September 29, 2022

Wellesley gets festive

One-stop shop for municipal election info

A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS IS again undertaking an effort to try to inform voters in the region. Run by Civic Tech Waterloo Region, the website waterlooregionvotes.org contains almost every possible piece of information voters need in the need to make an informed decision.

“One of the problems that we had seen around municipal elections obviously is low voter turnout rates. And one of the reasons for that is that at least when I was talking to friends of mine and other people who are voters, they would say, ‘Well, I just don’t know enough about the candidate,’” said volunteer Christian Snyder.

“At least at a federal or provincial level, a lot of times candidates are aligned with a party, so you’re voting a lot of times along party lines as much as you are for the candidates. When it comes to municipal elections, oftentimes there’s a lot of people running or not very many, as the case may be, and no political affiliation, per se.

So it’s harder to determine where these folks lie, and what their interests are,” Snyder said.

Launched during the 2018 campaign, the website helps voters find what ward they should vote in, and lists all the candidates and their websites, while also linking to news from other websites about the candidates. While the group does not make endorsements, it does link to endorsements from other groups as well as certain opinion pieces.

While it has the least amount of focus, and the lowest voter turnout, municipal politics often has the largest impact on the daily lives of voters, Snyder added.

‘I’m not sure that everybody understands that or gets that. It has the least amount of hype with it,” he said.

“The other part of it too, is that you’re voting for a number of different people. So you’re voting for councillor, you’re voting for a ward councillor, you’re voting for a mayor, you’re voting for school board, you’re voting for all of these different things. And

Sauder,

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

Email:

Online:

Groups making an effort at Truth and Reconciliation

which is the 200th anniversary of Amish settlement in Canada.

TO MARK THE NATIONAL DAY of Truth and Reconciliation, the Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indigenous/ Settler Relationships is hosting an event open to anyone in recognition of efforts to strengthen links with Indigenous communities.

The group’s co-chair, Marie Pavey, has lived in Baden for 30 years, but grew up near London.

“I personally went to school with Indigenous children. I grew up south of London, and there were three First Nations communities: Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida Nation of the Thames and Munsee-Delaware First Nation.

“I went to school from Grades 4 to 8 with these students, became friends with them, and I knew they had pain. Some of it they could talk about; some of it they couldn’t. And so for many years, I could set all that aside and I didn’t really think about it,” she said.

Among the offerings this weekend is a film screening hosted by the group. The film is “Martha of the North” and is the first in a series of four films the group is screening at Zion United Church, at 215 Peel St. in New Hamburg.

The Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario is hosting two events as well. The group is celebrating the Amish Bicentennial,

“One cannot address a settlement story in the 21st Century in Canada without recognizing and examining the broader story of how settlement impacted the indigenous community, who were already here,” said David Neufeld, an organizer with the Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario.

The group’s first Reconciliation Day event is a speaking event on Friday to listen to presenters focus on the question: when it comes to settlement, what are the stories we have not been telling?

This event is open to anyone and takes place at Steinmann Mennonite Church at 1316 Snyder’s Rd. in Baden at 7:30 p.m., and is free to attend.

The group’s second event is an Indigenous Awareness Workshop held at Crowshield Lodge in New Hamburg on Saturday (October 1) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The cost to attend the workshop at Crowshield Lodge is $50 per participant, with preregistration required by emailing Neufeld at da.neuf11@ gmail.com.

Clarence Cachagee, an Inidigenous community educator, and others will facilitate the workshop. It will take place around the fire, in a healing lodge near the Nith River. Leaders will share their own experiences of healing of indigenous/settler rela-

The return of the flu

Region of Waterloo Public Health this week announced the first two lab-confirmed cases of influenza for the 2022-23 flu season. Officials are encouraging residents to get immunized, particularly those at highest risk of complications (persons with chronic health conditions, age less than 5 years or over 65 years, pregnant or Indigenous persons) and their household contacts.

From the archives

Seven more homes on Elmira’s Arthur Street South will be hooked up to the municipal water system after tests showed their well water has traces of NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine). Of the seven properties, six are drinking the well water. Crompton Co. is paying to remedy the situation to avoid future problems.

From the Sept. 27, 2003 edition of The Observer

Micro-forest project seeking volunteers for Saturday

Leah Gerber

Observer Staff

A MICRO FOREST IS BEING planted in Bloomingdale on Saturday and volunteers are still needed.

What is a micro forest? It is a method of planting trees pioneered in Japan to ensure maximum biodiversity in a small area.

Marjorie Paleshi is the chair of the organization All our Relations, which controls the property in Bloomingdale. Paleshi is working with the group To Thrive Together to build a community on the site where different generations can live in a commu-

nity of small homes in a natural setting, with a particular focus on allowing elders to age in place.

“Because that property is right on the Grand River, and it actually is part of the Haldimand Tract – which is the Haudanausaunee, so the Six Nations, the Grand – it made me feel that I wanted to see this used in a good way,” Palieshi said.

“It’s a project of delight. And for what we can do for my grandchildren and for their children and their children and their children. That’s one of the reasons it’s being done.”

The space in question where the micro forest will

be planted is a bit bigger than a tennis court, she says, where the group is planning to plant about 650 trees. Micro-forest plantings are specially designed to fit that number of trees in that sort of space, with the trees and plants supporting each other.

She and two other volunteers, Sharon Blom and Sharon Woodley, prepared the space over the last year with activities such as laying down multiple bags of collected leaves. They also arranged for Elmview Farms outside Wallenstein to apply a compost mixture of wood chips and horse manure to

the site.

On Saturday, the site will finally be planted.

Paleshi is still looking for volunteers for the day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2-5 p.m. Food will be available. Paleshi is asking volunteers to email her to register, but even if people chose to come without registering, she asks that they come wearing sturdy footwear (no sandals), wear gloves and warm layers for the weather, bring a filled water bottle (though they will have water available to refill water bottles), and to bring a round-nose shovel if possible.

Marjorie Paleshi, chair of All Our Relations, stands in the middle of the area in Bloomingdale where a micro forest will be planted this Saturday. The space is a bit bigger than a tennis court, but will contain about 650 trees. Paleshi is still looking for volunteers to come help between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and 2-5 p.m. Leah Gerber

Leah Gerber Observer Staff

Curling club planning open house

Observer Staff

IN AN EFFORT TO GET more youth interested in the sport the Elmira & District Curling Club will be hosting an open house for kids and teenagers on October 2 from 1:30-3 p.m. (ages 7-12) and 3-4:30 p.m. (ages 13-19).

“We’ve been getting more interest and people asking questions about it. So we thought, well, we’ll host an open house so those that are interested in bringing their kids so they can come and see what it’s all about, give it a try,” said junior curling coordinator Melody Bridgen-Martin.

The open house will provide instruction on the rules and equipment used in the sport, added Bridgen-Martin.

“We’ll take them out onto the ice, we’ll kind of explain what the different symbols on the ice mean, and provide some instruc tion on how to slide and throw a rock and we’ll even let them do a little bit of that while they’re there,” she explained.

All participants are asked to wear a winter coat and clean running shoes, and the younger age group will need to wear a helmet as well.

While curling does have a competitive side, it is a

very social sport, Brid gen-Martin said.

“Even adults that have tried it as a kid come back and they enjoy it for the social aspect, just getting out for an evening and playing with some friends and sitting around having drinks afterwards. So by teaching the kids the sport…a lot of them often in their mid adult age come back to enjoy the sport again. We’ve had members in their 90s still curling, because we adapt the sport so that they can continue coming out on the ice playing and having fun,” she said.

“If you don’t feel like you’re an athletic person,

that’s OK…we adapt the sport to everybody and we make sure that everybody feels included,” she said.

It is also one of the least expensive sports for kids to play, Bridgen-Martin explained.

“We just raised the fees this year for the first time in over 20 years. And we raised it by $10, so it’s now $110 for the season. We provide the equipment that you need so you don’t have to go and buy special shoes, you don’t have to go out and buy a broom.”

Those who are inter ested asked to pre-regis ter on the curling club’s website, www.elmira curlingclub.ca

because of the way that the different websites and levels of government are set up, there was no place that aggregated all of this data into one place,” he said.

While it would be great to see 100 per cent turnout, even 30 to 35 per cent would be considered a win, Snyder said.

“I doubt it’ll happen, and that’s also fine.... These things don’t happen over night. It’s education.”

In 2018 the region saw a turnout of 31 per cent, while Woolwich saw 31.58 per cent voters cast a ballot. In Wellesley, 32.80 per cent of eligible voters did so. The highest turnout in the region was Wilmot at 37.82 per cent.

While he would like to see the region do more to engage voters, Snyder does recognize there are limita tions to doing so. He points to the wrvotes.com website as an example.

“I understand what they’re trying to do with what they can do because of the limitations around the election process they’re not able to aggregate data.

They’re able to link out, but they’re not able to actually do stuff on their own site,” he said.

“I understand that their hands are tied in terms of how elections are run at the municipal level, But what…I think our group would like to see, from a much higher level, the elections process start to catch up with maybe where we are. Is it our objective to try to run this for the next 100 years? I don’t think so. The hope would be that our democratic process would adapt to what the modern needs of the modern voter are,” he said.

The whole point of the website is to get people out to vote while making an informed decision, Snyder noted.

“If you’re voting on a more conservative line we want to make sure that you understand who those folks are, and if you’re voting on a more centrist or left, it doesn’t matter. We just want you to be able to vote with confidence and know that the people that you’re voting for represent your views.”

tionships. Participants will have time to ask questions and together talk about, “where do we go from here?” Lunch will also be included.

To anyone unsure if they would be welcome at the workshop, Neufeld says, “Crowshield Lodge is an extremely welcom ing place. The focus is on healing and understand ing. Everyone is accepted where they are on this journey of learning and understanding.... It’s more like a group of friends getting together to talk.”

“Martha of the North” is a 2008 film that tells the story of how the Canadian government moved 92 Inuit people from their homes in the Hudson Bay area to the harsh climate of the far north on Ellesmere Island, Resolute Bay and

Cornwallis Island, 2,000 kilometres north, with scant supplies or training on how to live there.

Pavey says they picked this film as the kickoff to their series because it recounts events that happened in the 1950s. She says they wanted to start the series off earlier in time, and then move closer to present-day as it goes on. They also want to showcase Indigenous experiences from across Canada.

“I’m hoping (attend ees) can connect on a human level to this story of dislocation. This story, it’s something that I don’t think a lot of people are aware of. If it happened to my community, it would be devastating,” she said.

“It’s a beautiful story that is laid out very gently, and just to see what exactly

happened and understand the profound impact that these things have had on Indigenous people.”

The Wilmot Ecumenical Working Group on Indig enous/Settler Relation ships was formed in 2017 by a group of churches in the township as a way for local faith communities to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation commis sion’s call to action for churches.

Further films in the series will be screened at Zion United Church as follows:

„ Spirit to Soar (A follow up to Tanya Talaga’s book, Seven Fallen Feathers: Racism, Death and Hard Truths in a Northern City)November 18 at 7 p.m.

„ Colonization Road (An exploration of

the effects of road building by settlers on Indigenous land and culture) – Jan. 26, 2023 at 7 p.m.

„ Beans (A chronicle of the 78-day standoff in 1990 between two Mohawk communi ties and government forces in Quebec) –Mar. 31, 2023 at 7 p.m.

“Indigenous-settler relationships have been dysfunctional for a long time and it won’t change overnight,” said Neufeld. “Although it may take possibly even genera tions to heal this broken relationship, I believe that I have, and am seeing, progress.

“It’s pretty hard to understand where Indig enous people are coming from when you really don’t know the history and how we got to this point.”

Bill Atwood

The Crowshield Lodge is hosting an event this weekend to mark Truth and Reconciliation Day. Submitted

Two candidates vying for Wellesley’s Ward

Bill Atwood

Observer Staff

IN THE OCTOBER 24

MUNICIPAL election, residents of Wellesley’s Ward 4 will have two candidates on the ballot, Bob Caskanette and Claude Hergott.

As a candidate for ward 4 in Wellesley, Bob Caska nette is hoping to carry on a tradition of serving the community he calls home.

“My family has a very long and proud history of being elected members of various municipal govern ments throughout Ontario, including within Wellesley Township. I’m at least the fourth generation in my family in this regard, and I’m excited to continue in this tradition of trying to serve my community,” Caskanette.

Caskanette has resided in the region since child hood and has been living in Wellesley for the last five years with his wife and son.

“We have frequented Wellesley Township our whole lives... so it’s a place we’re happy to call home. My son goes to school in St. Clements and plays most of the sports in St. Clem ents. It’s just a wonderful place to grow up and raise a family,” he said.

Caskanette is also look ing to be a voice for others who feel they are not being heard and be an advocate for all residents.

“I feel like some people might feel that they don’t really have a voice and

they’re not really being heard in recent years,” he explained. “Especially throughout the pandemic, as well, as it just seems like nobody’s really listening to each other.… Sometimes, people, referencing coun cil, feel like they’re not being heard. They feel like sometimes they’ll show up and they’ll try to voice an opinion about something and they feel like maybe it’s either not being taken seriously or they don’t have the proper amount of time and they’re being cut off or that just nobody thinks that what they’re saying is important.”

Caskanette, who currently works as a licensed environmental and forensic engineer for a consulting firm in Kitch ener, says he will rely on his work experience to be that voice for residents.

“I’ve always kind of thought of myself as a good communicator. I’ve been the VP of marketing for my firm as well, so I’m used to doing presentations and meeting and speaking with people. I’m good at advocating for people and I strive to be an advocate for everybody in our community and give them the voice that they’ve been looking for.”

Among the issues he hopes to address include library expansion, road safety-particularly exces sive speed issues and youth employment levels.

“There are more jobs for young people getting more trades workers, maybe

looking at different ways of creating jobs within our township. One of the things that I hear is young people aren’t able to access rides into the city and they’re not able to get the transportation that they need to get to certain jobs if they don’t have a vehi cle,” he explained.

Caskanette suggested looking at rideshare options, with or without the township’s involve ment.

While the township does have needs, there is also the need for responsible spending, Caskanette noted.

“That’s not to say that

any money has been wasted on anything that isn’t needed, but I just want to be an advocate for responsible spending and responsible budgeting... I think that’s very import ant, especially in a smaller township such as ours, where we might not have as much tax revenue to use as cities, obviously.”

Claude Hergott, as longtime employee for the Township of Wellesley and now Waterloo Region – as well as nearly two decades as volunteer firefighter in St. Clements – says he will look to rely on that experience and knowledge if elected to represent

residents in Ward 4.

‘I think that with the experience with the town ship as an employee and with the fire department, I can be useful at the coun cil table. I already have a really great understand ing of the inner workings of the township and the staff,” Hergott said.

Hergott, who grew up on a farm outside of St. Clements, says he has had a wide range of experience in many different fields.

“I worked in Northern Ontario for 10 summers as a fire ranger with the Ontario government and came back in the off seasons and worked around down here for different local construc tion contractors. And then ended up working at the YMCA camp at Paradise Lake for 10 years as the maintenance supervisor,” he explained

After the YMCA, he worked for Mapleton Township for two years before spending five years in Wellesley’s roads department. He now works for the region’s public works department.

Now is the right time to run for council, Hergott said.

“My kids are older now, and I’m having more free time. I have three boys so we were at hockey a lot. They grew up through the Twin Centre Minor Hockey, and they’re done now

“There’s been a lot of talk in town about who will be replacing Coun.

[Carl] Smit, and I was approached by a few different residents and they suggested I should run,” he said.

Given the ongoing work on the new recreation centre, Hergott acknowl edge the importance of the operating budgets for it and similar facilitates.

“I think one of the big challenges will be managing a budget to try and keep both arenas, St. Clements and the new Wellesley arena, operat ing. It’d be a lot of budget ing issues, but I have to wait and see. The budget process is something new for me at the council level anyway.”

Hergott would also look to address the need for senior housing, something that he called a “long standing issue.”

“There have been differ ent options on the table but they’ve all been turned down and I’d really like to see something in the future here. We need to get something going and there are little pockets of land that can be developed and I just think we need to find a way to do it,” he said.

While Hergott will push to get issues resolved quickly, he will not be afraid to ask questions.

“I think I can voice [residents’] opinions. I’ll address their concerns.

I’m not afraid to ask ques tions, so if there’s ques tions to be asked, I’ll bring it forward to the staff or to the other councillors,” he said.

The Woolwich Wild U13B team had an incredible pre-season tournament on September 23-25th. The girls went undefeat ed until the finals, where they lost in overtime, 4-3. Submitted

WOOLWICH WILD

■ PeeWee U13A

Sep/15/2022 vs Woolwich

Wild

HOME: 0 VISITOR: 6

GOALS: Audrey English, Rachel Heckendorn, Taylor Rayfield(2), McKenzie Rank, Seryna Hessels

ASSISTS: Ellie Clemmer, Seryna Hessels, Addison

Gunn(2), Megan Nixon, Elle Schwindt(2)

Shutouts: Elle English

■ PeeWee U13A Sep/11/2022 vs Cambridge Roadrunners

HOME: 3 VISITOR: 1

GOALS: Taylor Rayfield, Megan Nixon, Sage Balog

ASSISTS: Megan Nixon, Taylor Rayfield, McKenzie

Rank, Ellie Clemmer

PeeWee U13A Sep/18/2022 vs Waterloo

Ravens

HOME: 1 VISITOR: 1

GOALS: Elle Schwindt

■ Bantam U15B Sep/15/2022 vs Grand River

Mustangs

HOME: 1 VISITOR: 3

GOALS: Katelyn Snider

ASSISTS: Brooklyn Pope, Mia Mederios

■ Bantam U15B Sep/18/2022 vs Grand River

Mustangs

HOME: 3 VISITOR: 1

GOALS: Katelyn Snider, Brooklyn Pope, Callie Gruhl

ASSISTS: Claire Levesque, Macey Robbins, Madison Klaehn, Alexa Grundy

Bob Caskanette

Claude Hergott

POLICE REPORT

Fraud incident prompts police to issue warning

An incident in which a Perth East Township business was defrauded of US$150,000 has police advising the public to be vigilant.

On September 21, Perth County OPP responded to fraud incident at a busi ness located on Line 34 in the Township of Perth East. During the investi gation, it was determined that a local business was working with a vender located in Burlington, Ontario to purchase a machine. The buyer sent

SEPTEMBER 19

a wire transfer to the vender via the email they were using to communi cate. Allegedly the vend er’s email was hacked, and the suspect was communicating on that email to the victim. The vender never received the money transfer, police say.

The investigation is ongoing.

With that in mind, police advise the public to be aware of the warning signs, and to never give out any personal informa

tion to someone you don’t know. Always verify all contact information and don’t just call a number or email and address that some unknown person provides you with. The name on the caller display may be fraudu lent. Give yourself some time to complete your own research. If someone calls you and identifies themselves as a bank representative, hang up and call your local branch to verify the call is legit imate.

To learn about ways to protect yourself from scams and frauds, the OPP encourages community members to stay educated on fraud prevention.

If you are the recipient of a fraudulent call, text or email, or if you’ve been a victim of a fraud, you are encouraged to report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-800-495-8501 or visit http://www.anti fraudcentre-centreanti fraude.ca.

MICRO FOREST: Needs plenty of preparation ahead of planting

Micro forestry is a concept developed by a Japanese scientist, Akira Miyawaki in the 1980s. His method includes planting the species that make up the layers of a mature forest – includ ing canopy, sub-canopy, small understory trees, and shrubs – densely into a richly prepared soil in a small area. This method is said to be able to establish a small, mature forest in about 20 years, when normally it takes about 200.

Paleshi says about a year and a half ago, she came across the group Little Forests Kingston, which is a volunteer group working to plant micro forests – which they call little forests – in their area. Nature Canada named this group conservation part ner of the year in 2021 for their micro forest work.

Joyce Hostyn, a master gardener who volunteers with Little Forests Kings ton, coached Paleshi through the process of planning and preparing the space for a micro forest in Bloomingdale.

Hostyn outlined the most important aspects of micro-forest planting.

method with some pretty thick levels of organic matter on top, and so that’s really number one.

“And then, secondly, is sourcing the species from a good nursery that grows their trees from seed from the south, southwestern, southeastern, southern Ontario seed zones.”

She also added that the community aspect is equally as important. She says encouragement and involvement from other community members is really what drives the group’s projects.

“It’s the relationships, the relational aspect of it. And not just relationships of people, but relation ships of people with trees and all these other beings,” she said.

6:23 AM |

A 19-yearold New Hamburg man was charged with failing to remain at the scene of a collision after Perth County OPP responded to a report of a single vehi cle collision on Road 110 in the Township of Perth East. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that the driver swerved to avoid hitting an animal, lost control and rolled the vehicle. The driver left the scene. Officers later located the driver at their residence. The accused was issued a provincial offence notice for the offence.

SEPTEMBER 20

8:30 AM | Emergency services responded to a two-vehicle collision on Ament Line near Hawkes ville Road in Wellesley Township. Through inves tigation, Waterloo Regional Police determined that a Hyundai was travel ling on Ament Line when the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a commercial vehicle. The driver of the Hyundai, a 36-year-old North Perth woman, was charged with ‘careless driving.”Anyone

that may have witnessed this collision, or anyone with dash-cam footage, is encouraged to contact police at 519-570-9777.

SEPTEMBER 21

a single-vehicle collision on Katherine Street North in Woolwich Township.

SEPTEMBER 25

6:54 AM |

Police received a report of a theft from an unlocked motor vehicle in the area of King Street North and Northside Drive in St. Jacobs. Some time during the over night hours, an unknown suspect entered the vehi cle and stole property. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.

SEPTEMBER 22

7:33 PM | Emergency services responded to a report of a fire at Bristow Park in Elmira. An unknown suspect lit a fire using pieces of a picnic table they had disassembled.

The Woolwich Fire Depart ment extinguished the fire, which resulted in a black ened area on the concrete it was lit on. Anyone with information about this inci dent or with video footage, is asked to call police or Crime Stoppers.

8 : 04 PM | Police responded to a report of

A vehicle was traveling south on Katherine Street when a deer exited a field into the path of the vehi cle. The driver of the vehi cle, a 22-year-old from Hamilton, did not sustain any physical injuries. Offi cers were unable to locate the animal.

SEPTEMBER 24

1 : 20 PM | Water loo Regional Police are conducting a suspicious death investigation after an 88-year-old woman was located deceased in Wilmot Township. Emer gency services responded to a residence on Sand hills Road in Baden for a medical call. Upon arrival, they found the woman deceased. The victim was later identified as Viola Erb, one of the co-found ers of Erb Transport Ltd. Waterloo Regional Police, in partnership with the Office of the Chief Coro ner, are investigating and have deemed the death to be suspicious. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 519-5709777, ext. 8191 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477.

7:00 AM | Perth County OPP investigated a break and enter at a Road 108, Perth East address. Sometime between 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 and the time of the report, unknown person(s) attended the address and gained entry to a shop on the property. Once inside, unknown(s) removed a catalytic converter from a vehicle. Police are continuing to investigate and ask the public to report suspicious activity immediately, and remember to lock doors to vehicles, houses, garages, and sheds. Do not leave keys with vehicles, includ ing ATVs. Consider install ing security features, such as increased light ing, cameras, or alarms. Anyone with information regarding these inci dents should immediately contact Perth County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www. hpcrimestoppers.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

“The soil preparation is probably the most critical thing because our urban soils are often depleted. They are very bacterial, a forest needs a fungal soil. They’re very low in organic matter, a forest needs high organic matter. So that forest floor prepa ration, and we use a no-dig

Funding for the Bloomingdale project was provided by grants from Wildlife Habitat Canada, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and the Region of Water loo Community Environ mental Fund. Along with the grants, community businesses helped with the project. Dominos Pizza, Bread & Bretzel Basket and Martin’s Family Fruit Farm are donating food for the event, Home Depot provided spray equipment for the application of the organic deer-deter rent, called Bobbex. The Bobbex was donated by a Canadian dealer, and flags and wraps, another way to protect the vulnerable trees from hungry crit ters, were donated by the Grand River Conservation Authority, says Paleshi.

Marjorie Paleshi pulls a weed out of the ground in the area where a micro forest will be planted on Saturday. She and two other volunteers have prepped the area over the last year, making sure the soil is as rich as possible for the incoming trees. Leah Gerber

Verbatim

When local news matters ...

Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Making the case for newspaper journalism

Long 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.

National Newspaper Week gets underway October 2, celebrating the role of newspapers in the communities they serve.

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 the 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.

Still, some 86 per cent of Canadians read newspapers each week, underscoring the essential service newspapers provide with diverse, local, original content that cannot be found anywhere else.

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 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.

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

Facebook was the most commonly cited source of fake news, with 77 per cent of Facebook users saying they had personally seen fake news there, followed by 62 per cent of Twitter users and 74 per cent of social media users in general.

There is some hope Canadians at least are starting to sort things out, becoming more critical of social media postings. When asked which online source is the best for providing accurate and reliable news, two-thirds of us choose one that has its roots as a traditional media outlet.

Study after study has shown trust remains an issue even as we’re inundated with ever-increasing volumes of information.

Clearly, access to the truth is at risk. For the legitimate press, the biggest threat comes from digital sources such as aggregators, which “appropriate” news generated by actual journalists, promulgates fake stories and debate, and draws away revenues despite studies that show such advertisements to be ineffective.

It’s that heavy lifting that separates traditional media from new forms, and why most Canadians still consider mainstream media as the most trustworthy source.

Not surprisingly, those in the industry see the changes as a threat not only to their future but to the democratic function of the media. As we’ve seen in an increasing number of cases – the Trump/Russia investigation among them – the internet leads to a proliferation of lies, disinformation, propaganda and what would actually qualify as fake news.

The proliferation of information via technology is far more chaff than wheat, leading to information overload. Trouble is, most of it is useless, making for an ill-informed citizenry.

The average Canadian family spent 43% of its income on taxes in 2021, more than housing, food and clothing costs combined. In 2021, the average family earned $99,030 and paid total taxes equaling $42,547. That’s a growing disparity, as in 1961, for instance, Canadian families spent 33.5% on taxes and 56.5%on basic necessities.

Fraser Institute study

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

Is Putin bluffing about nukes?

Vladimir Putin’s desperation was plain in the emergency measures he declared last week: immediate mobilization of at least 300,000 more troops, the sudden decision to use fake referendums to turn all the occupied parts of Ukraine into Russian territory, and more explicit threats than usual about nuclear weapons.

“This is not a bluff,” Putin warned.

It probably isn’t. The Russian president’s normal pattern, when he runs into a major setback, has been to escalate, so he is not acting out of character. However, he is clearly misinformed by his own generals, or just not listening to them.

The notion that 300,000 reservists (limited military training years ago) and technical specialists of various sorts (no military experience whatever) can be turned into a useful fighting force in a couple of weeks, or even a couple of months, is bizarre. It shows just how ignorant Putin is about military affairs.

The Russian army does not have the equipment to arm all these people, or even enough trainers not already at the front to turn them into real soldiers. When these mostly unwilling conscripts are fed piecemeal into an already demoralized army, they will make the chaos

even worse.

Then there are the ‘referendums.’ Having postponed plans to stage referendums about joining Russia in the four provinces it partly controls, Putin suddenly put them back on the schedule after the big Ukrainian advances in mid-September. Voting began in Russian-occupied parts of Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhiya and Kherson provinces last Friday.

Armed Russian soldiers went door-to-door with ballot boxes, asking if people want to join Russia. The soldiers wrote the answers down (one for the entire family), and then put them in the box.

The fix was already in; the question is why they bothered with this charade at all. Obviously Putin needed to distract Russians from the recent military disaster, but he may also have had another reason to hurry the vote and annex all the land his troops now hold.

If the conquered regions became ‘Russian territory,’ then he could claim that any further attempt by Ukraine to recapture them is an attack on Russia itself. The Ukrainians would

obviously ignore this legal flimflam – but it would allow him (under Russian rules) to initiate the use of nuclear weapons.

Putin knows that the West knows how the Russian rules on nuclear weapons work, so he may hope that this will make his threats about nuclear war more plausible. It probably won’t, but what do you get when you call the bluff of a man who doesn’t bluff?

Maybe he’s just trading on that reputation now, and he really is bluffing this time, but there’s no point in following him down that rabbit-hole. Let’s consider what we know for certain.

Russia is currently losing the war in Ukraine, albeit slowly, and there’s little chance that its army can turn that around: 300,000 more ill-trained, resentful conscripts won’t make much difference when the vessel they must be poured into, the Russian army, is already broken.

Putin’s position and perhaps his life is at risk if there is another big Ukrainian victory. He may not realize this yet, but he will eventually understand that his survival depends on a negotiated peace that does not utterly humiliate him and Russia – for example, a ceasefire that returns both sides to

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

“When you sign up for an Internet plan, you deserve to know what you’re paying for. It’s a simple matter of truth and transparency…. Other countries have handled this issue. Canada is falling behind. We hope to see every MP support and help pass Bill C-288.”

OpenMedia campaigns director Matt Hatfield pushes for the bill that will require ISPs to accurately and publicly report on key performance indicators during peak use of broadband service.

The Monitor

GWYNNE DYER Global Outlook on World Affairs

Faux populism won’t deliver positive change for citizens

Italian politics have long had something of a circus vibe to them. The electoral gains this week of Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party and its two coalition partners mean a hard-right government is likely to emerge when the dust settles.

We can expect the kind of populist bombast associated with such political parties, the kind with which we’re all very familiar give the Trumpled sideshow in the US. And such will be the label opponents will stick on new federal Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose bid for the job was punctuated with many whoppers and talking points out of the conspir acist’s playbook.

“In Canada, the Conser vative Party has just named a new leader, Pierre Poilievre, a lifetime poli tician who spent months selling party memberships by claiming that a nefar ious group of shadowy global elites is conspiring against average Canadians. You know, the sort of ideas that used to be the exclu sive preserve of Marx ist-Leninists,” wrote the Globe and Mail’s editorial board last week, using the occasion to call for a return instead of what it called a disappearing breed: the serious political leader.

“By that we mean an elected official of any stripe who tells voters that governing involves hard choices, that there are no simple answers to complex questions, and that an endlessly repeated hashtag isn’t a policy.

“Someone who does not feed public cynicism about government by attacking its institutions, or exagger ating its failings for politi cal advantage. Or who does not cause the same harm by breaking important promises, or by putting themselves in blatant

conflicts of interest (or both),” reads the editorial

That seems like a pipe dream given the partisan political climate both leading and led by the ease of access to disinfor mation, misinformation, conspiracy theories and outright lies posted on social media.

The difficulty is compounded by our somewhat bipolar inter pretation of politics these days. We’re looking for politicians with curb appeal – elections are often popularity contests, more than anything else – but decry wonkishness. Sound bites over detailed policy statements.

We grumble about taxes, but do nothing to hold politicians and bureau crats to account. We eat

up all kinds of ridiculous promises and bromides, but care not for the conse quences ... or the fact that most of what gets said on the campaign trail is simply dropped.

We recognize there are problems galore with the system, but prefer to dele gate to others the task of fixing them, though they never do.

Surveys consistently show that a large majority of us believe governments are driven by wealthy interest groups, especially corporate donors, and that governments regularly act unethically to help their business friends and are not doing enough to stop corruption. Surveys also show that a large major ity of Canadians support placing strict limits on the influence of wealthy inter ests in politics. We consis tently fail to follow up.

We suffer from a dearth of good leaders. Even pass

able ones.

That’s true from the federal government right on down to the local level.

This is not about charisma or the ability to give rousing speeches, but proper governance means looking out for the public good rather than the inter ests of the a few, whether that’s the donors, the lobbyists or the self-serv ing politicians and bureau crats themselves.

Unfortunately, instead of dismissing all of it as useless vote-buy ing nonsense, we give credence to the endless stream of promises, halftruths and blatant lies – again, out of one mouth more than others.

Sure, things are much worse elsewhere, includ ing in the United States, but we’re not immune to the unresponsive gover nance that shows callous disregard for the public good and consistently

poor decisions federally, provincially and region ally.

It’s important to remem ber that democracy is not the default situation – it was hard fought, and we’re very much guilty of letting it slip away.

As the late historian R.R. Palmer notes in his look at the democratic sea change of the latter half of the 18th century, people’s realiza tion that they could and should be doing better led to a revolutionary fervour. In his seminal work, The Age of the Democratic Revolution: A Political History of Europe and America, 1760–1800, the Princeton and Yale histo rian argues that the Ameri can, French, and Polish revolutions – and the movements for political change in Britain, Ireland, Holland, and elsewhere – were manifestations of similar political ideas, needs and conflicts.

His work traces the clash between an older form of society, marked by legalized social rank and hereditary or self-per petuating elites, and a new form of society that placed a greater value on social mobility and legal equality.

“Politically, the eigh teenth-century movement was against the posses sion of government, or any public power, by any established, privileged, closed, or self-recruiting groups of men. It denied that any person could exercise coercive authority simply by his own right, or by right of his status, or by right of 'history,' either in the old-fashioned sense of custom and inheritance, or in any newer dialec tical sense, unknown to the eighteenth, in which 'history' might be supposed to give some special elite or revolu tionary vanguard a right to rule. The 'democratic revolution' emphasized the delegation of author ity and the removability of officials, precisely because, as we shall see, neither delegation nor removability were much recognized in actual insti tutions,” he wrote.

In those days, the elite were aristocrats, land holders and church offi cials who gained power through no credible or accountable way. They were prone to the worst kinds of abuses of the masses. Circumstances are now different, but there are many parallels when it comes to a lack of accountability and efforts to cut the public out of the democratic process.

Populists look to stir up the growing ire against government to gain power for themselves, not to lessen the power of governments as a means of making life better for the people.

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Harvest season may see an uptick at the farm gate, with inflation-weary consumers looking for more options.

Orange Shirt Day was inspired by a residential school survivor who had a real orange shirt taken from her.

Wearing an Orange Shirt raises awareness of the residential school system in Canada.

Orange Julius fast food donates fifty per cent of their sales to Every Child Matters every September 30th.

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Lie: In 1848 the State of Maine Pure Spruce Gum company launched the first available commercial chewing gum. The names were flavours of gum that were sold at the time

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DYER: Ball remains in Putin’s court as NATO readies its response to nukes

FROM 8

the pre-2014 ceasefire lines.

His problem will be that the Ukrainians are full of confidence at the moment, and not inclined to give him that. They want all their stolen terri tory back, and the only lever that might change their minds (and those of their Western support ers) is a nuclear strike on Ukraine.

Just one very small (sub-kiloton-range)

‘tactical’ nuclear weapon, mind, delivered on sparsely populated land or off the Ukrainian coast. It couldn’t be more than that, because the gener als in the Russian chain of command would not accept orders for a bigger strike that might start a full nuclear war. They may be corrupt, but most of them love their families.

They might go for just one nuke, though, especially if Putin could persuade them that it was a reasonably safe diplo matic ploy aimed at forc ing the Ukrainians or even NATO to the negotiating table. So what should the latter parties do if this happens?

The key fact to keep in mind is that the same Russian generals would probably not escalate further if NATO made no nuclear response to that single Russian nuke. They’d just wait for the terror and revulsion sweeping through Russia and every other country to take Putin down.

Can I guarantee that would happen? Of course not, but it probably would play out like that. And what would be lost by waiting to see if it does happen?

To the Editor, The last few letters to the editor concerning our rainbow crosswalk are valuable opinions and well structured arguments. However, each well-ar ticulated train of thought seems to be overlooking the first question that should be asked: Am I going to hurt anyone by voicing these points of view?

I seriously doubt any letter writer would cause harm to anyone, but unfortunately I have worked with a small number of people who would gladly do harm (verbal and physical) to anyone who is a part of the LGBTQ+ commu nities, and they use the same justifications for their beliefs as presented in these letters. These thoughts get twisted into hate far too easily.

I am a visible minority and have recently dealt with overt racism in our community. While taking my oldest child for his first driving lesson, a concerned citizen decided to follow us in his car, and flag us down to see if we were “on the up and up.”

The incident still bothers me.

What I have realized is that everyone who is welcoming in Elmira makes us want to stay in Elmira. Keep smiling and saying a friendly “Hello!” Businesses and homes, please keep up the signs and flags that say I am welcome here.

Thank you to our lead ers who keep preaching tolerance and acceptance to all. I would love to grow old here and be consid ered a equal part of this community.

Kevon Arjune ELMIRA

„ Finding a way to show the stated “love”

To the Editor,

Re: Rainbow crosswalk issue a slippery slope; Who

gets to determine moral law?

As a Christian, I find it ironic that some of the religious among us claim to “love” members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community but can’t find it in their hearts to do something to show that love.

A painted crosswalk is not about promoting a “lifestyle,” it is about signalling a love for those who have been excluded because of who they are. Homosexuality isn’t a choice, as suggested by one letter writer. They are born this way.

The suggestion it’s a slippery slope for govern ment to show support for one group over others is unsupportable. Govern ments make choices all the time that favour one group over another. Think of all the ways that churches are favoured by government. They give tax receipts and are allowed tax exemptions for clergy.

Biblical rationale for exclusive recognition is in 1 Corinthians 12 where it talks about the church as a body and that we give special honour to some and no special honour to others.

As for using the Bible to make an argument, there’s a slippery slope. Anyone for stoning adulterers to death? What about forcing lepers to live in an isolated community?

The Bible was written in another time. It is irre sponsible to read it and think you can apply to today what was consid ered socially acceptable more than 2,000 years ago. The authors of the Bible were conditioned by their time and culture and could never fathom a loving, committed relationship between two people of the same sex. If you look at any refer ence to homosexuality in the Bible, it is always connected with some sense of purity law (which we don’t follow any more), or violent sexual acts. When the Bible talks about homosexual acts, it is not talking about the same thing we are talking today.

Homosexuals cannot be compared to murderers or thieves, as another letter writer suggested. Murder

and theft are not the same as a loving relationship between two people.

Jesus said to love – he didn’t follow that with any exceptions.

Kim Denstedt ELMIRA

„ Enhance safety of crosswalks instead

To the Editor, Rather than waste taxpayers’ money on religious and lifestyle symbols in crosswalks which do nothing to enhance the safety of those using the cross walks, the council should be looking at marking all the trails that go across township roads. This would alert drivers to the presence of the trails and make the trail users feel safer.

Larry Pierce WINTERBOURNE

„ Reflections on Ontario’s magical surplus

To the Editor, So the Doug Ford government has gone from a predicted $13.5 billion deficit to a magical $2.5 billion surplus. I’m sure every Conservative MPP will be out there crowing about how fiscally responsible Ontario’s government is, including our very own Mike Harris Jr.

How can the provincial government suddenly, within weeks, discover $16 billion? That is more than $1,000 for every man, woman child and non-binary resident of the province!

I wonder though, how the nurses with their three-year, one per cent increase in salary feel about it. How the under staffed employees and residents of long-term care feel, especially after Doug protected the owners of private LTCs, including Mike Harris Sr., from negligence lawsuits and is pumping money into their coffers.

The homeless and those

struggling at minimum wage or on ODSP will, I’m sure, be rejoicing in the streets. The friends and relatives of Ontarians who have been poisoned by and died from bad street drugs can take time from their grieving to thank Doug for balancing the books. All those “middle” class families and young people watching afford able housing disappearing over the horizon can raise a toast to the financial acumen of their govern ment, who remember, is always there for the little guy.

Paul Marrow WINTERBOURNE

„ Woolwich candidates need to get on track with repairs

To the Editor, With the upcoming municipal elections on October 24, candidates for the various Wool wich Township seats are out and about trying to explain to voters why they would be a good choice for the various positions, and what they will try to accomplish if elected.

However, one thing I’ve noticed is that to date nobody has stated that if elected they would try their utmost to get the railway crossing repaired between the roundabout in St. Jacobs and Elmira.

I assume that to accom plish this would require the involvement of a number of municipalities, government departments and the company who owns the rail line. None theless, I’ll leave it to our “new” council to explain why it hasn’t been fixed.

For far too long thou sands of cars who use this road in either direction each day/week have to go over a tremendous bump to their cars’ suspension, or as some of us do drive several feet over on the right hand side shoulder to lessen the impact.

FYI, my vote will go to those candidates who vow to get it repaired.

Truth: Short pants tucked at the knee were first used by the New York Knickerbockers (name of the pant). The name was inspiration for the New York Knicks NBA team.

„ Crosswalk a part of making Elmira more welcoming

Mike Hicknell ELMIRA

News that hits home. Local people in action.

Sports tips are always welcome.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

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Back on the gridiron

The EDSS junior football team, which opened the season with a 35-6 win over Huron Heights, faces Bluevale Collegiate tomorrow (Friday) in an 11:30 a.m. match in Elmira. The EDSS senior football team, meanwhile, plays its first game of the season tomorrow against their Bluevale counterparts in a game set for 2 p.m.

EDSS field hockey

It’s been all or nothing for the EDSS field hockey squad so far this season, with the team posting a 5-0 win over Jacob Hespeler, a 4-0 loss to Waterloo-Oxford and 3-0 win over Preston Heights. The 2-1 record leaves the Lancers in third place in Pool B behind undefeated WODSS and GCI.

Kings pick up first two wins of the season

Trip to Niagara Region just the thing for Elmira squad, which defeated the defending Sutherland Cup champions

THE ELMIRA SUGAR

KINGS GOT their first taste of victory of the young season, winning both games down in Niagara last weekend.

After besting the St. Catharines Falcons 2-0 on Friday night, the Kings beat the Caledonia Corvairs 4-1 on Sunday. Their record now sits at 2-3, moving them up into fifth place in the Midwestern Conference.

“We had a great weekend, with two really quality wins against two good teams,” said head coach Rob Collins.

“We’re hoping it’s really good for the guys’ confidence going forward – I think it should be. They got a taste of that winning, and they seem to enjoy the taste, so hopefully they get addicted.”

First up at the two-game series against the Golden Horseshoe Conference, held at the Pelham arena in Fonthill, the Kings faced the defending Sutherland Cup champion Falcons.

Playing with a full lineup for the first time, the Kings were up for the challenge, collecting their first win.

After a scoreless first period, it was Elmira getting on the board first when Austen Pomerleau scored at 11:36 of the second, assisted by Joey Martin and Ian Speiran. It would remain a one-goal game until just 44 seconds were left in the game, when captain Adam Grein took advantage of the vacated St. Catharines net to make it a 2-0 final score.

Shots were 27-24 in favour of the Falcons, with Elmira netminder Daniel Botelho posting the shutout. The Kings were 0-3 on the power play, while the Falcons were 0-2.

Two days later, it was the Corvairs who’d face a rejuvenated Elmira squad.

As with the previous match, the first period saw no scoring. The Kings needed just 81 seconds in the second to make it 1-0, however. Luke Della Croce found the back of the net on an Elmira power play, with assists going to Taylor Bothwell and Chris Black.

Caledonia got one back seven minutes later, but that would be it for their scoring.

At 10:36, another Elmira power-play goal – Jayden Lammel, from

Madden MacDougall and Grein – gave the Kings the lead for good.

In the third, goals from Della Croce (Brock Reinhart) and Pomerleau (Speiran) in the first few minutes put the game away.

Shots were 17-14 in favour of Caledonia, with goaltender Hayden Sabourin stopping 13 to earn the win.

Collins said he’s happy to see the team coming together, stressing the effort has been there right from day-one, so the results will come.

“It’s absolutely getting there. The power play went 2-5, the penalty killing was outstanding –we were 100 per cent on the weekend. It’s good, and it’s by committee. We don’t have one or two or three guys kind of carrying the load offensively

or defensively – it’s in strength by committee,” he explained.

“It’s been a lot of fun that way to see the guys respond to the fact that everyone needs to pull on the rope. Everyone’s stepped up and done it so far, especially this weekend.”

With a big change to the roster this season, including some raw rookies, the coaching staff expected it would take some time for the team to gel, said Collins.

“It’s a little bit of a different year for us, because we’re so young and with so many firstyear players that we had to take a little bit of a different approach. But the guys are certainly picking everything up really quickly. This weekend certainly showed that there’s fun to be had

How to properly miss a duck

The other day it occurred to me that there have been countless articles written on the shooting techniques a duck hunter can use to hit a duck in mid-air, but I can’t think of one that has been written on how to miss a duck.

So, in the interest of conservation, I thought I would make an attempt. Not to brag, but I am one of North America’s foremost experts on missing flying waterfowl. I have been doing it, more often than not, for 45 years. And just to be clear, I’m not referring to just missing a lone green-

winged teal, coming out of the fog, and rocketing past your ears just over the cattails. Heck, anyone can miss those. No, I have missed the snow goose I was shooting at, and the 400 or 500 behind it. I think most waterfowlers would agree that takes a special level of skill.

So far, this season, I will admit, I have been off my game. And, as a result, and through no fault of my own, my freezer is starting to be occupied

with tasty ducks – including several teal and wood ducks that were hell-bent on wrecking my missing streak.

But, normally, for me, missing is effortless. In fact, there was one season – I believe in 1978 – when I was so good at it my fellow hunters accused me of shooting blanks.

So much for credentials It’s time for solid advice. Let’s begin with the basics.

If you are not very good at missing a duck, one of the easiest ways to succeed is to see a lone mallard with cupped wings coming straight

into the decoys and then confidently announcing, “I got this one fellas!”

The more fellas there are, the surer you are to miss.

A similar technique involves telling everyone in the duck blind or goose field that you have not missed a single clay pigeon the last six times you visited the range. I once tried this and missed three shots in a row on a flock of 60 decoying goldeneyes.

Those are a couple of simple techniques even the most amateurish misser can use. And they work like a charm on

small flocks.

Missing your intended target in a larger flock takes a little more skill, however. One popular technique is to forget to take the safety off.

Unfortunately, it is one I wouldn’t recommend because it could lead to a sprained trigger finger, when the birds are hovering over the decoys and you are wondering why your gun has not shot yet,

No, I prefer to use a technique I pioneered long ago called the sustained lag. While most hunters try to continually keep their shotgun’s bead ahead of a flying bird to

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this year for them in the form of success that age shouldn’t be a factor,” he said.

“Some of the guys are learning new systems and stuff. Sometimes guys are learning systems for the first time – there’s a learning curve when it comes to stuff like that. I think our young guys are showing that they’re ahead of the curve.

“Now that we’ve got everyone back and more familiar with each other, this weekend was a good indicator that it seems to be going the right way.”

The Sugar Kings are in Stratford tomorrow (Friday) looking to avenge a pair of early-season losses to the Warriors (4-3). On Sunday, they welcome the Cambridge Redhawks (3-1-0-1) to the WMC. Game time is 7 p.m.

lead it, a serious conservationist, such as myself, allows the bird to lead the bead. This can be trickier when a large flock is flying by. I once saw a fellow hit the third bird in a flock of three geese because he performed a sustained lag on the first. That’s why I recommend picking the last bird in any flock when utilizing this technique.

Again, I’m not meaning to brag, but I’m what people call a natural at missing. Some people have to work a little harder. And some hunters pride themselves in never missing at all. Until they say that out loud.

Dealing with pain and injury left over from the summer?

With sports, raking leaves and other autumn activities around the corner now is a perfect time to make sure you’re ready to take it all on.

STEVE GALEA

Not-So-Great Outdoorsman

Steve Kannon

Observer Staff

Business

Leading the way.

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

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

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Better to eat good food from farms than be ill

Dieticians everywhere are rejoicing about the news this week that consumers are – at last –connecting their prospects for good health with good food.

Research results revealed Monday at the International Fresh Produce Association annual meeting in Washington, D.C., show nearly 80 per cent of consumers surveyed believe the right foods can keep them healthy.

Further, over three-quarters of them think eating the right foods can help alleviate certain health problems.

Now, shouldn’t we all already know this?

After all, it’s hardly breakthrough news to nutritionists, nutritional scientists or food scientists. Decades ago, at the University of Guelph and other institutions that connect agriculture, food and health,commodities with an extra umph – those that performed health-related functions like fighting cancer or heart disease – had researchers buzzing. As analytic techniques advanced, they found how the likes of fruit and vegetables in particular were loaded with functional compounds.

And they said so, very publicly, hoping to position food as a key to a longer,

healthier life.

For

Their opinions garnered respect. But people are slow to change, even if their diets are causing them all kinds of grief.

Now, it’s different.

People are fed up with all that’s going on – COVID, inflation, war, civil unrest and climate change, just to name a few. In Washington, conference attendees heard the public’s long-standing concerns or passions about the likes of food safety, GMOs, local food and sustainability are giving way to their desire to look after themselves and stay out of the hospital.

Which is exactly what scientists were saying in the 1980s. Eat better, stay healthy.

But instead of dwelling on the past, let’s turn our eyes to the future, with optimism for a change.

If this is what society wants, farms can deliver. They’ve traditionally marketed their harvests on taste, the trait that everyone said was most important. I don’t think that will go away -- you probably can’t get your kids to eat the right foods just because they’re good for them. But if parents are serving

→ ROBERTS 20

The colour of renting Ont. Agriculture Week

A majority of both consumers and realtors believe Ontario’s rental process suffers from discrimination: 93% of Black realtors and 60% of all consumers surveyed believe discrimination exists in the rental process, according to research conducted by the Ontario Real Estate Association in partnership with Ipsos.

Ontario Agriculture Week runs Oct. 3-9, a chance to celebrate the abundance of food the province’s farmers produce, the Ontarians the food industry employs, the rural communities that farmers support and the economic contributions of the sector.

Ontario farmers grow and produce more than 200 different food commodities for the province, country and world.

Retirement living a lot more home-like

The Hygate on Lexington finally gets a chance for a grand-opening celebration as it’s set to celebrate the first anniversary of providing options to seniors

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

JUST AHEAD OF CELEBRATING ITS first anniversary on October 1, the Hygate active senior living retirement community held a grand-opening event last weekend.

Given the pandemic restrictions, it was the first opportunity for the Waterloo venture to welcome potential residents and visitors alike, offering a chance to check out the place.

Hygate, located at 215 Lexington Rd., has 216 suites in its six-storey building that provide three different living

options, including fully independent apartments, independent supportive suites, and assisted living.

“The philosophy that we like to go by is, we like to provide as much choice for the resident as possible, both in terms of what type of accommodations they live in and what they do with their day, what options they have available to them,” said operations manager Patrick Brown.

The apartments are intended for seniors who still want to cook and clean up after themselves, but they will still have the option to access services and activities in the build-

 Lifelong, local and loving it.

There’s no better place to grow up, start a business and raise a family then Woolwich Township. I ran for office in 2014 because I wanted to make a positive difference for residents. Eight years later I have learned that local government can be more effective, innovative and resident-centric by including all

ing, explained Brown. The supportive suites are more of a traditional retirement model, with meals and housekeeping provided.

“So people who are still independent, and we want to encourage that independence, but they just kind of don’t feel like cooking, don’t feel like cleaning as much anymore. And then we have our assisted living floor, but it’s not long-term care. It’s for people who just need a little bit of help from our nursing staff on a day-today basis,” he explained.

There is a balance between providing the services and having a retirement community

feel like an institution, Brown said.

“We want to provide the services, we want to make it accessible, but at the same time, this is a place where people live. We want it to feel like home. We don’t want it to feel like a hospital or a long-term care facility, so we take great care in the design, to be able to have the necessary functionality and the necessary supports, but also have it feel like a place where you actually want to live.”

The assisted living provided by Hygate offers a wide variety of services including 24-hour nurs-

voices in decision-making. Improving our communities, finding solutions to problems and meeting with residents is the best part of being a local politician. I truly enjoy this work and continue to learn and develop my skills to serve residents more effectively.

I am committed and ready to lead.

AD SPOT - NON PRINTING

Hygate sales and marketing coordinator Stacey Cosgrove, operations manager Patrick Brown and general manager Cathy Borutski at last Saturday’s grand-opening event. Bill Atwood

OWEN ROBERTS

Those hit hardest by home-energy costs least likely to benefit from retrofit programs, says new report

WITH FALL SUDDENLY HERE, MANY are start ing that annual struggle of wills and sweaters, playing chicken with the cold and waiting as long as possible to turn on the furnace for the first time in the season. But for one in five families in Water loo Region, including the townships, that struggle is more serious.

According to Reep Green Solutions, 20 per cent of households in the region experience energy poverty, meaning they spend more than six per cent of their income on heating and cooling their homes. This means they either live in discomfort –not turning up the ther mostat when it’s cold, for instance – or they forgo other items like groceries to afford energy bills.

Reep, an organiza tion working to help the region’s households become more sustainable and carbon neutral, is designing a home energy retrofit loan program for

the Region of Waterloo to help meet carbon-re duction goals. Ahead of this, the team released a report last month which they commissioned to learn about the afford ability and accessibility of green energy retrofitting loan programs for low- to moderate-income house holds.

The report, “Consid erations of Equity in an Efficiency Financing Program,” took stock of the amount of energy poverty in the region, and the ability for low- to moder ate-income households to access loans for energy upgrades in their homes.

The report was funded by the Federation of Cana dian Municipalities, and Kambo Energy Group was retained to carry out the report.

Research began last summer, and it took about a year to design the study, conduct the research and publish the results.

To collect the data, eight community groups across the region were consulted, including Wellbeing Waterloo Region, Wool

wich Community Services and Kinbridge Commu nity Association.

“We brought in Kambo as a consultant to ask ourselves how can we embed equity in what ever we designed (for a loan program for energy upgrades)? And should we be looking at the risks of loans for lower-income households?”said Mary

Jane Patterson, the execu tive director of Reep Green Solutions.

The report found that across the region, more than 32,000 households were paying two times the national average on energy as a percentage of their income.

In Woolwich Township, Patterson says 1,275 house holds spend more than

two times the national average of income on energy costs, 455 spend more than three times the national average and 205 spend more than five times the national average.

The findings found that loans for energy retrofits could harm families that don’t have the ability to take on more debt if done incorrectly.

“I would say one thing that really struck me is that a loan is a privilege,” said Patterson. “You have to be able to afford the extra payments each month to repay that loan, and not everyone can.”

They found that house holds that rent can be in a precarious situation. If the landlord decides to retrofit and make a home more energy efficient, there is a real fear among low-income renters that they will be “renovicted,” evicted due to planned renovations.

Yasmin Abraham is the co-founder of Kambo Group and helped carry out the study. “The key takeaways for Kambo is the continued confirma tion of why we do the work we do,” she said to the Observer via email. “This study really reiterated for us that solutions should be grounded in the needs of the community and consider the pragmatic everyday challenges households face.”

The study found that low- to moderate-income

519-669-4533 or 1-800-461-1355

“Specialized Transit Service for Wellesley, Wilmot and Woolwich Townships”

Leah Gerber Observer Staff

A Reep Solutions display showing the savings associated with improved insulation. Submitted

HYGATE: Looking to set themselves apart from what people picture as the stereotypical retirement residence

→ FROM 12

ing staff and emergency response, medication administration and weekly housekeeping.

While Brown said “there absolutely is” a negative stigmatism when it comes to living in a retirement community, the industry is trying to change that.

“Certainly, it’s our philosophy. I think you see in the design of the build ing: it doesn’t look like

what you would think of as stereotypical retirement residence, it doesn’t feel like it. There are a lot of companies in the industry that are striving to change that, but I think in particu lar what we’re really proud of is that this feels like just a beautiful place to live,” he said.

There is massive demand for seniors’ hous ing, which is where Hygate can come in, Brown said.

“The front edge of the baby boomers are just starting to come into the typical demographic for retirement living. And so yeah, there’s a massive demand…We don’t look at it as, OK, it’s time to slow down, it’s time to relax, we look at it as this is the time where you’ve got freedom. You’ve got time and the resources to enjoy your life. Let us help you do that,” he said.

Hygate offers a wide range of amenities including an exercise room, a massage room and a dining / game room for large family gatherings. Bill Atwood

Arts

Read a local best seller every week.

Local stories that inspire.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

Tips: observerxtra.com/tips

Grant for Hillside

The Hillside Community Festival of Guelph last week received a $249,700 provincial grant from the Community Building Fund of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The organization presents the Hillside Summer Festival and Hillside Inside – three-day, multi-stage events with a broad artistic vision that emphasizes diversity of culture, of musical heritage and style, of age, geography and influence.

Pump up the jam

Starting next week and offered every Thursday, Java Junction will be running at The Junction in downtown Elmira. The coffeehouse, operating 7-9 p.m., will feature an open jam music session once a month. Organizers are looking for musicians to perform, particularly blues, country and rock. Contact Bruce Weber at pulletsplus@golden.net.

A proper book launch the second time around

Observer Staff

WHEN HER FIRST NOVEL ‘THE Good Son” was released, Breslau author Carolyn Huizinga Mills was unable to have a traditional book launch due to the pandemic-led restrictions in place at the time.

“I was just sitting in my office at my computer screen and it was really lonely and anticlimactic. You’re supposed to have this big celebration to launch your book into the world,” she said of the March 2021 release.

When her second novel ‘Sins of the Daughter’ was published on August 27, she was able to enjoy a proper launch, however.

“It was beautiful because it was mostly outside, and then we did the signing in the bookstore…and it was the party that I’d always kind of envisioned. The next day, I had a signing at the Conestoga Mall Indigo, then on Saturday I had a signing at the Kitchener Indigo. So that was just like a whirlwind,” said Huizinga Mills, who teaches Grade 7 language, history, geography, and drama at Laurentian Senior Public School.

‘Sins of the Daughter’ tells the story of Danah Calsely, a sociology PhD candidate who was abandoned by her mother as a 9-year-old. Danah seems unaffected by the aban-

donment until she finds a letter that she’s convinced is from her missing mother. Danah then attempts to unravel the truth. Switching between the past and present, the book is told from the perspective of Danah, her mother Jane Lily, and her grandmother Edith.

“So you see the mother who abandoned her daughter as a child also in the role of a daughter, and how that influenced the type of mother she was,”

Huizinga Mills explained.

While the book would appeal more to women, Huizinga Mills said she didn’t write it just for that audience. She hopes the male readers would also be able to relate to the story.

“Any person who likes to read, I would hope would enjoy the story just for the sake of story,” she said.

Although both of her novels focus on family dynamics and how the relationships of the characters are shaped by the events of their lives, she does not have a specific message she is trying to get across.

“I just try to tell what I hope is a compelling story, and maybe one that makes people think and, ideally, have discussions. I picture book clubs reading it and discussing it at the end and having different opinions.” Huizinga Mills explained.

The majority of the book is set in southwestern

Ontario, including McMaster University and the University of Guelph. The fictional town of Missionville is about the same size as Elmira.

“As a reader, I always enjoy reading Canadian settings, and particularly settings close to where I live. So I wanted to make sure that where I lived was represented in the stories

and that if local readers read it, they would see places and names that they recognize,” she said.

“A lot of times Canadian stories are set in bigger Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver, and you don’t hear about Guelph or maybe you’d hear about Hamilton. Missionville is ... I mean, it could be Elmira. It’s a very

small farming community,” she added.

Huizinga Mills hopes that her accomplishments will inspire her students to chase their dreams.

“Especially since there are always a handful of students who want to be writers. I hope that they see that if it seems like it did to me, an unreachable goal, that here’s someone

right in front of you who has done it. I hope that it inspires them to pursue their dreams, chase their love of writing, and to just have faith in their ability,” she said.

Huizinga Mills is currently working on a third novel and getting set to release her second children’s book, ‘Grandpa’s Stars.’

Bill Atwood

Breslau’s Carolyn Huizinga Mills’ latest novel is ‘Sins of the Daughter.’ Bill Atwood

Her first having been released during the pandemic, Breslau author Carolyn Huizinga Mills got the traditional approach this time

Advertising Placing a classified ad

All

Notices:

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

EXPERIENCED HOUSE CLEANER W/ references for home in Heidelberg. bi-weekly. 519-6995638.

Work Wanted

EXPERIENCED CLEANING LADY available for homes or small offices in Elmira and surrounding area. Reasonable rates. Call or text Marie @ 519-498-0412.

Help Wanted

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Payroll & Administrative Coordinator

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Duties & Responsibilities: Payroll

Recruit/schedule volunteers

• Coordinate marketing initiatives

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of prior experience administering payroll.

• College education in Payroll, Business Administration or related field

Prior experience in an administrative role would be an asset Computer skills such as Word, Excel and Power Point

• Payroll certification is an asset

• Strong attention to detail, communication and organization skills

• Prior experience or ability to plan and execute social media campaigns

• Good problem solving skills

• Able to work independently as well as in a team environment

• Shows sensitivity and respect to those we support Elmira District Community Living is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection and appointment processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to this process, please inform the organization's representative of your need for accommodation measures which must be taken, to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Please send your resume to hr@elmiraacl.com

Residential: $9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial: $15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Work Wanted

HARD WORKING MALE WITH TRANSportation looking for full time work. Call Rob 519-591-6274.

Help Wanted and Word Ads Continue, Auctions Begin on page 19

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Wewouldliketothankallapplicants,however onlythoseselectedforinterviewwillbecontacted.

For Sale

COUNTRY LANE FABRICS FALL SALE. October 3 - 22. 10% less on all fabrics, quilt and comforter batts, tableflex, gloves, hosiery, box cards, rubber stamps and accessories. Selected fabrics and small ware items at half price. 519-664-0701.

LAWN FERTILIZER AND LAWN SEEDCall George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

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

For Sale

TREES & SHRUBS

FOR SALE. SHADE trees; apple, pear, peach, plum, cherry, apricot, nectarines; blueberries, aroniaberry, grapes, rhubarb, raspberries, etc; blue spruce, white spruce, Norway spruce & lots of nice cedars to make green fence hedges & windbreaks. Range 1-6 feet tall. Now is a good time to plant! Excellent quality plants. Stop in Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Martin's Nursery, c/o Emanuel E.M. Martin, 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter Ont. N0G 2X0. (1 km north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line).

Farm Equipment

WANTED - 22X38

Farm Services

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

FIVE PREGNANT PUREBRED ALPINE does available, due in February, CAE and Johnes test neg, with or without marweld milking stand, $400/ doe or all does and stand for $3250 call or text Cole 519-503-8759

Farm Services

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

Wanted

Rentals

1 BEDROOM SENIORS APARTMENT, recently renovated, available immediately. No pets, no smoking. Call 519-570-6887.

Trades & Services

DATE: Sat. Oct.,8 @ 10 am

LOCATION: 5461, Hwy 86, 1km north of Guelph Auto Mall

PREVIEW: Friday, Oct.7, 1-4 pm and sale day 9 am

FURNITURE & ANTIQUES: Solid Walnut Double Pedestal Dining Table c/w 1 leaf & 6 chairs// Glass Top Parlor Table c/w 6 stool height leather chairs//Walnut Glass Display Cabinet// Old European display cabinet with glass front doors//Misc. Chairs & Wooden Se�ee//Old Oak China Cabinet//Occasional Tables//5 pc Matching MAH dresser &nite table set//Old meatgrinders//Cream can//Hay Knives//Hay Fork//Misc. An�que Collectables.

TOOLS & Misc.: Quan�ty of 8” turf �res//HD Husky 52” 18 Drawer Tool Chest & Rolling tool cabinet with 6 wheels (Black)// Fitness Treadmill//Cra�sman Router c/w Professional Router Table Center//Alu minium folding work stand & Ladders//Router Bits//Lincoln AC 180 Welder// Quan�ty of Welding Rod//Miller Millerma�c 175 230V Wire Welder on Cart c/w Tank &Accessories//10” Cra�sman 2.7HP Table Saw on Stand//Campbell Hausfield 4hp 13Gallon Portable Air Compressor//Elect. Chain Saw//Remington 70,000 BTU Kerosene Portable Heater//HD Drills & Grinders//Socket Sets// HD Hil� Gun //Glue Guns //Soldering sets//HD ¾” Socket Set //HD Canadian Blower & Torch//Variable Speed Drill Press// Ratchet Tie Down Straps//Turkey Fryer//BBQ Pig Ro�sserie//Gas Leaf Blower//Gas Weed Eater//Portable Heaters & Fans// Lots of useful tools Not Men�oned.

*Note: This will be a full sale. Majority of tools items are s�ll in packages. Lots items NOT unpacked at �me of adver�sing.

Auction

LIVE AUCTION SALE

Of Greenhouse related items, people transporter wagon, and items related to the business, to be held at 2000 Shantz Station Rd. Woolwich Twp. (2km east of Kitchener on Victoria St. then south on Shantz Station Rd.), for Greenway Blooming Centre, on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15TH @ 10 A.M.

APPROX. 25 - 18 X 36in. greenhouse carts (2 shelf) with large wheels. 6 – 4 X 8ft. carts. 8 display tables with mesh tops (approx. 40in X 20ft.). 5 display tables with mesh tops (6 X 20ft.). 18ft. diameter water tank (Westeel sheets c/w liner), disassembled. Large quantity of assorted greenhouse tables. Display water tank (approx. 5 ½ X 24ft.). 3 checkout counters. 6 gas greenhouse heaters (80,000 to 180,000 btu). AC unit. 8 – 10ft. X 12in. roller conveyer lengths with 2 corners. 20kw pto generator. 4000 watt portable generator. Hawker electric pump cart (as is). Small peat hopper with auger and motor. 512 plug popper. 2 Rain Bird water timers (16 station). 1000 litre plastic water tank. 3ph & other green house and grounds sprayers (1 with booms). Circulating fans. Drip line with drippers. Ground cover. Shade cloth. Stainless bulk cooler converted to water tank with pump, (approx. 200 gal). Hanna PH tester. Dosatron. Plastic greenhouse pots, planters and trays. Greenhouse chemicals & fertilizer. Large quantity of lattice. 500 assorted concrete blocks. Scrap metal, list goes on.

TRANSPORTER WAGON: 8 X 20ft. people transporter with canopy, brakes, spring suspension, 2 tongues (horse drawn or tractor), holds approx. 30 people, excellent condition. See www.gerberauctions.net for photos.

TERMS – Cash, debit or cheque with I.D. 5% buyers’ premium.

SALE ORDER – wagonload of smaller items followed by a walk around the yard finishing with wagon & carts.

PREVIEW – Sat. Oct 8th and Tues. Oct 11th to Fri. Oct 14th, 10 – 5pm

AUCTIONEERS: Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451 2827 Hutchison Rd., RR#1 Millbank (Crosshill)

DION THRASHING machine with straw shredder. Any condition. Phone evenings 905-983-9331.

SEED WHEAT AND FERTILIZER competitive pricing. Rye seed, winter barley. Hard red wheat Pro 81, Lexington. Soft red wheats Marker, Branson, Cruze, Blaze, B654 and more. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

STILL HERE BUYING ALL GOLD AND SILVER jewellery & watches, including Rolex, Tudor, Omega, IWC, Patek, Breitling, all high grade watches , all pocket watches, military items, toys, clocks, fountain pens, all coins and paper money. Fair honest prices. 40+ years in business. Call Terry @ 519-242-6900 or gallamore@golden. net. Call anytime. Prompt service.

WANTED - DIE CAST REPLICAS OF FARM equipment, industrial equipment and transport trucks. Any scale, any complete condition. Small or large lots. Call Dwayne 519-669-5500.

CUSTOM APPLE PRESSING & JUICE sales by appointment only. Cedar Ridge Pressing, Wesley Martin, 3175 Northfield Dr. Elmira, On. N3B 2Z1. 519-669-3541.

Coming Events

AL-ANON FAMILY GROUP FOR FAMILY and friends of alcoholics will be meeting at Elmira Mennonite Church, 58 Church St. W., Wed. Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. Call Deborah for information.

The Wellesley Township Heritage and Historical Society unveiled on Sept. 17 a storyboard in Heidelberg that honours the Hahn family, five generations of whom farmed the land prior to the 1976 development of the Heidelberg Meadows subdivision. Among those in attendance were Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis, Wellesley Coun. Carl Smit, Heidelberg resident and historian Rosanne Atwater-Hallatt, representatives of the historical society and family members. Submitted

them more often, and food outlets are promoting them with the same rigour they put behind grease-soaked French fries, maybe there’s a chance that healthier foods will catch on in kids’ culture, too.

So now it’s over to the marketing firms. The research presented in Washington showed high prices have 75 per cent of consumers taking measures like switching to where they think they get better deals and cutting back spending.

There’s the rub. Tradi tionally, good food cost

light, giving a main floor feel. The basement offers just as much as the main floor, rec room, workshop, 2 piece bathroom, laundry room, large cold room, bonus (play) room, loads of space for your family and guests to enjoy. You could easily convert this space into an in-law suite.

Updates include, new LVT flooring drywall, potlights, bathrooms, most windows, all trim and interior doors all done in 2022 as well as Furnace & A/C (2021), this house is move in ready! With an insulated garage, (new door on order), oversized shed,

on good

more than junk food. Who will win this marketing battle of cheap and junk vs. healthy and more costly?

Given rising consumer sentiment, the underdog might have a chance. The produce association research showed more than half of respondents said they’d pay a premium for the right foods because they contribute to their health and wellness.

Imagine seeing grocery store ads based more on health than price. Imagine science-based information and critical thinking driv ing consumer decisions. This is very good news.

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

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

dinette,

LISTOWEL - Welcome to

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plus a full bathroom on the main floor. The large basement offers a finished recreation room with fireplace and plenty of storage! The separate access to the basement from the attached garage is a bonus if you are thinking of adding an in-law suite. Step out back and enjoy the large backyard with plenty of green space and a garden. This quaint bungalow has so much to offer – move right in and call it home or add your own personal touches! Listowel is a growing community offering all the big city amenities including a movie theatre, grocery stores and shopping centres! Only a short 30-minute drive to Elmira and 45 minutes to Waterloo! Don’t wait to call this beautiful place home!

Community Information Page

COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT and SIGN VARIANCE COMMITTEE NOTICE OF HEARING

TUESDAY, October 18th, 2022 at 4:30 P.M.

Pursuant to the Planning Act and Ontario Regulations 197/96 and 200/96 take notice that the Committee of Adjustment for the Township of Woolwich will meet for the purpose of hearing all persons interested in support of or opposition to any of the following applications as described below.

Please note this will be a virtual meeting only and public attendance at the Township offices will not be permitted. Below is information on how you can submit comments, view or participate in the meeting. You may also contact the Committee Secretary by sending an email to planning@woolwich.ca or by phone at 519-669-6040 if you have any questions.

COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 19/2022 – Jim and Pauline Wilson, 551 Ebycrest Road

ZONE / USE: Agricultural (A) / single detached dwelling and accessory building

PROPOSAL: This application was deferred at the July 12, 2022 meeting and the applicant has resubmitted their application as follows. The applicant is proposing to construct a new 140 square metre accessory building for a Home Business – Tradesperson (well drilling company) and is requesting relief from the following:

• Accessory Buildings Section 6.4.2 c) to increase the building height for a new accessory building from 4.5 metres to approximately 5.2 metres;

• Accessory Buildings Section 6.4.2 e) to increase the garage door height in the new accessory building from 3.5 metres to approximately 4.3 metres;

• Accessory Buildings Section 6.4.4 to increase the maximum lot coverage for all accessory buildings from 112 square metres to approximately 140 squares; and

• Home Business -Tradesperson Section 6.18.A) vi. to increase the total floor area devoted to the storage of equipment related to a Home Business – Tradesperson from 100 square metres to 140 square metres.

The existing 75 square metre building is proposed to be demolished.

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 26/2022 – Julie Heckendorn, 46 Pintail Drive, Elmira

ZONE / USE: Residential One Unit Low Density (R-2) with site specific provisions Section 26.1.202 / single detached dwelling

PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting relief from site specific Section 26.1.202 item 7. to reduce the required rear yard setback from 15 metres to approximately 11 metres. The applicant is proposing to recognize the location of the existing deck and permit the addition of a roof covering over the deck.

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 27/2022 –Connie and Wilhelm Harder, 18 High Crest Lane East, St. Jacob

ZONE / USE: Residential Medium Density (R-3) / single detached dwelling

PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting relief from the general regulations in Section 12.5 to reduce the rear yard setback from 7.5 metres to approximately 3.9 metres in order to permit the addition of a two car garage. The property is located at the corner of High Crest Lane East and Young Street.

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 28/2022 – Brian S. Kurtz, 1320 Maryhill Road, Maryhill

ZONE / USE: Settlement Commercial (C-3) / single detached dwelling and an accessory building containing an accessory dwelling unit

PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting relief from Accessory Dwelling Units Section 6.4.7 (ii) to reduce the required side yard setback from 1.2 metres to approximately 0.7 metres to recognize the location of the existing accessory building which contains an accessory dwelling unit.

SIGN VARIANCE APPLICATIONS

SIGN VARIANCE APPLICATION SV 3/2022 – Skyline Retail Real Estate Holdings Inc., 315 Arthur Stret South, Elmira

ZONE / USE: Service Commercial (C-7) with site specific provisions (26.1.249) / commercial development

PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting relief from Section 10.6 (Facia Signs) of the Sign By-law to increase the maximum sign face area from 10% to approximately 15% of the wall to which the sign is to be attached. The proposed sign will be a new facia sign for “One Plant”.

Phone: 519-669-1647

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

After

Emergency: 519-575-4400

SIGN VARIANCE APPLICATION SV 4/2022 – Living Waters Christian Bookstore Inc., 122 Church Street West, Elmira

ZONE / USE: Service Commercial (C-7) with site specific provisions (26.1.324) / commercial development

PROPOSAL: The applicant is requesting the following relief from Section 12.3 b) (Ground Signs) of the Sign By-law to permit the installation of a new ground sign:

• to increase the maximum height of the ground sign from 3 metres to approximately 4 metres; and

• to increase the maximum area of the ground sign from 5 square metres to approximately 6.5 square metres.

The new ground sign will be located on the property in accordance with the setback provisions.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

As in-person meetings are not an option at this time, you can view or participate in the meeting as follows:

• view the Committee of Adjustment livestream on the Woolwich Township YouTube channel at the following link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ OR

• participate by registering with the Committee Secretary on or before 12 noon on Thursday October 13th. To register please email planning@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-6040. When registering you must provide your name, phone number, email and the application number you would like to comment on. Once you are registered the Committee Secretary will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or conference call number).

If you are unsure whether or not you would like to speak at the meeting but want to listen and have the option to comment on a particular application, please register with the Committee Secretary (see above information). You will not be required to speak if you do not want to.

WHY REGISTER

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

SUBMITTING COMMENTS

If you would like to comment on a particular application, staff always recommend that you do so by:

• submitting a letter by mail or delivering it to the Township office at 24 Church Street West, Elmira and placing it in the drop box on the Maple Street side of the building; or

• submit an email to planning@woolwich.ca

You can also contact the Township Planner at 519-669-6033 to discuss any comments / concerns however, this is not considered a formal comment.

The Committee will consider submissions for or against the applications. All submissions must be made no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday October 10th (Note that this date is before the meeting). Any submissions received will be included in a comment package and presented at the meeting. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of Adjustment hearing. Please note that while the Committee may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety.

This notice has been sent to commenting agencies, and to owners of property located within 60 metres (200 feet) of the subject properties. If you wish to be notified of any last minute changes to the agenda (i.e. withdrawal of an application) you must contact the Committee Secretary at 519-669-6040 or 1-877-969-0094 (Ext. 6040) or by email to planning@woolwich.ca.

Notice of Decision: Within 10 days of the meeting, a copy of each decision will be sent to owners, agents, those who submit written comments, and people who register for the meeting. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Committee of Adjustment in respect to this application, you must submit a written request to the Committee Secretary or register ahead of the meeting. This will also entitle you to be advised of a possible Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

Appeal of Minor Variance and Consent Applications: Anyone in opposition to a decision may appeal the decision to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal. The Tribunal may dismiss an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral or written submissions to the Committee of Adjustment before a decision was given or does not provide a reasonable explanation for having failed to make a submission to the Committee.

QUESTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION

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

Celebration of Life

Celebration of life for:

Lorelee Ann Sanders

Sunday October 2, 2022 1-4pm

Elmira Legion Everyone welcome.

Thank you

Thank you

I want to thank the kind and thoughtful people who stayed with me until the ambulance came when I broke my shoulder on Ann St. September 20th and also the kindness and thoughtfulness shown to me when I came home from the hospital. It was appreciated.

Anne Evans

Thank you

CARD OF THANKS

Obituary

Township of Woolwich 2023 Annual Grant Applications Now Available

Jones, Daniel Christopher

December 30, 1971 - September 25, 2022

Application forms for the Township of Woolwich’s 2023 Annual Grants are now available online (October 1, 2022). Non-profit organizations may apply for a capital or operating grant for the delivery of programs and services within Woolwich Township.

Wright, James Michael 1945 - 2022

The family of the late James Wright would like to thank all in attendance at the celebration of life, for donations received, for everyone who brought flowers and food to our home and also for the care and compassion shown to us during the passing of Jim.

Rosemary and her family

Dan passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Sunday, September 25, 2022 at Grand River Hospital, Kitchener at the age of 50. As a craftsman and collector, Dan’s love of people, animals and vintage finds was evident when he would warmly welcome you into his shop to show you his latest treasure; often giving you a unique token to keep, or sharing a story about a critter he found or rescued. Dan took pride in his “kids”; a group of dedicated staff that he loved dearly. His face would light up as he would talk about them or share a story of something that had happened at the shop. Dan is predeceased by his father Al, whom he loved to spend time with fishing and working at the lot. He is survived by his mother Marie, siblings Shannon (Samuel), Ben (Deborah), and Jenny Lynn (Thomas). Also survived by his nieces and nephews (who dubbed him Uncle Two Chains) Emma, Ronan, Ethan, Kai, Cyrus, and Ellis; as well as many cousins, aunts and uncles. Often he would make memories and revisit old ones with MJ one road trip at a time, exploring local spots or familiar places. He held a special place in his heart for Jane who was a constant in his life. Not only was she his Aunt but a true friend who would gather the pieces of Dan and give them back to him all in the right order. Her counsel and her love was a driving force in his life. Those closest to Dan know he struggled with the harsh realities of this world. His tender heart deeply felt the pain and suffering of many. He did his best to protect those around him. To say he was generous is an understatement. Life brings tears, smiles, and memories. The tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever. We so appreciate this one last gift from Dan. A brief celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at 4 p.m. at 126 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, as well as on Zoom. In lieu of flowers a donation to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated, and can be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

Zoom ID: 891 8104 4352

Passcode: UncleD

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Applications must be received by Monday, October 31, 2022, at 4:30 p.m. Please find additional details regarding the Township’s annual grants and special assistance programs on the Township’s website, www.woolwich.ca/grants.

After Hours Emergency: 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.caPhone: 519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820

Completed applications and questions may be directed to Alex Smyth at asmyth@woolwich.ca or 519-669-6004.

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Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

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Oktoberfest parade is on Getting a boost

The annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day parade is set to return Oct. 10. It will feature marching bands from across Ontario, traditional dance groups, as well as an opportunity to name one of the five new parade floats. The parade begins - rain or shine - at 8:30 a.m. at Frederick and Weber streets in Kitchener and travels up Weber Street to Bridgeport Plaza in Waterloo.

The region this week reopened the Cambridge Pinebush vaccination clinic to adults who are eligible for the COVID-19 bivalent booster. The Moderna bivalent vaccine has been shown to trigger a strong immune response against the original Omicron virus strain (BA.1) and its subvariants (BA.4 and BA.5).

Following up on a blooming success

wars.

AFTER A VERY SUCCESSFUL FIRST year, the Wellesley Poppy Project is once again asking for donations of knitted or crocheted poppies to be used in a Remembrance Day display.

Last year to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the symbol of the poppy, four Wellesley Township women – Barb Nowak, Beth Schlueter, Karen Pilecki and Wendy Richardson – aimed to receive a total of 100 poppies. Instead they received more than 2,000.

“We were shocked we got that many,” said Nowak.

Several residents alone each made more than 100, explained Schlueter.

Each of the women involved have different reasons for getting onboard, as Nowak, Schlueter and Richardson all had family members that served in the world

Richardson’s parents lived in Holland during the Second World War, and both her dad and uncle spent time as prisoners of war. Nowak had 11 family members who served in the wars. Her uncle was killed in the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917, while her father was a POW in Germany in the Second World War.

Schlueter’s five uncles all fought in the Second World War, with one of them dying during the liberation of the Netherlands.

Last year the group used 1,500 poppies in a display with a wooden silhouette of a soldier and a ‘Lest We Forget’ sign. The display, which was located at the township administration office, also received a visit from Premier Doug Ford.

“It was really a nice recognition of what we had done. It’s something that we feel very passionately about, and we want to continue to keep doing it,” said Nowak.

Depending on the number donated this year, the group is looking to drape a display of poppies tied to golf netting on a bridge in the township.

Richardson has made an afghan with poppies for a raffle set for October 8, with all proceeds going to the Royal Canadian Legion.

“It’s important for

people to continue to support the Legion because then they support veterans,” said Nowak.

The group also runs a Facebook group and is gathering stories from those who had family members that served. It’s hard to find someone whose family hasn’t been impacted by conflict, Nowak said

“That was our purpose to remember those who served and to honour them.”

For Nowak, the poppy is a reminder of those who served and sacrificed.

“They might not have sacrificed their lives but they certainly sacrificed their life in the sense that they left their jobs, they left their families and they

went across the ocean to Europe – those people are forever grateful,” she said.

While Schlueter says it is difficult to explain in a few words, for her it is a symbol of her uncle “and the family who never forgets.

“Even though the numbers are fewer now, we’re there at the Waterloo cenotaph every year,” she said.

To Richardson the colour of the poppy bears great significance.

“It symbolizes those that have shed their blood and their sweat and their tears for us,” she said.

Raffle tickets for the afghan are being sold for $2 at the Wellesley farmers’ market (Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.), Grammy’s Boutique and Salon W. in St. Clements, locations include inSeason Home and Garden and St. Clements Food. Tickets can also be purchased at Linwood Home Hardware or by contacting Wendy Richardson at wrichardson@bell.net.

Talking to young children about anatomy and sex

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have two children -- a 3-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter. My son is beginning to notice his anatomy more, touching his genitals and asking questions about his sister. He is noticing that her anatomy is different from his. He also asked how she got into and out of my body. I am wondering if you have advice on how best to answer his questions and address other curiosities that might arise as a result?

Mayo Clinic

ANSWER: Sex education often begins with children's curiosity about their bodies. Here's how to set the stage for sex education – and how to answer your children’s questions. Sex education is a topic many parents would prefer to avoid. If you have young children, you might think you're off the hook

– at least for a while. But that's not necessarily true, especially since your recent pregnancy has brought questions.

Generally speaking, sex education can begin anytime, but it's best to let your children set the pace with their questions.

Early exploration

As children learn to walk and talk, they also begin to learn about their bodies. Open the door to sex education by teaching your children the proper names

for sex organs, perhaps during bath time. You can incorporate the information into answering your son's questions about his baby sister.

If he points to a body part, simply tell him what it is. This is also a good time to talk about which parts of the body are private.

When your children ask questions about their body – or yours – don’t giggle, laugh or get embarrassed. Take the questions at face value, and offer direct,

age-appropriate responses. If your children want to know more, they will ask. Expect self-stimulation

Many toddlers express their natural sexual curiosity through self-stimulation. Boys may pull at their penises, and girls may rub their genitals. Teach your children that masturbation is a normal but private activity.

If your children start masturbating in public, try to distract them. If that

fails, take your children aside for a reminder about the importance of privacy. Sometimes frequent masturbation can indicate a problem. Perhaps children feel anxious or aren't receiving enough attention at home. It can even be a sign of sexual abuse.

Teach your children that no one is allowed to touch their private parts without permission. If you're concerned about your children's behavior, consult

AD SPOT - NON PRINTING

Professional Clinical Health Advice

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

Wendy Richardson, Barb Nowak and Beth Schlueter are again seeking volunteers for the Wellesley Poppy Project. Bill Atwood

The volunteers behind the Wellesley Poppy Project looking to see if overwhelming public support repeats itself

Biscuit or otherwise, it still tastes great

OK, let the controversy start! What’s the difference between a scone, a biscuit and a cookie? The world is standing up waiting and wanting to know.

Before getting too deep, let’s take a look at today’s specific recipe, Corn-Buttermilk Biscuits.

Now that we’re actually getting some colder autumn weather (and even some good miserable days), we’re getting more interested in some great comfort foods like soups and stews which go really great with fresh, hot biscuits.

This becomes seasonal of course with the addition of the corn, which also makes up some of the moisture content.

OK, back to the gossip. The actual word “biscuit” is French (biscotti in Italian) actually means “twice cooked.” Bi, of course, means two and “cuit” comes from the same root

word as “cuisine.”

In the UK a biscuit typically refers to a hard or dry cookie that’s usually been baked in two different stages to reach the desired consistency.

A scone is a more fluffy, soft soda-based bread, but is typically sweet.

In the US (especially the south) they started making a scone like bun that was typically not as sweet or rich and often make with milk or buttermilk instead of cream and for some reason started to call it a “biscuit.”

Any other sweet treat is called a cookie.

In Canada, because of our close relationship with both the States and Britain, we tend to use all of the above terms for all of the above recipes. I guess we’re just flexible!

Corn-Buttermilk Biscuits

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

On floured surface, place a blob of dough and pat into circle about 1” thick.

Combine

additional dry ingredients

bowl

make a well.

Pour milk corn mixture in and work in in sides.

Fold in additional corn and chives.

Allow dough to rest.

Cut into desired shapes and place on parchment tray.

Allow to chill again in fridge and bake at 400*F for 8-10 minutes.

Brush with additional melted butter as soon as cooked.

▢

Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Chicken burger on a bun with corn on the cob and desert $10/plate, serving at 5:45 p.m. All welcome. For more information call 519-669-2932.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4

▢

The Nith Valley EcoBoosters (NVEB) are hosting a free webinar, featuring four knowledgeable speakers, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Find out why people should engage in shaping resilient and livable communities and how to do it. Register at https:// bit.ly/shapingcommunity

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5

▢

Senior’s Community Dining. Join us for lunch at Calvary United church, St. Jacobs at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Cost: $12.00. Must pre-register by noon on September 30 by calling 519-664-1900.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6

▢

Free Music Jam at the Junction. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (and first Thursday of each month.) The event will take place at the Junction, 47 Arthur St. S. Elmira. Bring your instrument/ voice and join others who enjoy music. For further information, contact Bruce Weber, 519-577-8521.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

▢

Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Chicken thigh with mac & cheese and mixed veg $10/plate serving at 5:45 p.m. All welcome. For more information call 519-669-2932.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11

▢

The Elmira Lions Club are hosting a Meet the Candidate Night at Lion's Hall (40 South Street W, Elmira) from 6:30pm - 8:30pm Doors open at 5:30pm. Event will feature candidates from Ward 1 and Ward 2 and the two Mayoral Candidates.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12

▢

Woolwich Candidate Debate for Mayor and Ward 3 candidates. Hosted by the Breslau Recreation Association and Woolwich Healthy Communities. Located at the Breslau Community Centre at 100 Andover Dr., from 7-8:30pm. Debate moderated by Chris Fletcher

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13

▢

Woodside Evergreen for Seniors, 10:30 a.m. at Woodside Church, Elmira. “Emotional and Mental Wellness for Seniors” Amanda Wood-Atkinson and Janessa Bauman, Woolwich Counselling Centre. Devotional Message and Music- Pastor Gordon Wright. Registration required by noon October 7 at www.woodsidechurch.ca/evergreen or 519-6691296. Suggested $8 donation includes a hot lunch. We are mask friendly.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 10

▢ Woodside Evergreen for Seniors, 10:30 a.m. at Woodside, Elmira. “Highlights >From the Holy Land” Photos, Devotional Words and Music by Heather Bowman, Pastor Paul Fletcher and Lynette Weber. Registration required by November 4 at noon at www.woodsidechrch.ca/evergreen or 519-6691296. Suggested Donation $8 includes hot lunch.

Sudoku EASY

These photo-worthy noodle bowls are packed with flavour

You’ll find these nearly translucent noodles in recipes across much of Asia, from brothy pho in Vietnam to stir-fried chow fun in China to pad thai and pad see ew in Thailand (and many, many more recipes).

All about rice noodles

Rice noodles are traditionally made from just rice flour and water. The rice flour and water mixture might be pushed through a plate with small holes to form long, thin noodles.

Or it can be spread into a

▢ 2 Persian cucumbers

▢ 2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

▢ 8 ounces rice vermicelli noodles

▢ 5 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

1. Trim ends of cucumbers. Cut cucumbers in half lengthwise. Lay pieces flat side down and slice crosswise into halfmoons about 1⁄4 inch thick.

2. In a medium bowl, use a wooden spoon to stir together sliced cucumbers and vinegar. Set aside.

3. Add 2 quarts of water to a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat. Turn off heat. Carefully add noodles to hot water. Use a wooden spoon to push noodles down until covered with water. Let noodles sit until tender, about 5 minutes.

▢ America's Test Kitchen

Rigorously tested recipes that work.

thin layer, dried, and then sliced into flat noodles by a machine. Some of the most common rice noodles are the tiny, delicate rice vermicelli used in this recipe; straight, flat rice sticks; and wide, chewy chow fun noodles. Cool as a cucumber

There are many varieties of cucumbers in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and Rice Noodle Bowls

▢ 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

▢ 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger

▢ 2 tablespoons plus 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, measured separately

4. While noodles soak, in a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and 2 tablespoons oil.

5. Drain and rinse noodles in colander under cold running water. Set noodles aside to drain.

6. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat for 1 minute (oil should be hot but not smoking). Add pork and use a wooden spoon to break pork into small pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pork is no longer pink and is beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.

colours. The most common cucumber you’ll find at the grocery store is an American or garden cucumber, which has a thick green skin and lots of big seeds.

English cucumbers are long and slim, have thin skins and small seeds, and usually come wrapped in plastic. Persian cucumbers (the kind we call for in this recipe) are basically mini versions of English cucumbers and are great for snacking. Kirby cucumbers are small and squat and are great for making pickles.

▢ 12 ounces ground pork

▢ 2 scallions, sliced thin

▢ 1⁄4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

7. Measure out 2 tablespoons soy sauce mixture from large bowl and add to skillet with pork. Add scallions to skillet and stir to combine. Cook until scallions have softened, about 2 minutes. Turn off heat and slide skillet to a cool burner.

8. Add drained noodles to a large bowl with remaining soy sauce mixture. Use tongs to toss noodles until they are evenly coated with sauce. Use tongs to divide noodles among 4 serving bowls.

9. Top each bowl with pork, cucumbers, and cilantro (if using). Serve.

www.amercastestkitchen.com

their health care provider.

Curiosity about others

By age 3 or 4, children often realize that boys and girls have different genitals. As your son has noticed, his sister is different. It is valuable to offer a simple explanation, such as, “Boys’ bodies and girls’ bodies are made differently.”

As natural curiosity kicks in, you may find your child playing doctor or examining another child’s sex organs. While such exploration is far removed from adult sexual activity – and it's harmless when only young children are involved – as a family matter, you may want to set limits on such exploration.

Everyday moments are key

Woolwich TreeGiveaway

As part of the Woolwich Township Greening Initiative, the Township and Trees for Woolwich are working to increase tree cover across the Township

To support this initiative, there will be a tree giveaway events this fall

Wednesday, October 19th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 22nd from 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. While supplies last, 600 trees will be available each day

Pick up location:

Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave S Elmira Please enter the north parking lot off Park St

Trees are available to every household in the Township. They will be available on a first come, first served basis. Urban properties can receive two (2) trees and rural properties can receive up to five (5) trees

Find out more at www.healthywoolwich.org to help select your species before you arrive

The following tree species will be available:

White Spruce, White Cedar, Sugar Maple, Freeman Maple (sugar and silver maple cross), Bartlett Pear, Multi stem Pagoda Dogwood and Multi stem Serviceberry, English Oak.

Residents are asked to bring identification showing they reside in Woolwich Township

Sex education isn’t a single tell-all discussion. Instead, take advantage of everyday opportunities to discuss sex.

If there’s a pregnancy in the family, for example, tell your children that babies grow in a special place inside the mother called the uterus. If your children want more details on how the baby got there or how the baby will be born, provide those details.

Consider these examples:



How do babies get inside a mommy's tummy?You might say, “A mom and a dad make a baby by holding each other in a special way.”

to say, “Doctors and nurses help babies who are ready to be born.” If your child wants more details, you might say, “Usually a mom pushes the baby out of her vagina.”

As your child matures and asks more detailed questions, you can provide more detailed responses. Answer specific questions using correct terminology.

Even if you’re uncomfortable, forge ahead. Remember, you're setting the stage for open, honest discussions in the years to come.



How are babies born? For some children, it might be enough

ↆ Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www. mayoclinic.org.

Concepts 519-664-1900

1-855-664-1900

REEP SOLUTIONS: Looking for ways to help those who can’t afford the upfront costs of energy-saving measures

households do not have the ability to absorb high costs in the short-term.

One interview participant is quoted saying, “While purchasing toilet paper at Costco may be $3 per roll cheaper than purchas ing at Safeway, you need to have the financial ability to purchase 20 rolls at once as opposed to just four. You know it’s cheaper to buy at Costco, but you can’t afford to.”

They found that debt is not considered a financial tool by low- to moder ate-income (LMI) house holds, but something to be avoided and only used in emergency situations.

“LMI households are less likely to take on debt to address energy effi ciency improvements – unless they are critical or immediate needs such as a broken furnace or window,” said the report.

There were a number

of risks identified for such families who might participate in a loan program. That includes the risk to renting house holds that if the landlord upgrades the building, they could be renovicted.

For this reason, many low-income renters don’t raise their high energy bills as a concern to their landlords.

The survey’s recom mendations include ensuring energy loans are only given to people who can actually afford them, that the repercussions for late or non-payments must be clearly laid out for the customers, the financial risk for low- or moderate-income house holds can be mitigated with consumer protec tions like lower interest rates, linking monthly payments to actual bill savings, or providing subsidies and ensuring renter protections, among

other recommendations.

But how will those households that can’t afford to take on extra debt be able to access the retrofits needed to lower their energy bills?

“The other thing is that we have to ask ourselves, how can we cover those costs for people who simply can’t afford to participate in a loan or to make the changes them selves? And one thing that has been proposed that we have been calling for at Reep, along with many other organiza tions across Canada, is a national low-in come energy efficiency program. And Efficiency Canada is a national level organization that has been one of the leaders in calling for that,” said Patterson.

Reep plans to bring the issue to the new regional council after the October 24 election.

FROM 14

Heat pumps are another option for households looking to save on energy costs. Submitted