AD SPOT - NON PRINTING
Ontario's #1 Weekly Community Newspaper
JULY 28, 2022
This Weekend Friday
240 Saturday
250 Sunday
Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume 27 | Issue 29
280
Living Here | 23
Lost cane finds its way home to owner
Peggy Nitsche with Armand Schaefer, who found the handmade cane belonging to her father, John A. Weber.
Leah Gerber
When Peggy Nitsche got the call that the cane belonging to her father, John A. Weber, was found, she was in line for a pastry at the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market. “People around thought I had won the lottery,” she said. The cane was found by Armand Schaefer, who was driving on New Jerusalem Road last Saturday when he saw it. He said he drove by it at first, and then wondered, “what the hell is that?” and went back. When he found the ornately carved cane, he thought, “holy mackerel!” “I could get a lot of money at a flea market for that,” he said. He said he kept the cane in the trunk of his car. Then on Tuesday he was in the Elmira Deli and Donuts, and read the article in The Observer about the family looking for the cane he found. He called the family, and Nitsche went and picked it up. “Everybody needs to be reminded that miracles can happen,” said Nitsche.
Latest plan for covered bridge restoration favours timber Steve Kannon Observer Staff
A REHABILITATED COVERED BRIDGE IN West Montrose will feature heritage-friendly wooden trusses under the latest design option favoured by the Region of Waterloo. That’s a shift away from the steel trusses that had been favoured previously. The preferred alter-
native was the topic of discussion Tuesday evening at a special meeting of Woolwich’s heritage committee. Ongoing studies and public feedback, coupled with what were found to be only small differences between the wood and steel options, tipped the scale in favour of timbertruss reinforcement in providing longer-term
repairs to the bridge. The structure, built in 1881 and the only remaining covered bridge in Ontario, has seen many repairs and alterations over the years. Most recently, the span has faced several closures in the wake of damage done by heavy vehicles crossing it despite longstanding prohibitions. Both the steel and
timber options would provide a lifespan of 75-plus years, with the wood option requiring more frequent maintenance to ensure its longevity, said Kevin Li of Doug Dixon & Associates Bridge Engineers, which did an assessment of the structure. The preferred option would involve removing the Bailey trusses added
to the bridge in 1950s in favour of a wooden option there too. Also slated for removal are the wooden splash guards inside the bridge that currently cover parts of the trusses. In the new design, the trusses would be visible from the interior. Restoration materials and plans to eliminate the sag now visible on the bridge could raise the
height of structure by up to a foot, though there would be no changes of elevation at the roadway on either end. The increased height would see longer timbers used as part of the re-cladding of the exterior timbers. Li noted the bridge has been modified many times throughout its history. The three-tonne load → BRIDGE 7
New Arrival!
Queen Bed Only $499
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING
Available in 2 finishes
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 30 BENJAMIN RD., WATERLOO | FURNITURE FOR EVERY BUDGET | 519.746.0060 | WWW.FURNITUREHOUSE.CA
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
2 | COMMUNITY NEWS
EVERY MATTRESS STOREWIDE
NO TAX!
TAKE AN ADDITIONAL
200 OFF
$
ANY
BROOKLYN EUROTOP
CHARLOTTE PILLOWTOP
• 416-13 gauge spring coil system • Organic Cotton Cover • Heavy duty fibre pad with lumbar support
• 416-13 gauge spring coil system • Organic Bamboo Cover • Heavy duty fibre pad with lumbar support
MEAGAN POCKET COIL • • • • •
• 600-13 gauge spring coils • Bamboo Fabric Heavy duty fibre pad with lumbar support • Edge Guard
972 Tri-zone Pocket Coils Parameter Foam Support Extra Lumbar Support Bio-Foam, Eco-Friendly Bamboo Fabric
SAVE
600
$
WHITNEY 2-SIDED EUROTOP • • • • •
Flippable Mattress! 1166 Pocket Coils Viscose Foam Layer 2” High Density Foam Double Fibre Pad/Lumbar Support
299 399 499 599 799
QUEEN MATTRESS
QUEEN MATTRESS
$
TWIN MATTRESS DOUBLE MATTRESS KING MATTRESS
QUEEN MATTRESS
$
249 279 $ 499 $
TWIN MATTRESS DOUBLE MATTRESS KING MATTRESS
$
DRSG III TIGHT TOP EXTRA FIRM
329 369 $ 599 $
TWIN MATTRESS DOUBLE MATTRESS KING MATTRESS
$
$
399 479 $ 699 $
TWIN MATTRESS DOUBLE MATTRESS KING MATTRESS
$
499 549 $ 799
$
$
QUEEN MATTRESS
$
TWIN MATTRESS DOUBLE MATTRESS KING MATTRESS
799
899
QUEEN SET
$
$
TWIN SET DBLE SET KING SET
699 $ 749 $ 1299 $
REFLEXION ADJUSTABLE
REFLEXION LIFT
POWER BASES
•HEAD LIFT COMFORT •0 CLEARANCE •650 LB. LIFT CAPACITY
LIFT BASE FROM
899
$
CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR NEEDS
• • • •
1200 Zoned Comfort Pockets Gel Quilt Foam Layer An Extra Layer of BioFoam Ice Viscogel Added Layer
VISCO MEMORY FOAM
816 Zoned Pocket Coils with Gel Memory Foam plus Memory Foam
999
700
899 $ 949 $ 1499 $
QUEEN MATTRESS
699
$
SAVE
$
BOXSPRING SOLD SEPARATELY
SAVE
800
REFLEXION PULSE
$
•HEAD & FOOT LIFT COMFORT •USB PORTS •UNDERBED LIGHTING •700 LB. LIFT CAPACITY
FOAM ENCASED
TRI-ZONE POCKET-COIL
999
$
BOXSPRING SOLD SEPARATELY
ALEXIS POCKET COIL
QUEEN MATTR & BOXSPRINGESS !
THE RENAISSANCE LUXURY FIRM
$
699 749 999
$
TWIN SET DBLE SET KING SET
QUEEN MATTRESS
599
Comfort Pocket Coils Bamboo Cover Insulator Pad 11⁄2” Bio Comfort Foam 1⁄2” Bio Trizone Visco
$
QUEEN SET
799 $ 849 $ 1399
• • • • •
$
DRSG VI PLUSH EUROTOP
$
TRI-ZONE POCKET-COIL
GARNET POCKET COIL
$
MAKERS OF
QUEEN SET
TWIN SET DBLE SET KING SET
$
DRSG V - FIRM OR PLUSH EURO PILLOWTOP
MAKERS OF
QUEEN MATTRESS
COUPON
PLUS
NO TAX
PLUS FREE EXPRESS DELIVERY
ADELINE EUROTOP
TEMPUR-PEDIC MATTRESS
ONLY
LISA PILLOWTOP POCKET COIL
TWIN SET $ DOUBLE SET $ 799 899 KING SET $ 1499
816 Zoned Pocket Coils with Gel Memory Foam plus Memory Foam plus Latex
VISCO MEMORY FOAM
QUEEN MATTRESS
799
$
BOXSPRING SOLD SEPARATELY
PLUS
WATERLOO
KITCHENER
CAMBRIDGE
519-579-7778
519-624-2495
354 KING ST. N.,
844 COURTLAND AVE., EAST
ON KING, SOUTH OF COLUMBIA IN THE AYRES BULK FOOD BUILDING MON-FRI 10-6, SAT. 10-5, CLOSED SUNDAYS
AT THE EXPRESSWAY BESIDE JAMIESON TRUCK RENTAL MON-FRI 10-6, SAT. 10-5, SUN 12-5
519-746-5056
415 HESPELER RD.
CORNER OF HESPELER & BISHOP -ACROSS FROM MCDONALDS MON-FRI 10-6, SAT. 10-5, SUN 12-5
SHOP IN-STORE OR ONLINE...SLEEP-EZZZ.CA
FREE EXPRESS DELIVERY
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | 3
Page Three
If it matters to you. It matters to us. News tips are always welcome. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Online: observerxtra.com/tips
Lions Park lighting
From the archives
A $250,000 grant from the province’s Community Building Fund, delivered via the Ontario Trillium Foundation, will help Woolwich replace the ball diamond lighting at Lions Park in Elmira. The new LED lighting will be much more energy efficient. Woolwich has been upgrading the lighting infrastructure at the park for the past three years.
Although officials hesitate to call it a tornado, the storm that moved through Woolwich Township on Monday had many of the same effects, toppling trees and downing hydro wires across much of St. Jacobs and Conestogo. From the July 27, 2002 edition of The Observer
Region ramping up to provide vaccine for children under 5 Bill Atwood Observer Staff
WITH THE PROVINCE NOW MAKING COVID-19 vaccines available for kids aged six months to five years, the region’s medical officer of health is addressing concerns that parents and guardians may have. “It is a personal decision
for parents. I definitely recommend that all children who are eligible get vaccinated because it’s going to be something that’s going to train your child’s immune system to recognize and fight off COVID-19. And for most children it doesn’t lead to a serious illness, but for some children it does,”
said Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang. Kids in this age group will be given a reduced dose of the Moderna vaccine. “Although most children who get infected have no symptoms or mild symptoms, some can become very sick and require hospitalization. The vaccine offered to children
aged six months to under five years is a lower dose that is safe and effective at protecting this age group from COVID-19. Even if a child has already had COVID-19, vaccination will help to further improve the immune response and provide more robust protection,” Dr. Kieran Moore, chief medical
officer of health said in a release last week. As is the case for adults, the Omicron variant has made it easier for kids to get infected with the virus, Wang said. “It’s very easy to get COVID-19 nowadays; so many people who have avoided it for two years have got it now.”
Parents can book vaccines for their children by using the provincial COVID-19 vaccine portal. The region’s public health website provides several suggestions for making getting the vaccine an easier experience for kids. This includes talking to kids ahead of time and → VACCINES 4
Prepared for the worst as weather becomes extreme AlertWR app is one way for residents to stay informed of emergency situations Leah Gerber Observer Staff
THE SEVERE WEATHER WARNINGS IN southern Ontario over the last few weeks may have some people seeking ways to be more prepared. The Region of Waterloo has an app for that. It’s called AlertWR. AlertWR is a free subscription service to deliver public safety messages in the case of large scale emergencies. The program is a collaboration with the Region of Waterloo, Waterloo Regional Police Service, and local hydro companies to notify people of extreme situations like floods, extreme weather, chemical releases or other major emergencies. It advises people on the actions to take such as sheltering in place or evacuation and how best to do these actions. People in the region can subscribe to the service to be alerted via phone, text or email.
Anyone signed up with a local hydro company is automatically subscribed to receive the alert notifications via phone. Ryan Maeck is an emergency management advisor with the region. He said there are 200,000 households that are already subscribed to AlertWR via the phone associated with their hydro account. There are also 20,000 people subscribed voluntarily aside from their hydro accounts, he said. “But in our minds, we want to see the full picture which is just every single household in the region being able to receive these alerts. So our goal is to reach every single person. And we have a good hold on that with all these households getting a call, but we really want people to self-subscribe, so they have that independent choice to go in there, they’re engaged, they can choose what type of alerts they want.” → BEING PREPARED 4
Irvon Weber, manager of steam operations for Waterloo Central Railway, and Trevor Pffaf, whose company made a $35,000 donation towards the retrofit of Montreal Locomotive Works No. 9 Steam Locomotive. Bill Atwood
Heritage locomotive restoration funding WCR accepts large donation towards $130,000 retrofit of 1923 locomotive Bill Atwood Observer Staff
THE WATERLOO CENTRAL RAILWAY’S RETROFIT of a nearly 100-year-old train recently got a huge boost. Pfaff Mechanical Insulation Inc. donated a total of $35,000 to the organi-
zation for the continued repairs to Montreal Locomotive Works No. 9 steam locomotive, which was built in 1923. That model was in operation until 1963 and was donated to the group in 1986. Government regulations require a retrofit every 10 years, according to Irvon
Weber, manager of steam operations for the railway. The current retrofit started two years ago at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Whenever you take something apart that’s 100 years old, it’s hard to know where to stop – there’s always something you
find. We thought we had lots of time. We repaired a lot of things – rebuilt the compressor, and just on and on – and then when we finally took it out, we found some more things that we missed,” he said. The locomotive was driven three times this → WCR 7
Post an ad. Pay for it. Make your next hire. AD SPOT - NON PRINTING
Hire local with the power of print and online.
jobs.observerxtra.com
Book a print job listing: 519-669-5790 ext104
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
4 | COMMUNITY NEWS
Countdown on for candidates to file for 2022 election Few candidates vying for council positions in Woolwich and Wellesley townships; only race thus far is for Woolwich mayoralty Steve Kannon Observer Staff
WOOLWICH’S WARD 3 SAW TWO candidates file nomination papers this week – one a former councillor and the other a newcomer to municipal politics – bringing the total to five declared candidates in the township. Bonnie Bryant, a former councillor in the ward, is joined by first-time candidate Kayla Grant in vying
for Ward 3’s two seats. Both are Maryhill residents. Incumbent Mayor Sandy Shantz is seeking re-election, with current Ward 1 Coun. Patrick Merlihan having been the first off the mark to file papers for the mayoralty. He was followed by Eric Schwindt filing to run in Ward 2. Incumbent Fred Redekop has yet to declare. Three of the current councillors – Murray Martin (Ward 3), Scott
takeout Lunch & dinners Turkey & Dressing or Meatloaf includes:
Dinner 3:30pm-7:30pm July 29 & 30
coleslaw, rolls, mashed potatoes, vegetable & dessert
Lunches 11am-4pm Orange Glazed Pecan Chicken or Fish includes: coleslaw, rolls, mashed potatoes, vegetable & dessert
Aug 3 - 6
Closed FRIDAY AUG 5TH
CAFÉ HOURS: Tues.-Thurs. Thurs. 8-4, Fri.-Sat. 8-7:30
r orde pre-Quired re
(519) 669-2142 | 2238 Floradale Rd., Floradale | www.bonnielouscafe.com
McMillan (Ward 1) and Larry Shantz (Ward 3) – say they’ve yet to make a decision on whether to run again in the October election. The filing deadline for nomination papers is August 19 at 2 p.m. In Wellesley, incumbent Mayor Joe Nowak was first to file nomination papers. Ward 1 Coun. Shelley Wagner said she submitted her paperwork last Friday. Current Ward 4 councillor Carl Smit said this week he’s not seeking re-election. Neither Herb Neher (Ward 2) nor Peter van der Maas (Ward 3) has declared his intent. Wellesley deputy clerk Amy Harron notes that ahead of the 2018 election, six of what would eventually be 10 candidates had filed with three weeks remaining to the deadline. As it stands, then, the only position for which there is a race is the mayor’s job in Woolwich,
where clerk Jeff Smith said it seems, anecdotally at least, that candidates are waiting longer to file than in recent elections. His department is responsible for preparing for the elections, from dealing with filing deadlines to ordering voting supplies and lining up the contractor to provide the technology allowing residents to vote. “We’re already starting to work on election supplies. Some of the things we need are the basics, pens and pencils; we’re sourcing out our ballots already,” he said, adding there are contingencies for the ongoing pandemic. “We’re also even preparing ... for some hand sanitizer, PPE and stuff like that, just in case the seventh wave that we’re in gets any worse and there’s a call from either the province or public health to do masking or any of that nature. On that side, so
we’re also working with our internet and phone voting vendor, and we’re going to be configuring the voting system. That’s in progress right now.” The focus is on digital voting – via internet and telephone – but the township has ordered enough paper ballots to cover demand even if everyone opts for that method. “We want everyone to feel comfortable that they can they can choose whichever method they feel most comfortable with,” said Smith. In the 2018 election, 85 per cent of voters in the township cast an electronic ballot remotely by internet or phone (93 per cent and seven per cent, respectively), while some 15 per cent attended township voting sites to make their selections. In Wellesley, the vote will be strictly digital. “We will have no paper ballots available at all
during the voting period. Eligible electors will need to cast their ballot electronically,” said Harron, noting voters will receive information by mail starting at the end of September. With voting day set for October 24, the next deadline is the nomination period that wraps up in three weeks. With that in mind, Smith said he and his department are ready to assist those interesting in becoming candidates. “Our website is kind of our main source of information – lots of information for candidates there on the ‘information for candidates’ page. We’ve got our election procedures. We’ve got the candidate’s guide. We’ve got the Ontario school board resource guide for school board trustees. There’s a little section on election signs and advertising, campaign finances, all that kind of stuff.”
VACCINES: Region knows some parents will have concerns, questions
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Evening appointments available
Dr. Stephen Morris Optometrist PHONE:
Dr. Alice Chen
Optometrist
519-669-0012
73 ARTHUR STREET S., ELMIRA (Beside the Clocktower Wellness Centre)
→FROM 3
being honest about what it feels like. Instead of telling them “it won’t hurt,” parents are encouraged to say something like “there may be a pinch or something pushing for a few seconds.” Wang said there are two concerns that parents may
have. “One is, they have heard that it isn’t as severe in children overall. That’s true; children tend to have, like healthy young adults, to not have as many severe outcomes. But there can be some children that get very severely ill or worse. And vaccines help protect
against that possibility. And the other thing is, they may be thinking, ‘well, this is a new vaccine and I kind of want to see how it’s gone to date so far.’ What we’ve seen as the vaccine has a very good safety profile for all age groups for whom it’s been recommended,” Wang said.
“It’s also gone through rigorous trials for all the age groups for which it’s been approved,” she added. Ultimately it is still up to the parents, she noted. “It’s something that I definitely recommend, but we also have to respect that it is a [parental] decision.”
BE PREPARED: There are early warning systems, plans in case of emergency →FROM 3
While acknowledging there is already a national-level alert system in place, Maeck says AlertWR’s strength is its very specific locality. “We have a national alerting system, Alert Ready, and it sends out notifications to people, forces them to their phones, but it’s not necessarily local-specific. So our biggest goal here was, ‘how do we reach all of our citizens locally in the event of emergencies that really affect them, not just the national level alerts or provincial level alerts that they do get.’” The service was introduced in March 2019. Maeck says one example of its success is warning people of incoming floods, for example last fall the Grand River Conservation Authority issued a flood warning for people in the Tannery Street area in the town of Ayr. The AlertWR app was used to notify the people living in that
neighbourhood specifically, with the wording: “If you receive this message, you are in the warning zone and urged to take all necessary precautions to protect personal safety and property. Please use extreme caution around all bodies of water.” The trick is to balance how much and when it’s used, says Maeck. It shouldn’t be used too often, as many people want to be left alone except in the most extreme situations. “We’re very careful not to over-warn and underwarn for these things. For example, we had a tornado watch saying the potential for tornadoes for the area. But our specific area did not get a full alert, full warning that tornadoes have touched down in our region. The message didn’t go out to specific people, but the performance is there when we need it. So when we need to reach a specific neighborhood, we can draw on our system, the
map of that neighborhood and get an alert directly to those people in that area. “A lot of this system is managing expectations of folks, as well. A lot of people want to hear about everything, including a road closure. And then a lot of people really don’t want to be bothered unless there’s a life-safety issue, and we really try and move the system alerts toward that life-safety piece so that we can send out alerts in the event of, ‘Should you be evacuating? Should you shelter in place? Literally an emergency situation for you.’” Waterloo Regional Police are a partner in the AlertWR app project. Cst. Melissa Quarrie, a public information officer, says that the police always advise people to be prepared for emergency situations. “When preparing for emergencies, Waterloo Regional Police Service encourages members of the public to know the
risks, make a plan and get a kit. Natural hazards vary in severity and knowing what to do is an important part of being prepared,” she said via email. Quarrie directs people to a publication from the government of Canada called, “Your Emergency Preparedness Guide” that helps people prepare for emergencies and put together an emergency kit for their families. Maeck says now is the time to pay attention to increasing levels of emergency situations, and this is why the app was created and is now being promoted. “We’ve all been seeing more and more attention to increasing disasters, increasing emergencies. We’ve got a lot more population, a lot more climate change. These types of things have really been prompting more thought towards what are the best technologies to get messaging out to people as quickly as possible,” he said.
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ P O L I C E
COMMUNITY NEWS | 5
R E P O R T
Police issue grandparent scam warning for Waterloo Region; 30 incidents since February Waterloo Regional Police Service issued a warning to older adults in the community after receiving several reports of fraud targeting that population. In the grandparent scam – also known as the emergency scam – the fraudster contacts the victim, claiming that a family member is in crisis and needs money. While the fraudster can claim to be any family member (e.g., aunt, uncle, child, spouse) or friend, grand-
JULY 16 11:00 AM | Perth County
OPP responded to a single-vehicle collision on Perth Line 86. Through the course of the investigation, the officer had reason to believe the driver was impaired. The driver and two passengers were transported to a local hospital for minor injuries. As a result, a 58-year-old Kitchener woman was charged with ‘operation while impaired - alcohol and drugs.’ A 90-day license suspension and a seven-day vehicle impoundment were initiated as per statute. The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford at a later date to answer to the charge.
4:24 PM | Waterloo
Regional Police responded to reports of a disturbance on Arthur Street South in Woolwich Township. A motorist observed a male urinating in the area and stopped to confront the suspect male. A physical altercation ensued with the suspect assaulting the motorist. The male then spat on several others who attempted to intervene. Upon arrival police arrested the male. While in police custody, the male attempted to spit on an officer. As a result of the investigation, a 27-yearold man was charged with two counts of ‘assault’ and two counts of ‘assault a peace officer.’
JULY 18 7:46 AM | P o l i c e
responded to reports of a collision at Snyders Road East and Notre Dame Drive in Wilmot Township. The driver of a vehicle attempted a left turn from Notre Dame onto Snyders Road and was struck by an oncoming vehicle. As a result of the investigation,
parents may be particularly vulnerable. Typically, a call is made from someone claiming to be the victim’s grandchild. They will state they are in trouble, such as having been arrested or involved in a collision and need money. Usually, the victim is instructed to send money immediately. Sometimes a second call will be made from someone pretending to be a lawyer or police officer. The victims are often told they cannot talk about
the investigation with anyone and advised that they will go to jail if they talk about it. Between February and July, more than 30 of these incidents were reported in the region, with losses exceeding $185,000. In each of these four most recent incidents, victims ranging in age from 50 to 87 were targeted. The suspects claimed to be RCMP officers on the phone and sent a delivery driver
to collect the money. The delivery driver was described as a white or Asian female, approximately 5’1” tall, and was wearing a white T-shirt and dark shorts. The investigations of these frauds are ongoing by the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Organized Financial Crime Team. Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at
the driver was charged with ‘turn not in safety.’
JULY 20
loocrimestoppers.com.
3:19 PM | A collision
12:39 PM | Emergency
services responded to reports of a collision between a dump truck and a car on Arthur Street North, near Cedar Springs Road. The driver of the car, a 72-year-old Cambridge man, was transported by air ambulance to an out-of-region hospital with life-threatening injuries. Arthur Street North was closed between Cedar Springs Road and Side Road 5 for several hours. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam footage is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777, ext. 8856.
JULY 25
involving a truck and Ford SUV brought police to the area of Gingerich Road and Sandhills Road in Wilmot Township. Through investigation, it was determined that the driver of the truck did not stop at a stop sign. The driver of the truck was charged with ‘failing to stop.’
4:39 PM | Waterloo
Regional Police were called to a collision involving two vehicles in the area of Wellington Road 85 and Listowel Road in Wellesley Township. The investigation found that one driver attempted a left turn onto Listowel Road and was struck by the other vehicle. As a result of the investigation, the driver making the left was charged with ‘turn not in safety.’
JULY 19 5:00 PM | Perth County
OPP and the Perth County Paramedic Services responded to a collision on Line 67 in the Township of Perth East. Two people were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Subsequently, a 36-year-old resident of St. Jacobs was charged with ‘fail to yield from driveway.’ The accused was issued a Provincial Notice for the offence. Anyone with information regarding this or any incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or online at www.opp. ca/reporting. Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.P3tips. com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
JULY 22 9:00 PM | Officers
from Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Services Unit continue to investigate a fatal collision in Wellesley Township. Emergency crews responded to Lobsinger Line, near Herrgott Road, following multiple reports of a single-vehicle collision. Police determined that the driver of a black Mitsubishi lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway, struck a hydro pole and rolled over. The driver and lone occupant, a 27-year-old Kitchener man, was pronounced deceased. Lobsinger Line was closed for several hours between Herrgott Road and Moser Young Road as police investigated at the scene. The investigation is ongoing by members of our Traffic Services Unit. Anyone with information or who may have dash-cam or surveillance video is asked to call police at 519-5709777, extension 8856. To submit anonymous tips, please call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.water-
1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com. To protect yourself and others from this type of scam, police advise: Take time to think. The fraudster will make it sound urgent to pressure you. Contact the family member in question. Emotions might be running high but take the time to check. Ask questions only
family members would know. Call someone you trust or police for an opinion about the call (fraudsters will say they don’t want anyone to know because they are embarrassed). Do not send any money. If you believe you have been a victim of a similar scam, you can file a complaint with the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre or contact Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777.
3:30 PM | Two people
died following a collision in Mapleton Township. Wellington County OPP responded to a report of a collision involving a commercial motor vehicle and a pickup truck at the intersection of Wellington Road 8 and Wellington Road 10 near Moorefield. The driver of the pickup truck, a 76-year-old Tiverton man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The passenger, a 29-year-old Tiverton man, was airlifted to a nearby trauma centre with life-threatening injuries, where he later died. Wellington Road 8 and Wellington Road 10 were closed in both directions for several hours. Police are asking any person with further information regarding this incident to please contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw. tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.
7:35 | E m e r g e n c y
services responded to the area of Schummer Line and Hutchinson Road in Wellesley Township for reports of a shed fire. Police and the Wellesley Fire Department attended and quickly extinguished the fire. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the fire is considered suspicious and the investigation remains ongoing by WRPS’ General Investigations Unit. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
FEATURE ITEM:
MILD, HONEY GARLIC, SWEET WITH HEAT & HOT
4.49
$
PEPPERETTES
BULK PKGS $7.99/LB Reg.$9.50/lb
1L
SAUERKRAUT
6.99 ea.
$
2065 Floradale Rd. Elmira, ON. Our plant is 100% Gluten Free
ea.
Reg.$5.25 ea.
PHONE: 519-669-2300 TOLL FREE: 844-669-2300
Reg.$7.39 ea.
HOURS: Tuesday - Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 9am - 3pm Sunday CLOSED
SPECIALIZED
SERVICE
for Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot Townships
Shopping Appointments Social activities Day Programs Recreation Employment Meetings
www.k-transit.com 519-669-4533 or 1-800-461-1355 Charitable #13447 4410 RR0001
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
6 | COMMUNITY NEWS
©2022 Western Canada Press wcp1@shaw.ca
Fast, Reliable Service 75 Rankin St., Waterloo
Where tires are a Specialty, not a Side Line! 519-746-6000
Dunn Heating ClimateCare is a member of ClimateCare, Canada’s largest co-operative of independent, locally-owned heating and cooling professionals. Their main priority has always been providing their customers with the highest quality heating and air conditioning products, installed by some of the finest tradesmen in the industry. With a history dating back to 1973, Dunn Heating ClimateCare a family owned business is an authorized Carrier, Keeprite, and ClimateCare company providing their customers with many options for their comfort needs, with 100% satisfaction guaranteed! Second-generation HVAC contractor and local owner Rick Dunn guides the company, and is assisted by some of the best people in the industry. His company is a multi-year Readers Choice Award winner with a great reputation. Summer days in Southern Ontario tend to be hot and humid, so step inside and enjoy the comfort of your own home with a new air conditioner. Installing a high efficiency air conditioner with Dunn Heating ClimateCare means you will have access to a team of cooling experts that can help you buy, install and regularly service your air conditioning system all without breaking the bank. From emergency repair to seasonal maintenance, Dunn Heating ClimateCare professional and accredited fully licensed and factory trained HVAC technicians will provide timely and courteous service at an affordable price. Ask about their Energy Star rated products including highefficiency furnaces up to 98% AFUE rating, and air conditioning systems up to 19 SEER, heat pumps, HEPA filters, air purification, and humidifiers that provide clean, quality indoor air for your family. Their Service department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. Signup for their WeCARE maintenance Plan it’s a truly wise investment. Dunn Heating ClimateCare can supply and install qualitymade brand name fireplaces. Natural gas and propane fireplaces are low-maintenance, easy to use, aesthetically pleasing, and energy-efficient, providing a good heat output helping you save on heating costs in winter. Take advantage of current rebates to save money. They are an authorized dealer for Kitchener Utilities. CLARITY by ClimateCare offers you numerous options. Financing is available on approved credit. Contact Dunn Heating ClimateCare for a free quote or visit their website www.dunnheating.com to read their blog, or for additional information. Call today and find out why so many satisfied customers say “Well Done by Dunn.”
ESSENTIAL AUTO SERVICE Professional Auto Repairs of All Brands Since 1999 80 Baffin Place, Waterloo 519-747-5530 Essential Auto Service offers a variety of automotive repair services for a different makes and models. They are fully equipped to diagnose, disassemble, replace parts and repair your car. If there’s anything wrong with your car just give them a call right away. No job is too big or too small for their team of experts. And no matter what type of vehicle you drive, where it came from or how old it is, they will fix any problems that arise without breaking the bank along the way. Essential Auto Service takes the time to explain every job, and provide you with a complete digital inspection report on your vehicle that allows you to know what repairs you need now, and in the future. You can be rest assured that their technicians have been trained to repair your vehicle — no matter what the age — the first time and to always use the right part for your car. Guided by owner, Rich Greg, Essential Auto Service offers full-service preventive maintenance and automotive repair, for both domestic and imports- small vehicles, full size sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks. Their team of highly trained and certified technicians are here to serve you. From oil changes to complex computer diagnostics, their staff is here to do what it takes to maintain your vehicle. Whether it’s lube-oil-filter service, troubleshooting, Advanced Computer Diagnostics and expert repairs, they do it all. This includes tune-ups, brakes, fluid flushing, timing belts, wheel alignments, steering and suspension, air conditioning & heating, exhaust repairs, muffler replacement, tire, sales, service, repair, and storage, pre-purchase inspections, or Motor Vehicle Safety Inspection, new vehicle scheduled maintenance and All Work is New Car Warranty Approved. They provide FREE courtesy inspection with each appointment. Essential Auto Service is a member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, and has a great reputation for customer service. Fleet vehicles require regular maintenance checks and care to make sure that they are running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Essential Auto Service provide preventive maintenance, analysis and diagnosis, service history reports, and emergency fleet repairs. We suggest you visit their website www.essentialauto.ca to read customer reviews, book an appointment online or simply learn more about this exceptional automotive repair company. Like them on Facebook. Follow on Twitter. Hours are: Monday to Friday 8:00am5:30pm. For your convenience they have a night drop box for after hours key deposit, when leaving your vehicle for service.
371 Arthur St. S. Elmira www.oktireelmira.com
519-669-3232
When replacing or upgrading your vehicle’s tires obtaining the best combination of performance and value means understanding the options available to you. That’s where the tire specialists at OK Tire Store (Elmira) can truly help. Regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive, OK Tire will ensure you get the best tire for your needs--at a competitive price. O.K. Tire Stores has grown to become Canada’s largest independent chain of tire retailers with the buying power of over 325 locations. The Elmira store has served the region since 1993, and is independently owned and operated by Rob Bowman and Eric Brubacher, who are assisted by a professional staff. OK Tire Store (Elmira) supply tires for every need including passenger car, van, SUV, light truck, medium truck, agricultural, industrial, ATV, plus lawn & garden tires. They feature tires by Bridgestone, Firestone, Toyo, Cooper, GT Radial, Continental, Pirelli, General Tire, and BKT. Tractor tires start showing their age after years in the field with cracks or bubbles. OK Tire Store (Elmira) has replacement tires in different sizes and styles so you can match your agricultural needs. OK Tire is your local Unverferth Wheel dealer, with access to all kinds of original equipment, antique and custom wheels, for most farm equipment application, including duals, triples and large singles. They also provide Trelleborg Wheel Systems, tractor tires and complete wheels and rims. OK Tire’s expert certified technicians provide flat tire repair, tire changeovers, precision balancing and TPMS service. A fast 24-hr roadside assistance and on-the-farm service is readily available with a fleet of 5 mobile trucks, 3 of which are fully equipped with cranes to handle the largest of tires and wheels. When it’s time to change the wheels and rims for your vehicle, OK Tire has exactly what you need. Upgraded wheels can be the single most dramatic change possible for your vehicle by improving handling, lowering weight and creating a vehicle that looks uniquely yours. OK Tire feature LUND® brand premium accessories that provide outstanding value to the consumer and backed by an industry best warranty. Call today for your free quote, or to inquire about tire rebates at the business we recommend, OK Tire Store (Elmira). Like them on Facebook. www.facebook.com/OKTireElmira/
Unit 1 1600 King St. N., Upper Village, St. Jacobs 519-664-3728 www.decortile.com toll free 1-888-664-7526
Since 1976, Decortile Limited have been pleasing customers by staying true to their values of Honesty, Integrity, Quality and Value while delivering unparalleled Service. Nobody knows flooring like they do. Why should you shop at a flooring specialty store versus a general-purpose, big-box store that sells everything? Because Decortile Limited knows flooring best. They’re the flooring experts, from their wide selection, to design advice, to planning, to professional reliable installation. They will be there for you before, during and after the sale. When you visit Decortile Limited you will be treated to the best quality customer service available. Their staff is up to date on all the hottest flooring design trends to help you achieve your dream floor covering solution. Planning a new modernization project requires you to make all kinds of decisions. Some will be about aesthetics, such as which color looks the best with the new flooring. Others are usually more utilitarian, such as which flooring will be tough enough to stand up to the wear and tear of high foot traffic, active children, and rambunctious pets. Decortile Limited is an expert in homes, retail and commercial flooring solutions providing all types of flooring including carpet, hardwood, vinyl, laminate, porcelain, ceramic, granite and marble floor tiles, and natural cork flooring. Guided by local owners Steven and David Deriu, their team has a wealth of knowledge and years of experience. Because of their thorough knowledge of materials and applications they can assist you with selecting the best products or creating unique solutions. As the Regions leading flooring retailer, the installation team at Decortile Limited knows how to deliver. They realize that having a floor installed disrupts your routine, that’s why they set a schedule that is convenient for you. They show up on time, do the work in a manner respectful to your home or business, get your approval, and leave your space without a trace … except for your new floor. Let Decortile Limited helps you transform your space! Drop by their showroom today! Like them on Facebook.
Driving The World’s #1 Selling Import No matter the application if it’s powered by or backed up with a battery ...more often than not, we have a solution
8272 Wellington Rd. 7, RR1 Moorefield
519-638-8990
www.standalonebatteries.com julia@standalonebatteries.com
Chances are if your battery is over 5 years old or more it could fail at any time. We suggest you visit the experts at Stand Alone Battery and Charger Services and have your battery tested. Over the years after numerous cycles, the battery will eventually die and needs to be replaced. If, you do need a replacement you can be assured that the staff there will recommend the best battery for your application. Established in 2015 Stand Alone Battery and Charger Services, a family owned and operated business is guided by Daniel and Julia Tanguay. Their company is a premium supplier of quality brand name batteries, sold at competitive prices. They supply quality products by Magnacharge, Odyssey, Crown, Trojan Deep Cycle, and Trolling Dual Purpose Batteries, along with new automotive batteries for all makes and models of cars, trucks, new heavy duty batteries for farm machinery, lawn and garden tractor batteries, AGM / Gel / Solar, recreational batteries for motorcycle /ATV /scooter/jet ski, snowmobile, golf cart batteries, medical & mobility batteries & service, SLA batteries - emergency lighting / UPS backup, large construction equipment and large highway trucks, deep cycle and AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries along with warranty repair. Stand Alone Battery and Charger Services carry booster packs including the NOCO Boost Pro Jump Starter and Power Bank, portable Lithium battery for jump starting a car, boat, trucks and more. A convenient on-site service for industrial batteries and chargers for electric forklifts is provided by three highly trained, experienced technicians. The local Mennonite community appreciate that Stand Alone Battery and Charger Services supply battery backup systems for farm generators, along with running light batteries to increase night safety, and visibility for horse & buggy travelling on the road. Stand Alone Battery and Charger Services is dedicated to serving their customers and community with the highest standard of professionalism and ethics while maintaining a strong commitment to protecting our environment. They work to ensure proper handling and recycling of spent batteries. Call for a battery quote today, they are open Monday to Saturday 8:00am-6:00pm, with emergency appointments available. Like them on Facebook. www.facebook.com/standalonebattery/
300 Weber St. N., Waterloo www.forbestoyota.com
519-885-2000
Shopping for a new car is a big deal - but that doesn’t mean it has to be stressful! In fact, if you know where to shop, you’ll discover that the whole dealership experience can be simple, rewarding, and even fun. The goal of Forbes Waterloo Toyota (part of Forbes Automotive Family) has been to make the sale and service of automotive products a pleasant, hassle-free experience. They feature new quality-built Toyota cars, pickup trucks, vans or SUV’s and hybrids. Getting into the model you’ve always wanted is easier with their knowledgeable finance department that has all the tools necessary to help make the process go smoothly and will work with you to find the financing or leasing option that best fits your needs. Forbes Waterloo Toyota has an inventory of certified preowned vehicles with 160-point quality inspection performed by a factory trained technician, 6-month/10,000km powertrain & warranty and CarFax vehicle history report, ready to be driven off their lot. Toyota vehicles hold their value extremely well — just look at the number of Awards they take home every year, given to vehicles that best hold their residual and retained values over time. Again, this year Toyota was named the Best Mainstream Brand in the recent J.D. Power 2022 Canada ALG Residual Value Awards. Toyota has the most model-level awards with seven. Forbes Waterloo Toyota strive to ensure that your vehicle maintains its original quality for as long as you own it. Their skilled service technicians are highly trained and are ready to perform the proper repairs and have your car or truck back on the road in no time. From minor and regular maintenance to your most major repairs needed, they can take care of you. They also repair all makes and models of vehicles, plus provide “While You Wait’ lube service, and a convenient Pre-booking of appointments up to 6 months in advance. Whether your refurbishing a used Toyota model or adding some flair to a new Toyota, Forbes Waterloo Toyota will gladly help you get the parts you need. They provide 100% genuine Toyota auto parts backed by a 1-year/20,000 km warranty, TRD performance parts, cosmetic enhancements, and complete accessories. If you’re not sure which parts your vehicle needs, feel free to talk to their friendly parts team. General Manager, Jason Stainton and the staff at Forbes Waterloo Toyota invite you to contact them to ask about incoming inventory, or to book your next service appointment. Like them on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ForbesWaterlooToyota/ At Forbes Waterloo Toyota the focus has always been the customer and that will never change. They are totally committed to providing superior customer satisfaction by creating an honest, transparent, and timely customer service experience.
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
COMMUNITY NEWS | 7
WCS now taking donations for annual backpack program Bill Atwood Observer Staff
WOOLWICH COMMUNITY SERVICES IS ONCE again conducting its backpack program to provide back-to-school supplies to students from low-income families in the area. “A lot of families can afford to go shopping for back-to-school supplies that are brand new: backpacks, brand new binders, a whole new box of pencil crayons and markers. And some families cannot afford to do that. So we like to be able to offer that for low-income families,” said community support coordinator Tina Reed. The program will provide backpacks filled with supplies to some 125 students from the town-
ship. WCS is requesting donations of cash and the most-needed items, including backpacks (especially for students aged 12-18 ), thermal lunch bags, water bottles, binders, safety scissors, calculators (regular & scientific), markers and pencil cases. Parents can register for the program by calling community services between August 2 and August 19. After registration, parents will be given a pickup time. Once there the youth will get to choose their backpack and a few items along with a pre-packed bag of items. “Part of getting excited for the new school year is picking out items that fit your personality, be it the flashy backpack, the funky lunch pail or the plain
WCS is currently seeking donations of items for its backpack program.
pencil case. We like to offer the children and youth these choices,” said Reed. “Receiving new items, new backpack items and
school items, allows the children to get excited about going to school and being like the other kids who may be showing off
Bill Atwood
their new backpack and their new pencil case and their items, so they can show off their new items that they received as well.”
Although there may be some hesitation for families to request items from WCS, there doesn’t need to be, Reed said. “Many families hesitate to sign up for some of our programs due to the public stigma over using programs. I would like to say that our programs are confidential. We don’t give out names.” While families may also be hesitant because they think that they might be taking something away from someone else who may be in need, this is not true, Reed said. “We have enough for any family that comes through our doors to qualify for any of our programs,” she said. For more information, contact Tina Reed at 519-669-5139.
WCR: Donor notes the importance of the group’s work, and all the volunteer labour that goes into making it run →FROM 3
year, however it is not currently functional and needs additional repairs to get back into service. The $130,000 cost for the current retrofit is money well spent, Weber said. “It’s an artifact that needs to be kept alive,” he said, noting there is a balance between keeping restored trains as close to original as possible and making them safe by today’s standards. “You can’t get original parts anymore. So you have to make the parts,
steam engine and the firebox. Owner Trevor Pffaf said the heritage railway group is an important part of Waterloo Region. “I’ve had family members that have volunteered and spent time, and I know that there’s a lot of people that enjoy it and
appreciate it being here and the fact that you can ride it is pretty amazing as well,” Pffaf said. While Pffar said it was an easy decision to make the financial contribution, he also acknowledged the volunteers give their time to the railway.
“Our portion of it is a small portion of what actually goes into keeping this around financially. If you add up the time, labour and the expertise that’s here on a regular basis it’ be unbelievable,” Pfaff said. The final repairs will be done within a few weeks.
Parts for the century-old locomotive can no longer be found, so Bill Atwood they have to be custome made.
and the parts have to be certified,” he explained The donation from Pfaff Mechanical has allowed the retrofit to continue.
Led by employees Zia Darr and Chirs Roche, the company also took part in the restoration, including insulating the boiler, the
BRIDGE: Structure has evolved many times over the years
Saturday August 6, 2022 at 8:00am
→FROM 1
limit would remain, and height-restriction bars would be installed to prevent larger vehicles from crossing the bridge. “These are very common on timber-covered bridges to protect the bridge,” said Li of the high restrictors. Heritage committee member Hans Pottkamper said he’d like to see the rehabilitation “preserve it as close to the original as possible.” The design for the bridge takes into account the cultural heritage landscape and the structure’s historical attributes, said Richard Unterman of the heritage resource management firm Unterman McPhail Associates. He noted there would be no way to return the span completely to its 1881 status, noting it’s an “evolved bridge” that’s seen plenty of changes, materials included, over the years.
UP TO 75% OFF Houseware & Hardware End of Lines Artistic rendering of the proposed design that would remove the Submitted splash guards from the interior of the bridge.
The splash panels inside, for instance, date back about a century, while the decision to paint the exterior was made perhaps 60 years ago. The design will “respect the evolution of the bridge – it’s principally a wood structure,” he said. Work planned for the bridge isn’t an historical restoration, per se, noted Region of Waterloo project manager Michelle Pinto. The current preferred
option has yet to be finalized, she added. The region is still taking feedback, with an eye on bringing back a report to council in December. Woolwich’s heritage committee expects to provide input following its September meeting, allowing time for members to review a new heritage impact assessment of the bridge, said Coun. Patrick Merlihan, who chaired this week’s meeting.
FINAL SALE! Discontinued Items
Rain or Shine! Cash & Carry Only
NO EARLY BIRDS PLEASE LOCATED IN OUR REAR PARKING LOT
1420 King St. North Downtown St. Jacobs
519-664-2905
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | 8
Opinion
When local news matters ... ... it matters where you get your local news. Connect: observerxtra.com/staff
Verbatim
The Monitor
“Research has shown that companies with higher levels of ethnic and cultural diversity are more likely to see above-average profits. It makes perfect business sense to have more inclusive hiring practices.”
Some 55% of Canadians disapprove of the job Justin Trudeau is doing as prime minister and 39% approve; 44% feel Canada has become a worse place to live since Trudeau was elected in 2015, 30% feel it is no different, and 17% feel it has become better.
Richard Lyall, president of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario, says diversity can be a boon to the bottom line.
Leger poll
OBSERVER EDITORIAL
Engaged candidates needed to run for municipal office
W
ith just three weeks for candidates to complete the necessary paperwork – the deadline is August 19 – time is ticking for those who’d like to run for municipal office in the October municipal elections. Now is the time for those eager to see positive improvements in their communities to step forward. Healthy competition is a good thing, that’s for certain, even if some of the candidates bring strong credentials to the table. No matter what, there will be changes to the makeup of both councils. Still, there’s always room for more. Whether or not you agree the incumbents are doing a good job or like what the newcomers bring, putting them through the trial of a widely-contested election is a good thing: good for voters, good for debate and, most of all, good for democracy. For that reason, we’re calling on public-minded citizens in both townships to come forward and stand for election – the pay’s not too great (mayors’ aside), the hours erratic, the public ungrateful and the media coverage scathing, but aside from that, it’s a great job and a way to both shape and serve the community where you live. Municipal councils do have a great deal of influence over the quality of life in their communities. That’s especially true in the townships, where even small decisions can have a noticeable impact. Because that’s the case, it’s even more important to have community-minded people at the helm, those with the drive to enhance the quality of life here. From our perspective, that requires candidates who are willing to act in the interests of the public. That seems self-evident, but in Woolwich particularly that’s far too often not the case. As with the bureaucrats to which councillors often defer, the elected officials conflate their interests with those of the citizenry. Co-opted into the bubble, they take on the mindset of the public sector employees whose interests are increasingly at odds with residents’ needs, particularly when it comes to spending priorities and keeping budgets under control. For the system to work properly, even municipal politics must be like the legal system: adversarial. When warranted, council members must be at odds with staff and even with each other, as debate makes for better representation. Unfortunately, such democratic and accountable action is in short supply. Municipal elections have long been plagued by low voter turnout. Don’t expect this year to be any different. And that’s a shame, and not only for the obvious reasons. Looking ahead, it just might be that small local democracies play a big role in preserving our way of life. Small and local are already buzzwords in farming: we’re catching on to the fact food produced close to home on family farms provides widespread benefits. In the bigger picture, a return to localized activities and small-scale farming represent something of an antidote to the growth mantra that permeates our culture – “go big or go home” doesn’t benefit us. Growth-related issues have been on display in the townships of late. Growth – i.e. development – is likely the most divisive and galvanizing issue in municipal politics (think of past debates over Walmart and slots, right through to gravel pits). Change almost always fosters resistance. That’s especially true as much of the change is not for the better. With aging infrastructure putting mounting pressure on budgets at the same time as most Ontarians face rising costs, particularly for housing, and stagnating incomes, something’s got to give. That will require council decisions that puts the public’s needs ahead of administrative and program spending that serves few if any residents. Properly engaged councillors will identify cuts and stick with doing what’s best for residents, bringing their own strength to an environment that will try to co-opt them.
ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS
Monkeypox is a reminder to be prepared MONKEYPOX IS VERY UNPLEASANT AND it spreads very fast, but it’s not a real killer: 16,000 cases in 75 countries in just a couple of months is impressive, but there have been only five deaths. Yet the World Health Organisation (WHO) has just declared monkeypox a global health emergency, which is a big deal. The only other infectious diseases in that category are COVID-19, which has already killed 6.4 million people, and polio (which is trying to make a comeback). Targeting monkeypox seems disproportionate, but there’s a reason. “COVID-19 is broadly viewed as being a ‘once in a lifetime’ or ‘once in a century’ pandemic. Modeling work based on historical data shows that this is not necessarily the case,” reported the epidemiological start-up Metabiota last year. That’s because “the frequency of ‘spill-over’ infectious diseases like COVID is steadily increasing.” It’s increasing because quick-killer pandemic diseases only started thriving in human societies when we began living together in large numbers. Lethal viruses and bacteria probably always ‘spilled over’ into human populations from time to time, but if they infected little hunter-gatherer
GWYNNE DYER
Global Outlook on World Affairs
groups of 50 or 100 people they just died out along with the victims. The natural home of those diseases were birds and animals that lived in big flocks and herds: lots of potential victims to sustain the transmission. But when human beings started living in big civilisations and domesticated some of those animals, the pandemic diseases happily transferred across and thrived amongst us too. For most of the history of civilisation, successful transfers didn’t happen all that often: big new killer pandemics only came along every five hundred years or so. However, now that there are eight billion people and millions crisscross the planet every day, the disease vectors have more opportunities to spread and they move much faster. At the moment, according to Metabiota’s calculations, it’s even odds that we will have another new pandemic on the scale of COVID-19 in the next 25 years. More precisely, they estimate the probability of another global pandemic as deadly as COVID to be between 2.5-3.3 per cent each year. It could even
arrive next year. Monkeypox is not that disease. Despite its rapid spread to so many countries, it is transmitted mainly between men who have sex with men. There is an existing, fully effective vaccine for it (the same one that eradicated smallpox, which no longer exists in the wild). And hardly anybody dies from it. So WHO director-general Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus had some explaining to do when he broke a stalemate at his ‘emergency committee’ and decreed that monkeypox is a global emergency. He explained that it was to speed up research on “the new modes of transmission that have allowed it to spread,” and to press countries to use vaccines and other measures to limit the numbers infected. These are all sensible things to do, but they really don’t justify declaring a global health emergency. What he carefully avoided saying is that he really intends it as a reminder of our peril and a spur to action. The whole pandemic response system needs an exercise that incorporates all the lessons learned from our stumbling response to COVID, and monkeypox provides an excuse to do it. →DYER 10
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
OPINION | 9
Focus on ‘me’ is the order of the day, and now well-documented
M
idsummer is prime vacation time. Given the pent-up demand during the pandemic, it’s also a great time for outings, from now-resumed festivals to sporting events. That also means it’s prime selfie time, as we can’t simply go out and enjoy ourselves, we have to document it. I use ‘we’ in the general sense, not including myself in the list, as I’ve never snapped a picture of myself for Facebook or Snapchat or Instagram. In fact, I don’t partake of such things at all. Yes, I admit to being something of a troglodyte in this area – I’ve never felt compelled to take a picture of my lunch, let alone post it for anyone who cares (i.e. nobody). Compact digital cameras and smartphones make it much easier to snap pictures of ourselves than traditional cameras, and we’ve responded in droves. The look-at-me aspect of social media is blamed largely on the millennial generation (those born roughly between 1980 and 2000), but the technology has in many ways simply indulged the indulgence that goes back to the baby boomers. That was the cohort dubbed the Me Generation, after all. The boomers wrote the book on self-indulgence, though it was more along the lines of cultural shifts. That was the offshoot of the 1960s and its movements, including advances in civil rights, women’s liberation, the sexual revolution and anti-war protests. In the following decade came more focus on self-actualization and the self-help movement it spawned, leading to a departure from the previous generations’ loyalty to institu-
STEVE KANNON
Editor's Point of View
tions such as the church and government. It stands to reason that the offspring of the boomers would continue down that road. That we can decry their use of technology in the pursuit of self-promotion/narcissism is an accident of fate: had the boomers had such options, they would have done the same. Still, there are some real numbers to back up the perception of Generation Me – the narcissistic tendencies aren’t imagined. And the doting parents attempting to instil self-esteem in their children – everyone is a precious snowflake – are in part to blame. Expectations of the world have been heightened beyond what’s real-
Publisher 519-669-5790 x107
DONNA RUDY
Sales Manager 519-669-5790 x104
LEAH GERBER
Reporter 519-669-5790 x101
PATRICK MERLIHAN
Digital Strategist 519-669-5790 x105
even 25 – has complained at least once about the state of youth today. They’re selfish, they’re rude, they’re spoiled, and they get away with stuff no one would ever have put up with in my day,” she says in a piece for Psychology Today. “But perhaps people have always been self-absorbed during adolescence and young adulthood, that glorious time when adult responsibilities have not yet begun. “I heard this argument a lot when one of my studies found that narcissism is markedly higher among college students in the 2000s compared to those in the 1980s. But age can’t explain the results of these studies, because they compare people of the same age (18 to 22), but at different points in time. Maybe 18 to 22-year-olds have always
been narcissistic, but 18 to 22-year-olds are now more narcissistic than 18 to 22-year-olds used to be,” notes Twenge. Over time, researchers have used data from something called the Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI), which has been used for decades to look at tendencies towards narcissism in the general population, not just those labelled with an actual disorder. Of late, the number of people with such traits has grown twice as fast as in the past. Researchers looking into data from Twenge and others find the “narcissism epidemic” began growing decades ago. A 2018 paper by German researcher Dr. Aline Vater, for instance, found the the endorsement rate for the statement “I am an important person” has increased from 12 per cent
Mask mandates may not fly, but more people appear ready, if not eager, to take a few precautions out in public. Founded in 1996.
JOE MERLIHAN
istic by parents who told children they’re special and they can do, be and have whatever they want. That may have been fine for building them up, but it left many of the generation ill-prepared to deal with a world that was having none of it. The sense of entitlement goes beyond what’s typical of adolescents and young adults in years past. The numbers bear that out, say the likes of Jean Twenge, a professor of psychology at San Diego State University and author of Generation Me and (with W. Keith Campbell) The Narcissism Epidemic. She’s used data from more than a million young people to show there are real differences today compared to previous generations. It’s not just a matter of “kids today ...” “Almost everyone over the age of 30 – or maybe
STEVE KANNON
Editor 519-669-5790 x103
CASSANDRA MERLIHAN
Production Manager 519-669-5790 x109
BILL ATWOOD
Reporter 519-669-5790 x102
Find Us: 20B Arthur Street North, Elmira, Ontario, N3B 1Z9 Contact Us: Phone: 519-669-5790 Toll Free: 1-888-966-5942 Fax: 519-669-5753 Email: info@woolwichobserver.com newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Web: https://observerxtra.com Social Media: Facebook: observerxtra Twitter: woolwichnews Instagram: observerxtra Professional Associations: • Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) • News Media Canada • The Greater KW Chamber of Commerce
in 1963 to 77–80 per cent in 1992 in adolescents. “Recently published books feature more self-centered language compared with earlier publications. For instance, the personal pronouns I and me are used more frequently than we and us. Moreover, the use of narcissistic phrases such as ‘I am the greatest’ has increased between 1960 and 2008. The rise of narcissism is also reflected in more self-focused song lyrics and a stronger orientation towards fame in TV shows. These observations suggest that narcissistic expressions within individualistic cultures have become more frequent.” This goes beyond self-esteem and assertiveness to include all of the negatives that we associate with the word narcissism. The numbers aren’t about those with actual clinical diagnoses, but about some unhealthy traits – young people, of course, aren’t alone in such behaviour, as witnessed by one Donald Trump, who is a long way from being a millennial but nonetheless epitomizes the problems with today’s self-absorption: a lack of empathy, an overly-inflated sense of self and the overstatement of talents, abilities and popularity. It’s with such things in mind that we can judge much of what appears on social media. The selfie is part of the continuum of manufacturing an image or brand for the online world, one that in many cases matters more than the real world. In some cases, it is the reality of those posting a steady stream of information to various social media sites, all in the hope of positive →KANNON 10
About Us: Independent, locally-owned and the only weekly community newspaper serving the residents of Woolwich and Wellesley Townships. Real news, real reporting concentrating on the close-tohome issues in our communities. When it comes to reaching our residents, The Observer is unsurpassed.
Subscriptions: Annual subscriptions to The Observer mailed within Canada/U.S. are available by contacting the office or visiting online: observerxtra.com/subscribe
Press Oversight: The Observer is a member of the National Newsmedia Council - an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practises and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, contact: 519-669-5790 ext 103 or editor@woolwichobserver.com. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a complaint, visit mediacouncil.ca or call 1-844-877-1163 for more information.
Letters to the Editor: Letters must be exclusive to this publication on a topic of relevance to the community. It must contain the author's name, address, contact info and be no more than 300 words. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. The Observer declines announcements, poetry, thank-you and unsigned letters. Deliver to: editor@woolwichobserver. com or online: observerxtra.com/letters
Delivery Concerns: Issues with local delivery can be directed to The Record by calling 519-894-3000.
Store: www.newsmart.ca
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
10 | O P I N I O N
Perparing for a camping trip
I Scientists are still unable to predict when and where earthquakes happen, but animals can. The ground will not open up and swallow you during an earthquake. California will eventually fall into the ocean after a really big earthquake. ↆ LAST WEEK: Truth: NASA shows the film as part of their management training program and questions them about the inaccuracies in the film as part of their training. Truth: Since the 1940s the term “blue moon” has been used for the second full moon in a calendar month. Lie: Neil Armstrong was the first person to walk on the moon as the Commander of the mission. He said “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” You can play online by reading any online post at www.observerxtra. com. Vote for the lie and be notified if you are correct immediately.
Source local talent
... without blowing your budget. jobs.observerxtra.com
NEW POTATOES & FRESH FRUIT Raspberries, Peaches, Plums, Apricots Plus... IN SEASON VEGETABLES & HOME BAKING Sweet Corn NOW available!
$ C ASH ON LY $
J & N Produce
& Flowers
(Joseph & Nancy Martin & Family)
5982 EIGHTH LINE E, ARISS 519.823.1995 | Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat 9-5, closed Sun
once watched the show “Hoarders,” but only because I thought it was a documentary about a person preparing for a modern camping trip. Of course, I knew I was mistaken after the first five minutes. That person didn’t even come close to having enough gear. I know. New campers are horrified by the thought of complicating a simple camping trip with too much gear. And some of them truly think that this is not something they will ever do. They actually think that they will “rough it” and “travel light” and “be one with nature” for the rest of their lives. Rookies! Fortunately, all that goes out the window by the time they have recovered from their first camping trip – if they haven’t blocked it out entirely. If not, the mere mention of “sleeping under the stars” will cause violent, nervous
STEVE GALEA
Not-So-Great Outdoorsman
twitches, and any time the new camper hears the distant buzz of mosquitoes, they will begin to laugh maniacally and start swatting at thin air. Plus, they are always watching for rain clouds and listening for thunder. Which is why they enter their second season with a more pragmatic attitude, That’s when the average new camper takes stock and remembers all the things he or she didn’t have on the first trip – like fun, hope, or dry clothes. And also, the little things, like a reliable camp stove and a tent that is roomy enough and mosquito-proof. And sleeping bags that are warm. And an inflatable ground mattress and ground sheet. And perhaps a
proper set of camp cookware and a cooler. Oh, and a good lantern and maybe a cell phone charger. Plus, some sort of mosquito repelling unit. And bear spray. Yes, definitely, bear spray. And a flashlight that isn’t so dim, plus a hatchet or collapsible saw. And a first-aid kit, a water purification unit,and a bigger backpack to carry it all in. And, you know, a canoe would be nice, too. Along with paddles, personal floatation devices, and a safe boating kit. Or just a jet ski. I mean, how else are you going to commune with nature? That’s how it begins. And from here on in, camping becomes a race to purchase the kind of gear that makes “roughing it” a little easier. OK, a lot easier. Before long the new camper has enough camping gear to outfit an expedition to Mount Everest, if they could just
find enough Sherpas to carry it all. Since they can’t find these, they invest in a larger vehicle – something that can tow a little tent trailer and cartop a canoe. And fit a generator or two in the back. This allows them to drive to campsites and take a little more “camping gear” along. You know, things like a camping beer fridge just like grandpa used to have. Add to that, camping chairs and tables and an overhead awning and mosquito tent. This is generally placed not too far from the barbecue and radio, which can help you commune with nature by listening to the ball game. And, while we are on the topic of baseball, would a big-screen TV hurt? I mean it is still technically roughing it if you don’t have Netflix, right? Well, yes it is. So long as you don’t make smores in the microwave.
DYER: Monkeypox isn’t a serious threat, but there will be one coming along → FROM 8
Ghebreyesus is manipulating the system in a well-meant attempt to persuade the world to build better systems for containing dangerous emergent diseases in general, and he may come under serious fire for doing so. But you can see his point, because we haven’t learned enough from our harrowing experience with COVID. The vaccines were developed faster than in
any previous pandemic, and two-thirds of the world’s population has been fully vaccinated in about 16 months, but the rate of immunity in the poorest countries is abysmal. That leaves reservoirs of high infection that serve as breeding grounds for new variants of the virus, some of which may be able to evade the vaccines. This is an issue of distribution and organisation, not a medical issue, and doing
it on a smaller scale for monkeypox could improve the system for the next time something truly dangerous appears. The same goes for the initial phases of detection and containment, which were badly bungled with COVID. There will be much worse pandemics coming down the road in the future – will be, not ‘may be’ – and the world needs to be better prepared. Just spending one-hun-
dredth of what the world spent on fighting COVID to improve global readiness for dealing with the next pandemic – building local vaccine production facilities, regional labs with good analytical capabilities, and stronger reporting networks – could spare us another two years of the misery and loss we had with this pandemic. If that’s Ghebreyesus’s real goal with this monkeypox business, it’s all right with me.
KANNON: We’re fixated on ourselves as part of the next fix → FROM 9
feedback. Such input elevates dopamine in your brains much like a hit from, say, drugs or drink. In that regard, it really is like an addiction. In extreme cases, it is an addiction whereby people can’t be away from their smartphones for an instant and where constant posting – with the hope of a “like” or acknowledgement – is needed to keep the good times going. It’s all about the next fix.
Exercise your freedom of expression with relevant discourse in your community.
Write a letter to the editor and submit it online today. observerxtra.com/letters
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | 11
Business
Leading the way. Shining a light on local enterprise, stoking the economic engines. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com New Business: observerxtra.com/enterprise
Hairstyling industry fund
Aeronautical summit
The Ontario Professional Hairstylist Association has been awarded funding to support mentors and apprentices in the hairstyling industry in Ontario. The program will make it easier for mentors, students, apprentices, and employers to navigate the hairstylist apprentice program.
The University of Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo will host a Sustainable Aeronautics Summit at the airport in Breslau this fall. The event will profile world-leading sustainable aeronautical research, technology, and education. The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA), a university-based research institute, is leading the summit, which takes place on Oct. 5.
www.oph-association.com
What’s being spread matters in GHG emissions, say UW researchers New study looks at the impacts on farming of fossil fuel-produced fertilizers vs. organic compost and the like
Leah Gerber Observer Staff
AT A TIME WHEN FERTILIZER is playing a more prominent role on the global stage, a new study out of the University of Waterloo compares the greenhouse gas emissions of nitrogen-based fertilizers with biobased residues like compost, and found that compost emits less greenhouse gas during spring thaw than nitrogen fertilizer. The study analyzed how different soil amendments impact the amount of greenhouse gases released into the air during a spring freeze-thaw event in a typical agricultural field. Researchers compared nitrogen fertilizer,
composted food waste, hydrolyzed biosolids, and anaerobic digestate and found that fertilizer released the most greenhouse gases with approximately 127 kg of CO2 equivalent (a measure that amalgamates the total effect of all the released greenhouse gasses) per hectare. Compost, biosolids and digestates all produced less than approximately 100 kilograms of CO2 equivalent per hectare. Fertilizer is a hot topic right now. Recent and ongoing farm protests in Sri Lanka and Holland are both connected to the enforced reduction of nitrogen fertilizer. The federal government’s recent 35-per-cent
tariff on Russian-sourced fertilizer – applied in response to the Ukraine invasion – has made sourcing fertilizer more difficult for Ontario’s farmers this year as well. According to Grain Farmers of Ontario, producers in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada import 660,000 to 680,000 tonnes of nitrogen fertilizer from Russia each year, and this represents 85 to 90 per cent of all the fertilizer used in this region. At the end of 2020, the Canadian federal government announced a target to reduce fertilizer emissions to 30 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030. It’s a topic of interest to Mark Reusser, vice-president of the Waterloo
County Federation of Agriculture and vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture. “I think that there’s a lot of discussion currently about the fact that we import so much of our fertilizer. Is that a wise thing to do?” he said. “And I think that many private companies and farmers in particular are looking at the wisdom of being able to produce a greater percentage of the fertilizer that we use domestically. Can it be done? Can it be done commercially? I think there is a lot of discussion in boardrooms across Canada. What can we do to be more self-sufficient in the future and avoid issues like this one that we’re currently having with
Field design and installation process during the early part of the winter season at Elora Reseach Station.
Russia?” Emmanuel Badewa, the study’s lead, thinks that bio based fertilizer alternatives could be a viable way for farmers to augment soil fertility by using the organic byproducts (organic material from fields, food waste, and human and animal waste and the like) of our society. “Yes, looking at the
bigger picture, I think you will notice the major option that farmers always look at is nitrogen fertilizer,” Badewa said. “But with our research, we’ve seen that there are other products that are sustainable, that can serve as alternatives to nitrogen fertilizer. And in terms of cost too, most of these materials are readily available in different localities. All that needs to be done is to locate the feedstock of the organic waste in different localities, regardless of the country, regardless of the location,” he said. “All the organic wastes that were used in this study were gotten within the locality. So I will say actually that in terms of
90%
NEED TO REACH MILLENNIALS?
87%
82%
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING New survey results show that nine out of ten Millennials read newspapers weekly in print or digital formats. Results are sourced from a November 2020 national online research survey managed by Totum Research. Interviews were conducted with 855 English and French Canadians in every province, and results were weighted to be nationally representative.
News Media Canada Médias d’Info Canada
Adults 18+
Millennials
Boomers
→ FERTILIZER 12
12 | B U S I N E S S
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
Rift with Ottawa sparks new angle on climate
O
ptimism was guarded heading into the federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) agriculture ministers’ meeting last week, considering how the Conservatives and Liberals are at odds over climate change (and most other things). And sure enough, the predictable piling-on quickly followed the meeting. While the federal government was touting its success, noting an additional $500 million had been agreed upon for Canadian agriculture, Ontario, Alberta and Saskatchewan warned that Ottawa had ignored farmers’ pleas for a more moderate approach to greenhouse gas reduction
OWEN ROBERTS
Food For Thought
related to agriculture. Then a new angle emerged. The Liberal plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions arising from fertilizer use by 30 per cent below 2020 levels by 2030 would not only hammer farmers here, but consumers around the world, according to naysayers. “As our farmers work to feed Canada and the world, we need to work with them and support their ongoing efforts to grow and produce the food we need,” said Ontario’s Lisa Thompson, minister
of agriculture, food and rural affairs. “The federal government needs to be true partners, rather than simply imposing targets that make it harder.” Grain Farmers of Ontario joined in. “Agriculture productivity and competitiveness have become more important than ever as global food shortages are worsening, and geopolitical events are impacting the world’s agriculture market. Canada’s farmers have a role to play in helping feed people around the world and Canadians,” said Brendan Byrne, chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. He thought the FPT meeting outcomes were
tone deaf. “The world has changed drastically since the last time the group met and this agreement does not reflect the new realities facing Canada, the world and farmers,” he said.“We are concerned that there is no priority on helping to mitigate global food shortages.” The meeting took place in Saskatoon. Co-host David Marit, Saskatchewan’s agriculture minister, joined in a communique from all ministers, including federal minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, saying they’d covered a lot of ground. Bibeau pointed to a new $250 million costshared initiative called
the Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program, which addresses a key concern from farmers and ranchers that they were not being compensated for emission reductions they were being asked to make. “This program will play a key role in rewarding farmers and ranchers for their environmental stewardship and contribute to the reduction in emissions from the sector,” said Bibeau. Marit chimed in.“As the provincial-territorial co-chair, we are pleased with the increased funding all parties have committed to today…I believe we have found the proper balance between economic and
environmental objectives to ensure our industry remains globally competitive,” he said. But he later issued a separate statement saying his province is still rankled. “We’re really concerned with this arbitrary (30 per cent) goal,” he said. “The Trudeau government has apparently moved on from their attack on the oil and gas industry and set their sights on Saskatchewan farmers.” And so continues the politicization of the environment. Ottawa is being unrealistic, says farmers. Farmers need to step up their efforts, says Ottawa. Something has to give, and will.
FERTILIZER: Soil study looks at alternatives to current standards in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions → FROM 11
product improvement, then farmers should know that they have alternatives to use for nitrogen fertilizer.” Reusser says most farmers rely on commercial products, as not every farmer has access to their own manure. “If there was more compost available at an appropriate price, I think many more farmers would be interested in utilizing it,” he said. “We recognize the need
for further research as to how to deal with emissions, and how to generate the most food possible, probably from the least amount of inputs. That only makes sense. And if we don’t have the answers, we need to look for them. I think farmers absolutely support research,” he said. He continued: “There is a lot of pressure on agriculture to become more efficient. In other words, produce more food. There is no more land being
ↆ L I N WO O D
B LO O D
made. So we have to feed a growing population on a land base that’s actually shrinking as it becomes urbanized and changed to other uses. So farmers have to deal with that, and they also have to deal with the fact that if less food is produced, the price goes up and society really doesn’t take kindly to food prices increasing. So it’s in our best interest I guess, to hold food prices, you know, and not short the market and cause prices to rise.
D O N O R
Your donation matters. It matters to every patient across Canada. Because it’s something we can do today to help others wake up healthier tomorrow.
Proud to support the community effort to donate blood. 1010 Industrial Cr., St. Clements • 519-698-2610 linwoodvet@linwoodvet.ca
The Next Linwood Clinic: at Linwood Community Centre Friday, August 5, 2022 4 – 8 pm
VILLAGE
HOME HARDWARE
Linwood | Heidelberg | Wroxeter
www.homehardware.ca
519-698-2082 | 1-800-265-8735 | www.jfm.ca
3865 Manser Rd., Linwood • 519-698-7575
Greenhouse gas sampling during the late part of the spring from the study site at Elora Reseach Emmanuel Badewa Station.
Because society doesn’t like that. “On the other hand, we’re being told to attempt to reduce emissions and nitrous oxide, though we really need nitrogen to grow more food. So it’s a difficult puzzle to try and figure out. Yeah, it’s not
simple. Not at all simple. We’re being pushed from both sides.” Badewa was clear to say this study was not focused on crop productivity, but he is working on another study expected to be published in the next few months that addresses this
question. Even so, “I can actually tell you that from our study, we’ve never really seen any difference (in crop productivity),” he said. “We hope that farmers too will be able to see that there are other alternatives they can use,” he said.
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
B U S I N E S S | 13
Ti Lim C m it al e ed lT O od nly ay . !
on Lexington
RETIREMENT RESIDENCE
Back by Popular Demand!
50% OFF
YOUR FIRST 2 MONTHS
215 Lexington Rd, Waterloo 519-501-1131 INFO@HYGATELIVING.COM WWW.HYGATELIVING.COM
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | 14
Rural Connections
A harvest of local farming innovation. Connect to the land. Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103
Interest payment relief
GIFS hires CSO
The federal agriculture ministry announced that the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program will increase from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years. As a result, participating producers will save on average $5,500 in interest costs over the next two years.
The Global Institute for Food Security (GIFS), based at the University of Saskatchewan, announced the hiring of its first chief scientific officer, Nancy Tout (PhD). Tout’s appointment took effect last week. The holder of a PhD in microbiology and immunology, Tout is joining GIFS from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR).
Tips: observerxtra.com/tips
Producers can adapt to the new economic reality CANADA’S AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY IS IN a good position to weather inflationary pressures and higher interest rates, according to Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) chief economist. “We are in a unique position where record farm revenues are helping to offset the impact of a sharp increase in input costs and rising interest rates,” said J.P. Gervais in a release. “The key for producers is to pay close attention to projected income and expenses to avoid any cash flow challenges that could put pressure on operations. “The ability to service debt is arguably the most critical financial risk indicator for a farm operation,” he added. FCC’s most recent projections suggest farm cash receipts could climb 15.9 per cent to $96 billion in 2022, driven by robust commodity prices and prospects of much stronger crop yields than
last year. This would surpass the 2021 record high, which was itself an increase of 14.9 per cent over 2020. “Even if our projections were more modest, the Canadian agriculture industry certainly seems financially healthy and in a good position to weather inflationary pressure and higher interest rates,” Gervais said. Yet, operations will need to adjust to farming under higher interest rates – a situation unlike the one experienced for the last 15 years. The Bank of Canada increased its overnight rate by 2.25 per cent in the span of five months and further incremental increases are expected within the year. Inflationary pressures on farm inputs are widespread. Fertilizer prices saw a year-over-year increase of at least 50 per cent, and even more than doubled in some cases. Feed prices climbed more than 40 per cent year-
Adjustments will be needed to deal with changing economic conditions, says FCC.
over-year and farm fuel has increased by more than 35 per cent. Inflationary pressures on farm inputs have dampened the outlook and contributed to an overall increase in farm
debt, which rose by 7.1 per cent to $129 billion at the end of 2021. Gervais recommends producers test various scenarios regarding commodity and farm
input prices, yields and interest rates to better understand their financial risk exposure. They can then identify different strategies to mitigate those risks if they find them-
Custom Machining & Repairs Spline Cutting Large Turning Keying (Internal & External)
Quality Drainage Systems
CNC Turning & Milling
A family tradition since 1921
Arthur, ON • 519-848-3113 • 877-669-1440 www.martindrainage.com
selves in situations that exceed their risk tolerance. “If a producer is already carrying significant financial risk, then reducing the risk of rising interest rates may be a prudent strategy,” Gervais said. “I’m not saying that everyone should lock in, but every producer needs to understand how different scenarios could play out and to do what’s right for their business.” By sharing economic knowledge and forecasts, FCC provides solid insights and expertise to help those in the business of agriculture and food achieve their goals. For the most recent economic insights and analysis on farm cash receipts, interest rates and inflation, visit FCC Economics at fcc.ca/ Economics. FCC, a self-sustaining Crown corporation, is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $44 billion.
Tel. 519-664-2291 Fax 519-664-3491
MACHINE & REPAIR INC.
80 Northside Drive, St. Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0
www.freyshatchery.com
RYAN WEBER 519.669.2198 126 Bonnie Crs., Elmira www.rytechmachine.ca
Let’s talk Secan.com
NEW SU Ruzena Winter Barley Genes that fit your farm® SU Ruzena
2-Row Winter Barley
CRIBIT SEEDS
519-664-3701
Early Harvest High Yield Strong Straw
Research pays off and we aren’t done yet! Cribit Seeds works hard in partnership with SeCan to find the best varieties to fit your farm
For more informa�on visit: cribit.com/grain-contracts
Genes that fit your farm® is a registered trademark of SeCan. VUA= Variety Use Agreement; Required.
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
O
R U R A L C O N N E C T I O N S | 15
Food inflation in Canada may have already peaked
nce again, the numbers coming out of Statistics Canada were discouraging. The food inflation rate in the country was 8.8 per cent in June, which is still higher than the general inflation rate. Everyone is affected by higher food prices. Americans learned last week that food inflation at the grocery store was 12.4 per cent, a 41-year high. Despite all this, consumers can see some light at the end of the long tunnel. First, I believe food inflation in Canada may have already peaked. Supply chain challenges are still there, making the movement of goods more expensive, but things are slowly improving. Pandemic protocols around the globe are increasingly becoming predictable, making logistical planning much easier. In February, the Russian invasion of Ukraine pushed commodity prices higher, making input costs an issue for most farmers and food manufacturers. But this seems to have stabilized as well. Markets are much calmer than before and, most importantly, more predictable. If nature continues to cooperate, Canada’s agricultural sector should see a strong harvest this year, helping to keep commodity prices lower and costs down. Again, more good news. Since March, food sales at dollar stores have increased by 18 per cent, according to NielsenIQ. Sales at discount stores have also increased by five per cent since that period, so consumers are clearly trading down, and grocers know it. More discount store conversions are on the way in Canada. We have seen at least 15 new major discount stores in the country so far this year alone. Depending on
the week, consumers can save between 25 per cent to 40 per cent at a discount store, compared to a regular grocery outlet. But the Canadian Dairy Commission played party pooper by recommending an unprecedented second increase of 2.5 per cent for September 1, as schools open in the fall. This latest increase comes after a record 8.4 per cent hike in February. As a result, the price of butter is up almost 20 per cent since December. In some markets, fluid milk is 25 per cent more expensive than last winter. The 2.5 per cent at the farm will look more like six per cent to 10 per cent at retail, for all consumers. As prices stabilize in most sections of the grocery store, dairy will continue to be the exception for a while. To add insult to injury, we also learned last week that executives at the Canadian Dairy Commission – federal employees – received bonuses last year. The Crown corporation refused to disclose the amounts or reasons that bonuses were given. There’s nothing wrong with bonuses, but the lack of transparency is simply unacceptable. Taxpayers and consumers deserve better. Our quota system was designed to make our dairy sector immune to inflationary cycles. Something is not working. Interest rates are also going up. Last week, the Bank of Canada made an almost unprecedented move, delivering a jolt to consumers everywhere by raising its benchmark interest rate a full percentage point. This is the biggest one-time increase since August 1998. Since the announcement, mortgage brokers have been busy. For many households,
the cost of shelter spiked, making it harder to spend on anything else. But food is a necessity. Before the interest rate hikes, the market was flooded with cash, and some consumers had no qualms about paying $28 for a T-bone steak, which obviously contributed to higher prices in our economy, including at the grocery store, especially for premium products and categories. As fewer people can now afford a $28 T-bone steak, we are expecting some prices to soften or even drop a little. Simple food economics. With higher rates, though, our Canadian dollar will strengthen against the American greenback, making imports cheaper. And we do import many food products. This will likely help consumers who purchase centre-of-thestore dry goods, whose prices have skyrocketed recently. But the American Federal Reserve is also planning another rate increase, which could put pressure on our dollar. Interesting times. Higher rates are bad news for mortgage owners but good news for imports. Overall, we should not expect prices to drop anytime soon, year to year, but the rate at which food prices are rising is slowing down. Food inflation is critical for our food economy, but a 10 per cent rate is not sustainable. As predicted in December of last year by Canada’s Food Price Report 2022, we should end the year at about seven per cent, as forecasted, unless some other geopolitical crisis occurs. This is still high, but it’s not 10 per cent.
Stop by Our Retail Store & Browse Through Our Selection of: New & used equipment: feeders, drinkers, cages, nests 6880 Line 86, RR#4 Elmira, ON N3B 2Z3
Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8-5, Sat.8-3, Closed Sun. & Statutory Holidays
Egg supplies: cartons, flats, crates, candler, scale
519-669-2225
WHERE TIRES ARE
A SPECIALTY
NOT A SIDELINE! We Stock Farm, Industrial, Truck, Passenger, and Even ATV and Lawn & Garden Tires.
Call Us for Tires! FARM • TRUCK • INDUSTRIAL • ON THE FARM SERVICE 371 Arthur St. S. Elmira, ON Monday - Friday Saturdays
8am - 5pm 8am - 12 noon
Stoneview
519-669-3232 www.oktireelmira.com
CUSTOM SERVICE INC.
Specializing in Foraging & Merging
HELP WANTED Please call to apply
ↆ Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.
DON’T LET LEAF AND EAR DISEASES SETTLE IN. CALL TO BOOK YOUR FOLIAR FUNGICIDE APPLICATION TODAY!
DISEASE PROTECTION
WILL REDUCE PLANT STRESS AND OPTIMIZE YIELD POTENTIAL! 7668 8th Line Drayton
519-638-3457
@cleanfieldsvc
CUSTOM FARMING
RENTAL EQUIPMENT
• MANURE HAULING • TILLAGE (450 & 950) • COMBING • SEEDING (NO-TILLING) (BEANS & CORN) • SWATHING • FORAGING • 34’ MERGING (GRASS & CORN)
• 5” & 6” WALINGA • MANURE SUCKER/BLOWER SPREADER (450 & 950) • LANCASTER • HAY MERGER GRINDER
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | 16
Arts
Read a local best seller every week. Local stories that inspire. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Tips: observerxtra.com/tips
From inside a volcano
Portraits of Courage
The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) hosts a unique sensory experience from one of Iceland, allowing visitors to step inside a volcano. Hrafntinna (Obsidian) immerses visitors in a dark ring of sound, scent, lighting and reverberation, for a dramatic re-imagining of the 2021 eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano.
The Rotunda Gallery at the Kitchener City Hall currently hosts Carol Folino’s exhibit, Portraits of Courage. The artist uses portraits to explore dealing with grief, loss, and anxiety. The exhibition focuses both on self-portraits and stories of individuals from a variety of communities and backgrounds that have defied the odds amidst unfathomable experiences.
www.ago.ca
Exploring the power and humour of enduring friendship
There’s laughs aplenty as group of five women meet annually for decades in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club on stage in St. Jacobs Leah Gerber Observer Staff
GROWING THROUGH LIFE IS HARD, but going through it with friends makes all the difference, especially if you can laugh along the way. That’s the point of the latest play from Drayton Entertainment, The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse until August 13. The story follows five friends who met on their college swim team over the span of 40 years. Every year they go away to a cottage together in North Carolina for a long weekend. “(The story) explores their lives, their loves, their losses, explores ageism and husbands and children and it’s hilariously funny,” said director Sheila McCarthy. “It’s just a wonderful study of five very different women in North Carolina who sort of take off their bras for a long weekend every August and explore each other’s lives. “It’s super funny and really moving and it’s about friendship. And I think that people will just love it,” she said. McCarthy is traditionally an actress, and says she’s been involved in show business since she was five years old. She gained attention for her role in I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing and is well known for television’s Little Mosque on the Prairie, for which she was
nominated for a Gemini award. She can currently be seen in the Netflix superhero series The Umbrella Academy. She recently started directing and will make her directorial debut with the Drayton Festival with this production. On a personal level, McCarthy relates to how the story portrays loss. “Well, you know, we deal with a lot of loss in this show over the 40 years. So, they go through so many different aspects of their lives from the time that they’re in their early 40s to their late 70s. So you know, the loss. I lost my first husband, many years ago, an actor, Peter Donaldson of the Stratford Festival. So all of that comes to the surface and I like to share those stories because everyone has experienced loss,” she said. “I think everybody can relate to that. But it’s all told in an enormously funny way.” She’s especially proud of the cast she assembled for the production. “I came up with five incredibly seasoned veteran actresses who are so happy to be back on stage as well.” Marcia Tratt plays Sheree Hollinger, a hyper-organized health nut with a fear of getting older. Barbara Fulton plays lawyer Dinah Grayson, the group’s wise-cracking cynic. Cara Hunter takes on the role of Southern Belle event planner Lexie Richards. Karen Wood plays eager-
Karen Wood and Marcia Tratt are two of the principals in The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, directed by Sheila McCarthy.
to-please nun Jeri Neal McFeeley. Mary Pitt is school teacher Vernadette Simms. McCarthy says she and the cast and crew are eager and excited to present the show, which had previously been scheduled to run before the pandemic, but was put on hold. “Our careers really took a dive and everyone’s very grateful to be back out there doing it,” she said of the pandemic lockdowns that hit the entertainment
business particularly hard. “So it’s been a real love fest to be back.” She says she’s excited and proud to welcome people back into the theatre for the show. “Just know that you’re going to come, you’re going to sit in this audience and watch The Sweet Delilah Swim Club, and you’re going to see yourself up on stage. You’re going to go, ‘Oh, my God, my girlfriends and I do the exact same thing!’ I think
that everybody will relate to this play on all kinds of levels of humanity and experience and laughter and crying. And I really hope that people can come away from this just really saying to themselves, ‘I know those women.’” “The relatable characters and witty banter provide a fresh perspective on the journey through life, and the value of friendship,” said artistic director Alex Mustakas of the show.
The Drayton Entertainment production of The Sweet Delilah Swim Club is now on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse until August 13 before moving to the Huron Country Playhouse for a run from August 18 to September 4. Tickets are $53 ($32 for youth under 20), available any at the box office (519-747-7788) or toll free at 1-855-drayton (372-9866), or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.
20+ years in business
We’re proud to welcome Ha-Yoon Jae to our clinical team! He has a special interest in the Tinnitus with AD SPOTapproach. - NON PRINTING Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness
JULIANE SHANTZ · DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY
“Our reputation is your guarantee.”
RINGING IN YOUR EARS?
Recent studies have proven that depression and anxiety disorders correlate with bothersome tinnitus.
Submitted
69 Arthur St. S. Elmira ON M.CI.Sc., Reg. CASLPO
519-669-4425
www.earandhearingclinic.com
“O
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | 17
Classifieds
Seven days. One paper. A bestseller every week. Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104 Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com
Help Wanted
CARSTAR ELMIRA
CARSTAR ELMIRA
CARSTAR Elmira is looking to hire a general employee, who can take direction and that works well with others. Hours are Monday-Friday. Must have valid drivers license.
Looking for an experienced, licensed
AUTO BODY TECHNICIAN AND AUTOMOTIVE PAINTER
TOWNSHIP OF We offer a good work atmosphere,
WELLESLEY Help Wanted
company benefits and competitive wages. Wages would be based on experience.
Please send resume to ANTH585@OUTLOOK.COM or contact Jack Anthony @ 519-291-8649
Help Wanted
HELP WANTED
Preparing food and serving customers at our Café. Experience is an asset, however we are willing to train. Contact Shirley to apply with a resume. Email shirley@kitchenkuttings.com or call 519-578-6400
Help Wanted
Retail Sales Associate
Looking for a person with good retailing qualities and communication skills, friendly customer service and motivated. Job description: sales and service (Men’s Clothing and Dry Cleaning), writing orders, pricing stock, some computer skills and general duties. This position is for a mature adult and/or student looking for flexible full-time and/or part-time hours. Must be able to work Saturdays. Apply in person with resume to: W.C. Brown and Sons - Mens Clothier Downtown, Elmira 519-669-1152
Help Wanted
Fairway Lumber building centre Fairway Lumber Home Building Center St. Jacobs is
HIRING FULL TIME INSIDE SALES The successful candidate will need to be customer focused with a positive attitude. Member will work in a team environment and also independently. Experience with lumber and building products would be a great asset. Company benefits offered after the probationary period.
PLEASE FORWARD RESUME TO KRISFAIRWAY@BELLNET.CA
Please call or email for display advertising quotes for Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices, Service Pro Directory and Obituaries.
All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order and pay online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds.
Family Album Notices: Order and pay for family announcement notices online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album.
MINI -VA N DRIVER NEEDed-part/time suitable for retired person. Driving for mennonite communities - country drives, Dave-519-5741489.
Work Wanted NEED A RIDE? CALL GARY 519-577-1750. PRESSURE WASHING. DECKS,FENCES,WALKways, Siding. Call Gary 519-577-1750.
For Sale
40 Arthur Street South, Elmira | 519.669.8225
FULL OR PART TIME CUSTOMER SERVICE
Placing a classified ad
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
For more info, please apply in person or email your resume to elmira@carstar.ca
Advertising
TOWNSHIP OF
WELLESLEY Recreation Department requires:
CASUAL ARENA OPERATOR
For job description and how to apply please visit:
www.wellesley.ca
ↆ Find more classified ads and help wanted ads on the next page
LAWN FERTILIZER AND LAWN SEED Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-5744141 or 519-669-2045. ↆ Are you an employer looking to make your next local hire? An ad in the Observer is your best chance to land great talent here at home. Observer classified ads get additional clout online at jobs. observerxtra.com -- post your own ad online and get direct connections to future employees. Visit the site today for extra brand awareness for your bussiness.
Residential:
$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)
Commercial:
$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)
Help Wanted
NOW HIRING FULL TIME ROOF TRUSS ASSEMBLERS Must be team oriented, ambitious & responsible No experience required Mar-Span offers competitive wages, production bonuses and employee benefits.
Please apply with resume in person or email resume to marv@marspan.com We would like to thank all applicants, however only those selected for interview will be contacted. 7221 Side Rd. 16 Drayton, ON Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Now Hiring PT Sales Associates FT Cosmetician
WE ARE HIRING Cabinet Engineering Cabinet Sales & Design Cabinet Finisher Cabinet Install If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, please send your resume to laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519.638.5961 ext 104 Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.
WE ARE
!
SHIFT FLEXIBILITY AMAZING DISCOUNTS CULTURE OF CONNECTION Email resumes to: efoo@rexall.ca ELMIRA LOCATION 315 Arthur St. S., Unit #108 Elmira, ON, N3B 3L5 ↆ Looking for local work? Find more local jobs online at jobs.observerxtra.com. Get job alerts emailed to you when new jobs are posted and connect directly with you new future employer. Visit the Observer job board right now. Go!
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
18 | C L A S S I F I E D S
Help Wanted
39 Arthur St N Elmira, ON
JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM AS A US CROSS BORDER OWNER OPERATOR OR COMPANY DRIVER Requirements • Valid AZ License • Clean Driver Abstracts • Currently able to cross the US Border • A desire to grow and develop within a positive team culture We provide a safe and reputable work environment with a competitive wage package.
For Sale TREES & SHRUBS FOR SALE. SHADE TREES; apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, nectarines; blueberries, aroniaberry, grapes, rhubarb, raspberries, etc; blue spruce, white spruce, Norway spruce & lots of nice cedars to make green fence hedges & windbreaks. Range 1-6 feet tall. Now is a good time to plant! Excellent quality plants. Stop in Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Martin’s
Nursery, c/o Emanuel E.M. Martin, 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter Ont. N0G 2X0. (1 km north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line).
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.
CABINETMAKER / INSTALLER
We are looking for full time experienced cabinetmakers and installers to join our team. Qualifications include: 3-5 years relevant experience, clean driving record, good work habits, and ability to work as part of a team.
921 Katherine Street North West Montrose ON N0B 2V0
We will evaluate anyone with a 310 T certification or nearly certified. Primary responsibility is to conduct routine and preventative maintenance to an over the road fleet of Hi way trucks and trailers. Our specialized fleet provides a variety of work to keep you motivated as well as plenty of opportunities for further training if you are interested. We provide a clean, safe, and friendly work environment with a competitive wage package. You provide an energetic interest to use and keep developing your 310 T experience.
email resume to:
info@mantelsplus.com
Please contact recruiting@grandridge.ca
Help Wanted
SR BOOKKEEPER (hiring multiple positions) Join our friendly, collaborative team today! Manage your own schedule and caseload serving clients in Waterloo and Wellington regions, with opportunity for advancement. If you are a dependable, organized bookkeeper with 2+ years’ experience and an eye for accurate detail, we want to hear from you!
QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelors degree or equivalent experience (2+ years) Accounting & Inventory Software, Quickbooks, Simply Accounting and written (English) • Client focused team player with good judgement • Ability to handle tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
RESPONSIBILITIES • Account reconciliation, trial balances, journal entries, payroll, general ledgers, financial statements & records • Total fixed assets, calculate depreciation, prepare financial/accounting reports • Establish, maintain & balance various accounts manually & using bookkeeping software F/T permanent; $25-28/hr + O/T; Great Benefits Pkg (cost-shared); 40-60hrs/wk; vehicle & valid licence required for local travel (mileage reimbursed). Resume and cover letter to: applicant@taylorgerber.ca or in person at 12 Arthur St South, Elmira.
KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-5744141 or 519-669-2045.
SINGLE,PROFESSIONAL LOOKING TO rent a one bedroom apartment or room, with parking in Elmira or St. Jacobs area. Email: lynnanne50@ gmail.com
O AT & P E A S Trades & FOR FORAGE COVER Services CROPS - Call George Haffner Trucking, C U S T O M L AW N 519-574-4141 or OVERSEEDING AND lawn seeding. Call 519-669-2045. 519-503-5641.
LIVE AUCTION SALE
JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM AS A TRUCK AND TRAILER TECHNICIAN
Mantels Plus is a local manufacturer that builds and installs high quality custom cabinetry. We specialize in entertainment units, fireplace mantels, kitchen cabinetry, bars, and custom built-in units.
Wanted
Auction
Help Wanted
Please contact recruiting@grandridge.ca
Farm Services
Talk to Donna to book ad space in the classifieds 519-669-5790 ext104
Clearing auction sale of tractor; machinery; shop tools; equipment; and miscellaneous items to be held at Weimer Line, Wellesley (west of Bamberg, 5kms NE of Wellesley) for Keith and Patti Angst on: SATURDAY AUGUST 6 AT 10 AM
TRACTOR AND MACHINERY: 2002 New
Holland TL-80 tractor 3973 hours (injectors replaced and pump rebuilt at 3600hrs); Pequea HR10 hay rake; Kuhn FC 243 TG discbine 8ft; Enorossi hay tedder; New Holland 144 hay inverter; New Holland 644 round baler – net wrap/twine with monitor and acid); Case/IH 5300 soybean special – 21 run (totally rebuilt 100 acres ago); JD 7000 8” 46’ grain auger; Kongskilde 18’ Vibrotill 2800 cultivator; 2 – 350 BU J&M gravity bins with lights; 350 BU burns gravity bin with lights; 350 BU Turnco gravit bin with tarp and lights; 200 BU Burns gravity bin with trap and lights; 200 BU gravity bin with lights; 350 BU wet bin/gravity bin for grain dryer with lights; GT model 370 grain dryer; Turnco 12’ plate paker with transport; small dump trailer with cap; 6x10’ tandem axle livestock trailer; Kelley tractor mount backhoe; hyd post pounder; 1984 Gleaner F3 combine (hydro) eng HR4159 Sep Hrs – 1873; Allis Chalmers 313 flex head – stainless floor, argis knife system; Allis Chalmers 430 corn head; ALO manure bucket; stone bolt; 12’ tire drag pasture harrow; 8’ diamond drag harrow; 7’ S tine 3point hitch cultivator.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: 3 hay feeders for round bales; cattle squeeze with double locking head gate; adjustable loading chute; gates; corn chopper; straw chopper; 2 hammer mills; assortment of portable grain augers; 2 pasture water troughs with floats and lengths of water line; fencing wire and insulators; fencing push in stakes; fence wire unroller; new roll of 4’ net wrap; approx. 35; gallons of the juice hay acid; tablesaw and table; thickness planer; skid of scrap steel; skids of interlock stone; assortment of plastic barrels; few bags of couer crop grains seed; wood chicken crates; wood tool cabinet of matching tools; assortment of tires; lawnmowers; pull behind lawn sprayer; trailer; lawn sweeper; 3pt hitch fertilizer spreader; pond water pumps; socket sets; tap and dye sets; air tools; Power Fist battery tester; Delta scroll saw; welding helmet accessories; fencer and fencing supplies; machinists tool chest; anvil; castors; welding clamps and vise grip; electrical; Dewalt power tools; Makita; shop vac; grinder; sump pump; hydraulic cylinders; weed trimmers; lawn trailer; estate sprayer; assorted machinery tires; ladders; and 2 wagon loads of miscellaneous items found on a well equipt farm. NOTE: An excellent farm auction with well
Personals SECOND STRONGEST ADDICTION?GAMBLING! *Causes 30% of suicides. * loses houses, loses spouses. Gamblers Anonymous meeting, Rockway Centre, 1405 King St. E., Kitchener. Mondays 7 p.m. except holidays. 519-277-0341.
Event
Come check out deals! Lots of
Discounted Fabric! Extended hours August 4 - 6 Thurs & Fri 9am - 8:30pm Saturday 9am-5:00pm
83 Arthur St. S., Elmira
Auction
519-210-2040
LIVE AUCTION SALE Of Dodge Caravan,Tractor, JD mowers, ATV’s, boat, implements, tools, household goods, collectibles, and miscellaneous Items, to be held at 2605 Notre Dame, Wilmot Twp. (2 km north of St. Agatha), for the Ray Dietrich Estate, on
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10TH @ 3 P.M.
CONSISTING OF:
2010 Dodge Grand Caravan SE, Flex Fuel, 100,648km, runs good, selling “as is”. Fordson Dexta tractor with Allied loader, bucket, manure fork, 2wd, good running condition. Ford 800 tractor. MF 65 diesel tractor, multi power, new front tires. AC 314 Deluxe riding tractor, electric lift & clutch, comes with front mount blower. JD 300 riding lawn mower, Kohler engine, hydrostatic, hydraulic lift, 45in. front mount snow blower, 36in. rear mount tiller, wheel weights and chains, 1841 hours. NH MZ16H lawn mower, z-turn, 16hp, 42in. cut. JD 317 riding lawn mower, 17hp, hydrostatic, 48in. deck (parts machine). JD 42in. front mount blade. 2006 Polaris Hawkeye 4 wheeler, All Wheel drive, 300cc, winch, 1887km. 1983 Yamaha 200E - 3 wheeler, running. Sylvan “Super Snapper” 14ft. aluminum boat with Johnson long shaft 15hp motor (last run 2 years ago), Minn Kota 2hp electric motor, live well, and accessories, on trailer. Gas golf cart. York River paddle boat. 2 furrow trail plow. 7ft. 3ph cultivator. McCormick # 7 – 5ft. mower. Case 5ft. mower, pto (as found). New Idea 12A manure spreader (ground drive). Lucknow 5 ½ ft. 3ph snow blower. Bush Hog 5ft. rotary mower. Wallenstein wood splitter, vertical/horizontal, 26in. throat, Honda 5.5hp engine. 3ph pto circle saw. 14ft. flat rack wagon. 6ft. 3ph scraper blade. 3 utility trailers (4 ½ X 7 ½ ft., 4 X 6ft., 3 ½ X 5 ½ ft.). JD garden dump trailer. Sears gas wood chipper. Stihl MS 290 and MS 180C chain saws. Stihl MM55 garden tiller. Coleman 3500 watt generator (4375 surge watts). Stihl pole saw. Stihl BG 56 leaf blower. 2 push mowers. Redrock 48in. lawn sweeper. Garden wagon. Caboose converted into a trailer. 34ft. alum ladder. Electric heaters. Odd lumber. Old beams. Camping related goods. Garden décor. Steel barrels. Concrete blocks, scrap metal, etc.
TOOLS: Bench model drill press. Bench
grinder. Acetylene torches. Delta 10in. band saw. Rockwell 6in. jointer. Delta chop saw. Lincoln AC 225 welder. 2 – 4in. vises, plus a wagonload of hand tools & farm related items.
HOUSEHOLD: Frigidaire stove. Whirlpool washer. Kenmore dryer (older). Kenmore Model 17624 sewing machine. Singer 212 W140 industrial sewing machine. 3pc. bookcase bedroom suite. Cedar chest. Table & chair set. 47 X 90ft. wooden work desk. Air tight wood stove. Electric heaters. Quantity (rolls) of material, etc. COLLECTIBLES: Wheel barrow scale. Pine
blanket box. Floor model cream separator. Vintage chrome table. Child’s wooden sleigh. Steel implement wheels. Cast iron kettles. Cream cans. Crocks, etc.
NOTE
– Farm sold. See www. gerberauctions.net for photos. Lunch booth.
maintained machinery and equipment, always sheded. Farm is sold. Sale order: wagon loads; miscellaneous items; machinery. Cash, cheque with ID or debit. For more info contact Keith 519 588 6120
TERMS – Cash, cheque with I.D. or debit.
TERMS: cash or debit accepted.
PROPRIETORS – Ray Dietrich Estate (Ken
AUCTIONEER:
Jantzi Auctions Ltd. Wellesley | 519-656-3555 www.JantziAuctions.com
5% buyer’s premium.
SALE ORDER – wagonloads & household, larger items.
519-570-6922)
AUCTIONEERS:
Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451
2827 Hutchison Rd., RR#1 Millbank (Crosshill)
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
ↆ R E A L
C L A S S I F I E D S | 19
E SAT E
SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION. Sue From
Alli Bauman
226-750-9332
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
suefrom17@gmail.com
519-669-5426
Emily Minielly SALES REPRESENTATIVE
519-504-6247
3 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5426
emilyminiellyrealestate@gmail.com
$599,000
$1,220,000 DRAYTON - This Executive bungalow welcomes you home with an expansive covered front porch and double car garage. Step through the front door into a beautiful open concept main floor. Large picture windows and vaulted ceilings give the living space a bright and welcoming feel! The dining space has large sliding glass doors to the sizable, raised deck, providing an extension to your living space, perfect for entertaining family and friends. Enjoy the luxury of a main floor mudroom / laundry with garage entrance. The main floor continues to offer three bedrooms and two full bathrooms! This unique floor plan has a separate suite for the primary bedroom complete with walk in closet and 4-piece ensuite including a soaker tub. You will find a separate wing with two additional bedrooms and a full bathroom. Follow the modern open staircase to the finished basement. The spacious rec room features wall to wall built-in cabinetry, perfect for movie nights at one end and a home gym at the other end. You will find plenty of room for games, toys and ping pong in the area in-between. The large glass sliding doors and windows offer almost as much natural light as the main floor. Walkout from the basement to a great interlocking brick patio with a hot tub! Plus, the basement features an additional bedroom, a full 3-piece bathroom, a craft room, and a cold cellar. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own your forever home! The quaint town of Drayton offers everything you need only 20 minutes from Elmira and 40 minutes from the city amenities in Guelph and Waterloo!
$749,000
$1,299,000
MILLBANK - Looking to escape the big city for small town living? This charming recently updated, 3-bedroom 2-bathroom bungalow is exactly that and more. Located in the quaint town of Millbank, only 30 minutes from all the big city amenities that Waterloo or Stratford have to offer. You are welcomed through the front door into a bright living room that flows into the dining and kitchen area. From the dining area, slip out through the large sliding doors to your back deck, (complete with propane hook-up), relax and enjoy your large .3 acre corner lot with mature trees, ideal for family gatherings and summer BBQ’s. Or head out to the covered front porch, perfect for enjoying morning coffee or an evening beverage. Upstairs you will find three updated bedrooms and a newly refinished bathroom. The basement with a double door walkout and large windows provides an abundance of natural light, giving a main floor feel. The basement offers just as much as the main floor, rec room, workshop, 2 piece bathroom, laundry room, large cold room, bonus (play) room, loads of space for your family and guests to enjoy. You could easily convert this space into an in-law suite. Updates include, new LVT flooring , drywall, potlights, bathrooms, most windows, all trim and interior doors all done in 2022 as well as Furnace & A/C (2021), this house is move in ready! With an insulated garage, (new door on order), oversized shed, and ample parking, you will have tons of space to store your “toys” or entertain.
MOOREFIELD - This private 50 acre property is located on a quiet street near Teviotdale. Follow along the winding laneway through a picturesque cedar rail fence surrounded by greenery to acres of open space including a spring fed pond. You will be greeted by a bungalow and a small barn to house any animals you have or may wish to have. This property so much more to offer a with green house/shed and a detached 30 x 40 heated and insulated shop (built in 2009) surrounded by fruit trees. The 1459 square foot bungalow has a retreat like master bedroom (added in 2008) with vaulted ceilings, in suite laundry, a propane fireplace and walk-out to the deck and hot tub! The kitchen is open to the dining room and living room, with a fireplace and loads of natural light with sliding glass doors to the front and back deck. The walk out basement has a 3 piece bathroom, rec room and office space which could be easily transformed into an in-law suite. The deck wraps around the house to the master bedroom and connects the outdoor bar with bar fridge, hot tub (2017) and on ground pool (2019). Be prepared for all of your friends and family longing to hang out here! Hop on your off road vehicle and explore the back 40 acres of your own private bush where you will find wildlife and a mix of trees. This serine setting could be just what you have been dreaming of!
MILLBANK - You will love all that this home has to offer in the quaint town of Millbank. You will immediately feel at home when you walk into this charming 1.5 story home with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms and a bonus room at back, which could be a playroom, additional bedroom, office or gym! This property has been lovingly updated over the years with new windows, (2009), convenient eat in kitchen (2010), water heater (2017) and furnace (2020)! Not to mention the insulated detached shop with loft, perfect for all of your hobbies and storage needs. You will not want to miss out all that this 75 x 123 foot property has to offer.
$849,000 ELMIRA - Check out this 5 Bedroom Bungalow in Birdland! This unique opportunity gives you the option of multi-generational living or a single-family dwelling...you choose! The main floor has 3 bedrooms, a fair-sized kitchen, a dining room, a living room with big bright windows overlooking the covered front porch, 4 piece bathroom, and a main floor laundry room. Walk out from the dining room to a shaded deck and relax in the yard with the view of mature trees. The open concept basement has 2 bedrooms, its own kitchen and laundry room, 4-piece bathroom, dinette area, 2 living room spaces, and lots of storage. You will be impressed with the overall open feel of this home. The doublewide, concrete driveway provides parking for 2 and the oversized single garage is perfect for the car enthusiast and is equipped with a hoist. Come and see this nicely finished and well-kept home that is sure to impress!
Auction
Kurtz Auctions Inc. LIVE ESTATE AUCTION SALE
DATE: Sat. Aug. 6, @ 10:00 am
LOCATION: 5461, Hwy 86, 1km north of Guelph Auto Mall PREVIEW: Friday, Aug. 5, 1 - 4 pm and sale day 9 am FURNITURE & ANTIQUES: Danby 10 Cu Ft Upright Freezer // LG 10,000 BTU Window AC // Glass Oil Lamp // Orbitor 6000 Telescopec/w stand & accessories // HO model trains (CN,CP) c/w tracks // Sony 60” TV // 6’ Pine Harvest Table // Butcher Block (24”x30”x36”H) // Old Student desks // Wash stand // Display curio & book cases // Old Singer Sewing Machine // Walnut Dining Table c/w 6 chairs & 1 leaf // Sofa & Love Seat // Variety of Dressers and Side Boards // Hall Seat with mirror // An�que ¾ Oak bedroom suite // Modern Glass & Chrome Bar Set c/w 2 bar stools & 2 shelf units // Glass top chrome table c/w 5 chairs // Old Wes�nghouse Floor model Radio // Lots not men�oned. TOOLS & Misc.: Quan�ty of 8” turf �res // 3 Ton Floor Jack // Cra�sman Laser Trac 10” Mitre Saw c/w Stand // Master Cra� Bench Drill Press // Cordless Drills and Tools // 6” Ryobi Bench Grinder // 2 Tray Organizer units c/w trays &goodies (hold 70 trays each) // Bissel Deep Clean Rug Cleaner // Larger quan�ty of Assorted Tools, Oils and Oil filters // Fishing rods & Bait Holders // Old Wagon Wheels // An�que Planes // Quan�ty of 20L Plas�c Pales with Lids // Tempo Fitness Treadmill. *Note: This will be a full sale. Majority of tool items are s�ll in packages. Lots of items NOT unpacked at �me of adver�sing.
BRAD MARTIN
BROKERAGE
R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office: 519-669-2772 Brad Direct: 519-741-6231 | Jenna Direct: 519-760-2265 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | www.thurrealestate.com
Broker of Record, MVA Residential
JENNA MARTIN Sales Representative
35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON! 17 Maple St., Drayton
$799,900.00
Meticulously maintained 2-storey in a family friendly subdivision. 1838 sq. ft. Original owner has updated the home since new with quartz counter tops, flooring, furnace & air, roof shingles, garage doors, painting & decorating. Eatin kitchen w/island, formal dining room & great rm with cathedral ceiling. 3 bdrms. Master suite w/walk-in closet & 4 pc. ensuite. Mn flr 2 pc. Unspoiled basement. Sauna. Concrete driveway. Beautiful park like landscaping! MLS 22 Meadowlark Rd., Elmira
$899,900.00
See www.kurtzauc�onsinc.ca and h�ps://www.facebook.com/ brian.kurtz.3950 for photos and update on new items. Terms: 10% buyer’s premium. Cash and/or Debit. Cheque with proper ID. Any announcements day of sale take precedence over ads. Auc�oneer, Auc�on company or proprietors not responsible for accidents, injury, damage or loss of property on sale day
Auctioneer: Kurtz Auctions Inc. 519-836-0342
All brick bungalow w/4 bdrms on the main flr. Central location to schools & park. 1655 sq. ft. Main flr laundry. Updated bathrooms. Country style eat-in kitchen. Large finished rec rm w/gas F.P. Potential of finishing more bsmt space. 3 pce bathroom downstairs. Replacement windows/furnace & C/Air. Private yard with stamped concrete patio at rear. Garden doors from master bdrm to patio area. MLS
CALL FOR YOUR
FREE MARKET EVALUATION What goes up must come down, at least where the scaffolding is concerned, as contractors reverse the job following the refinishing of the regional water tower on Floradale Road near Elmira.
Exclusive gear
for newspaper readers
Support your local newspaper. Shop online today! newsmart.ca
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
20 | C L A S S I F I E D S
ↆ LO CA L ↆ
P R O F E S S I O N A L
S E RV I C E S
GENERAL SERVICES
CALL TO BOOK! TODAY.
MarCrest Backhoe Septic Installations · Tile Repairs Small Footings · Silo Footings
VAN, MINIBUS & WHEELCHAIR LIFT BUS TRANSPORTATION “Specializing in small group charters”
Maynard Martin
519-669-5557 Visit our website! countrymilebl.com Elmira, ON ↆ
2512 Kressler Road RR1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0
Call Donna to book this space. 519-669-5790 ext104
RK COUNTRY BUS LINES 519-502-8262 Elmira, ON
Tel. 519-699-0507
GENERAL SERVICES
BOOKING FOR 2022
Visit us online to see our entire rental lineup.
Various sizes & rates
CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call
100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA
(ELMIRA)
ↆ
ↆ
AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
TIRE
WHERE TIRES ARE A
SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.
Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service 35 Howard Ave., Elmira
519-669-3232 ↆ
519-669-4964
519-669-0524 www.woolwichrentals.ca 100 Union St, Elmira, Ontario
THOMPSON’S
Auto Tech Inc. Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence.
519-669-4400
HOME IMPROVEMENT
John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs
519-503-6033 (CELL) 519-669-2251
30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA
36 Hampton St., Elmira
- Design and build -
AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS
www.marwilconcrete.ca
Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016
519-577-0370
darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON
HOME IMPROVEMENT COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
ST. JACOBS
GLASS SYSTEMS INC.
INC
• Store Fronts • Thermopanes • Mirrors • Screen Repair • Replacement Windows • Shower Enclosures • Sash Repair
Randy Weber
ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605
www.rwelectricltd.com TEL:
18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462
AMOS R O O F I N G
1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial
ↆ
Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs Patios • Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Steps • Decorative/Stamped and Coloured Concrete
• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years.
WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED
CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.
519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104 FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service
519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114 In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured
HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1998
•Final grading •Lawn repair & complete seeding well equipped for large stoney areas •Spike Aerator/Overseeding •Natural & Interlocking Stone •Retaining Walls, Walks & Patios •Help for Top Water & Drainage issue
Murray & Daniel Shantz
ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427
DESIGN CENTRE
• FLOORING • Custom KITCHENS • BATHROOM VANITIES • SICO Paint • Custom WINDOW BLINDS
KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS
Many In-Stock or Custom Bathroom Vanities, Kitchen Cabinetry, Flooring and Tiles, Blinds, Shades, Fashion Plumbing • Our experienced personell and designer will help you work within your personal taste and budget
Call someone you can trust - your local Home Hardware Popular Brands Available
BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN www.LetUsFloorYou.ca
Hours: M-F 8:00 - 5:00 & Sat 9:00 - 3:00
Evenings By Appointment
1011 Industrial Cres. Unit #2 | TEL: 519.699.5411
22 Church St. W., Elmira Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN 11-4 Find and follow us on FB and Instagram
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
C L A S S I F I E D S | 21
Go ahead and sing to your kids ... in a meaningful way Looking for options beyond the standards, Rachel Barbor came up with her own approach Leah Gerber Observer Staff
WHEN HER SON WAS BORN about three and a half years ago, Elmira’s Rachel Babor had an idea. She wanted to sing him meaningful songs, and songs about nature, but she had trouble finding any. “I started looking for meaningful nature songs for children instead of just the usual Old McDonald and Skinamarinky Dink, and the Itsy Bitsy Spider. They’re classics that definitely deserve their heart, but looking for good quality words and morals within songs is really hard to find. There’s a lot of mediocre music out there and stuff that just doesn’t have any meaning.” That being the case, Babor began compiling the kind of songs she wanted to sing to her kids. “I started finding artists that I liked, and then creating a few of my own songs. I wasn’t sure how Mini Mushroom would fully come out – at one point before COVID I thought maybe it would be at my house around the campfire pit. “Then this past winter, it dawned on me that I should just try for it. And my kids are not going to be this young and want to hear these songs all the time for that long either. So I’m just going to go for it, and I’d like to do it in a forest.” She called up the Woolwich administration office in January to ask if she needed a permit to run a program in a public park and when staff heard about the idea, they instantly liked it. Babor says the township staff asked her to partner with them on the idea, “on the spot.” The first session took place in April.
ↆ LO CA L
There was lots of hopping, tweeting, chirping and ribbiting at Victoria Glen Park in Elmira on Wednesday. Rachel Babor leads a nature music class for young children, known as Mini Mushroom Music. The trained performer was frustrated with typical music available for Leah Gerber children and decided to seek out and create songs with more meaning.
“We were able to run a full session that was six weeks long,” said Marie Malcolm, the community programs and inclusion coordinator. “She reached out to us, the Township of Woolwich, asking about if there’s any programming
around music and nature, and we haven’t explored that option before. We worked in collaboration with her to get this program up and running.” “What was really cool is we got to watch the forest change because we started
on Earth Day, which is April 22. And then we watched the forest grow and come to life through spring which was really neat,” said Babor. The program is designed for both kids and parents to participate together and to
move around throughout, says Babor. “The program itself is designed for caregivers, or adults to be with their child and sing songs in nature. And instead of being in a more structured setting where your child
has to sit with you, or stay in one spot, which I find very stressful as a parent because my children, I think most children, but especially mine, don’t thrive in that situation. “We move around constantly. So we’ll start in a spot and sing a song and then we’ll go look at the water and we’ll sing a song. And then we’ll go into the forest and we’ll be on a log and sing a song. So I incorporated the landscape in with the song.” Babor has been a professional performer and entertained onstage for children for more than a decade. She graduated from the Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto, and has worked on cruise ships and for Drayton Entertainment, among other pursuits. “It’s been interesting to watch both adults as well as kids get really comfortable with being outside more. And then the kids come to know our little route that we take, and what song we sing where. They know what’s coming in, they anticipate it and they get excited and they love it. That part has been really special to watch,” she said. “Singing with your kids sticks with them forever. I think we can all recall a lot of the words and the songs that we sang as kids. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It doesn’t have to be in-tune. It doesn’t have to be some ideal. Take the time to sing songs because it seems to really stick with them. And then be picky about the songs you’re singing and make sure that there’s some meaning within it. If you can get outside and sing and use those two things together, it’s like magic that happens.”
S E RV I C E S
ↆ GENERAL SERVICES
Martin’s Nursery Contact us for all your
Custom or Replacement Tarps & Covers! ▪ Bale covers in stock ▪ Patio canopy repairs
Irvin Martin
trailviewmfg@gmail.com
226-584-0923
Hydrangea Shrubs & Trees Shade & Flowering Trees Large selection of fruit trees HONEY FOR SALE (fruit bearing age) BEE Supplies Etc. Hedging & Windbreaks We sell a complete line of Bee Supplies; including Spruce, Pine, Cedars Extracting Equipment, jars, Shrubs, Grasses pails, Varroa mite treatments & much and Bees, Nucs, Queens. more! ORHBS Select Queens (Weekly) C/O EMANUEL E.M. MARTIN
42661 Orangehill Road, RR#1, Wroxeter, ON 1 Concession North of Wroxeter on Belmore Line Mon. – Sat. 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
ↆ Are you a business looking to expand your brand awareness and attract new business? Advertising weekly in the Observer Professional Directory of Local Services is the most effective use of marketing dollars. Be in front of our audience and when buyers are read to use you, they'll know who they can trust. Advertising in newspapers does enhance and adds another layer of goodwill with the public. Call Donna at the Observer today to list your service.
10 OFF REPLACEMENT
$
PATIO DOOR SCREEN Must bring coupon in or use code “repair22”
IN-STORE SERVICES • Window & Screen Repairs • Glass & Plexi Cutting • Key Cutting • Knife & Scissor Sharpening
• Lawnmower Blade Sharpening • Paint Colour Matching • Interior Design Consultation • Bike Repair 22 Church St. W., Elmira Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN 11-4 Find and follow us on FB and Instagram
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
22 | C L A S S I F I E D S
ↆ FA M I LY
A L B U M
Anniversary
ↆ Announce your important family news in The Observer! Let the neighbours and community know about those important milestones, celebrations, births, birthdays, graduations, memorial and more. It's easy to order and pay online at www. observerxtra.com/ order-family-album Feel free to drop by our office or call Donna at 519-669-5790 ext104 to place your order over the phone.
Birthday
Obituary
Erla Frey-Jantzi August 4th, 2022
Happy 50 Anniversary th
Happy 90th Birthday, to the woman who taught us that skinned knees heal, and tears can be washed away with a smile, kiss and a hug. We hope you have a beautiful day, Mom. You are such an important part of our lives.We are so grateful for all that you have given us, your Love shines thru us to our Families and your Grands and Great Grands, your Love has been bountiful.
Les and Linda Bauman July 29, 2022
May all the warm hugs and kisses from all of us who love you show you how special you are to us. Bonnie, Pam, Carey and our Families
Obituary
ↆ S O L U T I O N S Solutions for this week's puzzles.
F
) : 6 3 ; 0 / )
, : ( 4 $ 2 0 7 $
6 7 8 1
& $ 3 2
L
A
M
I
7 ( 1 7 6
2 5 , 2 1
( 5 $ 7 2
& $ & $ 2
5 : 2 % / 9 3 7 4
: , , ' 0 * , ) 6
7 , 1 & 7 5 , 7 8 $ ' 2 5 3 ( 5 ( ( $ 7 6 / ( : $ % ( 5 0 8 1 $ 3 ' 2 1 8 6 / , 0
HARD
EASY
$ ; 2 1
( : $ 5 ( % $ < '
$ 3 3 . 6 5 6 6 3
/ $ 6 3 , / / 0 ,
& $ 2 0 5 ( $ / 1 * 5 ( $ 3 1 , 8 ' 7 7 <
/ ' $ 0 , 6 3 7 '
3 , * 0 <
N
7 0 3 1 6 ( 3 (
( 7 8 ,
) , 9 (
) , 1 ( 5
$ , / 6
7 5 8 (
G
$ 7 , / 7 % ( 8 ' / + 9 5
* ; 5 % 1 7 / 2 3
: ( ( 6 6 & / 8 ( 5 ( ) 6 1 7 2 5 , , 6 & < (
Metzger, Mary March 21, 1935 - July 27, 2022
O
3 $ 1 6 < 2 0 / ( 0 ' , , 2
Martin, Almeda
* ' + & 3 * . 6 7
/ % , 1 * , 3 + 3
( / 7 6 , 7 ( ) %
$ 9 2 1
: ( 5 (
/ ( 1 '
6 < 2 $ / & . , / , & ( 0 ( $ 1 * 6 2 ( < ( $
6 & 2 7 7
7 $ 1 6 <
/ , ( 6
( / 6 (
% / $ , 5
2 2 7 / ' & 1 3 6
5 ( & 2 8 3
Obituary
Passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, July 25, 2022 with her family by her side at the age of 73 years. Remembered by her loving husband of 52 years, Abner Martin of Linwood. Cherished mother of Elverne (Ruthanne) Martin of Listowel, Rhoda Martin of Linwood, Eric (Janelle) Martin of Listowel, Myrna (Darrel) Bauman of Drayton and Arnie (Anita) Martin of Hesson. Loving grandmother to Max (Beth), Laura, Jaydin, Tyrone Martin; Damian, Mariah, Ian Martin; Cody, Caleb, Damaris, Deena Bauman; Anika, Owen, Alex, and Brett Martin and loving great-grandma to Kaiden Martin. Also remembered by her siblings Abner (Eleanor) Metzger, Edward (Gayle) Metzger, Isaac (Mary) Metzger, David (Marjorie) Metzger, Amsey (Eileen) Metzger, and David (Ellen) Krahn. Predeceased by her granddaughter Daina Martin, parents John and Lovina Metzger, and brother John Metzger. Visitation was held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Woodlawn Mennonite Fellowship, 6449 Wellington Rd. 11, Dorking. Funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Woodlawn Mennonite Fellowship followed by interment at Hillside Cemetery, 3210 Boomer Line, RR 1, St. Clements. As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to Christian Aid Ministries – Reapers of Hope. A special thank you to the wonderful Care Partners group of nurses who provided Almeda with care and medication to keep her resting so we could have her at home and communicate with her until the Lord called her home.
Peacefully on July 27, 2022 at her home, Mary Metzger of RR 1, Wallenstein, at the age of 87 years. Wife of Isaac Metzger. Mother of Wayne and Naomi Metzger of RR 2, Dobbinton, Eldon and Karen Metzger of RR 1, Gowanstown, Vera and Edgar Wideman of RR 1, Wallenstein, Pauline and John Bowman of RR 3, Listowel, Mary and Phares Martin of RR 3, Listowel, Miriam and Abner Brubacher of RR 1, Wallenstein, Isaac and Ruth Metzger of RR 1, Wallenstein. Survived by 56 grandchildren and 26 great- grandchildren. Sister of Delila Bowman, Almeda and Alvin Weber. Predeceased by her parents Urias and Hannah (Martin) Bauman, daughter Martha in infancy; one granddaughter, one grandson, one great-grandson; siblings Josiah in infancy, Tilman (Minerva) Bauman, Luida (Urias) Metzger, Lucinda (Elam) Brubacher, Cleason (Leona) Bauman and brother-in-law Clayton Bowman. Visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022 and from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, July 29, 2022 at the family home, 4598 Lavery Rd, RR 1, Wallenstein. Family service will be held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at the home, then to Peel Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Frede, Alma (nee Bauman) 1923 – 2022 Passed away peacefully at Hospice Waterloo Region on Friday, July 22, 2022 in her 100th year. Beloved wife of the late Reinhard Frede (2006). Cherished mother of Karl (Sandy), Richard (Sophia), Eric (Darlene), Lillian (Cliff ), Peggy (Wayne), and Gerry (Rhonda). Proud grandmother of 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Dear sister of Mary Martin, and sister-in-law of Elsie Yahn, Leonhard and Buelah Frede, Ewald and Grace Frede, Edwin and Donna Frede, George and Ingrid Frede. Predeceased by her parents Martin and Rebecca (Martin) Bauman, brothers Addison (Adina) Bauman, Adin (Irene) Bauman, and James (Alma) Bauman, and brothers-in-law Henry Yahn and Leonard Martin. Visitation was held on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Wallenstein Bible Chapel, 4522 Herrgott Rd, Wallenstein. A funeral service took place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 27 at Wallenstein Bible Chapel with interment in Hawkesville Cemetery. Reception followed. At the request of Alma’s family, masks are preferred. The service will be livestreamed and will be available on Alma’s tribute page of the funeral home website. The family wishes to express their thanks for the exceptional care received. As expressions of sympathy, donations to ShareWord Global or Hospice Waterloo Region would be appreciated and can be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Death Notice BEARINGER, MARIE - Suddenly on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 as the result of a road accident near her home, Marie Bearinger, age 20. Local relatives are her grandparents Aden and Elvina Bearinger of Elmira. ROBERTS, MARY ANELIA - Mary Anelia Roberts of Elmira, formerly of Drayton ON, passed away on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 in her 77th year.
Peace of mind in Wellesley Why travel to the Big City? The Futher-Franklin Funeral Home in Wellesley can service all your needs in the beautiful surroundings of the country and at a cost less than the “Big City”.
The service can be accessed by calling 226-779-5238 or through the live stream link https://woodlawnmf.org/ livestream/
A privately owned funeral home providing care and respect to you and your family!
❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com
Futher-Franklin Funeral Home, 1172 Henry Street, Wellesley. 519-656-2880
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | 23
Living Here
It's about all of us. Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home. Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Report it: observerxtra.com/tips
Water conservation urged
Take the long way home
As the hot, dry summer weather continues, water users throughout the Grand River watershed are now being asked to cut their consumption by 20%. Between mid-June and mid-July, the watershed received approximately 25% of the normal amount of precipitation for that period.
Woolwich Township’s Crowsfoot Road, from Katherine Street South/Sawmill Road to #5044 Crowsfoot Road, will be open to only local traffic for two weeks starting Aug. 2 as the summer road construction season continues with detours aplenty.
www.grandriver.ca
Where skills are a transferrable thing Wallenstein's Earthscape has embraced the youth-training opportunities of Adventure4Change program Leah Gerber Observer Staff
BRADLEY BALKARAN, MUSA DOLLEY AND Ali Mussa can’t help identifying weeds everywhere they go since they started working at Earthscape, a landscaping company based in Wallenstein. “Every time I walk around or go home, there’s a weed I remember,” Dolley said. “I learned a lot about trees, soil mulch, types of trees. My eyes attach to buckthorn everywhere I go.” Balkaran, Dolley and Mussa connected with Earthscape through an organization in Waterloo called Adventure 4 Change. Balkaran and Dolley graduated from high school this year, and Mussa has one year left. Adventure 4 Change is an organization for youth and families in neighbourhoods in the north Waterloo area near Albert Street. “It’s like another home for the community,” said Balkaran. “A place that gives everyone a chance to feel like they’re wanted somewhere.” Volunteers and staff at Adventure 4 Change run many programs including after school programs, youth and leadership groups, and even groups for the area’s mothers, among others. The Genesis Program is to help teenagers and youth find meaningful jobs and mentorship that will help them launch their careers and lives. “There are barriers to finding work that come up,” said Josh Brown, the organization’s youth
program director. While everyone faces the same barriers, many of the young people Brown works with don’t have the social capital needed in the local job market. “I know a couple of them currently that have gone and applied to 30, 40 different places and not heard back from anyone. And maybe that’s because their résumés don’t look good. Maybe that’s because they don’t call back right away after or whatnot. So we do try to teach folks how to do that,” he explained. “Sometimes, you know, they just don’t know the right things to say or they don’t know the right people to talk to. “We just find when we come together a lot of good things happen. It’s a little bit of teaching, it’s a bit of guiding and coaching, but a lot of just building good relationships that lead to good outcomes,” he said. Brown says the program is meant to, “encourage guys to get really good work experience, but in the context of mentorship. So, Mark (Schwarz), if you get to know him a little bit there, you’ll notice that he’s not just about giving guys jobs, but he’s about mentoring guys. He’s about helping guys develop in life-building character, being men with strong values. “And so, what we find is that guys will go work with Mark and be busy and be active and be making money and working hard, but they’re also becoming good men.”
Musa Dolley, Ali Mussa and Bradley Balkaran stand under a large American elm tree, one of their Leah Gerber favourite trees in the Elmira Nature Reserve.
Mark Schwarz is one of the founders of Earthscape. He knows the founder of Adventure 4 Change and started hiring people through the orga-
nization about four years ago, he said. The program has its ups and downs. “Things don’t always work because they don’t have any construction
experience,” Schwarz said. He said some of the downsides involved damage to equipment or even a car, but adds the outcomes are worth it.
Funding to pay the Adventure 4 Change youth comes from a variety of sources, including the Canada Summer Jobs grant, he said. Schwarz encourages other companies to get involved. “Ideally, I would like to get other construction people interested enough that they would do the same thing. That would be a real plus,” he said, noting there are likely many people in the area, perhaps retired or semi-retired, who have businesses and skills similar to his that might be put to use helping young people develop new skills. This year, Schwarz has Balkaran, Dolley and Mussa working on Earthscape projects and in the Elmira Nature Reserve. Dolley estimates he, Balkaran and Mussa have planted about 2,000 trees at the nature reserve. They spend their time maintaining the trees, sheltering and zip tying them, mulching, installing irrigation lines and tackling buckthorn, among other tasks. “I enjoy it,” said Dolley. “Being from the city you don’t get to do things like this.” Trees are a lot of work, says Balkaran. “You don’t really appreciate them until you start putting in the work. “The people at Adventure 4 Change are trustworthy and I trust them, so they told me it was a good place to work and I trusted them,” said Balkaran. Brown says Adventure 4 Change is constantly → ADVENTURE4CHANGE 27
Do you find your wiper blades don’t properly clear your windshield when it is raining? Wiper blades wear from a variety of things like being exposed to the SPOT - NON PRINTING sunAD as well as from general use. If you have any concerns that they are not performing properly, we recommend trying a new set! Wiper blades should be replaced annually.
Feel free to stop by anytime, we are happy to install a new set on your vehicle for you!
20 Oriole Parkway E., Elmira.
Tel: (519) 669-1082
www.leroysautocare.net
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
24 | L I V I N G H E R E
If you've never cooked tofu before, now is the perfect time to try!
W
hether you're looking for a vegetarian option or simply want to make a healthy meal, this dish is a winner. And it's easy to make if you follow these tips: To make trimming green beans quick and easy, line up several green beans in a cutting board and cut off tough ends. Do the same thing on the other side of the beans. Crush garlic with the
▢ America's Test Kitchen Rigorously tested recipes that work.
bottom of a measuring cup to help loosen papery skin. Place one hand on the handle of a chef's knife and rest the fingers of your other hand on top of the blade. Use a rocking motion, pivoting the knife as you chop garlic repeatedly to cut it into very small pieces.
ↆ C O M M U N I T Y
“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”
Kleensweep Carpet Care
Rugs and Upholstery
•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates West Montrose, ON
T. 519.669.2033
COLLEEN
Cell: 519.581.7868
Truck & Trailer Maintenance
Stir-Fried Tofu with Green Beans ▢ 14 ounces extra- firm tofu
▢ 1 cup vegetable broth ▢ 3 tablespoons soy sauce
▢ 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
▢ 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
▢ 2 teaspoons plus
1⁄3 cup cornstarch, measured separately
sesame oil
▢ 2 tablespoons plus
▢ 1 pound green beans, ends trimmed
▢ 2 scallions, sliced thin
▢ 3 garlic cloves,
peeled and minced
▢ 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger
▢ 1 teaspoon toasted 1. Cut tofu into 3⁄4- inch cubes. Line a rimmed baking sheet with three layers of paper towels. Spread tofu cubes on the baking sheet and let drain. While tofu drains, in a medium bowl, whisk together broth, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, 2 teaspoons cornstarch, and the sesame oil. 2. Gently pat tofu dry with more paper towels. Transfer to a second medium bowl. Add remaining 1⁄3 cup cornstarch to bowl. Use rubber spatula to gently stir tofu to coat until there is no dry cornstarch remaining. 3. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat for 1 minute (oil should be hot but not smoking). Carefully add tofu to pan and spread it into
an even layer. Cook, stirring often, until golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off heat. Transfer tofu to a large plate lined with paper towels. 4. Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and green beans to skillet and return to medium heat. Cover and cook until green beans are bright green, about 3 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until green beans are spotty brown all over, about 3 minutes. 5. Carefully add tofu, scallions, garlic, and ginger to skillet. Whisk broth mixture to recombine, then pour into skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened, about 1 minute. Serve.
ↆ For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America's Test Kitchen for rigourously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www. amercastestkitchen.com
ↆ FA I T H Elmira Mennonite Church
Cardlock Fuel Management
1 tablespoon vegetable oil, measured separately
COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD. • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication
MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS
519.669.5105 1540 FLORADALE ROAD P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA
www.mgmill.com
NANCY KOEBEL
Bus: 519.744.5433
Freedom 55 Financial is a division of The Canada Life Assurance Company
E V E N T S
SUNDAY, JULY 31 ▢ Concert in the Park - Every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park in Elmira. This week Gerald Davidson will perform in the park. Bring your lawn chairs.
Christ Over All Jonathan Brubacher Preaching
www.elmiramennonite.ca 58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123
Vacuum Sales, Repairs Se Service All Makes & Models
SUNDAY, AUGUST 7 ▢ Concert in the Park - Every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park in Elmira. This week Wendy Lynn Snider will perform in the park. Bring your lawn chairs.
9 Church St. E., Elmira
519-669-8362
SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 ▢ Concert in the Park - Every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park in Elmira. This week The Chaparrals will perform in the park. Bring your lawn chairs.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 ▢ Concert in the Park - Every Sunday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park in Elmira. This week Fred Lewis and Riding High will perform in the park. Bring your lawn chairs.
Email: elmiravacuum@gmail.com
Quality & Service you can trust.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 28 ▢ Harmony in Faith Worship Service, 10 a.m. at
Gibson Park Elmira. The Elmira & District Ministerial Association is pleased to announce our plan to re-gather together as a community for Sunday morning worship in the park to praise God in song, scripture readings, a children’s story and sermon preached by Pastor Derek Osborne, Elmira Pentecostal Assembly. Free will offerings to be given to Woolwich Community Services either in food or monetary donations. A barbecue will follow the service (a donation basket will be available for people to contribute whatever they can afford towards their meal).
▢ Season Finale for Concert in the Park. Join us for
the last of the Elmira Sunday Concert Series from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Gibson Park, Elmira. Dianne and The Cavaliers will be performing. Bring your lawn chairs.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 ▢ Waterloo Region Newcomers and Friends Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Free to attend at Lincoln Road Chapel, 145 Lincoln Rd., Waterloo. Women of all ages, who are new to the area, or have experienced a lifestyle change are invited. Monthly meetings include speakers and social activities. For further info: waterloonewcomersandfriends@gmail. com
21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com
Education and Treatment
Your First Step to Better Hearing
519-669-9919 charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira
SANYO CANADIAN
Email: nancy.koebel@f55f.com
MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED
Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,
RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.
33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591
652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TOTAL
SPACE FOR RENT
HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
Advertise here for great weekly exposure in Woolwich & Wellesley townships.
YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS VERMONT Castings
11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS
519.664.2008
ↆ The Community Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and similar events do not qualify for free advertising. See complete policy online. All submissions are to be made online at observerxtra.com/event-listing/.
D I R E C TO RY 9:30 am
CA L E N DA R
Woolwich
Healthy Communities
The place to get involved. • Volunteer Opportunities • Projects & News • Sub-Committee updates
CALL Donna to book this space today! 519-669-5790 ext. 104
healthywoolwich.org
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
L I V I N G H E R E | 25
Descendants of Brubachers prepare for the 200th reunion Tracing their roots back to Switzerland, families made their way to the US before arriving in Canada two centuries ago Bill Atwood Observer Staff
THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE Brubachers settling in Ontario will be held next week. Combined with the 100th annual reunion hosted by the Brubacher Families of America, the event will occur at the Shantz Mennonite Church in Baden August 5-7. The Brubacher family – which also includes alternate spellings such as Brubacker and Brubaker – traces its roots to Switzerland in the 1500s, where their ancestors faced persecution during the Reformation. Following a century in France and Germany, Brubachers emigrated to Pennsylvania in the late-1600s and early-1700s. A century later, the first Brubacher Mennonites made their way to what was then Upper Canada. “There were four that came, and the first one came in 1815. And the next one came in 1825 and then 1828. So we’re sort of ballparking the [200th year], and some of them it’s a little more than 200. For some of them, it’s just a little bit shy of 200,” explained Barrie resident David Brubacher. Brubachers from Pennsylvania settled across the area that is Waterloo Region today, he said.
“The interesting thing is that all of the ones that came from Pennsylvania were all called John and they were known by their initials. Two of them settled on farms on the Hawkesville Road between St. Jacobs and Hawkesville and a one was settled in Kitchener and one just north of Bridgeport,” he said. Because the history of the family is extensive, their story of perseverance was based on contributions from many people throughout the centuries, Brubacher added. According to the Brubacher Families of America, one important ancestral family was that of Maria (Mary) Brubacher who married Benjamin Eby in 1807 and shortly after they began their trek to Upper Canada. Benjamin played a significant role in establishing the first church for Mennonite immigrants in Waterloo County. This family also played a significant role in the history of Kitchener, helping to establish Ebytown, which was later called Berlin and then renamed Kitchener. Maria was considered the first Brubacher to permanently settle in Canada. Mary’s brother John also played a significant role. John settled in Waterloo County in 1815 where he bought a plot of land
Urias and Sarah Brubacher with Anne in 1943. Left, Urias later in life.
for his son (also named John). The stone house that son John and his wife Magdalena built on this lot is known as the Brubacher House, and still stands as a museum at the University of Waterloo to this day. Given that the event celebrates two significant anniversaries, it is expected to draw people from across Ontario, the United States and even Germany, David
Brubacher said. “We’ve sort of tacked on this 200 years of Brubachers in Ontario to make it a little more appealing as far as the Ontario people to come out and celebrate. So there’ll be people from Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, from Ohio and from Michigan. We have also had word that there’s going to be three coming from Germany,” he explained.
Submitted
Brubacher’s Shoe Store at the corner of Arthur and Church streets in Elmira some time after fire destroyed the store across the street in 1948.
How to treat Dupuytren’s contracture DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have a painless mass in my palm that has been getting larger over the past year or so. It is firm, and when I extend my fingers, I feel it stretch like it is under tension. What is this mass, and how do I treat it?
ANSWER: You may have the beginnings of a condition called Dupuytren's contracture or Dupuytren's disease. The cause of this problem is thickening of the palmar fascia, which lies beneath the skin of your palm. It is a genetic condition that tends to predominantly affect people of northern European ancestry. It occurs in men more so than women, and it is most common after 50. Thankfully, it is a benign condition, and though it can be annoying, it is generally not painful. There is no known cure. The natural history of Dupuytren's contracture can be variable, but
▢ Mayo Clinic
Professional Clinical Health Advice
there tends to be a slow but steady progression. It generally starts as a nodule in the palm and evolves into cordlike structures that extend into the fingers. The ring and small fingers are more commonly affected, but any digit or thumb can have cords. These cords can thicken as they further develop, and they can act as a tether that will draw the finger into a more flexed position, limiting your ability to extend the finger. Thankfully, you can still typically make a fist. Occasionally, we will intervene or treat a rare painful or prominent nodule, but the most common and primary indication for treatment is this loss of extension that develops over time. I tend to see patients
in two population groups with Dupuytren's contracture. The first group consists of those patients with early disease who are understandably curious or concerned. The second group consists of patients who know what they have, but the contracture has grown and is severe enough to limit function of day-to-day activities. Patients with contractures develop difficulties with activities that require precision with the hands and fingers, such as putting gloves on, putting their hand in a pocket, washing their face, shaking hands, etc. There are several treatments for Dupuytren's contracture, including those done in an office setting and surgical intervention. The office-based procedures are newer and have gained in popularity over the past 15-20 years. These procedures seek to weaken the cord and effec-
tively allow for release of the fascia with an extension force. The two most common procedures are a needle aponeurotomy and collagenase enzyme injections. With a needle aponeurotomy, the cord is marked approximately every centimeter in evenly spaced intervals. Local anesthetic is injected into the skin at each of those intervals to numb it. Then the bevel of a needle is inserted through the anesthetized skin to effectively cut the cord beneath it at each of those intervals. This is done while maintaining the finger as extended as possible, as that maneuver makes the cord taut. This needling is done sequentially along the extent of the cord as it courses into the finger. The repeated needling effectively weakens the cord so that it can release with an abrupt extension, resulting in improved finger extension.
Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) is an enzyme that was approved for use in 2010. It is an injectable protein fluid that is inserted into the cord to weaken it. The process requires two visits to a physician: the first day to inject the cord and a subsequent day – typically three to seven days later – to perform the release. On the release date, the hand or finger is anesthetized prior to releasing the contracture. Orthopedic surgery has been a mainstay of treatment for many years. It is a more involved process for the patient and includes the need for anesthesia, a wound with sutures, and a more extensive recovery, including the need for hand therapy postoperatively. Though more involved, surgery carries the advantage of being the only procedure that removes the diseased fascia or cord. While it
typically affords a longer disease-free interval, Dupuytren's contracture can recur following surgery. In addition, recurrence following surgery is more complex, as surgery invites a variable amount of residual scar that compromises the prognosis for any subsequent treatment. In most cases, the decision regarding how and when to proceed with intervention will be largely up to the patient. Typically, I recommend treatment when day-today activities become challenging. Talk with an orthopedic hand specialist who can help inform and guide you through each option, and the risks and benefits to help decide what is best for you. ↆ Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www. mayoclinic.org.
Playtime Word of the Week
Find-A-Word
LUDDITE
) : 6 3 ; 0 / )
Luddite refers to someone who is opposed to change, especially technological change.
Mini-Word
, : ( 4 $ 2 0 7 $
Sudoku
DOWN 1. Outdoor homes 2. Constellation 3. Poetry Goddess 4. Sweet bean 5. Inclined 6. Flower
EASY
Sudoku
HARD
5 : 2 % / 9 3 7 4
( : $ 5 ( % $ < '
22
8 Letters 1 Word
THEME: INTERNET
: , , ' 0 * , ) 6
$ 3 3 . 6 5 6 6 3
/ $ 6 3 , / / 0 ,
/ ' $ 0 , 6 3 7 '
7 0 3 1 6 ( 3 (
% ( 8 ' / + 9 5
* ; 5 % 1 7 / 2 3
2 0 / ( 0 ' , , 2
2 2 7 / ' & 1 3 6
* ' + & 3 * . 6 7
/ % , 1 * , 3 + 3
( / 7 6 , 7 ( ) %
E-BAY
IPAD
PHP
SPIDER
WEB
APP
FAQ
ISDN
PING
SQL
WIKI
ASP
FIREWALL
ISP
POP
SSL
WORM
BING
FTP
JAVA
POST
TAG
WWW
BLOG
GIF
LINK
RSS
TELNET
XML
CGI
LINUX
SITE
TLD
DHCP
HIT
MP3
SMTP
URL
DNS
HTML
MPEG
SPAM
VOIP
ADSL
ACROSS 1. Work boot safety 7. Oops 8. Vitamin B3 9. Receipt line 10. Too good
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022 | 26
If your company would like to sponsor this page, please contact The Observer at 519-669-5790 ext.104 Or email donna@woolwichobserver.com
Crossword
ACROSS 1. “Beat it!” 5. Nave bench 8. Bar fight 13. Checker, perhaps 14. Commend 15. Bank 16. “Once ___ a time...” 17. Chill 18. ___ squash 19. House account 22. Deuce topper 23. French vineyard 24. Ceremonial doings 27. Bird ___ 29. “Check this out!” 33. Beautify 34. Passionate 36. Mozart’s “L’___
del Cairo” 37. World’s fastest animal 40. “Dig in!” 41. Overhangs 42. Bagpipers’ skirts 43. Knocked off, in a way 45. The “p” in m.p.g. 46. Bit of fastidiousness 47. “Gimme ___!” (start of an Iowa State cheer) 49. Heavy reading 50. In the Western
Atlantic
58. Not fitting 59. Western blue
flag, e.g. 60. Dirty 61. Coffee break snack 62. “Peanuts” character 63. “___ only”
SOLUTION:
Figure out the mystery letters to complete this eight-letter word reading clockwise or counterclockwise.
64. Despicable 65. “Comprende?” 66. “___ on Down
4. Dye 5. Used to describe
small
6. Decorative case 7. Goes #1 8. British P.M. Tony 9. Get back 10. Shakespeare,
the Road”
DOWN 1. Bowl over 2. Crime boss 3. Impulse transmitter
Join us every Sunday from 7pm - 9pm this summer for live country and bluegrass music in Elmira’s parks.
the Bard of ___
11. “___ #1!” 12. Advance 14. Beast of burden 20. California county 21. Dandruff 24. Unlawful sexual
assaults 25. Archetype 26. Bakery offering 27. Better 28. Bottom of the barrel 30. Column base 31. “Great ___!” 32. Aromatic plant. 34. Basketball team. 35. City ESE of Mount Rainier 38. Fleet 39. Authorized seller 44. Beaded cash 46. Clamorous 48. Bats 49. Instant 50. Chums 51. Carbon compound 52. Doctor Who villainess, with “the” 53. Afflicts 54. “How ___!” 55. “Naked Maja” painter 56. “Hogwash!” 57. “... or ___!”
Free Sponsors:
Sunday, July 31
AD SPOT - NON PRINTING
Gerald Davidson Gibson Park, Elmira — Bring your lawn chairs. Find timely updates: facebook.com/elmirasundayconcerts
Pass the hat freewill offering to support musicians
Thursday, July 28, 2022 | THE OBSERVER
L I V I N G H E R E | 27
WE’RE
Hiring! FULL-TIME Musa Dolley, Bradley Balkaran and Ali Mussa were connected with Earthscapes, a Wallenstein-based landscaping company, through Adventure4Change, an organization that works in north Waterloo to Leah Gerber provide kids, youth and families the tools and community they need to succeed.
PROPERTY & MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
ADVENTURE4CHANGE: Mentorship-style program provides training and key life skills to participants → FROM 23
looking for more employers to get involved with the program. He says the organization works with about 130 teenagers and youth, and at any given time, 30 to 50 are typically looking for work. “We have to cut off how many people we can take on because of the number of employers and spots that we have available,” he said. Adventure 4 Change started almost 20 years ago with a few neigh-
bours coming together to help their neighbourhood. Brown says they approached Cedarbrae Public School staff asking what was needed, and then started an after school program. After running many after school programs for kids in elementary school, they also began working with teens. Now, they run many different programs for kids, teens and families throughout the week and over the summer. “What we’re trying to do
here is really important,” he said. “Can we get guys and girls the experiences that a lot of folks end up having here? Like having a good work experience, growing a network and really feeling a part of your community, a part of your world.” He says the experience of working in the program gives participants “an avenue to get out of some of the situations that they’re in, and gives them a lot of hope for the future.”
• Steady shifts • Health and dental benefits • Company-matched RRSP contributions • Paid vacation
Look for the full job posting on LinkedIn. Apply directly by submitting a resume in person or via email to marketoffice@stjacobsmarket.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE HIRE: SENIOR BOOKKEEPERS Taylor Gerber provides bookkeeping and business management services to small-medium sized businesses throughout Waterloo and Wellington regions. We pride ourselves on SURYLGLQJ DFFXUDWH XS WR GDWH ȴQDQFLDO LQIRUPDWLRQ QHHGHG IRU ZLVH GHFLVLRQ PDNLQJ DQG EXVLQHVV JURZWK $V ZH FRQWLQXH WR JURZ ZH DUH VHHNLQJ PRUH 6U %RRNNHHSHUV 7KHVH ) 7 SHUPDQHQW SRVLWLRQV DYHUDJH KUV ZHHN ZLWK VHDVRQDO ȵH[ KRXUV <RXȇOO JHW WR PDQDJH \RXU RZQ VFKHGXOH DQG FDVHORDG ZRUNLQJ DW FOLHQW ORFDWLRQV DV UHTXLUHG KU 2YHUWLPH 3D\ *UHDW %HQHȴWV FRVW VKDUHG
Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot
Helping Seniors and Adults with Disabilities to Live Independently in Their Own Home Meals on Wheels • Transportation Day Programs • Homemakers • Maintenance Friendly Visitors • Community Meals • Social Programs Transportation from Hospital to Home FREE Community Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes FREE Short Term Home Support For information, services or support contact Community Care Concepts
519-664-1900
|
1-855-664-1900
:H RHU RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU DGYDQFHPHQW LQ WKLV UROH QUALIFICATIONS: • 2+ \HDUVȇ H[SHULHQFH LQ ERRNNHHSLQJ • %DFKHORUȇV GHJUHH RU HTXLYDOHQW H[SHULHQFH • .QRZOHGJH H[SHULHQFH ZLWK 06 2ɝFH $FFHVV ([FHO :RUG 2XWORRN (OHFWURQLF 6FKHGXOHU $FFRXQWLQJ ΖQYHQWRU\ 6RIWZDUH 4XLFNERRNV 6LPSO\ $FFRXQWLQJ • (HFWLYH FRPPXQLFDWLRQ LQWHUSHUVRQDO VNLOOV ERWK YHUEDO DQG ZULWWHQ (QJOLVK • 'HSHQGDEOH ȵH[LEOH DFFXUDWH RUJDQL]HG • &OLHQW IRFXVHG WHDP SOD\HU ZLWK JRRG MXGJHPHQW • $ELOLW\ WR ZRUN XQGHU SUHVVXUH ZLWK WLJKW GHDGOLQHV • 9HKLFOH DQG YDOLG GULYHUȇV OLFHQFH IRU ORFDO WUDYHO PLOHDJH UHLPEXUVHG • %2186 H[SHULHQFH WUDLQLQJ RWKHUV RQ GXWLHV DQG SROLFLHV DUTIES: • Reconcile accounts • 3UHSDUH WULDO EDODQFH RI ERRNV • 3RVW MRXUQDO HQWULHV • 7RWDO ȴ[HG DVVHWV DQG FDOFXODWH GHSUHFLDWLRQ • 0DLQWDLQ JHQHUDO OHGJHUV ȴQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV • &DOFXODWH SUHSDUH FKHTXHV IRU SD\UROO • 3UHSDUH RWKHU VWDWLVWLFDO ȴQDQFLDO DFFRXQWLQJ UHSRUWV • .HHS ȴQDQFLDO UHFRUGV HVWDEOLVK PDLQWDLQ EDODQFH YDULRXV DFFRXQWV XVLQJ PDQXDO computerized bookkeeping systems. -RLQ RXU IULHQGO\ FROODERUDWLYH DQG VXSSRUWLYH WHDP WRGD\ 6XEPLW \RXU UHVXPH DQG FRYHU OHWWHU WR DSSOLFDQW#WD\ORUJHUEHU FD RU LQ SHUVRQ DW $UWKXU 6W 6RXWK (OPLUD
THE OBSERVER | Thursday, July 28, 2022
28 | T H E B A C K PA G E
IN STOCK!
IN STOCK!
13” X 13”
Alexis Boyd Koudys and Ali Khan are nominees for Wellesley Fair ambassador.
P O RC E L A I N TILES
Two candidates vying to be this year’s fair ambassador Bill Atwood Observer Staff
AS SELECTION DAY IN SEPTEMBER draws closer, the Wellesley Fair board has named the two nominees for the ambassador position. Alexis Boyd Koudys, an 18-year-old recent graduate of Elmira District Secondary School, is joined by Ali Khan, a 17-year-old who will be entering Grade 12 at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School. Khan is just the fifth male nominee in the fair history. For Boyd Koudys it was a bit of a surprise to be nominated. “I hadn’t heard much about the program. I probably heard it occasionally very briefly, but I never really looked into it, then someone nominated me. When I looked into it, I thought it would be a great learning opportunity for leadership and public speaking and kind of learning about how to be more involved in the community. So I’m pretty excited,” she said at a launch event Tuesday night in St. Agatha. Boyd Koudys earned her Specialist high skill major
in health and wellness and will be studying kinesiology at university in September, something that combines two of her interests: science and people. “I like learning about people, and kinesiology is like a combination of science and people. I like spending time with people,” she said. Boyd Koudys is looking forward to meeting new people in the fair program. “I personally really enjoy networking not just because you can in the future have those connections, but also because you get to know people kind of on a personal level. So I’m excited to be able to do that throughout this whole program,” she added. Whether or not she is chosen as ambassador, Boyd Koudys, is hoping to gain new skills from the program. “I just want to give it my best and see what kind of things I can accomplish.” As he has been volunteering for the Wellesley Youth Advisory Committee (WYAC) since Grade 6, Khan said he was drawn to the opportunity to take on a bigger role in the community via the ambassador program.
99
Bill Atwood
“[WYAC] hosts numerous events throughout the year where we have family movie nights, we have seniors’ lunches, firefighters’ breakfasts where we help out. The seniors’ lunches, we help serve food to the seniors in the community. We have family events throughout the year,” he explained. His time in WYAC taught him how to communicate with people, said Khan. “Volunteering you have to communicate with people older than you and younger than you, you get to learn how to talk to people,” he said. The skills he has gained outside of school will be useful as ambassador, he added. “Because of my leadership skills that I’ve been volunteering and working outside of school, I think I’d be able to help out in leadership activities.” After high school Khan plans on studying business and/or marketing at either the University of Waterloo or Wilfrid Laurier University. An ambassador will be selected at the fair, which returns as an in-person event on September 13.
FROM
¢
CLICK L U X U RY VINYL PLANKS
$
FROM
SQ FT
REG 2.99
IN STOCK!
$
FROM
1
99
STA RT I N G F RO M
$ FROM
SUBWAY TILE
$ FROM
1
99
STA RT I N G F RO M
$ FROM
8
99
NO TAX! 100’S OF NEW
AREA RUGS
N EW
P RO D U C T !
47 ” W I D E V I N Y L
8’ X 11’
STA I R T R E A D S
ST E P & R I S E R I N C L U D E D
FROM
3
99
LEDGE STONE
IN STOCK!
$
REG 3.99
HARD WOOD
IN STOCK!
STA RT I N G F RO M
PER SQ FT
IN STOCK!
LAMINATE STA RT I N G F RO M
1
99
65
99 $ EACH
BASEBOARDS
STA RT I N G F RO M
199
N O T E X A C T LY AS SHOWN
FULLY STOCKED!
0 99 BIGGEST ON THE BLOCK! $ 99 1
$ FROM
PER LIN FT
REG 3.29
3/7” WIDE C O LO N I A L
FROM
PER LIN FT
REG 3.29
5.5” WIDE ST E P BA S E
$ FROM
2
59
SCAN ME
PER LIN FT
REG 3.99
6” WIDE S Q UA R E
1 3 6 2 V I C TO R I A S T N . K I TC H E N E R
M ON - S AT 9 A M - 6 P M S U N DAY 1 0 A M - 5 P M
W W W. S O U R C E F L O O R I N G . C O M