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Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume 26 | Issue 40

Coun. Martin apologizes for behaviour that prompted investigation Steve Kannon Observer Staff

HAVING BEEN SUBJECT TO AN investigation by the township’s integrity commissioner, Coun. Murray Martin this week apologized for the actions at the root of public complaints. His colleagues accepted the apology and the consultant’s reports, opting to move on past the incident.

Woolwich’s integrity commissioner recommended council censure Martin for violating the township’s code of conduct in relation to a gravel pit proposed for the Maryhill area.

An investigation was launched when two complaints were filed following a July 13 committee meeting chaired by Martin at which the Capital Paving application was discussed.

Bonnie Bryant of the Hopewell Creek Ratepayers Association alleged Martin had cut her off during a scheduled presentation and subsequently made an untrue statement related to her comments. Another resident, Susan B. Campbell, alleged Martin was in violation of the code by leaving early from the meeting and prejudging the Shantz Station pit application; the latter was upheld. → INTEGRITY 5

Elmira’s Luke Eurig finds himself surrounded at the Stratford net during game play Sunday at the WMC, where the Kings fell 4-1.

Justine Fraser

Kings post a split in weekend play Regular season gets rolling post-pandemic, with fans welcomed back to the WMC Steve Kannon Observer Staff

THE OFFENCE THAT WAS ON display Saturday night dried up Sunday as the Elmira Sugar Kings split a pair of games last weekend.

The Kings are now 2-1 as the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League schedule gets rolling in earnest.

In Brantford October 2, the Kings skated to an 8-0 victory.

Back home Sunday, they fell 4-1 to the Stratford Warriors. The team had opened the season at home the previous weekend with a 3-2 win over the Ayr Centennials.

“Saturday was good. The guys started really well and kept their focus through the whole game.

They accomplished what they

were trying to, so it was it was a very disciplined performance. It was excellent,” said head coach Rob Collins of the Brantford match.

It was a rougher ride against Stratford, however.

“We just got ourselves into too big of a hole to start that game.

They scored the first three goals of the game, and I thought, after the first period, we carried the

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play – I thought we were very, very good the last two periods,” said Collins.

In Brantford, Luke Eurig got the party started at 3:55 of the first period, scoring with assists from Simon Belanco and Brayden Hislop. With less than 30 seconds to go, Aidan Yarde, assisted by Jaxson Murray and Brody Leblanc, gave the Kings a → KINGS 6

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Happy Thanksgiving

Observer Staff

AVERY FLYNN IS THE NEW Wellesley Fair ambassador, taking over from Caitlin Livingston.

While there was no Wellesley Fall Fair to host her crowning, the 17-yearold Wellesley village resident did go through a selection process improvised due to the pandemic.

An in-person interview before a panel of judges was held September 7, with an announcement streamed online September 14 to coincide with what would have been the launch of the fair.

She claimed the title in a competition against Mason McCormick, 19, who was the fourth male contestant in the ambassadorship’s history.

That there were just two contestants was likely due to the pandemic and uncertainty around the fair and other activities, suggested organizer and fair committee member Wendy Richardson. Part of the process was online, but there were in-person presentations to the judges on September 7 at the Wellesley Community Centre.

Normally, the fair ambassador would be jumping in to the job right off the hop, taking part in the fair and the Apple Butter and Cheese Festival in short order. With those events on hold again this year due to the pandemic, Flynn will have a bit more time to ease into the position.

“It’s a little quiet right now, because normally we’d be running around with the fair and the ABC Festival and everything, but we’re not quite sure if we’re doing anything for the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto). We don’t really know much right now, but we will soon. We’re just taking it one day at a time seeing what can happen,” Flynn explained of her first few weeks as the representative of the township.

A Grade 11 student at Waterloo Oxford District Secondary School, she’s busy just now adjusting to a return to in-person classes. Extracurricular activities such as sports remain something of an unknown.

“If it was a normal school year and everything was open, I would be on the basketball team

right now, or be trying out for it. I was also thinking of joining the band or some music.”

She said music is one of her passions, playing piano and guitar. She also enjoys going camping and hiking with her family.

Of her new duties, Flynn said she’s happy to get involved with the fair committee and to be the voice of young people in the community, a role she’s already adopted as a member of the township’s youth advisory group.

“I’m looking forward to going to the meetings that they host every month, and I get to put in my input from my point of view on different things that we can change in the community – really taking that leadership role to be able to change or improve Wellesley,” she said.

“With a smaller town there’s not always as many options, so you’re always trying to suggest more options, perhaps,” she added. “I feel like with a smaller town, it’s also easier to connect with everyone because everyone’s sort of closer with their neighbours – a lot easier to get everyone involved.”

From my family to yours, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

TIM LOUIS 519-578-3777

Tim.Louis@parl.gc.ca

Member of Parliament, Kitchener-Conestoga

TimLouisMP.ca

@TimLouisKitCon

The Woolwich Counselling Centre in Elmira flew a ‘Every Child Matters’ flag on their front door Sept.

JustineFraser 30 as a way to participate in Canada’s first National Truth and Reconciliation Day.

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 3

Page Three

If it matters to you.

It matters to us.

News tips are always welcome.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Online: observerxtra.com/tips

Making it official

From the archives

Woolwich’s deputy clerk for the past four years, Jeff Smith was this week officially named director of corporate services/ municipal clerk, filling the vacancy left by the retirement of long-time clerk Val Hummel.

Township council also this week made official the appointment of Dennis Aldous as fire chief. The former deputy chief was promoted upon the retirement of Dale Martin.

The red wave that swept the province Oct. 2 missed Waterloo-Wellington, as incumbent MPP Ted Arnott (PC) won his fourth straight term. While the Tory party kept control of the riding, it was the Liberals that rose to take the majority of seats in the legislature – putting party leader Dalton McGuinty in the premier’s chair.

From the Oct. 4, 2003 edition of The Observer

Maryhill gravel pit opponents start fundraising campaign Justine Fraser

wants to raise $100,000 to cover the cost of lawyers and other specialists when it takes on Capital Paving at an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing. The company took the matter to the OLT last month, saying it could wait no longer for a decision from Woolwich council.

Capital Paving wants

Observer Staff

GEARING UP FOR A LEGAL fight against a gravel pit proposed for a site south of the village, a group of Maryhill residents is looking to build a war chest.

The Hopewell Creek Ratepayers Association

to develop an extraction operation on a 230-acre site centered on 1195 Foerster Rd., south of Maryhill.

The firm estimates the site contains three million tonnes of aggregate materials. While the pit application looks to extract 500,000 tonnes per year, Capital predicts it would remove about half that

much annually, meaning the pit would be in operation for 12 to 15 years.

“After a two-year municipal review, which included extensive peer reviews, it now appears that Capital Paving’s Shantz Station Pit application is stalled. We believe it is in the best interest of everyone that the appli-

cation be resolved by an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal,” George Lourenco, the company’s resources manager, said following the move last month.

The matter removed from the township’s hands, the residents must now take the battle to the quasi-judicial tribunal,

a costly endeavour says association executive committee member Bonnie Bryant.

To date, the group has raised about 30 per cent of its goal.

“We’re just beginning at this point. We’ve just started – we’ve put out an appeal, we have a → WAR CHEST 5

Local power utilities to move ahead with formal merger WNH presents MOU to Woolwich and Wellesley councils outlining plan to merge with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro Steve Kannon Observer Staff

THE PUBLICLY OWNED POWER UTILITIES in the region are closer to a merger, the idea having won approval from the largest municipal shareholder. Woolwich council jumped on the bandwagon Tuesday night, voting to see the process continue.

The merger of Waterloo North Hydro and Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro would create the province’s seventh largest utility, based on the number of customers served – some 158,000.

Woolwich, Wellesley and the city of Waterloo jointly own Waterloo North Hydro Holding Corporation, which in turn owns Waterloo North Hydro (WNH). The City of Kitchener and Wilmot Township own Kitchener Power Corporation, which wholly owns Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro. In both cases, the cities are the majority

shareholders, ownership having been established based on population.

The merger plans – at this point a memorandum of understanding to formalize the amalgamation – were announced October 1, though WNH has been looking at merger options since 2017.

The process now moves to a public consultation process, with the deal expected to be completed next year.

Proponents say the merger will stabilize or lower rates on the small portion of electricity bills paid to the distribution company, pay higher dividends to the municipal owners and provide more resources for the larger company to solidify the local infrastructure.

“There are impacts of climate change that demand that we all change our carbon footprint and that we lessen our dependence on fossil fuels. To →UTILITY MERGER 6

Rick Frey is retiring from his role of pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Elmira, where he’s spent the past 32 years.

Justine Fraser

Pastor Rick Frey transitions into retirement Justine Fraser Observer Staff

AFTER 32 YEARS IN FRONT of the congregation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Elmira, Pastor Rick Frey has some changes on the horizon.

He’s set to retire in the coming months when a new interim pastor comes aboard.

It’s a change that leaves him with mixed emotions, as Frey says he’s loved being a pastor, ministering to a congregation what has become like family to him.

“It was 32 years in about mid-September and before that I was a pastor in Windsor for five years, so 37 years all told. I don’t consider myself a wise sage or anything like that,

I’m just an ordinary guy who decided that this is what I’m going to do,” he said this week of the journey he’s starting to wind down.

“When I came here, never in my wildest imagination did I think I’d be here for 32 years. In fact, when I hit the 10-year mark here, I was just like ‘what am I still doing

here?’ but it’s been really good – this is home, this is family. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I think that a lot of people feel that way, that they would want me to stay – there have been some that I’ve baptized and confirmed, and married and whose kids are baptized, so I’m the only pastor they’ve → RETIREMENT 4

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4 | COMMUNITY NEWS

Thanksgiving dinner comes with a side of precautions this year due to pandemic Justine Fraser Observer Staff

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS LOOKING TO maintain the region’s downward trend in COVID19 cases are reminding residents to continue with safety protocols as we head into the Thanksgiving weekend.

At midweek, there were 128 active cases in Waterloo Region, down from 165 a week earlier.

“We have made tremendous progress in our community. We were one of the first communities in Ontario to experience

a surge in cases due to the Delta variant, our community came together to push back against the surge of Delta and get vaccinated and continue to practice public health precautions.

I appreciate that many of you are feeling tired – public health precautions remain important in controlling the spread of Delta, even in those who are fully vaccinated.

Without these precautions we risk a very difficult fall and winter,” said medical officer of health Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang at the weekly pandemic briefing October 1.

Wang noted that a few new cases of COVID-19 are due to travel, but not nearly as many as from close contact transmissions.

“We continue to see relative stability in our local trends over the last few weeks. Delta is formidable and will spread easily given the opportunity.

If you are unvaccinated, your risk for infection is seven times higher, your risk for hospitalization is 25 times higher and your risk for ICU admission is 60 times higher than those who are fully vaccinated.

Vaccination is the most

powerful tool available to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19,” she said.

“Close contact is the main way COVID-19 is spread in our community.

Since May 1, close contact transmission accounts for 50 per cent of all cases.

Delta continues to seek out individuals in groups who are largely unvaccinated and that’s where it will spread quickly.”

Some 89.5 per cent of Waterloo Region residents over the age of 12 have received at least one dose of vaccine, with 84.6 per cent being fully inoculated.

The region reports that 77

per cent of youth aged 12 to 17 are fully vaccinated and 85 per cent have received at least one dose.

Officials were monitoring six outbreaks at midweek, including three at schools.

The numbers are trending downward in Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph as well, with the midweek total at 64 active cases, down from 106 a week earlier. That catchment area also saw a spike in vaccination rates in the past week.

The province continues to see growth in the total number of cases, with the

tally now at 589,000, up about 4,000 in the past week.

There have been 9,757 deaths attributed to the virus – up 42 over the week before – representing a mortality rate of 1.7 per cent. The ministry reports 574,500 cases (97.5 per cent) have been resolved.

The latest numbers from Health Canada show 42,400 active cases nationwide, down about 4,000 from a week earlier. The cumulative total of confirmed cases now stands at 1,643,400, with 28,050 related deaths, a mortality rate of 1.8 per cent.

Community garden harvest provides produce for charities Since inception Home Hardware community garden yields 17,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables to local community services Justine Fraser Observer Staff

THE LATEST YIELD FROM THE community garden run by Home Hardware saw close to 3,700 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables go to local charities. In its sixth year, the program offered by the St. Jacobs-based company was in demand given the increase in food insecurity since the pandemic began.

Since the program was launched, the community garden has provided more than 17,000 pounds of produce to support local food banks and other charities. This year, produce such as beans, cabbage, cucumber, zucchini, potatoes and beets went to the Meals on Wheels program run by Community

Support Connections and the food hamper program at Woolwich Community Services.

The community garden is run by Home Hardware staff and volunteers on an acre of land across from Home Hardware’s dealer support centre in St. Jacobs.

“My heart is full knowing we’ve been able to help families in need access good quality produce,” said Julia Swijters, the community garden organizer. “The community garden initiative and the camaraderie we felt as a team when we met multiple times a week to tend to the garden was also a source of therapy and support during a challenging time.”

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Home Hardware employees taking in this year’s harvest at the community garden across from the company’s head office in St. Jacobs. Submitted

is set aside to harvest produce for local food banks and for personal garden plots for Home Hardware’s employees and

their families. Their final harvests of the season is expected to wrap up this weekend.

“I am incredibly proud

of our staff and all of the community volunteers who worked so hard this year to provide close to 3,700 pounds of fresh

fruit and vegetables to local charities,” said Scott Bryant, vice-president of human resources for Home Hardware Stores Limited. “Working with the community garden team on this initiative was inspiring, and a true reflection of Home’s commitment to supporting our community.”

The initiative has been a welcome addition to the food bank services run

by Woolwich Community Services, said executive director Kelly Christie.

“We are seeing increased need in our community due to the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, she said in a statement. “The incredible fresh produce donations we receive from Home Hardware’s community garden provide food security to many local families by allowing them access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables they could not afford otherwise.”

RETIREMENT: Frey plans to continue working as a real estate agent →FROM 3

ever known. It’s been wonderful.”

His retirement comes as the church is emerging from pandemic restrictions that saw fewer parishioners showing up, though he notes that members are slowly returning.

“We’re just a small family. Some have been here all their lives, there’s some new ones.”

Frey said he has enjoyed being a light in the church, being able to stand up and speak amongst them, but feels his time has come to move on to other things.

“There is no set age in which a pastor has to retire. A few years ago I

started feeling tired and I thought ‘maybe it’s time for somebody else to do this – I’d like to be on the receiving end, hearing the pastor.’ I’ll enjoy sitting in the pews. I don’t want to be that person that undermines the ministry of anyone else. I’ve tried to stress to people that when I retire, I will be retired; I want you to be looking to your new pastor as your new pastor, and I’ll be your friend.”

Frey will be around to help the church or the new pastor anyway he can but wants to take a step back for a couple months so that members have a chance to get to know the new pastor. Currently, no

one has been chosen.

“Not until the interim pastor is in place will we start deciding who we want as a permanent pastor. Instead of scrambling now, the congregation wants some time to reflect on where we’re going to go. It’s a smaller congregation so there is a possibility that we will share pastoral services with another congregation from our church body.”

Frey noted it was hard to say how long it will be until a new long-term pastor is brought in.

“I hope that no one is sad because a wonderful thing is going to keep on happening here. We’re a denomination that tries

very much to remain focused. There are many denominations being led by the culture, they’re no longer a light in my opinion – anyone can follow what’s popular, that’s never been the church’s job. There is something special about being a pastor, it’s absolutely wonderful. As much as I’m looking forward to retirement, I’m already beginning to regret my decision a little bit,” he added.

Once he’s officially stepped away from his long-time job, don’t expect to find Frey at the local fishing hole, as he’s already planning to work part-time in the local real estate business.

Thursday, October 7, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

COMMUNITY NEWS | 5

WAR CHEST: Funds needed to oppose pit at land tribunal →FROM 3

GoFundMe page and we will be starting other projects soon. We’ve had a lot of donations made to us at this point,” said Bryant.

“The community does not want this pit and they are stepping up and donating funds.”

The association will use the funds to pay for a lawyer and experts to review all studies done by Capital Paving, most of which have been challenged by residents.

“There is so much community support and people are not happy about this and we’ve watched Capital Paving do this type of stuff in other areas as well. They’ve done it in Puslinch – they tried to put in a pit down there in a very similar situation to what we’re dealing with: with wetlands, compatibility issues, a whole bunch of different things. They also have tried to put a pit in West Montrose in the past,” added Bryant.

“They should have looked for an alternate site. They’re sitting right at

the doorstep of the village of Maryhill by businesses, homes, a golf course is right there. There’s a school, one of the largest dairy farms in Ontario – there are so many things wrong with this proposed site. It should never have got to this point.”

Residents are questioning the information presented by the company, with many having expressed fears it will apply for a license to mine gravel below the water table. At a public meeting in July, opponents set about meticulously challenging the reports filed by Capital Paving, making cases on a number of fronts that the proposal was bad planning, threatened the local environment and reduced the quality of life for those living and working in the area. In the latter category, organizations such as the Merry-Hill Golf Club, St. John’s-Kilmarnock School and Schaman Clinic outlined the potential negative impacts of the development, including

issues unaddressed by Capital’s studies submitted to the township.

In bypassing the township, Capital is looking for the tribunal and Ministry of Natural Resources to move the project forward, said Bryant.

“I don’t think it looks good for the residents when all the controls are out of the hands of the township and they’re in the hands of the Ministry of Natural Resources. We know they’ve cut staffing at the natural resources so you’re not going to get anything accomplished.

We see what’s happening at the Kieswetter pit, which is fairly close to the village of Maryhill now, it’s actually in Wellington County and there have been some issues with that and the neighbors have been fighting and fighting trying to get the ministry to resolve these issues and it’s just not happening,” she said.

“We’re not anticipating getting the support from the provincial government that we would like to see happen.”

INTEGRITY: Council accepts Martin’s apology, but can’t remove him from future meetings; looks to move on →FROM 1

The complaints were handled by the township’s contracted service provider, ADR Chambers.

In a report dated September 30 for inclusion in the October 5 committee-of-thewhole agenda, integrity commissioner Ellen Fry recommended Martin be directed to apologize to Bryant for interrupting her to contradict her, that council reprimand Martin for prejudging the gravel pit application, and that Martin be excluded from any future meetings in which the application is considered.

Martin apologized Tuesday night, satisfying that aspect of the recommendations.

“At the meeting of July 13, 2021, I violated the procedural bylaw and code of conduct by interrupting Ms. Bryant. I would like to apologize to Ms. Bryant and to this council for the interruption and for the violations,” he said before leaving the meeting to allow other councillors to discuss the commissioner’s reports.

Mayor Sandy Shantz said the township had received legal advice noting there is no mechanism for removing Martin from future discussions of the gravel pit.

“We don’t have author-

ity to remove Coun. Martin from his duties that he was duly elected to do. We can suggest or recommend to him that he recuse himself, but we don’t have the authority to remove him,” she said.

Coun. Scott McMillan said that council should accept Martin’s apology and move on.

“I don’t think any other further action is required or appropriate from council.”

Council’s decision didn’t sit well with Bryant, however.

“I was very disappointed in the outcome of the integrity commissioner report. I reported Murray Martin to the CAO and spoke to the mayor regarding Murray Martin fettering his discretion in the fall of 2019. Nothing was done at the time and Murray sat in on all meetings involving Capital Paving. He should have been reprimanded two years ago,” she said in an email following the meeting.

In her report to council dealing with Bryant’s complaint, Fry found there was insufficient information to determine if Martin had made an untrue statement, adding that preventing Bryant from making her full presentation did not violate council’s code of

conduct.

“However, in interrupting Ms. Bryant to contradict her, I find that Councillor Martin violated the procedural bylaw as required by the code of conduct. I recommend that council direct Councillor Martin to apologize to Ms. Bryant and to council for doing so, as contemplated by section 13(e) of the code of conduct,” she wrote.

With Campbell’s complaint, Fry found that Martin did not have a pattern of leaving meetings early, dismissing that portion while upholding the allegations of prejudging the application.

“It is reasonable to conclude that Councillor Martin prejudged the Shantz Station pit application, and in doing so violated the code of conduct. I recommend that council reprimand Councillor Martin for doing so, as contemplated by section 13 of the code of conduct. I also recommend that if in future the application comes before the committee of the whole, council remove Councillor Martin from membership in the committee for any portions of meetings in which the application is considered, as contemplated by section 13 of the code of conduct.”

The Elmira Legion was the scene Saturday of the first Horse and Buggy Open chess tournament, Justine Fraser organized by Elmira resident Scott Kuehl.

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6 | COMMUNITY NEWS

UTILITIY MERGER: Officials confident there will be actual benefits from move → FROM 3

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a large extent, this means far greater electrification of industry, home heating, transportation, and it’s going to create greater and greater demands on local utilities, Waterloo North Hydro Holding Corporation vice-chair Steven McCartney told councillors.

“First and foremost, we felt that a larger combined utility would be much better positioned to deal with those challenges.

Secondly, we wanted to maintain local control.

Finally, we wanted to protect local jobs and ensure the dividends are retained here in the region.”

The proposed merger anticipates annual savings of $2.9M due to streamlining and efficiencies.

These annual savings will be passed on to shareholders during the first 10 years post-merger, and subsequently passed on to customers thereafter. WNH customers will receive ten-year rate

stability and lower distribution rates as compared to a standalone scenario, according to a report presented to Woolwich council Tuesday night.

Council approval followed a presentation by WNH chief executive Rene Gatien and McCartney.

Gatien had noted the municipal owners of the combined utility company could expect higher dividends over the first 10 years, and stable or higher payouts in the following decade.

Under the current structure, the City of Waterloo owns 73.2 per cent of the holding company, Woolwich owns 20.2 per cent and Wellesley owns 6.6 per cent. Under a merged entity, the City of Kitchener would be the majority owner at 53.4 per cent, followed by Waterloo at 31 per cent, Woolwich with 8.5 per cent, Wilmot at 4.5 and Wellesley with 2.8 per cent.

The greater financial stability makes the merger a good idea, said Wool-

wich chief administrator David Brenneman in an earlier interview.

“All of the financial, legal, and other due diligence have demonstrated that there’s a good business case here, that this size of merger makes sense. The two utilities in terms of not just leadership from their CEOs, but their workplace culture, are very similar, which is important. Once we got into the process, the business case that started to play out, the opportunities that would come not just in terms of better rates long term for the customers and better dividends long term for the shareholders, but better opportunities for getting into the smart energy technology, clean energy technology side of things,” he said.

Officials say there are no plans for layoffs, with the combined utility relying on retirements and attrition to find some savings, adding that both existing administration buildings will be retained. Still, the

new company would shave about 8.5 per cent from its costs, said Gatien.

Coun. Patrick Merlihan expressed some skepticism about the savings, noting the failures of past municipal amalgamations to deliver reduced costs.

“Can you tell me how this is different?” he asked, pointing out that “magical efficiencies” have failed to appear in other cases.

“I’m skeptical just like you,” Gatien replied, saying he was quick to dismiss consultants’ suggestions of 15 or 20 per cent savings, maintaining the 8.5 per cent goal is attainable.

“We’re confident we can deliver on that.”

“I’m confident this is going to be a good deal for everyone,” added Mayor Sandy Shantz.

With municipal approvals lined up, the utility companies will launch a community engagement campaign to solicit public input. More information can be found at www. connectinglocalpower.ca.

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2-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Just 65 seconds into the middle frame, Adam Grein (from Luke Eurig and Aidan Milne) made it 3-0 for the visitors. At 3:35, the Kings extended the lead to 4-0 courtesy of a goal from Daniel Fraleigh (Kurtis Goodwin, Mason Eurig).

That’s where things stood after 40 minutes.

Elmira blew the game wide open in short order when play resumed in the third. At 1:28, Luke Eurig picked up his second on the power play, with assists from Murray and Hislop. Just 30 seconds later, the Kings posted another power play marker – they’d finish the night 2 for 6 – off of the stick of Yarde (Owen O’Donnell, Goodwin).

Two more goals in rapid succession would wrap up the scoring at 8-0. At 10:16, Jayden Lammel buried one, assisted by Luke Eurig and Grein. Just 36 seconds later, it was Goodwin’s turn, assisted

by Leblanc and Yarde.

Shots were 43-12 in Elmira’s favour, with netminder Matthew Lunghi posting the shutout.

Collins had plenty of praise for his vets after the weekend.

“Jaxson Murray looks really good so far. Luke Eurig has gotten off to a good start. I would say Kurtis Goodwin and Owen

Elmira’s Aidan Milen (24) in action Sunday.

O’Donnell are certainly leading by example.”

Back at the Woolwich Memorial Centre Sunday evening, the Kings found themselves behind early, as Stratford scored just 19 seconds in. Goals at 10:54 and 18:27 put the visitors ahead 3-0 after 20 minutes of play.

Justine Fraser

Elmira finally got on the board in the second period, with Leblanc scoring at 16:20. Assists went to Murray and Yarde.

Despite a push in the latter part of the game, including pulling the goaltender – the Warriors scored their fourth into an empty net – the Kings fell

short.

“When you’re in a big hole to start, sometimes it’s just a little too late to climb out of, and I think that might have been one of those scenarios. With the youth that we have in our hockey club, it’s not always going to be easy to come back from deficits like that. It proved to be that, so it was a learning experience for the group.

Hopefully we’ll learn from our own mistakes and not make them again,” said Collins.

“We won the second period and put ourselves in shooting distance in the third. We had enough opportunities on the power play to pull ourselves within one to really make the game, and unfortunately didn’t get it done on that half of the special teams. So that’s something we definitely need to address and improve on, but not the only thing.”

The Kings were 0-for-7 with the man advantage, but the penalty kill kept the visitors off the board through five tries.

Shots were 26-29 in favour of Stratford, with Lunghi picking up the loss.

He was replaced after the first by Richard Szajek.

The Sugar Kings travel to Caledon Friday evening to face the Bombers. On Sunday, they return the favour. The puck drops at 2 p.m.

Thursday, October 7, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

ↆ P O L I CE

COMMUNITY NEWS | 7

R E POR T

Police warn that door-to-door scams are on the rise Door-to-door scams continue to pose a threat to Ontario consumers and businesses, reports the Ontario Provincial Police, noting suspect individuals may use high-pressure tactics and can be aggressive. Consumers may find themselves in a situation where they purchase a product or sign up for a service they neither need nor want.

Police report that they have received an increased number of complaints from homeowners across the province who have been solicited by individuals attending their residences to sell certain household appliances, contracts and/or services.

Fraudsters approach individuals in person at the door to their home and use compelling tactics to persuade the homeowner or occupant that a new appliance, contract or service is required.

Soon after the

SEPTEMBER 30 2:27 AM | Waterloo

purchase or installation of the household appliances, contracts and/or services, the victims are contacted by someone claiming to be from a law firm offering a solution to exit the previously signed contracts, remove possible liens and consolidate the incurred debts. Victims are told they may be eligible to receive an award for a significant amount of money if they sign off on exiting the contract.

As a condition of the award, the victims are contacted by a home renovation company and ultimately are persuaded to sign a contract, which they are led to believe is required to comply with energy efficiency obligations related to the award, police explain.

The fraudsters then use the signed documents to obtain a mortgage or secondary mortgage on the victim’s home. The funds are then deposited into the victim’s bank account, leading the

victims’ to believe they have received the award, which is actually funds from the home equity mortgage taken out on their home. As a condition of the award, victims are instructed to pay the renovation company the proceeds of the award to comply with the terms of the judgement.

In 2020, the Canadian Anti‐Fraud Centre (CAFC) received 1,641 complaints related to service scams affecting 863 Ontario residents, for a loss of $2,878,898. In 2021, the CAFC received 127 reports from Ontario victims, with a reported loss of $695,454. Door‐ to‐door scams reported to the CAFC include solicitations or a service scam involving the sale or maintenance of an appliance.

Police advise homeowners to know their rights. On Mar. 1, 2018, Ontario banned unsolicited, door‐to‐door sales of certain household appliances to better protect consumers

from aggressive and misleading contracting at home. The new rules apply to air cleaners, air conditioners, air purifiers, duct cleaning services, furnaces, water filters, water heaters, water purifiers, water softeners, water treatment devices as well as bundles of these goods and services.

On Jan. 1, 2017, Ontario banned energy retailers from signing up customers for an energy contract while at their homes to give consumers the ability to make choices about their energy supply at their own pace and with better information.

If you believe you have become a victim of fraud, contact your local police service and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 (tollfree) or report online at www.antifraudcentre. ca. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS) or report the incident online at www. ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

was impaired by alcohol.

The driver was arrested and brought to a local OPP Operations Centre for further testing. As a result, a 58-year-old Fergus man was charged with ‘impaired operation’ and ‘impaired operation – 80-plus.’ His licence was suspended for 90 days and his vehicle impounded for a week. He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on October 26.

was also travelling south on Arthur Street South and collided with the stopped vehicle. A 20-year-old Wellington County woman was charged with ‘careless driving.’

with ‘failure to comply with a demand for breath’ and ‘failing to stop after an accident.’ His licence was suspended for 90 days and his vehicle impounded for a week. He is to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on November 5.

Regional Police received a report of a theft from a motor vehicle on Parkhaven Drive in St. Jacobs. The suspects were trying vehicle door handles and were last seen heading towards King Street North in an older model vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228777

OCTOBER 1

6:35 AM | P o l i c e

11:54 PM | Waterloo

responded to reports of a collision at the roundabout near St. Jacobs. The driver of a vehicle was travelling north on Arthur Street and entered the roundabout to continue northbound.

The driver of the second vehicle was travelling west on Sawmill Road and failed to yield as they entered the roundabout.

The driver, a 50-year-old man, was charged with ‘fail to yield.’ No injuries were reported.

1:30 PM | Wellington

County OPP received a report of a possible drunk driver on St. David Street in Fergus. It was reported that a driver of a grey sedan was possibly impaired. Police patrolled the area and located the driver. Officers formed the opinion that the driver

Regional Police received a report of property damage at Breslau Memorial Park on Joseph Street. The investigation determined that sometime between 11:15 and 11:45 p.m., a portable washroom had been flipped on its side, though there was no damage to the structure.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477.

11:15 PM | Wellington

County OPP received a report of an injured person on Elgin Street, Fergus.

Initial reports indicated that a passenger on a golf cart had been ejected and was being transported to a local hospital by paramedics. Police responded and while speaking with the driver formed the opinion that the operator was impaired by alcohol.

Police made a demand for a breath sample and attempted to conduct a roadside screening test with the operator, however they refused.

As a result of the investigation, a 29-year-old Fergus man was charged

OCTOBER 3 3:17 AM | Sometime between 12:30 a.m. and 3

a.m., an unknown suspect spray painted vulgar language on the victims’ vehicle that was parked at an address on Nafziger Road in Wellesley. The paint did not cause any permanent damage to the vehicle. Police have no suspects at this time.

6:17 AM | Waterloo

Regional Police responded to an altercation at a party at a house on Manser Road in Wellesley Township.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 8

Opinion

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

Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Verbatim

The Monitor

“They are bombarded with lies that fuel discrimination, proliferate harmful stereotypes, and derail their pathways to leadership and realizing their rights. This impacts their self-esteem and mental and physical health.”

The pandemic has caused a shift in Canadian attitudes towards wellness. More than half of Canadians – 52% – are putting a higher priority on their overall wellness since the pandemic, and 78% of Canadians are seeking simplicity in their lives as we move forward post-pandemic.

Saadya Hamdani of Plan International Canada in response to survey showing 86% of girls and women say online mis/ disinformation has a negative impact on them.

Angus Reid survey

OBSERVER EDITORIAL

Thanksgiving shines a light on food and hunger

T

his weekend brings Thanksgiving and a holiday Monday, both reasons to celebrate.

That’s not the case for everybody, however, as it’s prime time for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region and its associated agencies such as Woolwich Community Services looking to keep the larders full from now through to Christmas, a time when demand climbs.

As with last holiday season, this one faces the additional hurdle of the pandemic preventing many traditional food drives and other opportunities to collect food.

Last year, 33,355 people in the region required food support, with more than a third of them being children.

The pandemic has seen a dramatic rise in demand, much of it from people seeking food assistance for the first time.

Food bank use in Ontario was on the rise even pre-COVID-19: Between Apr. 1, 2019 and Mar. 31, 2020, 537,575 people accessed food banks across Ontario (an increase of 5.3 per cent over the previous year), visiting more than 3,282,500 times (up 7.3 per cent over the previous year). With the onset of COVID-19, food banks saw a surge in demand: Ontario’s food banks saw a 26 per cent increase in first-time visitors between March and June 2020.

Figures show that while a large percentage of those helped are on social assistance, a significant number are working people. In Waterloo Region, 16 per cent are working with another three per cent on EI (recently working), 31 per cent receive social assistance and 24 per cent receive disability benefits.

Also in keeping with trends, single people living alone are the fastest growing segment of users. Of those using services in Waterloo Region, single-person households rose from 27 per cent of those needing food support in 2013 to 50 per cent today.

Provincially, Feed Ontario’s data show that the primary drivers of continued growth in food bank use are an inadequate social safety net, precarious employment, and unaffordable housing. While the provincial food bank network does not collect data pertaining to race, Feed Ontario says it recognizes that Black and Indigenous people are disproportionately impacted by poverty and food insecurity, as well as the role that systemic racism and inequality plays in creating barriers to opportunities that are otherwise accessible to most Canadians.

According to the provincial report, the number of employed or recently employed Ontarians accessing food assistance for the first time sits at 12.8 per cent. That number was significantly higher in Waterloo Region, which comes in at 19 per cent, up from 18 per cent during the same time frame in 2019.

While this increase can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic, other factors – such as Waterloo Region’s high cost of living, steadily climbing food prices, and the growing gap in social safety nets – continue to play a role in someone’s ability to afford food, says Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

Waterloo Region residents of many different backgrounds rely on the support of emergency food assistance. Some 19 per cent of those who rely on emergency assistance are the working poor, this includes those who are working full-time, part-time or are receiving employment insurance. Others acquire their primary income from Ontario Works (31 per cent), Ontario Disability Support (23 per cent), old-age pension (seven per cent), student loans (one per cent), disability (one per cent), while eight per cent have no income and 10 per cent of participants’ income is unknown.

While demand is highest in the cities, the rural townships are not exempt: Woolwich Community Services, which looks after Woolwich and part of Wellesley, faces the same need to re-stock its shelves. Dropping off a few items is an easy task.

Then go and enjoy the rest of the long weekend, knowing there’s plenty to be thankful for.

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

There’s a concerted effort to destroy the whistleblowers

A

long time ago now I was asked to do a television series about the world’s intelligence services – and I turned it down flat. My main reason was a feeling that there was less to the whole intelligence world than met the eye, and the subsequent 30 years have only served to confirm that judgement.

Today’s case in point is the recent revelations about the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency. In 2017, it turns out, the CIA flirted with the idea of kidnapping or killing Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, in his refuge in the Ecuadorian embassy in London.

Wikipedia profoundly embarrassed the CIA in 2010 by putting a huge trove of secret U.S. records about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on the web. Fearing extradition to the United States, Assange (who is Australian), sought asylum in the Ecuadorian embassy in London in 2012.

The pace picked up in early 2017 when Donald Trump became president and made Mike Pompeo head of the CIA. Pompeo quickly convinced himself that the Russians were going to try to spirit Assange

GWYNNE DYER

Global Outlook on World Affairs

out of Britain into their own hands.

So the CIA began planning to pre-empt the Russians by kidnapping Assange from the embassy and take him to the U.S. – or, if that didn’t work, kill him. Contingency plans were also discussed for thwarting a possible Russian attempt to get Assange out by ramming the getaway vehicle, shooting out the tires of the getaway plane – or, once again, killing him.

The Russians picked up on all this chatter, and started putting their own operatives in place around the embassy. “It was beyond comical,” said one former senior Trump official.

“It got to the point where every human being in a three-block radius (of the embassy) was working for one of the intelligence services — whether they were street sweepers or police officers or security guards.”

Comical and farfetched – but this is also how the plan to kidnap or kill self-exiled Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Istanbul probably got started.

The senior officials around Trump were at least grown-up enough to realize it was crazy and dropped the idea, whereas the ones around Muhammad bin Salman weren’t.

The Ecuadorian government changed and Assange was expelled from the London embassy in 2019, but he still faced an American demand for extradition. A British court rejected that early this year, but he continues to sit in prison awaiting the outcome of a U.S. appeal to a higher court.

And here’s the thing. None of the information Assange released hurt anybody, and a lot of it needed to be revealed: war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan and government surveillance of tens of millions of U.S. citizens. The CIA made it all secret because it could, not because it was necessary or justifiable.

It’s not just American intelligence agencies, of course, and they don’t always think about killing those who spill their precious secrets. Thus Israeli Mordechai Vanunu, who confirmed the existence of Israel’s nuclear weapons in 1986, was only kidnapped in Italy and jailed in Israel for 18 years →DYER 10

Thursday, October 7, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

OPINION | 9

Newspapers a key part of the increasing battle against misinformation

L

ong seen by many – especially by those in the industry, not surprisingly – as a cornerstone of democracy, newspapers have faced some tough sledding of late. For the dailies in particular, falling circulation and advertising revenues have led to cuts and closures. Certainly not good for those working in the media, but worse still for accountability.

We’re in the midst of National Newspaper Week, celebrating the role of newspapers in the communities they serve.

Sure, it’s self-serving self-promotion, but there is something to be said for running the industry’s contributions up the flag(ging) pole.

Besieged by new technologies, fragmentation in the market and what seems to be an increasingly detached citizenry, newspapers do have much to worry about. But the industry has been its own worst enemy in many cases, as concentration of ownership led to homogenization and a decline in quality, often fueled by new corporate masters more concerned with stock prices than with good journalism, the very thing needed to attract readers.

The changes in the newspaper business haven’t gone unnoticed by the public, with researchers finding a third of readers in some markets stopped turning to a news outlet because it no longer provided them with the news they were accustomed to getting.

There’s been a dropoff in quality in many quarters, which has only accelerated the decline.

Ironically, even as we’re flooded with information – from online news sources to Facebook and Twitter and that ilk – there’s a greater need for a source to filter and

STEVE KANNON Editor's Point of View

interpret all of that raw data. That’s precisely what newspapers have been doing for centuries.

And while more people go online to get their news, few people are aware that most of the material provided by news aggregators such as Google or endlessly rehashed by bloggers comes from newspapers, the organizations with trained journalists on the ground, attending meetings and poring through documents.

Moreover, the digital realm is a bastion of fake news, made worse by increasing partisanship that sees people in silos of (mis)information from which they seldom deviate, with the resultant decline in the numbers of informed readers.

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weekly. Without greater transparency from the private platforms themselves and investment in digital literacy efforts, this growing vector for online news will continue to spread disinformation and other online harms, the Ryerson study found.

“To date, Canadian regulatory proposals to regulate big tech have focused on social media content that remains publicly accessible, but disinformation spreading on private messaging apps is a growing threat to our democracy. The federal government should join other international jurisdictions in regulating greater transparency into how online private messaging apps can manifest in public harms,” says Sam Andrey, director of policy and research at the Ryerson Leadership Lab. The research found that the spread of disinfor-

mation and other online harms poses risks to social cohesion, public safety and democracy; and, as a result experts and policymakers have raised calls for technical and regulatory changes. At the same time, concerns have also been raised regarding over-censorship of content and that such regulatory changes may negatively impact freedoms and rights, particularly the right to free expression.

Social media and many online outlets are not subject to the same scrutiny and accountability as newspapers, meaning there’s often no recourse for digital postings of outright falsehoods, hate speech and even libel.

The loss of more real reporting will only lead to less information in an electronic media (including online sources) that has already descended into partisan bickering

In the wake of an integrity commissioner’s investigation, Coun. Martin finds himself thankful for small mercies.

Founded in 1996.

JOE MERLIHAN

While we tend to associate such downward slides with the U.S., Canadians are not immune to fake news.

Ryerson University’s Cybersecure Policy Exchange earlier this year found in a survey that 46 per cent of Canadians report receiving private messages that they suspect are false at least monthly, and 39 per cent report receiving private messages that they initially believe to be true, but later find out are false, at least monthly.

That comes as more people rely on private messages for news – 21 per cent, in fact, as compared to 11 per cent just two years earlier.

More than eight in 10 people in Canada use online private messaging apps, like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp; and over half are receiving messages about the news or current events at least

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and screaming south of the border. Changes in this country, though less extreme, have not been for the better.

Often accused of relishing the negative (most commonly from those under examination), the media best serve the public when they challenge leaders on their actions, positions and statements. Yes, we also tell people stories about themselves and do our part to entertain, but the watchdog role is the cornerstone of the free press in a democratic system. ‘Why?’ is a perfectly valid question.

Those who would make decisions that affect our lives must justify themselves – arbitrary actions are not acceptable.

As The Observer has noted more than once or twice, it’s much too commonplace for politicians and bureaucrats, including the local ones, to put their own agendas ahead of the public interest.

Without anyone to shine a light on their actions, and to demand explanations, you can bet there would be even less accountability and far greater misuse of the public good and the public purse.

That watchdog function is what’s most at risk given the changes in the media, just as the oversight role in the corporate sector has been eroded by convergence and the rise of media conglomerates.

Somewhat removed from the industry’s internal issues by virtue of being local and independent, The Observer also takes seriously its role as the voice of the community in asking questions, while telling the people’s stories. Do we always get it perfectly right? Absolutely not, but we’ll continue to do our part in representing the public – feedback always welcome.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021

10 | O P I N I O N

Rookie mistake means being dogged by perfection

O Before he was a columnist for the Observer Gwynne Dyer visited EDSS speaking to students about international relations. His visit put The Observer on his radar and years later he reached out from his home in the UK to offer his column to our audience.

Don Cherrey’s ghost-written column was contracted to appear in the Observer. A legal dispute between a competing newspaper who wanted the column (after declining it) scared Cherrey and he bailed.

An advice columnist was pitched to The Observer that would answer anonymous letters from old order Mennonites looking for guidance in finding their place in the world. ↆ LAST WEEK: TRUE: The Wellesley Mayor that reduced his own salary to $10,000 per year was Ross Kelterborn. Kelterborn spent 31 years on Wellesley Council. TRUE: Scott Piatkowski is the WRDSB trustee that spent several years as an Observer and Waterloo Chronicle columnist. His column ended with his first election bid for a role on Waterloo Council. LIE: The Simple Life reality TV series featuring wealthy high-maintenance Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, did not scout locations around Elmira for their second season. ** Our online poll is back online. Sorry for the inconvience. Play online by reading any online post at www.observerxtra.com. Vote for the lie and be notified if you are correct immediately.

n Saturday, I took my young English Springer Spaniel Rosie out on her first duck hunt. It was at the river that edges my best friend’s new property.

We had two goals that morning. The first was to see if his stretch of the river offered waterfowling opportunities. The second was to shoot a bird so Rosie could make her first retrieve during an actual hunt.

We answered the first question quickly when a low wood duck drake came screaming in on my side. I quickly raised my gun and pulled the trigger and dropped the bird.

Unfortunately, it landed in a place where Rosie could not see it and since the water was flowing steadily, Tom got in the boat and retrieved the duck.

Minutes later, however, a second wood duck came in fast and low about three feet off the water on my side. And again, I shot and folded it.

The good news was that Rosie was able to mark

STEVE GALEA

Not-So-Great Outdoorsman

this fall and I sent her out for her first retrieve, which she executed beautifully.

The bad news is that was the last shooting opportunity we had.

Though we met all of our goals, Tom and I looked at each other and then addressed the elephant in the room. I’m talking about my monumental blunder.

“Do you know what this means?” he said.

“Yes,” I replied while hanging my head in shame.

“Rosie – sweet Rosie – has never seen you miss,” Tom blurted out with some dismay.

“I got carried away,” I replied. “I didn’t mean to hit both birds. It just happened.”

“Now you are in for it,” he said.

It was true. I had made the rookie’s mistake of providing my dog with ridiculously high expectations. Which meant from

here on in, things could only go downhill.

It was really the worst kind of luck. I’m not saying I’m a bad wing shot, but I will say that I get a thank-you card from the ammunition companies’ every year.

But on that day, you wouldn’t have been able to convince Rosie of that.

Later that day, as I was cleaning my shotgun, she sat at my feet, looked up at me and wagged her tail.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I said.

“She seems to be very happy with you,” Jenn said. “It’s almost a look of pride, admiration and respect.”

It was true. Rosie was basking in the afterglow of the kind of hunting anomaly that young dogs should never be subjected to.

Now, the next time we hunted with another dog, Rosie would say, “Just so you know, my guy never misses.”

And then when I did, she would feel like I let her down and have to work doubly hard to regain credibility, which

wouldn’t be easy if a flight of teal or woodcock were in.

No, it would have been far better had I missed both ducks with three shots each, so that Rosie did not harbour such high expectations.

What was I thinking?

Had I just done that, she would have been overjoyed on every hunt thereafter when I actually connected – jumping around with glee like she had won the lottery or something. Instead, from here on in, each miss would just force her to growl at me with frustration in the same way every one of my grade schoolteachers did.

I should have been a little more considerate.

So that night, I took her aside and explained through words, illustrations, and pantomime that daddy didn’t always hit everything he was shooting at, and that he sometimes likes to just shoot holes in the sky.

I hope she believes me.

Otherwise, Rosie is going to have a ruff season.

DYER: Authorities look to silence whistleblowers, discourage others →FROM 8

(11 years in solitary).

Vanunu’s revelation changed nothing: everybody already knew that Israel has nuclear weapons, even if it will never confirm it publicly.

Thirty-five years after he was kidnapped, however, Vanunu is still not allowed to leave Israel. If he speaks to foreigners he is arrested, and sometimes jailed again for a few months.

Then there’s Edward Snowden, a former CIA employee who revealed

huge amounts of data about the U.S. National Security Agency’s global surveillance programmes in 2013. Revealing that the U.S. was hacking the phones of friendly foreign leaders like Germany’s Angela Merkel was the right thing to do, but he can never go home again.

The U.S. government trapped him in Moscow by cancelling his passport when he was en route from Hong Kong to Latin America, where he was seeking asylum. He is still stuck in Russia eight years later.

His girlfriend joined him in Moscow in 2014, and they are now married with a three-year-old son, but going home would mean a lifetime in prison. The punishment never ends.

These people are not ‘helping terrorists’ or betraying their countries.

The ‘intelligence services’ (the old term ‘secret services’ was less misleading) reflexively build bureaucratic empires and ceaselessly expand their reach because that’s what bureaucracies do. They can be useful in war, but

the vast bulk of what they do in peacetime is pointless.

I only suspected that in 1990, when the Cold War was just ending. By now, it is blindingly obvious. All these cases are victimless ‘crimes’ where things that should be known about the illegal, counter-productive, and even criminal behaviour of governments are finally revealed – and the intelligence services then relentlessly harass the whistleblowers to frighten others into silence.

What is National Newspaper Week? And why you should support it.

N

ewspapers are an essential part of Canadian culture, communities, and democracy, delivering vital information to Canadians each and every day while connecting local communities from coast to coast to coast. It’s hard to express just how important local independent journalism is to our country, which is why we come together each year to celebrate and honour our local news media providers during National Newspaper Week.

What is this week about?

National Newspaper Week is an opportunity to recognize the critical role that newspapers play in an active and healthy democracy and is celebrated annually across North America. This year, National Newspaper Week takes place from October 3 to October 9, 2021. The week is an opportunity to highlight the work Canadian print and digital newspapers do while encouraging everyone to take part in meaningful dialogue about the role that newspapers play in local communities and

how they contribute to a healthy democracy by providing original content that cannot be found anywhere else.

Why does this matter?

In the age of disinformation and “fake news”, newspapers are among the few credible news sources, helping their readers stay informed, holding governments and individuals accountable, and sparking meaningful conversations.

Access to high-quality and trusted news greatly improves the lives of residents across the country

by giving them the information they need to stay engaged and connected on important issues that span local communities and the world at large.

How can you show your support this National Newspaper Week and beyond?

Supporting the Canadian news media industry can come to life in many different ways. It can be as simple as subscribing to your local paper, writing a letter to the editor, or reminding your friends and family just how much

we all rely on newspapers to keep communities thriving. Plus, we can all feel confident when discussing newspaper content that we’re sharing fact-based, credible information.

And this year, there’s another great way to show your support for the industry. To celebrate National Newspaper Week, Canadian artist Ola Volo created a limited-edition, signed print entitled “Champions,” which represents the diversity of places and perspectives in Canada and highlights

the role of the local news industry as champions of the truth. This custom artwork empowers Canadians to spark meaningful conversations about the critical importance of independent local journalism. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the print will be donated to Canadian Journalists for Free Expression.

To learn more about National Newspaper Week and purchase an item from this year’s Champion The Truth collection, visit: nationalnewspaperweek.ca.

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 11

Business

Leading the way.

Shining a light on local enterprise, stoking the economic engines.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com New Business: observerxtra.com/enterprise

Home sales, prices up

Cyber security prep

A total of 506 residential homes sold last month through the MLS system of the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of Realtors, a decrease of 32.1% compared to last September and a decrease of 5.9% per cent compared to August. The average price of a detached home was $963,646, up 24.9% over September 2020 and 7.9% compared to August.

Despite the increased threat of cyber attacks during the pandemic, 47% of Canadian small businesses surveyed say they do not allocate any portion of their annual operating budget to cyber security. This marks an increase of 14 percentage points from 2019, when 33% said they do not allocate any budget to cyber security, according to a new Leger survey.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Ontario Ag Week finds Minister all ears

T

op marks to Lisa Thompson, minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, for going the extra mile to support Ontario Agriculture Week, which started Sunday.

Such occasions are usually marked some ceremonial measures – making declarations, rallying the troops, lifting their spirits, fluffing their feathers, good stuff like that.

Then there’s the requisite ribbon cutting, flag unfurling, and posing for photos, mask and all.

And for sure, some of that’s in play this time around. For example, in her declaration commemorating Ontario Agriculture Week, Thompson recognized farmers, chefs and “everyone in between” for their efforts.

“I thank you for your unwavering dedication to bringing high quality food to our kitchen tables,” she said. “Your resilience and commitment to doing the best you can to bring food to Ontarians is celebrated and appreciated.”

Then she took a step further. She noted that as part of the celebratory recognition, she’s holding what she calls “focused” discussions with sector representatives from across the agri-food industry.

“I want to hear about ways our government can work together to create opportunities that ensure rural Ontario and agriculture businesses are competitive at home and abroad,” she says, adding that she’ll use these opportunities to focus on important topics.

OWEN ROBERTS Food For Thought

She named some. First came trade and export.

And on a scale of one to 10, this is an 11.

Ontario is Canada’s most highly populated province. And indeed, its citizens need to be fed.

But it’s also incredibly productive, with a climate, soil and workforce that produces more than 200 commodities, and more than it can consume.

Ontario agriculture and food has a great reputation outside the province, and is ideally poised to help with economic recovery.

What, besides re-opening the U.S. border, can the province do to create more opportunities…and once that happens, what can producers do to make sure they meet demand?

The next item mentioned is women in agriculture, which goes hand in hand with society’s drive towards diversity, equity and inclusion. Who knows when, if ever, agriculture will look proportionately like its stakeholders, consumers.

But meanwhile, it needs to show it at least mirrors the same values as consumers.

Values have traditionally been the likes of food safety and quality. Now they include equality for women, opportunities for underserved populations, fair treatment of international workers, and on and on. This is one of the sector’s biggest → ROBERTS 12

To Thrive Together president Jill Simpson and architect Bob Dyck at the Bloomingdale site of the proposed project.

Steve Kannon

Aiming for a new kind of residential development

To Thrive Together proposes multi-generational, accessible and green housing project Steve Kannon Observer Staff

THE GROUP BEHIND A RESIDENTIAL development proposed for Bloomingdale are looking to check more than a few boxes.

To Thrive Together is looking to build 32 townhomes that will support multi-generational living, allowing people to age in place. Moreover, the goal is to be ahead of the curve where green building is concerned, not only producing a net-zero carbon footprint, but using green building materials and incorporating renewable power, perhaps

even returning electricity to the grid.

The idea is to have a model community that can be replicated elsewhere, says Jill Simpson, president of the not-forprofit To Thrive Together Sustainable Living.

“In this specific project, we are building 32 very modest-sized homes of 800 square feet on the main floor with a loft.

There are different designs to be appealing to millennials through centenarians. Everything, every home, is totally wheelchair accessible, so everything in the community is barrier-free,” she explained.

The homes are to be

located on just shy of nine acres on the southern edge of the village, providing green space in perpetuity.

There will be community gardens, natural habitats and trails leading to the river.

Even the parking areas will be green, using materials that allow rainwater to return to the soil rather than running off, notes architect Bob Dyck.

To foster a community feeling, all of the homes will offer front-porch views of neighbouring properties. Central to the development will be a community centre, The Gathering Place. The upper level houses The

Great Hall, large enough to host private celebrations as well as public events.

The lower floor houses the To Thrive Together Learning Centre with classrooms for healthy living programs as well as our Build-It- Green Showroom open to the public.

“From every single front porch, you can view the front porch of every other home in the community.

We're using architecture and very small scale urban planning to create social connection,” said Simpson.

Dyck said he sees proving wider public access to the site as a key part of spreading the word about → HOUSING 12

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12 | B U S I N E S S

Local humane society earns accreditation from Imagine Canada Justine Fraser Observer Staff

IN BEING ACCREDITED

BY IMAGINE Canada this summer, Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford-Perth Humane Society became only the second such organization in the country to be so recognized.

Imagine Canada, which works to strengthen charities and non-profits, created its standards program to promote credibility and donor confidence in the sector.

To earn the accreditation trustmark, organizations must demonstrate excellence in five areas: board governance; financial accountability and transparency; fundraising; staff management; and volunteer involvement.

“Imagine Canada does a lot of work with charities.

Ultimately, their mission is to help strengthen Canadian charities and nonprofits so that we better serve our communities. So with that, it really helps to show the community that we are utilizing best practices. When we

talk about best practices, that’s things like being very transparent, making sure that donors know how we’re using the money that they give us, making sure we’re a place that individuals want to come and volunteer and work at, as well as it ensures that all of our policies and processes are in place to really be the best that we can be,” explained Kathrin Delutis, CEO of Kitchener-Waterloo and Stratford-Perth Humane Society.

“Many businesses or for-profit organizations go through a continuous quality improvement program, and so that’s just what this is specific to charities. For us, it was really important because we want the community to know that we valued their support. We want them to continue to support us and this is one way that we can show them that we are worthy of their support.”

To prepare for accreditation, the organization went about documenting its adherence to the best practices outlined by Imagine Canada.

Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth Humane Society CEO Kathrin Delutis with Clifford, one of the Justine Fraser animals up for adoption at the shelter.

“We’re very fortunate we had many of those processes in place – we were doing some great work, but we didn’t necessarily have it documented

48th ELMIRA CHARITY QUILT AUCTION This year’s Elmira Quilt Auction will offer more of what people expect from the region’s most popular fundraiser. Our famous beef brisket dinner is back on Friday (5:30 – 8:00), as is the outdoor auction of farm equipment and our bake table. Like last year, the quilt auction will be live and online.

“We can’t wait to showcase the beautiful quilts that have been donated,” says Elmer Brubacher, chair, Elmira District Community Living (EDCL) auction committee.

“We are very grateful to our community for their support - and their creativity!

Without quilts, there is no auction.”

EDCL is working closely with Waterloo Regional Public Health and will be following the province’s new legislation which allows only fully

vaccinated patrons inside EPAC. Proof of vaccination and ID required.

For example, the brisket dinner on Friday, October 29, will offer takeout meals for adults and children, as well as indoor seating for fully vaccinated customers.

Advance tickets for the brisket dinner are $15; $18 at the door. Call 519-669-3205 or come to the EDCL office at 118 Barnswallow Drive to purchase tickets. A children’s hotdog meal is available for $5.

On auction day, Saturday, October 30, the bake table will be accessible from outside the building. The lunch counter will be operational, with seating inside for fully vaccinated people only. The Auction Committee is exploring EVERY possibility to include EVERYONE in the auction. A tent will be

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021

erected, and the auctioneering is planned to take place in one of the large open garage doors so that patrons both inside and outside can participate, bid, and buy.

The outdoor auction will start at 9:30. The general auction (live & online) will start at 10:00 with large farm equipment selling last.

New furniture will go on the block at noon, with the quilt auction starting at 1:00.

These are challenging times, and we appreciate the support of our amazing community. We can’t do this without you! Over the years, funds raised by the auction have enabled the Elmira District Community Living to purchase vans, provide summer vacations and to partner in the construction of apartment buildings for adults with an intellectual disability.

the way that it should be and ultimately is today. It helped us to revisit that, to ensure that we’ve documented everything. It also provided us an opportunity to look at ways other great charities do their work,” said Delutis of the experience.

“The biggest area that we had that we needed to do a little more work on was around risk management, and the pandemic is a really good example of making sure that you’re prepared for everything.

It really helped us to go back and look at areas that we may not have spent as much attention on around policies and processes, as we would have when it comes specifically to the day to day operations of running the shelter and taking care of the animals.

It really helped us to focus on making sure that our best practices were in place, and that we are able to really provide the community, a topnotch service as a charity,” she added.

ROBERTS: Minister earns kudos for listening to what the sector wants → FROM 11

challenges. Some groups are facing it head on, while others are searching for the way to go.

Innovation is another key area, and in this regard, Thompson can pat her ministry on the back, along with the University of Guelph and producer organizations, for their support of research. The long-standing agreement to have the ministry and industry sponsor research by world-class scientists at the university ensures the agri-food industry stays strong, can meet consumers’ needs and is ready to address new challenges and opportunities. Innovation is an area where the sector could really focus on diversity, equity and inclusivity. Many of the leading agri-food researchers in the prov-

ince have already blazed trails in this regard.

Jobs and training complete the minister’s list. Rural Ontario is clawing its way back from the pandemic, at the same time its population is shrinking. Despite all its virtues, it is not attracting and holding residents the way it must to thrive. Organizations such as the Rural Ontario Institute have done studies that show inadequacies in important matters such as transportation and housing, and can help identify areas of greatest need.

So good for you, minister, for seeking advice and vowing to work with the sector. We’re anxious to hear what you hear, and what the ministry will do to help it stay, as you say, one of the strongest agrifood sectors in the world.

HOUSING: Allowing people to age in place → FROM 11

sustainable and healthy living.

Modelled on co-housing and cooperative living arrangements, the project will have a condominium legal structure when completed.

The project has been two years in the planning phase, with organizers in preliminary talks with Woolwich Township and the region about planning requirements. A formal application has yet to be submitted.

Woolwich manager of planning Jeremy Vink said the land is currently zoned “industrial,” with specifics on required zoning amendments to come when the process becomes formalized.

The final product will be something that both draws on tradition – multi-generational communities – and is forward-looking in its application of green technologies.

“When it opens, it will already be using 2030 technologies,” said Dyck, noting the project will meet targets still almost a decade off.

“My research showed that people thrive in a multi-generational community. That's how we survive as a species.

We didn't isolate – we learned, young people or from elders, elders had a role to play, and everybody fit together. And only in North America and Western cultures have we really recently started to separate people by age,” said Simpson of the goal of building homes suitable for everyone.

“It came together to address two critical questions. The first being, how does the growing population continue to live on the planet and still fulfill its obligation for stewardship of the earth?

And the second was, how as a society do we deal with social isolation of all generations, and create a sense of belonging and community?” she added of the impetus to form To Thrive Together Sustainable Living.

Even though the project is still in the planning phase, Simpson notes the organization has already received more than a hundred inquiries about the proposed housing community. Ideally, work would get underway in 2022, with occupancy the following year, she added.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 17

Arts

Read a local best seller every week.

Local stories that inspire.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

Sting like a bee

A laugh for the cause

The Waterloo Region Museum has launched its latest exhibit, Amazing Pollinators, where visitors can transform themselves into a bee, bat, butterfly or the like in a game-like experience. The centrepiece of the exhibit is a playable maze, in which visitors can role-play a survival mission of a species, for instance. The exhibit runs through Jan. 2.

A lineup of Canadian comics will headline this year’s ‘Paws for Laughs’ Comedy Night in support of the animals of the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth. 'Paws for Laughs’ Comedy Night will take place at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel in Stratford on Oct. 15. www.kwsphumane.ca

www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca

Tips: observerxtra.com/tips

A passion for theatre doesn’t go unrecognized Her longstanding contribution to the arts nets Michele Boniface an Ontario Senior Achievement Award

Michele Boniface was the recipient of an Ontario Senior Achievement Award in recognition for Submitted her volunteer work, including her long-time work in the theatrical world.

family play in her uncle’s backyard when she was a young child. She has been part of theatre on stage and behind the scenes ever since.

“We performed on a stage that was set up between the birch trees on my uncle’s property.

I went into children’s theatre, then I performed in high school. I taught

school for 10 years and I used to direct the school shows, the musicals. I went out to Alberta for 25 years and there I worked in television and in video production, so I was working with actors, directing actors. And then when I came back to Stratford, I became involved with Off The Wall and others,” Boniface explained.

A love for theatre had her returning to Stratford over the years. She remembers going to her first production in one of Stratford’s well-known white tents, her parents would take their family to see a play there at least once a year.

“My first production was in the tent in 1954, a production of Taming of

the Shrew; I was so young I didn’t know what the heck was going on, but I remember the big dresses and I remember lots of yelling and The Taming of the Shrew. My parents made sure we came to the theatre – every year, we came to Stratford. When I was a schoolteacher, I brought my students to Stratford, when I was a high school student, I came to Stratford on the bus.”

Boniface has contributed to numerous projects for her community over the years that involve arts, music, civic beautification, and environmental awareness. She currently has a plaque for the senior achievement award proudly hung on her wall.

“Seniors across the province have felt most directly the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and it is a delight to be able to celebrate the positive difference seniors make to our communities,” said Dowdeswell in a statement.

“Michele’s tireless efforts over many years to the arts and culture community of Stratford has been exemplary. She has been a dedicated member of a number of organizations, as well as taking on numerous leadership roles. Michele has used her senior years as an opportunity to serve her community, and in doing so, has contributed to the cultural and social fabric of our city. She is a very deserving recipient of this prestigious award,” said Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson.

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FOR HER LONGSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO the area’s arts scene, Michele Boniface was last week one of 15 recipients of an Ontario Senior Achievement Award.

The Stratford resident was nominated by her city council in recognition of her support of theatre and the work she does with volunteer organizations.

“I was astounded because I had no idea.

People I knew, I’d worked with, sent letters of recommendation to city council.

I didn’t know anything about it until August when Mayor Dan Mathieson called to tell me about it. I was quite astounded that I was chosen by the city and by the province,” said Boniface.

The award ceremony had to go online this year, as with many events over the last year and a half; family and friends watched from another room. The recipients of the award were recognized

by Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Minister for Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho. Boniface is the co-chair of the board of directors for Off the Wall Stratford Artists Alliance, which teaches students a blend of courses such as prop making, costume design, and set design, all of which can help propel students into their future careers. It also gives jobs to backstage artists who may be out of work due to time constricted contracts.

She noted some of them work at the Stratford Festival, and often find themselves out of work when the shows are over.

She has been on the board for some 13 years, working alongside artists and helping propel youth towards their theatre goals. All the board members are volunteers, the artists however, are all paid for their work.

“When you see them coming into the classroom shyly and then you see them coming out with a prop they’ve created or piece of theatrical jewelry they’ve created, and they come out so proud of what they’ve done, I love it. We’ve also had many students go on into careers in theatre – they’ve been inspired by taking some of our Off The Wall courses, and then going on into apprenticing in large theatres like Stratford or being employed in some of the smaller theatres like Blyth or Drayton. We’ve had some success stories and those are really always very gratifying. We’re also very happy to be able to give some work to the backstage artists,” said Boniface.

She is also a member of the Kiwanis Festival of the Performing Arts advisory committee and has routinely been involved in community arts projects.

“Theatre is kind of in my background and in my blood. I’m always interested in being involved in these volunteer organizations.”

Her love for theatre started at an early age, as she fondly remembers playing Cinderella for a

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Observer Staff

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Justine Fraser

3 Wyatt St. East

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 18

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Please talk to our ad dept for pricing and to order a Pro Services Directory.

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

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104 Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com

Help Wanted

Family Album Announcements pricing and info can be ordered online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album.

Residential:

$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial:

$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Elmira Vacuum

PART TIME HELP NEEDED

Weekday afternoons, one Saturday shift a month Applicants must have: Great customer service, communication skills Job includes: Sales, Inventory, Restocking, Customers orders, etc.

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

We are currently seeking an experienced Journeyman Plumber as well as an experienced GasTechnician who is interested in service work. Individuals must be team players and be able to work with minimal supervision. Qualifications in Refrigeration or Sheet Metal would be an asset but not a requirement.

Tri-Mech offers competitive wages and health benefits. Wages are dependent upon qualifications and experience.

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

Cabinet Assembler Join a young, dynamic team that keeps growing!

Woodland Horizon Ltd designs, manufacturers, finishes and installs high quality custom cabinetry and solid wood stairs. Our shop and showroom are located in the town of Drayton.

At Woodland, one of our core values is Respect. Respect for our team members and respect for our customers.

We are looking for a full time

Cabinet Assembler

to join our team. In this position, you would be working in the final assembly area of the shop. You will be assembling cabinet boxes, installing drawers and doors and making sure that the product is perfect before it gets shipped out. In this position you would be reporting to our assembly manager.

• • • • • • • • • •

Required skills Respectful Team player Courteous and friendly Dependable Ability to read blueprints Attention to detail Capable of lifting 50 to 75 pounds Motivated and enthusiastic No post secondary education required Previous wood working experience will be an asset This position is full time, with benefits after probationary period.

If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, please send your resume to laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519.638.5961 ext 104

Join a young, dynamic team that keeps growing!

Woodland Horizon Ltd designs, manufacturers, finishes and installs high quality custom cabinetry and solid wood stairs. Our shop and showroom are located in the town of Drayton. At Woodland, one of our core values is Respect. Respect for our team members and respect for our customers. Continuous improvement is also a big part of who we are. We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to make our team members jobs easier and more efficient. If this sounds like an environment that you would be interested in being a part of, please contact us.

We are looking for a full time, permanent

Edgebander Machine Operator

You would be responsible for setting up, running and daily maintenance of our CNC Edgeband machine.

This is a high tech German built machine and is an integral part of the kitchen cabinet manufacturing process. You will work closely with our machining and production managers to ensure that parts are edgbanded as needed by our assembly team.

Required skills • Respectful and team focused.

• Motivated and enthusiastic.

• Courteous and friendly.

• Dependable.

• Ability to read blueprints.

• Capable of lifting 50 to 75 pounds.

• No post secondary education required.

• Previous wood working experience will be an asset.

• Previous Machine operation experience will be an asset.

ads.observerxtra.com/reprints

5x7 $11

2nd Print only $5.50

Come join our wonderful team at: Chartwell Elmira Retirement and Long Term Care.

Help Wanted

Retail Sales Associate

Looking for a mature person with good retailing qualities and communication skills, friendly customer service and motivated; must be able to work Saturdays.

Job description: sales and service (Men’s Clothing and Dry Cleaning), writing orders, pricing stock, some computer skills and general duties. This position is for a mature adult and/or student looking for flexible full-time and/or part-time hours.

Apply in person with resume to: Brown’s Menswear 18-24 Arthur St. S. Elmira · 519-669-1152

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

2nd Print only $7.50

Help Wanted

Please submit resume to: psilva@chartwell.com

If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, please send your resume to laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519.638.5961 ext 104

8x10

HELP WANTED Full or Part time positions available.

For more information, please call 519-669-2921. Extension 302.

This position is full time, with benefits after probationary period.

$15

40 Arthur Street South, Elmira | 519.669.8225

We are looking for Housekeepers, Dietary Aides and Resident Service Aides.

We will provide you with training on site.

Experience: • Machine Operator: 1 year (preferred) • Woodworking: 1 year (preferred)

Observer photographs online or in print are all available for purchasing a reprint.

Help Wanted

Apply at Kitchen Kuttings Elmira Ontario 519-669-8225 Ask for Shirley or Elmeda Or email your resume to shirley@kitchenkuttings.com or eweber@kitchenkuttings.com

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

FROM PAPER TO PRINT

Interested applicants please apply by email elmiravacuum@gmail.com OR in store 9 Church St. E. Elmira

4x6

$9

2nd Print only $4.50

Thursday, October 7, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

Help Wanted

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

Help Wanted

ↆ S OL U T ION S

Community Support Worker (Full-time 8-Month Contract)

Administrative Assistant

NOW HIRING FULL TIME

(Full-time Permanent) Community Care Concepts is a non-profit volunteer-based organization that provides high quality support services throughout the Townships of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot that enable seniors and adults with disabilities to remain as independent as possible in their own homes.

We are searching for exceptional individuals to join our team as a Community Support Worker (full-time 8-month contract) and as an Administrative Assistant (full-time permanent).

The Community Support Worker works collaboratively with clients, caregivers, community partners and the staff team to identify and assess client needs and to develop, implement and monitor care plans that address identified needs.

Responsibility for coordination of a program portfolio, which is to be defined, will be included in this role.

The ideal candidate will possess a diploma or degree in the Social Sciences, Health or a related discipline accompanied by 3-5 years of experience working with older persons or adults with disabilities. Well-developed intake, assessment, referral, crisis assessment, intervention, counselling and case management skills are essential. A knowledge of the needs of the client base are essential. The position also requires a well-developed knowledge base of local communities, community resources and service systems.

The Administrative Assistant performs administrative and clerical tasks in a busy office environment including providing exceptional customer service, maintaining client accounts and client service records, and providing support to the organization’s finance, human resource, IT, facility, program and administrative needs. The ideal candidate will possess a diploma or degree in administrative services accompanied by 3-5 years of experience working in an administrative role.

Strong administrative, word processing and data entry skills are essential. The position also requires a general understanding and aptitude for accounting principles.

Exceptional customer service skills, computer proficiency, strong oral and written communication skills, time management skills, an ability to work independently and strong problem-solving skills are essential for both roles. A valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are also essential. A mandatory vaccination policy is in place within the organization.

Qualified candidates, are invited to submit a resume and cover letter no later than 4 pm on Friday October 15, 2021, to: Cathy Harrington Executive Director Community Care Concepts 929 Arthur Street South Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z2 cathyh@communitycareconcepts.ca

ROOF TRUSS ASSEMBLERS Must be team oriented, ambi�ous & responsible No experience required Mar-Span offers compe��ve wages, produc�on bonuses and employee benefits.

Please apply with resume in person or email resume to marv@marspan.com We would like to thank all applicants, however only those selected for interview will be contacted.

7221 Side Rd. 16 Drayton, ON Rental

TENNIS FACILITY Private outdoor 120ft x 60ft tournament quality tennis court for Serious playing, training, and coaching.

Our court is located on 6th line in Ariss.

Contact info@townlinetennis.ca or call 519-501-1101 for more information

Rental

VACANCY

CAMEO COURT APARTMENTS 30 Church St. W., ELMIRA Rare premium Downtown Elmira • One spacious One- Bedroom AND also • One spacious Two-Bedroom Open-layout Apartment AVAILABLE in modern Apartment Building complete with Elevator, Main-floor Common Room, individual Central Heating/Air Conditioning in each Apt., as well as 5 appliances (Washer/Dryer in each Apt.) “A Nice Place to Call Home”

CONTACT: (519) 525-2222 or (226) 989-4627 (After 4PM) OR: evans@hurontel.on.ca

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

In Print. In Depth.

Online.

Residential:

$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial:

$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Please call or email Donna Rudy: 519-669-5790 ext 104 donna@woolwichobserver.com

100% Local Help Wanted LOOKING FOR BI-WEEKLY HOUSE cleaning help in the St. Jacobs Heidelberg area. Must be fully vaccinated and smoke free to come into our home. Vacuuming, washing floors , dusting, windows, etc. 519-664-2879 NURSERY WORKERS NEEDED SEASONAL fulltime. Pay rate $14.39/hour. Working hours 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., 6 days per week. Work includes field potting, weeding in field and containers, truck loading, digging etc. Must be willing to work in all weather conditions and weekends.

No education , no experience required.

Own transportation required. Please send resume to: West Montrose Farms Ltd., 1614 Halm Road, West Montrose, ON. N0B 2V0.

SEEKING A FRIENDLY, KIND CAREGIVER TO assist in a warm, cheery home environment with personal needs. Several 1 -2 hour shifts available during the day.

Convenient if you live in the East Bridge or St. Jacobs Market area. Starting over $18 with gov't incentive. If you have a heart for caring and are vaccinated, please email raropp827@gmail.com or call 519-502-0970.

Work Wanted NEED A RIDE? LOCAL, REGIONAL, DUNDALK, Toronto, Hamilton, London. Call or Text Gary 519-577-1750.

- 2 7 6 / 8 / 8 , 1 ' 5 , % 2 6 1 , 7 , 6 % $ + + , 5 ( ( $ 7 2 1 6 , 7 6 & + ( . $ / ( 8 6 ( 5 $ 6 & ( 7 + $ * 8 ( 0 $ 5 ( , 1 .

2 , 1 ( $ % , 8 6 7 2 % % $ ( 5

5 ( * * $ (

& 5 ( (

' 8 , & & . <

For Sale COUNTRY LANE FABRICS FALL SALE. October 4 - 23. 10% less on all fabrics, quilt and comforter batts, tableflex, gloves, hosiery, box cards, rubber stamps and accessories. Selective fabrics and small ware items at half price.

519-664-0701.

HILLCREST HOME BAKING FALL SALE October 12 - 23, 2021.

519-669-1381. 10% off all fabrics, underwear, quilt batts & hosiery.

15% off 44" 100% cottons; selected softiques $5.00/yd; selected fabrics - half price. 10% off books (excluding Bibles & song books). Clearance on YL1 quilting thread Reg. $6.80 Sale $4.99. Check out selected in stock dish sets - 10% off.

Selling Reign sanitary napkings $8.95 pkg.

LAWN FERTILIZER AND LAWN SEED Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-5744141 or 519-669-2045.

MATTRESS AND BOX SPRING, NEW, NEVER used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195.

Delivery available $35.

519-635-8737.

$ 0 $ 7 , $ 6 7 6 ( 7 + $ 6 , $ ( 7 + 1 0 , 1 ( 3 6 ( 5 0 0 ( 0 (

6 7 , 5 ( ' : , 1

& 2 / 2 8 5 ) $ 6 7

2 / / $ 6

7 ( 6 7 $ % 8 / 1 ( 7 2

Auctions LIVE AUCTION SALE OF TRACTORS, antique car, antiques, household goods and miscellaneous items, to be held at 6662 Rd. 116 Perth East Twp, 2 miles southeast of Millbank (east past Anna Mae's Restaurant), Then right (south) at the curves on Rd. 116, For The Jack and E. Alveretta Henderson Estates, on Saturday, October 16th @ 10:00 a.m. Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451.

Farm Services

WOOLWICH WILD

■ Atom U11 Tier 1 Woolwich Wild Oct/02/2021 vs Cambridge Roadrunners HOME: 7 VISITOR: 1 GOALS: Audrey English (2), Olivia Bright (1), Lexi Bowden (1), McKenzie Rank (2), Bronwyn Rozema (1) ASSISTS: Sage Balog, Emma Forwell, Stella Grundy, Ava Weber, Haily Zinken, McKenzie Rank

■ PeeWee U-13 B

Oct/02/2021 vs Grand River Mustangs HOME: 3 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Ellie Clemmer, Rowyn McDowell, Addison Serth ASSISTS: Vienna Cooney, Emily Brubacher, Eden Ropp, Chloe Further SHUTOUTS: Hailey Thom

Wanted STILL BUYING ALL OMEGA'S, ROLEX, I . W. C . , B r e t l i n g Tudor, etc. All American pocket watches running or not. Silver coins or gold coins; jewellery diamonds and silver cutlery.

30 + yrs experience, have mask will travel.

Fair honest pricing.

Terry @ 519-242-6900 anytime or gallamore@ golden.net Confidential quick results. Cash if wanted.

Automotive 2011 DODGE GRAND C A R AVA N , R E D, 203,000km. Nothing needed for safety. No known mechanical issues. $5,300. Please call Joe 226-789-5180.

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

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH BACK SPLIT. ELMIRA. KILN DRIED CORN & $2000/mth + utilities.

CORN SCREENING Available November Delivered by Einwech1. Call Matthew at ter. Minimum 15 ton 519-669-0122. lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574- Trades & 4141 or 519-669-2045.

SEED WHEAT AND FERTILIZER COMPETitive pricing. Rye seed, winter barley.

Hard red wheat Pro 81, Lexington. Soft red wheats Marker, Branson, Cruze, Blaze, and more. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

PORTABLE DISHWASHER, SMALL buffet and hutch, loveseat, couch, buffet, china cabinet, table and 6 chairs. Phone Wanted 519-664-3394 for more info and pricing. WINTER STORAGE FOR MY OLD CAR. MID THREE SEATER CHES- October to mid April.

T E R F I E L D W I T H Premium paid for matching chair. Dusty premium space, in blue/rose/tan. Clean. cash and up-front.

Please call Jack, 519-664-2533.

519-669-3328.

Services

C U S TO M A P P L E PRESSING & JUICE sales by appointment only. Cedar Ridge Pressing, Wesley Martin, 3175 Northfield Dr. Elmira, On. N3B 2Z1.

519-669-3541.

I'M AVAILABLE TO DO YOUR FALL FLOWER bed and leaf cleanup.

Also booking winter snow removal. Call or text 519-465-3477.

RON'S DRYWALL AND RENOVATIONS. OVER 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron.spncr@ gmail.com

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021

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

ↆ LO CA L ↆ

PR O F E SS I ONAL

SERVICES

GENERAL SERVICES

CALL TO BOOK! TODAY.

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

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

IN-STORE SERVICES

MarCrest Backhoe Visit our website

www.biobobs.com or call today!

519-648-3004

or

• Window & Screen Repairs • Glass & Plexi Cutting • Key Cutting • Knife & Scissor Sharpening • Lawnmower Blade Sharpening • Paint Colour Matching • Interior Design Consultation • Bike Repair

Septic Installations · Tile Repairs Small Footings · Silo Footings

Maynard Martin 2512 Kressler Road RR1 St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0

800-232-6396

Tel. 519-699-0507

GENERAL SERVICES Thorncreek Farms

Poultry Barn Pest Solutions

Visit us online to see our entire rental lineup.

Poultry Pest Management Pest control with residual built in

Various sizes & rates

CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call

519-669-4964

519-504-2698

Serving KW and surrounding area

100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA

ↆ

WHERE TIRES ARE A

SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.

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

519-669-3232 ↆ

ↆ

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

TIRE

519-669-0524 www.woolwichrentals.ca 100 Union St, Elmira, Ontario

THOMPSON’S

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

519-669-4400

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

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

30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA

36 Hampton St., Elmira

- Design and build -

AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS

www.marwilconcrete.ca

Wayne Martin | 519-504-2016

519-577-0370

darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON

HOME IMPROVEMENT COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL

ST. JACOBS

GLASS SYSTEMS INC.

INC

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

Randy Weber

ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605

www.rwelectricltd.com TEL:

18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira | 519.669.1462

AMOS R O O F I N G

1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

ↆ

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

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

WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED

CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.

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

519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114 In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured

HOME IMPROVEMENT Since 1998

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

Murray & Daniel Shantz

ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427

DESIGN CENTRE

• FLOORING • Custom KITCHENS • BATHROOM VANITIES • SICO Paint • Custom WINDOW BLINDS

KITCHEN, BATH & WINDOW FASHIONS

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

Call someone you can trust - your local Home Hardware Popular Brands Available

BLANCO, MAAX, MIROLAN, STEEL QUEEN

www.LetUsFloorYou.ca

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

Evenings By Appointment

1011 Industrial Cres. Unit #2 | TEL: 519.699.5411

Tel:

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

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

Thursday, October 7, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

ↆ REA L

C L A S S I F I E D S | 21

ES TATE Sue From

Alli Bauman

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

226-750-9332

519-669-5426

suefrom17@gmail.com

BROKERAGE

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office: 519-669-2772 | Cell: 519-741-6231 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | www.thurrealestate.com

BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record, MVA Residential

35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON!

$899,000 $999,000 ELMIRA - Gorgeous Elmira Family Home with Pool! You will be amazed at the space as well as the extensive updates that this home has to offer. Featuring 2780 square feet of carpet free living space, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, a convenient main floor office, all appliances included, lots of storage space, spacious double car garage, and a large driveway. The beautifully landscaped yard is stunning and provides privacy, with green land between you and your back neighbour, to entertain and to splash around in your fabulous inground salt-water pool...you won’t want to wait to see this! Some updates include new flooring through-out, custom kitchen with huge island and quartz countertops, outdoor quartz serving buffet, pergola, interlocking patio, landscaping, storage cubbies off garage, open living space with gas fireplace, all main floor lighting including the beautiful dining room chandelier, newer garage door and custom blinds. All of this plus a prime location, this might just be the home you have been dreaming of!

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

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION. 112 Oriole Pkwy, Birdland Plaza

19 Pintail Dr., Elmira Great family home in a desirable neighbourhood! 5 level sidesplit with large principal rooms. Nicely landscaped w/ deck & pergola. Garden shed w/hydro. Main flr laundry/ mud room w/2 piece bath.

Spacious family room w/gas FP & garden door to deck.

Hardwood stairs to beautifully renovated kitchen & dining space with large island & maple cabinetry. Some replacement windows. Upstairs has 3 bdrms – primary has 4 pc ensuite & walk-in closet. Lower level has been renovated with large rec room & 4th bdrm. Another level down has area for games room/bedroom or hobby area. Also 3 pc bath, utility room, storage room & cold cellar.

SOLD

Melanie Beisel Sales Representative

Direct: 519-590-0835 Office: 519-747-2040 | mbeisel@royallepage.ca

CALL FOR YOUR

Love where you live, use a local REALTOR®

GENERAL SERVICES

RK COUNTRY BUS LINES 519-502-8262

FREE MARKET EVALUATION WE DO SIGNS OF ALL KINDS!

MY COMPANY

my company tag

line

MY NAME

job title address

Elmira, ON

A first time Buyer’s opportunity! 3 bdrm semi-detached in good condition & close to schools. Eat-in kitchen w/ dining area & sliders to deck.

Finished rec room. 2pc in bsmt.

Laundry/furnace room. Newer gas furnace and A/C. Replacement windows. Private single driveway. $489,900.00 MLS

$11.00/per sq. ft. plus C.A.M. fees space for lease. 2 units available immediately. 1310 sq. ft. & 1821 sq. ft.

Front & rear access. Newly renovated.

Lots of parking. MLS

ↆ PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ↆ

35 Mockingbird Dr., Elmira

ELMIRA - From the moment you walk up to this charming property, you will feel right at home! The front covered porch is the perfect retreat for your morning coffee or evening drinks while catching up with friends.

With no homes located across the street you get the luxury of privacy and extra parking when needed. Upon entering the bright foyer, you will notice the formal living room with ample space for gatherings. The dining room features built in custom cabinetry and a bay window overlooking the backyard. Custom cabinetry continues into the kitchen with built-in microwave and quartz countertops. Walk out from the living room to your 2 tier deck, hot tub and pergola, perfect for relaxation. The upper floor has 4 bedrooms, an updated 4 piece bathroom with a jetted tub and a master bedroom with a Walk-in closet and 3 piece ensuite bathroom. The basement offers an office space as well as a separate den, a rec room with a gas fireplace, a workout room and lots of storage. With main floor laundry, 4 bedrooms, a finished basement, and a concrete driveway accommodating 4 vehicles plus the space in the heated double car garage there is room for your family to enjoy all aspects of life. Walking distance to downtown, Bolander park with splash pad, trails and space for kids to run across the street…. you won’t want to miss out on this rare find.

Reach local people at the right time every week.

Advertise your professional services to Woolwich, Wellesley and beyond.

NEW LISTING

Phone: 555-555-5 555 Fax: 555-555-5 555 my@email.com www.mydomain.com

29

$

99

plus tax

Specializing in Posters, Banners & Trade Show Booths

Our Everyday Low Price!

500 FULL COLOUR BUSINESS CARDS Make a Great First Impression at a Great Price!

• With or without UV gloss (1 side) • Single sided • Full Colour • 12 pt C1S stock • Print ready file

Car Wraps Also Available!

Indoor & Outdoor Signage Huge assortment of materials to print on Laminating, sewing, wind slits, grometting available Hardware included • Installation available

Get Your Message Out And Keep People Informed!

AS LOW AS

$

12995

• We have an In-house Graphics team to help with the perfect design, or supply your own print-ready file

Call today

for more information!

Our consultants are always available to price your project!

• These banners are excellent for trade shows and presentations • They are affordable, lightweight, durable and easy to setup or take down • Includes padded carry bag • Full colour, single sided

Call Today to Get Started!

ARTWORK EXTRA

Have You Written A Book?

Call for a copy of our Idea Guide for a full listing of available products • • • •

NEWSLETTERS

Retractable Banners

Raptor, Magnum, Frontier, Extreme Frontier

We can help you get your book into print!

Lawn Bag Signs

• Family History Books • Cookbooks Inquire about our • Manuals • Catalogues Publishing Packages • Children’s Books and free Author’s Guide

M&T Printing Group is Ready to Serve You

675 DAVENPORT RD., WATERLOO • 519-804-0017 www.mtprint.com

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS Support the local businesses that keep your community and its newspapers thriving.

DOOR HANGERS

Catch the attention of your prospects and drive traffic to your business!

Large enough to include plenty of information, but small enough to provide budget friendly pricing and easily distributed.

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021

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

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

Community Information Page COVID-19 Woolwich Township Update Township Office – Open for select services The Township office is open to walk-in public traffic, with staff working a mix of in office and from home. It is recommended that you use our services offered online or phone to book an appointment before visiting the office to ensure we are available to assist you. The following services can be accessed through our website: • Tax & Water Bills can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/taxes • Building Permits can be applied for and paid online: www.woolwich.ca/buildingpermits • Parking Tickets can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/parkingtickets • Report Issues or Service Requests (By-law Enforcement, Potholes, Signs, Streetlights, Trees, Winter Maintenance, etc..) online: www.woolwich.ca/reportit For current information on facilities and services, please visit www.woolwich.ca or call 519-669-1647.

For health information, call the Region of Waterloo Public Health 519-575-4400.

Council Meetings – Remote For registration, help or alternative participation options, call 519-669-6004.

Recreation Programs and Facilities As per Ontario Regulation 645/21, beginning September 22, 2021, all individuals who are entering indoor municipal recreation facilities will be required to provide proof of vaccination along with ID. Exemptions include: • Individuals under 18 years old who are entering the facility to participate in sport (e.g., organized league, pre-registered drop-in, swim lessons, etc.). Sport participants including players, coaches and volunteers should check and adhere to their Association’s Return to Play protocols • Children under 12 years old • Individuals with a medical exemption. (A note from a doctor or registered nurse including a documented medical reason for not being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and the effective time-period for the medical reason) Individuals may show either a paper copy or an electronic PDF of their proof of vaccination.

Beginning October 22, individuals may choose to use the QR code as issued by the provincial government.

Fully vaccinated is: • The full series of a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or any combination of such vaccines, or • One or two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada, followed by one dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine authorized by Health Canada, or • Three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine not authorized by Health Canada; and • The final dose of the COVID-19 vaccine received at least 14 days before providing the proof of being fully vaccinated.

ↆ F A M I L Y

P.O. Box 158

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

Phone:

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

After Hours Emergency:

519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca

Acceptable forms of ID must include the name of the identification holder, and date of birth, these include: • Birth certificate • Citizenship card • Driver’s license • Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card • Indian Status Card /Indigenous Membership Card • Passport • Permanent Resident card Visitors to our facilities must continue to Covid pre-screen prior to entering using the Government of Ontario customer screening tool: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/screening/customer/. Please display the green checkmark upon entry, QR codes will be provided at the door.

Woolwich Memorial Centre • The Fitness Centre & Walking track will be available for drop-in use Monday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8:15 am – 9 pm and Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, 6:15 am – 9 pm.

• The WMC aquatic facility is open for pre-registered programming. To view the pool schedule and aquatic leadership courses visit www.woolwich.ca/swim We ask for your patience & understanding as our Recreation staff work to implement these new procedures to keep our patrons, volunteers & staff safe.

For more information on Recreation Programs and Facilities, please check the Township website or call 519-514-7000.

Local Business Resources FREE masks: order your free supply of masks online at: https://forms.woolwich.ca/Small-Business-PPE-Mask-Request.

FREE COVID-19 screening kits: Visit www.staysafescreen.ca to learn more and schedule your pick-up.

COVID-19 Safe Ambassador Program: Free program for small and medium sized businesses in the Region to minimize COVID-19 risks and boost staff and customer confidence. Get a window decal to show you completed the program. Sign up online at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ambassador Businesses grants: https://reliefwithinreach.ca/waterloo-region/ For more information about government programs and other business supports call Jenna Morris at 519-669-6020 or email: EconomicDevelopment@woolwich.ca

Public Health Information Getting fully vaccinated protects you against hospitalization and serious outcomes caused by COVID-19. Every single person who gets vaccinated helps to build up our wall of protection against COVID-19 in Waterloo Region.

Get vaccinated today: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/GetVaccinated

A LB UM

Lost Cat

In Memoriam

Missing Cat

Knechtel, Dennis

Marie McCormick When God created Mothers All as lovely as can be He made one extra special And saved her just for us.

30 years have passed and we continue to miss you.

Please be on the lookout for Loveable and call 519 998-4997 if you see him. Thank you.

Obituary

Your loving family.

Knechtel, Dennis of Oliver, B.C.; formally of Elmira. Went home to be with his Lord and Saviour at the age of 66 on Oct 1st. He left behind wife Nettie (Guenther) and 4 children, and grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Predeceased by daughter Angela (late 1992). Son of Alfred of Elmira, Gladys (Scheerer) of Elmira.

Brother to Sharon Knechtel, Elmira, Don (late 2020), Doris Klenot (Larry late 2020) of Owen Sound; Brenda Bushell (Chris 2020), New Brunswick; Maynard (Brenda) of Wellesley; Christine Black (Paul) of Atwood. Many nieces and nephews.

Announce it in the Observer.

Family Announcement Advertising: Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album Single:

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Please call or email Donna Rudy:

519-669-5790 ext 104 donna@woolwichobserver.com

Thursday, October 7, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

ↆ FA M I LY

C L A S S I F I E D S | 23

A LB UM

In Memoriam

Obituary

Obituary

Obituary

In memory of

Lil Arndt

Our mother, friend, co-conspirator, our rock! October 6, 2020 we had to say goodbye and it’s been the hardest year ever imaginable. But we are so thankful for the years we had together, the lessons learned from a strong woman, the laughs we shared and the many memories we made.

We are forever thankful for the trips to Wabigoon, Schreiber and Thunder Bay and that we could share in your memories of growing up, meeting your friends, and sharing in the stories and the laughs. We are so thankful that in your struggles we were able to brighten your day with craziness, and laughs and hugs and tears. We picture you now with Dad and not just sweet baby Doreen, but your little sister’s, Beatrice and Elva as well. We picture you all around the table in your beautiful heavenly home. We were so blessed with the best mom ever! God Bless You and Dad always for the gift you gave us.

Mother’s hands were gentle, They’re missed so very much, I’d give the world to feel once more Their warm and tender touch.

Those hands were full of comfort Now they lie at rest,

By Marian Jones

Miss you Forever and Always – Judy and Marje

Obituary

Hambly, Ralph Peacefully passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital at the age of 95.

Beloved husband and best friend of the late Marilyn (2018). Loved father of Karen and Roland Fohring, and loving grandfather of Jason Fohring.

Ralph was self employed in the sewing machine business in Elmira, retiring at the age of 90. A private family graveside service will be held in Elmira Union Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife. In lieu of flowers, donations to a local hospital of your choice would be appreciated by the family, and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

100% Local

LEIBOLD, Dorothy J. Peacefully at home on Friday, October 1, 2021. Dorothy Jean Leibold (Allen) age 95 years, of Elmira, formerly of Normanby Township. Beloved wife of the late George Alfred Leibold (1999).

Dear mother of Diane Martin (the late Robert, 2017) of Pennsylvania, Joan and Richard Golden of Melbourne, Leone Jones and Ken McIntyre of Ennismore, Paul and Chris Leibold of Bracebridge. Fondly remembered by her grandchildren Keith and Michelle Martin, Lynette and Jim Hollis, and Michelle and Rob Charles; Steven and Denise Kirkpatrick; Pamela Kirkpatrick and Randy Savage; Cavin and Sarah Jones; Trevor and Elke Jones; Kris and Shannon Leibold, Shawna and Brandon Smith, Joshua and Brandy Leibold. Fondly loved by many great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by her parents Hermis and Euphemia Allen, sisters Anna and Leonard Hale, Marjorie and Russell Grein, and Norva, and brothers Garnet and Mary Allen, Gerald and Mervyn.

Dorothy will be remembered for her dedication to Trinity Lutheran church, the family farm and gardens in Normanby Township. After moving to Elmira in 1973, Dorothy became a very active member of St. James Lutheran Church and Elmira Seniors.

She loved bowling, golf and playing cards. George and Dorothy loved to travel and enjoyed many trips and tours together. After George’s passing, Dorothy continued to do so with family and friends. Dorothy’s door was always open to visitors. She loved nothing better than a good visit on the back deck with family and friends, and her exceptionally kind neighbours and their families. Dorothy was very proud of her gardens which she continued to maintain this year! The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, October 8, 2021 from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Masks are mandatory, please call the funeral home at 519-669-2207 to register your attendance. A private family service will take place on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at St. James Lutheran Church, 60 Arthur St. S., Elmira.

Public interment to follow at 1 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 102164 6th Concession, Normanby Township.

Donations to St. James Lutheran Church or Woolwich Community Services - Food Bank would be appreciated by the family, and may be made through the funeral home. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Utter, Donald Glen Peacefully passed away on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at Derbecker’s Heritage House, St. Jacobs at the age of 83. Dear husband of the late Sharon (Beggs) Utter (September 16, 2019). Don will be missed by his many friends and family. Don loved to play pool, boating, and fishing. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels for many years. He owned the Elmira Taxi for 8 years, and was a truck driver in his earlier life. Predeceased by his parents Lorne and Mary (Forbes) Utter and his brother Harold. At Don’s request, cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral home visitation or funeral service. Interment will take place at Glen Morris United Cemetery. Donations to Grand River Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated, and can be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Obituary Martin, Adina (Bauman) February 5, 1928 - October 3, 2021 Passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at her home near Fergus, in her 94th year. Cherished mother of James and Martha Martin of Alma, Paul Martin of Atwood, Arlene and Lawrence Martin of Fergus, and Carol Martin of Alma. Survived by 13 grandchildren and 48 greatgrandchildren. Sister of Almeda Shantz of Atwood, and sister-in-law of Mary Gingrich of Kitchener. Predeceased by her beloved husband Aaron Martin (April, 2016) with whom she lived in matrimony for 64 years, parents Ozias and Nancy Bauman, daughter-in-law Miriam Martin, two great-grandsons in infancy, sister Lucinda Weber, and in-laws Aden Weber, Noah Shantz, Noah and Hannah Martin, Levi and Elizabeth Martin, Sarah and Cleason Brubacher, Leah Martin, Valina Martin, and Edgar Gingrich. Visitation was held on Monday, October 4, 2021 from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. and on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A family service took place in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 9 a.m., then to Mapleview Mennonite Meeting House, 7184 Fourteenth Line, Alma. Special thank you to all the doctors, nurses and caregivers for their kind support. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

The fight against fake news starts with where you decide to look for it.

Trust the real news.

Brown, Douglas W. 1947-2021 Peacefully passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Hospice Wellington in Guelph, at the age of 74 years. Doug was the beloved partner of Jo-Anne Snow for 22 years. Dear father of Richelle Hirlehey (Doug) of London and Mike Brown of Toronto.

Step -father to B obby-Jo Cody (Thomas), Corrie Ann Snow, Lindsay Cook (Robert), and Matthew Snow.

Cherished grandfather of Ella, Kirsten, Dylan; Kalleigh, Brandon, Bishop; Mitchel, Ashley, Rachel, Tylor, Dylan, Kaidyn, Danica; Hudson, Adelaide and George; and his seven greatgrandchildren. Lovingly remembered by brothers David and Colleen of Elmira, Clyde and Leslie of Kitchener, Keith and Val of St. Catharines, Robert and Kathy of Elmira, Howard and Pamela of Elmira and 12 nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Howard and Mary (Blois) Brown and step-son Jeramie Snow. Doug was a lifelong teacher, guide and mentor to many. He devoted 38 years to the Waterloo Region District School Board as a teacher at Forest Heights Collegiate and Bluevale Collegiate, computer consultant for the School Board, MISA coordinator, and assistant manager of IT. Into his retirement he returned to Forest Heights to mentor newly immigrated students. Doug displayed a true passion for nature and the outdoors and has shared this love through his dedication to Scouts Canada, the Forest Heights Outdoors Club and with his children and family members. A celebration of Doug’s life was held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 2 p.m. in the Dreisinger Funeral Home Chapel, 62 Arthur St. S, Elmira. The service was livestreamed and is available on Doug’s tribute page of the funeral home website. In Doug’s memory, donations to Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario or Hospice Wellington would be appreciated. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Sell it in the Observer

All classified advertising is prepaid Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds.

Residential:

$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial:

$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Please call or email Donna Rudy: 519-669-5790 ext 104 donna@woolwichobserver.com

Eight in ten (82%) of Canadians feel that reliable journalism is an essential part of a democratic society and are concerned about the repercussions of fake news and it being used as a weapon.

Totum Research, Canadians 18+; 2020

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021 | 24

Living Here

It's about all of us.

Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Report it: observerxtra.com/tips

Focus on health week

Joint fire training

Community health centres across Ontario are this week celebrating “Community Health and Wellbeing Week.” Woolwich Community Health Centre will celebrate the week with a focus on “Digital Inclusion in Rural Townships,” with an online event today (Oct. 7) from 1:30-3 p.m. as local organizations address digital equity in the community.

The $100,000 joint services review carried out by the region’s four rural townships didn’t deliver much, but North Dumfries, Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich have agreed to form a joint fire services training program, which was approved last week in Wellesley and Tuesday night by Woolwich council.

www.wchc.on.ca

As butterflies take flight, they hit the trail Elmira’s Clay Williams, no stranger to long-distance runs, maps out a route for this year’s Monarch Ultra Jusitne Fraser Observer Staff

WEIGHING NO MORE THAN A paper clip, monarch butterflies nonetheless make the long trek from Canada to Mexico each year. As such, they’ve become a symbol of endurance and a bellwether of environmental conditions.

In recent years, the monarch populations across Canada and the U.S. have seen a steep decline due to habitat loss such as the removal of milkweed plants by farmers. Milkweed can make certain animals sick, but it also is what makes monarch butterflies poisonous to their predators, said Clay Williams, one of the original founders of the Monarch Ultra.

The Monarch Ultra was the first run across North America to help spread awareness of the declining pollinator populations, with participants taking

the same migratory path the infamous butterflies make every year.

The event, organized by Carlotta James two years ago, saw runners leave from Peterborough for the 47-day journey to Mexico.

This year it’s a 21-day journey across southern Ontario.

“It originally came from Carlotta James, she had this vision, she saw a monarch butterfly when she was running one day, and was kind of thinking about what these little monarch butterflies do – they are in a really steep decline. Thinking about these little butterflies flying from where she was running up in Peterborough, all the way to Mexico, the butterflies that are hatched in Peterborough fly all the way down there and wouldn’t it be cool to run along where they’re flying? She put together a team and got a hold of me. The intention was to do something

Elmira's Clay Williams is taking part in this year's Monarch Ultra.

really wild to get people’s attention and then kind of redirect that attention to the plight of our pollinators,” he explained.

“We ran all the way to Mexico as a relay run. I was the run director for that and put together the map

– I spent 40 days in a van and an RV, and we made it to Mexico and back,” said Williams of the first outing.

“We were planning on doing it every second year, so we started putting a route together based

Justine Fraser

on what we learned about some of the more dangerous sections of highway. But then the pandemic meant we probably wouldn’t be going across the border.

I’m the mapmaker for this year, and put together the

route that goes around the province.”

The Elmira resident is an avid runner, taking part in several marathons over the years.

“I had progressed since 2003 through marathons and 100-mile races and 48-hour races. I ran a thing called canal pursuit that I created, and ran from Port Severn to Ottawa, 785 kilometres. Carlotta liked the way that I had organized that run so she got in touch with me, and as soon as she told me she’s organizing a run to Mexico I was in.”

This year the Monarch Ultra runners started from Peterborough and finish in Barrie, limited by COVID restrictions. The Monarch Ultra runners sped off September 19, they’ll be passing through Elmira in the early hours Thursday morning, looking to finish their run by Saturday.

“We wanted to partner with a couple of organi→ MONARCH ULTRA 27

Weight gain often an issue as women move into menopause DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I recently turned 50, and I walk about 1 mile daily and work out two to three times per week. I believe I am beginning to go into menopause, as I have not had a period in a few months. Also, I have noticed the number on my scale rising, even though I have not changed my diet or activities. I've heard weight gain is common in menopause. As I enter this stage of life, what can I do to maintain my weight other than continuing to work out and eat well?

ANSWER: You are certainly well on your way to a warding off midlife weight gain with your healthy lifestyle. Weight gain is often an issue as women move into menopause, even for those who eat well and exercise regularly. Over the next several years, you may find it more difficult to stay at your current weight, and that you'll need to increase your activity level and be more diligent about your eating habits.

A woman is considered to be in menopause when

▢ The Mayo Clinic

Professional Clinical Health Advice

she's gone a year without a period. Menopause usually happens in the late 40s or early 50s. The final years leading up to menopause are called perimenopause.

They are characterized by menstrual irregularities. During perimenopause, many women start experiencing a variety of symptoms that come with menopause, including weight gain.

This weight gain happens in part due to hormone changes.

Declining levels of the hormones estrogen after menopause and testosterone with aging contribute to a loss of muscle mass, which leads to fewer calories being burned at rest and with exercise. The hormonal changes also affect where fat is stored, leading to a tendency for fat accumulation around the midsection.

In addition to hormone changes, other symptoms of menopause, such as hot

flashes, sleep problems and mood changes, can interfere with a woman's ability to adhere to healthy lifestyle measures. That can contribute to weight gain. Genetic factors also may play a role. If your parents or other close relatives experienced weight around the abdomen as they got older, you're likely to do the same.

Considering all these changes, maintaining the same level of exercise and calorie intake you have always had may no longer be enough for weight

maintenance as you head toward menopause. You may need to add more exercise to your regular routine.

For most healthy adults, experts recommend moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, for at least 150 minutes a week or vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging, for at least 75 minutes a week.

Strength training is recommended at least twice a week. If you want to lose weight or meet specific fitness goals, you might → MAYO CLINIC 27

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we take time to practice gratitude for the many blessings in our lives, we realize how thankful we are to you, our loyal AD SPOT - NON PRINTING customers! Leroy’s would not be the place it is today without your continued trust and support!! Thank you so much and we hope you have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

– Leroy & Donna

Two locations in Elmira to serve you better

20 Oriole Parkway E. | 47 Industrial Drive

Tel: (519) 669-1082

www.leroysautocare.net

Thursday, October 7, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

L I V I N G H E R E | 25

ↆ COM M U NITY

Sugar and spice make this pumpkin bread extra nice

Q

uick breads should be moist but not soggy, so we often need to get rid of extra liquid in the batter. In some recipes, like zucchini bread, we squeeze all the excess water out of the shredded zucchini to avoid a soggy loaf. We can't squeeze our pumpkin puree (that would be messy!), but cooking has the same effect.

With heat, some of the water in the puree evaporates, helping keep the finished loaf moist

▢ 1 1⁄4 cups (6 1⁄4 ounces)

but not soggy. As a bonus, cooking the puree takes away the raw pumpkin flavor and gives it some earthy caramel flavor.

Add a little cinnamon and nutmeg and this bread smells (and tastes) like autumn. The chocolate chips turn this orange-and-black loaf into the perfect Halloween (trick-or-) treat!

cinnamon

▢ 1⁄2 teaspoon salt ▢ 1⁄8 teaspoon ground

▢ 1 teaspoon baking

▢ 1⁄2 cup (3 1⁄2 ounces)

▢ 2 large eggs

▢ 1⁄2 cup packed (3

▢ 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) milk

▢ 3⁄4 cup canned

unsweetened pumpkin puree

1. Adjust oven rack to the middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray inside bottom and sides of an 8 1⁄2 by 4 1⁄2-inch metal loaf pan with vegetable oil spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and baking soda. In a small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.

3. In a large saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon, salt and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with rubber spatula, until mixture just begins to bubble, 4 to 6 minutes.

4. Remove from heat.

Add sugar, brown sugar and oil to pumpkin mixture and whisk until combined.

Let mixture cool for 10 minutes. Whisk again until mixture

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Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips ▢ Vegetable oil spray

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nutmeg

sugar

1⁄2 ounces) light brown sugar

▢ 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil ▢ 3⁄4 cup (4 1⁄2 ounces)

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5. Add egg mixture to pumpkin mixture and whisk to combine.

Add flour mixture and use a rubber spatula to stir until just combined and no dry flour is visible. Stir chocolate chips into batter. Do not overmix.

Scrape batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.

6. Place loaf pan in the oven. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the pumpkin bread comes out clean, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Place the loaf pan on a cooling rack and let pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove pumpkin bread from pan. Let pumpkin bread cool on the cooling rack for at least 1 hour.

Transfer to a cutting board, slice and serve.

ↆ For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America's Test Kitchen for rigourously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www. amercastestkitchen.com

CAL EN DAR

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10 ▢ Norwegian Puppet Show at the Three Sisters

Cultural Centre 1370 King St N., St. Jacobs, 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy traditional Norwegian story telling brought to life with hand felted puppets by local artist Sarah Granskou. This is a Free Out Door Culture Days event.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

Vacuum Sales, Repairs Se Service All Makes & Models

▢ The Lions Club of Elmira Bottle Drive at Lions Hall.

Come on by and drop off your empties between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19 ▢ Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders. Eating

disorders are caused by a complex combination of factors. Join us at 6:30 p.m. through Zoom. In this session you will learn about the signs and symptoms of eating disorders, ways to prevent them and recovery from disordered eating. Woolwich Community Health Centre will host this virtual event. To receive your Zoom link email gberihun@wchc.on.ca

9 Church St. E., Elmira

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

Quality & Service you can trust.

▢ Tuesday Take-out Luncheon at Gale Presbyterian.

Drive-thru pick up between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the church. $12/meal. Roast pork, mashed potatoes with gravy, coleslaw, bread and dessert.RSVP to Marilyn by Friday, October 15th (519-669-5734 or atcoupal@rogers.com)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20 ▢ Fibromyalgia. Woolwich Community Health Centre hosts the Arthritis Society to help you understand fibromyalgia & recommended treatment choices at 6:30 p.m. through Zoom. Learn evidence-based coping strategies and how to take an active role in the management of fibromyalgia. To receive your Zoom link email gberihun@wchc.on.ca

▢ Ergonomics in the Office at Home and at Work, 6:30 p.m. through Zoom. In this session, you will learn about healthy postures & movements to help reduce discomfort and/or pain, injury prevention strategies & steps to follow for an ergonomic assessment.

Presented by Bernadette Vanspall, Physiotherapist at Woolwich Community Health Centre. To receive your Zoom link email gberihun@wchc.on.ca

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com

Education and Treatment

Your First Step to Better Hearing

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

▢ The Stress Cycle and How to Complete It. Join us

chocolate chips

is very smooth.

EVENT S

NANCY KOEBEL

Bus: 519.744.5433

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

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

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.

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at Noon through Zoom. Part of Woolwich Community Health Centre's Stress and Anxiety "Lunch and Learns". In this session, we will explore ways to identify & respond more effectively to stress in your daily life. We'll also discuss 5 research-based ways to complete your stress cycle & strategies to experience greater relaxation & calm. To receive your Zoom link email gberihun@wchc.on.ca

SANYO CANADIAN

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 ▢ Elmira Legion's Oktoberfest Dinner from 5 p.m. to

6:30 p.m. Take out only. Sausage, suerkraut, hashbrown casserole, turnip, roll and dessert, $15/person.

Call Donna: 519-669-5894 by Wednesday before.

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

WOOLWICH RESIDENTS SUPPORT FUND:

Woolwich Township Ward 1 Councillor

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

How can I help you?

519.514.6051

ↆ The Community Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and similar events do not qualify for free advertising. See complete policy online. All submissions are to be made online at observerxtra.com/event-listing/.

Healthy Communities

The place to get involved.

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

pmerlihan@woolwich.ca

www.merlihan.com

healthywoolwich.org

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021

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

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2021 How do I protect my Family?

Ensure all fuel-burning appliances and vents are inspected annually. Find a registered contractor at cosafety.ca Install CO alarms outside all sleeping areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or attached garage.

Test CO alarms monthly by pushing the test button and change the batteries at least once a year. Replace alarms according to manufacturers’ recommendations.

Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and outside all sleeping areas.

Test smoke alarms monthly by pushing the test button and change the batteries at least once a year.

Fire Safety Tips brought to you by the Woolwich Fire Department

If a fire occurred in your home tonight would your family get out safely?

EVERY SECOND COUNTS! Fire and smoke can travel so quickly that despite their best efforts, firefighters may not be able to rescue you or your family if a fire occurs in your home. You need to be out of your home when the fire fighters arrive.

PRACTICE YOUR HOME ESCAPE PLAN so everyone knows what to do will help everyone safely escape a fire as quickly as possible.

GET OUT, STAY OUT. When the smoke alarms sound, get out immediately and call 9-1-1 from outside using a cell phone or from a neighbours’s home.

Never re-enter a burning building.

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DELIV SER ERY AVAILVICE Call fo ABLE rD

etails

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43. Arm muscle 45. Decline 46. Be in session 47. Sponsor 48. Atomizer output 50. Chipper 51. Token 52. Bucks 54. Addict 55. Adverb 56. Biblical suffix 58. Chills and fever 59. Filly's mother 60. Publicity, slangily

ACROSS 1. Scribbles (down) 4. Shamu, for one 8. Common for sports

teams to have

13. Corker 14. Physics topic 16. Lacquered metalware 17. Babakoto 19. Gets rid of 20. Misfortunes 21. Country in the Balkans 23. "Fancy that!"

24. Pharynx 26. Leg bone 28. Atlas section 30. G8 member 31. Scrooge's cry 33. Drew on 35. Aromatic solvent 37. Bring on 38. Towards is bedlam

DOWN 1. Daughter of Saturn 2. Auto pioneer 3. Without revenge 4. "Take ___" 5. Popular music of Jamaica 6. Algonquian Indian 7. Bamboozled 8. Breast inflammation 9. Ado

without it 39. Careless of 42. Popular brand of stationery

ↆ SU DOKU

Bonnie’s Chick Hatchery Ltd.

18 Arthur St. N. • 519-669-2561

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10. Will not fade 11. Ceramic jars 12. Able to be tried 13. Ad ___ 15. Knowledge art 18. "Rocky ___" 22. Adjoin 25. Chemistry Nobelist Otto 27. Meteorologist's line 29. Throughout 31. Bent 32. Time piece?

34. ___, ___, Goose 36. Astronomer Hubble 37. Skeletor's man 40. Azadirachta indica 41. "Do ___ others as..."

44. Distant 47. Let it 48. Myself 49. Gull-like bird 53. Pole weapon 57. Go bad 58. FM's older, less

polished brother

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L I V I N G H E R E | 27

MONARCH ULTRA: Pandemic will see runners following a route through southern Ontario this time out zations that were conservation organizations. We wanted someplace that was fairly safe for our runners to be on foot.

So rather than being on secondary highways, we decided we would get them onto the Trans Canada Trail and the Waterfront Trail, and both of those are established organizations that have signage up for most of the park. The route goes from Peterborough across to Uxbridge, down to the lake, and across Toronto towards Windsor and then heads back through London, Cambridge and beautiful Elmira, up towards Barrie.”

Along the route, runners encounter an aid stop every eight or ten kilometres or so.

Pollinator populations have been in decline around the world, caus-

ing Canada to declare the monarch butterfly as an endangered species. The reason for the decline is largely due to habitat loss from agriculture, mining and human development.

The land may not provide a proper habitat anymore for the pollinators to hibernate in the winter or create nesting sites that require specific habitats.

Agricultural intensification is also a primary driver for their decline, widespread planting of monocultures and toxic pesticide use have destroyed many areas pollinators live in.

Close to 70 runners will be running the route Williams planned through southern Ontario this year.

Donations can be made through their website, www.themonarchultra. com. The next Monarch Ultra run is planned for 2023.

a healthy weight lowers your risk for a variety of health concerns, including high blood pressure; heart disease; Type 2 diabetes; and certain kinds of cancer, such as breast, endometrial and colon cancers. In addition, avoiding excess weight as you age can make it easier to stay active over time.

And that can help you look and feel better in the long

run.

If you have questions about menopause symptoms or changes you experience in perimenopause, talk with your health care provider. You also can seek out a women's health specialist who can offer details about possible treatments that may ease symptoms and make this significant life transition easier to manage.

→FROM 24

In 2019, Clay Williams took part in the Monarch Ultra's 47-day relay run to Mexico, following the migratory route of the butterSubmitted flies.

MAYO CLINIC: There are options for dealing with the significant transition →FROM 24

need to exercise more.

Check your eating habits too. Choose fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, particularly those that are less processed and contain more fiber. Avoid or limit sugar-sweetened beverages, such as soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, flavored waters and sweetened coffee or tea.

Cookies, pie, cake, dough-

nuts, ice cream and candy should only make occasional appearances in your diet, if you include them at all. Limit alcohol, as it also adds empty calories.

Though things may seem a bit overwhelming as you move into this new stage of life, keep in mind that positive lifestyle changes can reap many health rewards as you get older. Staying at

We are thankful for your business and enjoy sharing our unique new space with you.

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As we celebrate the ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of our new location, we want to take a moment to thank you all for your continued support.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS.

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

Twin Centre selected as one of 10 organizations in OMHA pilot Steve Kannon Observer Staff

THE TWIN CENTRE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION’S efforts to get back to something resembling normal got a boost last month. Not only were kids getting back on ice at the Wellesley arena, but hockey was made a bit more accessible thanks to a large donation of equipment.

The association was one of ten in the province chosen to take part in the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s new Player Assist Program. The OMHA pilot project eliminates the cost of equipment for 350 families with kids under the age of 7 in the 10 selected minor hockey organizations.

The sets include skates, shin pads, pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, neck guard and helmet.

The associations will retain the 350 sets of equipment at the conclusion of the hockey season to loan to players in following years, similar to loaning out a library

book.

“Cost is sometimes identified as a barrier for some families to get involved in our great game. We thank our partner the Egg Farmers of Ontario for launching this initiative to help hundreds of families for years to come,” said OMHA executive director Ian Taylor in announcing the program.

Being selected as part of the project was welcome news for The Twin Centre Minor Hockey’s David Dienesch.

“It’s pretty exciting for us. We’re certainly excited for that opportunity to help those that need it,” he said, noting the OMHA reached out to local associations to apply to be part of the program.

“We thought it would be a good idea and could help get people into hockey at the younger age, and help, obviously, on the cost side – with the equipment, the costs of things are certainly higher.”

Representatives of the OMHA and the program’s

sponsors, the Egg Farmers of Ontario, visited the Wellesley arena to drop off the new equipment and make the program official.

The resumption of play also saw some of the kids back on the ice after a long layoff.

Dienesch noted that much of the last season was either cancelled due to lockdowns or saw kids simply practicing in small cohorts given public health restrictions. Now, the organization is looking for something closer to a regular season, with tryouts scheduled for the end of the month ahead of a new season.

“We’ve got pretty good registration numbers, kind of like, well, we can call it pre-COVID [levels],” he said. “Last year, we still ran hockey programming, although with some games up until about November in our region, and then with a lockdown that caused things to go back to basically a cohort type of system where they were just practicing.”

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, October 7, 2021

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