March 28, 2019

2019

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59 Church St W | Elmira Vol 23 | Issue 30 519.669.8475 | thrift.mcc.org LIVING HERE

Robots are the product of the people behind them People. Places. Pictures. Profiles. Perspectives.

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CONNECTING OUR COMMUNITIES.

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VOLUME 24 | ISSUE

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MARCH 28, 2019

R U R A L S U P P O RTS

Local townships to receive new provincial funds

ROBOTS INVADE THE REGION

One-time funding to help with modernizing the services they deliver

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

Schools from across the province were in Waterloo over the weekend for the annual Ontario district First Robotics competition. Hosted at the University of Waterloo, the competition saw teams come from as far away as Sudbury and Windsor to attend. Local schools joining in the challenge included the EDSS Sir Lancerbot (top) and the Woodland Christian High School CyberCavs. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

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Woolwich and Wellesley are among the municipalities to receive a one-time funding grant provided by the province to help modernize and improve services.

Woolwich will receive $725,000, Wellesley will get $676,050 and the neighbouring Township of Wilmot benefits $725,000. Some $200 million is being doled out to 405 municipalities across the province, under new funding announced last week by Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark.

Each municipality’s funding is based on the number of households and whether it is urban or rural.

Woolwich chief administration officer David Brenneman said the announcement was not expected, and that more details needed to be sorted out before allocating the money.

“Receiving the money was a welcome surprise,” said Brenneman. “All we

know at this point is what we’ve read in the letter, that it would go for the modernization and transformation of the delivery of any of our services.

“One example, if it fits within the province’s criteria, could be with respect to modernizing our water meter reading to make sure that, through the use of technology and innovation, you can do remote reading.

That would make things far more efficient and effective, for example.”

Local leaders were also happy to discuss the funding last week. Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz, Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak, Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris and Wilmot Mayor Les Armstrong met in St. Jacobs to discuss the announcement.

“Balancing financial resources with the desire to transform and modernize services for our residents is an ongoing challenge,” said Shantz. “We are excited to be able to review our priorities and to have the funding to make improvements

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | 03

FROM THE ARCHIVES

BACK TO WORK

PAGE THREE

Creating community connections starts and ends with our readers.

News tips are always welcome.

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103 Online: observerxtra.com/tips

Ontario Works clients who experience chronic pain now have access to care that can help them return to work. The Region of Waterloo, in partnership with the Ontario Chiropractic Association and Langs Community Health Centre, has launched the Health2Work program. The Health2Work program provides clients receiving Ontario Works (OW) and non-disabled family members on Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) access to chiropractic care, funded by the OW program.

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 demands more cooperation between the township, the downtown BIA and individual business owners.

Among the report’s suggestions are the need for better commercial offerings, more effective marketing and improvements to the look of the core.

From the Mar. 26, 2005 edition of The Observer

WELLESLEY COUNCIL

Wellesley grapples with latest fee-waiver request from group

BY FAISAL ALI fali@woolwichobserver.com

Wellesley councillors once again found themselves grappling with the uncertain issue of whether or not it was acceptable to waive fees for community groups working in the township – and found themselves at an impasse.

The question this time was spurred on by a request from the Wellesley North-Easthope Fall Fair, a not-for-profit that, besides organizing the 165-year-old fair in the township, has more recently taken on the role of running the township’s farmers’ market too.

Addressing council last week, the community group requested councillors waive the township’s rental fees for the pavilion which hosts the weekly farmers’ market over the summer months.

“So what you’re in effect asking is for a donation towards the fall fair?” said Coun. Carl Smit, noting the township already donated some $1,500 to the organization.

Complicating the matter, however, was the existence of an arcane, almost 60-year-old-contract between the Township of Wellesley and the fair board, which originally owned the land under-

neath the pavilion. The Wellesley-North Easthope Agricultural Society donated that land to the township to use as a recreational location, but in turn retained the right to the same grounds for its fall fair free of charge.

The agreement, penned in 1962, also allowed the board to use the land for other uses not related to the fair free of charge, but only if both the township and the board agreed to it mutually.

Coun. Herb Neher was especially sympathetic to the request, saying they deserved some recognition for donating the land to the township in the first place.

“They donated this land.

They donated it. They gave it to the township. I think there’s got to be some way of recognizing that sometime, and maybe this is the time,” said Neher.

The township has in the past taken a generous view toward waving fees for not-for-profits operating in township, specifically if it could be shown that it would support residents in the township, and would not incur a significant expense on the township.

Last month, councillors opted to waive approximately $7,500-worth of rental fees for the Paradise WAIVING FEES | 04

Several members of the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) and township staff – Susan Bryant, Inga Rinne, Rob Albrecht, Brad Hergott and Ann Roberts – met at Elmira’s Bolender Park on Wednesday to discuss greening initiatives.

[VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

Plenty of volunteer opportunities for those looking to make Woolwich green

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

A series of greening initiatives planned for Woolwich will provide hands-on opportunities for residents to boost the environment where they live.

Tree pruning, planting, and inventory training events will be taking place through the upcoming months, starting April 8. It is all aimed towards increasing the canopy cover in Elmira from the current 16.4 per cent to 30 per cent. Inga Rinne, who

spearheaded the effort, said there is a significant need for more trees in the community.

“Surprisingly enough, 16.4 per cent is quite a bit less than Toronto, Guelph, and Cambridge – the canopy cover in Toronto is 26.6 to 28 per cent,” said Rinne.

“I was a bit surprised myself, frankly. And it’s getting worse in the sense that we’re losing trees by the day to the emerald ash borer.”

The insect threat comes from a green jewel beetle that is highly destructive to the local tree cover. Con-

sidered an invasive species, it was found in North America in 2002 and has been wreaking havoc on ash trees in southwestern Ontario ever since.

“If you were to subtract the trees we’ve lost, that’s the calculation that nobody likes to make,” said Rinne.

“But the emerald ash borer, in particular, has really done a number on our trees.”

Trees for Woolwich has worked hard to reverse this damage, however. Along with volunteers and others in the community, the

group has planted some 27,400 trees since 2011.

It’s not just public spaces that are involved – the group encourages homeowners to increase the tree cover on their properties.

To that end, it will be giving out gift vouchers that can be applied towards the purchase of trees.

“For a $5 donation to Trees for Woolwich, they will get a $50 voucher that they can take to a local nursery and get a native tree to plant in their yard,” BEING GREENER | 05

Landfill Tours

Saturday, April 27, 2019. Tour times: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Waste Management Operations Centre: 1516 Glasgow Street, Kitchener Celebrate Earth Day with a free, one-hour guided bus tour of the Waterloo Waste Management site.

Donations for the Food Bank of Waterloo Region accepted.

Reservations required. Call 519-575-4400 (deaf and hard of hearing 519-575-4608) or email waste@regionofwaterloo.ca Please let us know at the time of booking if you require accessibility assistance to participate.

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019

04 | C O MMUNIT Y NE WS

Centralization plan has ramifications for Waterloo North Hydro

NOW THAT THE SNOW IS GONE ...

New Ford government bill would remove program delivery from local electricity distribution companies in favour of Toronto-based initiatives

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

Local electricity distribution companies (LDCs) all across the province are expressing their disappointment with the Ontario government’s decision to pull program delivery currently given to customers from LDCs in favour of a centralized delivery model.

Bill 87 also announces the cut of many conservation programs, including the pool saver program, which offered pool owners a $400 rebate for upgrading to energy-efficient pumps. Waterloo North Hydro is one of the companies affected by these changes.

“Waterloo North Hydro, like all local distribution companies, was caught by surprise with Bill 87 and the announcement of cancelling conservation and demand management programs delivered locally by LDCs,” said Rene Gatien, WNH president and CEO. “We were in the middle of a conservation-first framework that was supposed to finish at the end of 2020.”

The provincial move is expected to have an impact on local jobs at the LDCs, as conservation programs to reduce energy waste have created 5,000 jobs across Ontario. Gatien added the goal of these programs are intended to help customers lower their energy bills.

The Electricity Distributors Association, the umbrella group that represents independent LDCs such as Waterloo North Hydro, argues the new bill dismisses the work and savings that LDCs have contributed, as well as creating a much less personalized atmosphere for customers.

“LDCs have built relationships of trust with the people they serve, and customers have high satisfaction with LDC-led programs to reduce energy waste and lower their bills,” said Brian Wilkie, CEO of Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. and chair of the EDA, in a release. “Our customers will now lose their opportunity to work closely with a local provider that understands their requirements.”

“The Ford government has a ‘cuts’ agenda, not a ‘subsidy’ agenda,” said Gatien.

“We are very disappointed to see our customers that we know locally become ‘ratepayers’ that look to a Greater Toronto Area centred agency for local CDM programs,” added Gatien.

According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), the body that manages the provincial power grid, LDCs have saved more than 5.8 billion kWh, enough to power some 640,000 homes for a full year. Incidentally, the IESO, a Crown corporation based in Toronto, will be responsible for the new program delivery.

Conservation programs that will be centrally delivered by the IESO include the retrofit program, small business lighting, energy manager program, process and system upgrades, industrial accelerator program, energy performance program, home assistance program and targeted programs for on-reserve First Nations communities.

Such incentives have proven to be an effective way to ensure people stay energy efficient.

The Ford government claims that the proposed

changes could “save electricity customers and taxpayers up to $442 million over the next three years.”

In a release, it maintains the amendments would have no impact on the environment, reduce hydro rates for medium and large employers, and increase competitiveness and opportunities for growth.

“Our government is building an electricity system that works for the people, and that starts by cleaning up the mess we inherited,” said Minister of Energy, Mines, Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs Greg Rickford in a release. “We are taking a comprehensive, pragmatic approach to building the modern, efficient, and transparent electricity system that the people of Ontario deserve.”

It also proposes a variety of other terms, one of which is overhauling executive compensation of Hydro One and “terminating more than 750 unnecessary renewable energy contracts, avoiding $790 million in costs.”

Other groups had a less favourable view of the changes. While Gatien agreed that some of these programs had run their course, there were other routes to take than at the LDC level.

“The Ford government has a ‘cuts’ agenda, not a ‘subsidy’ agenda,” said Gatien. “We can understand that to some extent. However, they have gone after cuts at the LDCs, which is the smaller part of the electricity bill. The largest part of most customer bills is the energy portion, and the energy portion has increased significantly more than inflation year over year. The LDC portion has been in line with inflation.”

The Elmira skate park saw some action this week amidst sunny, if still chilly, springtime weather. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

RURAL FUNDING: Unexpected windfall the latest round of provincial money freed up for smaller communities FROM 01

that will lead to great efficiency.”

The rural municipalities in particular have been benefitting from government funding as of late – earlier in the month, it was announced that rural and northern communities could qualify for infrastructure funding that would go towards road, bridge, air or marine projects. Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot are eligible for money in an intake that runs until May. “I am very pleased that the province recognizes the importance of effectively serving our citizens at a local level,” said Nowak.

“This funding will allow the township to explore

ways to find efficiencies in the services we deliver and to ensure that our local government is providing cost effective operating methods.”

It is not crystal clear which projects the money could be used on within the township. According to information released by the province, examples might include service delivery reviews, IT solutions, development of shared services agreements or capital investments. It will be up to the municipalities to decide how to best target funding to benefit their local communities.

“That’s ultimately what we believe the province is looking to do, for small

communities to use this enhanced funding to innovate and use, where warranted, technology to improve things,” said Brenneman.

The province’s announcement didn’t specify when municipalities will receive the funds nor when the money might have to be spent.

“This is a crucial investment for our small and rural municipalities, especially here in Waterloo Region,” said Harris, the MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga.

“The townships of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot will receive funding this fiscal year to improve service delivery and drive efficiencies for the benefit of local taxpayers.”

WAIVING FEES: Councillors find themselves split on latest request, set aside a decision until there's more information FROM 03

and District Lions Club to rent out the St. Clements Community Centre for their annual summer camp.

The fall fair board, similarly, was hoping to use the farmers’ market at the pavilion as a way to raise funds for the event.

“Recently, a decision was

made to roll the farmers’ market underneath the Wellesley Fall Fair umbrella,” explained organizer Eric Wideman. “So full control has been assumed by the agricultural society board of the farmers’ market.

We’re looking after staffing, finances, and scheduling and planning and how to get vendors and all that.”

“So our hope with the fall fair board was to turn the market into a fundraising vehicle for the fall fair.”

Coun. Peter van der Maas countered that unlike with previous instances of fee reductions, such as the Lions Club rental waive, the farmers’ market was a for-profit enterprise, at least for those participat-

ing, if not the actual organizers themselves.

“So I’m having a little bit of trouble reconciling waiving a fee for the market, which at the root is a profit generating enterprise.

Those members of the market would not be there if they could not make a profit. In fact they seem to be doing so every year,” said

van der Maas.

But Neher pointed out that a similar argument could be made against other events to which the township donates money, including the fall fair itself.

Vendors would not attend the fair to sell their wares if they did not generate a profit, and yet the township donates to that.

Councillors rejected both the request for a full fee waiver, as well as a 50 per cent reduction in fees. Unable to settle on a number, council opted to defer the decision, asking staff to review if the fall fair would be eligible for a 35 per cent discount under the township’s existing policies.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

FROM 03

said Rinne. “And we’ll have some more vouchers in the fall. Fall is a great time to plant because it tends to be kind of wet, so you plant them to get the chance to get the roots to be well-watered.”

The first initiatives involve tree pruning, which helps maintain the health of trees by selectively removing certain parts such as dead branches. It should be done only with an understanding of tree biology since, which is why in-class sessions will be provided to volunteers with arborist Chris Morrison of Stormwater Forestry.

Pruning sessions are set for April 8, April 10 and April 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Elmira.

Tree planting dates are

set for April 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., April 27 at the Kissing Bridge Trailway near West Montrose from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The May 4 Greening Initiative event begins at 11 a.m. at Bolender Park in Elmira.

There is also the Tree Inventory training in Elora, aimed at taking stock of the current tree situation, scheduled for May 11. It’s an all-day event beginning at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. hosted by the Elora Neighbourhoods group, with lunch included. Other training includes tree identification and assessing tree health.

Anyone interested in signing up or learning more information can contact Ann Roberts at the Township of Woolwich, aroberts@woolwich.ca or 519-669-1647, ext. 7027.

Woolwich approves expansion at Lions Foundation dog guides kennel in Breslau

BY STEVE KANNON skannon@woolwichobserver.com

Looking to meet increasing demand for its services, the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides will be expanding its breeding and training facility in Breslau.

Woolwich council last week approved the non-profit organization’s request to allow up to a maximum of 60 adult dogs and 50 puppies at the kennel, located at 3751 Chilligo Rd. That’s an expansion of a dozen adult dogs.

The foundation works to breed and train guide dogs who are then provided at no cost to Canadians with a medical or physical disability. The organization

began providing canine vision guide dogs in 1985.

Over time, the roster of duties for which the dogs were trained expanded to provide hearing, seizure response, service, diabetic alert, autism assistance, and support.

Last year, the organization provided just over 200 dogs to Canadians in need of assistance, representative Ian Ashworth told councillors meeting March 19.

The Breslau location was established in 1998, and the property consists of breeding and training buildings and the organization’s memorial forest. The facility serves as something of a “maternity wing,” as

dogs are bred there and undergo some early training before moving on to the main facility in Oakville.

“With our growth we have since retrofit an underutilized area of the training building that would provide us the ability to house up to 12 additional dogs. These kennels provide the dogs with a living area and an equal sized space to relieve themselves that is separated by a pulley operated door,” he said in a report to council.

“The new kennels are completely enclosed within the facility so there would be little to no increase in noise created to the general area.

By utilizing these additional kennels it would bring our maximum capacity to 60 dogs.”

Councillors voted quickly to support the expansion, noting the organization’s history in the township.

“I think service dogs are remarkable,” said Mayor Sandy Shantz.

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BEING GREENER: Trees for Woolwich has a list of events on tap

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FOOD AVAILABLE Firefighters responded Monday to a report of a woodchipper on fire at a residential property on Northfield Drive East near Elmira. [VERONICA REINER / THE OBSERVER]

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Police up the count in recent blitz against distracted driving Police were highly visible during the recent Distracted Driving Campaign that ran in conjunction with March Break, with an emphasis on drivers found holding or using a handheld electronic device while driving.

During the province-wide initiative, the OPP laid a to-

MARCH 21 ■■11:00 AM | Waterloo Regional Police received a report that an adult female approached a woman with children near a park in Breslau. They engaged in conversation, however they were not known to one another. A short time later, the same adult female along with an adult male followed the woman and the children home and attempted to engage in further conversation. The homeowner denied the couple entry to her residence. The couple were

tal of 1,508 distracted driving charges. Officers laid an additional 51 distraction-related careless driving charges against drivers who were caught dividing their attention between driving and some other activity that made roads unsafe. To date this year, the OPP has laid over 2,000 distracted driv-

ing charges.

Locally, Wellington County OPP charged nine motorists with distracted driving during the campaign compared to four charges in the 2018 initiative. Although the campaign is over, officers will continue to enforce the distracted driving legislation and encourage

motorists to put down the phone and focus on driving, police said in a release.

The OPP is reminding drivers that the increased distracted driving penalties that took effect on January 1, 2019 may include a fine increase up to $1,000, three demerit points and a threeday licence suspension.

seen leaving the area in a grey or silver vehicle with a loud exhaust. The adult female is described as being white, 20 to 25 years of age, with a large build, shoulder length dark hair, wearing black tights and a brown sweater. The adult male is described as being black, 20 to 25 years of age, with a muscular build, short curly hair, wearing a long sleeve blue shirt with a vest. Investigators would like to identify and speak with the couple. Anyone with information on this incident is requested to contact Waterloo

Regional Police Service at 519570-9777, ext. 4499 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

members of the Wellington County OPP Crime Unit and OPP Forensic Identification Services are assisting the Office of the Chief Coroner with identifying the deceased. The investigation eventually ruled the death was not suspicious.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wellington County OPP at 1-888-3101122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

MARCH 22 ■■11:30 AM | Wellington County OPP responded to the Grand River in Elora following a report that a body had been located. OPP, Centre Wellington Fire & Rescue and Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services responded, locating a deceased adult female. Under the direction of Detective Inspector Randy Gaynor, OPP Criminal Investigation Branch,

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | 6

THE MONITOR

VERBATIM Keep the conversation alive on topics of relevance to the community; write a letter to the Editor.

Deadline: Tuesdays 4pm Online: observerxtra.com/write-a-letter/

"We know that many rubber workers have died from workplace exposures and many others are struggling with cancers and other occupational diseases. We believe many of these workers may have been wrongly denied compensation benefits in the past."

Marty Warren of the United Steelworkers on upcoming Ontario Rubber Workers Project information sessions about claims related to work in the region’s former tire plants

Average net saving for all Canadian households was $852 in 2018, while the highest income quintile (the top 20% income earners in Canada) saved $41,393 per household. Conversely, households in the lowest income quintile had net dissaving of $27,935, as on average they consumed more than their annual income and either had to incur debt or draw down previous savings to finance their consumption.

Statistics Canada

O U R V I E W | E D I TO R I A L

W

Looking for votes, Liberals change tack on housing issues than $120,000 qualify, with the maximum mortgage value set at four times household income.

The maximum rate will cover the average sale price in much of the country, but not in the particularly troublesome markets of Toronto and Vancouver, where average prices are $765,000 and $925,000 respectively.

The budget also boosts the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) taxfree RRSP withdrawal limit to $35,000 from $25,000.

The government’s moves are something of a pre-election sop for millennials – the entire budget is an attempt at vote-buying, of course – and will be welcomed by groups that balked at the previous measures, particularly those who profit on the backs of

ith last week’s budget, Ottawa reversed course somewhat on measures to cool the country’s overheated housing market.

Having tightened borrowing rules to reduce the risk of people defaulting on their mortgages and help ease the unsustainable upward pressure on home prices, the government is looking to make borrowing easier for first-time buyers.

Over three years, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will make up to $1.25 billion available under the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive. The program will provide such buyers a shared equity mortgage equal to five per cent of the cost of a resale home or 10 per cent for new construction. Only households with annual incomes of less G LO B A L O U T LO O K

homebuyers. They want to see the government back into pumping the real estate market that’s driven a good chunk of the economy while putting Canadians even deeper into debt, all the while excluding growing numbers of people with artificially high prices.

The bigger picture must be taken into account, particularly the on-again, off-again bursting of the housing bubble.

A series of reports, from agencies with no horse in the race, raises doubts about the sustainability of a decade-long upward trend that slowed only marginally during the worst of the 2008 recession, the same one that continues to plague housing prices in parts of the U.S. There are glaring differences between the housing markets

in the two countries. Where the U.S. wilted under foreclosures and soft sales, the Canadian market remained hot in many quarters. On average, homes are twice the cost here than in the U.S., though traditionally the two numbers have been at parity.

Even with some easing in Vancouver and Toronto, average home prices remain far out of reach of many residents.

None of that sounds sustainable. Some economists and market watchers are waiting on a correction. Still, there are plenty of us who see housing as a safe investment, unlike, for instance, the stock market, which remains volatile. Both markets are a gamble, however, and both were and continue to be heavily manipulated by the financial sector, the very

industry responsible for the systemic corruption at the root of our economic woes.

Speculation, of course, is another word for gambling.

When you buy stocks, you’re betting they’ll go up in price (or down, if you’re shorting).

Other than securities, there are a host of speculative investments for those willing to take the risk. Speculation also extends to the housing market.

This applies not only to people who buy homes to flip them, or farmland in the hope of a future subdivision, but to many who’ve entered the housing market in recent years.

Moves that counter risk and end the speculative aspect of real estate can only be a good thing. The real goal is housing people, after all, and the lower the price, the better.

T H E V I E W F R O M H E R E | S C OT T A R N O L D

Conquest is always an option

W

hen President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday affirming Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, there was an outcry that went far beyond the Arab world. His action went against the international rule on the ‘inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force,’ we were told – conquest, in less lawyerly language. Alas, that is just an ideal, not a hard-andfast international law.

The Golan Heights, which belonged to Syria, were part of Israel’s conquests in the 1967 war.

Israel returned most of Egypt’s lost territory (except the Gaza Strip) in the 1979 peace agreement, but continues to occupy the

GWYNNE DYER GLOBAL AFFAIRS

lands it conquered from Jordan and Syria 52 years later. The only part it has annexed according to Israeli law, however, is the Golan Heights.

As far as Israel is concerned the issue was closed in 1981, although nobody else in the world accepted the annexation, not even its greatest ally, the United States. They all went on referring to the ‘occupied territories’, including the Golan Heights, as defined

JOE MERLIHAN

PUBLISHER Ext 107

STEVE KANNON

EDITOR Ext 103

FAISAL ALI

DONNA RUDY

NIK HARRON

VERONICA REINER

PATRICK MERLIHAN

CASSANDRA MERLIHAN

REPORTER Ext 102 REPORTER Ext 101

Justin Trudeau undertakes a little spring cleaning in hopes of cleaning up again in the fall.

SEE DYER | 07

SALES MANAGER Ext 104 PRINT/WEB MANAGER Ext 105

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ext 109 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ext 108

Letters to the Editor: editor@woolwichobserver.com | observerxtra.com/write-a-letter The Observer is the independent community newspaper serving the communities within Woolwich and Wellesley Townships in Waterloo Region. The Observer is published every Thursday. The Observer is located in Elmira and was founded in 1996.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

C O M M E NT & O P IN IO N | 7

LO C A L V I E W P O I N T

Irresponsible government spending is all about buying votes

W

ith last week’s budget, the Trudeau government has given up any pretence of fiscal responsibility – it’s spend, spend, spend, especially in an election year.

Even with higher-than-expected revenues, Ottawa has sunk us even deeper in the hole. Much of the spending will be unproductive, wasted under the guise of short-term benefits when the money would be better spent on long-term investments such as infrastructure that will outlive the current crop of voters. But, of course, it’s only today’s voters that governments have any interest in.

Short-term thinking is an affliction that’s permeated all facets of our society.

Adopting the business model that’s taken hold in the last three decades – today’s stock price, shareholder value and this quarter’s profits above all else – our political system has been shaped by constant lobbying from those who see society through only the lens of finances. It’s what’s made citizens no more than consumers.

Politicians, of course, have a built-in capacity for short-term thinking: the election cycle. They make promises and float policies designed for immediate impact – spend for votes today. That’s problematic in and of itself, as it gives little regard to the idea that actions taken now will have impacts years, sometimes decades down the road.

Making matters much worse, however, is the equally troubling issue of taxation. The promises they make come with a price, but 30 years of neoconservative lobbying and influence have made taxes a four-letter word, meaning many politicians will try to win votes by promising to spend today while simultaneously pledging to cut taxes. That often means deficits, a situation that’s ideal for politicians intent only on re-election: the bill won’t come due until later, when they’re off living comfortably on gold-plated government pensions.

That kind of thinking is what got us into today’s mess. That

the very people who supported tax cuts to corporations even as government largesse filled their coffers are the ones leading the charge for austerity measures – not to themselves, of course – has been lost in the shuffle.

In the course of a couple of generations, we’ve undone centuries of efforts to create a society based on the common good.

Much of the we’re-all-in-this-together ideals that came out of the Great Depression and the Second World War, for instance, has been replaced by relentless individualism.

Rapid urbanization whereby we no longer rely on family, friends and the broader community – indeed, we may not even know our neighbours – makes us forget just how interdependent we really are. A consumer-based society, pushed by marketing, focuses on individual pleasure. This comes at a cost to the collective ‘us,’ especially when discussing matters of financing the common

STEVE KANNON EDITOR'S MUSINGS

good: taxes are seen as taking money away from ‘my’ enjoyment. Increasingly, we’re encouraged to give rein to our natural tendency to look after number one. Couple that with an individual’s capacity to seek immediate gratification, and long-term planning for our collective future becomes even more difficult.

There’s nothing wrong with looking out for personal interests, but we’re in danger of forgetting that most of the middle-class gains of the postwar years stem from socially-driven ideas. In purely economic terms, the collective efforts are the rising tide that lifted all boats – some more

so than others, certainly. Today, however, there’s an element that seems hell-bent on undoing precisely the conditions that allowed for the great prosperity now under attack.

Thanks to decades of concerted effort, many people have bought into a set of diminished expectations about the role of government and, more troublingly, the possibilities of shaping a better society.

We’ve had democracy reduced to the occasional trip to the polls.

We’ve seen government reduced to managerial functions, where debate is constrained to a few well-worn topics. We’ve seen the economy reduced to fiscal policy – deregulation’s the order of the day as the financial services industry sets the agenda. We’ve seen citizenship dumbed down to passive observation, at best.

If we’re going to have a better society we need to think about the future 10, 20, 50 and 100 years down the line. The road we’ve been on for the last three de-

L E F C O U RT L A N D | JAC K L E F C O U R T

cades, driven by the neoconservative corporate agenda, has diminished our quality of life. We have to look past dubious vote-buying programs, immediate tax cuts and partisanship.

Long-term thinking is not just for issues such as climate change, though we’re not prepared to tackle even that issue, despite the consequences. No, it’s all about living for today. But long-term planning is crucial for a host of issues that are part of today’s political reality, encompassing all levels: long-term resource consumption, human migration, transportation demands, retirement and pensions and the like.

Our failure to do so has led to rampant consumerism, environmental crises, unchecked immigration, urban sprawl, financial speculation and a host of other ills that plague our economic, political and social systems.

That we’ve been reduced to the short-term interests of the most affluent gives lie to the notion that our system of government – our democracy – is based on the consent of the governed. Government policies that run contrary to the public interest – an increasing proportion of its actions – surely are the opposite of what we’d consent to.

Who is responsible for that?

Certainly those who’ve benefited have fostered an unending propaganda campaign that’s been every bit as effective in sweeping aside citizenship as the corporate marketing has been in turning us into consumers. We’ve happily abdicated power and responsibility for the comforts of our lives.

We’ve opted for the distractions.

As a result, we’ve got the government we deserve, one that acts against our interests and against the common good.

The political and economic systems we live under are both manmade constructs. We devised them, and they’ve evolved into something that no longer meets the needs of the majority of us.

If the social contract means that there’s a greater, common good, then that contract has been violated.

DYER: The bigger powers simply ignore international rules and other legalities when they want to invade FROM 6

in UN Security Council Resolution 242 – but Israel didn’t care, and the legal issue was sidelined for another 38 years.

The only reason Trump has now ‘recognized’ the Golan Heights as Israeli territory is to give a little electoral boost to his good buddy, Israel’s prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who is facing corruption charges that might lose him the election on April 9. It doesn’t change the legal situation as far as everybody else is concerned, nor does it make Israel’s hold on the territory more secure.

What guarantees Israel’s position in the Golan Heights is a crushing superiority in military force , and the same is true of most other occupied territories around the world.

There is text in the United Nations Charter (Art. Two) requiring all members to refrain “from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state,” but it’s a pious hope, not a universally enforced law.

When there is a conquest, the victim is expected to take action itself if possible, as Britain did when Argentina invaded the Falkland

Islands. It will probably get some legal cover from international law, but it is unlikely to get military aid unless it is in other countries’ interests to give it.

Such interests were engaged in the 1990-91 Gulf War, when Iraq conquered Kuwait. For strategic reasons (i.e. oil), many Arab and Western countries volunteered military forces to reverse that conquest – and they got legal cover from the UN too, for what it was worth.

But when it’s a great power doing the invading, like China in Tibet (1950), the Soviet Union in Afghan-

istan (1979), or the United States in Grenada (1983), Panama (1989), and Iraq (2003), the UN is paralyzed

by Security Council vetoes and most other countries lie low. The invaders have no legal cover, but that doesn’t stop them.

There has been a major effort to shrink the role of force and expand the rule of law in international affairs since the Second World War. That war frightened the people in charge enough that they were willing to consider fundamental changes to their old way of doing business, and to some extent they succeed-

ed. This is the most peaceful era in human history.

But it is not actually peaceful, and the project everybody signed up for in 1945 is still very much a work in progress. Trump would quite like to wreck it entirely, as in his view it’s just another part of ‘globalization’, but there is little chance that he will succeed. He just doesn’t have the leverage.

Trump’s recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights makes the simultaneous American campaign to reverse the Russian annexation of Crimea look hypocritical,

but that campaign wasn’t getting any traction anyway. Similarly, it hasn’t sabotaged the much-trumpeted Trump peace plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, because that wasn’t going anywhere either.

Everybody in the Arab world already knows that Trump is completely loyal to Israel, if only because that is the best way to get the votes of U.S. evangelical Christians. Nobody expects anything to come from his Middle East ‘peace plan’, if it ever sees the light of day.

On the shock-horror scale, this whole episode rates about 2 out of 10.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | 8

TRI-COUNTY CHAMPS

EDSS ON A ROLL We're keeping score about local kids in sport in our communities. Submit your team results and photos online.

Having defeated Bluevale Collegiate by a score of 4-1 on Monday, the EDSS boys’ junior hockey team rolls into a full-day tournament today (Thursday) at the Dan Snyder Arena.

Online: www.observerxtra.com/score

With a 38-3 record, the Woolwich Wildcats Midget MD team last week became the first team to win the Tri-county Championship for MD with a three-game sweep over Caledon Red. The 2018-19 season marked the first time MD was offered within the Tri-County League, with Woolwich seizing the opportunity.

Deadline: Tuesdays by 4pm

Knife ownership is all about staying sharp

JUNIOR C HOCKEY

Jacks in tight in quarterfinals versus Grimsby Wellesley down 2-1 heading into game four, with action set to return south on Friday

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

The Jacks may have been crowned as champs of the South Doherty Division, but the battle is far from over. Wellesley is now taking on the Grimsby Peach Kings from the South Bloomfield Division in the next stage of a run at the Schmalz Cup. This series is the quarter-final round of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) playoffs.

It’s been a bit of a rough ride, as the team found itself down 2-1 going into Wednesday night’s game in Wellesley. Results weren’t available before press time.

The Jacks embarked on a mini road-trip for their first two matches of the series against the Peach Kings, which opened March 20 with a 1-0 win.

The first period of game one was low key, with the teams perhaps feeling out each other. There was no scoring, though the hosts outshot the visiting Jacks 12-6 (29-23 by game’s end).

The lone goal of the match came just 48 seconds into the middle frame when Shaun Pickering potted one unassisted.

They may have scored early, but not often, as neither team managed to get on the board for the remainder of the frame – or the game, for that matter.

Tensions got higher and higher as the game went on, with the penalties increasing steadily as time rolled on.

Still, the Jacks held on and Kailem Chappelle got the shoutout during the Jacks’ first quarter-final appearance, stopping all 29 shots the Peach Kings threw at him.

Game two on March 22, also in Grimsby, wasn’t a high-scoring affair, either. Unfortunately, one goal wasn’t enough for the Jacks this time, as the

Down 5-0 in the second at their first home game with the Grimsby Peach Kings on Saturday, the Jacks made a game of it again, firing three quick goals in under three minutes. The rally wasn’t enough to turn the game, however, which resulted in a 7-3 loss. [FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

team fell 2-1.

As with the first game, there was no scoring in the opening frame. It would be Grimsby, however, that broke the ice in the second period, taking advantage of a power play at 9:53.

Kyle Soper returned the favour, also on a power play, by potting one at 16:49.

Daniel Tsiampas and Colton Culbert picked up assists. While there may not have been too much in the way of scoring, the penalty count skyrocketed during this frame, with 11 doled out between both teams.

Things were an even 1-1 heading into the third, but Grimsby took this one with a goal at 5:02 on a power play. Wellesley was unable to recover when the final buzzer went off, resulting in a 2-1 loss.

The teams shifted to Wellesley for game three on Saturday night, with fans packing the building.

There was much more scoring, but not much for the home fans to cheer about, as Grimsby skated to a 7-3 victory.

This match featured scoring in the opening frame, with the Peach

Kings getting on the board at 12:15. The Applejacks floundered against the attack, with two more consecutive power play goals going to Grimsby, one at 16:26, and another 18:19 unassisted. The Jacks went back to the room trailing by an uncomfortable 3-0.

Grimsby kept their scoring streak up in the second stanza – their fourth goal at 3:32, followed by another on a power play at 11:51 before Wellesley finally had the chance to retaliate.

Alex Uttley (Soper) took advantage of a power play JACKS | 10

T

he other day I realized I just might have a knife problem.

It’s not that I have too many knives – goodness no. I mean all I have is three fillet knives, four pocket knives, three large general-purpose hunting knives, three lock blades, two bird knives, two skinning knives, one carving knife, one Swiss Army knife, one multi-tool with knife, one boning knife, two slicing knives and assorted butter and cheese knives.

Basically, I’m just an average outdoorsman – which means I have more knives than band aids.

The problem I am referring to is actually regarding the maintenance of those knives. You see, like many outdoorsy types, I am a compulsive sharpener.

I sharpen knives while watching TV. I sharpen knives when I am bored or when I get a new sharpener. I sharpen knives before I use them and after I use them. I sharpen knives when I get them and when I take them out to see if they are sharp. And, if they are sharp, I always think, “You know. I should sharpen this, because a knife could always be sharper.”

Of course, the high-water mark of a sharp knife is that it is shaving sharp – which leads me to believe someone needs to teach hipsters how to sharpen.

I remember when my son was young I gave him this sage advice. “Son,” I said, “ideally, you want to be able to run a knife across your arm and watch all the hairs pop off.”

He answered with, “Is that because you already did that on the top of your head?

Sadly, the answer is no.

But it does raise an important issue for those of us afflicted with the sharpening bug. Mainly, the hair that you shave off, typically does not grow back quick enough. The end result is that the habitual

STEVE GALEA NOT-SO-GREAT-OUTDOORSMAN

sharpener is always looking for new hair to shave in order to prove the razor sharpness of the knife in hand.

One of the common sense rules I abide by is that I only shave the areas of my body that I can afford to lose. Also, it helps if they would look good with a hook or peg.

Because I am left handed, I always shave my right arm first. If the hair is still growing back hair from a previous edge testing, I will resort to shaving my right or left leg.

I never shave the hair on my left arm because I if I lopped off that arm when testing the blade for sharpness, I’d have to learn how to sharpen with my right hand. But I’d also have bragging rights whenever outdoorsmen gathered to speak about knife sharpening skills.

Despite the temptation, when you are creating very sharp edges you must think about safety first.

That’s why you never say things like, “You know, your legs look like they could use a good shaving” to any woman in your life. This is an unsafe thing to do.

There are certainly other ways of testing a knife for sharpness – for instance cutting paper. But, in my experience that just gets you banned from the library – and, worse still, it dulls a perfectly sharp knife.

The point is knife sharpening can be addicting – but it can also explain why three of my four limbs are hairless come summer.

Ironically, Jenn is not keen on this.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

LO C AL S P O RTS | 9

JR. SUGAR KINGS

The Junior Sugar Kings midget A team fell 3-2 to the Centre Wellington Fusion Sunday night at the WMC in game four of the OMHA finals. The action returns to Elmira Friday night at 8:30 p.m. for game six if needed.

[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER]

EDSS boys take silver at provincial hockey championship

BY FAISAL ALI fali@woolwichobserver.com

The EDSS boys brought home the silver from the provincial championships in Barrie last week, a fitting conclusion to an exceptionally strong season for the hockey team.

Battling through some of the best secondary school teams in the province, the Elmira squad made it to the championship finals on March 22, where they were ultimately knocked out in a 5-2 decision against Toronto’s Neil McNeil High School.

Despite falling just short of the coveted gold, the Elmira contingent had plenty to be proud of, said head coach David Munroe.

“It was great. The boys played really, really well.

We beat some really good teams and put ourselves in

a position to play for gold,” said Munroe. “We lost to a really good team that went undefeated in their season, so nothing to hang our heads about.”

The Lancers went into the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) on March 20 seeded fourth out of 16 teams after a perfect performance at the regionals earlier this month saw Elmira win its first boys’ hockey county title in 60 years.

Coming in as the top ranked team of their pool, the Lancers were able to go undefeated in the first leg of the tournament, holding their own against the St. Thomas of Villanova Wildcats, the St. Peter's CSS Panthers and the St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS Lions.

The quarter-final match

against the Waterdown Warriors was won on razor thin margins, with the Lancers squeaking by with a 2-1 victory. The semis were anything but close, however, as Elmira took down the Lawrence Park Panthers in a stunning 4-0 game.

It was at the gold-medal contest against Neil McNeil HS that the Lancers finally met their match.

The game proved to be every bit as challenging as expected; but while the Toronto-based team ultimately took home the win, the Lancers weren’t going to make it easy for them. EDSS kept it a one-point game for much of the match, tying the team twice after Neil took the lead in the first and second frames, with both knotting shots coming off the stick of Lukas Shantz.

“They got a goal pretty early and then we tied it up,” recalled Munroe.

“They had three guys on their top line who were pretty unreal. So then they got a second one, we tied it up [again], then they got a third one, then it was 3-2 into third.”

The scoreboard was still at a nail-biting 3-2 well into the third when the Toronto team finally managed to put some distance between them.

“It was like that until about five minutes left, and then they shot one off our guy’s stick and it went in,” added Munroe. “We had to our goalie because it was getting down to the wire, and then they got an empty- netter to make it 5-2.”

Munroe admits it was a little disappointing to get so close to the OFSAA gold

and lose, but he contends the team were ultimately happy with the performance.

“They felt pretty good about getting into the game, and obviously the loss stung a bit, but after that they felt pretty good once the dust settled; they realized that they finished second in the province and they had accomplished quite a lot,” he said.

The team also got some support back home at the Elmira high school, where the Lancers’ games were being streamed in the cafeteria and classrooms.

“So there was a pretty good buzz around the halls as well which was nice,” he said.

The Lancers may have gone into OFSAA relatively unknown, but with a silver in their pocket they’re

sure to be a force to reckon with next season.

“It's nice to get your name out there. ... When we talk to people, at OFSAA and that, a lot of them haven't heard about Elmira high school, so it's nice for them to hear about us and recognize how good these boys are at hockey, for sure.”

While the Lancers’ season is over, the players won’t be kicking back anytime soon. Returning from Barrie on Friday, many of the players had to swap out their school colours for those of the Jr. Sugar Kings, as the Ontario Minor Hockey Association Midget A team is currently embroiled in a series of its own.

The Jr. Sugar Kings are currently in the midst of a battle with Centre Wellington in the playoff finals.

THE SCORE WOOLWICH WILDCATS Atom: Woolwich LL#3

Mar 23 vs Woolwich LL#1 HOME: 9 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Tyler Bauman (2), Cohen Clemmer (2), Johnny Petrone (2), Sebastian Abate, Jackson Kellough, Max Staines

Atom: LL#1

Atom: A

PeeWee: LL3

Mar 24 vs Woolwich Wildcats LL#3 HOME: 1 VISITOR: 5 GOALS: Bryden Schaefer ASSISTS: Zion Shadd

Mar 24 vs Waterloo HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Julia Adams ASSISTS: Lexie De Jeu, Olivia Weiss

ASSISTS: Cohen Clemmer

Atom: A

PeeWee: LL3

Mar 24 vs PeeWee LL1 HOME: 3 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Brody Downs (2), Dawson Brubacher ASSISTS: Lucas Moore (2), Hudson Habermehl, Andrew Zettler

Mar 23 vs Cambridge #1 HOME: 3 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Maria Martin, Bronwyn Rozema, Ava Weber

(2), Ryder Bauman, Tyler Bauman

Mar 23 vs Waterloo HOME: 3 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Kylie Rayfield, Julia Adams, Maya Slot ASSISTS: Maya Slot, Sophia Metzger, Kylie Rayfield, Emily Metzger, Olivia Weiss

Mar 22 vs PeeWee LL 3 HOME: 1 VISITOR: 4 GOALS: Hudson Habermehl (3), Evan Hori ASSISTS: Lucas Moore (2), Brody Downs (2), Andrew Zettler, Max Schwartzentruber

Shutouts: Casey Dronick

ASSISTS: Bronwyn Rozema

Bantam: LL1

(2), Eden Ropp, Maria Martin, Ava Weber, Brooke Wilson

ASSISTS: Tyler Bauman (3),

Sebastian Abate, Cohen Clemmer, Ezekiel Schwartz, Max Staines

WOOLWICH WILD

Atom: LL#3

Mar 24 vs Woolwich LL #1 HOME: 5 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Tyler Bauman, Aaron Dolson, Jackson Kellough, Johnny Petrone, Max Staines

Atom: LL#1

Mar 23 vs Woolwich Wildcats LL#3 HOME: 1 VISITOR: 9 GOALS: Zion Shadd

Mar 18 vs Embro HOME: 2 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Josh Moore, Oscar Fitch ASSISTS: Corbin Schmidt (2)

Novice: LL#2

Bantam: B

Mar 21 vs Waterloo Ravens HOME: 0 VISITOR: 1

Bantam: B

Mar 24 vs Waterloo Ravens HOME: 2 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Marlee Fraser (2) ASSISTS: Kaitlyn Hyatt Bantam: B

Mar 23 vs Waterloo Ravens HOME: 1 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Marlee Fraser ASSISTS: Katie Lee Shutouts: Gwyneth Martin

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019

10 | LO C AL S P ORTS

JACKS: Wellesley looks to keep finding new ground in series against the South Bloomfield Division's Peach Kings FROM 08

at 14:01, followed up by Pickering (Uttley) at 15:56.

Danny Ranson potted one more for good measure at 16:43, with Uttley and Pickering picked up assists.

While the Jacks effectively dominated the period, it wasn’t enough to really cut the deficit. It was 5-3 after 40 minutes.

The third period was by far the roughest period between the two teams so far, with a total of 14 penalties.

Special teams were at play early and often, and Grimsby scored two more with the man advantage. The Peach Kings potted two in quick succession – one at 8:08 and the next at 8:36, unassisted. The result was

a 7-3 win for the visitors.

Game five sees the action return to Grimsby Friday night. Fan buses are available by contacting Chip Seiling at chip@vandel.ca. If necessary, game six will take place back in Wellesley on Sunday afternoon, with game seven booked for Monday night in Grimsby.

Elmira instructor opts for just recreational snowboarding now

BY VERONICA REINER vreiner@woolwichobserver.com

Elmira’s Doug Mooder will be wrapping up winter’s end by retiring his 23-year role as Ontario and Montreal regional coordinator at the Canadian Association of Snowboard Instructors (CASI).

What kept him going for more than two decades?

Mooder cites a real passion for the job and plans on continuing with the hobby long after retirement.

“I’ll still be whipping around snowboarding, but I’ll just be doing it for the sheer love of it,” said Mooder.

CASI is dedicated to training and certifying snowboard instructors and to ensure a national standard of safe and efficient snowboard instruction is maintained. The non-profit organization offers four levels of instructor certification, each one with increasing difficulty, as well as an additional certification in park instruction.

Instructors are evaluated on their teaching as well as their technical skills.

Mooder said passing that highest tier Level 4 was an extremely challenging, but rewarding moment in his career.

“There would have been well over 9,000 people who took the certification course under my watch,”

said Mooder. “So all of the people that I met and taught, and how many of them moved on to great opportunities would sort of be the highlight.

“It’s similar to hockey: you develop life skills that transfer into business.

When you’re teaching and encouraging somebody and fill them full of positive reinforcement – sooner or later you learn that you can transfer that into your own life and teach yourself in the same manner.”

CASI is organized into several regions: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba/ Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic. The organization also certifies instructors and runs teaching courses outside of the country, including Andorra, Japan, and South Korea.

Formerly a skier, Mooder got involved with the CASI organization after moving from Whistler, British Columbia to Ontario and finding a completely different terrain in this province.

“When you’re skiing in Whistler, and you go to Chicopee [Kitchener] – so to go from 5,300 feet to 300 feet – it’s pretty boring,” said Mooder. “So snowboarding made it extremely exciting.

“Not too many people snowboard for a living in Elmira. So for me to continue snowboarding all the time in the offseason, I had to continue to find a way to

make a living out of it.”

Mooder explained his teaching style evolved over the years, but is mainly based on a disciplined work ethic.

“I was always a natural – pedagogical – teaching minded because I wasn’t an athlete, but I was brought up with a strict work ethic.

If you wanted something, you would discipline yourself and work hard at it. I worked hard to get good at it, and it really helped me as a teacher.”

Another career challenge was to watch trainees not able to pass the course and to offer advice as to how they could improve for next time.

“The hardest part is when people weren’t successful. The first time I tried my highest level and didn’t pass, they didn’t take the time to explain to me why I wasn’t successful, so I always made sure to explain to people how to get there and why I made the decision I made, and the training involved to be successful eventually. That was my strategy.”

Even without the snowboarding gig, Mooder still has plenty to keep him busy. He has his landscape design company, Mooder Horticultural, to work on during the warmer summer months, plus he and his wife have two children and two dogs to care for.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | 11

ELECTRICITY MARKET

RUBBER WORKERS Many years after rubber manufacturing plants left the region, former workers and surviving family members are being urged to attend information sessions in Kitchener this week to investigate occupational disease cases and potential compensation. An information session is set for Thursday (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Friday (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the Holiday Inn on Fairway Road in Kitchener.

Let's keep the local economic engines firing? We want to shine a light on new local enterprises.

Online: observerxtra.com/enterprise

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is introducing changes to Ontario's electricity system it says will help save Ontarians about $3.4 billion over a 10-year period. The changes include holding annual capacity auctions to acquire electricity resources at lowest cost that can be called upon when and where they are needed to meet Ontario electricity needs.

YouthForce about more than landing a summer job E M P LOY M E N T O P T I O N S

Region looks to expand program that aims to break the cycle of poverty, participants to get life skills

BY FAISAL ALI fali@woolwichobserver.com

It’s about more than just finding a summer job when it comes to YouthForce.

The program, a partnership between the Region of Waterloo and local community centres, was designed to not only help youth find gainful employment during the summer months, but to also help better their communities – all while gaining valuable skills and experience in the process.

The goal is to “break the cycle of poverty” in the region’s youth; and with YouthForce entering its fourth year this summer, the program is hoping to expand its impact.

“The YouthForce program is an economic development program focussed on helping youth living in and around Waterloo Region housing community,” says Mina Fayez-Bahgat, manager of Waterloo Region Housing. “And basically it’s a partnership between Waterloo Region Housing and four different community centres that operate within our community and actually have community centres within our community housing.”

At its core, the program employs and trains youth in the region to perform house inspections of the region’s community housing units. These inspections are required by legislation for not-for-profit and af-

fordable housing.

“We have to inspect units once a year for life safety checks like smoke detectors, windows, locks and doors,” says Fayez-Bahgat.

With thousands of units to cover, it can be a time consuming task for a small staff to go through. Rather than have a small team of government inspectors carry out the inspections over the year, a team of youths can do the same in a summer.

This year, the program is hoping to hire up to 40 young people to complete 5,000 inspections.

The program sees participants spend a week in training, and the next eight weeks of the summer working out in the field.

Four-and-a-half days of the week are spent performing inspections and an additional half-day is spent in the classroom focussed on personal development.

“The idea is that it’s a personal development program, not just a summer job,” says Fayez-Bahgat. “In those eight curriculum sessions, they would do things like resume building, job development, job readiness, even things like social media awareness, financial literacy and management, because often the program really focuses on first time employees.”

At the end of the eight weeks, the youth return to school and to their communities with a host of new skills and training

Canola crisis will take a toll on farmers

OWEN ROBERTS FOOD FOR THOUGHT

E

Images from the region's YouthForce video show the program at work.

and practical experience.

Moreover, involvement in activities like community barbeques and outdoor beautification help youth

connect with their own neighbourhoods, and foster a sense of community pride.

“So when they finish

Your paper. Online.

[REGION OF WATERLOO]

the eight weeks of the job, they’ll have a polished résumé, a polished cover letter, polished skills in interYOUTH FORCE | 12

veryone in Canadian agriculture has been watching with bated breath over the past week to see how Canada would respond to China’s vindictive and mean-spirited decision to stop Canadian canola imports.

As the Observer was going to press, the prime minister had announced our country was assembling a high-level delegation – including agriculture and agri-food minister Marie-Claude Bibeau – to go to China and address the situation.

The question is … how?

And what are farmers supposed to do as this standoff continues?

For the government, just showing up is the first step. Canada hasn’t had an official presence in China since January, when former ambassador John McCallum stepped in it and was fired for making comments about the case before the courts involving detained Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou.

Then would have been the time to swoop in with a new ambassador to try to ROBERTS | 12

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TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019

12 | BUSI N E S S V E NT URE S

ROBERTS: Canada's canola farmers the latest to feel the sting in one-sided lashing out by China FROM 11

put a Band-Aid on the situation, which was clearly boiling over.

But that didn’t happen, so here we are now in what is tantamount to a crisis for prairie farmers, who grow nearly all of Canada’s canola (it grows much better on the dry-ish prairies than it does in comparatively wet and humid eastern Canada). The Canadian Canola Council says canola seed exports to China are worth more than $2.5 billion annually. This is a huge export market, and to prairie farmers, this is a crisis.

And why does China buy

Canadian canola? Because of quality. Canadian exporters know better than to jeopardize that market. There are inspection checks and balances in place to make sure shipments to China do not contain contaminants like insects and fungi. That’s why China says it’s shutting out Canadian imports... and that is very, very unlikely. This is a political retaliatory matter for us following international law and keeping hi-tech executive Wanzhou in jail at the Americans’ request.

Terry Youzwa, who farms near Nipawin, Saskatch-

ewan, described the situation on his farm on the agricultural website RealAgriculture: “It’s our livelihood at stake every day. It’s disrupted, it’s unknown, it’s uncertainty… it affects the industry’s ability to continue to plan and project and move product and it has a huge impact on the country. It’s very frustrating to be shut out of our largest market. This is why you need your national organizations and your federal government constantly nurturing these relationships to keep trade functioning … the only thing we

really know is that China will act in the interest of China.”

On the ground, the immediate problem is this: Like most farmers, canola growers make plans well ahead of the planting season; few wait until the last minute to decide what they’re going to grow.

They have some measure of flexibility, but if they’re going to get the specific seed and other inputs they want, they need to plan in advance.

So what happens to them if China – which buys 40 per cent of Canada’s canola oil, seed and

meal – decides to keep the door closed, and buy other oilseeds such as soybeans from our competitors, who are more than willing to take advantage of the situation? The planting season is approaching. Do they scale back their canola acreage?

Governments have been good at acknowledging how, after research findings led by University of Guelph professor Andria Jones-Bitton and her team, farmers have been silently dealing with mental health issues for years. It’s the unpredictability of the sector and situations much less

volatile than this, that keep them up and nights.

With mental health in mind, imagine being a farmer right now. You wake up in the morning, see how the snow has disappeared and the frost is coming out of the ground, and wonder what you are going to grow on the thousands of acres of farmland you see out your window.

This crisis has the potential to have much more than an economic impact.

The government needs to find a diplomatic way to settle it now, and try to prevent similar cases from happening in the future.

YOUTH FORCE: Training for a future of prospects FROM 11

viewing. A whole bunch of training like WHMS, health and safety and customer service,” says Fayez-Bahgat. “All these different certificates in their back pockets so they have a pretty good portfolio of materials for their next job opportunity.”

The program is run in partnership with four community centres in the

The program hosted job fairs earlier this month in a bid to grow its numbers. [SUBMITTED]

region, which in turn hire on the youth: the Greenway-Chaplin, Carizon, Langs and Kinbridge. The YouthForce inspectors then are able to provide inspections for both regional housing and other not-for-profit housing. But YouthForce could grow beyond community housing into private housing inspections as well, notes Fayez-Bahgat.

“Our goal is to grow it.

Our goal is to become a social enterprise in three years, where the community centres can actually turn this into a longstanding sustainable program that is serving all landlords, not just community housing.

They could service private landlords, student housing landlords, because the legislation is pretty much the same.”

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | 13

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FEDERAL BUDGET

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Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) welcomed last week’s federal budget, which contains a funding envelope of $3.9 billion to compensate Canada's dairy, poultry, and egg sectors for the impact of concessions granted in the recent Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Of that amount, $2.15 billion would be available for income losses and another $1.5 billion for a Quota Value Guarantee Program.

The federal Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food last week announced new funding of up to $31 million to increase the number of detector dogs at Canadian airports to help prevent illegally imported meat products from entering into Canada. This funding will allow for the addition of 24 detector dog teams over five years, bringing the total number to 39 food, plant, and animal detector dog service (DDS) teams.

E Y E O N OT TAWA

CFA welcomes provisions in new federal budget Several provisions in last week’s federal budget were welcomed by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), which notes the government recognized many of the group’s pre-budget submission recommendations.

Some of the announcements that are of particular importance to the agriculture sector include the development of a National Food Policy, which provides a platform through which CFA hopes will enable a whole-of-government approach to Canadian Agri-Food policy, an initiative CFA has been calling for since 2011, the group said in a release.

The policy will focus on tackling food waste, improving community access to healthy food and will shine a spotlight on Canadian food both at home and abroad. The CFA said it looks forward to working with a number of key departments and industry stakeholders to ensure this policy helps leverage the sector’s immense economic potential, in meeting ambitious growth targets set by the Agri-food Economic Strategy table for agri-food exports and domestic sales.

“We will also be working closely with the federal government on areas noted in the budget that have been earmarked for consultative review,” noted CFA president Mary Robinson.

“Overall, it appears this budget is a step in the right

direction.”

One initiative within the National Food Policy is a three-year agricultural immigration pilot that CFA has called for, which the group says is an excellent addition to the recently announced rural immigration pilot. For decades farm labour has been and continues to be a critical issue for farmers, and while CFA awaits further details on this announcement, programs like this are critical in helping alleviate critical labour shortages while creating a skilled agricultural workforce for the future in Canada.

The federation said it is pleased to see the call for small business deduction relief for farmers and fishers selling to affiliated corporations. These deductions will ensure farmers and fishers regain access to their small business deduction, enabling producers unduly affected by changes announced in 2016 to invest in their businesses, making them more efficient, sustainable and profitable over time.

The commitment of $5 to $6 billion to provide high-speed internet to 100 per cent of Canada by 2030 was also welcomed as vital for farmers to be able to conduct simple day to day e-commerce as well as embrace cutting-edge precision agriculture technology.

CFA also notes the support for supply managed sectors following the ratifiBUDGET | 16

The Grain Farmers of Ontario offer up ways to include more grains in your diet in response to a survey about dietary fibre.

Survey finds we're not eating enough grains Grains are an important part of any healthy diet.

Packed with essential nutrients that can be hard to get from other food groups, like iron, fibre and B vitamins, they also help reduce blood cholesterol, may lower the risk of heart disease and keep you fuller longer. Yet many of us still aren’t consuming enough grains, according to a survey by the Grain Farmers of Ontario.

The study found that although 90 per cent of Canadians found fibre to be the most important nutrient to include in their daily diet, only 65 per cent ensure it’s included in their diet plans. While one in five millennials consume four or more grain-based

products on an average day, only eight per cent of seniors do.

The organization offers up some tips and ideas to add more grains to your diet: Check your plate. An excellent rule of thumb is to divide up your plate to make sure you’re getting the right amounts of everything you need to stay healthy. Fill up half with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with lean proteins and a quarter with grains.

Try a new recipe. Why not experiment in the kitchen with a new comforting recipe for a stew, soup or chili? Add foods like barley, whole wheat pasta, wheat berries, or brown or wild rice for a

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Feds, province announce new supports for corn insurance Corn producers who struggled with wet weather last year will have access to more supports under a joint federal-provincial program announced last week.

Improvements to the corn production insurance plan will provide a new tiered corn salvage benefit to farmers who dealt with deoxynivalenol (DON) in their corn crop.

The new tiered salvage benefit will more accurately reflect the additional costs associated with harvesting and handling corn affected by DON and help producers trying to find a market for it, say officials.

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The 2018-19 Elmira Sugar Kings. Players are James Valente, Harrison Toms, Damian Figueira, Anthony Azzano, Brock McKenzie, Liam Burke, Tyson Hillier, Ivan Brewer, Ca Jacob Black, Isaac Taylor, Mat Woroniuk, Rhett Kimmel. Staff are head coach Rob Collins, assistant coach Joe Amlinger, goalie coach Nick Horrigan, general manager Kev

Sugar Kings’ season was one o

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It was a tumultuous year for the Elmira Sugar Kings, with challenges being faced both on and off the ice. In a season that saw the club roll out a strong lineup of new and returning players, the team nonetheless found their time cut short after a tight playoff series against the Kitchener Dutchmen earlier this month.

The two teams proved

Way to go Kings!

to be so evenly matched, sharing the fourth and fifth place spots in the Midwestern Conference standings, that it took the full seven games of the playoff series to settle a victor. Ultimately, it was Dutchmen that squeaked by, leaving Elmira in the dust. “[It was] a disappointing season for us,” said director of hockey operations Jeff Snyder. “We've been spoiled a bit I guess. We've had pretty good success in

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“I liked some things I saw near the end of the year from our team, but we maybe didn't get playing our best hockey until too late in the season. And then we had a little bit of a tougher time carrying that over into the playoffs.”

Elmira boasted a strong returning core of players this year, and a good intake of newer players. Team veterans like Jeremey and Kurtis Goodwin (the latter of whom took a much more offensive track this year), Zack Cameron and Anthony Azzano were joined by such newcomers as Brody Waters, Damian Figueira and Hunter Dubecki.

Dubecki proved to be an

exceptional early addition to the team this year. Coming from the Brantford 99ers, the 5’ 11”, 175 lbs forward put pucks in the net (18) and picked up the 56 points to lead the team on both fronts.

Waters was another young upstart to add some serious firepower to the board. The grandson of longtime local hockey booster Bob Waters, the young player was one of the leading scorers of the team until an injury put him out of the fight. The hockey prodigy nonetheless was able to pick up a respectable nine goals and 15 assists over 21 games.

“For a 16-year-old kid to come in and do that is quite impressive in our league. He's a good local kid that we feel was really

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of pushing through adversity progressing and would have just kept getting better and better,” said Snyder of Waters’ record.

“His injury really hurt our team as well. He was off to a great start and then had surgery at the end of November and didn't come back until right at the end of the season,” he noted.

Perhaps the biggest personnel change for the team came off the ice, though, when head coach Trent Brown was dismissed in January. Coming so late in the season, the move caught many by surprise, including the coach himself, but the Kings nonetheless were able to power through the adversity under the team’s new head coach Rob Collins.

The Kings had by all accounts a strong regular

season, posting regular wins against teams like the Waterloo Siskins which led the pack throughout the season. However, the Kitchener Dutchmen proved to have Elmira’s number right from the get-go, starting with a 4-0 shutout in the Kings’ very first game of the season.

The Dutchmen would go on to edge out the Kings four more times throughout the season (again by a 4-0 spread in early December). But Elmira finally saw its fortunes reversed in their last meeting in February before the playoffs, when the Kings came through with a 3-2 victory.

The Kitchener Dutchmen ultimately placed fourth in the division with 61 points, just three ahead of the fifth place Sugar

Kings at 58. With the two teams sharing the middle two spots in the standings, they would be forced into what proved to be an incredibly tight playoff series.

Ultimately, the series would be played down to the wire, with both teams squaring off in a winnertakes-all game seven at the Kitchener arena on March 9. The win would end up going to the Dutchmen, coincidentally in another 4-0 shutout, leaving the

Kings out in the cold.

Despite the loss, the team is already looking to shaping up their roster and systems for next season.

“We're blessed in Elmira, we get great fan support and it really helps motivate our team, and makes Sunday nights at the Elmira arena a great place to be,” said Snyder.

“We always appreciate the great fan support we get, and hopefully we can give them a little bit more to cheer about next year.”

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under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will begin in the 2019 crop year for eligible corn farmers, and the salvage benefit is expanded to include organic corn producers.

“We understand that this continues to be a significant issue for Ontario corn farmers and the sector atlarge,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership we are helping farmers access the tools and support that they need to overcome difficult situations and manage future risk, while also looking towards longterm solutions to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the agriculture sector.”

“Our government is working for the people of Ontario and strengthening supports for hard-working farmers, producers, and others working in the corn sector who are dealing with considerable challenges because of DON,” added

Ernie Hardeman, Ontario’s minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

“We want to help Ontario farmers and others working in our agricultural sector succeed, and we’ll keep working to find ways so they can be profitable and get ahead.”

This new corn salvage benefit builds on previous government responses to DON-impacted Ontario farmers, including: Establishing a partnership with the Grain Farmers of Ontario on proposed research into such areas as developing best management practices for in-season mitigation of DON and for effectively managing the storage of high-DON corn.

The provincial government extending its Commodity Loan Guarantee Program loan repayment deadline, giving producers affected by DON additional time to market their corn.

The Ontario government also increased the maximum guaranteed loan limit, on a pilot basis, from

$120 million to $200 million for the 2019 and 2020 program years.

Launching a cost-share program through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to provide special assistance to farmers experiencing revenue loss over testing for DON. In addition to the supports to help manage the impacts of DON, the Ontario government also hosted two roundtable sessions with industry representatives to work on connecting farmers with mental health supports and to provide solutions to help the sector find alternate markets for high-DON corn.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a toxic substance caused by a fungus that lowers the market value of affected corn and can render it unmarketable at high levels.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a fiveyear, $3 billion commitment by Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors.

 BUDGET: CFA wants to see more movement on the federal goverment's push for regulatory modernization FROM 13

cation of trade deals such as CETA and the CPTPP. However, the details of these provisions must be looked at more closely and CFA will work with its supply managed members to assess these provisions and ensure they adequately respond to the loss of markets that came about through concessions made under both agreements.

The group praised the continued push for regulatory modernization, building on announcements made in 2018’s fall economic statement. In pursuing regulatory roadmaps that create a more

responsive, adaptive, and user-friendly regulatory system, Canadian producers look forward to modernization efforts aimed

at enabling more timely access to innovative products and reduced costs associated with unnecessary regulatory burden.

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O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | 17

A WORLD STAGE

FRONT AND CENTRE This is the Point, an award-winning play about love, sex, and disability, finishes its nine-city national tour with performances March 28-31 at the Theatre of the Arts, University of Waterloo. There will be discussion events before and after the performances, as well.

Your local hub for our creative communities. Let us know when inspiration strikes.

www.greenlight-arts.com

IMarking the 58th anniversary of World Theatre Day, a celebration for those who can see the value and importance of the art form, K-W’s MT Space is currently performing its original plays AMAL and The Last 15 Seconds in Tunisia and Egypt, acting as ambassadors for Canadian theatre internationally. www.world-theatre-day.org

Online: observerxtra.com/showtime

O N STAG E

Finding the comedy in the tragedy that is Romeo and Juliet Guelph Little Theatre takes an alternative approach to Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-crossed lovers

BY FAISAL ALI fali@woolwichobserver.com

We already know how this story ends – in tragedy and death for the young couple at its centre – but what often gets missed are the comedic beats that move the story along. Indeed, it’s those moments of levity and humour that make the dark parts all the more poignant for audiences and, at least originally, shocking too.

It’s those elements of classic Shakespearean wit that the troupe at the Guelph Little Theatre want to lean into in their upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet, which opens next Thursday.

“I'm trying to pull as much funny out of it as I can. So we're going for as much comedy as we can find,” explains play director Scott Lale. “[Audiences] start the play at the end. You come on and you know it's a tragedy already just by the way it presents itself,” he says. “So the whole idea is, it wouldn't have been that way, and it would have been fun and boisterous, and you find the comedy, you find the fun, and in a way that makes... the ending that much worse.”

In that way, Lale hopes to take the story back to its roots. And it was that same search for authenticity that led the director to try an alternative approach to presenting the story – one that

This Guelph Little Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet employs a minimalist set design, mimicking the style of theatre prevalent in Shakespeare’s own time.

Pictured, Julian Murphy plays the titular role of Romeo. [SUBMITTED]

many modern audiences may not have experienced before, but would likely have been right at home in Shakespeare’s own time.

“The way it would have been performed originally was a lot rougher, a little more in-your-face,” says Lale. “The term I always use meta-theatrical, which is a really fancy word

meaning its very self aware of the fact that's it’s a piece of theatre.”

Gone are the many of the frills, elaborate set pieces and even the curtains to screen actors “offstage”, which were more modern additions to theatre, in favour of a sparse and open set design. The idea is to mimic the open-air the-

atres more prevalent of the time, “There's always this thing that Juliet's got to be on a balcony,” says Lale, of the typical example of modern set design. “[Originally], she would have stood on a box behind a curtain, because that's what they do. There's no big set changes because

they didn't have the time, and the audience wouldn't have stood for it, and that's sort of the way we're going.”

Bringing the meta-theatrical production to life on stage is a diverse cast of 14 members.

“They run the gamut of experience, some not having been on stage more

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than once in high school, and now it's 20 years later and they jumped in with both feet. And some with a terrific amount of experience professionally in England and beyond that,” says Lale. “We also run the gamut in ages: our youngest performer is 15, and our oldest performer will be 89 when we hit stage.”

For Julian Murphy, who takes the leading role of Romeo, working in the minimalist setting has its challenges, but ultimately allowed him more creative freedom, he says.

“On the one hand, there's less costuming and less sets, which initially seems like it might inhibit,” says Murphy. “But in everything that I've found, I've found that it's opened me up and allowed me to explore the different venues of the character that I want to portray.”

Romeo and Juliet opens April 4 at the Little Guelph Theatre on 176 Morris St., Guelph, and runs for ten days with a final show on April 14. Show times are at 8 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“I would say that this is probably going be the funniest Romeo and Juliet you've seen,” says Murphy.

“And it's also probably going to be one of the most heart-wrenching just because it has such a funny quality to it, but also such an emotional and such a real component as well.”

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019

18 | C RE ATIV E A RTS

©2019 Western Canada Press wcp1@shaw.ca 403-288-8828

Made for Life in Canada.

325 Arthur St. S., Elmira

519-669-2727

The Canadian Tire store in Elmira continues to be a destination of choice for those who appreciate one-stop convenience from a proud Canadian retailer.

More than ever before shoppers are searching for real value for their hard earned money. Canadian Tire not only offers you valued priced Automotive, Tools & Hardware, Sports and Recreation, Outdoor Living, and Home and Essentials products everyday, but you also receive Canadian Tire Money® which has grown to become one of the country’s most popular customer loyalty rewards programs ever!

You also get the value-added Triangle Rewards™ card and can be redeemed for the stuff you love at Canadian Tire, Sport Chek, Atmosphere and Mark’s. With a Triangle™ Credit Card, you’ll earn 4% back in Canadian Tire Money® at these great retailers. Also download the Triangle App to make the most of your rewards.

Canadian Tire was originally founded in Toronto, Ontario back in 1922 and today has over 487 stores. Associate Dealer Shaun Gallagher operates the modern store in Elmira, and is assisted by a helpful staff.

Having your tires replaced at Canadian Tire is an opportunity to enhance your driving pleasure. They have the best selection anywhere including their own MotoMaster brand tires at money-saving prices.

If your vehicle stops working, something doesn’t sound right or you just want an inspection, give the Canadian Tire Auto Centre a call. They use state-of-the-art service equipment along with guaranteed parts that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s original equipment specifications.

Canadian Tire has a Seasonal Garden Centre, a Fishing Pro Shop, skate sharpening, and propane cylinder exchange. Gift cards are available and are the perfect gift for everyone.

For your convenience you can view their weekly flyer or shop online at www.canadiantire.ca and pick up your purchase at the locally owned and operated Canadian Tire store in Elmira.

Canadian Tire offer everyday low prices, great weekly specials, along with consumer rewards second to none, and come highly recommend to all of our readers.

A Great Place to Buy a Premium Quality Bike 7998 Line 86 Wallenstein

519-698-0418

Bicycles are becoming more and more popular every year, with many people returning to cycling as a healthy form of exercise. Cycling is an excellent way to beat the continually rising fuel costs and help the environment by cycling to school, work, and running errands.

Whether your bike is your commuter, your race rig, or your favorite form of recreation, Frey Bicycles are there to make that relationship as good as it can get.

Frey Bicycles will help you determine your needs, size a bike properly, outline the newest innovations, and offer honest advice to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase.

You can expect quality high-end bikes, assembled and ready to ride.

From road, and mountain to hybrid bikes, Frey Bicycles has what you want. They are an authorized Cannondale dealer and also feature bikes by Raleigh, and Kuota.

Frey Bicycles offers full service professional repair services. From fixing your flat to performance tunes they can keep you rolling.

They also offer a complete line of parts, drivetrain, controls, wheels, suspension, handle bar grips/tape, seatposts/saddles etc.

Let local owner and avid cyclist Stewart Frey show you the difference that quality, service and experience can make.

His company Frey Bicycles has been the logical place to buy a bike since their launch in October 2015.

From the high quality bicycles and parts that Frey Bicycles offers, each bike is specifically built to each client’s needs and demands. While they have complete bicycles in their showroom, each bicycle has unique specifications, ride qualities, and professional fit to complement the client’s riding style, goals, and abilities.

Visit them today and see what’s new for the cycling season ahead, or drop off your bicycle for repairs. Like them on facebook.

“Where Customers Become Good Friends” 3686 Manser Road Linwood

519-698-2520

For over 35 years, Linwood Garage has brought excellent car repair and service to the region. Known for going the extra mile, the mechanics at Linwood Garage will provide fair prices and timely service.

To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, Linwood Garage offer a number of services that are carried out by their certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to general repairs.

Linwood Garage is a family owned and operated business guided by Jacob and Alicia Decker who provide a customer friendly alternative to dealership service centers.

Being a progressive business Linwood Garage recently had the exterior of the building refurbished, giving it a fresh new look.

The right service and repair extends the life of any vehicle. Linwood Garage is focused on providing highquality service and customer satisfaction - they will do everything they can to meet your expectations.

Linwood Garage is a NAPA AUTOPRO business that has the tools and technology on site to accurately diagnose your vehicle’s problems. Services include maintenance, computer diagnostics, oil changes, brakes, alignment, tires, tire change-overs, suspension, exhaust, engine, transmission service, windshield, AC service, and electrical.

Their workmanship is guaranteed with a 24 Month 40,000 km Peace of Mind Warranty. Linwood Garage uses quality NAPA auto parts that meet or exceed OEM specifications.

When your Check Engine Light comes on, drop

by Linwood Garage. Appointments are preferred, but emergency situations will be handled as quickly as possible.

If you are looking for one of the best repair services in this region, you can always depend on Linwood Garage.

Call today to request an appointment or quote. Visit online www.linwoodgarage.ca Like them on Facebook.

Truck Service “Your Comfort is our #1 Priority” 75 Rankin St., Waterloo www.dunnheating.com

519-746-6000

Whether you need repairs right away or simply want to avoid costly problems down the road, Dunn Heating ClimateCare is ready to take care of all your heating and cooling needs.

Today, the latest technology from Climatecare® not only saves you money on heating and cooling costs, but also allows you to take control of your comfort-- temperature, indoor air quality, and noise levels. Dunn Heating ClimateCare offers brands such as Carrier, York, Lennox, and Keeprite.

For those critical times when you just can’t make it until regular business hours, Dunn Heating ClimateCare a Dave Lennox Premier Dealer® offers emergency service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

With a history dating back to 1973, Dunn Heating ClimateCare provides a number of high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioning systems that significantly reduce the amount of energy you use–which will save you money on utility costs month after month.

Ask about their Energy Star rated products including heat pumps, air cleaners and humidifiers that provide clean, quality indoor air for your family.

For added security when the power goes out Dunn Heating ClimateCare can supply and install natural gas and propane fireplaces.

Second-generation HVAC contractor and local owner Rick Dunn guides this family-owned company, and is assisted by some of the best people in the industry. His company is an award winning business (a multi-year Readers Choice Award winner Kitchener Post including 2017-2018, and 2019 Gold). They are also Consumer Choice Award winners for 2017-2018, and 2019.

Take advantage of current rebates to save money.

They are an authorized dealer for Kitchener Utilities.

Also financing is available on approved credit.

Contact them today for a quote or visit their website www.dunnheating.com for further information, and to signup for their Newsletter. Call today and find out why so many satisfied customers say “Well Done by Dunn.”

Take Pride In Getting You Back On The Road FAST! 7055 Wellington Rd 12, Drayton

519-638-5870

At Marvara Truck Service, they pride themselves on customer service and attention to detail and ensure that clients are 100% satisfied, while fixing your truck right, the first time.

The mechanics at Marvara Truck Service have numerous years of combined experience in handling all kinds of diesel truck brands, and engines. They only hire mechanics that are knowledgeable and professional, so when you call them you know your truck will be repaired properly. As a customer, you’ll find prompt service, helpful attitudes, and a dependable repair service that you can always count on.

Local manager Tyler Woeschka and his technicians, know that their customers have high expectations when it comes to having their truck repaired in a timely matter, getting them back on the road.

Nowadays professional truck mechanics must continually adapt to varying technology and repair techniques. Modern, state-of-the-art integrated electronic systems and complex computers help regulate trucks and their performance while on the road. This rising sophistication requires highly trained technicians who can use speciazed shop equipment and work with electronic components, while maintaining their personal skills with traditional hand tools.

Marvara Truck Service is a fully equipped truck repair center that provides professional diagnostic problem solving for all makes and models of trucks and trailers.

When you think about it, you know your truck better than anyone else. You drive it every day and know how it feels and sounds when everything is right. If you notice an issue with your truck, bring it into Marvara Truck Service.

They will make sure that the problem is properly diagnosed and corrected. Appointments are preferred, but emergency situations will be addressed in a timely manner.

If your truck is having problems or you have upcoming maintenance, or perhaps you’re looking for a fleet solution, Marvara Truck Service can take care of all your trucking needs.

Call today to request an appointment or quote. Like them on Facebook.

8585 Hwy 23, Listowel (New Location)

519-291-1230

The heart and soul of Palmerston Rent-All Ltd. comes down to one thing and one thing only: helping people.

Palmerston Rent-All Ltd. is a service driven organization with a very knowledgeable staff dedicated to assist their clients in obtaining rental equipment for a vast array of projects.

Local contractors, farmers, and homeowners are sometimes confronted with the problem of lacking adequate tools and equipment to complete a project, be it new construction, renovations, landscaping or gardening. The pending job may be the only time you will ever require these specific tools, so don’t buy them, rent them from Palmerston Rent-All Ltd. Equipment rental from Palmerston Rent-All Ltd. frees up your capital, plus it does not appear on your balance sheet as a liability so you increase your borrowing power to help grow your business. Renting is also a great way to try equipment of a similar type or brand before you decide to invest in a purchase. Palmerston Rent-All Ltd. is the inexpensive solution to completing projects. Daily, weekly and monthly rentals are available to meet your rental needs.

Established in November 1991 by Reg Dineen, Palmerston Rent-All Ltd. is today locally owned and operated by Nancy and Leland Biehn who took over the business on June 25, 2018.

Palmerston Rent-All Ltd. has an excellent in-stock inventory of lawn and garden equipment, air compressors, cement breaking & drilling, cement equipment, compaction, electric tools, flooring equipment, generators, heaters, jacks, plumbing, saws, log splitters, fastening, diamond drills & blades, laser & levels, scaffolding, ladders, automotive, pumps, and much more.

Visit their website www.palmerstonrent-all.com for a list of rental products, or to get a quote online. Also, Like them on Facebook.

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

C RE ATIV E ARTS | 19

H E A R I N G A I D BUY ONE GET ONE 50% OFF

BOGO

So, You’ve Written a Will...

ONE OF OUR BIGGEST PROMOTIONS OF THE YEAR!!!

Did you know we have new name?

ListenUP! Canada is now HearingLife.

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The signs on the outside might be changing, but the values on the inside remain the same. To celebrate our new look, we are offering our best promotion yet: BOGO – Buy one hearing aid and get one ½ price during this limited time event.

Plan Today to Protect Your Family Tomorrow

This limited-time offer ends April 30th, 2019.

Call us today to book your FREE, no obligation hearing assessment!

Call a nearby clinic below or visit HearingLife.ca/BOGO50 Belmore, Linwood, Milverton Special Clinic Days Available Call Jory at 1-888-243-0558

but are ALL your ducks in a row?

Guelph 2-690 Woolwich Street Call Erin at 1-888-252-8607

Mitchell Special Clinic Days Available Call Barb at 1-888-253-8817

Cambridge Hespeler 1 Hespeler Road Call Jennifer at 1-888-242-2217

Kitchener 558 Belmont Avenue West Call Rachel at 1-888-242-2381

Stratford 295 Huron Street Call Barb at 1-888-253-8817

Cambridge St. Andrews 190 St. Andrews Street Call Rhonda at 1-888-252-0462

Kitchener - Fairway 500 Fairway Road South Call Nicole at 1-888-253-1493

Waterloo 304-99 Northfield Drive East Call Ralinda at 1-888-244-0578

Fergus 100 McQueen Boulevard Call Rachel at 1-888-242-2319

Listowel 1195 Wallace Avenue North Call Dawn at 1-888-243-0558

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Wednesday April 10th Choose your preferred time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM 1172 Henry Street, Wellesley Ontario Seating is limited.

RSVP today!

619-656-2880 OR rsvp@ResolvedEstate.ca

Refreshments will be served!

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Learn TWELVE Pre-planning priorities to make things easier for your family.

Formerly

This limited-time offer applies to private and ADP sales of select hearing aids and is subject to change without notice. For ADP sales, the 50% discount is after the grant is applied. This offer cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts for hearing aids. No-cost Hearing tests are provided to adults ages 19 and older. A fee will apply for a copy of your audiogram. Child hearing tests are conducted at select locations Promo Code for a fee, please contact us for more information.Some conditions may apply. Please see clinic for details. Offer not valid in Quebec. Offer expires 04/30/19.

Contact us today for more information: Phone: (519) 656-2880 Fax: (519) 656-2882 Email: chris@futher-franklinfuneralhome.com

www.futher-franklinfuneralhome.com

NSP-BOGO-WOOB

ROAD SAFETY TAKES

YOU AND ME

The Region of Waterloo is improving safety on regional roads with education, increased traffic enforcement and planned changes to infrastructure. But a full solution takes all of us. Whether you ride, walk or drive, there’s no road safety without you.

Walking

Driving

There are many great reasons to walk in Waterloo Region. Walking keeps us healthy, protects the environment and reduces traffic.

To make sure every walk is a safe one, drivers and pedestrians need to be extra cautious at signalized intersections. This is where most pedestrian collisions happen.

In Waterloo Region, rear-end collisions at intersections account for the majority of injury-causing collisions. Fortunately, they’re easy to prevent. When following another vehicle, take an extra second, keep your eyes on the road and give yourself plenty of space to stop. It’s that simple.

Traffic signals are not safety devices, so you must be aware of your surroundings. Take an extra second to double check that the way is clear before you enter an intersection.

Entering roundabouts is another frequent way that motorists collide.

Did you know that, before you enter a roundabout, you have to yield to traffic in all lanes – not just the outside lane? Pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles in the roundabout always have the right of way.

Take an extra second to yield smart and avoid a costly collision.

Cycling Cycling is one of the most versatile ways to get around the Region.

Since bicycles share the road with other vehicles, it’s important that we work together to create a safe space for everyone. There are some easy steps we can all take to eliminate injury.

With 74% of cycling collisions happening at signalized intersections, drivers should expect cyclists at every traffic signal. Always check your blind spot before turning or changing lanes. When cycling, be sure to use the rightmost through lane (not the crosswalk).

Make eye contact with drivers and be aware of traffic around you.

Want to join the Safe Roads solution?

Visit SafeRoadsWR.com

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | 20

Classified Ads, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices, Obituaries and Family Album Announcements Office: Phone: Fax: Email:

20B Arthur St. N., Elmira 519-669-5790 Ext. 104 519-669-5753 ads@woolwichobserver.com

Deadline: Wednesdays by 10am

Classified Ad - Text Ads

Placing Classified Advertising

Residential: $9.00 per 20 words (extra words: 20¢ per word) Commercial: $15.00 per 20 words (extra words: 30¢ per word)

Classified advertising will be accepted in person, email, phone or fax during regular office hours. All classified advertising are prepaid. Ask about the Service Directory, Real Estate and Family Album advertising.

Classified Ad - Display Ads Phone: 519-669-5790 Ext. 104

Observer advertising rates, policies and specifications are available at: www.observerxtra.com/media-kit

Please call Donna for a quote.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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

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

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

is accepting applications for the position of:

We currently have an opening for:

We currently have an opening for:

Sow Farm Barn Maintenance/Technician Seeking a person who enjoys working with livestock and people.

• Daily maintenance, repairs and general farm duties • Knowledge in welding, plumbing and electrical is preferred.

• Must be able to operate tractors and perform yard duties.

• Able to work regular shift days and alternate weekends • Must follow all bio-security protocols At Floradale Feed Mill Limited we take pride in providing the finest in quality feeds and service to our customers in the livestock and poultry industries. Therefore, a background in agriculture is considered an asset.

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

To apply, forward your resume and three references to: Human Resources Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: ffmjobs@ffmltd.com We appreciate all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

HELP WANTED

Elmira Donuts & Deli is looking for someone to join our team.

This person will enjoy a fast paced work place with lots of variety.

Shifts: 6 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. or 9 a.m. - 5:45 p.m. and Saturdays To apply call 519-669-5353 and ask for Sarah or drop in: 22 Church St. W. Elmira

Production Worker / Night Loader

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

This fulltime position will involve shift work week days (Monday to Friday) with an occasional Saturday shift.

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

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

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

Qualifications and Skills The successful applicant will have • Strong oral and written communication skills • Able to drive and maneuver large trucks on site • Ability to develop effective work relationships with co-workers, and • Ability to represent the Company positively with customers.

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

To apply, forward your resume, a copy of your driver’s abstract and three references to:

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

Human Resources Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: ffmjobs@ffmltd.com

To apply, forward your resume and three references to:

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

Human Resources Floradale Feed Mill Limited 2131 Floradale Road, Floradale, ON N0B 1V0 Or e-mail: ffmjobs@ffmltd.com We appreciate all who apply but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

HELP WANTED

For a detailed job description and instructions for applying please refer to theTownship of Woolwich website at www.woolwich.ca.

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS HELP WANTED

2ND OR 3RD YEAR ELECTRICAL APPRENtice. Licence 309A. Send resume to: h-celectric@ sympatico.ca LANDSCAPE LABOURER WANTED FOR interlocking stone company starting end of April. Must be hard working and able to lift stone.

Call 519-749-9446.

NOW HIRING AT THE CORNER STORE VARIety/Take Out Restaurant in Linwood. Two positions, 5 full days and 3 full days per week. Call 519 897 2600.

WORK WANTED

RETAIL HELP WANTED

Looking for a responsible employee to run pellet mill and computer controlled drying system. Must be mechanically inclined and able to run loader and to drive truck in yard to load and unload trucks.

Applicants must have: Customer Service Skills, Good Communication

Approx. 35 hrs /wk

FOR SALE

10FT DELI COOLER IN GOOD WORKING CONdition, new compressor. $1200 o.b.o. Hilltop Acres Poultry Products 519-743-6884.

MATTRESS AND BOX SPRING, NEW, NEVER used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195. Delivery available $35. 519-635-8737.

AUCTIONS

HELP WANTED

Lorentz Farms Ltd.

Resume and references can be faxed to: 519-699-4469, call 519-575-8441 or 519-577-2889

Facilities Attendant 1

We currently have an opening for:

Truck Driver (DZ)

GOOD, RELIABLE DRYWALL TAPING AND sanding work. No job is too small. 226-622-7648.

Interested applicants may apply at ELMIRA VACUUM 9 Church St. E. Elmira elmiravacuum@gmail.com

SMALL ADS, BIG IMPACT. THE OBSERVER CLASSIFIED ADS

LOOKING FOR LOCAL WORK? FIND IT HERE

HELP WANTED

IS HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITION:

309A ELECTRICIAN (Foreman)

Please visit our website for more information www.horstsystems.com/careers or submit your resume directly to: recruiting@horstsystems.com

AUCTION SALE OF TRACTORS, MACHINery, and miscellaneous items, to be held at 537097 Oxford Rd. 34, East Zorra-Tavistock Twp. 1 mile southwest of Tavistock off Highway 59 across from JD Premier Equipment, for Clare and Jean Brown, on Friday, March 29th @ 11:00 a.m.

Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519699-4451 or 698-0138 FRI. MARCH 29 AT 5:00 PM - TOY AUCTIONS of approx 400 toys including farm; Nascar; banks; precision; literature; tractor trailers; and much more at the St. Jacobs community centre for area collectors.

Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com AUCTION SALE OF TRACTORS, CULTIVAtors, tools, household goods & miscellaneous items, to be held at 7118 Perth Rd. 121, Perth East Twp. approx. ½ mile north of Millbank, for Del & the Late Doris Lichty, on Saturday, March 30th @ 11:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138 CONT. PG 21

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

C L AS S IF IE D N OTIC E S | 21

AUCTION

AUCTION

AUCTION SALE

AUCTION SALE

Of Tractors, machinery, pickup, 3ph backhoe, sap equipment, straw & miscellaneous items, to be held at 1625 Gerber Rd., Wellesley Twp. (approx. 1 ½ miles east of Wellesley off Nafziger Rd.), for Mervin and Wanda Wagler, on FRIDAY, APRIL 12TH @ 10:00 A.M.

MACHINERY: Deutz-Allis 7085 diesel tractor, 2wd, 84.4 X 38in. snap on duals, cab, air, 4300 hours, good. AC D14, good rubber, snap coupler, good original condition. AC Gleaner “K” combine with 10ft. straight cut head, working order, stored inside. NH 782 harvester, 2 row corn head, pickup, electric controls. Kongskilde 300 Series 4 furrow semi-mount plow, hyd. reset, variable width, good. Deutz-Allis 1250 – 18 ½ ft. cultivator with hyd. wings. AC 12ft. drag cultivator.

AC 4 row rolling scuffler. CIH 5100 – 18 run seed drill, double disc, liquid fertilizer, grass seeder. NH H7230 – 10ft. discbine, excellent.

West End 900 crimper, tandem, good. Kuhn GA300GM rotary rake. NI 5 bar side rake.

3ph 2 wheel swath turner. NH Hayliner 311 baler with thrower. JBM 24ft. steel big bale wagon on Horst 14 ton running gear, 445/50 R225 tires, lights, excellent. Krantz 20ft. bale thrower wagon. 18ft. wooden flat rack wagon. Killbros 375 gravity wagon.

Weberlane 10ft. hyd. dump trailer, tandem.

NH 185 manure spreader, tandem, top beater. Husky 1,800 gal. (7000 litre) liquid manure vacuum tank, 4 & 6in. hoses. 200 gal. 3ph sprayer, 24ft. booms. 10ft. sprocket packer with 2 - 4ft. pups. Sno Jet 7 ½ ft. snow blower. Westfield 8X61ft. pto auger with swing hopper, good. 6 sections diamond harrows with pole. 10ft. chain harrow with pole. AC 60in. forage blower. Agri-Trend 8ft. scraper blade, good. AC 6ft. blade (snap coupler). King Cutter 5ft. 3ph rotary mower.

TRUCK: 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup, turbo

diesel, 2wd, new battery & starter, 5 speed manual, 8ft. box, cap, 335,000km. STRAW: Approx. 100 big square bales (6ft.), from rotary combine.

MAPLE SYRUP: Algier stainless 2 X 6ft.

evaporator with raised flue, finishing pan & stove, excellent. 200 gal. stainless tank on trailer. 1 in. sap hose (approx. 300ft.).

Approx. 70 plastic & 70 alum. sap pails.

Stainless syrup tank with valve. Spiles plus related accessories.

MISC. ITEMS: Kelley #70 - 3ph backhoe,

good condition.

Niagara 20/35kw pto generator. Continental post hole auger with snap coupler. Snowco grain cleaner on trailer. Dynablast propane fired hot water pressure washer. 3ph cement mixer. 3ph firewood transporter. 3ph cattle chute. 30ft. pipe elevator with motor. 11ft. hyd. auger.

Farmex Mt-16 grain moisture tester. 22 rifle, bolt action (Valid PAL needed). Benjamin high powered air rifle (pellet gun) with scope, good. Stone boat. Stainless hog feeders.

Galvanized penning. Used fiberglass T-bar slats (4 & 5ft. lengths). Hog scale. Feed cart. 550 gallon plastic tank. Blower pipes.

Suitcase weights. Pioneer chain saw. 20 ton hyd. press. Forney Spitfire 225 amp welder. Air compressor. Husqvarna trimmer.

Mastercraft 10in. table saw. Milk cans.

Wooden pig hanger. Pickup truck livestock racks. 4in. clay tile (approx. 150 ft.). 3 ½ in. tile, new (approx. 1000ft.). Scrap metal plus 2 wagonloads of tools & farm related items.

Also some household goods.

NOTE – Farm is sold. A well maintained

and shedded lineup of machinery. See www.gerberauctions.net for photos.

Proprietors and auctioneers not responsible for accidents day of sale. Terms – Cash or cheque with I.D. Sale order – wagonloads, household, sap related, larger miscellaneous items, truck, machinery.

PROPRIETORS – Mervin and Wanda

Wagler 519-656-2984

AUCTIONEERS:

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

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

100% LOCAL

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

407 Lawrence St. off Victoria St, in Kitchener for Nancy and the estate of John McKinley on:

Community Information Page

SATURDAY APRIL 6 at 10:00 AM

TOOLS AND MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:

Ariens 19hp hydrostatic riding lawnmower; Craftsman 10” bandsaw; Ryobi router and table; workmate bench; router bits; reciprocating saw; Dewalt power tools; tile cutter; Makita sander; jig saw; drills; Powerfist angle grinder; Mastercraft torch kit; Mastercraft drills; Mastercraft jigsaw; Dewalt drills; air tools; air impact; air drills; Jobmate transit on tripod; Dewalt cut out tools; Delta scroll saw; drill bits; hacksaws; brand new tools; bits; etc; clamps; hole saw bits; ladders; lumber; Mastercraft drill press on stand; Craftsman Radial arm saw; Mastercraft air compressor; Mastercraft 10” table saw; battery charger; Delta grinder; brad nailers; wrenches; sockets; air tools; stepladder; dog cage; wash tub; Stackable tool chest on wheels; shop vac; 14” cut off saw; Delta belt and disc sander; skill saw; Homelite chain saws; bug light; loading ramps; blower vac; fish poles; tackle; golf clubs; outdoor gas fryer; fertilizer spreader; work tables; tool boxes; brand new tools; large quantity of woodworking hand and power tools. Lawn and garden misc

The Winter Overnight Parking Ban comes to an end as of April 1, 2019 and will not come back into effect until December 1, 2019. Thank you for helping to keep our streets clear for winter snow removal and road maintenance.

Unless otherwise posted, on street parking is for a maximum of Phone: 519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820 After Hours Emergency: 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca 24 consecutive hours, where permitted.

You’re Invited!!

Downtown Elmira BIA Community Improvement Plan

Public Open House

Date: Thursday April 11, 2019

AUCTIONEER:

Jantzi Auctions Ltd.

Time: 2:30pm - 4:00pm 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Wellesley | 519-656-3555 www.JantziAuctions.com

Format: Drop-In

AUCTION

Location: Elmira Library, 65 Arthur St S, Elmira, ON N3B 2M6

DAVID CARSON FARMS & AUCTION SERVICES LTD. MONDAY APRIL 1ST – 1:00 P.M. – Grass Time Stocker Sale. Offering all pre conditioned, bunk adjusted, and age verified calves of various breeds. Call now to Consign!

SAT., APRIL 6TH - 9:30 AM - Carson’s All Breed Horse & Equipment Sale. Tack and equipment will sell at 9:30 A.M. with harness, buggies and horse related equipment. A Stallion parade will take place at 12 Noon followed by the All-breed Horse Sale. Entries taken right up till sale day.

WED. APRIL 10TH – 11:30 A.M. – Dairy

Sale. Offering registered and grade, fresh and springing young Holstein cows and heifers. Open & Bred heifers will start at 11:30 A.M. prior to the Dairy Sale.

Consignments Welcome!

Carson’s Auction Service R.R.#3 Listowel, ON N4W 3G8

Tel: 519-291-2049 | Fax: 519-291-5065 Website: www.davidcarson.on.ca | Email: info@davidcarson.on.ca

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS FROM PG. 20

SAT. MARCH 30 AT 10:00 AM - CLEARING auction sale of tractors; machinery; household effects; and miscellaneous items held at 7709

Highway 86 Macton for Anna and the estate of Abram Bearinger. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com

P.O. Box 158

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

The Downtown Elmira BIA is hosting the second drop-in public meeting for property owners, business owners, members of the public and other interested stakeholders to review proposed draft guidelines and provide further input on the development of a strategic document to guide and stimulate future beautification efforts and economic growth in the Downtown Elmira Business Improvement Area. Stempski Kelly Associates Inc. will facilitate the evening.

All welcome.

All interested parties or members of the public can provide their comments in-person at the meeting or submit feedback in writing to elmirabia@gmail.com.

Please call 519-669-6004 for more information.

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS CONTINUE

AUCTION SALE OF ALLIS-CHALMERS & other tractors, Allis-Chalmers and other machinery, AC dozer, Skyjack, and miscellaneous items, To be held at 2113 Trussler Rd. Wilmot Twp. approx. 2 miles northeast of New Dundee (between Huron Rd. and County Rd. 12), for Glenn and Brett Sider, on Saturday, April 6th @ 11:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 519-698-0138

SAT. APRIL 6 AT 10:00 AM - CLEARING AUCtion sale of riding lawnmower; woodworking tools; and miscellaneous items at 407 Lawrence St. in Kitchener for Nancy and the estate of John McKinley. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com WED. APRIL 9: ONLINE AUCTION OF HOCKEY cards; wooden hockey games; sports memorabilia; literature; programs; and much more. Bidding open April 9 to April 16th; online auction only.

Call for more info or go

to www.jantziauctions. hibid.com. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com WED. APRIL 10 AT 9:45 AM - CLEARING auction sale of furniture; antiques; primatives; tools; and miscellaneous items to be held at the St. Jacobs Community Centre (29 Parkside Dr.) in St. Jacobs for an area estate with additions.

Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com

AUCTION SALE OF TRACTORS, MACHINery, pickup, 3ph backhoe, sap equipment, straw & miscellaneous items, to be held at 1625 Gerber Rd., Wellesley Twp. (approx. 1 ½ miles east of Wellesley off Nafziger Rd.), for Mervin and Wanda Wagler, on Friday, April 12th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 698-0138 CONT. PG 23

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GENERAL SERVICES

...& SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING

SHELLY & SCOTT TAYLOR

T-KRU$H

28 Pintail Drive, Elmira, ON, N3B 3G9

519-669-0003

taylortax@rogers.com

CASH FOR CLUNKERS CAR, SUV & TRUCK DISPOSAL

CALL TREVOR FOR QUOTE

519.500.4400

FLORADALE SELF STORAGE 1551 FLORADALE ROAD ELMIRA, ON. N3B 2Z1

CLIMATE CONTROLLED

226-266-5525 www.floradaleselfstorage.com

E-Mail: floradaleselfstorage@gmail.com

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019

22 | C LAS S IF IE D NOTIC E S

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

THOMPSON’S

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

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

519-669-4400 30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca

GENERAL SERVICES

ALWAYS BUYING

CALL TO BOOK! TODAY.

TIRE

WHERE TIRES ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

Various sizes & rates

VAN AND MINIBUS TRANSPORTATION “Specializing in small group charters”

Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service

5196695557 Visit our website! countrymilebl.com Elmira, ON

35 Howard Ave., Elmira

519-669-3232

Jewellery, Old Coins & Paper Money

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

519-669-4964

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

991 Victoria St. N Kitchener

519-579-9302

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

ST. JACOBS

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

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

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

Furnaces • Air Conditioners Water Heaters • Fireplaces

We service all makes and models Maintenance Starting at $99

RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL

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

CALL TIM OR SCOTT TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

www.marwilconcrete.ca

519-577-0370

Call 519-206-0336 www.koebelhcm.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

AMOS

DESIGN CENTRE

KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS

R O O F I N G

INC

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

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016 darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON

• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches

Call someone you can trust - your local Home Hardware

A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years.

Popular Brands Available

BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

22 Church St. W., Elmira

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114

Tel: 519-669-5537 or 1-844-866-5537 STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 10-5

In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

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

519-503-6033 (CELL) 519-669-2251

36 Hampton St., Elmira

OUTDOOR SERVICES Since 1998

“25 years in Business”

Visit our website

www.biobobs.com or call today!

519-648-3004

or

800-232-6396

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

info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca

• • • •

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial Randy Weber

Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

www.rwelectricltd.com 18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

Concrete Breaking & Removal

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

Concrete Construction Floors * Patio * Driveway Walkways Broom-Stamped-exposed Foundations - ICF Also Post Hole Drilling, Fences and Framing

Ditner Construction Wayne Ditner 519-741-6937 Palmerston Gary Ditner 226-339-6607 Elmira 5120 Perth Line 91, RR #2 Palmerston, ON N0G2P0

Steve Co.

Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

For all your Plumbing Needs.

24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi

ELMIRA

519-669-3652

The Right Window Treatment Can

Save you

•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

ADVERTISING

Blinds

by Elite or Mera

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

FREE

INSTALLATION When you buy 3 or more

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

Evenings By Appointment

THIS SPACE IS FOR RENT

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

C L AS S IF IE D N OTIC E S | 23

R E A L E STAT E S E RV I C E S

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

Sue From SALES REPRESENTATIVE

SUE

$649,900

ALLI

226-750-9332 suefrom17@gmail.com

Alli Bauman

St. Jacobs - A St. Jacobs Gem! You will be impressed with this 4 bedroom raised bungalow & detached 24ftx 34ft garage/shop WITH attic space and hydro!!!! Meticulously maintained, this home has been well cared for & updated from top to bottom. Beautiful walking trails, an elementary school & downtown shops just steps away. Some updates & features include: Roof March 2019, all windows 2004-2012, A/C 2008, appliances included, central vac, kitchen updates 2018, chimney re-bricked 2018, deck 2018, newer flooring through-out, attic insulation topped up, ample parking in driveway and garage. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity!

$484,900 Drayton - Welcome to 30 Parkside St. in Drayton! Beautiful single detached home, built in 2006, has much to offer! 3 bedrms, 4 bathrms, ensuite & walk-in closet, some new flooring, upper floor laundry, appliances included, walk-in pantry, mudroom, gas fireplace, open concept feel, finished basement with wet bar, double car garage with ample parking, huge deck, large corner lot....with all of this and more, don't wait to preview this home! Call us today!

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

519-577-6248 allibauman17@gmail.com

NEW LISTING

ELMIRA - Elegant 5 bedroom home with in-law

suite and separate entrance. Located in Elmira’s South Parkwood area, this 2016 Emerald home is sure to impress you. Starting from the large front foyer into the beautiful custom kitchen with huge island, bright dining rm & spacious living rm. Conveniently located off the garage is the main floor mudrm, laundry rm and 2 piece bathrm. The covered deck with built in speakers makes hosting a delight. With many tall windows throughout, natural light shines through this home giving it a fresh feel. The upper floor has 4 good-sized bedrooms with a 4 piece bathroom, a 3 piece master ensuite and walk-in closet.

The lower level has been cleverly utilized as a one bedrm in-law suite with a separate entrance, sound proofing, separate laundry, & beautiful kitchen of it's own! There is also a unique storage space under the garage. Need a space for your home business? This might just check the boxes. Come see this beautiful home for yourself, you won't want to miss it!

$789,900

$699,900

$434,900

Heidelberg - A spectacular bungalow located in the small village of Heidelberg, just minutes from KW. This all brick bungalow is situated on an oversized corner lot providing both space & privacy. The well thought out floor plan allows tons of space for your family to gather from the front family rm to the finished games rm with wet bar. Walk out from the dining rm to the private back yard, or enjoy sitting out front watching the birds. Some recent updates include: Garage doors-2018, Furnace-2015, Electrical panel-2014, Chimney liner replaced-2015, Water heater & softener-2014, Kitchen-2010, Septic tank-2006, Metal roof with lifetime warranty-2003. Come & enjoy the small community feel located steps away from the park!

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

Elmira - This detached bungalow is perfect for a small family or empty nesters. Enjoy the open concept living room, dining room & kitchen with loads of counter space and storage. The main bathroom boasts a jet tub for a spa like experience. The basement has a large rec room as well as an office/den space with a 3 piece bathroom and separate laundry room. There is plenty of parking for all of your guests who will enjoy your back yard next to green space with a giant deck. Roof and solar panels /2018. Appliances included.

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION.

SPRING MARKET HAS ARRIVED!

WE WOULD LOVE TO ASSIST YOU.

CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ANALYSIS

Shanna Rozema

Independently Owned and Operated wendy@wendytaylor1.com 24hrs 519-747-0231 24hrs

BROKER

Wendy Taylor BROKER

Bonnie

www.peakrealestate.com

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

Brubacher

Thinking of Buying or Selling call or email today!

BROKER

HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO DO…

PARADIGM (ELMIRA) HOMES LIMITED 2ND PHASE COMING SOON!!!

New exciting Executive Bungalow Town Home plans TO BE BUILT. Plans and pricing to be released shortly. Fall Closing potential. 2nd phase will offer single detached family homes including bungalow and two storey plans. Call today for further information or to be added to the Client wait list. EXCLUSIVE

$689,900 RURAL LIVING – This 3 yr. old 2 Storey home has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths plus a spa-like master bath ensuite, an upper floor family room and mainfloor laundry room. There is a spacious 2 car garage, plus another workshop/storage and a shed. If you are looking for country, don't miss this custom quality built builders home with many upgrades. Located just outside of Palmerston on a paved road. MLS

(picture shown is an example, elevation to change)

IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT SELLING OR BUYING THIS SPRING/SUMMER, NOW IS THE TIME TO CONNECT WITH US, YOUR LOCAL REALTOR TO KEEP YOU INFORMED ON MARKET CONDITIONS. ELMIRA OFFICE: 519-669-3192 | www.YourFamilyTeam.ca | 90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4

“You dream...We’ll work.”

Free, no obligation, opinions of value

THE MORTGAGE PEOPLE WE DO DIFFICULT MORTGAGES.

® REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE

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

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

519.500.1865

BROKER

Brokerage

Independently Owned and Operated

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

www.remaxsolidgold.biz

EMAIL: bert@remaxsolidgold.biz

Thinking of Selling?

Call for your FREE Property Evaluation

$509,900

3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Country Bungalow. Features a Large living room, Mainfloor Laundry, wood burning fire place in basement, mud room, attached garage , walk up from Basement. Relax on your back deck and enjoy the peaceful view of the countryside, as your large lot backs onto farmland. Located 15 minutes from Elmira, and 25 Minutes from Waterloo. Book your showing today. MLS# 30716680

Serving the community for 27 years!

Your referrals are appreciated!

(Direct)

519.747.0231 (Office)

Dale R. Keller Sales Representative

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

www.KellerSellsRealEstate.com | dale@kellersellsrealestate.com

NEW PRICE $409,900 | Drayton Nice open concept bungalow on a good sized lot backing onto schoolgrounds .

3+2 bedrooms and 2 full baths for the growing family. Enjoy the gas fireplace in the finished rec room. Lots of storage. MLS Call Dale direct.

For a free, no obligation, consultation on Buying or Selling, call Dale direct at 519-500-1865.

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS CONTINUED FROM PG. 21

SAT APRIL 13 AT 10:00 AM CLEARING AUCTION SALE OF household effects; furniture; antiques; primitives; and miscellaneous items held at 1021 Gerber Rd. St. Agatha (5kms E of Wellesley or 5 kms SW of St. Agatha) for the estate of George and Mary Brenner. Jantzi Auctions Ltd. 519 656 3555 www.jantziauctions.com

AUCTION SALE OF RIDING LAWN MOWER, EARLY CANAdian coins, household goods, antiques and miscellaneous items, to be held at 7504 Wellington Rd. 8, Mapleton Twp. in Goldstone, 6 miles east of Drayton (east of the roundabout), for Abner Martin, on Saturday, April 13th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 or 519-698-0138

We will go to your home.

• 1st, 2nd & 3rd mortgages • Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Farms & Land • Good Credit, Bad Credit, Self-Employed

Don Madill #M08004349 519-743-5361 Kitchener Frank Rowley #M08005026 226-921-0365 (Lic. #10300) Austin Ainslie #M18002432 519-498-4905 www.themortgagepeople.ca | 1-800-361-5114 FARM SERVICES

BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS AGRICULTURAL SPRAY LIME, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - AT COMPETITIVE PRICING. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519574-4141.

ICE SALT & ICE MELT - ICE SALT COMES IN 20 & 40KG'S, ICE melt comes in 20kg bags.

Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING DELIVERED BY EINwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-5744141 or 519-669-2045.

CONT. PG 24

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019

24 | C L AS S IF IE D NOTIC E S

R E A L E STAT E S E RV I C E S

F A M I LY A L B U M BIRTHDAY

BIRTHDAY

Lordy, Lordy look who’s 40!

BROKERAGE

Keep Being You Parker!

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD.

We think you’re the most awesome 17 year-old we know! We predict a great year ahead for you!

Office:

519-669-2772

BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record, MVA Residential Res: 519.669.1068

45 Arthur St. S., Elmira www.thurrealestate.com

JULIE HECKENDORN Broker

Cell: 519.588.7562

Have a Happy Birthday!

Love Always from Mom, Dad & Finn!

LET OUR 60+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!

OPEN HOUSE

44 PINTAIL DRIVE, ELMIRA

Sought after area…You’ll love your backyard backing to acres of wooded parkland, nestled in the trees. Custom built, 4 bdrm. home with larger master suite & ensuite. Open wood staircase.

Maple kitchen w/island open to family room with high ceiling & fireplace. Formal L.R. & D.R. Stairs from garage lead to the fin. basement w/oversized windows, 5th bdrm. & bathroom. MLS

$824,900

OPEN HOUSE

**Look up Parker Merlihan on iTunes, Google Play or Spotify to listen to his new album out March 30th - his birthday.

SAT. MAR. 30 FROM 12:45 - 2:15PM

SAT. MAR. 30 FROM 2:30 - 4PM 212 PARK AVE. W., ELMIRA

This spacious home is great for a young family! Fenced yard. Open concept great room (gas F.P. & hdwd. floor)to a large dining area w/walkout to deck. Lots of cupboards, granite counters. Main floor laundry & 2pc bath. Oversized master bdrm., ensuite & walkin closet. Fin. rec. room (fireplace), playroom/4th bdrm., office & 3 pc. bath. Replacement windows.

Shingles (2018). MLS

$635,900

729 BON ACCORD ST., FERGUS Nicely updated side-split situated on the edge of Fergus on a large lot 116 x 132. Roof shingles (2017), replacement windows, doors & siding. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Hardwood flooring in L.R., D.R. & master bedroom. Huge family rm w/gas F.P. Partially finished lower level. Updated oak kitchen w/walkout to a stamped concrete patio. Garden shed. New MLS

NEW LISTING

$585,000

21 BUR OAK DRIVE, ELMIRA Open concept in this ‘model home’ with everything on one level! 9’ ceilings, hardwood and ceramics, lots of custom cabinetry incl. island, granite countertops & backsplash. Spacious master w/ walkin closet &ensuite (2 full bathrooms).

Open staircase. W/O from L.R. w/tray ceiling & gas fireplace. 14’ wide garage (w/10’door). 3 units avail. EXCL. Prices start at $499,900.

From $499,900

3 ROBIN DRIVE, ELMIRA 3+ bdrm bungalow on a large fenced lot w/several mature trees. Dble garage. Extra-long dble driveway.

Re-modelled kitchen (2011), walkout from dinette to a newer deck. Hdwd floor & gas fireplace in L.R. Rec.rm w/ gas stove, office & newer 3 pc bath in lower level. Shed. MLS

$499,900

56 FALCON DR. ELMIRA Great family home in established neighbourhood. Deep private yard with mature trees. Formal L.R. & D.R. with new hardwood flooring, eat-in kitchen with appliances incl. 3+ bdrms. New hardwood & carpeting. Finished basement with rec.room w/woodstove, games area, 4th bdrm& full bath. Dble. asphalt driveway, private patio area. MLS

SOLD $499,900

Love, Gary.

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

Martin, Urias G.

Martin, Orlan W.

Passed away peacefully at his residence in Yatton on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at the age of 84 years. Urias Martin was the beloved husband for 62 years of Minerva (Bowman) Martin. Dear father of Vera Martin of Floradale, Alice and Leander Bowman of Yatton, John and Miriam of Harriston, Edgar and Carol of Tara, Lena and Mark Horst of Ethel, Erma and Cecil Martin of St. Clements, Lester and Kelly of Elmira, Wayne and Vicky of Macton, Vernon and Amy of Fergus. Loved grandfather of 23 grandchildren, 21 step-grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. Survived by his siblings Laurene (Clarence) Martin, Orlan G. (Saloma) Martin, Louida (Mahlon) Martin, and Ibra G. (Lena) Martin. Predeceased by his parents Tobias and Lydia (Gingrich) Martin, brothers Milton G. (Annie) Martin and Nelson G. Martin, and sisters Vera Martin and Nora Martin.

Visitation for relatives and friends took place on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, March 27, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A family service was held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. then to Elmira Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service.

Passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital on Saturday, March 23, 2019, at the age of 78 years. Orlan W. Martin of 1045 Geddes St., Hawkesville, was the beloved husband of Edna (Bearinger) Martin. Dear father of Ruth Martin of Hawkesville, Miriam and Clayton Martin of Gowanstown, Murray and Bernice Martin of St. Jacobs, Timothy and Susan Martin of Wallenstein, Clare and Kathryn Martin of Wallenstein, Laurie and Mark Wideman of New Liskeard, Lucille and Lawrence Wideman of Listowel, Gerald and Rosalie Martin of Glen Allen. Fondly remembered by 38 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Brother of Esther (Oliver) Bowman, Sarah Martin, Salome (Ivan) Martin, Melvin (Esther) Martin, Lovina (Osiah) Horst, Seleda (Elo) Martin, Bertha (Ivan) Weber, Cleason (Salome) Martin, Clarence (Carolyn) Martin, and brother-in-law of Selina Martin. Predeceased by parents Owen and Martha (Wideman) Martin and brother Edward Martin.

Visitation for relatives and friends took place on Monday, March 25, 2019 from 1-4 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Tuesday, March 26, 2019 from 1-4 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A family service was held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 9 a.m. then to Martins Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service. In lieu of flowers, donations to Mennonite Disaster Service or Christian Aid Ministries would be appreciated.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com DEATH NOTICES

LINGELBACH, DON - Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Victoria Hospital, London.

WEPPLER, DOROTHY IRENE - Passed away peacefully at Barnswallow Place Care Community, Elmira (formerly from Waterloo) on Sunday, March 24, 2019 in her 90th year.

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ORGANIC FERTILIZER FOR SALE. SULFUR 90 and Sulfate Potash. Call George Haffner Trucking at 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

WANTED

ROLEX, OMEGA, TUDOR, BREITING ETC. Silver & gold coins, jewellery, diamonds, sterling

cutlery or hollow are. driving to appointments.

Honest prices. Call Terry 226-201-2941. @ 519-242-6000 or gallamore@golden.net GENERATOR REPAIRS. JOHN AT 226-622-4598.

TRADES & SERVICES RON'S DRYWALL AND EXPERIENCED, KIND RENOVATIONS. OVER PSW AVAILABLE. MON. 35 years experience.

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GARAGE SALES

MOVING SALE - APRIL 6, 7AM - 4PM, APRIL 12, 12pm - 6pm, April 13, 7am - 2pm. 218 Arthur St. S., Elmira beside Food Basics. Wood table & hutch, sofa & chair, garden tools - tiller etc, patio furniture - chairs, table, umbrella, wicker

furniture and lots of assorted stuff. We are sizing down.

THE ELMIRA COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE Sale is set for May 11, 2019. Details to follow in the Observer closer to the date.

O BS E RV E R X TR A. C O M | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | 25

CANNABIS NUMBERS

MOVING AHEAD Be involved in community activities, events & support local initiatives. Tell us about what's happening and about the people in your neighbourhood.

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Hospice of Waterloo Region announced this week it has exceeded its minimum private sector capital campaign goal and has begun construction on The Gies Family Centre, its new hospice residence and palliative care facility in north Waterloo. To date, $10.8 million has been raised in support of the facility. Efforts will continue to bring the total for private sector contributions to $12 million.

E D U C AT I O N A L P U R S U I T S

The people behind the robots Woodland Christian High School CyberCavs strut their stuff at University of Waterloo

National discussions on cannabis legalization, along with increased access to medical marijuana, may have encouraged more high school students to consume the drug years before it became legal in Canada. A recent study of students in grades 9 to 12 found that almost 10% reported having used the drug at least once per week in 2017-18, with a further 18% saying they had used it at least once in the last year.

Something quick the kids will enjoy on those busy nights

H

The Woodland Christian High School CyberCavs had a strong showing at the First Robotics competition in Waterloo this weekend, placing fourth out of 32 teams and reaching the competition finals. Pictured are members of the student team Keenan Burke, Anna Fyfe, Isaac Van Pelt, Anna Guenther and Ian De[FAISAL ALI / THE OBSERVER] Haan.

BY FAISAL ALI fali@woolwichobserver.com

The FIRST Robotics competitive season is now in full swing, with hundreds of secondary schools across the globe battling it out for a shot at next month’s Worlds. Locally, 32 teams competed over the weekend at the University of Waterloo Ontario district competition in one of a series of competitions in the province.

Rising up the ranks were the Woodland Christian High School CyberCavs, who placed fourth in the standings and qualified as the district event finalist.

From the moment the rules of the game are announced, teams have just six weeks to create their robots entirely from scratch.

It’s an enormous task that requires the students to work in multi-disciplinary teams, collaborating on everything from designing and building their robot to organizing sponsorships, fundraising and budgeting.

We talked with some of the CyberCavs to find out what they learned being on the team, and what their plans are for the future.

Keenan Burke, Grade 12 Role: Programming, strategy and scouting.

“I was helping on the programming team, which

is responsible for taking the physical robot and giving it the computer code such that it can actually move,” explains Burke. “And then at competitions too, along with Anna I am responsible for match strategy and scouting, which is essentially looking at your competition, looking at your robot and seeing how you can achieve the best results with what you have.”

What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned?

“As far as hard skills are concerned, definitely programming,” says Burke.

“I think if in Grade 9 you told me I was going to be programming on the robotics team and making user interfaces and data transfer between laptops, I probably would have laughed and walked away.

“But as far as a softer, more general answer: Never be the smartest person in the room. We have so many mentors who are just so helpful,” he says. “It's just an incredible resource and it's a really good mentorship experience.”

What do you want to do after high school?

“I've been accepted into Waterloo for systems design engineering.”

Ian DeHaan, Grade 10 Role: Design and drive team.

CYBERCAVS | 28

Good news!!! Spring is just about here!

We highly encourage all our customers to start booking tire appointments in advance to avoid the rush. We want to make each one of you our priority and provide the best service possible even in the busiest times!

– Kendrick

ockey season is finishing up this week, and it’s been a great year for our youth.

Social media is full of local kids celebrating their wins, holding trophies proudly.

To be honest, I had no idea that hockey would be part of our family fabric, too. When our son asked if he could play it took me by surprise. Well, give it a try we did – that’s how our family rolls. Hockey parents get to witness their children pushing themselves to do better and dig deeper than could ever be possible hanging out on the sofa or playing video games.

Visiting small-town Ontario, the hockey arena smelling like fresh-cut fries, it was hard to tell who was more proud or excited, the parents or kids. The rush of getting to the arena on time is a challenge for any parent busy with jobs and life. I’m sure even getting dinner together was a rush for many – so much effort for the big game.

Why sign your kids up for organized sports? The influence of parents and coaches nurturing confidence in our youth offers so much to be celebrated.

Way to go, Woolwich, your hockey program and all the behind the scenes volunteers are amazing. Congratulations on a fabulous season!

See you next year, hockey family.

DIERRE ACHESON CHEF'S TABLE

Hockey night Flatbread 4 pieces of naan bread 1 cup maple chipotle BBQ sauce 2 chicken breasts sliced 1/2 cup diced peppers 3 Tbsp. sliced red onions 1 handful of spinach Diced cooked bacon 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar 3 Tbsp. shredded Parmesan cheese 1. Place naan bread on a parchment lined cookie sheet.

2. Spread bbq sauce over the naan about an 1/2 “ away from the edge. Depending on how big your naan is you may not need the whole cup.

3. Add sliced chicken, peppers, onions, bacon, and spinach over the bbq sauce. Then top with mozzarella and parmesan.

4. Bake in oven at 375 F until golden. About 12 minutes. We served our naan pizzas with cut vegetables and salad. Enjoy!

Two locations in Elmira to serve you better

20 Oriole Parkway E. | 47 Industrial Drive

Tel: (519) 669-1082

www.leroysautocare.net

Accredited Test & Repair Facility

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019

26 | L I VI NG HE RE BRAIN FOOD

Life has adapted to seasonal changes Q. With apologies to Pete Seeger, “To everything, tern, tern, tern, there is a season, tilt, tilt, tilt.” Since the subject is seasons, let’s also add “estivation” of African lungfish and summer and winter worker bees in Western honeybee colonies. Can you give these a turn?

A. “Earth has seasons because its axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees, exposing the Northern and Southern hemispheres to fluctuating amounts of direct sunlight during the year,” says Gemma Tarlach in “Discover” magazine. Animals have various seasonal adaptation strategies, such as migration, with birds being the most famous migrators. The Arctic tern, for example, flies from far northern breeding grounds to Antarctica and back again every year.

“Seasonal changes in oxygen levels force many fish, crustaceans and mollusks to relocate higher or lower within the water column.”

The African lungfish, however, survive even in the dry season by resorting to estivation, a state of lower metabolism and inactivity that operates much like hibernation does during prolonged cold periods.

“African lungfish estivate after burrowing into the soil to find permanent moisture, or even secreting their own comfy mucus onesie.”

Further, some insects like the Western honeybee actually adapt to seasonal change within a single population: in temperate climates, worker bees born in spring and summer live for a few weeks, foraging and brooding. But winter bees live six months or more, sustained perhaps by a high level of a particular protein in their “blood.”

Q. Word aficionados: What do the following have in common — “upcycling,” “selfie,” “gamification,” “mansplain” and “bingeable”?

A. They have all been incorporated into the English language only in the last 25 years, though they may have been in oral use before being written down, says Anu Gard on his “A.Word.A.Day” website. Dating from 1994, “upcycling” means “the conversion of a discarded object into something of even higher value,” for example, turning old tires into a bench or old shoes into flower pots.

“Selfie,” first used in 2002,

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BILL&RICH SONES STRANGE BUT TRUE

is, of course, “a self-portrait, typically taken with a phone camera.”

The year 2008 gave us “gamification” and “mansplain”: “Gamification” is “the application of game-related elements to an activity to make it more engaging,” like awarding points or adding surprises. “Mansplain,” blending “man” and “explain,” means “to explain, especially to a woman, in a condescending manner, assuming ignorance on the part of the person spoken to, while the reverse is often true.”

Finally, “bingeable,” first documented in 2013, is defined as “able to be consumed in rapid succession, typically said of entertainment, such as movies, television, streaming video, etc.”

Q. Hipposudoric acid and norhipposudoric acid are unstable acidic compounds that are remarkably effective as sunblock — for hippos. Explain, please.

A. In the sweltering African heat, hippos cool off in rivers, lakes or streams for up to 16 hours a day, but the water provides no protection from the unrelenting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, says Dan Lewis on his “Now I Know” website.

So, the hippos just “make their own sunblock.” From below the skin’s surface and excreted through the pores is an orangish-reddish oily glandular secretion containing particles that help scatter and absorb UV light. When the two acidic compounds combine, they harden on the hippo and protect it for hours on end.

“The substance is incredibly resilient, outlasting the elements: months after scientists collected and left it untouched, sealed, on a shelf, it was still free of bacteria, yeast and fungi.”

As Lewis concludes: “The implications for human use are being tested, but perhaps one day, we’ll be putting on sunblock with SPFH – H, as in hippo.”

Bill is a journalist, Rich holds a doctorate in physics. Together the brothers bring you “Strange But True.” Send questions to sbtcolumn@gmail.com

APRIL 1 HEARING AID INFORMATION. FREE SESSION ON understanding hearing health and communication, what to expect from a hearing test, hearing aid technology and hearing screening. Presented by Canadian Hearing Society, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Woolwich Community Health Centre, St. Jacobs.

Kleensweep Carpet Care

Rugs and Upholstery

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APRIL 3 YOUNG AT HEART CLUB. JOIN US AT ST. CLEMENTS Community Centrre from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for cards. Feel free to bring some new ideas for cards and games. Refreshment will be served.

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•

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Education and Treatment

Your First Step to Better Hearing

SENIORS' LUNCH CLUB AT BRESLAU COMMUNITY Centre. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship. $7. Call 519-664-1900 by noon April 6 to sign up.

HANDEL'S MESSIAH AT FLORADALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 3 p.m. $5/person. All Proceeds go towards 3 local Charities.

Bus: 519.744.5433

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

Service

519-669-9919 charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira

APRIL 14 HUNGRYMAN BREAKFAST AT THE ELMIRA LEGION. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. All-you-can-eat. Adults $6, children 6-10 $3, children under 5 free.

NANCY KOEBEL

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Repairs

THE MINDFUL WAY THROUGH STRESS, ANXIETY & Depression - April 11 - June 6, 1:30 - 4:00 pm. Mindfulness has been found to enhance wellbeing, stability of attention, emotional regulation, resiliency and bring many physical health benefits. Learn mindfulness practices. WCHC, St. Jacobs.

APRIL 12 HANDEL'S MESSIAH AT WOODSIDE CHURCH, ELMIRA. 7:30 p.m. Second Performance on Saturday April 13, 7:30 p.m. $5/person. All Proceeds go towards 3 local Charities.

1540 FLORDALE ROAD

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

APRIL 10 SENIORS COMMUNITY DINING AT CALVARY UNITED Church, St. Jacobs. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch, fellowship and entertainment. $12. Call 519-664-1900 by noon April 8 to sign up.

APRIL 11 EVERGREEN SENIORS' FELLOWSHIP AT WOODSIDE Church, Elmira at 10:30 a.m. "27 minutes" The story of her amazing recovery from "death" on the 401 by Ashlyn Krell.

Songs from the Hear: Carol McKinley. Devotional talk: Dr. Harold Paisley. $7 donation includes hot lunch.

COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR

652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo

APRIL 9 MEDICAL AND RECREATION CANNABIS. EXPLORING THE health effects, risk reduction and legislation. Presented by Karen Haughey, Public Health Nurse, Region of Waterloo Public Health and Bethany Heintz, RPN. 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Woolwich Community Health Centre, St. Jacobs.

Vacuum Sales,

APRIL 15 SENIORS' LUNCH CLUB AT WOOLWICH MEMORIAL Centre, Elmira. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship. $7. Call 519-6641900 by noon April 11 to sign up.

APRIL 16 TUESDAY LUNCHEON AT GALE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, hot vegetable, bread, salad, desert and beverage. $12.

SANYO CANADIAN

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Woolwich Township Ward 1 Councillor

APRIL 17 SENIORS' LUNCH CLUB AT WELLESLEY COMMUNITY Centre. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a light lunch and fellowship. $7. Call 519-664-1900 by noon April 15 to sign up.

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 www.observerxtra.com/event-list.

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SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763 | psgingrich@hotmail.ca

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• Volunteer Opportunities • Projects & News • Sub-Committee updates

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019 | THE O BSE RVE R

L IV IN G H E RE | 27

O B S E R V E R C R O S S WO R D

The Observer Crossword looks to challenge you and get your brain firing on all synapes. This crossword is only published in The Observer handcrafted exclusively for our audience. Happy word-smithing!

ACROSS 1. Tragically hip ____ of enormity 5. Ghost, scotch bonnet, chili 11. Orbital point 16. Ado 17. Long-fingered lemur 18. Spiner, Data 19. Spit chickens 21. Crater, turf house 22. Foreword, for short 23. Challenge, metaphorically 24. Micromanager's concern 25. Caribbean music genre 27. Note 29. A pint, maybe 30. Bone menders 33. The absolutely least messiest 36. Born, in Bordeaux 37. One who suspends an action, at law 39. Breaks down, in a way 41. Computer picture 45. Line in the sky 49. Abound 50. Foul 51. Cook too long 52. A hairstyle 54. Obscure data

56. Picking up speeds 61. Software program, briefly 64. Sailor songs 65. Spacier 68. House block 69. Grasslands 72. Perfect, e.g.

73. Arise 74. Dr. says I should go on one. Pfft.

76. Cut 77. Coin 78. "What's gotten ___ you?"

79. Forked 80. Covet 81. Seaweed stiffener

DOWN 1. I miss the rains down in...

2. Exactly duplicative 3. Grasser 4. Pointed, like a castle tower 5. ___ seul (dance solo) 6. Peep spot 7. Half a spicy chicken 8. Beach item 9. Lace place 10. Resolution 11. Lack 12. Sugarbushes 13. Non-convertibles 14. Charge 15. Does salon work 20. Bread use, as in gravy 24. Acute 26. Old-timey spurt 28. It's okay to be smart. There's a club for that.

31. Very, in music 32. Fruit bread 34. Any thing 35. Not don'ts 37. Play the part 38. Queen, for example 40. Mix paint to shade 41. Dance, entrance, up 42. Drawing to a close

43. Basic 'rithmatic 44. New 46. Tusk material 47. Central body 48. House-wrecker 52. Changed 53. Bambi, for example 55. Fighter ship, plane, whatever 56. Approach aggressively 57. Affected 58. Caberet line 59. Stick out 60. Inclined 62. 100 centimos 63. Not quite consul 66. Not "Under The Bottom" 67. Observer, for example 70. Not rammy 71. Fungal spore sacs 74. "Acid" 75. General auto hazzard

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Before you start construction on a deck, fence or other landscaping projects this spring

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Call 1-800-400-2255

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Location: Egypt, Petra, and the Sea of Jordan Date: 2019 Interesting Facts: "It was very windy [at Petra] so had to hold the paper up against me."

Artwork by Sloan, a winner of Waterloo North Hydro's Electrical Safety Poster Contest.

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Worship: 9:30am

Lent 4 Jonathan Brubacher preaching

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

Sunday, March 31st

Pastor: Hans J.W. Borch

10:45 am

The Gospel According to Isaiah Discovering God Together

Speaker: Ron Seabrooke

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

Service at 10:30am Rev. Paul Snow

SUNDAY SCHOOL

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Looking for a faith community that's close to home? Start here. If you want to see your church listed here and want to reach over 12,000 homes every week call Donna at 519-669-5790 ext104.

TH E O BS E RV E R | THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2019

28 | TH E BAC K PAGE

CYBERCAVS: Building themselves a better future FROM 25

“During the six week build period of the robot, when we got the game, I was heavily involved in the designing of the robot,” says DeHaan. “I did a bunch of 3D CAD in the build season; so just designing a robot, finding out what we wanted it to do, and how to do it.

“And then at competitions, I'm one of the human players, so I'll feed the game pieces in slots to the robot.”

What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned?

“It's probably not only the people skills, but also the actual working with the robot, it's really quite awesome. Because something like 3D AutoCAD... a lot of people don't see that until university. And just learning all these skills in high school is something that I really enjoy.”

What do you want to do after high school?

“I'm hoping to go into the engineering field.”

Anna Fyfe, Grade 11 Role: Finance, scouting and strategy “I'm in the finance department with one other mentor. So we have a very large budget that we spend every year,” says Fyfe. “And then I'm also in strategic planning.

“This year one of our big projects is we did digital scouting. So Keenan programmed a python user interface, which is pretty cool, and then I did all the back end work, I made a SQL database and then pulled it all into Excel and then ran some analytics.”

What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned?

“The coolest thing that

I've probably learned, well, there are two,” says Fyfe.

“The technical [one is] I did a lot of data base work and pulling statistics from [FRC website] and they have an API. I figured how to code that into my Google Sheets, and then I ran analytics on all the teams. And that's really cool – and I really l like my spreadsheets a lot!

“Another really cool thing I've learned about the team is having people backing you. I did alliance selection for Waterloo, and I was really scared. I was standing on the field and then I just looked up to the team and I waved and everyone waved back.

Like I knew even though I walked down to the field by myself, the whole team was behind me.”

What do you want to do after high school?

“I want to go into management engineering at Waterloo.”

Anna Guenther, Grade 12 Role: Public relations and media “I'm on the public relations side of things, so I don't work as much handson with the robot,” says Guenther. “I'm trying to get our team out there to gather sponsors, parents, other students and try to recruit them either to sponsor us or just to get more recognition. Right now I'm actually working on a project and I'm doing a voice-over video for sponsors. I'm doing an intro video on what our team is and who we are.

“I'm also the media person. So at the competitions I am out there with a camera, I'm taking pictures and videos, and taking those, uploading them and post-

ing to social media.”

What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned?

“I've learned that it's OK to ask any kind of question,” says Guenther. “I remember I started in Grade 9 and now I'm in Grade 12, and I've grown a lot with it.

“Just seeing how much I've been able to grow my self confidence and be OK with asking questions... So yes, self confidence is a big thing.”

What do you want to do after high school?

“I'm going into kinesiology next year at Waterloo.”

Isaac Van Pelt, Grade 10 Role: Mechanical, drive team and strategy.

“I was doing mechanical during the build season, and then during the competition season I am one of the drivers for the robot,” says Van Pelt. “I also help with strategy before matches so that we as drivers know what's going on before the match, and we can make sure we do everything and execute the perfect strategy and win.”

What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned?

“One thing I've really learned over my robotics career is basically all the teamwork that I've seen.

It's just amazing. Withthis, you have to have all hands on deck. Even in the departments, your mechanical can't do anything without finance, or your programming can't do anything without mechanical. Everybody needs to work together.”

What do you want to do after high school?

“After high school, I'm not quite sure. But I think maybe research related.”

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