003. 2018 Colorado Z71 Crew Cab Lease: Lease based on a purchase price of $41,285 for a 2018 Colorado Z71 Crew Cab, includes $500 CDA, $1,500 Lease Cash Bonus and $750 GM card application bonus (this offer applies to individuals who have applied for the Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Card [GM card] and to current Scotiabank® GM® Visa* Cardholders) (taxes included). Bi-weekly payment is $179 for 48 months at 2.5% lease rate on approved credit to qualified retail customers by GM Financial. Annual kilometer limit of 20,000 km, $0.16 per excess kilometer. $3,350 down payment required. Payment may vary depending on down payment trade. Total obligation is $21,984. Taxes, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by dealer and region) are extra. Option to purchase at lease end is $19,359. Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Edition Finance: Purchase financing rate of 0% for 72 months available on eligible new 2018 Silverado 1500 Double Cab Custom Edition. Example: $40,000 financed at 0% nominal rate (0% APR) equals $555.56 per month for 72 months. Cost of borrowing is $0, with customers paying $46 in RDPRM fees, for a total obligation of $46,046. $0 down payment required. Security deposit may be required. Offer available to qualified retail customers in Canada for vehicles financed and from between January 3 to January 31, 2018. Financing provided, on approved credit, by TD Auto Finance Services, Scotiabank® or RBC Royal Bank. Participating lenders are subject to change. Rates from other lenders will vary. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary. Includes $1,700 freight and PDI, $100 air conditioning charge (where applicable) Taxes, PPSA, license, insurance, registration and applicable fees, levies, duties and, except in Quebec, dealer fees (all of which may vary by region and dealer) are extra. Total Value consists of $3,870 manufacturer-to-dealer (tax exclusive) delivery credit, $1,000 manufacturer-to-consumer GM Card Application Bonus (offer applies to individuals who apply for a Scotiabank GM Visa Card [GM Card] or current GM Card cardholders) (tax inclusive) and $2,100 manufacturer-to-dealer finance cash (tax exclusive). Dealers are free to set individual prices. Limited time financing offer which may not be combined with certain other offers. GM Canada may modify, extend or terminate offers in whole or in part at any time without notice Conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. For the latest information, visit us at chevrolet.ca, drop by your local Chevrolet Dealer or call us at 1-800-GM-DRIVE. *Applies to oldest 15% of dealer inventory as of July 1, 2017. Valid July 1 – 31, 2017 on cash purchases of eligible 2017 model year vehicles from dealer inventory. Models receiving a 15% cash credit of MSRP include: Camaro (excludes ZL1), Colorado, Trax, Impala, Suburban, Tahoe. Models receiving a 20% cash credit of MSRP include: all Light Duty and Heavy Duty Silverado, Cruze Sedan, Cruze Hatch, City Express, Express, Malibu (excludes 1VL), Sonic, Equinox, Traverse. Models not eligible for this offer are: 2017 models: Spark, BOLT EV, VOLT, Corvette. All 2016 MY and 2018 MY vehicles. Not compatible with special lease and finance rates. Credit is tax exclusive and is calculated on vehicle MSRP, excluding any dealer-installed options.

By selecting lease or finance offers, consumers are foregoing this cash credit which will result in higher effective cost of credit on their transaction. Dealer may sell for less. Offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives. Certain limitations or conditions apply. General Motors of Canada Company may modify, extend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without notice. Void where prohibited. See dealer for details. 1 1Vehicle user interface is a product of Apple and its terms and privacy statements apply.

Requires compatible iPhone and data plan rates apply. 2 Vehicle user interface is a product of Google and their terms and privacy statements apply. Requires compatible smartphone and data plan rates apply. 3 Visit onstar.ca for vehicle availability. Services and connectivity vary by model and conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. Requires active OnStar service and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T or its local service provider. Accessory Power must be active to use the Wi-Fi hotspot. 4 U.S. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). 5 Requires available 3.6L V6 engine. 6 Based on WardsAuto.com 2016 Small Pickup segment and latest competitive information available at time of printing. Excludes other GM models. 7 Requires available 3.6L V6 or 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine. 8 Before you buy a vehicle or use it for trailering, carefully review the Trailering section of the Owner’s Manual. The weight of passengers, cargo and options or accessories may reduce the amount you can tow. **The 2-Year Scheduled Lube-Oil-Filter Maintenance Program provides eligible customers in Canada, who have purchased or leased a new eligible 2016 or 2017 MY Chevrolet (excluding Spark EV), with an ACDelco® oil and filter change, in accordance with the oil life monitoring system and the Owner’s Manual, for 2 years or 48,000 km, whichever occurs first, with a limit of four (4) Lube-Oil-Filter services in total, performed at participating GM dealers. Fluid top offs, inspections, tire rotations, wheel alignments and balancing, etc. are not covered. This offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain other consumer incentives available on GM vehicles. General Motors of Canada Company reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. See dealer for details. ▲Whichever comes first. See dealer for details. ◊Visit onstar.ca for coverage maps, details and system limitations. Service plan required. Available 4G LTE with Wi-Fi hotspot requires WPA2 compatible mobile device and data plan. Data plans provided by AT&T. Services vary by model, service plan, conditions as well as geographical and technical restrictions. OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity is available on select vehicle models and in select markets. Vehicle must be started or in accessory mode to access Wi-Fi. ©2018 General Motors of Canada Company. All rights reserved.

16 | VENTURE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

ROBERTS: Expanding consumer demand fuels growth in need for care of small ruminants FROM | 14

those commodities.

Animal health depends on a good relationship between animals, producers and veterinarians. To that end, Ontario’s veterinary community is launching new education and research initiatives to support small ruminant production.

Since September, the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) has expanded teaching to include more information on small ruminants. As well, it’s conducting several new research

projects to build up health data on the sector.

The way OVC dean Jeff Wichtel explains it, many of the new producers coming on stream don’t have experience working with veterinarians.

And at the same time, most veterinarians don’t have a great deal of experience working with small ruminants. Traditionally, the relatively small size of the sector and of its herds and flocks – and relative to dairy cows, the lower value of these animals – meant producers seldom went to the expense of calling

veterinarians out to farms to diagnose the cause of a sheep or goat’s death.

Now, though, that’s changing. Milking ewes and nannies can be worth several hundred dollars. So expertise at the college is increasing with the sector’s growth and value.

In 2016, OVC graduate student Jeanette Cooper started working with a team from the college, the Animal Health Laboratory and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) on a unique knowledge mobilization research project

called “Distance Support for On-Farm Investigation of Small Ruminant Adult Mortalities.”

The project is designed to increase the surveillance of infectious, emerging, zoonotic or other production-limiting diseases of adult sheep and goats on Ontario farms. A distancesupport system has been developed for online information transfer of on-farm mortalities.

The study team is working to assist and fund livestock veterinarians from afar in performing better on-farm postmortems on

sheep and goats, through next August.

Samples from these postmortems – likely about 150 in total, by the project’s end – are being submitted to the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph for a broad list of laboratory tests that are targeted to diagnosing diseases affecting adult sheep and goats.

The online support, which features a secure website for veterinary practitioners only, explicitly explains how they should perform the postmortems, and what tissue samples to

collect.

Participating veterinarians are being paid $175 per postmortem, and the Animal Health Laboratory will receive $400 to cover the testing costs for each animal. There is no charge to producers participating in the distance support project.

Says project leader Dr. Maria Spinato: “We’re hoping this project will build relationships between small ruminant producers and veterinarians.”

And, of course, support the drive towards the best possible animal health.

WALLENSTEIN: Going big in making the jump to dairy feed; hosting industry meeting in Linwood FROM | 14

on his extensive research into improving dairy cattle reproduction he will tackle the topics of ‘Managing and Monitoring Transition Cow Health’ and ‘Managing Reproduction for Success at First Service.’

“Dr. LeBlanc is somebody from Guelph. It is a recognized name – he has done a lot of research that has been utilized on farms, so he has made a contribution to the local

dairy industry,” explained Schumm, noting that his name may also sound familiar because of his work as a practicing veterinarian locally. “He can take the high-end research that he has done, but also knows exactly how it is going to be applied in a practical setting.”

And finally, there’s Milos Haas, a veterinarian and former large herd owner in Slovakia. Hass is currently a nutrition, management and reproduction consultant

and a ruminant nutritionist at Wallenstein Feed & Supply, and will offer advice on ‘Feeding Management.’

“Milos does day-to-day nutrition and also works different places around the world, so he sees a lot of different things,” he said.

“A lot of people in the audience will be customers of his, and so he knows how he can relate the technical aspect of it to the practical.

“He is going to talk about some feeding management strategies on farms, things

that take the nutrition that we do, which is excellent, and make it work on farms.”

In addition to the experts, there will be a panel of local dairy producers who will be discussing early calf care. The group includes Jordan Dietrich, Citilimits Farms Inc., St. Agatha; Henk Grootendorst, Grootendorst Farm, Breslau; and Lori Weber, Scenic Holsteins Ltd., St. Marys. They’ll be joined by Lamb on this panel moder-

ated by Schumm himself.

“We want to give the people that come to the meeting the opportunity to hear sort of real on-farm experience from producers.

What works for them, what doesn’t work for them, so that it is not a speaker standing up sort of talking to them but that its people talking about what they do on their farms,” he explained.

No obligation comes with attending, but Schumm does stress information

from the experts and panel will only be relevant to active dairy farmers.

“This is really an open opportunity for people to come learn a little bit about us and hear from some excellent speakers.”

There is no cost to attend the event, however, an RSVP is required by January 24. Contacting any member of the dairy team at WFS works in that regard, as does calling the office at 519-669-5143 or 1-800-265-8858.

ELMIRA BLOOD DONOR CLINIC

Give Blood … to save lives.

The Next Elmira Clinic: Friday, January 26th, 2018 from 2:00pm - 8:00pm at Lion's Hall, Elmira

CLM

Bus: 519-698-9930 Res: 519-698-2213

MODULAR BUILDINGS MOVING & LEASING

RR #2 Wallenstein, Ontario

2170 FLORADALE RD., FLORADALE • 519-669-2183

TOWN COUNTRY

Various sizes & rates

22 Church St. W Elmira

FENCING

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

Serving you for over 100 Years

100 South Field Dr. • 519-669-4964

GENERAL DELIVERY, ARISS ONTARIO N0B 1B0

Breakfast • Coffee • Soups • Sandwiches • Donuts • Muffins • Bread • Pies • Cookies

PROFESSIONAL WORK • AFFORDABLE PRICES

Hours: Mon to Sat 6am to 5:30pm | Closed Sundays & Holidays

GUELPH: (519) 822-8929 CAMBRIDGE: (519) 654-7068 FAX: (519) 822-7481

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE 1145 Printery Rd., St. Jacobs | TEL: 519.664.2263

519-669-5353

• Fabrics • Men's Wear • Ladies Coats • China • Glass Ware

ELECTRICAL WHOLESALE

The Quality You Demand, the Service You Deserve.

Mon. Closed · Tues.-Fri. 8-6 · Sat. 8-5

ELECTRIC MOTORS | GENERATORS | AUTOMATION CONTROL

Farm - Auto - Truck - Industrial and we have On-the-farm service

2192 Floradale Rd. ~ Floradale, On.

35 Howard Ave. • 519-669-3232

(519) 669-1381

1.800.265.6126 |

63 Union St., Elmira • 519-669-1842

Wallenstein General Store Inc. 519-669-2231

UNIQUE ONE STOP SHOPPING DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Call for Details

Groceries • Hardware • Giftware Books • Drygoods • Postal Outlet

315 Arthur St. S., Elmira • 519-669-5403

7278 LINE 86, WALLENSTEIN, ON

OPEN 7am to Midnight | 7 DAYS A WEEK

• Quality Drainage Systems • Backhoe Service

SANYO CANADIAN

A family tradition since 1921

Arthur, ON • 519-848-3113 • 877-669-1440 www.martindrainage.com

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

33 Industrial Dr. • 519-669-1591

CALL 1 888 2 DONATE for more information or to book an appointment. Visit www.blood.ca

THE ARTS | 17

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

THE ARTS FILM / SET TO MUSIC ON STAGE / LIVE MUSIC

Rescue Junction spreads the word through bluegrass Local band to play concert Jan. 27 at Floradale Mennonite Church in support of MennoHomes FAISAL ALI A MIXTURE OF GOSPEL and bluegrass, the music of Rescue Junction will fill Floradale Mennonite Church during a free-will concert January 27. Organizers also hope to fill the coffers of MennoHomes courtesy of donations from those in attendance.

“There’s no ticket price for the actual concert,” said Nichelle Bauman, who works with the church’s music ministry. “We’re asking people to make a free-will donation to MennoHomes, and then our church is going to match donations up to $5,000.”

Providing the entertainment for the evening is the Millbank-based band Rescue Junction, playing their strong acoustic-driven ballads. The music is a fusion of gospel and bluegrass, blending the vocals and spiritual resonances of the former with the rhythms, instrumentations and harmonized singing of the latter to create a sound that’s simultaneously soulful and meaningful as well as catchy to listen to.

“The genre is bluegrass music: it’s all acoustic with your standard bluegrass instruments,” explained Kaitlyn Gerber of the band’s style.

“And then we sing what is closest to our hearts, and that happens to be the gospel,” she said, adding the band does like to venture

Rescue Junction brings their fusion of gospel and bluegrass to Floradale Jan. 27 in a free-will concert for MennoHomes, with proceeds to be matched by the church. [SUBMITTED] folk band, with first pulling cals together, with different But as far as bluegrass outside the religious genre her and her brother into music, Kyle and I got into band members taking the at times. bluegrass scene to begin that when we were in [our] Gerber founded the band lead at times. with. From there, they were late teens, early 20s. We The music itself is bluewith her brother Kyle back led backwards to the olddidn’t grow up with this grass, but not in a strictly in 2009, she on guitar and timers like Bill Monroe and music, it’s something that traditional sense, said he the mandolin.

Ralph Stanley. we discovered in our teens Gerber, as the band mem“It started with me and Since inception, Rescue and really got into,” she bers pull their respective my older brother Kyle just Junction has been tourexplained. influences, both old and sort of doing some gigs ing mostly within the “Which is kind of weird new, into the music. Both here around the area, and province: local areas from music for teenagers to get Gerber and her brother then as we got invited to Waterloo to Tavistock, and into,” she added with a grew up performing music do more we started adding to the GTA, but the band laugh. “But it happened to at church, but it was not band members.” has ventured south of the work with us.”

Joining them on the ban- until later in their life that border too. Gerber explains Amongst her musical they discovered bluegrass. jo is Roger Martin, Dallas inspirations, Gerber counts that the members of ResAnd from there, they were Roth on the upright bass cue Junction have strong the likes of Alison Krauss & hooked. and recent addition Nick Mennonite roots, which Union Station, and Cherry“All of us in the band Huber on the dobro guitar has made them popular holmes. She credits Nickel have been involved in mu(played across the lap with Creek, the Grammy Awardsic in one way or another a slide and finger picks).

RESCUE JUNCTION | 23 winning contemporary since we were little kids.

The group perform the vo-

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Original surround sound for screening of Casablanca STEVE KANNON A KISS IS JUST a kiss and a sigh is just a sigh ... except at Rick’s Café Américain, where they will always welcome lovers. As time goes by, we’re more than happy to return to wartime Morocco. Specifically, to that center of all the action in Casablanca.

Released in 1942, Casablanca has become a celluloid classic. You can bet there will be more than a few fans eager to take in a pairing of the film’s screening with live accompaniment by the KitchenerWaterloo Symphony, scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights at the Centre In The Square.

Former KWS assistant conductor Evan Mitchell will lead the orchestra through Max Steiner’s Oscar-nominated score while the film is shown on the big screen.

Steiner provided the score for more than 300 films, including the likes of King Kong (1933) and Gone with the Wind (1939), but Casablanca is one of his most famous.

The music is a big part of the film right from the opening credits.

“It’s a cohesive score – it’s very well constructed,” said Mitchell of the film and its music. “Casablanca was put together spectacularly. It’s a very emotional score.”

That’s particularly true of As Time Goes By, which CASABLANCA | 28

General Contracting Agricultural Residential New Buildings Commercial Renovations www.stirtonconstruction.ca 8012 8th Line.RR #2 Drayton, ON | 519-638-5462

18 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:

WEDNESDAYS BY 10AM HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

TERM & STUDENT POSITIONS AVAILABLE PLEASE JOIN US ON EITHER ONE OF THE JOB FAIR DATES

SATURDAY JAN. 20, 2018

9:00am to 11:00am

DO YOU WANT? A wide range of jobs?

Welding?

Millwrighting?

Assembly?

Blueprint reading?

Inside work?

Outside work?

Responsibility?

WEDNESDAY FEB. 7, 2018

3:00pm to 6:00pm

AT HOME HARDWARE’S DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 34 HENRY STREET, ST. JACOBS (ENTER THROUGH RECEPTION)

HOME HARDWARE MATERIAL HANDLERS

JOB FAIRS BRING YOUR RESUME AND REFERENCES! WALK-IN FOR AN INTERVIEW! Unable to attend?

Please send your resume or inquiries to hr@homehardware.ca

We look forward to meeting you!

Each year Home Hardware Stores Limited employs over 150 Terms and Students to work in the St. Jacobs Distribution Centre during the summer to cover holiday shifts and help during our busiest time of the year. Material Handlers pick and pack product for our Dealers. Must be able to perform strenuous physical activities, including: walking, standing, bending, lifting and must be willing to be trained on powered lift equipment.

Term Material Handlers – We are hiring for the Afternoon Shift (3pm-11pm) and Night Shift (11pm-7am) from March to October. Rate of pay will start at $17.57, 3 months to $18.44, 6 months to $19.37 plus 7.5% shift premium for Afternoons and Nights.

Student Material Handlers – We are hiring for the Day Shift (7am-3pm) and the Afternoon Shift (3pm-11pm) from May to August.

Applicants must be 16 years old to be eligible. Students need to be available to work Saturdays and public holidays as required. Rate of pay will match Term rates.

WE WILL ACCOMMODATE THE NEEDS OF QUALIFIED APPLICANTS UNDER THE HUMAN RIGHTS CODE IN ALL PARTS OF THE HIRING PROCESS.

HELP WANTED

TENDER NOTICE

ELMIRA OBSV_2018 4col-5.063x4.617.indd 1

PRECISE CASTINGS INC. – ELMIRA – is accepting applications for full-time and part-time positions in our manufacturing operations. Competitive wages, steady hours, and benefit package.

Send resumes to Scott Pinkney by fax (519-669-1566), e-mail (spinkney@precisecastings.ca), or drop off at 124 Bonnie Cres., Elmira, Ont. N3B 3J8 HELP WANTED

BUS WASH/ CLEANING PERSON KIWANIS TRANSIT is the Specialized Transit Service for Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot Townships.

We have a part-time evening position in Elmira that requires skill in manoeuvering larger vehicles. Must have a clean driving abstract. Position involves interior and exterior cleaning of buses with an average of 10+ hours a week depending on the season.

Please send resume ONLY to email or address noted below by Tuesday, January 23, 2018. No phone calls please. Only applicants successful for an interview will be contacted. jobs@k-transit.com Kiwanis Transit, 13 Industrial Dr. Unit #C Elmira ON N3B 2L9 HOW TO REACH US

2017-12-13 11:59 AM

VACANT FARM LAND FOR SALE 402813 Grey Rd 4, R. R. #2 Durham, Ontario Pt. Lot 25, Conc. 4, NDR, West Grey. 50 acres more or less, 45 acres more or less workable. systematically tiled. Fence lines have been cleared and land has been fall sprayed.

Property can be used for continued agricultural lands or prime building location.

For further information contact 519-492-0382 or 519-492-0381 Offers to be received in OREA or law office form of offer to purchase, including a minimum deposit of $10,000.00, by hand delivery in sealed envelope, or registered mail to TarBush Dickey Giller & Associates, Attn: Mark TarBush, 140 Barber Ave, S. Listowel Office, on or before Feburary 8, 2018.

HIGHEST OR ANY OFFER NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED.

FIND IT

HELP WANTED

Then you should be working for us.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

Construction or Industrial Millwrights

Graphic Designer Full Time

You’re a pretty awesome designer right now, with a good grasp of technology, but you’re looking to take your career to the next level.

We’ve got just the place for you, a place where creativity and initiative is valued and given real-world development in a deadline-driven environment.

The Observer has an opening for a motivated full-time graphic designer.

As a Graphic Designer at the Observer, you will be responsible for creating high quality, accurate and creative artwork in a timely manner. Your work will meet the requirements of our clients and editorial responsibility. You will work closely with sales staff to create, modify and update advertisements in time to meet tight deadlines. Editorial production includes producing pages and using your skills with infographics and illustrations that will enhance and assist to provide greater understanding of the editorial topic. Duties also include updating our website and social media.

Qualifications

Millwright Leadhands

• College dipoma or Bachelor’s degree in graphic design or related field / experience

3-4 Years Experience

• At least one (1) year of prior experience in graphic design

2nd & 3rd Year Apprentices

• Proficient using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat Pro

Assets:

• Arc Welding • Blueprint Reading • Agricultural background • Leadership Ability • Must be able to pass CWB Welding Test SMAW all position

WE OFFER: • Competitive wages • Company uniforms • Pension plan • Company benefits

• Experience with file preparation for both print and online production • Ability to pass the Company’s graphic design test • Experience with Wordpress an asset.

How to Apply: Applicants should e-mail résumés, along with clippings or portfolio, by February 1, 2018 to:

Patrick Merlihan Print/Web Manager

pmerlihan@woolwichobserver.com We thank all applicants for their submissions, but only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Apply in person between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. OR fax or e-mail resume to:

Samples of our work: https://observerxtra.com/archives/

M&G MILLWRIGHTS LIMITED R.R.#1 Reg. Rd. 19

(1540 Floradale Rd.) Elmira, ON

519-669-5105

fax: 519-669-1450 email: bob@mgmill.com

WORK WANTED

AUCTIONS

YOUNG RETIREE (62 yrs) with DZ licence seeks part time driving job that doesn’t require trips into Toronto. Very flexible hours.

Kevin. kevpb@live.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those considered will be contacted.

HELP WANTED AZ DRIVER - Locally owned tanker company positions available.

Local and U.S. Health and pension plan. Fax resumes to: 519-7451093. Stotesbury Transfer Limited, 300 Shirley Ave., Kitchener.

519-745-7032.

IN THE OBSERVER

FRI. JAN 19 at 5:00 - clearing auction sale of approx.

450 toys including COLLECTION OF TRACTOR TRAILERS; SCHNEIDER’S; ERB; AND MANY OTHER LOCAL TRUCKING COMPANIES; FARM TOYS; TRACTORS; PRECISION; COLLECTOR CARS; MAISTO; AMERICAN MUSCLE; BANKS; to be held at the St. Jacob’s Community Centre in St. Jacob’s for area collectors. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com

CONTINUED ON PG. 19

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

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

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RESIDENTIAL COST $7.50 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 20¢ PER WORD

COMMERCIAL COST $12.00 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 30¢ PER WORD

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

CLASSIFIED | 19

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

CLASSIFIED ADS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18 HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

AUCTIONS

DOUBLE RING

ESTATE

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

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

We currently have an opening for:

We currently have an opening for:

Night Loader / Production Worker

Sow Barn Breeding Technician

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

Modern Early Wean Sow Unit located in the Harriston Area is seeking persons with breeding experience or interested person that we can train.

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

• Must enjoy working with livestock • Be able to work alone & in a team environment • Reliable and Punctual Attendance.

• Full time steady employment • Be able to follow instructions, protocols and procedures.

• Excellent remuneration pending experience and benefit program

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

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

To apply, forward your resume to:

To apply, forward your resume to:

Brian Chamberlain, Operations Manager Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: brianc@ffmltd.com

Brian Chamberlain, Operations Manager Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: brianc@ffmltd.com

We appreciate all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We appreciate all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

HELP WANTED

AUCTIONS

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

We currently have an opening for:

Truck Driver (DZ)

This fulltime position will involve safe operation of a bag unit or bulk hopper bottom unit week days (Monday to Friday) and rotating Saturday’s.

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

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

We offer a competitive wage, pension plan and group insurance benefits.

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

CONTINUED FROM PG. 18 AUCTIONS ANTIQUE AUCTION SALE Of Primitives, pottery, early tools, folk art and much more, to be held at the K.W. Khaki Club, 2939 Nafziger Rd. 2 miles south of Wellesley, for Rod Pinkney, Milton and additions, on Saturday, January 20th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138

Of Collectibles, early Disney collection, and other interesting items, to be held at the K.W. Khaki club, 2939 Nafziger Rd. 2 miles south of Wellesley, for Larry & the Late Marie Unwin, Ayr, & additions, on

SATURDAY, JAN. 27TH @ 10:00 A.M.

TO INCLUDE: 1950’s Schwinn Tiger Bike

(original). Rare 1930’s Disney Collection.

Interesting antique dolls collection. Vintage bear collection. Salesman samples. Tin windup toys. Interstate Batteries signs.

Vintage ammunition. Beatles memorabilia.

Waltham pocket watch.

Native items including doll cradle. Inuit items. 4 gal. butter churn. Duck decoys (2 signed J. Hill). Royalty items. Bennington bowl.

Eaton’s Christmas cards. Kousal painting.

Kiln Saddlery English saddle. Ross Butler print. Fur coat (Galt). Pin cushions. Book collection including History of Waterloo Twp.

by Ezra Eby & Joseph Snyder, Noah & Lena Yantzi Family history, old concert books, etc. etc. Old maps. Berlin Piano co. music book.

Assorted stamps. China & glass including pink cornflower goblet (6 ½ inch), tiffin glass console set (bowl & frog candlesticks), etc.

NOTE – Partial list only!

See www. gerberauctions.net for photos. Terms – Cash, debit or cheque with I.D. 10% buyer’s premium.

AUCTIONEERS:

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

2827 Hutchison Rd., RR#1 Millbank (Crosshill) ANTIQUE AUCTION SALE Of Collectibles, early Disney collection, and other interesting items, to be held at the K.W. Khaki club, 2939 Nafziger Rd. 2 miles south of Wellesley, for Larry & the Late Marie Unwin, Ayr, & additions, on Saturday, January 27th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138 SAT. FEB 3 at 10:00 AM - Property auction of a charming , cozy, recently renovated 3 bedroom, brick home situated on a 1/3 country lot. To be held at 9183 Concession 11 RR 5 Mount Forest in the hamlet of Fairwell for Beatrice and Tom Fowler. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. Wellesley 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com

FULL TIME INTERIOR TRIM CARPENTER required for a growing construction company based in Hawkesville.

Country Lane Builders is a family owned and operated company and is known for investing in its staff, its integrity, and its innovative approach to business and employee engagement. We are committed to being a leader in the construction industry, always looking for continual improvement, safety, quality products & service. Experience preferred but not required. If interested please send your resume to sales@clbuilders.ca We would like to thank all applicants, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

AUCTIONS

AUCTION SALE St. Jacobs Community Centre in St. Jacobs for James and Emma (Bauman) Frey with additions on:

WEDNESDAY JAN. 24 AT 10:00 AM

HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS AND antiques:

small chest freezer; lazy boy recliner; pine bench; loveseat; cedar chest; 3 pc bedroom suite (double bed with bookcase headboard, dresser, chest of drawers); hall table; bonnet chest; queen sleigh bed; china cabinet with matching corner cabinet; couch and chair; Duncan Phyfe drop leaf table; Pfaff sewing machine; dehumidifier; 3 door china cabinet; 3 pc pine coffee and end table set; table and 4 chairs; wrought iron table and chairs; sideboard; tea wagon; wicker chest and side table; single pedestal oak table with 4 press back chairs; bakers rack; wicker divider; art deco china cabinet; oak mirror; quilt frames; hall table; artificial plants; Panasonic 50” TV 2 years old; 7 piece Rattan outdoor furniture; Bissell vacuum cleaner; 45 records; Coke cooler; HP computer system newer; skis; stereo system with speakers; CDs; dresser and chest of drawers; office chair; milk can; old cameras; egg trays; cookie jars; military toys; Schneider’s collectables; quantity of artwork; oak entertainment unit; Gizelle exerciser; sewing box; small appliances; oil lamps; crocks; jugs; primitives; quantity of good glass and china; depression; crystal; pinwheel; dinner sets; kitchenware; silverware; towels; bedding; cookware; etc.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: 6ft x 12ft steel trailer with ramp tail gate like new; Mastercraft 12.5” wood planer new in box; 6.5 hp generator new; 6.5hp water pump new; Mastercraft drill press; Miller 225 amp welder and welding accessories; quantity of fishing lures; large and small lures; fish poles; deep sea fishing poles; Mastercraft tool kits; socket sets; wrench sets; metal detector; electric golf caddy; golf clubs and golf miscellaneous; fertilizer spreader; B&D hedge trimmer new; battery charger; super winch; master craft table saw; step ladder; shop vacs; water hose; extension cords; paint spray gun; quantity of hand , power, and lawn and garden tools; snow shovels and other winter related items.

AUCTIONEER:

Jantzi Auctions Ltd. Wellesley | 519-656-3555 www.JantziAuctions.com WED. FEB 7 at 10:00 AM - Clearing auction sale of house effect; furniture; antiques; tools; and miscellaneous items to be held at the St. Jacobs Community Centre in St. Jacobs for an area estate with additions. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com

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.

AUCTION For Lucas and Jean Dobben estate with additions of Snow blower, Appliances, Furniture, Tools etc.

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

SATURDAY, JAN. 27 10:00 A.M. Snowblowers 8’ Agro trend double auger w hyd chute and deflector (like new). Variety of walk behind blowers.

Appliances Large newer white chest freezer, white glass top stove, white gas stove, black gas stove, bisc gas stove, white fridge w top freezer w water and ice dispenser, black side by side fridge w water and ice dispenser, 4 burner coil top stove, bar fridge.

Household Kenmore open arm sewing machine, Singer Quantum open swing arm machine, lamps, mantle clocks, Singer treadle sewing machine, bedding, towels, toys, stainless roast pan, records, tables full of glassware and household items.

Scooters and Wheelchair 4 wheel celebrity power scooter (nice), 4 wheel pride power scooter no key as is, wheel chair, walker, crutches.

Furniture 6 oak press back chairs, 6 oak arrow back chairs, beige leather reclining sofa, brown leather recliner, blue cloth recliner, glider rocker, drop leaf table, brown love seat, brown floral love seat and chair, roll top desk, curio cabinet, 4 door china cabinet, oak table w 6 chairs, cherry table w 6 chairs, wooden office desks, cedar chests, 4 drawer black file cabinet, 5 pc queen sized bedroom set, 3 pc double sized bedroom set, single and 3/4 beds complete, teak table w/ 6 chairs and matching buffet, single pedestal solid oak table, 2 swing mirror dressers, 2 brown davenport sofas, single over single bunk bed, baby cradle, wooden bench, 3 dressers no mirrors, and more, milk cans, kids wagons, trike, boxes of new kids shoes.

Shop Tools Steel cut off saw, Airco 220V stick welder, boxes of welding rods, 25 gal lawn sprayer tank w pump, air tools, socket sets, wrench sets, Allen wrench sets, large floor model gray tool box, floor model and bench top drill presses, Shop Vac’s, portable air compressor, table saws, Skil saws, electric drills, battery charger on wheels, large angle grinders, scroll saw, air grease gun, bench grinder, tile saw, belt sander, bench vice, cases of lube, mitre saw, steel shop shelving, electric impact gun, cordless drill sets, air nailer, checker plate truck tool box, hard hats w earmuffs, Jack all Jack, router in table, 3 farm wagon loads of new hardware items, far too much to list.

Notes Full auction selling with 3 rings. Still unpacking lots of unlisted items.

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

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

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

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

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

Will buy all types, drug form required but will buy either way. TOP PRICES

PAID. Contact Calvin Kuepfer for prices at Horizon Trail Equine at 519-272-3290.

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

OLD TOYS, HOCKEY games, hockey cards and pictures, jerseys and collectibles, tin toys, metal toy trucks etc, from 1940 - 1970’s or older.

Call 519-590-8368.

CONTINUED TO PG. 21

20 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

REAL ESTATE

MOVING? CALL TODAY!

OPEN HOUSE SAT., JAN. 20, 2-4PM 50 Limera Ave., Elmira

Alli Bauman Paul Martin Sue Wideman SALES REPRESENTATIVE SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

CALL DIRECT

$645,000

SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT

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

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

paul@remaxsolidgold.biz suewidemanhomes@gmail.com

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

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

Elmira - Extra Large Lot with this stunning 2014 Claysam home boasting 2089 sq ft with 4 generous size bedrooms and ample flex space throughout. The open concept main floor is carpet free w/lots of natural light, formal dining and California shutters.

The kitchen has granite countertops and new backsplash plus upgraded appliances (gas stove) all included and main floor laundry. Both bathrooms come with soaker tubs while the main bath also includes double sinks.

The fully fenced, oversize upgraded lot with no rear neighbors comes with a shed and stamped concrete patio. Don’t miss out! MLS.

$615,000

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION. Tom McDonald Sales Representative

Shanna Rozema

Bonnie

BROKER

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

Brubacher

BROKER

HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO …

EXCLUSIVE!

10 Elora St. S., Box 419 Harriston, ON N0G 1Z0

(519) 338-3526 www.mcintee.ca harriston@mcintee.ca

Wilfred McIntee & Co. Ltd. Brokerage (HAR) Enjoy country living in this 3 bdrm. bungalow located on 2 acres close to HARRISTON on dead end street.

Detached 16’ x 32’ shed and 40’ x 70’ Calhoun tarp bldg.

$424,900.00 ARTIST RENDERING

PARADIGM (ELMIRA) HOMES EXECUTIVE TOWN HOME BUNGALOWS $459,900 Calling Empty Nesters, choice of 3 inside units, beautifully appointed. Freehold, standards include gas fireplace, hardwood in great room, maple kitchen w/island, a/c plus much more. Here is an opportunity to own in Southwood Park Estates, ELMIRA. Closing dates starting in March/18. Call today for further details.

3/4 ACRE PIE LOT - WORKSHOP $714,900 ALMA Welcoming 3 bedroom, 4 bath Bungalow. 2200+ sq ft of mainfloor living space offers

gleaming hardwood and ceramic flooring, lovely open concept kitchen/dinette and great room with gas fireplace. All mainfloor convenience, fully finished basement for entertaining with walk up access to the garage. 25 x 50 detached heated workshop. So much to offer.! MLS

SOLD

ARE YOU THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING IN 2018?

CALL US TODAY AND WE CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE THIS! ELMIRA OFFICE: 519-669-3192 | www.YourFamilyTeam.ca | 90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4

519.500.1865 (Direct)

® REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

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

$324,900.00

Brokerage

Independently Owned and Operated

DIRECT: 519-572-2669 3 Arthur St. S. Elmira DIREC OFFICE: 519-669-5426

Dale R. Keller Sales Representative

CAR BUFFS | Near Harriston | NEW PRICE $329,000

Beautiful semi in desirable location in Glenridge/Lincoln area. 2 gas fireplaces, finished rec room with wet bar, 2 bedrooms up plus a loft, open concept. MLS Call Dale direct.

Don't miss the great value here. Bungalow with 4 CAR DREAM garage.

New stone work, new windows, new roof, 2016. 2 + 1 bedrooms, large 0.46 of an acre. MLS Call Dale.

Palmerston | $273,000

Numerous possibilities | Just off 401 | $890,000

Quick Closing. This move in ready 2 bedroom home on a large 0.42 acre lot offers a park like setting backing onto the school yard. New roof and furnace. Large front porch and generous side deck. A beautiful spacious and bright home. MLS Call Dale.

This 5 acre property could have a potential in law suite with separate entrance at back. The land is zoned such as to permit dog kennel facilities. The barn currently set up for horses could also be used for many other purposes.

What dreams would you have for a property like this. MLS Call Dale.

Bruce Peninsula | $36,000

Enjoy country living in this private 3 bdrm. bungalow on 1-1/2 acres with large deck & large detached 1 storey barn/shed. Updates incl. electrical panel, roof, furnace & interlocking brick patio. GRAND VALLEY AREA

BROKER

Waterloo New Listing | $459,000

SOLD

$424,900.00

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

519.747.0231 (Office)

www.KellerSellsRealEstate.com dale@kellersellsrealestate.com

3 bdrm. bungalow on 1/2 acre features a full partially finished walkup lower level to rear yard and detached 16’ x 40’ insulated shop. Private rear yard overlooks countryside. Situated near Alma with easy access to Guelph & Kitchener/Waterloo areas.

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

www.remaxsolidgold.biz

EMAIL: bert@remaxsolidgold.biz

FREE Market Evaluation

Spring is Coming…

Thinking of Buying or Selling?

Call me for Professional Advice.

Ask for your FREE Property Evaluation.

Serving the community for 25 years!

Your referrals are appreciated!

CLASSIFIED | 21

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

REAL ESTATE

CLASSIFIED ADS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19 RENTALS

COMING EVENTS

2 BEDROOM APARTMENT in Elmira. Quiet building, newly renovated, close to downtown. Call 519-669-5798.

BROKERAGE

THE SHAREHOLDERS OF the Elmira Farmers’ Shed will hold their Annual Meeting in the Farmer’s Plus Board Room on Fri. Jan. 26, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.

Office:

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

APOSTOLIC CHRISTIAN CHURCH Choir presents A Night of Sacred Acapella Choral Music. Saturday, January 27, 2017.

Free dinner (5 p.m.) and performance (7-8 p.m.) at Apolistic Christian Church, 2891 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg. RSVP required for dinner by Mon. Jan. 22. Call Alma 519-595-8311 or email elmeralma4@gmail.com

COMING EVENTS

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. BRAD MARTIN

JULIE

LUKE

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

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

LET OUR 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!

Tri-Mech offers competitive wages and health benefits.

FIRST TIME OFFERED – Ideal starter or retirement home with a lovely deep, fenced back yard – 150’. Updated ‘Maple’ kitchen w/ breakfast bar, open staircase to the basement and skylight! Combination L.R./D.R. Main floor consists of 2 bedrooms with a 3 piece ensuite and laundry facilities. Full bathroom.Finished basement with a third bedroom, cozy rec room w/gas fireplace, 3 pce.and tons of storage.

Central Birdland location close to all schools and rec centre New MLS

WAREHOUSING

SOLD

FULL TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

We are currently seeking someone to join our team.

This job requires someone who is energe�c, self-mo�vated, honest, and willing to learn. • The applicant should have problem solving skills, a posi�ve a�tude & good communica�on skills • Ability to mul�-task and detail oriented • Hardworking and flexible to changing deadlines • Basic computer experience is an asset • Experience in Transporta�on & Warehousing is an asset, but also willing to train Du�es May Include • Working with Customers • Loading / Unloading Trucks • Operate a forkli� or reach truck • Picking and pu�ng away orders

214 BROOKMEAD ST., ELMIRA TASTEFULLY DECORATED, open concept home w/hdwd floor in the L.R. open to the kitchen w/island and spacious dining area w/garden doors leading to the covered deck.

Private, fenced back yard w/shed.

Main floor laundry.Large walkin closet & 4pc.ensuite. The lower level offers 2 bdrms. w/oversized windows, rec. room, games area(or 2nd kitchen) and 3pc. bath. Separate entry from the garage to bsmt. MLS.

SOLD $599,900

Please apply in person at 7201 Line 86, Wallenstein, ON. or email your resume to: info@enviro-eze.com

CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET EVALUATION

& 0 2 $ 3 1 8 6 3 ( 3 2 $ 1 / 2

0 , ) ( ( / ' 8 6 & + $ 2 7 5 7 2 / 7 , 7 6 2 7 ( : ' (

& ) $ / < 6 2 2 + * 1 $ : ' < ( 6 ( % $ 5 % 3 0 < 0 $ ( 7 +

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Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application or resume by fax to 519-638-3342, or by email to jobs@trimech.ca HELP WANTED

HVAC APPRENTICE Tri-Mech Inc. is a mechanical company specializing in Gas Fitting, Hydronic Heating, Geothermal, Furnaces, Air Conditioning, Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and High Pressure Cleaning Systems. We service agricultural, light commercial and residential systems.

We are currently seeking a motivated individual who is interested in pursuing HVAC as a career. No experience is required but any experience in construction or HVAC would be an asset.

Tri-Mech offers competitive wages and health benefits.

SUDOKU CHALLENGE

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

2 ' , 2 8 6

CROSSWORD PUZZLER

& $ 7 7 $ , /

Tri-Mech Inc. is a mechanical company specializing in Gas Fitting, Hydronic Heating, Geothermal, Furnaces, Air Conditioning, Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and High Pressure Cleaning Systems. We service agricultural, light commercial and residential systems.

We are currently seeking a G2 or G3 Gas Technician who is a team player and able to work with minimal supervision.

Qualifications in Refrigeration, Plumbing, or Sheet Metal would be an asset but not a requirement.

5 TANAGER ST., ELMIRA

$469,900

GAS TECHNICIAN

Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application or resume by fax to 519-638-3342, or by email to jobs@trimech.ca

FIND IT IN THE OBSERVER

22 | CLASSIFIED

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

TIRE

WHERE TIRES ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

GENERAL SERVICES

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

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

BIKE SALES & REPAIRS

THOMPSON’S

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

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

www.biobobs.com 519-648-3004

GENERAL SERVICES

We are geared to meet your timing and volume requirements

SEE US FOR

Window & Screen

REPAIRS

BLENDED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS!

800-232-6396

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519-669-5537

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

Ph: Elmira (519) 669-5219

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

AMOS INC

R O O F I N G

Various sizes & rates

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

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

Blown or Pushed Off

or call today! or

PROFESSIONAL BIKE MECHANIC ON STAFF

Premium Softwood

Visit our website

519-669-4400

519-669-3232

Quality Bedding

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

519-669-4964

CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

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

“25 years in Business”

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

info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca

• • • •

Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases

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

Concrete Breaking & Removal

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

The Right Window Treatment Can

Save you

Blinds

Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

by Elite or Mera

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

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

FREE

INSTALLATION When you buy 3 or more

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

Evenings By Appointment

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

For all your Plumbing Needs.

Randy Weber

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016

519-669-3652

darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON

www.rwelectricltd.com

ELMIRA

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

WINDOW FASHIONS

Free in-home Consultations.

Call someone you can trust.

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

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

SPACE FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

ST. JACOBS

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

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

Your Business Here!

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

Call Donna at 519.669.5790 Ext 104.

TEL:

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

homewindowfashions.ca

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL

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

519-577-0370

OUTDOOR SERVICES Since 1998

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

519-503-6033

(CELL)

519-669-2251

36 Hampton St., Elmira

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

CALL ABOUT OUR 28FT FLAT BED SERVICE

CALL DUSTIN AT

226-750-4532

•Final grading •Lawn repair & complete seeding well equipped for large stoney areas •Spike Aerator/Overseeding •Natural & Interlocking Stone •Retaining Walls, Walks & Patios •Help for Top Water & Drainage issue

Murray & Daniel Shantz

ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427

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

226-750-4532

CLASSIFIED | 23

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

FAMILY ALBUM OBITUARY

OBITUARY

IN MEMORIAM

BIRTHDAY

Happy 80th Birthday

Bauman, Alvin R. Died peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 14, 2018, at the age of 95 years.

Husband of the late Anna (Martin) Bauman (2014). Father of Orvie and Salema Bauman of RR 3, Ariss, Irene and Donald Martin of RR 2, Clifford, (the late Edgar) and Verna Bauman of RR 3, Listowel, Verna and Paul Bauman of RR 2, Drayton, Earl and Almeda Bauman of St Jacobs. Survived by 33 grandchildren and 80 great-grandchildren. Brother-in-law of Helen (Mrs. Irvin) Bauman and Samuel and Melvina Martin. Stepbrother of Alice (Mrs. Noah) Weber and stepbrother-in-law of Melinda (Mrs. Clayton) Brubacher.

He was predeceased by his parents Ezra and Magdalena (Reist) Bauman, stepfather Israel Brubacher, sons Lester (in infancy) and Edgar (2009), three great-grandchildren, one brother, two sisters, three stepbrothers and five stepsisters. The family received relatives and friends on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Viewing also took place on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 from 1-6 p.m. at the home, 2990 Sawmill Rd., St. Jacobs, where a family service will be held at 9 a.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2018, then to Martin’s Mennonite Meeting House, Waterloo, for burial and further service.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com OBITUARY

King, Michael Lawrence Passed away peacefully, into the arms of God, at his residence on Monday, January 15, 2018, at the age of 71 years. Michael King was the beloved husband of 51 years to Terry (Atfield) King. Loved father of Amanda and her husband Darryl Johnson of Elmira, Patrick of Chilliwack, BC, and Dennis and his wife Heather of Elmira. Loving Grandpa of Tamara, Rachel, Riley, Lexie, Anna, and Mary. Brother of Judy (Steve) McCormick, Frances (Gene) Ricci, and Kathy King, all of Brantford.

Predeceased by his parents Michael and Beatrice (Heeney) King and brother Terry. Michael was a longtime member of Woodside Bible Fellowship and The Royal Canadian Legion, Elmira Branch. He was a retired employee of Budd Automotive, where he was the CAW plant chairman. Following that he worked with the Commissionaires at the Home Hardware/PIB location in Elmira. The family will receive their relatives and friends on Thursday, January 18, 2018, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. The funeral service will be conducted on Friday, January 19, 2018, at 11 a.m. at Woodside Bible Fellowship, 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira. Interment in Elmira Union Cemetery will follow. As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Mary’s General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Mary Ann (Shoemaker) Bowman

Purves-Smith, Michael James It is with the sorrow of loss, and joy for the memory of a life lived to the fullest, that we announce the passing of Michael James Purves-Smith, of Elmira, ON, at the age of 72.

He will be missed by all whose lives he touched and inspired, especially by his loving wife of the past 50 years, Shannon; by his two sons, Mike and Rob; and by his grandson, Max. Michael was a professional musician, and professor of music at Brock and Wilfrid Laurier Universities. His passion for music was lifelong: as a performer on keyboard, oboe, and early wind instruments; as a prolific composer and orchestrator, becoming an Associate of the Canadian Music Centre; and as a director of many ensembles, including the WLU Baroque and Early Music program, and Wind Ensemble. He was Artistic Director of the Wellington Winds for three decades, and continued as principal oboist in his retirement.

Since the sixties he had been studying the progress of global warming, and spent his later years as an environmental and political activist. His desire to communicate the urgent need for action on these matters led him to write his two-volume environmental novel, Rocky Mountain Locust.

He loved travel, reading, gardening, x-country skiing, and food. Indeed, he’d invariably say that every meal that Shannon prepared was the best he’d ever tasted. And then there were the wild mushrooms! Above all he cherished nature, and sought to protect “our only home, the biosphere,” and to inspire others to do the same.

His family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, January 19, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur Street South, Elmira. A ceremony to celebrate Michael’s life will follow at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated by the family. They may be made through the funeral home, by phone at 519-669-2207 or by email at info@dreisingerfuneralhome.com.

Audrey Marie Smalldon

Nov. 9, 1922 - Jan. 18, 2010 Fondly Remembered By Family and Friends

OBITUARY Weber, Barbara Passed away peacefully at her home, RR 1, Wallenstein, on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at the age of 95 years. Beloved wife of the late Aaron W. Weber (2006). Dear mother of Esther and Ian Shantz of RR 1, Wallenstein, Elam and Minerva Weber of RR 5, Mount Forest, Susanna and Oscar Martin of RR 1, Elmira, Amos and Naomi Weber of Elmira, Anna and Harvey Bauman of RR 1, Wallenstein, Moses and Leah Weber of RR 1, St. Clements, Mervin and Erma Weber of RR 1, Palmerston, Joseph and Salome Weber of St. Jacobs, Lydia Weber and Elmeda Weber of Elmira.

Fondly remembered by Nancy Shantz of Elmira. Survived by 58 grandchildren, 221 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-granddaughter. Sister of Henry and Mary Ann Frey, and Magdalena Martin. Sister-in-law of Susannah Gingrich. Predeceased by her parents Christian and Lydia (Brubacher) Frey, daughter-in-law Mary Ann Weber, three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, six brothers, and two sisters. Friends called at the home of Ian Shantz, 7870 Line 86, RR 1, Wallenstein, on Monday, January 15, 2018 from 1-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, January 16, 2018 from 1-5 p.m. A family service was held at the home on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at 9 a.m., then to Weaverland Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Family and friends are invited to attend a Come & Go on Sunday, January 28, 2018 from 2-4pm at Parkview Manor, Floradale Best Wishes Only

RESCUE JUNCTION:

Also a dinner option

FROM | 17

with those communities based as far away as Pennsylvania and Indiana. Of the band’s plans, Gerber notes an upcoming gig in Florida, while she says she’s also hoping to tour out east in the Maritimes.

It’s the second time Rescue Junction is playing to benefit MennoHomes after performing over a year ago in Elmira; but this year’s concert will feature some new songs from their upcoming album, so it’s sure to be a treat for fans and newcomers alike.

For Dan Driedger, executive director of MennoHomes, the involvement of both the band and the church are a tremendous boon to the organization.

The funds raised will help go towards mortgage payments on the new Foundry apartment building in Elmira. The Foundry offers affordable housing in the community that is, uniquely, also elevator accessible. The building began receiving tenants from the middle of last year, whom Driedger noted happily, were really beginning to settle in and form a community.

Driedger notes appreciatively that people who donate at the concert will be able to take advantage of the hurch’s offer to double those free-will donations.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. on January 27 at Floradale Mennonite Church. The music is also preceded by roast beef dinner at 5:30 p.m., for which a meal-ticket needs to be prepurchased to catering expenses. Tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children 10-andunder, and can be purchased by calling the church office at 519-669-2861.

JACKS: Coach likes where the team is at heading into the playoffs FROM | 13

of players to the box at Saturday’s game in those final 20 minutes to the likes of trashtalking infractions and spearing, and it nearly cost them the game. The Navy Vets rolled over the home team in that last period, scoring three power play goals and two additional ones in the final 12 minutes.

The Applejacks were lucky there were just 20 minutes to go, as the game went from an 8-2 landslide at the start of the period, to an 8-7 one-point game by the end.

“I guess we need to learn to play with the lead, but the biggest thing is we need to stay disciplined. And we just, for some reason, self-destructed, and got frustrated with the

reffing; we got frustrated with how the other team was playing,” said Gerber.

“But we took very foolish penalties, like selfish penalties. And it’s something we’re going to have to address before playoffs, because going into playoffs you can’t play like that and expect to win hockey games.”

With four games left in the regular season (plus the postponed Delhi game, which has yet to be scheduled), and the playoffs set to begin in February, the Applejacks are hoping to make some final improvements to their game.

“We feel when we play the game, we’re playing really well. We’re really happy with the way we’re playing. Just a little disappointed with our discipline against Wood-

stock, that’s for sure, but it’s something we’ll address and we’ll take care of,” said Gerber.

“But besides that, we’re excited about the rest of the games and then the playoffs, obviously. We’re looking forward to getting the playoffs going.”

Up this weekend, the Applejacks will be heading to Norwich Friday to play against the Merchants before returning home the following night to face the New Hamburg Firebirds. The week after, Wellesley is up against Ayr and Tavistock, the first- and second-place teams in the division, respectively.

The Jacks (20-13-1-1) are currently at fifth place, just a few paces behind the fourthplace Paris Mounties (22-11-0-1).

24 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

LIVING HERE VOLUNTEERISM / INTO RETIREMENT

Whenever the call came, he was always there to answer After 32 years with the Woolwich Fire Department, Wally Remers would gladly do it all again FAISAL ALI THERE ARE TIMES, WALLY Remers admits, that he still finds himself reaching for the pager around his belt, half expecting the call to come in. It was his responsibility, after all, for the past 32 years as a volunteer firefighter in Floradale – 20 years of which he served as captain – until his retirement January 1. It came sooner than he would have wished.

“It hits home a little bit for me,” says Remers about his departure from the department. “It hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Remers is at work when I call, but he readily offers to meet me at the Floradale fire hall to talk; and sure enough, within minutes he’s there, dressed in a crisp uniform and ready. It’s a trip he’s made countless times before on short notice, but accompanying him this time is his wife Elaine, and their granddaughter, little Myka Martel.

“Well, he’s an eager fellow, lots of energy,” said Floradale district chief Dennis Frey appreciatively.

“Folk’s got a big heart, willing to help.”

He notes that though Remers did not live closest to the station, he was often the first one there in an emergency.

“So that gives you a little bit of an idea. And we would get seriously worried if he just sauntered into the sta-

CHEF’S TABLE/ DONNA GINGRICH

Versatile eggs work for any meal and at any time of the day RECIPE NOTES

his time with the Woolwich department, a daunting task for anyone in its own right, but as captain he had to lead a team into the fray with him.

“It’s a big responsibility to take care of your crew going in. You know, you have to make three go in, and it’s my responsibility that three go out and that everybody goes home tonight,” he says.

BEING ABLE TO BUY fresh eggs from a farm is a privilege for anyone willing to make the effort. Drive on a country road and watch for handmade signs that say Fresh Eggs for Sale, No Sunday Sale. I have been doing this for years and would not consider buying eggs at the grocery store – some of those eggs looking more like they came from a factory instead of real chickens.

I am partial to brown eggs, although I can’t really give you a real reason for that. The shell is thicker, the yolk a nice orange colour and more plump, and they look nicer than white eggs. So that’s why. They are more appealing to the eye.

I love eggs. It does not matter how they are cooked. I eat them for breakfast, lunch and, sometimes, dinner. What is a cook to do? After cooking all day, nothing whets my appetite so I have two brown eggs over easy on toast. Perfection.

REMERS | 27

CHEF’S TABLE | 27

Retiring after 32 years as volunteer firefighter in Floradale, Wally Remers is noted for his willingness to drop everything when his help was needed. tion when we had an alarm.”

For three decades, Remers has been at the ready to answer those pager calls.

They could come at any time: at the machine shop where he works, during a social event or family outing or a quiet evening at home.

They could come on the best days or on the worst.

But regardless of when the call came, it always meant that someone, somewhere nearby might be in distress.

“I’m always reminded that

when the pager goes off, no matter how bad your day is, somebody’s got it a lot worse,” says Remers. “I’m just there to make somebody’s life a little bit easier.”

He couldn’t have done what he did without the support of his family, though it was often not easy for them as well, he notes.

“Well, there’s times that I didn’t sleep after he left at night because I worried, wondering what’s going to happen,” says Elaine

Remers.

“And there were times that there was disappointment, because he all of a sudden left a family function and then he would be gone for the afternoon.

Or he left us sitting somewhere sometimes,” she says with a laugh. “But overall I enjoyed being his support. It was something we could do together in the community.”

Remers did not just brave the smoke and fire during

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

LIVING HERE | 25

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

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FEBRUARY 8

FEBRUARY 14

MARCH 8

WOODSIDE EVERGREEN FOR SENIORS at Woodside Church, Elmira. Speaker Constable Norm deBoer “Fraud in the 21st Century.” Devotional by Paul Fletcher. Music by Sherrin Gingrich. Suggested $7 donation includes a hot lunch. For more information please call 519-669-8752.

SENIORS COMMUNITY DINING AT Calvary United Church, St. Jacobs at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch, fellowship and entertainment, $11. Please call 519-664-1900 by Feb. 12 to sign up.

WOODSIDE EVERGREEN FOR SENIORS at Woodside Church, Elmira. Betty Marshall will present the “MCC Thrift Fashion Show.” Devotional by Pastor Fred Lichti. Suggested $7 donation includes a hot lunch.

For more information please call 519-669-8752.

NEW HORIZONS FOR ZOOMERS, boomers and seniors from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Maryhill Community Centre.

Guest Speaker Lynn Weimer, retired registered nurse, Waterloo Hospice will discuss: Advanced Care Planning - a conversation worth having.

FEBRUARY 21 SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT Wellesley Community Centre at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship, $6. Please call 519664-1900 by Feb. 16 to sign up.

NEW HORIZONS FOR ZOOMERS, boomers and seniors from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Maryhill Community Centre.

Guest Speaker Larry Wainwright, Lions Club Member, and his 4 legged companion, Otis. Topic: Seeing Life Through Blindness.

FEBRUARY 26

APRIL 12

SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT Breslau Community Centre at noon. Community Cares Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship, $6. Please call 519-664-1900 by noon, Feb. 5 to sign up.

FEBRUARY 10 ST. VALENTINES ROAST BEEF Dinner and Dance Fundraiser for the Waterloo Rod and Gun Club, St. Jacobs. Dinner 6 p.m., Dance 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Country band and door prizes. For more information and tickets please call 519-664-2951.

MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS

FEBRUARY 28

is reserved for non-profit local community events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and the like do not qualify in this section.

519.669.5105 1540 FLORDALE ROAD P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA

NEW HORIZONS FOR ZOOMERS, boomers and seniors from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Maryhill Community Centre.

The New Horizon Band - Swing into Spring (Music by the New Horizon Band.)

SENIORS COMMUNITY DINING AT Linwood Community Centre at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch, fellowship and entertainment, $11. Please call 519-664-1900 by Feb. 26 to sign up.

SUBMIT AN EVENT The Events Calendar

www.elmiravacuumelectrical.ca

WOODSIDE EVERGREEN FOR SENIORS at Woodside Church, Elmira. Carol Weicker will present “Living in the Shadow of His Face.” Devotional by Pastor Paul Snow. Suggested $7 donation includes a hot lunch.

For more information please call 519-669-8752.

SENIORS LUNCH CLUB AT Woolwich Memorial Centre, Elmira at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship, $6. Please call 519-664-1900 by Feb. 22 to sign up.

9 Church St. E., Elmira

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VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO EASILY SUBMIT YOUR EVENT:

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PLACES OF FAITH | A DIRECTORY OF LOCAL HOUSES OF WORSHIP

Pastor: Hans J.W. Borch Proclaiming Christ through Love and Service

60 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-5591

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

NURSERY PROVIDED

SUNDAY SCHOOL

HEARING ASSISTED

Sunday, Jan. 21st

10:15 am: Worship

St. James Lutheran Church

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

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11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

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It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.

10:45 am

Seeing What is Right Through God’s Eyes Speaker: Andreas Dimond

Discovering God Together

4522 Herrgott Rd., Wallenstein www.wbconline.ca • 519-669-2319

Speaker: Ron Seabrooke

Service at 10:30am Rev. Paul Snow

Sunday Services

9:15 | 11:00 AM

REACH WITH LOVE. TEACH THE TRUTH. SEND IN POWER.

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290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973 www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)

Zion Mennonite Fellowship 9:30am Sunday School

Worship: 9:30am Elmira Mennonite World Fellowship Church

Sunday

10:45am Worship Service

Fred Lichti preaching

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REACH OUT Spread the word, advertise your service here every week.

26 | LIVING HERE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

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

Morality issues at play in picking atheists over the religious believers WEIRD NOTES

Q. Are atheists as moral as religious believers?

A. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Surprisingly, even atheists seem to think not,â&#x20AC;? says Bob Holmes in â&#x20AC;&#x153;New Scientistâ&#x20AC;? magazine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This belief is almost certainly wrong, but it reflects a longstanding bias that morality stems from faith.â&#x20AC;?

Suppose you are told about a man who tortured animals as a child and grew up to become a serial killer.

Is it more likely that he was (A) a teacher, or (B) a teacher who did not believe in God? The correct answer is (A), since there are more teach-

ers as a whole than teachers who are atheists. And if you change the question so that option (B) is â&#x20AC;&#x153;a teacher with religious belief,â&#x20AC;? the correct answer is, again, (A).

When either version of this question was presented to more than 3,000 volunteers from 13 nations, â&#x20AC;&#x153;In almost every country polled, more people made the error when B was the atheist teacher.

This suggests they found an atheist mass murderer more plausible than a religious one. Remarkably, even those who did not believe in any God showed the same pattern.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;But this is not borne out by the facts. In both the U.S. and the UK, atheists are under-represented in the prison population and over-represented among

civil rights and anti-war activists. The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most secular countries â&#x20AC;&#x201D; notably in Scandinavia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are among the most peaceable and civic-minded.â&#x20AC;?

Q. The English language is rich in words but scant in the names of their originators. The following are exceptions. Can you name the coiners of â&#x20AC;&#x153;muppet,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;mimsy,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;bafflegabâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;scare quotes,â&#x20AC;? and their meanings?

A. As fans of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sesame Streetâ&#x20AC;? no doubt know, Jim Henson coined â&#x20AC;&#x153;muppetâ&#x20AC;? to describe the showâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic characters, writes Anu Garg on his â&#x20AC;&#x153;A.Word.A.Dayâ&#x20AC;? web site. The word, introduced in 1995, means â&#x20AC;&#x153;a stupid personâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;a fool.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mimsyâ&#x20AC;? owes its origin to

America.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? In spoken language, the equivalent is â&#x20AC;&#x153;air quotesâ&#x20AC;? (think of arms upraised, two fingers on each hand bent to suggest quotation marks).

Q. If you want to meet an intelligent alien here on earth, where might you go?

Lewis Carroll, who in 1855 incorporated it in a poem published in his periodical â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mischmasch,â&#x20AC;? later appearing as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jabberwockyâ&#x20AC;? in his novel â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through the Looking-Glass.â&#x20AC;? A blend of â&#x20AC;&#x153;miserableâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;flimsy,â&#x20AC;? it means â&#x20AC;&#x153;prim, â&#x20AC;&#x153;feeble,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;affected.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bafflegab,â&#x20AC;? as the word suggests, is â&#x20AC;&#x153;obscure, pompous, or incomprehensible language,â&#x20AC;? first coined

by Milton A. Smith, assistant general counsel for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1952.

Finally, credit goes to philosopher G.E.M. Anscombe for â&#x20AC;&#x153;scare quotes,â&#x20AC;? introduced in 1956 â&#x20AC;&#x153;to indicate the writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disagreement or disapproval of the use of a term.â&#x20AC;? An example is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Columbus, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;discoverer of

A. To the sea. In his book

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Other Minds: The octopus, the sea, and the deep origins of consciousnessâ&#x20AC;? philosopher Peter GodfreySmith points out that cephalopodsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;especially octopuses and cuttlefishâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;have extensive nervous systems and complex behaviors which rival those of some pretty smart vertebrates (dolphins, primates, parrots â&#x20AC;Ś). Yet the last common ancestor of cephalopods and vertebrates was a flattened

worm-like creature which lived 600 million years ago, before any organisms had made it onto land. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because our most recent common ancestor was so simple and goes so far back, cephalopods are an independent experiment in the evolution of large brains and complex behavior. If we can make contact with cephalopods as sentient beings, it is not because of a shared history, not because of kinship, but because evolution built minds twice over. This is probably the closest we will come to meeting an intelligent alien.â&#x20AC;?

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

OBSERVER CROSSWORD PUZZLER ACROSS 1. Strip 5. Liking 10. Succeed 15. Year of our Lord 16. Bug out 18. Fodder holder 19. Be bombastic 20. 20-20, e.g.

22. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ Baby Babyâ&#x20AC;?

(Linda Ronstadt hit) 24. Hello, breezily 25. Leave 26. Lentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start, e.g.: Abbr.

27. Bunionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s place 28. Vex, with â&#x20AC;&#x153;atâ&#x20AC;?

30. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harper Valley ___â&#x20AC;?

32. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is __ outrage!â&#x20AC;?

33. â&#x20AC;&#x153;___ Lang Syneâ&#x20AC;?

35. Textile worker 37. Marine flier 39. Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closest neighbour, abbr.

40. Constitutes 41. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ___?â&#x20AC;?

43. Hard to come __

44. Chiseler 46. Cicatrix 47. The Beatles, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let it ___â&#x20AC;?

48. Atomic number 2 49. Penpoints 52. Crack, in a way 53. Uttering amazement 54. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ___ you!â&#x20AC;?

55. PC component 56. Debatable 57. Paâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partner 58. Bird venerated by ancient Egyptians 59. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Comme ci, comme çaâ&#x20AC;?

60. Calendar abbr.

61. Italian, e.g.

62. ___ terrier 63. __ and fro 65. Final: Abbr.

66. Fast-moving card game 67. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;86 Peter Gabriel album 68. Ale holder 70. From the beginning 72. Bank deposit

DOWN 1. Reedy marsh plant 2. Loathsome 3. Word before only 4. Blockage 6. Symbol for arsenic 7. Medical research org.

8. Cut short 9. Greeting for a dude or a bro 10. Bit of baby talk 11. Operating room 12. Babe in the woods 13. Broke bread 14. Counsels, old style 17. Over there 21. Unagi, at a sushi bar 23. Cow chow 25. Some of the top stories 29. Annual award for excellence on the Internet 31. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Polyâ&#x20AC;? attachment, in school names 32. Interminable time 34. Old gold coin 36. Bar staple

38. 007â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doctor foe 42. Chucklehead 45. Pleasurably amusing: Slang 46. Included in a small group of preferred applicants 50. Highlands hillside 51. Farm pen 52. Bluecoat 53. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Welcomeâ&#x20AC;? site 54. ___-Wan Kenobi 56. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Holy smokes!â&#x20AC;?

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LIVING HERE | 27

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

RETIREMENT: Longtime firefighter says it’s the camaraderie and sense of family he’ll miss most FROM | 24

It’s a dangerous job, for sure, but not every call that came in meant bad news.

“I’ve also had some good fire calls. I’m known as ...,” he pauses and laughs.

“I guess I did emergency childbirth ... So you get the good calls too, and bringing life into this world is huge,” he remembers fondly.

That was one of the bright points in his time. Remers still remembers the trepidation of his fellow firefighters when the call came in. This was back when many of them were young and single, and not all that keen to see a live birth. Rushing into a burning building, sure, but a birth? No thanks.

“The guys, a lot of them were single and [they] kind of just looked around and [said], ‘you go, you go,’” he says, pointing his finger around for emphasis. Remers, though, was happily married with two young kids at the time, so he was chosen for the job.

“I still get razzed about that,” he adds with another laugh.

It’s the guys, his fellow firefighters, and the camaraderie of the job that he will really miss, he says. Whether it was the practice drills they’d go through routinely, or returning to the station after a call for debrief, or just the simple in-jokes and time spent together at the hall.

“You know what? They’re family,” he says. “They’re

and they know that.”

But he adds: “There comes a time in a person’s life, I think, when you have to admit you’re done. And don’t hold any grudges, which I’m not, and carry on and use my experience

for something else. Because for me, this isn’t it.

I’m going to carry on with my experience that I had for the last 32 years, it’s valuable, and for me not to use it from here on out – I have to.”

First Ever

Wally Remers with his wife Elaine and granddaughter Myka Martel at the Floradale station. family. ... When each and every one of the firefighters will give your arm for your brother.”

Over the years, it’s a family that’s suffered some losses though, he adds. In a job as hazardous as firefighting, with all the immediate dangers and potential health impacts that come with it, it’s something he’s seen happen before his eyes. Remers recalls his fellow firefighter Paul Bowman, who had been with the Woolwich Fire Department as long as him until his passing in 2012.

“Of all the years that I’ve been on, what really hurt was when we had to lay our firefighter to rest. He was volunteering here, and within a week he was ill and he passed away,” said Remers about the sudden death.

“Of all the times I went

CHEF’S TABLE: This quiche

through the funeral home, that was about the hardest to see your own firefighter, lay him to rest.”

But despite the low points, Remers again recalls the highs. He remembers the fun of bringing his girls down to the fire station to show them trucks; he remembers all the times he was able to help make somebody’s life better. When Remers looks back on his career as a firefighter, knowing what he knows now about the difficulties he’d face and the health issues he’d experience, he doesn’t hesitate to say he would still do it all

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

over again.

His only regret is that he wishes he could bring his grandchildren, like Myka, to the fire hall the same way he did his own daughters.

“But I just live around the corner and I can still bring them. I’m always welcome here, I know that,” he says.

Remers gave 32 years of service to the community as a volunteer firefighter.

And while he is still figuring out what his next steps will be, he knows he’s not done.

He knows that he still has plenty more to give to his friends and neighbours.

“I will miss the guys,” he says. “For me, it’s still fresh

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Potato Crusted Quiche 3 cups finely shredded raw potato 1/2 tsp salt 3 tbsp oil 1 medium onion, chopped 1-1/2 cups ham, cubed 1-1/4 cups shredded old cheddar cheese 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped or 1 tsp. dried herbs of your choice 1 cup milk 3 large eggs 2-1/2 tbsp cornstarch 3/4 cup mayonnaise 3/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper

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28 | BACK PAGE

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2018

CASABLANCA: Orchestra in sync with the film

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is forever linked to Casablanca and the love story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman).

A 1931 tune that was already known to the public and even has some nostalgic value at that point, As Time Goes By was not to Steiner’s liking, ironically.

He wanted to compose a new song in its stead, but was eventually talked into keeping it in the score.

“I’m of the opinion that Steiner came to love this song,” said Mitchell, pointing to his use and gentle treatment of the theme.

Music is central to Casablanca, not only for its mood-setting to the audience, but for much of the story, as live music is playing in Rick’s club through its opening hours. Much of that is pivotal to the story, including various iterations of As Time Goes By that frames the relationship, past and present, of Rick and Ilsa, and La Marseillaise, which underscores the wartime setting and Rick’s changing mood, as he goes from being neutral to supporting the resistance.

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Evan Mitchell will lead the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony for the shows.[SUBMITTED] time with what’s happening and, many times, is heard on screen. by the characters them“You have to recreate all selves as part of the club the music ... and do it exatmosphere. That the muactly in sync with the film,” sic wends its way through he said, noting there’s the movie in various ways much less flexibility than makes it all the more chalplaying a piece of music lenging to accompany the

by Mozart, for example. In film, Mitchell suggests. this case, no wiggle room.

For instance, the orches“We’re at the mercy of what tra has to react when the on screen. music at Rick’s café drops “Still, it’ll be an awful lot in volume during dialogue of fun.” scenes.

Casablanca: The Film “The orchestra is followwith Live Orchestra runs ing me, and I’m following January 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. the film,” he said. “It’s chalat the Centre In the Square lenging, but I’m working in Kitchener. Tickets can be with some very talented purchased online at www. musicians.” kwsymphony.ca or by callAs with any live musiing 519-745-4711 or 1-888cal accompaniment, the 745-4717. underlying goal is to stay in

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