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Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume 27 | Issue 12

Living Here | 20

-20

Woolwich backs call for moratorium on gravel pits Council wants greater local controls on decision making about gravel mining Steve Kannon Observer Staff

HIT WITH FEWER GRAVEL PITS than North Dumfries, Woolwich is nonetheless joining its fellow rural township’s call for a moratorium on new operations and a comprehensive review of provincial policies related to aggregate extraction. North Dumfries’ March 1 resolution won the backing of Woolwich councillors meeting Monday night. In calling for a moratorium, North Dumfries council noted applications for new and expanded gravel pits continue without any indication if additional supply is needed, adding pits and quarries have a negative impact on the environment as well as negative social impacts on host communities in terms of noise, air pollution, and truck traffic. The motion also calls for local municipalities to have a greater say in the process. The arguments resonated with Woolwich councillors, who pointed

to many of the same issues at play in the township. “If you go over there into North Dumfries, they have so many gravel pits it’s just decimating the land over there with how many gravel pits they have, and there just seems to be no end in sight,” said Coun. Patrick Merlihan. “Small municipalities like ours, we supply all the gravel for Waterloo, Kitchener ... and we get the headaches that go with it, so we’d like the support of those cities as well to recognize the inconvenience and other issues associated with gravel pits, and make this an issue worth talking about in the election coming up.” Mayor Sandy Shantz stressed the ecological issues involved with gravel pit operations. “In determining the need for new aggregate, looking at a below-water table [applications] to reflect current groundwater sciences, I think that’s really important,” she said. “The thing I’ve been talking about for seven → MORATORIUM 4

A pickup truck reported stolen in London wound up in a ditch in front of a Maryhill home after a pursuit by Wellington County OPP. The Bill Atwood driver is facing numerous charges.

Chatham man facing wide array of charges after Maryhill incident Bill Atwood Observer Staff

A 22-YEAR-OLD CHATHAM MAN IS facing numerous charges after a police chase ended with a stolen vehicle disabled and stopped in Maryhill last Friday. The incident began when Wellington County OPP received a report that a pickup truck stolen in London was travelling in the county. Shortly before

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11 a.m., OPP located the vehicle in Maryhill. When police tried to stop the vehicle, the suspect drove around a deflation device that had been placed across the road, striking a police cruiser. No injuries were reported. Joseph Austin Dawe is now facing a list of charges that includes flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle and possession of property obtained by crime over

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$5,000. He is also facing five counts of operating a motor vehicle while prohibited, two counts of suspended driving, unlawful possession of an identity document and failing to comply with a probation order. According to Maryhill resident Janice Drexler, Dawe drove over her lawn during his attempt to avoid police. “I came home and my lawn was ripped up. I

thought ‘what the heck are the police doing down there?’ There were about four or five different police units and I thought that’s an awful lot for speeding or, did somebody have an accident? Then I saw a truck in the ditch [at a neighbouring house.] While Drexler did not witness the incident, neighbour Nathan Klages saw part of it. “I was just in my house → POLICE CHASE 4

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 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

Gravel under discussion

From the archives

In a session where they called for a moratorium on new gravel pits, Woolwich councillors discussed an application from Raymond Kuntz Haulage to extend the temporary use bylaw for another three years to permit the processing of topsil at an existing aggregate pit at 889 Bridge. St. W. No objections were raised at the public meeting.

A blunt assessment of downtown Elmira calls for sweeping changes, particularly more township involvement, to boost the community’s retail sector. The Elmira Core and Commercial Area Review, tabled at Woolwich council Mar. 22, demands more cooperation between the township, the BIA and business owners. From the Mar. 26, 2005 edition of The Observer

Region remains in emergency mode; pandemic not over yet Bill Atwood Observer Staff

ALONG WITH THE EASING OF pandemic restrictions, Woolwich, Wellesley and the other lower-tier municipalities have pulled the plug on the state of emergencies each declared. At the regional level, however,

the declaration remains, though that means little to the average resident. “Your area municipalities have had a checklist, to say, ‘have we met this threshold where we could rescind the declaration of emergencies?’ The region is not in that position at this current time because of some of the services

that we offer, such as some shelters,” said Chair Karen Redman last Friday during what was the region’s last regular scheduled pandemic update. Along with shelters, Redman pointed to other essential services that the region oversees such as transit, paramedics and police that remain in

pandemic mode. “Sometimes we have to redeploy our staff to help provide those services. But area municipalities feel that they have met that criteria. But that’s why we’re not all currently on the same page, the region is not in a position where I would rescind that declaration of emergency right

now, but area municipalities feel that they have demonstrated that they are able,” she said. The decision comes as the number of COVID19 cases remains largely unchanged as mask mandates are lifted. In Waterloo Region, there were 427 active cases at midweek, down slightly

from 431 a week earlier, with outbreaks being monitored in five locations. In the past week, the death toll since the pandemic began reached 401. Even with many restriction rescinded by the province, local officials are still recommending residents → PANDEMIC 24

Campaign increases naming options for new rec. complex New Wellesley Township facility amps up fundraising efforts to make up public’s portion of $27 million project Steve Kannon Observer Staff

Nancy Booth, Val King and Jeanette Bomhof led the pansy-sale fundraiser for the Woolwich Community Lions in support of Urkainian Bill Atwood relief efforts.

Area residents snapping up flowers sold to support humanitarian efforts for Ukraine Bill Atwood Observer Staff

LIKE MANY WATCHING EVENTS UNFOLD in Ukraine, Mallory Manchur and her husband felt a strong desire to help refugees arriving in Waterloo Region after fleeing the

war in their homeland. “My husband’s Ukrainian family immigrated here over 100 years ago, but we still primarily celebrate Ukrainian culture and traditions in our household. So we just wanted to find a way to help,” Manchur said.

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That way presented itself after she spotted sunflower seeds in a stand while shopping. “I bought a whole bunch of packages of seeds and envelopes and some labels and just quickly put together 50 packages of sunflower seeds,” she said.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, Manchur said. “I thought ‘well, it’d be great if I could sell these 50.’ And if not, then maybe I’ll also just give them away or donate them to a community garden → FUNDS FOR UKRAINE 5

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RESPONSE TO ITS FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN has been so strong, the committee is looking for new naming opportunities at the future Wellesley Township Recreation Centre. The list includes the likes of the central score clock in the arena (a $100,000 donation), naming the soccer park ($100,000) and the two soccer fields ($50,000 apiece), and the buggy shed ($25,000). “We’re getting close to running out of naming opportunities,” ‘Something for Everyone’ campaign chair Chris Martin told Wellesley councillors meeting last week. Council quickly approved the new options, including plans for a “donor wall” recognizing those who contribute to the $27-million project.

In response to a question from Coun. Carl Smit, Martin said selling all of the naming options could raise the entire $2.5 million earmarked as the community’s contribution. As part of the community-building phase of the fundraising campaign, Martin said the group is moving up plans to sell seats in the arena at $100 apiece, along with benches ($200) and drink rails ($500). “We’ve sort of opened up the public phase, maybe a little bit early – at least some parts of it – just to catch the momentum that’s building with the project,” he said in a later interview. The campaign got a big boost earlier this month with a $1-million donation for the principal naming opportunity. The project’s main facility will be known as the Bill Gies Recreation Centre. There have also been → NAMING RIGHTS 5

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Janice Drexler came home to find signs of the pursuit on her front lawn. Submitted

POLICE CHASE: Maryhill residents now have some cleaning up to do → FROM 1

Emergency crews responded Mar. 17 to a collision the intersection of King Street and Printery Road in St. Jacobs.

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OPP police spokesperson was unable to provide specifics of the case. “Usually if there’s damage done to a property, you can go through your insurance and your insurance company can seek restitution when the core processes are happening,” the spokesperson said. The incident was a bit scary, Drexler said. “We don’t have crime very often; some thefts and things like that. But to come home and find that kind of thing going on, it’s alarming,” she said. Dawe is currently being held in custody and will appear in court in Guelph at a later date. Anyone with knowledge of this incident has been asked to contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers.

MORATORIUM: Woolwich backs call for province to review gravel pits

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and then I heard squealing tires. This truck drove hard into Janice’s driveway, turned around and sped back east on the road. So then I went outside because I wanted to make sure that her place was OK. At that point, I witnessed the truck in the ditch… and the police were there getting the person out of the vehicle,” Klages explained. Saying she is glad nobody got hurt, Drexler expressed frustration at being told she would have to go through her insurance for repairs to her lawn. “I went up and asked them what I do about my lawn and they said, ‘your insurance’ and I said ‘well, with deductible I’m not going to go to insurance,’” she added. A Wellington County

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years is the cumulative impacts of the aggregate operations in terms of off-site impacts to environmental systems and groundwater regime and contribution to area water courses and wetlands,” she said. Although the province is unlikely to put new gravel pits on pause, there is a case to be made for a policy review, said director of development services Deanne Friess. “I don’t think that the province is in a position to invoke a moratorium, but I think that putting a request in to review the legislation makes sense. Eventually they will need to review the legislation – we’re requesting that that happens a little bit earlier, and having an opportunity to comment on their revisions and on the things that are specific to the township would make sense,” she told councillors. “Although the regulations say where possible mineral aggregate extraction should be as close to the markets as possible, it doesn’t have a requirement for a demon-

strated need of mineral aggregate resources or supply demand analysis to find out how much is actually needed to support those local markets, so it makes sense that when the province opens up the legislation for review that the township would participate and comment on that legislation,” she added. Going beyond the North Dumfries request, councillors also opted to request provisions for time limits on gravel pit operations, the so-called sunset clause that would put a closing date in place. “I wonder if we could add for them to address or readdress the sunset clause; that one is really a problem as well, because we’ve got a pit in Bloomingdale that’s been non-active for years and then all of a sudden now they’re hauling a bunch of broken concrete there to make it look like it’s active again but they’re not hauling anything out of there. There’s no sunset clause so they can keep it going forever,” said Coun. Larry Shantz in suggesting the addition.

Thursday, March 24, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

COMMUNITY NEWS | 5

FUNDS FOR UKRAINE: Plight of those impacted by Russian invasion strikes a chord with local residents → FROM 3

or something like that. Within 15 hours I sold all 50,” she said. While Manchur is selling the packets for $5 each, many people are donating more than that. By midweek, she’d raised more than $1,100. “Some people have just sent me a donation and not even taken any sunflower

seeds. Maybe they don’t have room on their property or whatever the reason. So there has been a very positive response all across Waterloo Region,” she said. Manchur also received a donation of seeds from the Elmira Greenbox. For purchase Manchur can be reached at sunflowersforukrainewr@gmail.com. The Woolwich Commu-

nity Lions Club also sold pansies, including in yellow and blue, the Ukrainian national colours. The Lions International has asked clubs to raise money, with local member Val King noting the Woolwich club felt that selling the flowers would help them to raise more money. “The orders are going very well. We’d set a goal

for 200, but we’re probably closer to 300, if not more, at this point in time,” King said Monday. “I think Ukraine is on everyone’s mind right now. And all you have to do is mention Ukraine, and people are on board,” added Jeanette Bomhof. As of March 21 the Lions expected to raise nearly $2,000.

The flowers are being grown by Warren Greenhouses in Kitchener and will be delivered in April. “We’re not salespeople but we’re hard workers. It’s always a risk when we take a project because we’re not sure what the outcome will be but this has been easy,” said King, who indicated this might become an annual fundraiser. Although there are many different fundraisers for Ukraine, Woolwich residents are still looking for ways to give. “I think judging by the response they’re selling themselves, people aren’t

saturated yet, in terms of giving to Ukraine, I think it’s still very, much a thing that people want to do,” King said. “It’s on every news channel every night but you keep tuning in, because you just need to hear what’s going on. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to take my own father out of the country or leave him behind,” she said. Although the pansy fundraiser is over, donations for Ukraine are still being accepted at www. lionsofcanadafundforlcif. ca.

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Kings lose weekend games but remain atop of the conference standings Steve Kannon Observer Staff

THE TEAM’S LEAD ATOP THE GOJHL’s Midwestern Conference standings shrunk a little as the Elmira Sugar Kings dropped both ends of a home-and-home series last weekend against the Stratford Warriors. After dropping a 4-2 decision March 18 in Stratford, the Kings kept things closer Sunday night at the WMC before falling 3-2 in a shootout. Neither game was the outcome head coach Rob

Collins wanted, but he saw plenty of positives given that the team could dress just three defencemen all weekend. Liam Eveleigh was injured, Owen O’Donnell out on COVID protocol and Chris Black was serving a one-game suspension. “We were playing forward on D and we had guys in positions that they were uncomfortable with and not used to. So absolutely not the outputs we were looking for, but there was a whole heck of a lot of good that our group did to stay competitive all

weekend,” said Collins. “We had an opportunity to win both those games just as easily as lose them, so, again, we didn’t get the outputs we’re looking for, but the inputs were really, really good.” In Stratford last Friday, the Kings fell behind 2-0 before finally getting on the board with a minute and a half left in the opening period. Luke Eurig, assisted by Jack Tos and Jaxson Murray, made it a one-goal game heading into the room for intermission. And it was Eurig’s

second of the game at 1:23 of the middle frame that tied things up, with assists to Murray and Owen Duiker. But that was as close as the Kings would get. Stratford scored on the power play to round out the second, then added another as the lone scoring play in the third to seal the 4-2 victory. While outshooting the home side 34-27, the Kings were unable to capitalize on their chances, going 0-5 on the power play and failing to score when they pulled goaltender Daniel

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NAMING RIGHTS: Campaign has seen a strong response to fundraising effort → FROM 3

preliminary pledges for three of the earlier $100,000 naming options, though the committee is still finalizing the details before releasing the names of the donors. The response to what the campaign calls the “quiet phase” – seeking out potential major donors – has been strong, said Martin, noting there’s already been a buzz around the wider public fundraising portion as well. “The campaign is off to a really nice start.

There are two phases to the campaign: there’s a quiet phase where we reached out to individuals who have a capacity to give – we meet with them one-on-one, and that’s going very well. Then the next phase is more of a community phase where we engage with the community, celebrate and create ownership. So with the two campaign goals of raising $2.5 million and trying to foster community ownership, the second phase lends itself well to that,” said Martin. Along with upcoming

announcements about major donations, the campaign is also expecting to see more community-led fundraisers through the spring and summer. One community group that has already got a jump on things is the Wellesley and District Lions Club, which is currently collecting items for its online community auction set for next month, with proceeds going to the new recreation project. Along with an NHL-sized rink, the 62,000-square-foot facility at Queens Bush and

Hutchison roads in Wellesley village will include eight dressing rooms (two fully accessible), a dressing room for the Applejacks Junior C hockey team, a youth centre, seniors’ centre, a gymnasium that could serve as a community centre, meeting rooms, fitness rooms, a walking track, a commercial kitchen, a multi-use court, a skate park, active outdoor play centre, two soccer fields and outdoor walking trails. There’s room on the site for a future second ice pad and outdoor pool, as well.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 6

Opinion

Verbatim

The Monitor

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

“The MP’s ethics code is so full of loopholes it should be called the Almost Impossible to be in a Conflict of Interest Code, the Ethics Commissioner doesn’t do basic enforcement actions like auditing MPs, and MPs decide whether to penalize other MPs which is a kangaroo court.”

Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Duff Conacher of Democracy Watch calls on MPs to be more transparent with changes to the rules.

Some 61% of Canadians say soaring gas prices and vulnerability in oil supply have convinced them it’s time to buy an EV, with 18% saying it “solidified” their decision, 24% saying it “greatly influenced” their decision and 19% saying gas prices changed their mind; they weren’t considering an EV before and now they are.

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OBSERVER EDITORIAL

Rising energy costs put more pressure on green plans

eing kept in the dark isn’t a good thing, at least typically. Still, you’ll be asked to turn off the lights for an hour on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. to mark Earth Hour. It’s a purely symbolic gesture, as the amount of electricity involved is negligible – about three or four per cent below the average for a Saturday in March. Some argue the need for standby power from generating stations and the surge that comes when we turn the lights back on actually leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions as fossil-fueled generators pick up the slack. Still, it does serve to remind us of our energy consumption, which is among the highest in the world. We’re also to be mindful of the perils of fossil fuels, reflecting on the alternatives. Ontarians, of course, are very much aware of what electricity costs us, at least as it applies to our wallets. The event was launched 15 years ago in Australia by the World Wildlife Fund, expanding from a local event to something that sees hundreds of millions of participants globally. The organization stresses that the symbolism is even more relevant today given the devastating impacts of climate change, noting that this year’s second part of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity COP15 will see world leaders gather to decide on a new global action plan for nature. Somewhat ironically, green energy is often blamed for ever-rising hydro rates here in Ontario. Though increasingly problematic, the impact is overstated by opponents. Whatever method we opt for, prices will go up. As consumers of electricity, we’ve never paid the actual cost of bringing it to us, let alone all the things that come along with our dependence of energy, such as the environmental impacts. As with so much of our infrastructure, we’re having to renew decades-old systems while building new ones to accommodate population growth. Increasingly criticized for generous payouts open to abuse, the Ontario government’s Green Energy Act has the ability to put the province in a better position for the long-term changes coming to the electricity industry. Consumers would see virtually no relief from high electricity prices in the medium and long run if the province scrapped its alternative energy plans. In fact, studies indicate that investing in renewable energy today is likely to save ratepayers money within a few years, as natural gas becomes more expensive – that’s a scenario with which we’re familiar today – and as the cost of renewable energy technology continues to decrease. No matter what your take on climate change, there’s no denying there are benefits to conserving energy and shifting to alternative means of generating it. No matter what, electricity is going to eat up a larger portion of our incomes. Aging infrastructure – from nuclear plants to the wires that bring power to our homes – needs to be replaced. In short, there are plenty of valid reasons why rates will continue to rise – sharply, in many cases – over the next several years. Green energy, however, is not one of them. Getting greener will in fact be essential if Canada is to meet its commitments to a net-zero carbon future. We’ll have to generate a great deal more green energy on route to that future. A report early this year determined we’re not ready at this point. The Clean Energy Canada study found this country has a number of clean electricity advantages, but we’re not tapping into that potential. Still, Ottawa is aiming for a net-zero electricity grid by 2035. Today, the grid is 83 per cent emissions-free. There is, however, no roadmap for providing nearly double today’s electricity output, the amount predicted we’ll need some 30 years hence. Given that we’re already chafing at growing energy costs, governments will have to walk a fine line between prices and going green. They’re unlikely to get it right, and citizens will let them know.

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

Ukraine providing lessons for Taiwan, lessons for China

lmost a month in, China is still being extremely coy about its attitude towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The regime is acutely aware that there are many parallels between the RussianUkrainian relationship and the Chinese-Taiwanese one, and that the Russian attempt to conquer Ukraine is failing, or at least stalled. It’s only recently that Russia’s President Vladimir Putin began denying that Ukraine is a real nation, but that has been Beijing’s position with regard to Taiwan from the start. From Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping, every Chinese leader has warned, implicitly or in just so many words, that if Taiwan declares independence from China it will be invaded. For 73 years, ever since the Nationalist regime lost the Chinese civil war in 1949 and retreated to Taiwan, it has been the risk of a war with the United States that has deterred the victorious Chinese Communists from invading the island and finishing the job. But that threat may be a paper tiger, for there is no actual alliance between Taiwan and the United States. Like Ukraine, Taiwan gets

GWYNNE DYER

Global Outlook on World Affairs

many expressions of sympathy and support from Washington, and even fairly advanced weapons (although Taiwan has to pay for them), but it does not have a promise that the US Navy will stop a Chinese attack across the Strait of Taiwan, or indeed that the United States would use force in any way to defend Taiwan. While the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan was still underway last August, US President Joe Biden, seeking to reassure various friends and allies, said “We made a sacred commitment...that if anyone were to invade or take action against our NATO allies, we would respond. Same with Japan, same with South Korea, same with – Taiwan.” That cheered many people in Taiwan – but later in the same day a senior American official, speaking ‘not for attribution,’ said that “US policy has not changed.” The real US policy is still ‘strategic ambiguity,’ which is a policy designed to keep China worried while leaving the United States free to help

Taiwan or not as the mood of the moment dictates. The United States didn’t even bother with ambiguity in the case of Ukraine, making it clear from the start that it would not offer any military resistance to a Russian conquest of Ukraine. This is perfectly sensible when your potential adversary has nuclear weapons – but China does too, so the lesson for Beijing is that the US won’t really fight for Taiwan either. That is certainly the conclusion that President Tsai Ing-wen’s government in Taipei will draw from recent events, so she will be shopping urgently for state-of-the-art weapons to defend Taiwan with. Given the current mood in the US Congress, she will probably be able to get them. Yet it’s unlikely that Xi Jinping’s advisers will be urging him to seize this moment to attack Taiwan, because what he sees in Russia is a brother autocrat, Vladimir Putin, who took a similar gamble and is facing a humiliating defeat. Putin’s miscalculation has been so monumental that he may even lose power over it. There are two elements in →DYER 8

Thursday, March 24, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

OPINION | 7

A speculation tax one option for cooling over-heated housing market

ousing prices continue to rise, making it clear current government policies are failing despite hand-wringing about affordability. Suggestions from developers that increased supply – the result of cutting red tape and planning restrictions, for instance – would ease rising prices are clearly unrealistic. There’s simply no capacity to match population growth, particularly in the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Still, there are some in government willing to listen. The federal government has attempted at times to alter policy – reducing amortization periods and tightening mortgage stress tests – to little avail. In that vein, however, Ottawa could impose restrictions on the lending practices of banks, tying loans to income to limit mortgage sizes rather than on the inflated carrying capacity brought on by record-low interest rates. Interest rates are, of course, the quickest way to cool the housing market. A return to historical averages around six per cent would take a fire hose to the market. Increase them higher still and corrections would occur even quicker. That’s a broad lever, however, and those interest rates would ripple through all facets of the economy, hardly ideal as we look to emerge from the pandemic (not to mention that massive amounts of debt taken on by governments, advisably or otherwise). A slower solution to the crisis would be to halt immigration for a number of years, allowing demand to fall such that prices do the same. But due to shifts in employment, many businesses rely on a stream of newcomers

STEVE KANNON Editor's Point of View

to fill both low-paying and speciality positions. More problematic still are decades of excessive entitlement spending that are in whole or in part unsustainably funded – like a Ponzi scheme, they rely on new suckers, erm, entrants to pay for past and current spending. There’s no end in sight for such mismanagement or the short-term thinking that got us here. So, systemic cures to the housing woes are unlikely, political lip-service notwithstanding. Still, there’s no denying something has to change when the average cost of a resale home even in this region has topped a million dollars. Massive price hikes are also fuelling rental rates seeing hikes not reported in

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that we have to find more homes for more people to live in, hopefully as affordably as possible. So it is something that I think is a worthwhile signal for us to send as a city council given the challenge we face in terms of finding housing for people in our city.” A speculation tax might apply to all home purchases, ensuring that a buyer holds onto a property for, say, five years rather than looking to quickly flip it. Or it might apply to any property beyond the principal residence, a move to both counter speculation and reverse a longstanding trend to put property ownership in fewer hands. The tax might even increase with each successive purchase, either as a capital gains tax or an annual levy to make such ownership less profitable, thus freeing up

units as owner-occupied homes rather than capital investments. BMO senior economist Robert Kavcic has posited a capital gains tax on the sale of residential real estate purchased from today forward, with the rate falling to zero over five years of holding the asset. “On non-principal residences, the maximum capital gains tax would become the current rate (e.g., about 26 per cent in Ontario) plus the speculation tax,” he suggested in a memo. On principal residences (if applied), the speculation tax would effectively become a capital gains tax that fades through the five-year window. “This could easily crowd out speculation, and alter market psychology. A similar concept was used in Ontario in the 1970s, and it weakened the

Where WWF asks you to turn out the lights for an hour, bureaucrats want to keep you in the dark 24/7. Founded in 1996.

JOE MERLIHAN

decades. In Toronto, city council has floated the idea of a speculation tax to help cool the market, particularly where flipping is concerned. The move was likened to a 1974 provincial land speculation tax of 50 per cent that markedly cooled an overheated market, one that was nothing like the red-hot conditions today. “If you look at the foundation of all the policies we’ve adopted in terms of trying to improve the availability of housing, including affordable housing, a lot of it has been with a view to placing first the notion that people are to live in homes and homes or for people to live in,” Mayor John Tory told reporters during a briefing last month. “Homes are to invest in as well but you can never let the financial aspects of this surpass the obligation

DONNA RUDY

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market overnight.” The altering of market psychology is no small benefit. Demand is outstripping supply, the latest surge fueled by FOMO – fear of missing out. As prices rise, some people panic, worried that they’ll be forced out of the market entirely by rapidly growing prices. That demand in turn drives up the price of housing. It’s a vicious circle that seemingly has no end. Turning prices downward with policies designed to make that the norm would soon permeate the public consciousness: it becomes a buyers’ market instead of the sellers’ market we have today. Stupid pricing seems to have no impact. At least not yet. Increasingly, there’s no appetite to save Canadians from themselves when it comes to debt, whether for mortgages, lines of credit or consumer spending. Established homeowners with little or nothing in the way of mortgage debt are seeing massive increases in the value of their biggest asset. That’s fine as long as they’re not looking to sell in order to move up, as the cost of their next homes would be commensurately higher, too. On the other hand, selling high in hot GTA market allows some people to move out to the suburbs or smaller centers, seeing their money go much further. Canadians have long been treating their homes as ATMs, drawing on both the equity they’ve built – some more than others, obviously – and the future equity they think will come as housing prices continue to rise ... at least in theory, though we don’t think too much about the possibility of a collapse. In that regard, the →KANNON 8

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022

8 | OPINION

Doing the math reveals you can never have too many flies

T The Crapper is a twenty-five dollar cocktail that is served in a miniature toilet bowl. The world’s number one cocktail is the Margarita. A hot cup of coffee at the end of a night of drinking can help sober you up quickly. ↆ LAST WEEK: Truth: Ireland’s patron saint was British born and a fifth-century Christian missionary. Snakes never occupied Ireland in the first place. There are no signs or fossil records to support their existence. Snakes are important symbols used in various stories throughout the Bible. Truth: The three leaves on a shamrock represent faith, hope and love. It is rare to find a shamrock with four leaves but if you do, the fourth leaf represents luck.” The statistical odds are 10,000 to 1 in finding one. Lie: It turns out St. Patrick’s Day was invented in the United States. The first Catholic feast day of St. Patrick was held in St. Augustine, Florida March 17, 1601. More than a century later Boston held a Parade starting in 1737 and New York 1762. 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.

he other day Jenn posed a question that I hoped she would never ask. “How many flies does a fly angler actually need?” she queried. I looked at her, suppressed my panic and then answered immediately. I said, “Hey, did you do something different with your hair? I really like it.” Jenn was taken aback by the sudden compliment, but soon recovered. Then she went on to tell me that she had not changed her hairstyle at all but had tried a new conditioner, which she really loved. Then she smelled her hair and let me do the same. And I immediately noted, “Yes, it smells very nice too.” After that, she left, thankfully forgetting about her original question. But, between you and me, it was a very close call.

DYER: China’s Xi will be watching fate of another dictator → FROM 6

Putin’s catastrophe that Xi will suspect might also apply to any attempt by him to seize Taiwan by force. The first is just that his inexperienced armed forces, ordered to carry out an amphibious invasion of Taiwan, one of the most complex military operations in the book, may prove to be, like the Russians, simply not up to the task. He’s probably wrong about that. The Russian army is embarrassingly incompetent because, like virtually every institution in Putin’s Russia, it is riddled with corruption.

Xi has been on anti-corruption crusade since he took office a decade ago, so it’s probably not so bad in China. But he can’t be sure of that until he places his bet, and then it might be too late. The other thing Xi can’t be sure of is what kind of sanctions China might face if it invaded Taiwan. Would China’s best customers, the developed nations that have shown such unity and determination in imposing unprecedented sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine, do the same to him if he invaded Taiwan? Nobody knows, includ-

ing the players themselves, but China is hugely exposed to any interruption of international trade, and domestic circumstances are not propitious either. Everybody is sick and tired after two years of COVID lockdowns, and the economy is not booming like it used to. There would certainly be a surge of patriotic enthusiasm if Xi ordered the invasion of Taiwan this year, but he should wait a bit and watch what happens to another dictator who launched a stupid, unwinnable war and got his whole country cancelled.

KANNON: There will be a price to pay no matter what → FROM 7

housing market takes on the appearance of a Ponzi scheme. There are many people with the aforementioned FOMO jumping into the market, which benefits existing homeowners who, in essence, reap the rewards of the major risks of those just getting into the housing market.

Canadians have some 75 to 80 per cent of their wealth tied up in their homes – the eggs are essentially in one basket. That’s a risk, but one that grows with how recently they bought their homes and the size of the outstanding mortgage. There’s a feeling of safe and steady returns, with housing seen as a

If local news isn’t enough to feed your brain, we have puzzles too.

risk-free investment. There are countless examples to the contrary, but human nature and bubbles often don’t mix. There will be a price to pay to improve affordability. We’ve shown we’re not afraid of stupid spending on the way up. How much are we willing to pay on the way down?

STEVE GALEA

Not-So-Great Outdoorsman

For what she asked was a question I don’t even like to ask myself. It’s the one every fly tyer fears most. How many flies does an angler actually need? As you might guess, it’s complicated. The standard answer is three of each: one to fish with, one to use as a backup, and then one to sell your buddy in case you catch fish with the first two. In terms of what constitutes “each,” you need to consider the fish you are targeting and the time of year. Then you need to factor in how you fish, the type of water, current speed, the rod, line and tippet you are using and your personal preferences and theories. That means approximately 4,245,478 different types of flies, each in at

least three sizes. Times three. The good news is, if you don’t have all these options, you have excuses as to why you didn’t catch fish. And better still, you have more excuses to buy the flies or fly-tying material and hooks needed to fill these vacancies in your fly box. Of course, there have been some fly anglers over the years who have purported to be successful with far less. My best advice is not to associate with them, because it increases the risk of passing this knowledge to your spouse. I don’t think I need to say this but, if your spouse discovers this, you have a lot of explaining to do. He or she will then ask, why you have boxes and boxes of fly-tying material, several fly tying vises, dozens of books on fly patterns, and a room to tie flies in. Or, if you don’t tie

you own, he or she might wonder why your largest monthly budgetary expenditure heading simply says, “Stocking fly boxes.” The truth is fly tying or even just buying flies eventually becomes an addiction because it is fun. Having flies for every angling occasion is the end goal here. But we all know that the goal is unattainable. There are far too many aquatic insects and other types of fish food out there to imitate. So, if you just wanted to catch fish, you’d do best to tone it down a bit and fill a fly box for each category of insect and aquatic life that are important to fish. One box for mayflies, one for caddis flies, stoneflies, leeches, minnows, and so on. And eventually, you’ll have enough flies to succeed anywhere in North America. Then again, if you just wanted to catch fish, you’d use a worm and bobber.

KINGS: The magic number is four as season winds down → FROM 5

Botelho with 3:33 to play. Stratford was 1-9 with the extra man. Collins noted the Warriors were ready to play from the get-go, with a strong first period that made a difference. “We had an opportunity to take control the game and a couple power plays too – we weren’t able to do it. So, a lot of credit to Stratford. They came up with a point to prove, and I would say they definitely earned the momentum early in that game, that’s for sure.” Special teams were a bigger factor two nights later in Elmira. After a scoreless first period, the two sides exchanged goals in the second. The Warriors drew first blood, going up 1-0 at 6:13. Just over three minutes later, however, Jayden Lammel scored a power-play goal, assisted by Adam Grein. It was 1-1 after two. Just 55 seconds into the final frame, the Warriors regained the lead with a power-play marker. Their

2-1 lead would stand until 12:34, when Elmira’s Daniel Fraleigh responded with a power-play goal of his own, assisted by Lammel and Brock Reinhart. The period would end with the teams deadlocked at 2-2. Overtime solved nothing, so it was off to the shootout. Nobody could solve either goaltender until the 11th shooter, beat Elmira netminder Matthew Lunghi in the fifth round. The shot totals reflected to closeness of the game, with Stratford having a slight edge 33-30. The Kings were 2-6 on the power play, while Stratford was 1-8. “Our special teams were terrific. I thought we got a little bit unlucky with their second goal. I’m not sure if it crossed the line or not. They said it did – we’ve got to trust the officials,” said Collins, praising the efforts of his shorthanded team. “I thought we were terrific at taking care of the controllable stuff.” By the time the game got

to the shootout phase, it was a roll of the dice as to who would win. “It’s 50-50 at that point. You don’t really deserve to win a shootout if you go 0-5. Matt Lunghi did everything we could ask him, stopping the first four shooters, and we weren’t able to get him that win.” The Kings are in Brantford Saturday night to face the last-place Bandits (7-34-4), and then return home the following night to welcome the sixth-place Listowel Cyclones (16-235-1). The Caledon Bombers (17-24-1-2) are in Elmira Wednesday night for a midweek tilt. Four points is the magic number for securing first place ahead of the playoffs, with Collins looking to wind up the season with some strong momentum based on the high compete-level he’s seeing. “I think if we put that effort forth against any team, we’re going to be tough to beat four out of seven games.”

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 9

Business

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Work-from-home issues

College strike averted

Research by consulting firm Robert Half reveals that a full return to office may lead to more resignations. In a survey, 53% of respondents currently working from home would look for a new job that offers remote options if their company required employees to return to the office five days a week, up 20 points from one year ago.

The College Employer Council and the union representing Ontario college faculty last week agreed to have a provincial mediator step in, averting a strike. The parties agreed to unconditional interest arbitration.

Rail stoppage? Your timing couldn’t be worse

Josh Perovic operates the Hemlock Barn on Lobsinger Line, making the move to larger digs during the pandemic.

Justine Fraser

Local restaurant weathers an inhospitable storm Making the move to St. Jacobs area in the midst of the pandemic, the Hemlock Barn sees business recovering The remodelled 6,600-square-foot barn opened last summer after indoor dining was resumed at lower capacities due to pandemic restrictions. To help with launch of the new restaurant, Perovic hosted a Canada Day celebration that had over 600 people show up, something he wasn’t able to do in his previous, smaller location. Perovic was happy to see the restrictions lift for indoor public settings, mentioning the issues they have caused for restaurant owners and operators, seeing not just smaller profits but a

decrease in staff as well as many had to isolate. “I think that the mandates have been very damaging on the hospitality industry, and COVID has been damaging on the hospitality industry. It’s affected us with staffing, it’s affected us with supply chain issues, it’s affected us with price increases of our products, our gas,” said Perovic. With most pandemic restrictions now lifted, the Hemlock Barn will be reflecting that in their operations. “I don’t think it’s up to me to tell them where they → HEMLOCK BARN 10

America as a reliable grain supplier this year, given the uncertainties created on global markets by the Russia-Ukraine war. North American farmers need fertilizer to make their crops as productive as possible. Fertilizer companies need potash to make fertilizer. Potash delivery depends on rail service. So, in the face of fragile supply chains, is this really a good time to threaten to go on strike? Or to lock out workers? To gain public sympathy? No, it’s not. Pro-union communications make the railway workers’ plight sound terrible. “The conditions which they are fighting against – a ruthless scheduling regime enforced with draconian disciplinary measures, a cap on pensions, stagnant wages and workplace benefits – are the same issues which workers everywhere confront,” it says. Further, it points out railways are going to make money hand over fist this year, given demand for their services and high commodity prices. Others, like the Grain Farmers of Ontario and the Canadian Canola Growers Association, took the side of the farmers. Brendan Byrne, chair of the Grain Farmers of Ontario, noted that farmers have a limited growing → ROBERTS 10

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THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY WAS HIT hard from consistent lockdowns and restrictions over the last two years. One local burger joint decided to fight the odds and open up a larger location on Lobsinger Line near St. Jacobs. Josh Perovic, owner of the Hemlock Barn, says he was happy to make the move from Waterloo to Woolwich as he rebranded his restaurant from its original name Hemlock Street Burger Bar. Looking for a bigger space, he

saw the near-century-old building previously operating as Kara’s Market as an opportunity. “There’s so much history in this building. It’s been a restaurant for about 70 years; it’s always been a family-owned restaurant. There has been a lot of people that put their heart into this building and there is a lot of potential,” noted Perovic. “I’m close to my potato farmer, I’m close to the people who are raising my cattle, I’m close to the people who are growing my produce, making my maple syrup – wouldn’t really have it any other way.”

Food For Thought

r St

For Observer

OWEN ROBERTS

Wa lke

Justine Fraser

armers have long been critical of railways, and who can blame them? Railways are entrusted (and paid) to move harvests from grain elevators to grain buyers, often abroad, which they usually do. But when they don’t, it can be a disaster. Most lately, in 2014 and again in 2018, events occurred that delayed grain shipments and left farmers stuck. For example, some grain that was supposed to be delivered to buyers before Christmas was still sitting idle in April. Railways blamed issues such as the weather, poor grain-company projections and inept grain-car scheduling. Farmers hit the roof. Politicians loudly demanded better service on behalf of their constituents. But the alternatives for hauling huge grain harvests long distances are limited and uneconomical. Ultimately, the railways have the upper hand, not to mention a network that includes lines that stretch way into the US. They are massive. Even given their checkered history though, it’s hard to fathom the thinking that went into Sunday’s decision by CP Rail to lock out workers threatening to strike. It’s equally hard to fathom how workers could make that threat at this time, given global conditions. The anxious, on-edge world is looking to North

3 Wyatt St. East

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ELMIR A att

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022

10 | B U S I N E S S

ↆ S P O R T S WOOLWICH WILDCATS

SCOR ES ASSISTS: Aiden Godwin(2),

■ Novice U9A

Mar/18/2022 vs Georgina Blaze HOME: 5 VISITOR: 3 GOALS: Aiden Godwin, Brayden Clemmer, Basil Ballantyne, Archer Ballantyne(2) ASSISTS: Archer Ballantyne, Keegan Bakker, Caleb Schaap, Connor Shantz, Basil Ballantyne

■ Novice U9A

Mar/18/2022 vs Kitchener Jr Rangers HOME: 5 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Aiden Godwin(3), Daxten Habermehl, Archer Ballantyne ASSISTS: Daxton Habbermehl, Basil Ballantyne(2), Connor Shantz, Devin Vogel, Alex Mielke, Braxten Wideman

Keegan Bakker

■ Novice U9A

Mar/19/2022 vs Hespler Shamrocks HOME: 6 VISITOR: 4 GOALS: Archer Ballantyne(2), Brayden Clemmer, Matteo Abate, Aiden Godwin, Basil Ballantyne ASSISTS: Aiden Godwin, Basil Ballantyne, Caleb Schaap, Archer Ballantyne, Keegan Bakker

■ Novice U9A

■ PeeWee U13A

Mar/20/2022 vs Halton Hills Thunder AA HOME: 5 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Emmett Colwill, Evan Hall, Reese Martin (2) & Mason Gear ASSISTS: Austin Dietrich, Nolan Martin, Reese Martin (2), Mason Gear (2), Evan Hall (2), Cruz Balog, Cameron Fisher

■ Atom LL#2

Mar/21/2022 vs Guelph Jr Gryphons 1 HOME: 4 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Maddy Matthews, Callie Wagner (2), Kirsten Dueck ASSISTS: McKenna Mackenzie-Taylor, Amanda Carter

■ Atom U10 A

Mar/19/2022 vs Newmarket Renegades HOME: 7 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Daxton Habermehl, Keegan Bakker, Basil Ballantyne, Matvii Kamyshnyi, Archer Ballantyne(2),Aiden Godwin

Dominic Blake Shutouts: Blake Dally

WOOLWICH WILD

Mar/20/2022 vs Centre Wellington Fusion HOME: 1 VISITOR: 2 GOALS: Matteo Abate ASSISTS: Aiden Godwin

■ Novice U9A

ASSISTS: Archer Ballantyne,

Mar/20/2022 vs Garden City Falcons HOME: 2 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Zachary GuthrieBlack, Jack Frede

Submit your sports team’s scores online today. observerxtra.com/scores

ROBERTS: Farmers are dependent on rail transportation for both input supplies and movement of their harvests → FROM 9

season. Transportation disruption will mean they don’t get seed in the ground with the nutrients that the seed needs to grow. “Lower production on the farm means less food in the system here at home and less to help those worldwide that will desperately need our help,” he said. The canola growers said that without rail service, the grain handling system quickly backs up, elevators and processing plants may

stop accepting grain into their facilities. In turn, farmers lose the ability to sell their canola and generate the necessary cash flow to manage their farm operations. It also notes that Canada’s 43,000 canola growers export approximately 90 per cent of the canola crop they grow every year. Most of these sales rely on Canadian rail transportation to reach a port or an export market. Rail disruptions affect Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier to its export customers.

ↆ L IN WO OD

B LOOD

With farmers urging the federal government to waste no time resolving the labour disruption – most likely by forcing back to work legislation – the two sides quickly agreed to binding arbitration. The workers were back on the job Tuesday at noon. Really, though, this solves nothing. It leaves everyone – including the public – with a bad taste in their mouths. But in the end, trains, fertilizer and grain will move…at least for now.

The building underwent renovations despite supply issues and rising prices.

Justine Fraser

HEMLOCK BARN: Adjusting to lifting of restrictions → FROM 9

can eat, especially if I’m comfortable serving them. I’m not worried about it. I think that COVID’s terrible, but shutting down restaurants isn’t the answer. I’m happy that it stopped. We actually got rapid tests from the Chamber of Commerce for free, so we have been testing everybody weekly and nobody has been sick.” The Hemlock Barn has also had to let some staff go due to lockdowns, going from 27 staff in the summer to seven currently. Perovic noted he was in the process of hiring. “We had some people who did feel uncomfortable working in this environment, so they took a layoff. We had some people we just couldn’t afford to keep on; I had to make sure that my guys that had mortgages and families were well taken care of, and we had to let go of a lot of students.” With the basement undergoing a renovation, the Hemlock Barn will

soon be home to a bar and event space. Perovic carried out the work despite the hit from rising supply prices. “There were good bones for a bar in the basement when we bought the building, but there’s a lot of plumbing and electrical and stuff that had to be tidied up. We started the day we moved in now we’re at a point where the build will be complete in the next week and a half,” said Perovic, excited to open the new bar despite difficulties the pandemic created. “Some of the supplies were difficult to get, some things we had to get creative with and modify but everything was expensive, nothing was cheap. Wood was up like crazy, drywall was up, everything was up.” The Hemlock Barn has seen a string of steady customers as restrictions eased, inviting in any customer that wants a smash burger and milkshake. Perovic has seen a more relaxed customer base with the lifting of indoor

public restrictions as well. “Nobody is as scared as they once were, everything is opening up. But even the people that are concerned seem considerably less concerned than they seemed two months ago. Everything’s kind of relaxed.” “From a business perspective – they just want to be open and do what they do,” said Tracy Van Kalsbeek executive director for City of Waterloo BIA , at recent regional community update. “The last few years have been extremely difficult for small businesses and painful for all of us across the region. We’ve been hearing from businesses just around impact that their fatigued – now their feeling a bit of relief. I think that restaurant industry folks have been really understanding of public health restrictions and doing their best to follow them as things open and close. They did that for the prime reason they want to be open for their customers.”

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B U S I N E S S | 11

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 12

Rural Connections

A harvest of local farming innovation. Connect to the land. Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103

NFU-O names new pres.

$1.5m for CNLA projects

After two years on the board, serving as a councillor-at-large and the NFU-O board treasurer, Max Hansgen of Lanark, Ontario was acclaimed as the National Farmers Union - Ontario president and NFU Region 3 coordinator at the organation’s AGM earlier this month.

The federal Ministry of Agriculture and AgriFood this week announced an investment of nearly $1.5 million for two projects with the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) to help capture new opportunities for market growth and boost exports. The year 2022 is the centennial of Canada’s ornamental horticulture sector, marked by the 100th anniversary of the CNLA.

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Playing Russian roulette with food security

Government should not compensate Canadian companies hurt by sanctions imposed on Russia, including the agri-food sector

ith war comes economic sanctions. Instead of sending troops to fight the old-fashioned way, wars are fought with money, and the invasion of Ukraine by Russia is no exception. The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, the European Union, Turkey and a few more have sanctioned Russia in one way or another. Canada has targeted the banking system and barred Russian airlines from using its airspace. It has also cancelled all export permits and halted new ones, primarily affecting the aerospace industry. Nobody knows for sure if these sanctions will work, but both the energy and food sectors have been spared so far by all sanctioning nations. Sanctions are designed to affect President Vladimir Putin’s regime, not Russia’s people, recogniz-

ing that many Russians may not be supportive of the invasion of Ukraine. Corporations are also potentially affected, as some Canadian companies in the food sector have invested in Russia over the years. American corporate giants Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and Starbucks have now pulled out of Russia. Canadian corporation McCain Foods – which was building a $200-million plant in the Russian Tula region – opted to halt its construction for now. The company may decide to pull its project out in the coming days. But it’s been reported that McCain is still conducting business in Russia. Meanwhile, McCain has announced it will donate $200,000 to relief efforts in Ukraine, making clear that it condemns Putin’s actions. On the other hand, Maple Leaf Foods doesn’t have any operations in Russia and has given

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McCain Food has paused construction of a $200-million plant in Russia, one of many businesses reacting to the invasion of Ukraine.

$500,000 in relief funds to help Ukrainians. Good on them. Convenience store giant Alimentation CoucheTard also operates stores in Russia and could be affected by sanctions. The company just announced it was suspending operations in Russia. The company, which controls the Circle K chain, only has 38 stores and more than 320 employees in Russia. It was present in Russia by way of Norway’s Statoil Fuel and Retail. Some Canadians made calls for a boycott of Canada-based Mac’s and Circle K stores operated by Alimentation CoucheTard until the Quebecbased company made a clear decision to cease its operations in Russia. That’s likely why it did. The company also donated US$1.5 million to the Red Cross in recent days. Another major Cana→ CHARLEBOIS 13

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

Ontario farmers raise concerns about global food supply

Russia-Ukraine War could massively disrupt food supply chain

he Russian invasion of Ukraine is threatening to jeopardize the global food supply chain, a risk that could impact the 2022 crop season, drive up prices in the short term and lead to widespread famine in at-risk regions by next year, warn Ontario farmers. The Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and the Ontario Agri Business Association (OABA) held a briefing for provincial and federal government officials last week to outline the risks and challenges facing farmers for the planting of the coming season, and the impact the RussiaUkraine War could have on Ontario’s food supply. The groups also discussed the impact of a rail strike in addition to the challenges. Farmers in Ukraine and Russia produce about a quarter of the world’s calories, with key regions in North Africa and the Middle East dependent on their production. But this supply chain has been significantly jeopardized by the tragic geopolitical events unfolding in Ukraine. This is forecast to result in a spike in food prices between eight and 22 per cent over the coming months, and many agriculture economists are predicting famine in several African countries within the next 18 months. “The war in Ukraine is tragic, and OFA is united with our brethren Ukrainian farmers who have had their livelihoods ripped apart and lives put at risk. Ontario is Canada’s most productive region, and Ontario farmers are eager to do what is required to produce the

food people rely on us to grow. But in light of these geopolitical matters, compounded by last year’s drought in Western Canada and South America, we can’t do it alone,” said OFA president Peggy Brekveld in a release. How policymakers, farmers and other stakeholders in the agriculture value chain respond to this crisis over the next few weeks is critical, and will determine how much food will be available in Ontario, Canada and around the world, the organizations say. “The tragic consequences of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are creating great concern and uncertainty heading into this year’s planting season. Suppliers are facing several potential obstacles that could prove to be very disruptive for farmers. Canada’s food system has already endured supply chain challenges due to the pandemic, and now we must prepare and adjust for global fertilizer supply shortages as well a potential CP Rail labour disruption, just weeks before planting. The situation is dire and needs immediate attention, said OABA executive director Russel

Hurst. It is vitally important, they argue, that Ontario find ways to maximize its production of livestock feed and grain in the 2022 growing season, which will also require strategies to manage the shortfall in fertilizer that is expected to materialize because of sanctions against Russia. “The Grain Farmers of Ontario stand with the people of Ukraine and the efforts Canada and its partners are making to restore peace in the region. We hosted this event today to share with policymakers the role Ontario’s grain production can make to help address and alleviate the food supply concerns that are unfolding around the world. Farmers in Ontario take seriously their duty to produce food, and we wanted to raise the issues we face completing that task,” said GFO char Brendan Byrne. GFO, OFA and OABA have been meeting with government representatives in Canada as well as in the Province, one-onone over the last few weeks to raise the issues facing the spring planting to find ways to mitigate the risks of input supplies arriving on-time as well as price shocks to key inputs.

R U R A L C O N N E C T I O N S | 13

CHARLEBOIS: Government should not compensate businesses for losses due to sanctions against Russia → FROM 12

dian food player in Russia is Restaurant Brands International, the parent company of Tim Hortons. It also owns Burger King and the chain operates 800 stores in Russia. Other than a corporate statement registering concerns about the invasion, no clear decision has been made. Many people recently took to social media to ask the chain to stop conducting business in Russia. Asking these companies to pull out and stop doing business with Russia is the easiest and most obvious thing to do. The atrocity of the invasion is simply inexcusable. But we also need to keep in mind that these Canadian companies are very much part of the food security fabric for the Russian people. On the surface, closing convenience stores or fast food joints or not selling French fries could be seen as trivial. But any corporate decision to pull out or cease doing business in the country would compromise Russia’s access to food, thus penalizing its people. It’s truly a delicate balancing act between

Restaurant Brands International, parent company of Tim Hortons, also does business in Russia.

reputational risks and food security. The stakes are different when compared with other economic sectors. Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was vague and non-committal about whether his government would compensate Canadian companies hurt by sanctions imposed on Russia. Compensating companies conducting business abroad affected by wartime sanctions would set a very dangerous precedent. The federal government should not compensate Canadian companies hurt by sanctions imposed on Russia, including companies in the agrifood sector. Geopolitical

risks are always in the mix when investing abroad, and these companies, not the Canadian people, took on these risks when they opted to invest in Russia. Moreover, many of these companies have insurance against such sanctions. And sanctions against Russia were actually started more than eight years ago when Russia invaded Crimea. Canadian companies shouldn’t be surprised by how things are unfolding, and Canadian taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for their choices. ↆ Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 14

Arts

Read a local best seller every week. Local stories that inspire.

New at McDougall

Film fest returns

Resiliency: Shared Stories of Strength and Survival is the latest exhibit at the 165-yearold McDougall Cottage in Cambridge, setting a new direction for the museum. The cottage is open Saturdays and Sundays, 1-4 p.m. Admission is by donation.

The Zonta Film Festival, which celebrates award-winning films directed by women, is scheduled for in-person viewing Apr. 27-30 at the Princess Twin Cinemas in Waterloo. On Apr. 28, the festival will include the 19th International Women's Day #BreakTheBias, with films featuring female athletes.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

www.kwzontafilmfestival.com

Tips: observerxtra.com/tips

Putting the spotlight on female playwrights She Speaks event features a live screening of filmed monologues Saturday at the Neruda Arts Studio in St. Jacobs Steve Kannon Observer Staff

NERUDA ARTS HAVING SET UP shop in St. Jacobs, its new space will be playing host this weekend to the latest iteration of the She Speaks event organized by Flush Ink Productions. Given the lingering impact of the pandemic, the presentations will be mostly virtual as the celebration of female playwrights marks its 16th year: the readings of the seven plays chosen this year were taped ahead of time. They’ll be premiered Saturday (March 26) at a live screening at the Neruda Arts Studio. The screenings of the monologues will be followed by a live talkback session. The live event is limited to 30 people, with masks and vaccinations necessary. The organization is still erring on the side of caution, says Flush Ink artistic director Paddy Gillard-Bentley. This year’s lineup includes Window Treatment by Lisa Randall, the story of Estelle, who sits by the bed of her father, hoping to reach him in some way as he lays there unresponsive, unconscious and dying. It’s performed by Kathleen Sheehy. Also on tap is The Great Round by Connie Bennett

in which Joan Kellogg, who developed MARI as an art therapy tool in the 1970s, rants about her theories while cooking supper. Performed by Melissa Gurney-Roe. The Color Guard by Karin Fazio Littlefield tells of Josephine, an elderly woman suffering from dementia, sits at the table with by bits of paper scattered around her – first the yellow, then the blue, then the pink. This one features a performance by Gillard-Bentley. Just Right by Mary Littlejohn in which a young homeless woman tells her story: just like Goldilocks, she breaks into the home of the family who passes her in the street every day, scowling, laughing at her or, worse, ignoring her. Performed by Jenn Weatherall Door to Door Love by Janis Butler Holm in which a woman of age tells the story of a man peddling religion at her door. She seems harmless enough, but is she? Performed by Donna Spector. As a playwright, Donna Spector’s Falling, performed by John Dibben, features a vet still haunted by the demons of Vietnam telling his story to anyone passing through Time Square who will listen. Hecate’s Suppers by Frances Roberts Reilly

Among the readings at this weekend’s She Speaks event will be Hecate’s Supper by Frances Roberts Reilly. Submitted

tells of a woman in the midst of a ritual trying to invoke the ancient Greek goddess Hecate – she of boundaries, crossroads, witchcraft and ghosts – while sharing her disappointment at aging and her feeling of being abandoned by the goddess. It’s performed by Kae Mills. When the She Speaks series began, about 17 per cent of works produced in theatrical circles were

Ontario is Working for Waterloo Region Health Care: • New and upgraded long-term care beds in Woolwich and Wilmot • Expanding local cardiac care, MRI services and critical health care infrastructure upgrades

Education & Training: • New schools and childcare spaces in Breslau • $4.3M boost to KidsAbility Centre for Child Development • Improved apprenticeship and skilled trades training • Modernizing math and science curriculum

written by women. Now that number in Canada has almost doubled, said Gillard-Bentley. Providing a platform for female writers was at the heart of the event’s launch. “It was 17 per cent of produced work, but women represented more than 50 per cent of the playwrights, so it was about making sure that women’s voices are heard in theatre. Now, since

2007, those numbers have gone up to, the last one I heard was 32 per cent in Canada, which is really high, because you have to factor into that the theatres that are doing Shaw and Shakespeare,” she said. With many of the traditional playwrights having been male and their plays now available without royalties, it takes time to see shifts in the number of

women having their work produced, she added. Along with readings to entertain the audience, the She Speaks talk sessions provide invaluable feedback to the playwrights, said Gillard-Bentley. “For a playwright, because I’m a playwright first, a reading is more valuable than a production of your piece. Now, some playwrights will disagree with me, but if a play is just a bunch of words on paper ... a play is not a play when it’s just a script on paper. So when you hear your words for the first time out loud, which is the case for playwrights who unlike me, don’t vocalize every word and play out every character, I think that it’s really valuable. That’s what this is about,” she explained. “ These pieces are oftentimes brand new, and the playwright doesn’t really know what they have. So listening to them is really beneficial.” The live screening of She Speaks is set for Saturday at the Neruda Arts Studio in St. Jacobs, 8 Spring St., #3 (entrance at back). There’s also be a presentation of the films on YouTube, with a Zoom talk back to follow, the following day. Tickets are available by donation at www.eventbrite.ca, with proceeds going to Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.

mike.harrisco@pc.ola.org

Community & Social Services: • New recreational centre in Wellesley, upgrades in Woolwich and Wilmot AD SPOT - NON PRINTING • Investing in Community Health Centres and Home and Community Care

Affordability: • Covering up to 75% in eligible child care expenses • Stabilizing energy prices by ending Cap and Trade • Seniors Low-Income Dental Care Program • Licence plate sticker removal and refund

Job Creation: • Small business tax cut and COVID-19 supports • Hydro relief for large employers • Red-Tape reduction and shifts to digital services • Rural broadband expansion and bridge rehabilitation projects

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 15

Seven days. One paper.

Classifieds

A bestseller every week. Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com

Work Wanted

SEASONAL HELP WANTED Lorentz Farms Ltd.

Mill operators and night shift loader tractor driver/general labourer needed. Some equipment operation required.

WILLING TO COME IN TO YOUR HOME, FOR housekeeping, transportation for shopping, meal preparation or cleaning. Retirement home experience. Elmira or surrounding area. Call 519-669-4092.

Call 519-575-8441 or 519-577-2889

Help Wanted

Parts Counter Person

Placing a classified ad

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.

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104

Help Wanted

Advertising

Help Wanted

RETAIL BUTCHER Looking for friendly, dependable, hardworking applicant for a Part-time or Fulltime Retail Meat Cutter Position. Daytime Hours. Experience required. Apply in person or email Resume to info@stemmlermeats.ca

Help Wanted

The successful candidate will be responsible for parts sales, inventory control, stocking, ordering and be able to communicate with the public in a courteous and professional manner. The applicant will need to handle multiple parts orders on a routine basis between customers and the service shop.

• Mechanical aptitude, Equipment background an asset • Willingness / ability to learn • Marketing Skills • Some physical labour required

PART TIME DRIVER

We are a full line dealer for Agricultural, Construction, Turf, and Consumer products, We specialize in Kubota, Polaris, Stihl and numerous short line brands.

Part time driver needed for deliveries 2 or 3 days a week. Needs to be reliable, friendly and have knowledge of Elmira, Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph areas. Requires a G License. Minimum two years’ experience driving a straight truck or larger.

We offer a competitive wage and benefit package, and a modern work place environment

Apply in person at Stemmler Meats in Heidelberg or email terry@stemmlermeats.ca

Wages will be based on experience SERVING YOU SINCE

1965

Drop off resume at:

$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial:

$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Help Wanted

0519 Wellington Rd. 7, Elora

The Township of Woolwich is seeking one (1)

Crossing Guard

for the remainder of the 2021-2022 School Year in Breslau. Interested applicants are invited to submit their resume to hr@woolwich.ca before 4:00pm on Friday, April 1, 2022. Please quote job posting 2022-18.

St. Boniface Cemetery, Maryhill has submitted by-laws to the Registrar of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002. Any interested parties may contact Diane Strickler at (519) 648-2432 or dstrickler@continuum.org for information, or to make copies. By-laws or amendment may be reviewed or copied at St. Boniface Rectory. These by-laws are subject to the approval of the Registrar, Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002. Telephone: Bereavement Authority of Ontario 647-483-2645 or 1-844-493-6356.

Auction

FARM FOR SALE BY TENDER 1376 Lisbon Rd, Wellesley TUESDAY MARCH 29, 2022 For the estate of Bernard Vollmer

Or Email:

reception@deboersequipment.com

FARM CONSISTS OF 2 parcels of land

Looking to fill part time contract position for:

CO-ORDINATOR

Provide administrative and secretarial support at our facility in the Woolwich Memorial Centre located at 24 Snyder Avenue South in Elmira. This position is estimated at 25 hours/week. (flex time)

Duties:

• Keep track of memberships and dues. • Prepare monthly activity calendars and newsletters. • Forward all new account receivables and payables to treasurer. • Maintain website. • Partner with Woolwich Township personnel for grant applications. • Order supplies. • Assist with research into senior activities. E.g., bus trips, exercise groups, entertainment • General office duties.

Requirements:

• Minimum High School Education • CPR and First Aid (training available) • The preferred/ideal candidate will have previous administration, secretarial and computer experience

Forward resume to woolwichseniors@outlook.com

Hiring a part-time delivery driver. 1 - 3 days per week. Must be able to unload 60 lbs. Some very early starting times. Email resume to staff@freyshatchery.com or call Marty at 519-897-3209 for more details.

Help Wanted

totaling 107.5 acres more or less, to be sold as one package. Approx. 70.689 being Wilmot Township and 36.887 being mostly river flats and bush in Wellesley Township. Total of approx 50 acres workable, land is randomly tiled and naturally drains into the Nith River. Remainder of the land consists of grazing and pasture and mixed bush that has recently been marked for logging. Property has an older vacant farm house, beef/pig barn and older driveshed.

NOTE: Farm is situated in a great location on the outskirts of Wellesley with the Nith River running along side of it. Property has picturesque, gorgeous views, great potential and many opportunities. A must see. TERMS: Property will be sold by tender

JOIN OUR TEAM! Frey’s Hatchery has an immediate opening for a motivated general laborer. Duties include: Livestock care, handling and general clean up. Early morning starts. Competitive wage.

Email resume to staff@freyshatchery.com or call Marty at 519-897-3209 for more info.

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.

Public Notice

QUALIFICATIONS: • Computer Skills • Must be organized and maintain a neat and clean work area • Excellent people skills • Ability to multitask and work under pressure

Residential:

subject to a reasonable reserve bid with $75,000 down payment by certified cheque payable to Jantzi Auctions Ltd. due at time of auction, and the balance due on May 17, 2022. Following acceptance of the offer on March 29, 2022 purchaser may have immediate access to the land. Tenders must be submitted by 12:00 noon on Tuesday March 29, 2022. For tender packages, or to view the farm contact Gary at 519 502 5291 or email Jantziauctions@bellnet.ca .

AUCTIONEER:

Jantzi Auctions Ltd. Wellesley | 519-656-3555 www.JantziAuctions.com

Auctions Cont. on pg 16

FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - AT COMPETItive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141. ICE SALT & ICE MELT - ICE SALT COMES IN 20kg, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045. KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

Wanted BUYING ALL POCKET OR WRIST WATCHES , working or not. Omega I.W.C. Bretling, Rolex, Tudor, Patek, Universal, Hamilton, Ball, Howard etc, especially interested in vintage, gold & silver jewellery all coins & bank notes, all group of 7 paintings, scrap gold & sliver toys, military items. Call Terry @ 242-6900 or gallamore@golden.net, fair honest prices. Confidentiality assured. Have mask, will travel. WANTED - OLD CLOCKS, OLD RADIOS, old brewery items and trays such as Kuntz and Huether. Cash paid. Call 519-570-6920.

Automotive 2017 BLACK FORD EXPEDITION. 90,000 kms, leather, excellent condition. $43,900.00. 519-897-5230.

Trades & Services LAWN ROLLING RENTAL OR CUSTOM. 2 machines available. Bomag 2600 lb or Wackerneuson 2000 lb. Delivery available. Call 226-791-0921. RON'S DRYWALL AND RENOVATIONS. OVER 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron.spncr@gmail.com

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022

16 | C L A S S I F I E D S

ↆ R EA L

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Sue From

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

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ELMIRA - Welcome to this Elmira Birdland Family home located on desired Pintail Drive! This custom-built bungalow is nestled in the trees on a 72' x 160’ lot (160 ft. at the deepest) and is a nature lover’s dream. Located in a family-friendly neighbourhood close to schools, parks & amenities, this home is perfect for a growing family, or someone looking to add a granny suite. This home offers a formal living room & dining room as well as a dinette off of the kitchen that opens to the sunken family room with gas fireplace. There are 3 fair-sized bedrooms, all located on the main floor, including a master with ensuite & walk-in closet. The basement was professionally finished in 2006! Pull up a barstool and stay a while at the beautiful wet bar with fridge, dishwasher, & ice machine. Enjoy the games room and pool table and then settle in for a movie in the rec room with gas fireplace. The basement also has a 3-piece bathroom, bedroom, laundry room, storage room and an office. Watch the world go by and catch the sunrise on your large covered front porch. The park-like backyard has mature trees and a deck, perfect for summer BBQs while entertaining friends & family. Parking for 2 in the double garage as well as 4 vehicles in the reinforced concrete driveway, brand new in 2021! The metal roof was done in 2007. This spacious bungalow could be just what you have been waiting for. Book a private viewing today!

ELMIRA - This bright 2590 sq ft home will not leave you disappointed. The vaulted ceiling in the foyer gives you that welcoming feeling the moment you walk through the door. The main floor, with hardwood throughout, has an abundance of natural light. The kitchen, equipped with a peninsula, and 2 pantries, is open to the dining and living room, perfect for entertaining. The living room, with its gas fireplace, is perfect for cozy movie nights! The separate formal dining room could be used as an office, or playroom for small children, separate, but still in view. The main floor also offers a 2-piece bathroom. Upstairs, you will find 4 bedrooms including a master bedroom with a walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom. The largest bedroom at the front of the house, boasts a large arched window, (could easily be used as a family room or rec room). A 4-piece bath completes the upstairs. The unfinished basement, with large windows and a rough in bathroom, is awaiting your personal design style. Whether it be a recreation room, gym, home office or an in-law suite with the walk up to the garage. Time to get creative! Walk out from your dining area to the fully fenced back yard, with deck and gazebo, overlooking the stunning perennial gardens. Perfect for summer BBQs with friends or family. Room for those guests to park, with a 1.5 car garage and ample parking. All of this within a short walk to Schools, Parks, shopping and Public Transit … Book your appointment today!

MOOREFIELD - This stunning 1825 sq foot bungalow was custom built in 2020 and has views of the countryside in every direction. Found on a winter maintained paved road, this 100 x 496 foot lot is just over one acre. As you walk in from the covered front porch, you will find a welcoming entrance open to the main living area. A few steps in, you won’t be disappointed by the spacious living room and dining room as well as a beautiful custom Chervin kitchen with quartz counter tops. The large windows on the main floor offer spectacular views while providing a bright atmosphere throughout. On one side of the home you will find 2 bedrooms and a 4-piece bathroom, perfect for guests or children. And nestled on the other side is the master bedroom with walk-in closet and 5-piece ensuite bathroom, which creates the perfect private oasis. It really is the ideal layout! Directly off of the 2 car garage is the conveniently located laundry room, making clean up a breeze when you come in from a long day. The basement has been partially framed and dry-walled with 2 additional bedrooms and a 4-piece roughed–in bathroom. Also in the basement is a huge unfinished rec room area as well as tons of storage space. Peace and serenity will find you in the back yard with a covered deck for BBQing and an expansive area to garden, homestead, or just run and play! With a treed area in the middle of the yard and more lawn space beyond that, the possibilities are endless. You will not want to miss out on this beautiful country haven. Book your private showing today!

“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”

Community Information Page

P.O. Box 158

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

Water Remote Reading Program The Township of Woolwich is continuing the retrofitting work on existing water meters to a new Smart Radio. This new Smart Radio will enable the Township to remotely read water meters which will eliminate the need to physically attend the property of water customers. This program will only affect properties in Woolwich who are being supplied water from the Township. The installation work has been contracted to KTI Limited. Over the next few months KTI Phone: 519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820 After Hours Emergency: 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca will continue to work in Elmira. For more information on the program visit, woolwich.ca/en/living-here/Water-and-Sewer.

COVID-19 Woolwich Township Update This will mark the end of COVID-19 Updates in the Community Page. We would like to remind our residents that the following services can be accessed through our website: • Building Permits can be applied for and paid online: www.woolwich.ca/buildingpermits • Economic Development in Woolwich: www.woolwich.ca/businesshelp • Parking Tickets can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/parkingtickets • Recreation and Leisure: www.woolwich.ca/recreation • Report Issues or Service Requests (By-law Enforcement, Potholes, Signs, Streetlights, Trees, Winter Maintenance, etc..) online: www.woolwich.ca/reportit • Tax & Water Bills can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/taxes As a reminder, updates will always be communicated on our social media! You can connect with us by following @WoolwichTownship on Facebook, @woolwichtownship on Instagram or by liking @Woolwichupdates on Twitter!

ↆ S U D O K U

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION.

Alli Bauman

SOLUT IO NS

Auctions Cont. from pg 15 Auction

LIVE AUCTION SALE

Of Tractors, lawn and garden equipment, tools and miscellaneous items, to be held at 3151 Sandhills Rd., Wilmot Twp. approx. ½ mile east of Baden (north off Snyder’s Rd.), for Paul and Robbie Ogram, on

SATURDAY, APRIL 9TH @ 10 A.M.

CONSISTING OF: 1967 Cockshutt 1750,

gas, 2wd, Hyda-Power Drive, Reist loader, 6ft. bucket, cab, 3300 hours, needs engine work and front axle repair. Kubota B7100, diesel, 4wd, 3ph, custom front mount blade, single furrow plow, 2760 hours, runs but engine not good. 1992 Ford E-350, runs, former U Haul truck, not certifiable. Lucknow 8ft. 3ph snow blower, double auger, hyd. chute. Farm King 5ft. 3ph finish mower. Swisher pull type mower with Kohler 16hp engine. Kubota 42in. 3ph garden tiller. 4ft. pull type lawn roller. Winpower 15/25kw pto generator. Honda 70 “3 wheeler”, not running. 10in. 3ph post hole auger. Tig 200A Inverter DC Tig welder, electronic, 220 volt. Craftex Model CX 605 mini vertical milling machine. Mastercraft cut-off saw on table. Heavy 6in. vice. 12 ton pipe bender. Light duty 30in. brake. Bench grinder. Craftsman 10in. table saw. Mastercraft belt/disc sander. 2 bench model drill presses. Routers. Kanco rotary hammer. Hand and power tools. Wrench & socket sets. Acetylene torch. Hyd. jacks. Portable air compressor. 10 gal. shop vac. Welding steel. Cement mixer with motor. Simoniz 3200 psi gas pressure washer, 2.6 gpm, extra hose. Jet hose. Gas push mower. Homelite HTC12 garden tiller. Homelite chain saw. 40ft. heavy duty ext. ladder. 30ft. ext. ladder. Elmira Stove works 40,000 btu pellet stove. 1000 watt led shoebox light. 4ft. 3ph pallet forks. Battery chargers. Chain fall. Logging chains. Electrical supplies. 150ft. zip line (new). Garden seeder. Odd lumber. New 220 volt baseboard heater. Scrap metal. Plus a wagonload of farm & shop related items.

LIVE AUCTION SALE

Of tractor; machinery; lawn and garden; tools; household effects and antiques held at 7804 6th Line, RR 2 Drayton for Mahlon and Florence Frey on: APRIL 2, 2022 AT 10:00 AM

HOUSEHOLD EFFECTS AND ANTIQUES:

3 piece couch set, 2 piece couch; 2 single beds; 3 piece bedroom suite; dresser; couch; small desk; bar fridge; 5 quart roaster oven; 18 quart roaster oven; 19ft extension table; 10 chrome kitchen chairs; 19 stacking chairs; china cabinet; bow front china cabinet; 2 night stands; clothes spinner; sausage stuffer; meat grinder with motor hookup; Beaver jar; chinaware; glassware; marble roller; toys; lamps; flower pots; Pathway magazines; suitcases; exercise bike; hooked and braided mats; lawnchairs; lunch pails; plastic pails; small appliances; propane campstove; fishing tackle; reader’s digest and other books; glider rocker; flower planters; bedding; 3 matching antique chairs.

TOOLS AND LAWN AND GARDEN: HP

dust collector with piping; radio arm saw; table saw; 6” jointer; dado set with various cutters; orbital sander; 2 crosscut saws; shop vac; scroll saw; 46” lawn sweeper; 48” lawn roller; lawn sprayer; fertilizer spread; Cub Cabet lawn mower with 46” deck; BCS tiller; pull behind leaf shredder/vacuum; gas pressure washer; gas generator with electric start; small generator; mini tiller with a string trimmer attachment; creg pocket hole drill jig.

TRACTOR AND MACHINERY: 550 Oliver tractor with cab; 12” 3 furrow plow; 5ft 3 pth tiller 12ft cultivator; 6ft SA snow blower; 3ph buckhoe with pto pump; older model 2” contractors pump with suction hose, 1 ½” layflat hose. TERMS: cash or debit accepted.

AUCTIONEER:

NOTE – See www.gerberauctions.net

Jantzi Auctions Ltd.

SALE ORDER – Wagonload, tools, larger

www.JantziAuctions.com

for photos. Provincial Covid policies to be adhered to.

More Puzzle Solutions on pg 19

Auction

Wellesley | 519-656-3555

items, vehicles and tractors.

TERMS – Cash, debit or cheque with I.D. 5% buyer’s premium. AUCTIONEERS:

Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451

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

Sell it in the Observer

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

Thursday, March 24, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

C L A S S I F I E D S | 17

“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAST; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”

Community Information Page COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT NOTICE OF HEARING TUESDAY, April 12th, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.

Pursuant to the Planning Act and Ontario Regulations 197/96 and 200/96 take notice that the Committee of Adjustment for the Township of Woolwich will meet for the purpose of hearing all persons interested in support of or opposition to any of the following applications as described below. Please note this will be a virtual meeting only and public attendance at the Township offices will not be permitted. Below is information on how you can submit comments, view or participate in the meeting. You may also contact the Committee Secretary by sending an email to planning@woolwich.ca or by phone at 519-669-6040 if you have any questions.

COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 23/2021 – Lester and Voila Shantz, 1942 Lobsinger Line ZONE / USE: Agricultural / detached dwelling, livestock barn, driveshed and cabinetry shop PROPOSAL: This application was deferred at the November 15, 2021 meeting. The applicant has amended their application and is requesting relief from Section 6.18.A of the Home Business – Tradesperson regulations to permit the continued operation of a cabinetry shop on a 0.74 hectare Agricultural property. Specifically the following variances are required: • Section 6.18.A) iv - to permit one full time employee whereas the current regulations do not permit employees other than the owner / operator of the business; and • Section 6.18A) vi - to increase the maximum ground floor area for a Home Business – Tradesperson use (cabinetry shop), in an accessory building to the residence, from 100 square metres to 211 square metres. CONSENT APPLICATIONS B 11/2021 and B 12/2021 – BDP Holdings Inc., 49 Howard Avenue, Elmira ZONE / USE: General Industrial – Urban (M-2) / industrial building PROPOSAL: These applications were deferred at the October 18, 2021 meeting. The applicant is proposing to create a new industrial lot and requires the following consent applications to facilitate the proposal: Application B 11/2021 - To sever an irregular shaped parcel of land being approximately 0.63 hectares in area from the lands located at 49 Howard Avenue, Elmira. The proposed severed lands are currently vacant. The proposed retained lands are approximately 4.07 hectares in area and contain an existing industrial building. Application B 12/2021 - To grant a blanket easement to allow stormwater (overland flow) from the proposed retained lands to continue flowing into the existing stormwater management pond on the proposed severed lands. The proposal will permit the future construction of a new industrial building on the proposed severed lands in accordance with the zoning provisions. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A9/2022 – Oscar and Selema Shantz, 1243 Wollis Road ZONE / USE: Agricultural / detached dwelling, livestock barn, implement shed and woodworking shop PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting relief from Section 7.3.1 (e) to permit a doddy house on a parcel that is approximately 36 hectares in area whereas 40 hectares is required. The applicant is proposing to construct a doddy house addition onto their existing dwelling. MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 10/2022 AND CONSENT APPLICATION B 14/2022- David Wright, Julie Ann Wright and Carolyn Gidyk, 793 Sawmill Road, Bloomingdale ZONE / USE: Settlement Commercial (C-3) / single detached dwelling with attached garage and accessory building and a landscape business with associated buildings PROPOSAL: Application B 14/2022 - the applicant is proposing to sever an irregular shaped portion of property having approximately 27 metres frontage on Sawmill Road and an approximate lot area of 1.08 hectares, from 793 Sawmill Road, for the purpose of separating the existing landscape business from the property. The proposed severed lands, identified as 801 Sawmill Road, will contain the existing landscape operation and associated buildings. The proposed retained lands at 793 Sawmill Road, containing a single detached dwelling with an attached garage and accessory building, will have approximately 140 metres frontage on Sawmill Road and contain approximately 0.63 hectares. Application A 10/2022 - Subject to approval of the above-noted consent application the

P.O. Box 158

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

Phone:

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

After Hours Emergency:

519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca

proposed severed lands at 801 Sawmill Road will require a variance to Section 18.3.2 to reduce the required lot width from 30 metres to approximately 27 metres.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE As in-person meetings are not an option at this time, you can view or participate in the meeting as follows: • view the Committee of Adjustment livestream on the Woolwich Township YouTube channel at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ OR • participate by registering with the Committee Secretary on or before 12 noon on Wednesday April 6th. To register please email planning@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-6040. When registering you must provide your name, phone number, email and the application number you would like to comment on. Once you are registered the Committee Secretary will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or conference call number). If you are unsure whether or not you would like to speak at the meeting but want to listen and have the option to comment on a particular application, please register with the Committee Secretary (see above information). You will not be required to speak if you do not want to.

WHY REGISTER By registering staff can ensure that you are permitted access to the virtual meeting, we know which application you are commenting on and, can call on you at the appropriate time to comment if you wish to do so. As it is virtual, registering will provide a level of security that is necessary to prevent unwanted guests from disrupting the meeting. Applicants and their consultants will be automatically registered and contacted accordingly by the Committee Secretary ahead of the meeting.

SUBMITTING COMMENTS If you would like to comment on a particular application, staff always recommend that you do so by: • submitting a letter by mail or delivering it to the Township office at 24 Church Street West, Elmira and placing it in the drop box on the Maple Street side of the building; or • submit an email to planning@woolwich.ca You can also contact the Township Planner at 519-669-6033 to discuss any comments / concerns however, this is not considered a formal comment. The Committee will consider submissions for or against the applications. All submissions must be made no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday April 4th (Note that this date is before the meeting). Any submissions received will be included in a comment package and presented at the meeting. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of Adjustment hearing. Please note that while the Committee may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety. This notice has been sent to commenting agencies, and to owners of property located within 60 metres (200 feet) of the subject properties. If you wish to be notified of any last minute changes to the agenda (i.e. withdrawal of an application) you must contact the Committee Secretary at 519-669-6040 or 1-877-969-0094 (Ext. 6040) or by email to planning@woolwich.ca. Notice of Decision: Within 10 days of the meeting, a copy of each decision will be sent to owners, agents, those who submit written comments, and people who register for the meeting. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Committee of Adjustment in respect to this application, you must submit a written request to the Committee Secretary or register ahead of the meeting. This will also entitle you to be advised of a possible Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. Appeal of Minor Variance and Consent Applications: Anyone in opposition to a decision may appeal the decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. The Tribunal may dismiss an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral or written submissions to the Committee of Adjustment before a decision was given or does not provide a reasonable explanation for having failed to make a submission to the Committee.

QUESTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION Please feel free to reach out to Township Staff by phone or email to assist you should you have any questions. Contact the Committee Secretary at 519-669-6040 or 1-877-969-0094 (Ext. 6040) or by email to planning@woolwich.ca

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022

18 | C L A S S I F I E D S

ↆ LO CA L ↆ

PR O F E SS I ONAL

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WHERE TIRES ARE A

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GENERAL SERVICES

Reach local people at the right time every week.

ↆ

RK COUNTRY BUS LINES

IN-STORE SERVICES

MarCrest Backhoe

VAN, MINIBUS & WHEELCHAIR LIFT BUS TRANSPORTATION “Specializing in small group charters”

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

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

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30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA

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AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

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GLASS SYSTEMS INC.

INC

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18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

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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

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Blinds, shades, drapery & more • Custom cabinetry made in Canada Free In-home consultations • Our experienced designer will help you work within your personal taste and budget

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22 Church St. W., Elmira 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537

STORE HOURS: MON-SAT 8-6, SUN Closed Find and follow us on FB and Instagram

Thursday, March 24, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

ↆ FA M I LY

C L A S S I F I E D S | 19

A LB UM

Birthday

In Memoriam

Happy Birthday,

In Memoriam

Obituary

IN MEMORY of Elmer Clifford

Albert

Cheers to 90 years ! Snyder, David Allan

Jane Ellen Black (nee Turpel) January 1, 1974 – March 26, 2007

We had a great day of celebration in the sugarbush !

Remembering our dear daughter and sister. Her absence is like the sky Spread over everything! I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live John 11:25 “I miss your laughter, I miss your love, I miss you.” Love your sister Elizabeth.

Love Mom, and families

We’ll love you forever! Mom, Dad and family

ↆ LOCAL SERVICES

Obituary

One year has passed on March 29, 2021 since you left us but you will forever be, in our hearts. Ellen and Melissa Clifford Melanie, Glen, Amber and Victoria Dow

Obituary

ↆ GENERAL SERVICES BOOKING FOR 2022

(ELMIRA)

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Martin, Aaron

Sherrer, Noreen (Lehman)

Passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Hospice Waterloo Region on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the age of 85. Beloved husband of Florence Martin of Elmira for over 62 years. Loved father of Steven of Nelson, BC, Darrell and Kari of Ellijay, Georgia, Glen and Marlene of Elmira, and Lynette and Rick Weber of Elmira. Cherished grandfather of Andrew and Beth, Leanne and Ian, Matthew and Kristy; Scott, Jessica and Austin; Janessa and Zack, Sharese and Dustin, Jayden (Leah), Benton and Kaitlyn, Lucas; and great-grandfather of Danya and Psalm; Emmett; Ariana; Easton; Allianna and Braelyn; and Alethea. Brother of Edna and Mahlon Bauman, Laura Martin, and brother-in-law of Mary Martin. Will be missed by foster daughter Jandera, many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by his parents Oliver Martin and Susannah (Martin) Hoffman, brothers Leonard and Mahlon (Marjorie), and brother-inlaw Ernie Martin. Visitation was held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at Woodside Bible Fellowship, 200 Barnswallow Drive, Elmira. Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Woodside with interment to follow in Hawkesville Cemetery. The service will be livestreamed and will be available on Aaron’s tribute page of the funeral home website. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Conestoga Bible Camp or Woodside Bible Fellowship: Missions Projects, or Hospice Waterloo Region would be appreciated and can be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

Peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at Freeport Health Centre in her 102nd year. Beloved wife of the late Charles Lehman (1967) and Roy Sherrer (2008). Proud mother of Ruth Lehman of Elmira, Margaret Lehman (Wasylycia) of Heidelberg, Stephanie Lehman of Bracebridge, Charleen Pekkala and the late Martti of Sydney, Australia, and Janice and John Knowles of Toronto. Also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Heather (Dean) Condello, Alison (Mike) Greaney, Ethan Wasylycia, Seth Wasylycia, and Brynna Wasylycia; and her greatgrandchildren Cameron and William Condello, Emma and Kate Greaney. Sister-in-law of Margaret Zettel. Noreen was the last surviving member of her family, having been predeceased by her parents William and Clara (Martin) Zettel, and her siblings Sister Helen Zettel, Gerald (Gertie) Zettel, Louise (Elmer) Fischer, Joseph Zettel and Father Wilbert Zettel. At Noreen’s request, there will be no funeral home visitation and cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be held at a later date at St. Boniface RC Church, Maryhill, followed by interment in St. Boniface RC Cemetery. Donations to Grand River Hospital Foundation would be appreciated, and may be made through the funeral home. Thank you to the staff at both Grand River Hospital and Freeport campus for the compassionate care shown to Noreen during her short stay.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

100% LOCAL

You have to start local, to find local. Start your search with the Observer in print and online  Self-serve online job portal auto posts to social media and maximizes local online reach.

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Passed away peacefully on Friday, March 18, 2022 at St. Mary’s General Hospital, Kitchener at the age of 76 years. Beloved husband of the late Jane (Radtke) Snyder (December 25, 2020) and father of the late Michelle Snyder (July 2, 2021). Dear father of Christine Snyder and Jeremy McCullough. Lovingly remembered by his brother and sister-in-law Paul and Linda Snyder and his nephew Nathan Snyder (Tanya Tracey), niece Andrea Snyder (Brian Bauman) and great nephews and nieces Ava and Beckett Wadel, Kaden Snyder and Jordan Mahoney. Dave will be missed by the Radtke family. Predeceased by his parents Wesley and Norma (Schweitzer) Snyder and his sister Jane E. At Dave’s request cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral home visitation. A graveside service for family and friends will take place in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Elmira at a later date. Donations to St. James Lutheran Church, Elmira would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Obituary

Ellis, Karen Louise (nee Pond) Peacefully, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Hospice Wellington, Guelph, in her 81st year. Devoted mother of Roger of Waterloo, Louise of Elmira, and Darren (Laurie) of Kitchener. Adoring grandmother of Devyn, Sydney, Olivia, Courtney and Adryan Ellis. Dear sister to Don (Diane) Pond of Kitchener, Barry (the late Karen) Pond of Elmira, Jane Uttley-Eaton (the late Allan) of Kitchener. Lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews and their families, and her many friends. Predeceased by her parents Sydney and Evelyn (Elligson) Pond. Karen was a very active member of St. James Lutheran Church, Elmira. At Karen’s request, cremation has taken place. Visiting was held at Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira, on Monday, March 21, 2022 from 1 – 2 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. The service was livestreamed and may be accessed on Karen’s tribute page of the funeral home website. Spring interment in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Elmira. In Karen’s memory, donations to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Hamilton, or Hospice Wellington would be appreciated, and may be made through the funeral home. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 20

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

MRI campaign launched

Flu reported in region

St. Mary’s and GRH have launched the Joint Hospital MRI Fund to bring magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to both hospitals. After waiting up to eight months, patients in Waterloo Region have to attend MRI appointments in the middle of the night due to overwhelming demand, compounded by the scarcity of MRI resources.

Waterloo Region this week reported the first lab-confirmed case of influenza A. Sporadic cases of influenza A and B are occurring across Ontario, but overall, influenza activity throughout the province is considered to be low, with health officials recommending the flu shot and preventative measures such as those practiced against COVID-19.

www.mrikw.ca

Taking his love of crokinole on the road Elmira’s Jeremy Tracey has been busy making boards throughout the pandemic, now he gets to travel to tournaments again Bill Atwood Observer Staff

AN AFICIONADO OF THE GAME who branched out to making crokinole boards, Jeremy Tracey and his handiwork have seen action at the World Crokinole Championships. Now, he’s getting ready to compete at the US Open in May. “One of my favourite things that I hear said about the game is it is extremely simple to learn, [and] extremely tough to master. If you’ve never played before, inside of five minutes I could have you understanding the gist of the rules and playing the game, but you would probably be several years before you’re going to compete with the best of the best,” said Jeremey Tracey, owner of Tracey Boards in Elmira. Tracey first started making crokinole boards when he received training from Elmira’s Williard

Martin, who was looking to retire. Tracey and his wife started the business four years ago and moved to their current location the following year. “I [am] absolutely blessed,” Tracey said. Tracey credits UK YouTuber ‘Shut Up and Sit Down,’ who did a lengthy video on crokinole in 2019, for a large uptick in orders for his boards. “His video came out and half an hour later, our order inbox just lit up. It quadrupled our business instantly – we just scrambled and figured out how to keep up,” he said. The business also grew during the pandemic because people were looking for things to do with their families, Tracey noted. “I still say we’re just getting started. And now we’re just to the point that tournament’s are starting back up again, we’re going to the US Open,…we’re → CROKINOLE 23

Jeremy Tracey will be competing in the US Open Crokinole Tournament in May.

Bill Atwood

Viral skin bumps that are a common occurrence in childhood DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My 7-year-old son developed a small pink bump on his arm recently. Soon we started noticing more on his back and under his arms. His pediatrician said they were called "molluscum," and we didn't have to do anything about them. But I am worried about them spreading to his little sister. What are these spots, and should I be concerned?

ANSWER: Molluscum contagiosum, often just

▢ Mayo Clinic

Professional Clinical Health Advice

called "molluscum," are a common occurrence in childhood. Like warts, molluscum are caused by a nonworrisome virus that usually takes the body some time to recognize and get rid of. Although anyone can develop the condition, molluscum most often occurs in younger, elementary-aged children.

Molluscum presents with spots that may be pink or skin-coloured. They can be as small as a tiny bead and can have a slight indent in the middle, like a belly button. That is why they are called "umbilicated." People often report redness, itching or pain at the spots, especially if they become irritated due to rubbing or friction. Molluscum is not dangerous and should go away on its own, but it can take time. In some patients, it can take a

year or more. Molluscum spreads easily in areas of friction, like the armpits, groin or other skin folds, and can be spread to other people. Although your pediatrician is correct that you do not have to treat it, treatment can eliminate molluscum faster. Many options are publicized to treat molluscum, but only certain methods are safe and effective. One of the most common is to apply a thin layer of a gentle retinoid-type medication, such as

adapalene (Differin). This medication used to be a prescription, but it now is offered over the counter and can be found in the acne product aisle. Some irritation in the form of red, flaky skin can develop, which is OK. This is a sign that your child's body is responding to the treatment. If too much irritation develops, though, you may want to space out the applications to every other or every third night. A dermatologist can offer alternative thera-

pies, including prescription-strength versions of the retinoid-type medications and other such creams. For older children and teens, scraping or freezing the bumps can be an option. In younger children, a favorite treatment for molluscum is to apply a solution made from a secretion of the blister beetle, which is called cantharidin. This clear, painless and safe solution is applied to the bumps in a dermatologist's office, and it is then → MAYO CLINIC 23

You Can Access Your Vehicle Records Online! As a customer you are given your own account. On this profile, all your vehicles will be listed. Each one you can check to see repairs & maintenance that are due at your next service or coming due in the future. These quotes will include pricing. AD SPOT - NON PRINTING You are also able to view your maintenance timelines and a note from your service advisor on the plan for your next appointment. This way you can be prepared for any future expenses while always being aware of your vehicle’s health.

Maintaining Your Car And Your Schedule

20 Oriole Parkway E., Elmira.

Tel: (519) 669-1082

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Thursday, March 24, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

The ingredients keep these cookies crisp

o make cookies that are thin and crispy, we picked our ingredients carefully: cake flour, melted butter, egg yolk and a combination of brown and white sugar. Cake flour contains less protein than all-purpose flour does, so it forms less gluten when it's mixed into a dough. Since gluten gives baked goods their structure, a cookie with less gluten will spread out more in the oven. Using melted butter makes for a softer, moister dough that spreads out as it bakes. Like gluten, egg proteins

L I V I N G H E R E | 21

ↆ COMM U NITY

cake flour

▢ 1⁄4 teaspoon salt ▢ 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda

▢ 4 tablespoons

unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Rigorously tested recipes that work.

help give baked goods structure. Skipping the proteinpacked egg white keeps our cookies thin and crispy. The brown sugar adds molasses-y flavor while the white sugar holds on to less moisture to help with crispness. Last but not least: Pressing these cookies before they go into the oven encourages them to spread out evenly for optimal crispiness!

“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

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sugar

▢ 2 teaspoons whole milk

▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

▢ 1⁄2 cup (3 ounces)

mini semisweet chocolate chips

▢ 3 tablespoons

▢ Vegetable oil spray

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt and baking soda. 3. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar and brown sugar until mixture is very well combined and smooth, about 1 minute. Add egg yolk, milk and vanilla and whisk until well combined and lightened in color, about 30 seconds. 4. Add flour mixture to melted butter mixture and use a rubber spatula to stir until combined and no dry flour is visible. Add chocolate chips and stir until evenly distributed.

Cardlock Fuel Management

▢ 1 large egg yolk

▢ 3 tablespoons sugar packed dark brown

5. Spray 1-tablespoon measuring spoon with vegetable oil spray. Use greased measuring spoon to drop dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet in 12 mounds (1 tablespoon each). Respray measuring spoon after every 2 or 3 mounds. Leave space between mounds. 6. Wet your hand lightly. Use your damp hand to gently flatten each mound to 2-inch-wide circle, about 1⁄2-inch thick. 7. Bake cookies until golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes. 8. Remove baking sheet from oven and place on cooling rack. Let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet, about 30 minutes. Serve.

⚠ Recipe note: Make sure to use mini chocolate chips in this recipe. We don't recommend substituting regular-size chocolate chips -they'll make the cookies too thick.

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NANCY KOEBEL

Bus: 519.744.5433

Freedom 55 Financial is a division of The Canada Life Assurance Company

Email: nancy.koebel@f55f.com Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,

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ↆ 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 IT H Elmira Mennonite Church

CAL EN DAR

▢ America's Test Kitchen

Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies ▢ 3⁄4 cup (3 ounces)

EVENT S

D IR ECTOR Y 9:30 am

Lent 3 Seeking God’s Ways: From Exceptionalism to Inclusion Erv Wiens Preaching

www.elmiramennonite.ca 58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

519.664.2008

Woolwich

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 ▢ Foot Care and Your Health. Feet are our body's foundation. Neglecting to care for your feet, or delaying seeking intervention, can lead to worsening symptoms and treatments that are more serious . Krista Steinmann, Chiropodist at Woolwich Community Health Centre will focus on how to take care of your feet, how to give yourself a foot exam and how to access professional healthcare support. Join us at 6:30 p.m. virtually using Zoom. Email hradford@ wchc.on.ca for your Zoom invitation.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 ▢ Elmira Legion's Schnitzel dinner. Take out only

from 5 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Menu: Schnitzel, mashed potato, vegetable, salad, roll & dessert. $15. per person. Order in advance call Donna Vervoort 519-669-5894

TUESDAY, APRIL 5

Vacuum Sales, Repairs Se Service All Makes & Models

9 Church St. E., Elmira

519-669-8362 Email: elmiravacuum@gmail.com

Quality & Service you can trust.

▢ Downsizing/De-cluttering and Hoarding. Many of

us like collecting household items. In some cases, collecting has taken over our life and becomes an issue. Do you feel that you need to unload your lifetime collections but have difficulty making decisions? Join Woolwich Community Health Centre at 6:30 pm via Zoom to learn ways to downsize and de-clutter your items. To receive your Zoom invitation for this virtual event email hradford@wchc.on.ca

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com

▢ Run for Office at 6:30pm – registration required. Learn from working/seasoned local politicians about what it takes to serve. Keynote talks by Doug Griffiths, Jack Lucas and Ken Seiling will inspire and inform your decision to get on the local ballot. Be informed and hear from the clerk’s dept. and have your questions answered by a panel of politicians. Open to all residents curious about local politics. Visit www.healthywoolwich.org/runforoffice to register and receive a link to participate.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22 ▢ Theatre Wellesley presents "Proof." The show will

be running on two consectutive weekends: April 22,23, 24 and April 29, 30 and May 1. There will be matinee shows on April 23,24, 30, and May 1 at 2 p.m.. Evening performances on April 22, 23, 29, 30 will be at 8 p.m. All performances will be at The Wellesley Public Library. We ask that patrons attending the performances be masked. For more information contact Allan Strong 519-502-1681.

WOOLWICH RESIDENTS SUPPORT FUND: RESPONDING TO FINANCIAL NEEDS DUE TO COVID-19

• Sub-Committee updates

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

How can I help you? 519.514.6051

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/.

• Projects & News

charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira

Woolwich Township Ward 1 Councillor

Fund Review Committee: Kelly Christie – Executive Director, Woolwich Community Services Cathy Harrington – Executive Director, Community Care Concepts

• Volunteer Opportunities

519-669-9919

SANYO CANADIAN

Fund Administrator: Woolwich Community Services

Healthy Communities

Your First Step to Better Hearing

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

Access to the Fund is available by contacting:  Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot  Woolwich Community Services  Woolwich Counseling Centre  Woolwich Community Health Centre

The place to get involved.

Education and Treatment

pmerlihan@woolwich.ca

www.merlihan.com

healthywoolwich.org

Playtime Word of the Week

Find-A-Word

OSTENSIBLE Seeming or said to be true or real but very possibly not true or real.

Mini-Word

ACROSS 1. Attempted 7. Group of

DOWN 1. More healthy 2. Dior creation 3. Some piano

graduates

8. Relating to

music 4. Prenatal test, for short 5. Distort 6. Drunk, in slang

the spleen 9. Aggregate 10. Dealt in secondhand goods

Sudoku

EASY

Sudoku

HARD

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022 | 22

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

& ) $ % . / ' $ $

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SOLUTION:

Figure out the mystery letters to complete this eight-letter word reading clockwise or counterclockwise.

Crossword ACROSS 1. New newts 5. Crustacean's feeler 9. Codger 13. 100 kurus 14. The womb 16. Arch type 17. Bow 18. Ox, sheep or goat 19. Applaud 20. In good shape 22. Invented by

Mary Quant 24. Bleats 26. Zeno, notably 27. Gorge 29. Make of car 33. Detachable container 34. Jazz instruments 37. Pitcher's place 38. Aerial maneuver 40. Basketball maneuver 42. 1973 Supreme Court decision name 43. Appropriate 45. Bait 47. Bleed 48. Run of luck 50. Kind of chop 52. Beauty pageant wear 55. After-bath wear 56. Cascade 60. Tender spots

microprocessor architecture 72. Pair

63. Big laugh 64. Dostoyevsky

novel, with "The" 66. Axlike tool 67. Against 68. Browning's Ben Ezra, e.g. 69. Pink, as a steak 70. Fly, e.g. 71. Type of

DOWN 1. The "E" of B.P.O.E. 2. Driest Spanish sherry 3. Minstrel 4. Satellite navigation

Your coffee pairs nicely with the local news. AD SPOT - NON PRINTING Pick up our exclusive and very limited 25th Anniversary mugs today. 11oz ceramic offered in two different styles and headlines. Get them before they are gone.

dogs, e.g.

21. Honoree's spot 23. Thailand, once 25. Become unhinged 27. Fowl place 28. Departure 30. Lady Day,

command

15. Going to the

9. 7:00 a.m. 10. ___ fruit 11. Brand, in a way 12. Aug. follower

5. Stop on a crawl 6. Bit 7. Big name in jeans 8. Word processing

Midsummer Day, Michaelmas, or Christmas 31. Excessive 32. "Our Time in ___" (10,000 Maniacs album) 33. "Not only that..." 35. "The Three Faces of ___" 36. Good, long bath 39. Verb tense expressing the past 41. Boris Godunov, for one 44. Au ___ 46. "Aeneid" figure 49. Grain sorghum 51. On the train 53. "M*A*S*H" role 54. Accused's need 56. "That's a ___!" 57. Bang-up 58. Makes lace 59. Arcing shots 61. "The Snowy Day" author ___ Jack Keats 62. Lentil, e.g. 65. ___-tac-toe

The store for newspaper readers.

newsmart.ca

Thursday, March 24, 2022 | THE OBSERVER

L I V I N G H E R E | 23

MAR-SPAN

Home Hardware Building Centre 7873 Wellington Road 8 (1km east of Drayton)

Jeremy Tracey’s love of crokinole dates back to when he was a toddler.

Bill Atwood

CROKINOLE: YouTube exposure and pandemic downtime combined to keep him extremely busy → FROM 20

doing an NCA Players Championship in Kitchener – there should be 100 competitive players there,” he explained. “It’s pretty cool that we’ve managed to build a very successful business around a board game.” Although Tracey has only been in the business a few years, crokinole has been a part of his life since he was a toddler. “My mother sent me a photo of when I was 19-months old sitting down on the floor with my grandfather playing crokinole. He absolutely loved games. He would always lay down on the floor with the kids and play, so I played my whole life,” he said. However it wasn’t until a friend he was playing hockey with mentioned the World Crokinole Championships that he realized the scope of the game.

“I had no idea that competitive crokinole was a thing. So I joined a couple of clubs and go to every tournament,” he explained. Although the tournaments are played at a competitive level, Tracey said he has never seen a situation arise where the players weren’t about to “quickly and peacefully” decide what should happen. “One of the complaints that we get is that some of the rules are a little bit gray. They’re not legalistic enough. There are some situations that arise, for example somebody bumps the table. You’re not supposed to bump the table, but it happens. There’s no rule that says, ‘OK, if you bump the table, here’s the penalty that you get.’ So there’s been different times in a competitive match, somebody bumps the table and

the players go, ‘OK, this is what we feel we should do,’ and we continue,” he added. “Even at the world championships, I’ve never seen anything underhanded or unsportsmanlike. Highly competitive, but extremely friendly. One of the things I love about the game is the welcoming atmosphere of the community.” While Tracey would like to see the game gain popularity he also doesn’t want it to lose that sense of community. “I’ve had different people ask me like, ‘What if there was a quarter-million dollars on the line?’ Even if a crokinole gets bigger and more popular, there is bigger prize money, more recognition, I hope that it never ever loses the wholesomeness that it has just friendly competition that we the players have.”

MAYO CLINIC: Molluscum are common, benign childhood bumps, but they can be bothersome → FROM 20

washed off at home a few hours later. The solution creates little water blisters on the bumps to help get rid of them. In patients with preexisting conditions, such as eczema or other skin rashes, molluscum can spread more quickly. Patients may need special treatment to help with any flaring of their eczema before the molluscum can be treated. Though not as common, adults also can get Molluscum contagiosum. However, in adults, molluscum is considered a potentially sexually transmitted condition and can be associated with immunodeficiency, such as HIV

infection. Therefore, I always recommend that adults who develop spots see their primary health provider or a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and discuss next steps. Once someone has been diagnosed with molluscum, I recommend taking care to avoid sharing clothing and linens because there is a chance of spreading the infection to others through contact with these items. It also helps to minimize scratching the affected areas because it can cause the virus to spread and the bumps to multiply. Although it can be challenging to know if someone has molluscum, be mindful when sharing bathing or swimming

spaces. There is some thought that bathing or swimming in a small space with someone who is infected could transfer the virus to others, so take caution. In summary, molluscum are common, benign childhood bumps, but they can be bothersome. If your child develops these types of growths, especially if they are spreading quickly, affecting other family members, or becoming itchy and painful, you should talk to your primary care provider or see a dermatologist. 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.

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

24 | T H E B A C K PA G E

PANDEMIC: Conditions still warrant emergency footing, region says, urging residents to continue with precautions →FROM 3

exercise caution. “This pandemic is not over. The masking bylaw mandatory mandate has been lifted by the region, and the restrictions are being eased – I think we’re all done with this pandemic, but it’s not done with us,” said Redman. With the provincial government removing mask mandates in most settings, medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang was asked if she would consider instituting a regional mandate if cases rise again, prompting her to note that such a move was not within her power. “[The provincial government] did make some changes to the Reopening Act, which made those local decisions by local medical officers not possible going forward,” she said. All seven municipal mayors were present at the update to reflect on the last two years. “I think it’s safe to say that the residents of Wellesley Township managed the pandemic, they did not allow the

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang

pandemic to manage them. From the beginning, there were many creative initiatives implemented by various organizations and groups: support local, stronger together, there was a demonstrated appreciation for all the frontline workers. There were innovative ways for service clubs [such as] our Apple Butter and Cheese Festival, or fair board to support the food bank and many other community projects,” said Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak. Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz highlighted the collaboration that happened between Woolwich and the other rural townships of North Dumfries, Wellesley and Wilmot in creating the Rural Recovery Coordinating Committee.

“During the last few years we’ve accomplished so many things together, setting aside politics and differences to do our best to create as safe an overall environment as we could. ... This collaborative working group was able to support one another through the sharing of COVID-19 protocols, procedures, and best practices, utilizing our rural farm raising spirit,” Shantz said, who noted the coordinating committee is currently working on a rural mental health forum that will take place in the coming months. “Although we’ve come a long way in the past few months, we know that there are still challenges brought on by the COVID19 crisis. And then further with the news out of Ukraine, we recognize that maintaining our mental health and vitality is so important,” she said. In Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, Public Health reported 292 active cases, up from 259 a week earlier. Officials reported a cumulative 158 fatalities since the pandemic began, unchanged in the past week.

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• Turn oﬀ the news when • Canadians wishing to • Reach out to your you need a break. make a donation to the family doctor and Ukraine Humanitarian primary care team • Call a friend, family Crisis Appeal can do so for support. member or connect with online at www.redcross.ca • If you or someone you your faith community. or by calling know is experiencing • If you would like to 1-800-418-1111 an emotional crisis and donate, check that the in need of immediate organization is legitimate • Look for helpers, and notice that where there support, please call and be cautios of is darkness there is HERE 24/7 at door-to-door and also light. 1-800-437-3247. telephone scams.

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Our communities have connections to both Ukraine and Russia, whether you have relatives, ancestry or are a recent immigrant. Older adults have lived through wars and past traumas, which my impact your individual responses when witnessing the current detruction in Ukraine. During a crisis like this it is normal to feel anxious some of the time. Know that you are not alone, if these feelings are becoming overwehlming, please reach out for support.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 24, 2022

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1362 N. SKITCHENER 9AM-6PM 1 3VICTORIA 6 2 V I C TOST RIA T R E E T N O RT •H MON-SAT K I TC H E N E R | 5SUN 1 9 . 710AM-5PM 42.9188